Encouraging cats to "go" outside

Sazzyukrafc

My boys are now 15 months old and have always used their litter. As you can imagine, having two cats means we change the litter a lot. I'd like them to start going to the toilet outside, but can anyone tell me how I can encourage them to do this?

We work all day, so it's only really evenings and weekends that we can do this, which is why I'm finding it difficult!

spookylukey

You could try sprinkling some of their litter on the soil and also sprinkling some soil in the litter trays so they become more comfortable with the idea. Even if they start going outside regularly it's adviseable to keep the trays for when they are in at night and bad weather etc

My two boys only have access to my garden (it's catproofed) so I still have to scoop outside otherwise it would build up into a poo mountain before I knew it! Only one of them has started 'going' outside although I'd rather they both continued to use the trays as it's easier to monitor for any health issues. As an example cystitis in male cats can be very serious and lead to life threatening blockages, at least if they were both using the trays I'd know if something was up.

They are a similar age to your two and have only recently started going out into the garden so had used litter trays for as long as your two have so it shows it is possible for them to change their habits - but knowing cats you'll know that only if they want to!

Sazzyukrafc

Thanks! Yes, my boys are very strong willed and rather spoilt, so I'm thinking they won't take to the idea. They've been going out since they were 6months, but we've just moved house, so they're not going out properly - only under supervision right now!

I didnt think about the health issue...I suppose if they've got the runs etc...I wouldnt know if they're going outside.

rita-rabbit

Surely you spend enough time with your cats that you can observe if they are not well without examining their stools?

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.

Princess_Jane

With every cat I've had once they've been old enough we've just installed a cat flap and taken the litter away.

A few accidents in the first month - our kitten Norman had a thing about going in the bath - but both are fine now.