The cat sh@t on the mat.

[Daftasabroom]

We are fostering a cat for a relative who has moved into temporary accommodation (they can't find anywhere to buy). So we've fostered the cat.

How do we get him to use the litter tray not coir matting door mat?

Is it the same litter?
Cam you remove the mat and put a tray in that area?

Lift the mat & put the litter tray there?
It will be a pain to lift it every time you want to use the door but, once the cat is using the tray, you can move it over- a little further each day.

It the tray and the litter the exact type they use at home or do they generally go outside?

Ahh X post

When cats poop near the door it can be a territorial thing - one of mine did it a lot when a neighbouring cat was visiting and fighting mine in the garden.

Can you block the cat’s view to outside to stop him panicking about other cats. Then remove the mat and clean the floor thoroughly, preferably with an anti-fouling spray so that he can’t smell his own scent there anymore.

Thank you for the replies. The mat is full width, like 2m x 1m, country kitchen, so we don't really want a litter tray in the kitchen.

Would you rather have a tray or crap on your mat?

Would you prefer to have cat shit on the kitchen floor? I would put the tray in the kitchen for now and gradually move it.

ha ha cross post

@Daftasabroom

Thank you for the replies. The mat is full width, like 2m x 1m, country kitchen, so we don't really want a litter tray in the kitchen.

Surely a tray is better than cat shit on your floor?

You need to give him time - cats are very territorial and he's been through a big adjustment. New home, new owners and new territory - he's probably stressed and a bit frightened, bless him.

The tray doesn't need to be permanent, you can slowly move it away from the kitchen once the cat is using it regularly.

You also need to make sure the litter tray is the same shape/size/depth as the one he's used to, and that the litter is the same. Some cats are super fussy and will only use certain types of litters and trays.