Expert: Dear Tabbi - 5/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: We have a 3 month old kitten and we are wanting to toilet train her to go outside but whenever shes outside playing she runs inside and goes toilet in her litterbox. Is this is an age problem if so what age can we train her to go outside. My parents have a satan bed cover and we have never had any accidents but whenever their door is open she goes straight on their bed and pee's on it. How can we stop this and why is she doing this.
Thanks Melissa

ANSWER: Melissa,

I have that same problem with a couple of mine. They will cross their legs until they can come in and use the litterbox, then run back outside!

Cats/kittens are creatures of habit and association and if they are used to using a litterbox inside then they will want to continue. Some cats think that it is bad to go outside and that they are not supposed to. Some are shy and don't like the openness of doing their business outside. Some don't like the feel of grass or dirt to dig a hole in.

Try sand (you can get kids playsand from Home Depot or other building supply store) outside. Put a fair size mound of it somewhere in your yard (if you can). Cats LOVE to play in it then start digging holes for their business and will start using the sand when they are outside.

When the kittens get older you won't have such a hard time with them.  If they START going outside to potty they probably will continue IF they can't get inside. If they can get in they will try to use the one inside.

If you want to train the kitten to go outside  put the litterbox near the garden and show it too him. Usually they will use the litterbox outside instead of dirt. The next step is to remove the tray after a few days. The cat should then start going outside.

Or you can remove the litter box during the day. When the cat starts crying to come in and look for the litterbox or look like they are going to go where it was, hurry and pick them up and take them outside to some dirt (or sand) and try to keep them there. Eventually they will get the idea and make the connection that if there is not a litterbox down, then they are supposed to go outside. It's all in association, but you have to be consistant about it.

At night is the most dangerous time for a cat to be outside. You shouldn't force a cat to go potty outside at night. Have a litterbox inside for nighttime.

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Helllo Again How do We stop our kitten peeing on my mums bed she only does it when the door is open it is because of the fabric do you have any suggestion for what we can do

Answer
Melissa,

Use some kind of spray (household type cleaner, perfume, etc.) that has citrus in it...lemon, orange, etc., Or even orange peels. Cats hate the smell of citrus and she should avoid the bed.

You can also get some cheap rolls of aluminum foil and temporarily put that on the top of the bed. Cats do not like foil (the noise and the feel). If she finds it on top of the bed a few times she should quit getting up there.

Getting her spayed as soon as she is ready will help too.

She may have a urinary tract infection. That could cause her behavior. You might want to have her checked by the vet.

Tabbi