Help, outdoor cat suddenly scared of garden

[beeswain]

Hi all. Our cat has always been an outdoor cat and never used a litter tray. For the past 3 days she has toileted indoors in the bathroom. She seems scared to ho outside, I suspect a new intruder. Not sure how to manage as we have had other random cats in and out of the garden which hasn't bothered her.
For now I have bought a litter tray but I feel so sad she is scared.
Any idea how I can help her get outside again? I'm hoping the litter tray is just short term.

*title edited by MNHQ at OP's request.

If she feels safer inside then that's just the way it is.

All cats should have access to a clean, safe space to go to the toilet.

Thanks, and yes, I have bought a litter tray. She used to spend most of her day outside, I feel sad that she doesn't feel she can do that anymore and would hate if doesn't never went out again. Perhaps I should edit title, I can manage the toileting, just not her being scared to go out

I agree it sounds like a new cat in the neighbourhood who has gone for her. Things MAY settle down in time, and she might want to go out if escorted by you while she gets over her fright. But long term you could consider cat proofing the garden, or building a catio for her?

I like the idea of a catio as a PP said but obviously that depends on your set up / house layout. I think initially just let her lead. Don't force her outside or lock her outside. If you can leave the door open (although not the best weather for it!!) then she can venture out if she feels she wants to but can quickly get back in if she's scared.

What a shame for her.

How old is she? Lots of cats prefer to be indoors as they age, especially when it's so cold and damp outside.

New cat on the block.

Or does one of your neighbours have a new dog? One of our cats is terrified of barking dogs and will come running in at high speed.

Thanks, I'll keep her in for a few days and then see how she feels about going out. It's difficult to cat proof the garden as it's a corner house with a drive. It does seem to be fear of a particular area.

All of ours have been like this as they reach mid to late teens, even to the extent of coming in from outside to wee in the litter box and then go back outside again

One of ours has also developed a fear of going outside if we are not also outside but my neighbour thought she might have encountered a badger (we are very rural). She's slowly getting more adventurous but far from normal, has been vet checked and nothing obvious. There are other cats around too and she has always been the feisty one, I've put it down to her getting older and no longer queen bee!

Could you have a fox visiting the garden?

Agee, could be a fox although our (previously feisty) girl always terrorised the foxes even though she is teeny tiny