How to Train Your Cat to Go Outside to Potty

Training a cat.

Train your cat to go potty outdoors in an the area safe from traffic and other possible dangers. Cats enjoy freshly dug soil or a sandy area. Even cats that use a litter box indoors can learn to go potty outside with proper training and patience. Train your cat to go outdoors regardless of its age --- it does not have to be a kitten in the early stages of learning. Keep the designated area outdoors private enough so that the cat feels relaxed and not threatened.

Things You'll Need

• Cat litter box
• Outdoor area

Instructions

1. Move the cat litter box closer to the door leading to the outdoor area where you want your cat to go potty. Do this gradually by moving the litter box a little further each day; ensure the cat or kitten knows where it is each time you move it.

2. Place the cat litter box outside and provide the cat with access via a cat door so that your pet is able to go outdoors by itself. A cat door allows your cat to go out when it needs to even when you're not home. Monitor your cat's behavior when you first place the litter box outside to see if it finds the litter box and uses it in that area. Move the litter box gradually closer each day to the area you want the cat to use as a potty, especially if you want to eventually eliminate the litter box altogether. Remove the litter box once you acclimate the cat to the specific area.

3. Dig up the area in the yard where you want the cat to go potty using a shovel or trowel or add soil or sand to the area. Add just enough soil or sand to encourage a cat to use the area as a potty once you remove the litter box. Pick a place for your cat to go potty to discourage it from going in other locations; however, it may prefer a different spot.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't provide a cat door, observe your cat so that you know when it wants to go out. Scratching the floor in a quiet area, such as behind the couch, is a sign that it needs to go potty.

• Introduce a kitten directly to the outdoor potty location by placing it on the chosen spot. When training a kitten to go outside, praise it for good behavior.

• If you provide an outdoor litter box, clean it as you do an indoor one.

References

• Cats Of Australia: Training Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box
• Cat Training Tips: Cat Toilet Training

Resources

• The Fun Place: Yes You Can Train a Cat