How to Litterbox Train an Outdoor Cat

Training an outdoor cat to use a litterbox can seem daunting, but it is possible with patience and consistency. Cats are creatures of habit, so establishing a regular routine is key to litterbox training success. With the right techniques and tools, you can teach even the most stubborn outdoor cat to do their business indoors.

Why Litterbox Train an Outdoor Cat?

There are many benefits to litterbox training an outdoor cat:

• Keeps your yard clean – Outdoor cats tend to defecate wherever they please, leaving smelly surprises in your garden and landscaping. Litterbox training contains the mess to one convenient location.
• Protects native wildlife – Outdoor cats are skilled hunters and often kill birds, lizards, and other native fauna for sport. Litterbox training keeps your cat indoors and away from local ecosystems.
• Prevents cat fights – Unfixed outdoor cats often get into fights over territory, risks of injury from cars, other animals, and contagious diseases. Litterbox training avoids these hazards.
• Monitors health – It’s easier to monitor an indoor cat’s health, notice issues early, and provide prompt medical care. Vet care improves life expectancy.
• Protects against hazards – Outdoor cats face many perils, from cars, dogs, wild animals, cruel people, contagious diseases, etc. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives.
• Complies with ordinances – Many neighborhoods prohibit free-roaming cats. Indoor cats comply with leash laws and avoid potential fines or penalties.

The benefits strongly favor litterbox training your outdoor cat. The key is doing it in a gradual, positive manner that sets your cat up for success.

Litterbox Training Tips for Outdoor Cats

Litterbox training an outdoor cat takes time and consistency. Here are some top tips:

1. Choose an Appropriate Litterbox

Select a litterbox that suits your cat’s needs:

• Size – It should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat. Large boxes allow scratching and digging.
• Depth – Shallow boxes make it hard to cover waste. Aim for at least 2 inches deep. High-sided litterboxes also prevent spills.
• Location – Find a low traffic, peaceful spot your cat can access easily. Avoid loud appliances.
• Type – Hooded boxes offer privacy. Top entry boxes prevent dogs from eating cat poop. Self-cleaning boxes simplify maintenance.

Provide at least one litterbox per cat, plus one extra. This prevents territorial issues and accidents. Place boxes in multiple areas your cat frequents.

2. Use the Proper Litter Type

Not all litters are equal. Stick to these characteristics:

• Unscented – Cats dislike perfumes or aromas. Scent-free clumping litter is ideal.
• Fine texture – Larger pieces are uncomfortable on paws. Aim for a finer, sandy consistency.
• Dust-free – Excess dust makes cats sneeze. Low tracking formulas minimize mess.

Avoid scented, crystalline, pellet, newspaper, or homemade litters. Stick with reputable clumping cat litter brands designed to attract cats.

3. Maintain Litterboxes Diligently

Scoop waste and refresh litter daily. Empty boxes completely every 1-2 weeks. Thoroughly wash boxes monthly using mild soap and hot water.

Cats dislike dirty boxes and may start avoiding messy litter. Stay on top of maintenance to encourage regular usage.

4. Use Litterbox Attractants

Some cats need extra coaxing. Litterbox attractants like catnip make using the box more enticing. Just sprinkle some in the clean litter to motivate your cat.

5. Restrict Access Outside

Prevent your cat from leaving the house unsupervised. This avoids reinforcement of outdoor elimination habits. Use screens, catios, leashes or other barriers.

For garage cats, install a cat door so they can come and go while keeping outdoors off-limits. Close the garage door when away.

6. Confine Your Cat Initially

When first training, confine your cat to a single room with food, water, toys, resting spots and the litterbox. This helps establish regular box use before giving full house access.

Use baby gates, closable doors or an exercise pen to restrict areas. Do this for 1-2 weeks until your cat is regularly using the litterbox.

7. Avoid Scaring Your Cat

Don’t ever discipline or scold a cat for accidents. This can instill fear and worsen issues. Clean all accidents thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner to remove odors.

8. Make Indoors Appealing

Give your cat plenty of toys, climbing structures, cozy beds and interactive playtime. Keep food and water bowls filled. Make indoors an enriching environment they want to stay in.

The more rewarding you make inside, the less likely your cat is to want to slip out. Outdoor cats often wander when bored indoors. Give them stimulating activities.

9. Use Litterbox Encouragement

Place your cat in the litterbox after meals, when waking and before bed. Cats typically toilet shortly after eating or sleeping. Preemptively put them in the box.

You can also move any waste your cat does outside into the litterbox. This reminds them where waste belongs. Immediately praise and reward your cat anytime they use the litterbox.

Be extremely consistent with this routine, especially for the first few weeks. This develops long-term litterbox habits.

10. See Your Veterinarian

In rare cases, inappropriate elimination may signal an underlying medical issue like urinary problems or arthritis. Consult a vet to rule out health conditions.

Common Litterbox Training Problems and Solutions

Not every cat readily takes to litterbox training, especially outdoor cats accustomed to roaming freely. Here are solutions to common challenges:

Problem: My cat defecates right outside the litterbox

Solution: Lower box sides, use a bigger box, add more boxes, or try different litter textures. Minimize litter tracking. Clean more frequently.

