How do I retrain my adult cat to use the litter box?

Question

Hello,
I am wondering if anyone could help me please. My cat was an outdoor/indoor cat up until about 2 weeks ago, he got into a bad cat/animal fight and was severely wounded with a high fever and had to stay in the hospital for 6 days. He was also neutered during his stay.
Now that he's home I've decided to make him a stricly indoors cat from now on, especially since his bandages need changed regularly. The only problem is he used to always meow when he had to go and I would let him outside. He has been inside since he got home and I cannot for the life of me get him to go in his box. I've tried several different boxes in different areas, different kinds of litters (Pine,Clumping, etc), putting the poop in the box after he's had an accident didn't work either. I even put the box over the place he pooped with the feces in it and he still went behind the fridge. Grrr......
So I did a little research and tried to confine him to an area, since I don't have one I put him in my dogs crate (which is more than big enough since the dog is 120 lbs) with the litter at one end and his food and water at another and locking him up when I left or slept, nothing....Even locking him up all the time....nothing.
I tried to put catnip in the boxes and he didn't even care. I always praise him when he's in the box too. And I never scold him when he's near his litter.
Sorry this is soooo long but I am soooooooooooooo frustrated, he has urinated on the stairs and my closet and I am sick of mopping. I love him to pieces and I am willing to do whatever it takes. He used to use his box a few years ago when I lived in the city and he learned that right away. I am ready to literally pull my hair out!!!!!!!!!!!I GREATLY appreciate any advice someone has to offer. Thanks.

Answer 1

I recently had a similar problem, and had to keep my outdoor cat indoors after medical attention. I had good luck with confining him to one room, with nothing on the floor that he might want to pee on except for the pan. I also gathered some dried leaves from a part of the yard where he likes to hang out and put them on top of the litter. He'd never used a pan before, but adapted pretty quickly. He did go on the floor once, but he was in there for three weeks, so that seems like a pretty good average.

I don't think a dog crate is a big enough space for an outdoor cat. Confinement in general is stressful for him, but a small space that is obviously a cage (plus, smells like another animal) will probably encourage him to rebel more. I would strongly recommend a larger space, so he can have a little variety in his day and keep himself a little more occupied.

I should note that I was unable to turn my cat into an indoor. Once I was ready to let him out of the room, he never stopped asking to go outside, and became really aggressive towards my other cats. He just didn't have an outlet for his energy, so I had to give in and let him return to his old habits. Good luck with yours, but remember that instincts are impossible for him to ignore.

Answer 2

Clean the litter box daily, empty it completely up to twice a week certainly at least once a week, and make sure the littler box is easy for the cat to access. Especially if they are infirm.

Cats like privacy too, so it should be in a place it is not afraid that the dog it going to corner or jump/ambush it. At least not while it is going.

There is also a spray called "Indoor NO". You have to condition the cat to know that when it smells that spray, it should stay away from it - it will not be automatic. But that might keep the cat away from where you do not want it to go.

The cat might have a bladder infection or other condition too. You should bring this behavior up with your vet. Call them on the phone. They might be able to recommend some things to try before your next visit to them rolls around. And, if those things do not work, they might want to run some tests.

Answer 3

Okay, he is a STUBBORN kitty. Don't discount the possibility that he's mad at you for not letting him out, so he's acting out by "going" where he shouldn't.
Normally, if you can confine a cat to a small room with his food/water somewhat near his litter box, they WILL use the box just because they want to cover their waste as much as possible due to the proximity to their food. (They think "yuck", too.)
You could try switching litters again - he may be used to dirt or sand - but just keep trying. He'll get it again eventually. Try putting him in the box a little while after a feeding. If you can catch him going elsewhere, grab him and put him in the box, then praise him. Some combination of the suggestions you've received are bound to work. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

Hmmm...this is unusual because most cats will find the litter box and go in it...it is a natural instinct for them to dig and cover their "doody". But, your cat seems to be confused about where it should go. I say keep doing what you are doing! Be persistent. Definitely lock him in the kennel while you are gone...with the litter box. You can't have him running all over the house going wherever. When you are home, let him out and watch him like a hawk. If he looks like he is trying to find a place to do his business then pick him up and put him in the box. If he does go somewhere else, bring him to his "package" and scold him and then go put him in his box.
I know what it's like to have a pet you will do anything for!! Keep up the good work and he will turn around! Good luck!

Answer 5

you said you put the poo in the box but did you put him in with it? it is actually better to put the paper towels you clean up the pee with. he will smell his own scent on them and if you do it every time he should eventually catch on right now he is probably rebelling against his new situation and as he sees it his loss of freedom even if it is for his own good. animals are much like kids and this is a battle of wills you must win just be consistant and you should

Answer 6

I know it is hard to retrain and if he doesn't get it do what i did put him on a run when he wants to go out he may just feel better and more at home then in a box

Answer 7

Im not reading all that

Answer 8

TELL HIM THERE FOOD IN FOR HIM .