Why It’s Important to Litter Train Outdoor Cats
Having your outdoor cat use a litter box is important for several reasons:
- It keeps your yard and garden areas cleaner and free of cat waste. Cat feces can contain parasites and bacteria that are harmful to humans and other pets.
- It protects local water sources from contamination with cat waste that can run off during rainfalls. Many municipalities prohibit cat waste from entering storm drains.
- It prevents complaints from neighbors about cat waste in their yards. This keeps your outdoor cat safer and less likely to go missing.
- It provides your cat with a designated bathroom area for comfort and health. Like any animal, cats like and need a regular toilet area.
Choosing an Ideal Location
When selecting a spot for the outdoor litter box, consider these factors:
- Pick a quiet, low-traffic area of your yard, away from noisy equipment and household activities that could scare your cat.
- The area should be semi-sheltered from rain and wind, such as under an overhang or porch. A covered litter box is ideal.
- Choose a site that is easy for you to access for regular cleaning. Near the house is best, but out of direct view.
- Some cats prefer soft earth or sandy soils to do their business. You can create a designated digging area filled with this type of soil.
- Avoid areas near where children play or food is prepared to prevent contamination.
Selecting the Right Litter Box
The type of outdoor litter box you choose can make a difference in whether your cat uses it consistently. Here are some litter box tips:
- Opt for a covered box to provide privacy and protection from outdoor elements.
- Use a plastic tub or storage container (at least 24 inches long) with a cut out entrance. This allows litter containment.
- The box should be large enough for the cat to turn around and dig in. Add a layer of pea gravel or wood pellets for drainage under the litter.
- Do not use clumping clay litter for outdoor boxes because moisture will turn it to concrete. Use pine or wheat litters made for outdoor use instead.
- Scoop solids and refresh litter daily just as with indoor boxes. Wash the box weekly with soap and water.
Litter Training Tips and Tricks
Follow these guidelines to teach your outdoor cat to use its litter box:
- Start training with confinement by keeping the cat in a large dog crate on the porch or in the garage with its food, bed and litter box.
- Place the outdoor litter box in the planned spot. Put a bit of used litter in it from an indoor box so the scent is familiar.
- Keep the cat confined with access to the outdoor box for 1-2 weeks so it adapts to using it.
- After confinement, leash walk your cat to show it the outdoor box location. Give treats when it uses the box.
- Try luring your cat with treats to hop in the outdoor box and reward it for doing its business there.
- Use cat repellents or blocking access to deter pottying in unwanted garden and sandbox areas.
- If accidents occur, clean thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner and place feces in the litter box so the cat associates its smell with the appropriate location.
- Be patient and consistent. It may take weeks or months for some cats to solely use their outdoor litter area.
Troubleshooting Outdoor Litter Box Problems
If your outdoor cat refuses to use its litter box, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Rule out medical issues by having your vet examine the cat for urinary or bowel conditions.
- Try different types of litter to find one the cat likes. Use dirt or sand if the cat prefers natural substrate.
- Add more boxes around the yard in case one is not enough or the location is unsuitable.
- Clean the box more frequently and change out litter to remove offending odors.
- Use deterrents like cayenne pepper or orange citrus peels around unwanted elimination areas.
- Restrict access to problem areas until the cat is reliably using its box.
- Consider moving the outdoor box closer to the house for easier access.
- Make sure the box is in a quiet area away from loud noises and activity that could startle the cat.
With time, your outdoor cat can be litter box trained using positive reinforcement and by ensuring the box meets its preferences. Be consistent and reward successes to help establish this important habit for a cleaner, healthier yard environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to litter train an outdoor cat?
It typically takes 2-3 weeks of consistency and positive reinforcement to litter train an outdoor cat, though some may take longer than others to develop the habit. The more consistent you are with rewards and corrections, the faster the training will go.
What if my outdoor cat stops using its litter box?
If a previously trained outdoor cat stops using its box, it likely means something has changed to deter the cat. Evaluate if the box is in an unsuitable location, too dirty, the wrong type of litter, or if there is a medical issue causing discomfort. Also ensure stray cats aren’t intimidating your cat from using its box.
Where should I put the litter box if I have a small yard?
Try tucking the litter box in an out of the way spot like under bushes, a table, or beneath a stairway. The box should be semi-secluded but still easily accessed by your cat. You can also build a small covered litter box enclosure.
What can I use if I don’t want to buy litter?
Cheap litter alternatives include sand, pea gravel, wood stove pellets, or shredded paper. The key is using something that absorbs odors and allows drainage underneath. Dirt alone is not very absorbent.
Should I punish my cat for accidents outside the litter box?
No, punishment or yelling will not help train the cat. It will just become afraid and more likely to hide when eliminating. Instead gently interrupt the accident, then redirect the cat to the box and praise when they use it correctly.
Final Thoughts
Litter training an outdoor cat reaps big rewards in terms of cleanliness, health, and harmony with neighbors. While challenging at first, most cats can learn to use an outdoor box with the proper setup, rewards for successes, and deterrents for accidents. Be patient, provide multiple boxes, and use litter that the cat likes. With time, your outdoor cat will seek out its special bathroom spot and keep your yard feces free!