Problem: My cat urinates on rugs and bedding

Solution: Scoop daily and change litter completely weekly. Use odor-eliminating cleaners on accidents. Restrict access if needed. Add more litterboxes.

Problem: My cat refused to use the litterbox at all

Solution: Rule out medical issues. Improve litterbox appeal and access. Restrict areas and confine your cat initially. Increase rewards and encouragement for using the box. Never punish accidents.

Problem: My cat goes when I’m not at home

Solution: Set up a camera to identify problem times. Schedule more play, feeding and litterbox use before departures. Limit access to undesired rooms. Increase litterbox number and accessibility.

Problem: My cat scratches and kicks litter out of the box

Solution: Try lower-sided, top entry, or hooded litterboxes. Use mats to corral scattered litter. Keep nails trimmed. Add a scratching post near the litterbox.

Problem: My dog keeps eating the cat poop from the litterbox

Solution: Use covered litterboxes the dog can’t access. Place boxes in spots the dog can’t get to. Keep dogs out of rooms with litterboxes. Train “Leave it” command.

Troubleshooting and experimenting with different training tactics is normal. Stay patient and consistent. Negative reinforcement never helps. If an issue persists, always consult your veterinarian.

Setting Your Cat Up for Litterbox Success

With the right tools and techniques, litter training your outdoor cat is completely achievable:

• Use enticing, cat-friendly litter – Quality clumping litter makes the experience pleasant. Cat Attract litter has proven herbal attractants.
• Buy the ideal litterbox setup – Get the right box, with optimal depth and high sides. Place it in an easily accessed, peaceful location.
• Prevent accidents – Restrict indoor access and confine your cat initially. Use repellents on problem areas. Keep outside off-limits.
• Clean diligently – Scoop waste daily, refresh litter weekly, and wash boxes monthly. Stay on top of it.
• Motivate regularly – Preemptively put your cat in the box often. Immediately reward every success. Use catnip or treats as bait.
• Make indoors exciting – Give your cat climbing trees, catios, toys and activities so inside seems appealing.
• Be patient – It takes 4-8 weeks to fully litter train typically. Persist with consistency using positive reinforcement. Never scold accidents.

Proper preparation prevents problems down the road. Invest in quality litter and boxes, cat-proof your home, motivate repeatedly, and stick to the routine. Eventually your outdoor cat will get comfortable doing their business inside.

Some cats take longer than others, especially if they are older or set in their ways. But with time, even the most stubborn cat usually adapts. Stay positive, consistent and patient for best litter training results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Litter training a cat comes with many common questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q: How long does it take to litterbox train an outdoor cat?

A: It typically takes 4-8 weeks for an outdoor cat to adjust to consistent indoor litterbox use. Very habituated outdoor cats can take 2-3 months. Stay diligent and patient.

Q: Can older outdoor cats be litterbox trained?

A: Yes, cats of any age can be trained, though very senior cats may take longer to adjust. Use extra encouragement and limit access until consistent.

Q: Should I use cat litter with attractants?

A: Yes, cat-attracting litters like Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract can entice reluctant cats to use the litterbox. The herbal scents pique curiosity.

Q: How many litterboxes do outdoor cats need?

A: Provide at least one more litterbox than you have cats – so 2 cats = 3 boxes. More is better, in different locations your cat frequents.

Q: Where should I put the litterbox for an outdoor cat?

A: Pick a spot that’s easily accessed, private, and away from noisy appliances and high traffic areas. Near the door they use to come inside is ideal.

Q: Can I litter train a stray cat that lives outdoors?

A: It is very difficult to fully litter train a stray or feral cat. We recommend working with a TNR program to spay/neuter and provide outdoor shelters instead of trying to tame an adult stray.

Q: What if my cat keeps having accidents?

A: Rule out medical issues first. Otherwise, improve litterbox conditions, confine your cat again, restrict access to problem areas, use repellents, and remove any lingering odors using enzyme cleaners.

Q: Why does my cat kick litter out of the box?

A: This is normal cat behavior, but can be minimized by trimming claws regularly, using lower-sided boxes, adding mats for stray litter, and cleaning boxes more frequently.

Consistency and patience are essential when training outdoor cats to use the litterbox. Provide the tools they need to succeed, motivate positive behavior, and try to troubleshoot issues as they arise using humane techniques. With time, even the most stubborn cat will usually come around.

