Expert: Dear Tabbi - 5/11/2008

Question
Hello there. One of our cats was knocked over by a car six weeks ago. Her pelvis was broken. Slowly she's getting better and is now walking and is happily roaming the garden again. Unfortunately she's got used to using the litter tray we provided during that time of recuperatin. Now she spends hours in the garden again but comes back inside to use the litter tray we are still providing. If we get rid of the tray - will she naturally go back to peeing and pooing outdoors again?

Answer
Paulines,
Pauline,

Some cats that are used to the litterbox inside will not want to go back outside to go potty. I have a couple that will 'cross their legs' if they are outside and wait until they can come in and use the litterbox! Then go back outside!

She probably feels more comfortable using the litterbox inside. It may be the privacy issue, or the cleanliness issue, or the convenience, especially when she is recuperating from an injury.

What about at night? That is the most dangerous time for a cat to be outside. You shouldn't force a cat to go potty outside at night.

A litterbox is part of having a cat. But it's up to you. If you want to train her to go outside again put the litterbox near the garden. Often 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. If she really doesn't want to, she may hold it and that could possibly cause constipation or bladder problems which you don't want for a cat that is in the process of healing.

My personal opinion is that the poor cat has been through a lot recently and if using a litterbox inside makes her happy, then I would leave it. It's extra work and trouble...but isn't she worth it?

Tabbi