Another cat question

[Melalvai]

A friend of mine has 3 kids ages 5 and under. She recently got a kitten, a Russian Blue. The kitten is adorable, but the kids stress her out and she's peeing and pooping everywhere. She's looking for a new home for the kitten but I thought first I'd ask if anyone here has any suggestions?

I'd rather ask here than on the cat forums, the one time I even glanced at that I was so offended I didn't bother to register. Talk about judgmental!

[Blueberry]

First question: Has kitten been to a vet? Some of the behavior could be caused by a medical issue. If that has been ruled out....

Second question: how old is the kitten? If under 12 or so weeks, it could be a litter training issue.

Are you looking for suggestions for helping the kitten stay in her home, or suggestions for how to find a new home?

If the former, the kitten has to have space that the kids aren't allowed.

If the latter, did the kitten come from a breeder? If so, most good breeders will take kittens back if they don't work out for any reason.

Maybe give a few more specifics, and I'll see if I have any ideas....

[Biciclista]

good questions, Blueberry...

[Bethany1]

Bringing a kitten into a home with small kids may not be a good idea. While kids mean well, she could easily get stressed because everyone wants to hold the kitten and possibly play too rough. Can the kids handle a kitten gently without hurting it? Are they able to let the kitten sleep undisturbed? The kitten would need a space just for her away from kids for periods of time. Do they chase it? Or scream at it out of excitement?

If the children aren't ready to care for a pet, the kitten would probably need a new home. If the kids are doing really well with the cat, it's probably normal adjustment and keep working with the kitten on a litter box.

[smilingcat]

+1 with blueberry.

At 12 weeks, kittens should not have a trouble with the litter box.

If the kitten is from a breeder, it may be too inbred. If this is the case, then the kitten might not bother to use a litter box.

Another reason why a kitten would not use a litter box is if the kitten was declawed.

yet another reason is if the kitten has a urinary problem. If it has difficulty peeing, or has pain peeing, then the kitten will associate the litter box with pain and will avoid the litter box. This would fall under a medical condition.

Even if there are children around the house, there can be peace between the children and the kittens. Kids need their private space, kitten needs his/her own private space like parents bedroom where it could hide and sleep in peace. Kids can't be expected to play with the kittens anytime they want.
Set up a schedule with the kids to when they are allowed to "harass" the kitten. Other times are scheduled as off limit time. Kitten will learn the schedule just as their feeding time. Feeding time for a kitten should also be scheduled at fixed time. Kitten can be trained to know the feeding time.

[Brandi]

+1 with blueberry.

At 12 weeks, kittens should not have a trouble with the litter box.

If the kitten is from a breeder, it may be too inbred. If this is the case, then the kitten might not bother to use a litter box.

Another reason why a kitten would not use a litter box is if the kitten was declawed.

yet another reason is if the kitten has a urinary problem. If it has difficulty peeing, or has pain peeing, then the kitten will associate the litter box with pain and will avoid the litter box. This would fall under a medical condition.

Even if there are children around the house, there can be peace between the children and the kittens. Kids need their private space, kitten needs his/her own private space like parents bedroom where it could hide and sleep in peace. Kids can't be expected to play with the kittens anytime they want.
Set up a schedule with the kids to when they are allowed to "harass" the kitten. Other times are scheduled as off limit time. Kitten will learn the schedule just as their feeding time. Feeding time for a kitten should also be scheduled at fixed time. Kitten can be trained to know the feeding time.
I agree with the above and would like to add or ask how long have they had the kitten? Has it been given enough of a chance to calm down and adjust?

[Koronin]

I agree with the above also.

Another question was the kitten adopted from a rescue group? If so more than likely the papers that were signed will require the kitten to be returned if they choose not to keep the kitten.

[Melalvai]

Thanks, this is very helpful. I don't know a lot of the answers to the questions but I will pass on what I have learned.