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The litter tray

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Original poster

Will she remember how to use the litter tray?

12 replies

clamberingwildly · 30/07/2018 22:40

We're moving house soon, and our 3 year old cat will be staying at a friend's house for a few hours on our moving day. They will be keeping her in a single room with her litter tray, food and a few home comforts. My only concern is that she hasn't used the litter tray since she was a kitten, because she's always gone outside. Will she instinctively use it if there is no other option than the carpet?

OP posts:
mineofuselessinformation · 30/07/2018 22:46

Is it possible for you to borrow a large dog cage?
When I moved house, I had one which was big enough for bed, food and litter tray. I kept it mostly covered with a blanket to minimise upset. Cat was fine.

Ilovemypantry · 30/07/2018 22:53

I think your cat will be fine using the litter tray. Cats are usually very clean animals and he/she will want to cover it up after doing their business.
I think the idea of keeping the cat in one room with all it’s needs is a good one...at least you will know it is safe and one less thing for you to worry about on moving day. Good luck x

spugzbunny · 30/07/2018 23:06

My cat only seems to use the litter tray when it's snowing or sub zero outside! She always remembers how!

Despite that - be prepared that your cat may just poop or pee somewhere they shouldn't out of stress. When we moved in to this house my car pee'd on my coat and hid in the wardrobe for 3 days!

viccat · 30/07/2018 23:08

Yes she will, it's very instinctive.
And of course you will then need to keep her in for for a few weeks anyway at the new house, with a litter tray.

Wolfiefan · 30/07/2018 23:09

You should always provide a litter tray. Cats should be shut in overnight and it's unfair for them to have nowhere to go.
Make sure the room has a hard floor.
What will you do at the new house when she can't be let out for weeks? That's the real issue.

Original poster
clamberingwildly · 30/07/2018 23:14

mineofuselessinformation, thanks for the dog cage suggestion. I had a look online and have found a large "pet playpen" which I can use in the same way, so that will help to keep her constrained, and there'll be room for the litter tray and everything she needs too. Flowers

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 30/07/2018 23:17

Only if it has a roof! Cats jump. Shock

Original poster
clamberingwildly · 30/07/2018 23:35

Yes, it has a roof Grin

OP posts:
OP posts:
Judydreamsofhorses · 31/07/2018 00:28

She will remember. Our cat’s been used to having someone home during the day until a few months ago, and hadn’t used the tray in over a year. It's always been left out and the unused litter changed every few months. A couple of weeks ago I realised she had weed in it. Needs must, etc! I spotted her getting in and out of it on Friday when there had been thunder and lightening, but she actually chose to go out in the rain instead. (Quickest wee ever!)

3boys3dogshelp · 31/07/2018 00:31

If we get outdoor cats in the vets and they haven’t used the litter tray we sometimes mix a bit of soil in with the litter to encourage them to use it. Most don’t need us to do that though and adjust without any problems.

HardAsSnails · 04/08/2018 13:55

Our old boy has only used one when he's needed to be kept in (after op, in rescue, new home) and more recently as we keep him in at night due to his arthritis. Never had a problem.

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