Year old cat refusing litter tray

[Anytimeiseeit]

The cat stayed in the house until he had his op so was well used to using the litter tray and we had no probs with this. He’s been going out for about 6 months now and rarely uses the tray as he must be going outside somewhere. He has been using tray for wees and an occasional poo but not much.
One night this week he was crying in the night to go out, I guessed he needed a poo, after lots of crying he eventually used the tray. Next night, same thing, except we then found his poo behind furniture in the living room.
Any ideas why he would hate the tray so much??

He might prefer outside or you’ve changed litters and he hates his new litter.

My macho Bengal had very feminine tastes in litter & was not afraid to wee on the splash back if unhappy with his facilities.

I haven’t changed the litter. I think it must be because he’s just not used to using it anymore and prefers to go outside. I won’t let him out in the middle of the night though. He needs to ensure his bowel movements are all in the day when he’s out! It’s worrying though, I can’t keep cleaning cat poo off the carpet in the morning