Getting My Cat To Use A Litter Tray

[GetOverIt]

My middle aged cat has never used a litter tray. She had an op to remove an abdominal tumour yesterday and I can't let her out.

I've put three litter trays around the house but she's ignoring them all. I wouldn't even mind if she weed anywhere around the house until she's well enough to go outside, but I feel she's desperate to go but so well trained and clean that she won't go at all.

Is there anything I can do to encourage her to use them?

Plus any idea how long I should wait to get her go out for a little while? I'm sure she would run right back in again. She's seeing the vet tomorrow for a post op check.

[AlwaysConfused]

Pop your cat in the tray every 20 minutes or so. She will eventually go whilst there. When she manages it, reward her with a treat or a toy - she'll quickly get the message

[GetOverIt]

Thanks AlwaysConfused, I'll keep trying - hopefully she'll get the message. I'm hoping the vet gives her the all clear to go out again tomorrow.

[jakep]

If she usually 'goes' outside, put some soil in with the cat litter and she should recognise that it's ok to use. I wish her a speedy recovery.

[pastafreak]

Along with the soil,could you pop the tray just outside the door? If she's just had surgery,she won't dash off,and having the tray just outside...even if only once...may encourage her.

[GetOverIt]

Great idea about the soil JakeP, I will try that.

Pastafreak - thanks for your answer, but even though she's just post surgery, she's got a lot of life in her - and I'm afraid she'd be off like a flash - running through my overgrown rose bushes. She had major abdo surgery for a large tumour, and I'll have to coddle her for now.

[chaptazbru2]

It may be too late now, but what about a cat harness and lead and walk her around the garden ?