When we adopted Lula a couple of months ago, we were thrilled to discover that she was more than happy to use her litterbox at all times, no spraying or pooping anywhere in the house. In fact, the only "naughty" thing she did was claw on our new mattress set. A scratching post placed by the bed (which I seem to fall over nightly) solved that problem.
However, for the last week or so, there has been no litterbox activity whatsoever. She hasn't done her business anywhere else in the house, we're positive, it seems that she's just doing it outside. She's also not exhibiting any signs of illness... she's the same spazzy little goofball she was when we got her. Is it just a coincidence that she's been going outside more lately, or did she suddenly develop an aversion to her litter or her box? We're going to the vet for some shots tomorrow, and we can ask him, but it seems that this is more of a behavioral issue. Am I freaking out about nothing?
Megan, I'm sorry it's taken me awhile to reply - I've been down with a terrible cold this week. Is Lula still only going outside? I do think some cats just prefer it, so it might not be anything to worry about. My cats are strickly inside cats, so their only option is the litterbox. Did you change brands of litter? That can sometimes make a difference to some cats. What did your vet say?
I wouldn't worry about it Megan. I had two cats and one would wait by the door to go outside to do his thing. He was 14 and did this since he was a kitten (Buster has past away just last year) My other cat would only use the littter box, she would even wait to come inside and go right to the litter box. Sara is 15 this month.
Yep; she prefers the great out of doors. She may decide differently when it rains. sleets and snows but you'll find that out when the time comes. How lucky are you?
I wish mine would enjoy the outdoors!!
We always have our cats go outside like dogs instead of using a litter box. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> It's more convenient for me and they're fine with it. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
it would be so nice not to have to clean litter boxes, but my dog, Chuck, has been helping me with the poop box lately! Gross!
THAT IS GREAT. Our cats only go outside. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I hate litter boxes.
I WISH my cat would only go out in the yard. He comes IN to use the litter box. We now have a litterbox outside on the back porch, but it still has to be cleaned. He's the first cat I've ever seen who prefers the litter box. He's also more into digging than any other cat I've ever been around; I suspect it's related.
Julie
We have a cat that loves the great outdoors. He lets you know when it's time, too. Very loudly. lol
When I started working from home I was a little worried about not hearing someone come in the back door while I was in the office upstairs (my husband and son are in and out all day so we leave it unlocked). I am a morris dancer so I made good use of my bells (a shin pad with about 16 brass bells attached) and hung them from the doorknob. Now when the door opens, I hear it. Our cats thought this was a good idea too and started ringing the bells with their paws when they want to go outside. One did it and then they all caught on. Clever things! They do generally prefer the outdoors to the litter box in the summer, but winter makes them think again.
My problem is getting them to use the litter box consistently in this indoor season. We keep the box in a separate room in the basement and maintain it. However, one pees in the tub directly over the drain, another poops occasionally in a corner on the landing. It's almost like they're too lazy to go all the way to the basement if they are on the 2nd floor of the house. I can't stand a kitty litter box in the living areas of the house though, so I am not sure how to remedy this. Ideas?
Have you considered putting there food where there cat box is, just a thought. Also have you tried an electric cat box, as it keeps the oder way down in the winter time. My cats go outside for the most part in the warmer months as well, when we bought the electric cat box it was the funniest thing...all three of them gathered around it and waited for it to move--it was so funny. But those are just some suggestions--good luck!
I agree, I've found the food idea to work. I love the idea of the electric box.
Chel