New kitten.

[KIM]

My new baby Stark is starting to acclimate slowly but surely. He is a shy kitten. Sometimes when he feels a bit nervous he jumps into his litter box for cover. And then he stays in there for a bit. He has a bed he loves but he still does this sometimes. Any advice on getting him to stop this. Also any opinions on the comfort zone pheromone spray to ease his nervousness. Good or bad. I never heard of this thing till a week ago. Thanks everyone!!

 

[WitchyWoman]

Provide him with an alternate hidey hole to the litter box -- a cardboard box or a solid sided crate. Some people have had great success with pheromone sprays, calming collars, and oils. I've tried them all and none of them worked for me.

 

[KIM]

We got him a bed and he really likes it, and it also has his mommys blanket in there. You think a box in addition would help?

 

[WitchyWoman]

We got him a bed and he really likes it, and it also has his mommys blanket in there. You think a box in addition would help?

Yep. He needs something enclosed when he feels stressed.

 

[KIM]

Thank you!

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Yes, if he's jumping into his litterbox he feels the need for something enclosed to feel secure...so some sort of box with an opening, a covered crate etc...something that feels like a cozy cave for him

 

[Rafiki]

Do you have a cat carrier? Put some toys in there plus lure him in with treats if he will take them from you. That is the best - nice safe area for kitten that is only for kitten plus it has the added bonus of having him associate the carrier with safety and security instead of just vet visits.

 

[Patti]

If your litterbox is covered, uncover it. Then put his carrier in the room so that he will use that when he feels the need to hide. The pheromone diffusers work great for some cats, others don't seem effected at all. You can certainly try it and see, but bottom line is he just needs time and patience to adjust to his new home.