I'm going to have to cut the feline apron strings...

[CatKisser]

Bugger.
I have three cats - 2 year old Scabbers who goes in and out mostly whenever he likes; 1 year old Snowers, who I've had a few months and doesn't go out at all; and ten week old (or so) Olive who also doesn't go out at all.

Obviously, Olive won't be going outside until she's spayed but now I've broken up for Summer, I don't have any good reason to keep Snowers in. He has shown precisely no interest in going outside but I do tend to think they should be able to... And I must admit, I'm finding it hard to keep on top of litter trays/hoovering with two of them crapping indoors.

Agh, I just remember this time last year with the trauma of letting my cars go outside - it was SO stressful! What do I doooo?? A bad part of me feels of snowy doesn't want to go out, why push it...?

[CatKisser]

I'm also worried because snowy is SO like my beloved Millie who was friendly and trusting, who died on the tiny road in front of my house a few months ago. But Snowers is 100 times more unworldly than Millie, he's clueless!

[cozietoesie]

I wouldn't push it- he'd soon let you know if he wanted out and if he seems to like being inside, so be it. (At least that would be the approach at cozietowers.) Besides which, my most recent two outside going cats have both come inside to use their tray: cleaning those up is part of my deal with them.

[CatKisser]

Thanks Cozie - I do think it's harsh to keep a cat in who clearly wants to be out (for example Scabbers could NEVER be an indoor cat again) but when they're happy indoors it doesn't seem a huge problem!

I can imagine Snowers being an indoor crapper like yours!! Unlike the ginger bastard who sees my freshly weeded and turned over veg patch and shits over my few remaining leeks with pleasure!

[cozietoesie]

That's partly why I've never minded cleaning trays - saves hassle outside and lets you keep an eye on what their health is like. (Forbye they might be caught short on the prowl - but there you go.) They have to fit in with my house rules so I try to fit in with their requirements. It seems like a fair trade.

[CatKisser]

It is a fair trade - and you're right about the health. This evening it's become apparent that one of them has a slightly dicky tummy. Not sure who or why but I wouldn't have known that if they crapped outside.

I know I can't have it all, but my only wish is that Snowers wouldn't treat the litter tray like he's mining for gold. It's going everywhere!! The kitten, OTOH, is leaving his fresh to the world.

Sigh. Luckily I have understanding house guests!

[CatKisser]

Just another gratuitous one of the baby, who's the loveliest little thing you can imagine!

[cozietoesie]

I just seem to have lost a post in the ether - so it may pop up some time.

I was wondering if you'd thought of trying a covered tray? How nay do they have?

Oh - and Olive is becoming even more gorgeous if that's possible.

[cozietoesie]

*many

[Fluffycloudland77]

If he doesn't want to go out whats the point? We had a house cat who had no interest in going out & she was perfectly happy.

[CatKisser]

Thanks, she really is so pretty!
They have two trays (Scabbers doesn't use either) and neither are covered. I've never tried one of those before - will they use them after being used to open trays?
Fluffy - thanks. Everyone just seems to think all cats want to go out, and while I'd never keep a cat in when it wanted to go out, snowy just has no interest at all.

[cozietoesie]

He seems like a gentle soul - and he's got Olive as companion at the moment. Maybe he's just suited to being inside - carpets, food, warmth, safety - who can blame him, really?

I should imagine they would use a covered tray if it was around but maybe some other posters who are very used to introducing them will comment. (My boys have always preferred open trays and as they cover up pretty well, we've never really had an issue with them.)