Kitten will not use litter tray- help!

[Giantdog]

I’m quite experienced with cats and this is my 6th (I think) but I’m at a loss and hoping for some advice.

We have a lovely kitten, rescued. Approx 9 weeks. Very healthy, just had a vet check yesterday with no problems found, definitely no UTI or medical issue. Eating well etc. He’s a very confident kitten, getting on well with everyone (even spent last night curled up with the dog!) Doesn’t seem worried or fearful at all.

However I can not get him to use the litter tray. He favours the shower, nearly always going in the shower tray. A few times he’s also gone on carpets. It doesn’t matter if I put a towel/mat/something else in to ‘block’ the shower he will go in there instead of the tray.

Ive tried various trays, he can and has used all of them on occasion. They are always clean and filled deeply. I’ve tried woodchip and catsan type litter, he doesn’t seem to care which it is. The trays are in rooms that are quiet and that he is familiar with. I currently have 3 trays for one cat so not short of places to go to the toilet. Yet multiple times today he has pood or weed in the shower. I have an open wet room with a stone type tray so no way to close it off. I’ve caught him a few times and moved him straight to the tray but next time back to the shower. I’ve scrubbed the life out of it and used urine removing pet spray but what else can I do?

It’s really getting me down now and I’m wondering if I can keep him if this goes on much longer. Any advice would be much appreciated.

I think he may be fluffier than a standard shorthair but I’ve no idea what he will turn out to be, a bit of a surprise 😄

Ive ordered some breeder select. I could try and feed him in there if the litter tray in the shower fails. So far I’ve been following him around and picking him up to take him there and hoping for the best!

He looks very much like my older girl who was extremely fluffy as a kitten. I'll grab a better pic of her later! 😁

My floofy cat had very similar looking coat as a kitten. She's got extremely fine textured fur as an adult and a splendid tail. Needs a brush though - I'd suggest that you get your kitten acquainted with being brushed. I started with just letting her play with the brush, to the odd swipe plus treats and now she just loves being brushed.

Our cat hates the litter tray and will often have a sneaky wee in the bath. She generally toilets outside but can use the tray absolutely fine - she’s shut in the kitchen overnight and will use the tray if she’s stuck - and just chooses not to.

How much of the house does he have access to?

When ours are tiny we always limit them to to one or two rooms so that they're never more than a few feet away from a litter tray. I think kittens can be easily distracted and just forget to go until it's too late.

Thankyou all.

@QuestionableMouse your cat is beautiful!

He has finally used the tray inside the shower a couple of times this morning. Fingers crossed that this is the start!! I’m hoping once he goes out it will be a non issue.

He mostly has the run of the house however I confine him if I’m out or at night. I try and put him in the tray or at least near it frequently though!

Thank you! Black cats are the best! 😁 Glad he's making progress!