Cat not using litter tray

arbroath_lass

I often see threads on here that neighbours are annoyed cats use their garden as a toilet.

My question is - how do I persuade my cat the litter tray is better than outdoors?

I have one cat, she knows what the tray is for and where it is. BUT she will only use it if she absolutely has to. She really "holds it in" as long as she can whilst desperately trying to get out.

Any advice?

She is nearly 4, neutered and has access to the outdoors via a catflap if that makes a difference.

Fire_Fox

You can't easily: you can try experimenting with different sites for the tray, more than one tray, much larger tray, covered or open tray, different litters including sand or soil.

arbroath_lass

Fire_Fox wrote: »

You can't easily:

Thank you! Some posters make it sound like it is easy.

Will give your suggestions a go, though. I really would prefer she used a tray.

moggymutt

If its just your neighbours garden that you are worried about, then keep a freshly dug patch of soil in your own garden. Even try placing a litter tray with soil next to your back door. If your garden is paved over, try a bag of garden compost, most cats make a bee line for that.

Like Firefox says, try different types of litter, there's perfumed and unperfumed, fuller earth, wood, ones made of recycled newspaper etc.

bacardi66

Good luck! My cat is over 18 and still would rather go to the toilet outside than use his litter trays even though he has two on offer - the only time he uses them (very reluctantly) is when the catflap is locked at night. But the rest of the time no matter what the weather and despite his age he still insists on going outside.

What about if you put a litter tray somewhere outside - would she use it then?

arbroath_lass

I think I'll try compost - she does like that. If I can persuade her to use the tray I'll then try to "wean" her on to litter by mixing them up.

I've ordered a covered tray to see if she likes that any better.

KxMx

Have a think about the location of the box too, is it in a quiet, low "traffic" area where she can have some privacy?

arbroath_lass

Her new enclosed litter box arrived yesterday. It's HUGE! She's been in and had a scratch about in the litter. Hasn't used it yet but...

Fire_Fox

That is a good sign tho, she is interested! Maybe she does just want a larger, safe space .... if only they could talk "well actually I have a penchant for sand and this tray is a too small, I like to be able to turn around and dig from different angles." :rotfl: