Oh help with kitten litter training

[CatOnTheCludgy]

If we don't have a step change I think my next post will be
AIBU to put my cats on the bus and run away :(

So 2 kittens a few months old, neutered and they keep not using the litter tray.
Lots of trays, changed the type of litter. Tin foil on the floor where they go wrongly.

Please tell me more things to do to get them litter trained, else I don't think we can keep them :(

Litter training a kitten is not unlike toilet training a toddler. Repetition and consistent process is key. There is some good practical advice on here:

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/how-to-litter-train-your-cat

Thanks I'll take a look

Weren't they litter trained when you got them?
What litter have you tried? What sort of tray is it?

Please don't use tin foil to stop them from having accidents. The vast majority of cats are scared of it and it won't teach them to use the litter tray - in fact, it may well do the opposite and make them reluctant to go in the tray as they'll start to associate toileting with being scared.

It's very unusual for kittens not to arrive toilet trained as they should be taught by their mums or trained by the rescue centre. Have you tried scooping them up mid-wee and putting them in the tray? I assume you're cleaning up any accidents with a proper pet enzyme spray too?

Are they allowed free run of the house or do they have their own area? If they dont, I'd suggest putting them in a smaller area with a few litter trays so they get used to using the litter tray

I got 2 kittens 6 weeks ago that were half litter trained, I had them in a play pen and crate for a few weeks when unsupervised and that seemed to do the trick ( safety as I have a huge sheprador who is very excitable )

Small shallow trays.
Get rid of the tin foil
Trays in a quiet private area
Try leaving them in one room for a few days with the trays, food etc

Do you know why their mum didn't train them? I don't think I've ever trained a kitten and I've had loads!

I too am surprised they weren't litter trained when they arrived. How long have you had them now? They must be, say, 4 months old now if they are neutered?

I did have one kitten who wasn't 'reliable' because he was orphaned, but I could tell when he was intending to wee, he would start trotting and squeaking (usually to the doormat) so I'd pick him up and put him in the tray. I only had to do that half a dozen times.

It would be helpful to confine them to a smaller area for a few days, so they are always close to a litter tray. If they are e.g. upstairs and the tray is downstairs they can get caught short.

I agree with others, remove the tin foil.

What are you using to clean the area they are soiling? It's important to use the right products or the scent will encourage them to return. You need this type of product

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Solution-Extreme-Stain-Remover/dp/B01CZNPEZ0/ref=sr_1_5?crid=23LE6D77NCTSY&keywords=cat+wee+odour+remover&qid=1698479128&rdc=1&sprefix=cat+wee+%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-5

I’ve never had a kitten that wasn’t litter trained by its mother. What age did you get them and what is their background? Kittens don’t need to be ‘trained’.

Hi everyone thanks for all the tips.
We have had an improvement!
They needed more human cuddling time! I think they were upset being not with us.

My kitten would use my duvet if her litter tray wasnt cleaned & refilled every other day. I'd been scooping daily but only changing the litter every 3rd day.

I've had 6 cats over the years and they have all been litter trained.It seems like an instinct really. Mum usually trains them.
A puppy pad under the tray is a big help though, at least it will protect your floor.
I always change completely after every use.It seems extravagant, but I put a liner then sheet on newspaper then just a small scoop of litter.The tray is always immaculate, the cats use it well too.You could try and see if it helps.

Thanks again. Basically everyone is right!
Their mum did teach them, they were choosing not to use the litter tray.
They were lonely and it must have been stress! They are minded all day now and it's all under control now.
Plus they like a completely clean littler tray. Plus they didn't like the litter.