Toilet training issues - is it just lazy males?

[wanderingclanger]

We have a 2 year old male cat who we adopted when he was a kitten. The problem is, his toileting habits are rather haphazard - he has access to a litter tray and does use it (or the garden) successfully BUT is quite capable of using other handy corners of the house when the mood takes him....I was sympathetic when he was younger but my patience is starting to wear a little thin now! Also, we have a lovely cat-minded neighbour who is happy to come in and put food down when we're away, but I suspect even she would have her limits when it came to clearing up...We also have an 11 year old female cat who has never had an 'accident' in her life - is it simply lazy male syndrome?? Any advice gratefully received!

[cozietoesie]

How many litter trays do you have for them? If he only has access to one 'personal' one, he may be being picky about it and need another. (Being reluctant to use hers.)

[wanderingclanger]

Hmm, good theory but our female doesn't use a litter tray at all and only goes outside!

[cozietoesie]

Have you got two trays for him? Some cats don't like to poo and pee (and they usually do it in short succession) in the same tray - Seniorboy even does part poos in each of his two trays rather than use just the one.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Maybe he doesn't like his litter? Mines decided he only likes talc scented uber expensive litter.

[cozietoesie]

Do you know, I thought you were joking about that (the talc scented bit) - until I saw it on the net. Strange taste for such a macho cat.

OP

Dislike of his litter is indeed another possibility - they can be real picky at time. What kind do you use?

[Fluffycloudland77]

No it's a real thing. I'm never sure who they invented for, the owners or the cats.

[wanderingclanger]

Thanks everyone - I am currently using the wood chip type of litter that gradually disintegrates with use...and yes, he has successfully used it for both wee and poo fairly recently. Perhaps I should give talc-scented a go?? I used to use the expensive ultra-clumping stuff but it was so fine it ended up getting spread all over the floor after every use - like fine gravel. Does anyone use a tray with a roof and catflap type entry door?

[cozietoesie]

Oneago hated wood pellet litter with a vengeance - and I've simply never tried it with Seniorboy who likes, and is used to, traditional clumping. They can be real choosy over their litter.

Did you notice - was his pooing behaviour any better when you had the fine ultra-clumping stuff?

[wanderingclanger]

It's hard to remember now, as that was when he was a kitten (in between we had a period of having no litter tray at all but I introduced it again when the accidents got too frequent). I think I might give it a go and see whether it makes a difference - I should stress that this is by no means happening every day, probably once a month on average - but it's worth a try...thanks!

[cozietoesie]

You've always got the option of trying ordinary clumping. Now that he's grown, he'd be able to manage the larger grains.(I only mention that because it's significantly cheaper and finances might be a factor for you)

[wanderingclanger]

Thanks - good idea!