How to teach cats to toilet outside?

[StrawberryTraveller]

Our kittens are now 8 months and have started going outside the last week or so when we are outside.

So far, I don't think either have even considered going outside in the dirt...

Will they just learn over time? They have only been out for an hour or so at a time so not long I guess. I sprinkled some litter in a corner area.

We aren't planning on ditching the trays indoors, but it would be nice if they start going the majority of the time outside. We have a large garden , no nearby neighbours so not encouraging them to go in others gardens.

Ours just got there naturally over time. We still have a litter tray just in case

Start moving the litter trays nearer the door, then actually outside, then put litter where you want them to do their business in your garden?

. They will just do it in your neighbours’ gardens instead eventually, you do know that don’t you?

Sorry, misunderstood the bit about no nearby neighbours. Happy days then!

Ours have free access to outside and just started going outside. We noticed the litter tray being used less and less and eventually not at all so got rid. Although we do still have a litter tray if they're ill or can't go outside eg being kept in after vet treatment or when too scared to go out after being lost for weeks on end.

I never moved our trays, they just started doing it outside of their own accord.

Neither did I.

Scoop some of their used litter (not the poos weed on bits!) in to a corner of your garden and it encourages them to do it there.

Excellent. So it seems adding some used litter, then just leaving them to it and they should learn over time

Have u got a cat flap?

Yes we have a cat flap, but its not actually in the door yet! Its a sureflap microchip one so they will have free access once its in. Hopefully it will be done in the next couple of weeks

Use earth from your garden in the litter tray instead of litter , then remove the litter tray after a week of this.

Just turn some dirt over or plant a valuable plant they will soon poo there

My mom was helping me garden she was saying how nice my cat was sitting right by her then she realised the cheeky sod was peeing in the dirt she had just turned over

I never moved our trays, they just started doing it outside of their own accord.

Yes, mine were particularly pleased when mum had readied the ground for some plants. The ground was lovely and soft and easy to paw away!!!

I gave the above advice to a friend of mine (putting tray outside) and it worked.

It just happened over time. He has a little patch behind shed at the back of the garden and seems to be favoured spot. Keep litter tray indoors for 'emergencies' but in over a year, the only time it's been used is when he has been kept in pre or post vet (had a paw injury last year).