Can anyone give me any advice please? Our cat is five, and prior to living with us was a completely indoor cat. We adopted her directly from her previous family when she was three. We have a big enclosed garden, so after a few weeks started letting her out, and she basically stopped using the litter tray then. We’ve always kept one for her, but if she is caught short, she tends to use the bath instead. Last night we had a huge thunderstorm, which she hates, so she didn’t go for her usual late night wander. I got up this morning to a pile of poo in the bath. While annoying, I appreciate this is the least-worst place, and it happens very infrequently, but we have a couple of short trips over the next month or so, and MIL will be coming in to feed and fuss her - I would REALLY rather she used the bloody tray. We don’t have a catflap, and it is not possible to get one because we have a utility room between the kitchen and back door. She is good about letting us know if she needs out, and we have a pattern that works even in winter - out first thing, in while we are at work, out when I get home at 5.30, in and out until bedtime if the weather’s nice, otherwise in until about 10.30/11, a potter around before bed, and in overnight.
I am going to get another tray and put it in the bath when we’re away, but any other tips? She knows absolutely fine how to use the tray, she just doesn’t want to - it’s like she sees the bath as a giant tray! (I am giving her a free pass on last night, because she was very distressed by the weather, but it’s a good job she’s cute and otherwise a joy.)