Kitten Peeing In Guinea Pig Cage

[Chuck Novak]

Hi, we've had GP's going on 5 years (we're on our second set) and originally we had a 'lid' on our cage because we thought our cats would bother the pigs. The cats never were interesting so we removed (and got rid of the lid). Recently, we got to young kittens and they like to think they're pigs as well. They get in the pig cage and sleep and sometimes play with the pigs. In the last few weeks, the kittens have started peeing in the pig bedding. Anyone have any insight of what I can do, aside from a lid, to keep the kitten from peeing in the pig cage?

 

[Gem789]

Hi, we've had GP's going on 5 years (we're on our second set) and originally we had a 'lid' on our cage because we thought our cats would bother the pigs. The cats never were interesting so we removed (and got rid of the lid). Recently, we got to young kittens and they like to think they're pigs as well. They get in the pig cage and sleep and sometimes play with the pigs. In the last few weeks, the kittens have started peeing in the pig bedding. Anyone have any insight of what I can do, aside from a lid, to keep the kitten from peeing in the pig cage?

I think you'll have to get a lid again lol

 

[Lorcan]

Unless the lid is solid, then it may not actually help. Kittens can walk on it, pee through it (they're sneaky little buggers like that).

Do you have a litter tray? Because the best thing I can think of is basically positive reinforcement every time the kittens go potty in it. Basically the equivalent of teaching a toddler to use the toilet and not a nappy. But with kittens.

 

[acapae]

Like @Lorcan, my first thought is the set-up you have for the kittens themselves. Although the thought of cats playing with piggies does make me feel very anxious for the health and stress levels of the pigs themselves. Guinea pigs are well within the 'size of natural prey' bracket for adult cats (at most they perhaps would just leave weight bearing bones...). So I would tackle that aspect head on and either have a closed door policy, or make a lid.

In terms of inappropriate peeing, cats are very clean animals and most kittens learn by themselves (mums will help, but orphans aren't hindered) to use litter trays as the instinct is so strong. So that your kittens are peeing elsewhere suggests that perhaps the litter tray set-up you have currently isn't working for them for whatever reason. Were they using the litter tray well for the few weeks that you had them before they started doing this? There's two separate issues here really: firstly that they're not not peeing in their own places, and secondly at the fact that they're peeing in the specific other place that they are. You need a two-pronged approach to fix both issues. This reference thread may be useful:
Is your cat peeing or pooing in the house? This is the HOUSE SOILING thread!