How to teach cat to toilet outside

TBagpuss

I would suggest having the cat flap propped open to enable her to use it more easily - I used to use a clothes-peg on the 'flap' near the op, which held it fully open, then gradually moved it down so new cat learned to push it open herself. 

She'll only toilet where she feels safe - so  if she is nervous about being outside, she's unlikely to 'go' when she is out there. 

Things you can try:
- Offer her somewhere safe, out of doors. This might be a closed / covered tray so she knows no-one can sneak up on her, or a tray inside a larger box or crate 

- help her to feel safer outside - go out when she is out of doors, take a deck chair or rug and spend time playing with her or being around while she explores, so she can gain confidence. Give her treats so she learns to associate outside with good things 

- recognise that she may not be ready yet - focus on finding a tray which is better at containing the small - covered tray s with carbon filters are pretty good for this, also try different kinds of litter. The crystal type is generally pretty good as dehydrating the poo quickly and limiting smells.
You could also look into the possibility of teaching her to use the WC as an alternative to litter trays in the longer term 

Kim_kim

sheramber said:

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.

Good news, i sellotaped it open, certainly not as chilly as the french doors being open!
she’s in & out :-:smile:
Just need to keep it like that until she is confident.  

Savvy_Sue

TBagpuss said:

You could also look into the possibility of teaching her to use the WC as an alternative to litter trays in the longer term 

That's not always such a great idea ... https://www.popsci.com/story/science/toilet-training-cats/

Kim_kim

Savvy_Sue said:

TBagpuss said:

You could also look into the possibility of teaching her to use the WC as an alternative to litter trays in the longer term 

That's not always such a great idea ... https://www.popsci.com/story/science/toilet-training-cats/

I’d never manage that with her anyway.  She’s a gentle affectionate Burmese, but she doesn’t strike me as super clever.

Now Harry, if he didn’t go outside, I reckon I’d easily reach him to use that.  

He only activated the ring doorbell the other day.  I got a motion alert & he’s on the recycling bin staring into the camera looking at me on the app.  I was so surprised I didn’t talk to him, I should have lol