Cat litter - merged

rita-rabbit

Depends which litter you use really

if you use clumping litter it does SAY chuck all & clean tray weekly but I generally don't bother - just when it looks a bit minging. I generally just remove soiled clumps & poos & top it up for quite a while.

If you are using non-clumping litter all the sand will stink (plus you won't b able to disguish between clean/dirty stuff) so you will want 2 change it ALL weekly at least. I didn't mention this earlier as I thought you may have already bought this type.

That's why I use clumping - less hassle & smells. You can mix the two until until the non-clump stuff has run out if you wish - obviously u will need 2 chuck it all after a week or so than just dig out the soiled bits though. I generally do the washing of the tray for wkends & dry it thoroughly b4 putting in fresh litter too (it will only stick to the inside).

It's a learning curve. Just remember to plan ahead & buy in bulk - works out alot cheaper - obviously taking into account how much storage space you have!

SkintMonkey

We have a cat flap and our two cats like to spend the day outside in the garden (well apart from when it is very wet) but we do keep them in overnight so continue to have a litter tray for them. I've noticed that when they go to the loo in the day they come back in to use the litter tray, but I did kind of expect them to use the great outdoors.

Is this usual? Does it matter? Should I encourage them to use outside in the day?

milkydrink

If they were using the great outdoors, you might have angry neighbours, so I would count your blessings.
Mine won't use a tray since he started going outside, but luckily he goes in a certain spot in our garden.

nealallen

SkintMonkey wrote: »

Should I encourage them to use outside in the day?

I would say leave hem as they are, if they feel comfatable coming back into the house to use the trays, then all well and good.

rita-rabbit

This is not at all unusual: the litter trays are far more `convenient' than digging in mud. The only way you will be able to stop them doing this is to make the tray unavailable during the day. Personally I think `the great outdoors' should be used if possible & it will save you money too (the neighbours are another matter altogether though!).

Good luck

Lizzieanne

You can buy an outdoor litter tray, which might keep everyone happy!
It has a hooded lid to keep the weather out.

Tortieshell

My two cats started doing that too so in the end I just removed the litterbox and they happily go outside!

I'm glad cats bury their stuff thats all I can say.

Cheekyduff

My cat started weeing all over our house when my neighbour got a new cat. I spoke to the vet about this and was advised that the will wee/spray around cat flaps/windows and doors in order to mark there territory.

My Vet and a Pet behavourist both said that cat flaps can be good & bad, they give your cat more freedom but makes them anxious thinking if they can get in and out of there whats to say other cats cant come in their house. They both recommended closing the cat flap and letting our cat in and out of the door ourselves.

It turned out our cat had cystitis due to the stress of the other cat, she is now on medication and can only have a wet food diet, so it might be worth checking this with your vet.

I also have a Feliway plug in which helps, she does still wee occasionaly in teh house, usually after the neighbours car has chased her in the garden but comdining all of the above have really helped.

Hope some of this is of use to you.

sarymclary

I do sympathise, the smell from cat pee is awful!

My cat did this when she was being bullied by neighbourhood cats, who even came in through any open window, ate all her food and then sprayed all my furniture and carpets before bunking back out again! No wonder my poor cat was nervous!

If it is stress related, then your cats will need a lot of reassurance that their territory is their's. I'd definitely relent and give them a litter tray for a while; they can still go outside to do their business, but at times of great stress, they know they can choose to stay inside too.

I'd definitely get them checked out at the vet though to rule out any physical condition. A relative of mine found her cat became stressed after a house move, and the subsequent arrival of the 2nd baby. She chose to pee all over anything related to the baby; car seat left on the floor, blankets, etc. So, you could really do with them feeling more settled prior to the baby arriving.

Good luck, and watch them like a hawk while you have the time.

Tortieshell

Cheekyduff wrote: »

My Vet and a Pet behavourist both said that cat flaps can be good & bad, they give your cat more freedom but makes them anxious thinking if they can get in and out of there whats to say other cats cant come in their house. They both recommended closing the cat flap and letting our cat in and out of the door ourselves.
.

I'm no expert but have read lots of cat behaviour books and alot of them say having a cat flap can cause stress and anxiety resulting in "unusual behaviour" such as peeing in the house.

I hope you find some answers soon.