ive just had a cat flap put in how do i get my cats to go out side insteed of them using their cat tray?

Answer 1

Put the tray outside of course.

Answer 2

First you need to get the cats to go through the flap. One way is to keep the flap open, so the cats see it is a passage. Once they know they can get through, once the flap is down, they will usually make a determined effort to push the flap. If not, flap back up. Patience is important here.

As to make them go outside, cats usually prefer the surface they are used to (like what your using in the tray). So put some of that in the garden (or wherever you want them to go). Once outside, the cats will recognise it, and that might be enough. Then over time slowly decrease the amount, and by then they'll keep using outside. Other tricks, bit of bleach (outside), or delayed cleaning of the tray (some cats love a fresh tray, or detest a non clean one).

Answer 3

Hello There!

Take some dirty litter and put it in a place in your yard where you would like them to "Go". They will figure this out fast. And put the litter pan somewhere they can not get to during the day. You might want to clear out the counter under the bathroom sink and put the litter pan in there. Then in the day, when the flap is accessible to them, close the doors to the cupboard.

You might find that they will eventually prefer to "go" outside. When you take some litter outside, make sure it is dirty, and also make sure that you have brought the cats to the spot where you put the dirty litter in and let them smell that this is now a 'new spot' for them. You may have to do this a few times. And don't be upset if they find their own spot to go. If you can accommodate their choice, it will be that much easier.

Good Luck!

Connie

Answer 4

If they have not yet used the cat flap, prop it open and leave the cat tray on the other side in view. Cover the plant pots with a bit of wire mesh or similar if you have that problem.

Answer 5

Gradually move the litter tray closer to the cat flap, then eventuall put it outside.If you want to get rid of the tray altogether then also provide an area in the garden that is easy for them to scrape about in, a freshly dug patch of soil.

Answer 6

Put the tray outside and throw the cat out with it, that way the cat only comes IN, eventually it will go OUT to find its tray

Answer 7

When we had that done, we just propped the flap open. Cat spotted it within seconds & went out through it. Next day we left the flap shut & she immediately shoved it open, went out & came back the same way. Not slow on the uptake, that's for sure! And she thereafter abandoned the litter tray.

Seems to me that, given the choice, cats prefer not to c rap on the premises.

Answer 8

When i had my flap put in, i left the litterbox in its usuall place, after a short time i found that neither of my cats were using the litterbox. I no longer have a litterbox as they always go outside. Its a natural thing for them to do and its just takes time. Good luck.

Answer 9

Slowly (over the course of several days) move the catbox from its current location to right next to the catbox. (Hopefully your furry friends will follow it when the need strikes...). Then [when someone is in the house] put the catbox just outside the door and prop the catflap open. They will soon get the idea. Then to get them comfortable with pushing the little door open themselves, sit outside with some treats, swing the flap open, and lure them through. (You may need to do this in both directions... cats can be very suspicious!)

Best wishes!

Answer 10

Most people have a litterbox inside too.

Unless you live in a really quiet area you are best to keep the cats in at night as that is when there are drunk drivers around and cats are least visible.