Expert Q&A for How to Train an Outdoor Cat to Use a Litter Box

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Question

Why won't my outdoor cat use the litter box?

Jessica Char
Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant
Jessica Char is a Cat and Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and the Founder of Feline Engineering and Canine Engineering. She specializes in modifying challenging pet behavior problems, such as fear and aggression, using positive reinforcement training protocols. Jessica is a Certified Fear Free Trainer, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Jessica received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.

Jessica Char

Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

Most cats use the litter box naturally, because they've seen their parents or their mates do it. If your cat is not very eager to use their litter box, the first thing you need to do is make sure there's no medical issues. If your cat needs additional help getting in the litter box, that's the time you might reach out to a professional.

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Question

Can cats find their litter box if you move it?

Jessica Char
Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant
Jessica Char is a Cat and Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and the Founder of Feline Engineering and Canine Engineering. She specializes in modifying challenging pet behavior problems, such as fear and aggression, using positive reinforcement training protocols. Jessica is a Certified Fear Free Trainer, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Jessica received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.

Jessica Char

Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

Usually, yes. Most cats prefer a big litter box that's easily accessible from wherever they like to hang out, though. If you keep the litter box in a basement or in a garage and your cats won't use it, it's better to move it.

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Question

Do cats like it when you clean their litter box?

Jessica Char
Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant
Jessica Char is a Cat and Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and the Founder of Feline Engineering and Canine Engineering. She specializes in modifying challenging pet behavior problems, such as fear and aggression, using positive reinforcement training protocols. Jessica is a Certified Fear Free Trainer, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Jessica received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.

Jessica Char

Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

Yeah, for sure. Make sure you scoop the box every day and give it a thorough cleaning every couple times you dump the litter. This should be enough for most cats.

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Question

How often should I change out my cat litter?

Jessica Char
Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant
Jessica Char is a Cat and Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and the Founder of Feline Engineering and Canine Engineering. She specializes in modifying challenging pet behavior problems, such as fear and aggression, using positive reinforcement training protocols. Jessica is a Certified Fear Free Trainer, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Jessica received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.

Jessica Char

Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

You should completely change the litter every one to two weeks to keep the litter box clean. If possible, use a fine grain litter that's easier to scratch.

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