Can I train my cat to go outside instead of using a litter box?

That could be tough. You can try taking away the litter box for short periods of time. Make sure he has access to the outside. If everything seems to be going well, gradually length in the amount of time the litter box is removed. Be careful though, he may find another place to go inside the house. You could also try gradually moving the litter box to the door from its current location. And then move the litter box outside the door. Then take it away. Of course he would still need to watched that he is not finding an alternative place to go in the house. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It should be fine if he’s choosing to go outside. I would think you would find urine or feces in the house if he is going indoors. Many cats prefer to go outside and as long as he has the choice to use the litter box I wouldn’t be concerned.

Mother cats usually teach their kittens how to use a litter box by example. So, if she is using the kitten's litter box, she is likely trying to teach them to use it as well. I would not discourage her from using the box as it may cause her or the kittens to start having accidents in the house instead. If you are planning on having the kittens be outdoor cats like their mother, then making sure they are vaccinated and old enough to go outside first is best. They can then follow their mother and explore outside more to learn to do their business outside as well.

Yes, even if a cat spends most of his time outdoors it is a good idea to have a littler box available Incase he has to go while he is indoors. If no box is available he will likely choose a spot which is not desirable! Good luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

I'm sorry to hear that Oliver is not using his litter box appropriately. How frustrating! The first thing you want to do is have your veteriarian rule out a medical problem. If he has inflammation, crystals in the urine or an infection, he will be less likely to use the box. If he has a condition causing him to drink excessive amounts of water, he will urinate more and likely out of the box. If there is not a medical issue, then it is a behavior issue. The first step is to neuter him. You should have a litter box for each cat in the home plus one (2 boxes for 1 cat, 3 boxes for 2 cats, etc). Try adding a box in a new location away from any loud noises (furnace, washer/dryer, etc). You can also try a new litter substrate and see if that helps. I hope this information gives you a starting point. Good luck!

You can use an invisible fence, and there are ones specifically for cats. That would help keep your cat in your yard and out of your neighbor's yard. Other than the other things you have suggested, short of monitoring him every time he goes outside, it will be very difficult to keep him out of their yard. I know you aren't willing to make him indoor only, but that is the only way to keep him out of their yard for sure. I would look into an invisible fence for him.

Start now with closing the cat door at night and keeping Kitter in with a litter box available. After a few days or a week keep him inside only. That way he will adjust before the stress of moving. Most cats naturally use the litter box but you may want to confine him to a smaller area with the box at night when he's in. Use plain litter without fragrance and clean it daily and fully empty it and scrub it with mild dish washing soap weekly. Cats are fussy and if the box is dirty they can start going out of the box. Also pick up bath mats and laundry so he doesn't start urinating on those. He should be fine, most cats adjust well. Make sure you play with him a lot and he may enjoy a cat tree since he is probably used to more exercise when he's outside. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Kitter.