How to Train a Stray Cat to use a Litter Box? 5 Easy Steps

Our advice is to go for something as natural as possible. Wood shavings and crystals are not wise choices in this case, as they make the cats feel a bit weird and uneasy.

As the cats are accustomed to the open, get a litter box without a lid. It should be large enough so that the cats can move around freely, too.

About the litter, you should get something sand-like and unscented. Natural sorts of litter such as ground corn, walnut pellet, wood bark pellet, etc. are highly recommended as well.

The first few times your furry pet uses the tray, mix the litter with some soil. Over a few weeks, increase the amount of litter gradually until the cats are ready to eliminate with litter only.

You should place the litter box where your pet often hovers around outside. That way, the cat can use the box easily when it wants to do private business. Also, it is important to make the tray appear natural in the surroundings.

Don’t place the box near your pal’s foods and water as the cat will find them dirty. He will refuse to eat then.

If the cat doesn’t understand that the box is its new bathroom, you need to let it know.

After meals, bring your new pet to the outdoor cat litter box and let him or her smell it. Over time the cat will get used to the place and know where to go for elimination.

On top of that, in the first few times when your feline pal uses the litter tray, praise it by petting or giving it a treat. This is an indirect way to tame the stray cat and get it to use the litter box.

When your pet gets used to using the outdoor cat litter box, you can start bringing it inside. Do it slowly, for example, moving the box a few inches every day until the box is completely in your room and your cat doesn’t go outside for elimination anymore.

In fact, this is not a step in litter training a feral kitten. It is more of an act on how to train a stray cat to be a house cat.

In this step, what you need to do is to keep your home cozy for your cat to freely play around. You can spray cat pheromones or place toys to make him or her feel comfortable inside your house.

How to train an older cat to use a litter tray also has four simple steps as follows.

Step 1: Provide easier access to the litter box

If a cat, especially a senior cat has to go up and down the stairs to find the litter box, he or she will not bother to use it anymore. Instead, he will just go outside for peeing and pooping since it is easier for him. Therefore, when your cat starts to get old, you should move the box to a new place with easy access so that uses the box more often.

Access to a litter box also includes how the cat gets inside. Elderly cats would appreciate a box with low sides rather than a high-sided one.

Take the amount of litter into consideration too. It is advised to maintain a sufficient amount but not too little or too much; otherwise, the cat will have a hard time pooping in it.

Step 2: Add more litter boxes

You can add more boxes to increase the chance of your old cat using them to do its business. The more convenient it is for the cat, the better.

Step 3: Experiment with different types of litter

Each cat favors a different sort of litter. And as a cat grows old, he or she might change the preference. You should experiment with some litter types to find out what the cat likes.

Step 4: Pay attention to your cat’s diet

Elderly cats need a different diet from young ones. Pay attention to this! As your cat ages, make sure you adjust the menu properly so that the cat can function normally as it used to.