How can I get my cat to go to the toilet outside?

[BuffyTy]

Our cat used the litter tray well from the beginning. However, even when she was let outside, she preferred to come in and use the litter tray. How do I get her to do her business outside, without a huge mess in the house? Any tips?

Does she have a cat flap? have you tried putting the tray outside? Once she is using it outside, tip it onto the flower bed. She should naturally switch. In fact just getting rid of the tray might work, but the first method is less risky I think.

is it absolutely critical for some reason, Buffy ? I've had several outside-going cats who preferred to do their duty inside the house and warm, safe, dry, self cleaning etc - who can blame them?

Many cats feel a bit sensitive about toileting outside and I don't mind it at all if they use a tray: they save arguments with neighbours about poo in the rose beds and enable you to keep a weather eye on their health via the workings of their innards. It shouldn't even mean an extra tray because you would likely be keeping them inside at night anyway (it's much safer that way) so they'd need one then - or in foul weather or ill health.