Training a Litterbox Avoiding Cat

Some cats seem nearly impossible to litter train. They perpetually avoid the litterbox no matter what you try. Here are tips for training the most stubborn, litterbox avoiding cats:

Understand Root Causes

Litterbox avoidance almost always has an underlying cause:

• Dislike of litter – Cats are picky about litter texture, scent, dust, etc. Improper litter is a top reason cats avoid the box.
• Dirty conditions – When litter gets smelly or boxes overflow, cats look for cleaner places to go. Stay on top of scooping and litter changes.
• Stress – Changes, new cats, construction, etc. can cause a cat to stop using their box due to stress. Try calming remedies.
• Preference – Some cats pick favorite surfaces like rugs or tubs. Make the box more enticing and restrict access to preferred areas.
• Marking – Urine marking is territorial, not elimination related. Neutering and adding more boxes can help curb marking.
• Health issues – Urinary disorders, arthritis, digestive issues and more can lead to litterbox problems. See a vet.
• Aversion – Past startles, discomfort, or forced use of litterbox can instill long-term avoidance. Rebuild positive associations.

Proper troubleshooting allows you to pinpoint the reason and customize training methods accordingly. Never assume a cat is misbehaving out of spite or stubbornness. Their avoidance communicates an underlying problem.

Start Litterbox Re-Training

For a stubborn avoider, go back to basics:

• Switch to new, ultra-enticing clumping litter they can’t resist. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract is excellent.
• Deep clean all boxes to remove every trace of odor. Replace boxes if needed.
• Restrict access by confining your cat to one room with food, bed, toys, and fresh litterbox.
• Prevent sneaking outdoors. Supervise directly if needed. Keep windows closed.
• Set up cameras to monitor behavior and identify elimination spots when away. Look for patterns.
• Clean all accident areas thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners like Nature’s Miracle to remove odors.
• Add more litterbox options – uncovered, top entry, hooded, big tray, etc. Offer variety.
• Increase litterboxes to number of cats PLUS 2. Cats want options.
• Try different litters in each box – clumping, pine pellets, cristalline, etc. See what appeals most.

Go back to square one as if initially training a kitten. Frequently confine and directly re-introduce your cat to the litterbox. Make it the only appealing option, and heavily reward every success.

Be Patient and Consistent

Some litterbox training, especially re-training, takes weeks or months:

• Don’t expect overnight success. These are ingrained habits requiring prolonged effort.
• Try different tactics for 1-2 weeks before switching. Quick changes confuse cats.
• Note improvements and setbacks to identify what works best. Customize the approach.
• If accidents occur, don’t scold or punish. Just thoroughly clean and remove enticing odors.
• Eventually give more freedom. If accidents recur, temporaily re-confine.
• Use calming aids like Feliway diffusers to lower stress during re-training.
• Touch base with your vet to rule out underlying health issues.

Persistence and consistency are key. Restrict, motivate and reward, troubleshoot issues, and be as patient as required. Don’t give up even if training seems to take forever.

When to Call The Vet

If you’ve tried all the above with no improvement, or if signs like frequent straining, blood, or discomfort occur, consult your vet promptly. Difficult litterbox training can signal:

• Bladder infection
• Bladder or kidney stones
• Crystals or urethral blockage
• Arthritis or joint pain
• Obesity making litterbox access tough
• Dental disease causing eliminating avoidance
• Digestive conditions like IBS

Don’t delay. Call your vet to discuss difficult litterbox avoidance that perseveres despite all training tactics. Some underlying medical conditions require urgent treatment.

Re-training cats who have long avoided the litterbox calls for extreme diligence from owners. Expect the process to take at least 2-3 times longer than initial training. But with the right motivation tools, restricting tactics, immense patience and TLC, even cats with engrained avoidance behaviors usually come around in time.

Teaching Your Cat to Use The Toilet

Believe it or not, many cat owners successfully potty train their cats to use a human toilet! While extremely convenient, this process has considerable challenges:

Pros of Toilet Training:

• Never scooping litter again
• Reduces mess and tracking
• Saves money on litter long-term
• More space without litterbox
• Cool party trick for your cat!

Cons of Toilet Training:

• Extreme difficulty – Only 10% of cats fully toilet train
• Risk of accidents and messes
• Some cats fall into the toilet (keep seat down!)
• Need to accommodate guests’ use of bathroom
• Travel and boarding difficulties
• Abandoning litterbox may be impossible

While intriguing, toilet training has far more cons than pros for most owners. It also takes months of extreme diligence for even partial training.

Toilet Training Steps

For owners fully committed to attempting toilet training, follow these steps:

1. Choose a dedicated bathroom and affix a stool to the base of the toilet.
2. Introduce your cat to the toilet area and reward them for any interest.
3. After interest is shown, place your cat on the stool and toilet seat and immediately reward.
4. Once they reliably use the stool and seat on their own, remove the center from the litterbox, placing some litter around toilet seat.
5. When your cat uses the toilet area consistently, remove the litter seat and just reward for toilet use.
6. Finally, remove the stool entirely once they reliably jump up unaided.

This toilet training system takes months before cats use the toilet completely independently. Some cats ultimately refuse or regress. It requires extreme supervision, positive reinforcement, patience, and gradual acclimation.

Maintaining Litterbox Access

Most experts recommend always keeping the original litterbox available even after toilet training:

• Cats may abandon the toilet during travel, vet visits, or stress.
• Severe medical issues may prevent toilet use. Litter provides an alternative.
• Arthritic or aging cats may have difficulty