Ok the kittens are refusing to pee and poop In litter tray.. They have popped on the soft sofa and peed on the corner of the sofa. I tried moving the trays and have one filled with wood chip link the breeder has and one with non clumping clay. I'm thinking of going and getting one with a cover and a extra large one tonight to see if that makes a difference. Is there any other types of litter you'd recommend.. I've got the patience of a saint with these kittens but my BF is a clean freak and is gonna get frustrated really quick if I don't solve this. They've been here 2 days so I'm also hoping it's just teething problems due to the stress of being newly arrived.

What kind of litter tray did the breeder use? Open or closed? Are the kittens in a safe room right now, with everything they need near to them and do they know where the litter trays are? Some of this could be just teething/stress issues. If you see them squat to wee or whatever, quickly pick them up and put them in the litter tray. Make sure the sofa has been thoroughly cleaned to remove all trace of any poo/wee as if they can still smell it, they will use that area again. Keep the sofa well covered until you are confident they are using the litter tray exclusively.

Kittens are a bit like babies and toddlers. They can't hold it like an adult and sometimes, just like little kids, they can get over excited and just wee where they are. I can remember Hendrix doing that and he was as shocked as we were!

It's still really early days but cats are incredibly clean animals so their choice will always be to use their trays unless there is an issue. Stress can cause urinary tract issues which won't help so keep a close eye on them and check they are not in any discomfort when going.

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

First, you need to put this in perspective... If you keep these cats and have them for their full lives, you are going to face MUCH bigger challenges than this. So it's a bad sign that after only 2 days, and the very first, very small challenge you face, you two are already talking about it trying your (and your BF's) patience... you should think about that carefully, and also realize that you are chatting with many people who have faced (and dealt with) some REAL challenging problems.

Ok, about the litterbox... what sort of space did you set them up in? Is it a large, open, livingroom/family room kind of space? If so, are there any smaller, more secluded rooms that you can set them up in?

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The little monsters 3

It's always best to use the type of litter tray and litter that the breeder was using. Second of all, your babies are probably still stressed out over the big move to a new home. Patience is the key -- as these little ones are still learning the ropes. You should have three litter boxes for them. I would not think a litter box would be too small for kittens. Going outside of the litter box is a huge issue -- but your babies are still learning. I always used to place the kitty in the litter box about 20 minutes after they ate and see if they wanted to use it. Have faith that they will learn in time -- and if they go elsewhere, that area must be completely cleaned so they don't keep returning there.

My kittens refused to use the letterbox until I got exactly what their foster mom had for them. Once I did, they went and went…they held it for a day and a half! I I hadn't reacted quickly, they would have gone in inappropriate places I am sure.

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Thanks everyone for the advice. I cleaned the area thoroughly and have put tin foil on the couch. I also moved the trays to where they went and another with a bit of privacy.. Seems to have done the trick as they are using them now.

Apologies if they seem like small trivial issues but these are my first cats and I want to do right by them.. I won't be having children so these ARE my children and like any new parent I'm freaking out over seemingly little things. Thanks for your patience during this learning phase..

* puts on "Been There, done that t-shirt"*


I am a couple of years further down the same, wonderful road. It is a big responsibility to take on the care of 2 animals from kitten to old age, but if you want to do it right then there are some wonderfully knowledgable people on here who have helped me and, I think, will always be very willing to help make things go as smoothly as possible for you and your little bundles of joy mischief joy.

It will sometimes feel like hard work, the people who use the term "like herding cats" as a marker of difficulty are ones who have never been outnumbered by Bengal kittens, but the more consistent, loving, training that you can give them when they are young, the better and easier you will have things long run.

Nothing is trivial when it comes to our fur babies!!! Happy to hear that things are going better! This is what is forum is about -- new owners ask questions and we more-experienced members attempt to try and help out. There is a LOT to learn about cats -- especially bengals. You are a new mommy and things will get better with time. You won't worry half as much.