kitten litter box behavior

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Tamarah
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Joined: Sun Apr 11, 2004 6:22 pm

kitten litter box behavior

Post by Tamarah »

I just adopted a new kitten who is 7 weeks old. A number of times when he has gone to use the litter box he has dug a number of different holes before finally urinating. He will dig one hole, squat in it, sometimes let out a little mew, and then dig a new hole. Sometimes he repeats this 3 or 4 times before finally urinating. I thought maybe he couldn't get the hole deep enough so I added more litter to the box, but he is still doing it sometimes. He doesn't share the litter box with anyone else, because I'm still keeping him separate from my other cats while they adjust to his presence. Does this sound like a possible urinary tract problem, or is it more likely he's still figuring out how to dig his holes the way he likes them? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Tamarah
jason
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Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2003 8:17 pm

Re: kitten litter box behavior

Post by jason »

i would guess either a uti or stones, both of which cause quite an irration. get a vet to do a urinalysis and if needed also check for crystals.

uti and stones can get worse very quickly so make the appt asap.
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Molliesmum
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Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 8:36 am
Location: Dorset, United Kingdom

Re: kitten litter box behavior

Post by Molliesmum »

Hello,

Just thought I would mention that my kitten Mollie will always mew a little when she does a number 2. We have mentioned this to our vet, and she said, seeing as she is not constipated, not to worry. She will go round her litter tray a bit before she goes either way though, like she's getting comfortable :D

Not sure about urinating though. Perhaps a visit to the vet is in order.

Good luck!
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Molliesmum
Posts: 40
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 8:36 am
Location: Dorset, United Kingdom

Re: kitten litter box behavior

Post by Molliesmum »

Following my last post, we bought Mollie a proper cat loo at the weekend, which is basically a litter tray with a top to it.

Since buying this, she does not make a sound when she goes to the loo, so for her, it seems like it was a privacy thing. If you look through the door when she's using it, she whines, as if she is telling you off for watching!!

Just thought I would mention that, but if there are physical signs that the little mite is having trouble, take him to the vet.
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