How many litter boxes?

linda carella

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My outdoor cat is finally coming in the house after being outside. I have him 7 years. This is the first time he wants to come in now. I am so happy. But should I be using two litter boxes. I don't think my indoor cat minds but I am really not sure. She always wants to attack him.
 

shadowsrescue

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If the outdoor cat has never used a litter box, she may be confused.  You can either mix cat litter with a bit of soil sprinkled on top or you can purchase Dr. Elsey's Litter Attract.  It contains special herbs that attract a cat to the litter box.  You can use it straight or mix it with current litter.  Outdoor cats usually do not like to pee and poo in the same place.  You would want to start with her having 2 litter boxes (placed away from eating areas).  The golden rule on litter boxes is one per cat plus one extra.

The other issue you have is introducing your cats.  It appears you have an indoor cat and the outdoor cat will be coming inside.  If the two are not properly introduced, there may be big issues.  Cats are very territorial.  Your inside space belongs to your inside cat.  She will not take kindly to the newcomer if you just bring the cat inside.  Here are some articles and a video on cat to cat introductions.

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/a-simple-little-trick-to-use-during-new-cat-introductions/

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/introducing-your-cat-new-cat

http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/cat-to-cat-introductions/

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats

 
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linda carella

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Thank you for all your concerns. I am going out now and buying another litter box. My cats know each other for 7 years. But was never together. They smell each other's blankets and there sent. They smell each other when i have the screen open in the summer. When bell was startingto come in I. Separated them in different rooms. Now there are together roaming the house. I am lucky that the outside cat is now sleeping inside in my bedroom on my bed with the door closed at night. Hope it works out with the two of them. Bell is a male and gwen is a female, one right now is sitting on the couch and the other is seating on the floor. They seem to be doing ok. I am just wondering if it will work out. I am wondering if my outside cat was a feral or a stray. It took two years for him to get near me and he had a clipped ear. I was shocked to see that he took to the litter box .
 
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