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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

How to get them to go outside?

18 replies

5ThingsUnderTheBed · 13/10/2012 12:23

I have two male cats, they are 9 and 6 months.

Previously when I've had cats they have stopped using the litter tray when they've gone outside. Not these cats. They are going outside then coming in just to use the litter tray then back out again.

They stink! I try clean the tray once to twice a day and they still stink! I am sick of my house smelling.

How can I encourage them to go outside like other cats?

OP posts:

gingerpig · 13/10/2012 17:32

put the litter tray in your garden? so they can start to associate it with going outside?

Sparklingbrook · 13/10/2012 17:33

My Mum has just done this. She did put the litter tray outside and it seems to be working. Now the cat is hardly using the tray. Dad had to make a little cover for it.

Original poster

5ThingsUnderTheBed · 13/10/2012 18:22

We have a hooded litter tray which I can put outside, problem is when it rains, and. I live in NE so not notorious for its sunny weather. Suppose could put it under a table.

Thanks for the suggestions.

OP posts:

Sparklingbrook · 13/10/2012 18:25

Yes, under a patio table or something? Also bury some used litter in and around the garden to give them the idea?

cozietoesie · 13/10/2012 20:44

They're being cats! (For which read 'what suits me is best'.) My on and off lodger was an outdoors cat but found out when he came here that the litter tray fairy (Hah!) cleaned his tray when used and he always had a fresh, clean and - important - safe tray inside the house so started using it. He's not the first either. I've had cats before that went outside but came in to do their business.

Sorry that that may not be helpful but it just may be that you'll have to live with it. Just how stinky are they?

Original poster

5ThingsUnderTheBed · 13/10/2012 21:06

Yes, quite. The older one struts around and has perfected the "piss off minion" look

They are very stinky! I think it is down to their food, trying to find a food that suits them both, proving very tricky!

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 13/10/2012 22:13

What's your living pattern 5things? EG - how often can you clean trays?

Original poster

5ThingsUnderTheBed · 13/10/2012 22:15

Well I could probably clean them as soon as they go as I'm a SAHM, but I'm not in all day to do that. I do clean it in morning at at night, fresh litter every other day.

I want a cat flap fitted but DH says no.

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 13/10/2012 22:33

Okey cokey - clean then as soon as you see they've been used. And I mean as soon as. (Get another tray if you've only got one at the moment.)

Think cat/human. How would you feel if you had to poo somewhere and it was hanging around? Cats have sensitive smelling and really don't like poo around. (I won't go into the background to that.)

I have housecats (pax to the on and off lodger) so I deal with the downside. You may have to also.

cozietoesie · 13/10/2012 22:41

Sorry - I should have added. Are you using a clumping (eg Fuller's Earth) litter? That makes life a whole lot easier.

Original poster

5ThingsUnderTheBed · 13/10/2012 22:43

Using catsan. They are not keen on clumping litter.

Also tried two litter trays and they preferred he one, they are odd!

OP posts:

Ponders · 13/10/2012 23:30

fwiw, my kits are on Royal Canin wet food (plus some RC dry) & their poo hardly smells at all.

It is expensive but if you shop around on the internet you can get good deals.

You could also try \link{http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/canned_cat_food_pouches/rafine\Animonda Carny} which is pure meat pretty much - I may try that next time

it seems to be the cheap stuff with a lot of cereal fillers that makes it stink

cozietoesie · 13/10/2012 23:30

Hmm. Keep up with the second litter tray - if they don't use it, 'no harm, no foul'. I'd make that second tray clumping litter I have to say. (Co-op or Sainsbury's litters are acceptable to my very fussy Siamese.)

firstbubba · 13/10/2012 23:32

My advice get rid of the tray as long as you have it they will use it

cozietoesie · 13/10/2012 23:32

Thanks for that, ponders. My boy's on meds so his poo may not be normal. Useful to get another view.

Mspontipine · 13/10/2012 23:37

Better their own litter tray than crapping in all your neighbours' gardens - not nice

cozietoesie · 13/10/2012 23:38

Well here's the thing, firstbubba. In my neck of the woods, the cats outside have tattoos and tote AK47s. Any member of the cozie household who wants to poo inside is welcome to so do. I regard cleaning that up as a small price for the love and purring on offer.

Ponders · 14/10/2012 12:17

\link{http://www.petsathome.com/shop/scented-lightweight-non-clumping-antibacterial-cat-litter-16-litre-by-sepi-cat-102154\this SepiCat litter is good} - although it says scented it doesn't actually smell of anything, just clean. It's quite cheap too.

I also bought \link{http://www.petsathome.com/shop/litter-odour-eliminator-by-simple-solution-82917\odour eliminator} last time I was there, you spray it on the clean litter & it does seem to help keep it sweet (well, as sweet as it can be )

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