Continuation of free kittens in Butler

[Emeraldgreen]

That is GREAT that the kitty is using the box again. Not sure if he likes the bathroom as a location or if it's just that the bathroom is where he 'learned' to use the box. Maybe he thinks he supposed to only use that particular box and if the door is closed he just goes anywhere. If you want the bathroom to be a 'kitty free' zone you could train the cat to continue using that box but each day move it an inch closer to the door until it's eventually outside the door and then you can start moving it down the hall etc.. etc.. until you have it where you want it. Moving it from one place to another in one shot can be confusing, especially for a 'wee' guy. No pun intended. LOL

The same concept might work for you feral cat too. I'm glad to hear that she is back on the scene and hanging around the porch area. You could provide her with some treats or wet cat food and each night give it to her a little closer to your front door and then hopefully inside the door and back into the house at some point. She may also be looking for some time away from her kittens, especially now that she has been spayed. I know you said the other ferals are caretaking the babies but she may just want her freedom right now.

[rebeccahowes]

I actually put the cat litter box in my kitchen which is a couple feet from the bathroom. My oldest daughter refused to have a litter box where she takes a shower. The kitten went there again today. I am so happy. I can't believe how territorial cats are. I hid it behind my garbage can so that he is the only one who knows where it is. The newly spayed cat is wandering in and out. She is really scared of us right now. I am sure she will come back inside during the winter. It was nice to talk to all of you. Two more kitties to go and all is well.

[Medusa]

I actually put the cat litter box in my kitchen which is a couple feet from the bathroom. My oldest daughter refused to have a litter box where she takes a shower.

I can't say that I blame her, although I know it's tough if space is limited. However, it's wise to remove the litterbox from your kitchen. That's just plain unhealthy. You have no idea of the germs that could be transmitted to your food. For the health of your family, place the litterbox elsewhere. It seems like things are moving along fairly smoothly otherwise.

[rebeccahowes]

Thanks for the advice. I will find another place to put the litter box.

[Catty1]

Mary - since the kitten is using his box now, do you think putting a hood on it and keeping it in the kitchen would be ok as far as germs go?

Maybe if a hood was on it, then Rebecca's daughter wouldn't mind it in the bathroom, there's a thought.

I'd just hate to see the little guy relapse!

[rebeccahowes]

I am kind of worried about the relapse too. He is doing so well and I fear that if I move his box he will start going all over the house again. He was going everywhere. I hid the box so the other cats do not go in it. Any advice?

[Emeraldgreen]

I am kind of worried about the relapse too. He is doing so well and I fear that if I move his box he will start going all over the house again. He was going everywhere. I hid the box so the other cats do not go in it. Any advice?

Rebecca, you could do the 'moving the litterbox inch by inch' thing from the kitchen to wherever you want to keep it. Literally just move it a teenie bit at a time and I think the kitten will continue to use it. I'm guessing that the kitten doesn't have an issue with sharing the box (providing it's nice and clean) but it may be more about the scent of the box and the whole attachment thing he might have with it being his first box and he's just plain used to it.
Even if it takes you a week or more to get the box moved inch by inch to wherever you need it to be, and the box ends up staying in the kitchen for another week until it's out the door and in the room you want it, it will be better than leaving it in the kitchen or moving it in one big sudden move which could potentially make the kitten confused and pee in the wrong places.

[Medusa]

Mary - since the kitten is using his box now, do you think putting a hood on it and keeping it in the kitchen would be ok as far as germs go?

Maybe if a hood was on it, then Rebecca's daughter wouldn't mind it in the bathroom, there's a thought.

I'd just hate to see the little guy relapse!

I do understand about not wanting him to relapse but, trust me on this one, no litterbox in the kitchen. Years ago, when my (then) husband and I were living in base housing (he was in the AF), I had a spare small fridge but no room for it, so I put it in the bathroom, just to store cold drinks, etc. Somehow the base dr. got wind of it and lectured me sternly about all the diseases that we could get from the toilet being too close to the fridge. Then he said "You don't have cats, do you?" At that time, we didn't but he told me about keeping litterboxes away from food, as well. Even your toothbrush should be as far away as possible from the toilet. You can become deathly ill. Don't do it. People first.