Cats using litter tray

cheeky-peach

Hi all,


I have two cats (litter mates) who used to use a litter tray to do their business. I had two trays in total, both were getting used. I have a cat flap of which the cats are generally free to come and go as they please. However, I've noticed that the cats have stopped using the little trays (assuming that they are going outside now..!) and I don't want to be a nuisance to others in the area and really do want my cats to use the litter trays. It also makes it difficult if I go away as I prefer to keep them in as I have friends calling in to feed them and I don't want them to be out and get injured without me being there. Thing is, they have started doing their business on the front door mat totally ignoring the litter tray; even if they litter tray is on the door mat they aren't interested in using it. It's problematic as friends of mine are then having to clean up which isn't fair at all; especially when there is a litter tray!


How can I get my cats re-acquainted with the litter tray? Nothing has changed; litter is the same brand etc. I just want to get them back into the habit of using the trays.


Thanks in advance

Teapot55

My daughter's cats used to 'go' on her door mat because they were feeling threatened, possibly by other cats coming in the cat flap. She took the door mat away & I think it stopped. Strange solution, but worth trying as a short-term fix?

FreeBear

How big is the tray ?

I use a gravel tray from a garden centre that measures 400x500mm and put coarse sawdust in it - Plenty of room for the cat to scrabble about and get comfortable in. So much so, she uses in preference to going outside even with the door wide open.

cheeky-peach

Unfortunately, it's one of those embedded door mats which can't be moved easily. Not sure if I should just keep them in and keep an eye on them, putting them in the litter tray as if I was litter training them from scratch.

GwylimT

They are marking their territory, so someone else is coming in and making them feel threatened. What have you cleaned the door mat with?