Litter Training Older Cat

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quimbydog@earthlink.net - 08 Oct 2005 22:41 GMT

Hi there

We just took in a stray, and after a trip to the vet to make sure she
was healthy, she is now ours. We thought she was only around 6 mos.
old because she is so tiny (5 lbs) but the vet says she is older and is
probably between 2-4 yrs old. She is very friendly and loving, and I
am so glad we found her!

Now, how do I teach her to use a litterbox? Since she was a stray, she
probably has lived outside her whole life and does not know how to use
a box. Other cats I have had were kittens when we got them, so this
was not an issue.

Any help appreciated!

Q

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MaryL - 09 Oct 2005 02:26 GMT

> Hi there
>
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>
> Q

It may not be a problem at all. I suggest that you start with one litter
box filled with a "sandy-grained" clumping litter. Put the same type of
litter in a second box but also place a light layer of soil (earth) on top.
This may not even be necessary, but it could help attract the cat of the
type of surface she usually uses. If she uses the box with soil, she will
gradually work some of the litter to the surface and become adjusted to it.

Carry her to one of the boxes (or alternate them) a few times, set her in
it, and scratch gently. You might be able to pick up one of her paws and
use it to scratch a little, but *do not* force the issue or frighten her. I
think you will find that she will "catch on" very quickly.

MaryL

Photos of Duffy and Holly: >'o'<
http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly)
http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in")

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Chris - 09 Oct 2005 23:55 GMT

Try putting some of the soil from where she went outside on top of the
litter... Also, she may not like at first a covered box....

> Hi there
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Q

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