Still using litter tray even though she goes out

[nutcracker]

Started letting cat out on friday and all is fine, she goes and comes back every now and again.

Thing is she is coming back after hours of being out and getting straight in her tray.

Was kinds hoping she might use it less once she started going out.

[KatyMac]

Put it outside during the day maybe?

Or just remove it?

Or give her longer to adjust?

[wordgirl]

We have had our cat for about three years and he still does that - it drives me mad!
Still, looking on the bright side, at least you won't get any neighbours complaining about your cat pooing in their garden

[nutcracker]

Yeah i did think of that wordgirl

Good idea about the tray outside, will try that i think.

She hates being in the house now she's allowed out.

[lilaclotus]

maybe you could move it closer and closer to the front or back door over a span of a few days? that worked for our cats when we wanted to move the litter tray to a different place in the house...

[nutcracker]

Blimey that sounds snooty Wordgirl, wasn't meant to, sorry.

[nutcracker]

It's already right by the back door, so think i'll have to try it outside.

[Janh]

nutty, have you got a shed or some other shelter? I think a cat using a litter tray but outside the house is the ideal solution for everybody

[SaintGeorge]

Move the tray closer to the door each day, then start mixing in handfuls of soil with the litter. After about a week you should have the tray outside the door with at least 50/50 soil/litter (assuming you eventually want the cat to stop using the tray all together)

Has worked with all of our cats. Only time litter tray is used now is winter when the ground is too solid for them to kick at.

[SaintGeorge]

Doh - sorry, missed your post saying already near the door.

[wordgirl]

Don't forget to bring it in if it rains though - especially if you're using that clumping cat litter. I speak from experience!

[nutcracker]

Ah thanks SG will do that.

We don't have a shed or anything yet Jan so can't do that.

She is scratching at the window to go out.

[mumfor1sttime]

My cat used to do this, I moved litter tray nearer to back door and then outside door. Also have you seen those litter trays with lids? Its like a personal, private cat loo! We had one of these, and left it out in all weathers.

[Janh]

Also, FWIW, my ex-neighbour (whose cat used to be able to go in and out with a cat flap but can't now cos she only has patio doors) has got some stuff in her litter tray which instead of ordinary litter is sort of long pellets made of woodpulp or something...no idea what it's called or where she gets it, I could ask her if you like?

[nutcracker]

We have the wood litter Jan but thanks anyway.

My mom has one of those trays with the lid cos shes in a flat. Thats a good idea though for leaving it outside.

[Lonelymum]

Are you and the cat getting on better these days Nutty?

[Janh]

Oh, OK, nutty!

It's still quite early days with your cat though, isn't it? I'm sure you will work something out with her soon.

[nutcracker]

Yeah we are thanks Lonleymum

[Lonelymum]

Ahhh she won you over in the end then!