how do i get my kittens to go to toilet outside?

[tweenyb]

hi i have a cat and 2 kittens and the 1 year old cat has managed to work out going outside to the bathroom. the 2 kittens are 6 months old and cant work this out. they have their litter tray outside but they just come in and meow and then go to toilet where there litter ttray used to be... any advice?

[carolegif]

Try moving the litter tray ouside. You will have to be vigilant with them or they may start going on the floor where the litter tray was!
I have two elderley cats and I have to watch them.

You could also try and catch them when they go to the tray and then put them on the soil outside and they usually get the message.

[tweenyb]

the litter tray is outside already

[woofgang]

take them outside on waking, after food and during play. praise them when they go and give a tiny food treat. cats aren't stupid and they will twig. If they are used to a tray then have one outside but cover it if you leave it out there or the rain will set it solid

[ummmm]

Are you trying to train them to go in your garden or someone elses?? lol

[wolf63]

ummmm - that's the next stage in their training. Cats are clean animals and they will get the hang of it. Even my stupid cat manages to go to the litter tray - most of the time.

[carmalee]

what I have always done is to move the litter tray a very small distance each day until it is finally in the position you want it outside - moving it too quickly and too far at once can cause confusion. If they were my cats I'd bring the tray back inside, leave it in situ for a couple of days then start moving it - slowly.

[ummmm]

When they start going out for longer periods they'll find somewhere to poop...

[Old_Geezer]

In my experience cats are not that clean at all.
They may not mess up their own place, but the neighbours of a pet owner will be finding cat crap on their lawn on a daily basis. Try to train them to sit on your toilet and go.
Anyway if they are shut outside they won't be able to go to an inside location, maybe they'll eventually realise the tray is the 'toilet vacant' sign.

[tweenyb]

they have a cat flp so they can get back in, the kittens are more addicted to wear the litter tray should be than where it is at this point in time... i will try the taking them outside straight after food idea though - thank you

[Andyvon]

I agree with Carmalee tweeny. That's exactly how I trained cats and dogs in the past.

If you put the litter tray back where it was then gradually move it nearer the door or cat flap each day - say 12 inches at a time. When you have reached the door/cat flap leave the litter there for a day or two then put the tray outside the following day. Then watch closely for the animal to look for the litter tray just inside the door. As soon as it does, show the cat the tray outside and encourage it outside if need be. Stay inside and watch the cat use the tray and as soon as they have, encourage them back through the door or flap and make a fuss of them once they are back. They soon learn.

Good luck.

[boxtops]

I'd agree with those who've said put it back, and move it very slowly each day, I've always trained kittens like that. They are great creatures of habit - but they will learn.