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Rescued all the strays... but have a problem...

post #1 of 4
3/3/10 at 4:36pm
Thread Starter 
Hey everyone! I'm back. I have a question for you. As of right now, I've rescued all four of the cats we were feeding in the alley. The three youngest have really settled down and are enjoying life inside as spoiled house cats. The fourth, her name is Bandit, is a little bit older and still stays behind the futon most of the time. She only comes out to go potty and when she does go potty, she goes in front of the litterbox instead of in it. Any suggestions? Thanks!
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post #2 of 4
3/3/10 at 5:07pm
Are they all confined to one room? Have they been to a vet? Do you have at least five litterboxes for them to use?

Some cats - especially if they've been outdoors - do not like to use a litter box if there's anybody else's business in it.

Have you tried putting a litter box or two near her hiding place?

You may also want to try using Cat Attract litter for a little while.
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post #3 of 4
3/3/10 at 6:15pm
Ditto to the Cat Attract and multiple boxes.

In the meantime, a layer of leaves or a little regular dirt on her litterbox may help her understand that's the bathroom. She's used to using dirt, so she may not comprehend what that litter stuff is for.

Bless you for taking care of them all...
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post #4 of 4
3/3/10 at 10:56pm
You got excellent advices which should do the trick.

I want to add the comment. She doesnt understand the litter how it works, but apparently she does understand it HAS something to do with the potty. Otherwise she would do her needs somewhere else.

Is it an open litter, or is it like a house, with doors? If so, consider removing the doors. Many cats dont understand them, or are a little afraid to go through the door....

A guess is, her difficulty with making her needs, increases her anxiety, and thus - slows down her progress...

Talk a lot to her. In a friendly voice, perhaps even baby talk. Like a friendly tom would do courting her. She being a grown up female surely knows the diff between a friendly tom who do patiently courts, and a dominant tom who do beats up and takes what he wants...

As a strategical reserve, you do always have the Feliway diffuser... It shouldnt be necessary, but it usually helps when used.

Tx a lot, and good luck!
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