Would like to get rid of the cat litter....

atypicalblonde

Hi everyone

This is my first post on this board - I hope someone can help. I was wondering whether or not anyone has successfully managed to ween their cats off cat litter and trained them to go to the toilet outside? My cats are 2 years old, and I rescued them from our local cat shelter.

If anyone has successfully managed this, I would be grateful for your tips.

ATB x

marshmallow79

What I did with mine was to slowly move the litter tray closer and closer to the door that I wanted them to go out of. Once it was right next to the door I then put it just outside the door (I have a seethrough catflap) so they could see it but knew they had to go through the catflap to use it. When I had them doing that I moved it (slowly again) towards the bit of garden I wanted them to use and once I got it there I took the tray away but put a bit of littler on the ground. I think it took me about a week in total to get my two going outside.
Good Luck!;)

KxMx

There is night-time to consider, if they stay indoors then you'll still need a litter box, can't expect them to hold it all night!

Kimberley

If they go outside then you will know when the litter tray stays empty but if your cats are 2 years old and still using the tray then it's likely they will always need it. My kitten will be an indoor cat and therefore will need a litter tray always, you can however now get some covered trays that keep odours in but you will need to clean the trays twice a day to stop your cat beathing the fumes in.

rita-rabbit

It can be done!

Face facts litter is much more pleasant to use than mud! I recommend feeding the cats & then shoving them outside directly afterwards (no tray). Eventually they will get the message - do persist it will save you time & money. Times to use the tray are:
if they are ill
snow
if you are away for an extended period (& please then also utilise a cat automatic feeder).

Do no `free feed' on demand. Twice a day is sufficient for adult cats. The additional benefit of this is there are specific toilet times related to dinner/breakfast.

Give yourself sufficient time to pursue that goal: in the morning jump up & feed them immediately & put them outside & the same again in the evening. Time is of the essence.

Night time accidents are generally rare in healthy cats - they will actually ask to be let out (night or day) to `go' outside.

Good luck.

btw before anyone says I am cruel: I am not. Mine only use litter trays because I live in 1st floor flat & with no garden.

rita-rabbit

Also if you dry feed (use a measuring cup - alot of owners overfeed) & use scented/clumping litter twice daily cleaning is not necessary.

Lainie75

marshmallow79 wrote: »

What I did with mine was to slowly move the litter tray closer and closer to the door that I wanted them to go out of. Once it was right next to the door I then put it just outside the door (I have a seethrough catflap) so they could see it but knew they had to go through the catflap to use it. When I had them doing that I moved it (slowly again) towards the bit of garden I wanted them to use and once I got it there I took the tray away but put a bit of littler on the ground. I think it took me about a week in total to get my two going outside.
Good Luck!;)

This is what worked for me too

frivolous_fay

I'm working on this goal too Currently I keep one tray in the flower bed :rotfl: but we have no cat flap yet. They only get to go outside when we're home - they're only ickle atm.

rita-rabbit

catflaps are great - look into a lockable one that is magnetic: so that you don't get unwelcome guests!