Cat keeps missing the litter tray!

geri1965_2

I've had a rescue cat for just over a week - he is settling in well, although still nervous.

He is not allowed out yet as he hasn't had his vaccinations (as far as we know - he was found as a stray so we are getting them done at the weekend just to be on the safe side) so he has a litter tray. However, whilst he does go in it most of the time, there have been a few times when he has "missed" and pooped on the floor next to it!

It's not a huge problem as we have laminate flooring, so it's easy to clean, but obviously I would rather sort it out if possible!

OH reckons the tray might be too small but it's the same size as the one he had in the foster home, and he manages OK with it when he has a wee!

Any ideas?

scaredy_cat

you might need a tray with higher sides, you could try putting it in a box with a bit cut down so he can climb in. my cat misses as she can't see, that might also be something to get checked.

kirstyjessen

scaredy_cat wrote: »

you might need a tray with higher sides, you could try putting it in a box with a bit cut down so he can climb in. my cat misses as she can't see, that might also be something to get checked.

I've got the same problem got a littre tray with high sides but my 2 cats still do it one is 26 weeks and one is 1 year 2 months they seem to delibertly put their bum over the edge to poo outside the tray. even got one of them house ones and they still manage it so like you i would love some advice on this also

themull1

My mam uses washing up bowls.

madget_2

High-sided litter trays worked perfectly for our cats. It sounds as though he isn't doing it on purpose, so this might well be the remedy.

picklepick

I second the high sided trays. Pets at home do them!

deedardingle

He probably thinks that is doing it in the tray. Can't you just place newspaper underneath so that it's easier for you to clean up?

lostinrates

A great tip from someone here was to use a plastic storage box....less expensive and super high sided. Another option is covered litter tray.

Careful_with_that_Axe

I bought a slightly bigger litter tray for Lita when she developed this problem and it solved it. She likes to prop her front paws up on the edge of the tray when doing her business and the smaller litter tray meant her butt was hanging off the other end.
Are you using the same litter as they used at the place he was before you got him? If not, is it possible he is making a protest about it or is one of those cats who will only go if the tray is spotless?

geri1965_2

I don't know what litter she was using before, but he seems happy enough with the litter - he's only done it on the floor 3 times and he has used the tray probably about 10 times in total. It was pristine clean the last time he did it as I'd just changed it!

I might try a higher sided tray.

babyshoes

Yeah, it does sound like he thinks he is in the tray, but doesn't realise his bum is hanging over the edge. I have the same problem with my ferrets going on newspaper - they think because their front half is on it, then the back end must be too!