why has my kitten started to poo NEXT to his cat tray & how can i stop it

he was using his tray before so i dont get it.

Hi Shelly.sometimes when cats inappropriately soil in areas other than the litterbox it is indicative of a medical problem. If he's constipated or has a urinary infection of one type or another this cause litterbox avoidance. When cats are using the litterbox and experience pain while going to the bathroom they associate the pain with the litterbox thereby believing by going elsewhere will feel better. Consider ringing your vet to discuss an appointment for an evaluation.

Additionally, if there's been a recent change of location of the litterbox, change of litter brand, new changes in the home, new pets added, multiple cats competing for the litterbox, not cleaning the box more frequently, box is too small, litterbox is uncovered or it's not covered (some cats prefer one over the other).all of these and other associated possibilities will also cause litterbox avoidance behaviours as well.

Un-neutered cats will leave their calling card outside of their boxes to tell others this is my territory.

More on litterbox avoidance problems by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures.

Ours used to do the same and it could be one of four reasons (that I know of, there may be more):

1. He/she is testing the boundaries to see how much he/she can get away with in which case the only thing you can do is scold him/her.