Teaching a older cat to poop outside

[Mumof3a]

As the title suggest, Can you teach a older (8 years old) cat to poop outside? Our rescue cat likes going out for short bursts of time and spends lots of time on the windowsill inside, but everytime he is outside, he will come back in just to poop or wee in the litter tray. I've tried leaving a litter tray outside the door and under a bush in the garden but he walk past them and back inside to use it. Any suggestions.

does it matter if they come indoors to use the tray? Mine started doing the toilet outdoors by themselves without encouragement

Why does he need to go outside? Just use a tray? He might change by himself over time but I don’t think you can train this.

its easier to pick up in the tray tbh.
My cat has started going in a couple of my planters, it’s a pain playing hunt the poop every day. It was far easier when she came in to use the tray.

Thank you for your replies, I don't mind him using the tray, we have had him a year now, he will miow at the door to come in and use the litter tray and go out again. The vet laughed when we mentioned it and said to train him to go outside. So I just wondered if you could 'train' the cat to do that.
The cat is currently giving me the silent treatment after i've been away for a few days.

Perhaps you could spread a little used litter outside where you want to encourage him to go?
I’ve heard of older cats preferring to use indoor toilet arrangements (who wants to go in the wet and cold?!).
Mine are indoor cats and go out on a harness and lead - they rush back in to use their litter tray!

I think they either like the tray or like to go outside.

Our girl was three when we adopted her, and had previously been an indoor cat. Once we started letting her out she stopped using the tray other than emergencies. A couple of years ago during bad snow she held on rather then use the tray, so eventually DP had to go and dig her a “toilet” and carry her out to it!

We keep a tray in the kitchen where she sleeps at night, and another in the hall. The kitchen one has been used once this year when she had an upset tummy, and was also sick, the hall one not at all.