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Why is my older cat only using the litter box that my new kitten is using2007-11-25 12:33:02

My new kitten (Louis) has been living with me for a week and a half now, and he's only using the litter box that's in the bathroom (I've taken the swinging door off because it's a covered litter box and he's still too small to use the door). My older cat, Flo (1 and a half years) has stopped using the second litter box (which still has the door on it) and is now only using the litter box that Louis is using. Flo used to use both boxes before Louis arrived. I never had this issue with an older cat I had when Flo came to live with me when she was a kitten. Does it have to do with the door being off the litter box? Has anyone else out there ever had this issue? Has/will it developed into something worse (like spraying!!)?

Answers:

It might be that Flo is establishing dominance by marking her territory this way. Try moving some of the kitten's droppings or dirty litter into the other litter box, and see what happens.

I can't say if this will progress to something worse. It depends on how the cats get along. We had 2 adults in the house, and brought in a kitten. All eventually worked out well, and they seem to all use the same litter boxes.

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It's possible the Flo prefers the litter box with the door removed because it doesn't smell as much. Covered litter boxes tend to keep the odors inside (which is probably the point) and some cats are more sensitive to their box odors than others.

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Flo is asserting her territory.

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Maybe she never liked the door? Louis may or may not spray when he gets older, but it's best to have him neutered at 4-5 mo. because he will be less likely to stray, or if stricktly indoor, be too agressive toward Flo.

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I have 3 cats and 3 litter boxes. They only use one no matter what. I have seen that one look like it has a waiting line. I know that sounds funny. But when we brought Wee-Wee home this is when it all began. Two of them have the doors like yours. The vet said it is because the one they are using doesn't have the door. It is easier for them to get into and out of. Even after replacing the door they continue to use that one. It comes down to that is the box they perfer. (Yes, they are all by the same manufacturer too.) When Louis gets older and you can replace the door, both may still use just that one or they may pick one box each. They may pick one box to urinate in and the other for other business. Just depends on the cats.