Can you train your cat to go outside? Most cats don’t care where they go to the bathroom, as long as it’s convenient—usually on your carpet or the leg of your favourite pair of jeans. But if you’re considering an outdoor cat, or simply want to make life easier by training your indoor cat to use the litter box instead of the corner of your kitchen counter, there are a few steps you can take to get a kitty excited about using the outdoors as his or her toilet. Here are some tips on how to train your cat to go outside.
Cats Are Creatures of Habit
When it comes to training your cat to go outside, you’ll need to be patient. Cats are creatures of habit and it may take some time for them to get used to the idea of going outside. But with a little patience and perseverance, it is possible to train your cat to go outside. Here are a few tips:
- Start by letting your cat get used to the idea of going outside. Leave the door open so they can explore at their own pace.
- Reward your cat for taking steps towards going outside. This could include treats or praise.
- Be consistent with your training. Set aside sometime each day to work on this with your cat.
- Don’t force your cat into anything they’re not comfortable with.
Set Up an Outdoor Refuge
To train your cat, you can give your cat access to the outdoors in a number of ways, but the most common is by setting up an outdoor refuge. This is simply a fenced-in area where your cat can roam and explore without fear of escape or getting lost. The size of the refuge will depend on the size of your yard and the number of cats you have, but it should be large enough for them to move around freely.
It’s also important to make sure the refuge is safe, so be sure to check for things like holes in the fence or poisonous plants before letting your cat loose.
Keep Up the Training
After you’ve decided that you want your cat to go outside, there are a few things you need to do in order to make sure the training is successful. First, keep up with the training. It’s important to be consistent when teaching your cat anything new. Second, use positive reinforcement. Cats respond well to treats, so make sure you have some on hand when it’s time to train.
Third, be patient. It takes time for cats to learn new things, so don’t get discouraged if your cat isn’t getting it right away. Fourth, create a safe space for your cat. If you’re going to be letting them outside, make sure they have a place to come back inside where they feel safe. Fifth, introduce them slowly.
Cats and Plants Don’t Mix
There are a number of reasons why you might want your cat to go outside. Maybe you’re tired of scooping the litter box, or perhaps you think it would be good for your cat’s health. But before you start training your cat to go outside, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: cats and plants don’t mix.
Create an Indoor Outdoor Space
The first step is to create an indoor/outdoor space for your cat. This can be done by installing a pet door or building a catio. If you live in an apartment, you can create a balcony space for your cat. Make sure the space is safe and has plenty of room for your cat to move around.
