Training a stray/semi ferral cat to use a litter tray

[BIGDAI]

We have been selected by a stray to be his new slaves. Originally he would just sit outside our patio door shouting but would run and hide in the hedge as soon as the door was opened.

Time and patience has meant that he is now quite happy to be in the house and will sometimes even let us stroke him (aren't we lucky!).

For the last couple of weeks he has settled down and spent the night in a cat basket in the kitchen.

Our only concern is that, while we also have a litter tray for him, he seems to have no idea about using it. He just goes and sits by the patio door & shouts when he wants to go out.

Has anyone got any suggestions to train him please?

[Simpo Two]

Let him out. Or better still, fit a catflap. Then he can come and go as he pleases, and bury his poo as nature intended so you don't have to

[BIGDAI]

He can come & go as he wants when we are up but a catflap isn't an option as (a) he is a hunter (mouse, bird & rabbit pieces abound!) and (b) there are other cats (and foxes, badgers and other wildlife) about. I would just like him to use a tray at night rather than give me an early call to tell me he wants to go out.

[Simpo Two]

BIGDAI said:

He can come & go as he wants when we are up but a catflap isn't an option as (a) he is a hunter (mouse, bird & rabbit pieces abound!) and (b) there are other cats (and foxes, badgers and other wildlife) about. I would just like him to use a tray at night rather than give me an early call to tell me he wants to go out.

Remember this cat is still basically a stray, not a lapcat. He's used to doing stuff his way and can look after himself in the big outdoors. I can't help other than hope you find an answer

[dudleybloke]

Stand it in the litter tray and do the digging motion with its front paw.