How to teach cat to toilet outside

Kim_kim

theoretica said:

Do I read right that you put the litter tray just outside the doors in the open?  She might prefer a more secure feeling place outside - free from ambush potential.

Yes, I didn’t want to have her have to go far, just literally dip her toe out.  If the door is open she will go out.
But if it’s closed she won’t use the cat flap to get out, but she will use it to come back in.  

Kim_kim

donnac2558 said:

If her poos are so bad, it could be the food you are feeding her?  Just because Charlie does well on the food might not be the same for her.

I use a brand of litter called Pura and a few minutes after my cat has done a poo it looks like King Tut did it 3000 years ago and no smell.

He’s not called Charlie (lol), Charlie big potatoes is a London saying, I’m a ex Londoner.  

I feed her royal canine - the same as the breeder fed her.

Kim_kim

TripleH said:

Only our eldest cat would know how to poo outside I suspect.

The smell could also be due to a change in diet and her settling down. I know if ours didn't get wet meat for a while, when we fed them it, there was definitely a more offensive smell for a day or 2.

Agree with above, it's quite likely nerves. Our boy can be as timid as anything, in a new place he takes ages and is very cautious about wandering far unlike his sister who bounds out to explore. The moment he settles in he bounds off and explores an area to his hearts content. He is coming up to 5 now and still does this. Is the same with people he meets outside our home. (Inside he is a borderline pest and will jump up for a cuddle from you whether you want one or not).

When your new girl has settled in and feels comfortable she'll no doubt want to follow her new brother around.

The smell could also be due to the tiny portion of wet food I give them every day.  Half a pouch each.
I hate it.  I gave it to Harry once, royal canine included some free in an order & that was it, he demanded it & would follow me into the kitchen screaming at me for it.
Maybe I should put up with the screaming & get him (& now her off it).  I free feed royal canin dry too, that’s all I want them to eat.  

But on the plus side, I think at least they are getting extra fluid in from it.  

Brie

I've got two words for you - puppy pads.

If you put those where the tray might be even when it isn't at least it's easy to clean up.  

I was about to post somewhere to determine the difference between puppy pad and Tena bed pads - I think they are the same but the anti odour bit may differ between people and pets.

As for getting the little madam to do everything outside - that's a matter of time and her preference.

SandyShores

My sister's rescue cat will only poo in the litter tray, mine will only poo outside - he had to use the litter tray when we kept him in after moving, but as soon as he could go out he never used it again.  I actually wouldn't mind him using the tray, at least its easy to clean up, but I guess that's just his preference.

Kim_kim

Still struggling with this, tray outside back door during the day, tray comes inside about 8pm at night & door is closed.  It’s late August, I’m not going to be able to do this much longer.
Last night I forgot to bring the litter box in & this morning she pooed on a bag on the hall floor.  

She just won’t go out the cat flap, she’ll come back in, but she won’t go out.  I don’t think she likes going out. 

I’ve been emptying the contents of her trays under my willow tree, hoping she would like that spot.  

Marmaduke123

It's going to take time! She has to be confident going outside, and using the cat flap to go out, before there's any chance of her choosing to go outside to poo.

I suggest making life easier for yourself and for her by accepting that the litter tray will be needed for some time to come, and maybe even for ever. Find a secluded place for it indoors, and gradually move it there. We put ours in the downstairs loo, and leave the door slightly ajar.

theoretica

Perhaps you want to look a step back - not at the toileting, but at the use of the cat flap.  Checking it isn't stiff for her, training her to go through it by offering food and treats the other side, etc.

Kim_kim

Marmaduke123 said:

It's going to take time! She has to be confident going outside, and using the cat flap to go out, before there's any chance of her choosing to go outside to poo.

I suggest making life easier for yourself and for her by accepting that the litter tray will be needed for some time to come, and maybe even for ever. Find a secluded place for it indoors, and gradually move it there. We put ours in the downstairs loo, and leave the door slightly ajar.

Yes, you’re right.  It’s the cat flap that’s the problem, I need to get her confident using it.  Harry took to it straight away, I’d hope she’d follow his lead.  

sheramber

Can you remove the flap for a while or tape it open  to get her confident  going out and in?

Also, make sure there is nothing making going out uncomfortable for her, such as a lower level of ground etc.