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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!houxm!hou2g!scott
From: scott@hou2g.UUCP (Colonel'K)
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: Help!  Kitten has strange excretory habits
Message-ID: <706@hou2g.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 12-Nov-85 08:29:58 EST
Article-I.D.: hou2g.706
Posted: Tue Nov 12 08:29:58 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 13-Nov-85 08:02:02 EST
References: <1180@wucec2.UUCP>
Organization: A Rent-Controlled Gothic Mansion
Lines: 30


I'm currently experiencing the same (urinary) problem with
my new kitten, Gandalf.  Most times he just doesn't want to
pee in the box.

The only way to solve it is training, and the only way to
do that, unfortunately, is watch him like a hawk.  Each and
every time he finishes eating, or drinking, or calms down 
after playing, I coax him (preferred over carrying) to the
box and get him to get inside.  Sometimes I'll grab his feet
and make little "pawing" motions in the litter.

Of course, you must watch him closely in order to "catch him
in the act" whenever possible, then CARRY him to the box.

Speak calmly and lovingly when he's in the box.  Yell at him if
he tries it on the rug.  What I've also been doing is "rewarding"
him when he pees in the box "on demand". (I give him milk, since
in small quantities it doesn't bother him.)

Anyway, he seems to be responding, albeit SLOWLY....

Good Luck!

			Scott J. Berry
			ihnp4!hou2g!scott

P.S.  The other male I've had, Merlin (R.I.P. ol' buddy) didn't usually
      cover up his..er..waste products either.  Their "big sister"
      Athena has never had a problem.  Could it be a male/female thing?