We just got a new kitten who is about eight weeks old and we are having a couple of problems. The first problem is that it (we're not sure if it's a male or female yet) won't use the litter box. We just have one of the open boxes and about an inch and a half of litter in it. I will put the kitten in there and pet it and praise it, but it will dig around for a bit and then just jump out. Then later I find "gifts" behind the furniture. The kitten only has access to the kitchen and living room right now. Also, it won't clean itself. When it poops it gets some on its tail, but it won't clean it up. Is this something to be worried about? And should I give it an actual bath or just take a damp cloth to it?

Maybe the litter box is in a high traffic area and the cat doesn't feel comfortable using it where it's located or it could be the type of litter, get a finer litter perhaps.