just when im asking about cats??

Question

our other cat was a stray cat that we have been feeding for about seven years now, we call him felix, he used to come to the back door rain or snow and wait to i left him out his food and then disapear again. we have patched him up,ears cut dropped flea drops on him, over the years but about two months ago he dissapeared for a week, when he turned up he was in a really bad way, cut to bits eye swollen skinny so we rushed him to the vets, a week later, £150 later, had to have his eye removed, had to keep in in our shed, or should i say cat pad. for a month to heal, he now lives with us and is a very very happy fat cat, thing is he now thinks he has to come indoors to use the litter tray to go to the loo, and then gos out on his mary way, whats happened our stray cat? we love him to bits now thou, and so happy he has decided to stay with all of us, two cats. two cocker spanials and the fish.

sorry not to make it clear, he can come in when ever he wants, we love him to bits, i only wanted to know why is he only coming in to the house to use the litter tray, when he used to go outside all the time.

Answer 1

There could be a couple of reasons why he prefers to use a litter tray.

1) Sounds like he was in a serious cat fight recently and he may be too afraid to go to the toilet outside. After all, cats are at their most vulnerable when squatting.
2) Unless performed for territory marking purposes, cats bury their faeces and usually go looking for nice soft soil to use as their toilet area. This is why they are tempted to use well tended gardens, because the soil is better quality and more tempting to them. Cat litter is an acceptable alternative to them as it's easy to dig holes so they can bury their waste.

All of my previous cats who were allowed outside, used to nip back indoors to use the litter tray. As they were kept indoors overnight it also made sense for them to have a tray available to them.

Thank you so much for giving a stray cat the chance to know what it is to have a loving home - he will be eternally grateful to you.

Answer 2

It's great you've taken care of Felix. But if you're willing to spend a lot of money on him, then do what's really best for him. Take him inside and keep him there. As you've clearly seen by now, outdoor cats have it really rough. They fight, they get attacked by dogs and other predators (coyotes, foxes, and raccoons are happy to make meals of them), and they are constantly exposed to some really horrible diseases. Not to mention cars. And Felix is now at greater risk because he has lost an eye. Outdoor cats live less than 5 years, while indoor only cats live more than 15. If you like this guy well enough to care for him, take him inside. Keep him in a room where he can't dash out the front door when people come and go. He's litter trained, so he'll use the litter box. He'll complain about it for awhile, but he will get used to it, and you'll get to keep him happy and healthy for a long time.

Answer 3

Sometimes cats prefer to use the litter tray. Minx is the same, she'll spend a lot of time outside, but will come inside to use the litter tray, she's been like that since she had kittens and had to stay inside to be with them and hasn't seem to stop. Hopefully when the kitten is old enough and goes out to use the toilet I'll be able to get rid of litter tray and Minx will go back to going outside.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Sounds like he was attacked either when going to the loo, or when he was off guard. He feels safe in the house so he uses the tray where he`ll be safe. Didn't you say he`s lost an eye? Yet again it`s because he gets stressed at trying to stay vigilant when on the loo.Animals are very vulnerable (as are we) when we go for loo breaks! Or maybe a mix of the previous and his age? Older cats prefer litter trays...

Answer 5

Aw, that's a great story - glad it had a happy ending! Maybe in his mind it means that he really is living with you - who knows what cats are thinking! My late cats mother used to do the same - she spent most of the day outside and came in to use the litter tray. Mental!!! Then again, cats are a law unto themselves!

Answer 6

I'm not sure I fully understand your question but it sounds as though Felix has accepted you as family which is why he has chosen to use the litter tray you provide as opposed to the great outdoors. And it also sounds as though he's getting on in years and may be preparing for his final exit, as most cats will make prolonged absences from "their family" do toward their end. Take some comfort that he still comes to you for the basic ammenities. Stray cats usually fend for themselves and show no gratitude whatsoever. Using your litter tray is, gross as it may sound, is a high compliment. It is very hard for stray cats to assimilate into domesticated life. They are accustomed to fending for themselves and do not, as a rule, allow themselves to become close to other humans or their surroundings.

Answer 7

My cat isn't a stray or ex-stray. He spends hours outside and then comes in and uses his litter tray. Maybe it's a territorial thing but I can't break him of the habit.

Answer 8

What are you asking? Why doesn't he stay outside? You cared enough to take him to the vet, he's not stupid, he knows the other pets are inside, why can't he come inside when he wants? I started feeding a stray cat, then adopted her, had her spayed, and she's part of the family.

Answer 9

Interesting. He must enjoy the box a lot to prefer it to the outdoors! Maybe he feels safer inside using it. Perhaps some other cat abused him while he was doing his biz outside, end result being a trip to the vet and a lot of pain and suffering...

Answer 10

what is the question.... yay i am happy for you but what is your question?