AndreaT Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 So I finally gave in and added a new kitten to the household! He's now 6 months old and going outside as and when he pleases using the catflap. My question is how do I get him to stop using the litter tray? I was hoping he'd follow the other cats lead but he was just coming back in to use it and then going outside again I've now moved the tray outside permanently but he's still using it. I've had cats for years but they've always arrived as adults so this is all new to me! Of course I wouldn't dare and not add some pics so here's Artemis At 9 weeks just after he arrived Meeting the chickens for the first time And now at 6 months, a little big bigger and still some growing to do! He's not as grumpy as he looks in this pic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 He is gorgeous! I am not sure what to suggest. I know our recent addition used the litter tray for ages when we got her, but I think she just stopped using it. Once I was confident she no longer needed it I just took it away. Of course this happened when we bought a huge amount of cat litter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Artemis is beautiful and I love the name, no advice I am afraid. I have a cat who is just over a year old and does the same thing, goes outside then comes in for the tray, although he is doing it less often now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 You've already moved it outside - I'd move it nearer to the garden in gradual stages, put it on the earth and then finally sprinkle a bit of litter on the earth so he gets the idea - it's a slow process, but I've done this successfully in the past. Much as I hate it, I'm actually contemplating keeping the litter tray in use after this winter because I'm fed up with digging cat poo out of the borders. Only one of my cats uses it, the other clearly thinks the very idea of an indoor toilet is outrageous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 I wouldn't worry to much as they tend to start to prefer going outside as the grow older. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 It depends very much on the weather with mine. They tend to use the outdoor 'loo' in the spring and summer but always want the litter tray when it's snowy- or pouring with rain outside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaT Posted March 19, 2014 Author Share Posted March 19, 2014 Thanks for the advice all. I'll keep persevering with it outside, one of my other cats is very lazy and I'm sure she doesn't leave the house when the trays inside! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 As well as moving the tray slowly towards the garden, you could try gradually reducing the amount of litter in it, till it's just the tray. As he gets more confident and it gets less attractive, nature should take its course - should. He really is gorgeous, isn't he ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
