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

Charlie1986

I don't even know if this is going to be possible 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:

peachyprice

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.

Littlemadam83

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

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.

Charlie1986

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.

paddypaws101

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

once they are used to going outside, they will let you know... mine used to sit at the door or window and meow.

spookylukey

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!

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

Charlie1986 wrote: »

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.