Animal Q&A

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Why won’t my kitten cover her poo?


My kitten of 9 month was spayed and declawed last month and she is refusing to cover her poop. I have to go behind her and cover it. Can you tell me why and what I can do? N.W.

Dear N.W.,

Onychectomy, or “declawing”, is amputation of the claw and the end toe bone joint. It is a brutal process for cats – it is the equivalent of cutting your fingers off at the first knuckle. Declawed cats often have serious litterbox issues. One theory is that it is painful to paw the litter, so they avoid doing so. Changing litter and using something very, very soft can be helpful.

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3 Responses

  1. ringo's mom says:

    When my kitty had this done, the shelter suggested using shredded newspaper, we have been using this since, very easy on the paws,and easy to clean up, and not much smell. It’s worth a try.

  2. OldLadyGamer says:

    Declawing is a horrific, barbaric practice. It’s too late to save your kitten, but you can make her more comfortable now. Your local pet store should have Carefresh shredded paper litter, usually used as bedding for small animals like hamsters and rats. This will be much softer and easier on her paws, although you’ll have to change it out frequently until her paws heal.

  3. Happy Owner says:

    The shredded newspaper is appropriate as is using hamster cedar shaving litter until kitty’s toes are healed.

    I am the happy owner of three declawed cats. After a brief period of discomfort, most cats will go back to covering their feces. I had my oldest cats declawed due to my ex having leather furniture. Now I have to do it to keep everything ‘fair’ and not give anyone an advantage. My girls all are completely indoor and happy.