4m old kitten not using tray or going outside - pooing everywhere!

[Jux]

This kitten is one of three which were born to our cat in June; for various reasons we decided to keep her, but found homes for the other two. All three kittens were trained to a tray before they went to their new homes. I had been cleaning it 3 times a day, and gradually moved it so it is now next to the cat flap. I have also gradually cut down on how often I clean it. This strategy has always worked and the cats I've had have always ended up going out and not using the tray at all.

This kitten doesn't use the tray at all either. She uses the carpet! Wherever she happens to be, it seems. Bathroom, bedroom, sitting room, you name it, she's pooed there.

She WAS housetrained, until about 6 weeks ago (this does not coincide with the departure of the other two - they both went several months ago - end July probably).

Do I really have to go through the bloody ritual with the litter tray again? I think DH will strangle her soon! Any ideas?

I think the litter tray has to come back, tbh.

Is that what you mean, bring it back? or clean it more often?

Back to the beginning of the Litter Tray Strategy, I meant. You know, back into the middle of the house so easily found, cleaned 3 times a day, then gradually moved back to the cat flap over several weeks. Bleah.

Cats can be really particular about the cleanliness of their trays, and also about the type of cat litter you use. Position of the tray can be a factor and the type of tray (deep vs shallow, covered vs uncovered) Sounds like you probably have a fussy kitten. I would go back to basics with a pristine tray, try new litter types if necessary and see how things go.

She may feel a bit exposed on a tray next to the catflap, cats are at their most vulnerable to attack mid poo!

So there's no Magic Poo Potion I can stuff in her gob to make her behave? [sigh]

I'll start again as if she were completely new. She was fine with it the first time and I'm still using the litter they all started with, and the same tray. Oh bother.

Thank you