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How to train cat's to go to the toilet outside?

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I don't even know if this is going to be possible :o We have two 6 year old cats who have always used a litter tray that is kept inside. The thing is one of the cats gets the cat litter everywhere and seems to enjoy playing in it and then running it all around the house!
Is it possible to train them both to go outside to the toilet in the garden? If so, where do I even start with it :rotfl:
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  • peachyprice
    peachyprice Posts: 22,346 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I've always found the easiest way is to gradually move the litter tray towards the door. Just a few feet at a first, then another few feet 4-5 days later, and so on until you're at the door you want them to go out of, then (weather permitting) put the tray outside of the door, then put a little used litter where you would prefer them to go in the garden.

    Do they have a cat flap so they can get out to the toilet when they need to? Obviously after 6 years of having a tray they're used to being able to go to the toilet as and when they need to, having to wait for you to be there to let them out could be a harder thing for them to get used to than going outside.
    Accept your past without regret, handle your present with confidence and face your future without fear
  • I never really had to train my cat, when I started letting her outside she just figured she preffered it I think!

    One way I have heard is to put the litter tray outside so they get the hint they can go out there, and when they are used to that, put some litter on its own where you want it to go xxx
  • gravitytolls
    gravitytolls Posts: 13,558 Forumite
    As above, also ensure a nice spot for them to use, freshly dug soil or sand if you're not a gardening type of person.
    I ave a dodgy H, so sometimes I will sound dead common, on occasion dead stupid and rarely, pig ignorant. Sometimes I may be these things, but I will always blame it on my dodgy H.

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  • Charlie1986
    Charlie1986 Posts: 584 Forumite
    500 Posts
    I have put the tray outside this morning and so far they seem to have found it and be using it, seems they are fast learners! Unfortunately we don't have a cat flap so would need to let them out, I suppose this would be pretty much like we let the dog out though? I'll leave the litter out there for a few days, perhaps bringing it in in the evenings? and then try to get them to go in a 'spot' in the garden.
    Virgin CC=£2652, Next= [STRIKE]£102.88,[/STRIKE] Very=£475.60, Natwest=£800, Sainsburys CC=£1777.02, Lloyds CC=£498.29, Lloyds Loan= £13,946.18, Car=£4000Total = [STRIKE]£26,147.23[/STRIKE] £23,849.09:eek:
  • paddypaws101
    paddypaws101 Posts: 2,093 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Empty the used litter ( obviously minus any major lumps or clumps) onto a nice dug over patch of ground....they should be attracted to the spot and the feel of the litter will tell them it's a good place to go!
  • scaredy_cat
    scaredy_cat Posts: 7,758 Forumite
    once they are used to going outside, they will let you know... mine used to sit at the door or window and meow.
    Cats don't have owners - they have staff!! :D:p
    DFW Long Hauler Supporter No 150


  • spookylukey
    spookylukey Posts: 841 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Even if they realise that it's OK to go outside and get the hang of it they might not choose to do so over a litter tray. Both my cats will go to the toilet outside occasionally but most of the time they rush back in to use the trays! :o

    I would be worried about getting rid of the litter trays completely, especially if they've used trays exclusively for 6 years, in case they started soiling inside as their tray was missing and they didn't fancy using the great outdoors.
  • paulwf
    paulwf Posts: 3,269 Forumite
    I have put the tray outside this morning and so far they seem to have found it and be using it, seems they are fast learners! Unfortunately we don't have a cat flap so would need to let them out, I suppose this would be pretty much like we let the dog out though? I'll leave the litter out there for a few days, perhaps bringing it in in the evenings? and then try to get them to go in a 'spot' in the garden.

    Is it possible to get a flap fitted? There is quite a range now to fit most types of doors and there might be an option you haven't considered such as a ramp leading to a window.
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