Potty advice

Almost three months ago we realized a mama cat had moved in under our house with her two adolescent kittens (1 male, 1 female). Mama is quite feral, but I thought there was hope for the babies.
Of course I started feeding them outside, and eventually moved the food inside to continue socializing them.
Mama has recently gone back into heat and separated herself from her "babies" (they're older kittens, but I can tell they still miss her. She comes around to eat from time to time). The male decided he likes it better inside my house than under it, so he started staying nights in and days outside. I was able to take advantage of this and last weekend we trapped him and took him into a local TNR clinic where he was neutered and treated for ear mites, etc. (we would like to do this with mama and the sister as well, but have been unsuccessful at the capture since they are more skittish).
After we brought him home, he needed monitoring so I made a space for him with food, water, blanket, and a litter box. He had never used a litter box before since he was raised feral, but I still had hope.. He never used it though.
Here's where we're at now that I've gotten the background covered..

*He flat out refuses to leave my house since we brought him back home. Will NOT go outside at all. If I get him out, he's gets back in like a flash!
*He won't use the litter box. I woke up this morning to poop and pee on a pile of my clothes in my bedroom.

I have tried showing him the box.. I even cleaned up his poop and placed it into the box and showed him! He doesn't seem to get it. My husband is at his wits end, and frankly I'm about there as well. I'd love to keep this sweet little guy, but we've got a baby coming in July and I'm not trying to be dealing with these issues for any longer than necessary! I have a lot of patience for him, knowing where he's come from, but I'm just tired. Literally..
Please! What do I do? I want him to live inside and potty outside! I know this can be done!
Thanks!!

The poor kitty.  I am sorry you are having issues, but please have some patience with him.  He has never used a litter box and does not understand.  Most outside cats do not like to pee and poop in the same place.  So to start, you need two litter boxes.  You can try adding some dirt/mulch/leaves from outside as that might be more to his liking.  Yet, I have had the most success with Dr. Elsey's Litter Attract.  It has special herbs in it that attract cats.  In the mean time, when he does pee/poop out of the box, you should sop the pee up with a paper towel and bury it in the litter box.  Do the same with the poop.  Be sure the litter box is uncovered.  You may need litter boxes scattered about your house so he knows where they are.

As for trapping the other two cats, it is most most most important you get them soon or you are going to have more kittens.  Begin by using the trap to feed them.  Zip tie the trap open so it will not close.  Start feeding them right outside the trap and every day or so move the food further and further inside.  Once they start to eat inside, then set the trap.  YOu may have to use the stinkiest fish you can find.  Tuna, salmon or mackeral work well. 

ShadowsRescue said:

The poor kitty.  I am sorry you are having issues, but please have some patience with him.  He has never used a litter box and does not understand.  Most outside cats do not like to pee and poop in the same place.  So to start, you need two litter boxes.  You can try adding some dirt/mulch/leaves from outside as that might be more to his liking.  Yet, I have had the most success with Dr. Elsey's Litter Attract.  It has special herbs in it that attract cats.  In the mean time, when he does pee/poop out of the box, you should sop the pee up with a paper towel and bury it in the litter box.  Do the same with the poop.  Be sure the litter box is uncovered.  You may need litter boxes scattered about your house so he knows where they are.

As for trapping the other two cats, it is most most most important you get them soon or you are going to have more kittens.  Begin by using the trap to feed them.  Zip tie the trap open so it will not close.  Start feeding them right outside the trap and every day or so move the food further and further inside.  Once they start to eat inside, then set the trap.  YOu may have to use the stinkiest fish you can find.  Tuna, salmon or mackeral work well. 

Click to expand...

I really want him to potty OUTSIDE. Why won't he leave the house? Nothing has changed outside, his mother and sister go, but he won't! I'm not even supposed to be messing with feces or cat litter since I'm pregnant.
And anyway, his living space is quite small since I keep all of our doors shut from him exploring.. He has the livingroom, and kitchen/dining room. The space is too small for multiple litter boxes.
Any advice for sending him outside?

I am a bit confused.  You said that you moved the food inside to start socializing.  Why do you want the cat outside now?  That is sending very mixed signals.  If the cat is social enough maybe you should see about having someone adopt him.  Also is is possible to have your husband clean the litter box? 

Inside is absolutely the best place for a cat.  He's safest and has discovered the warmth and care he seeks.  Even if he is an indoor/outdoor cat, he will still need a litter box inside.

I'm fine with him being inside, but why can't he potty outside? I've had cats my whole life and it's always been an inside/outside situation where they eat, sleep, and snuggle inside, but go outside for potty and fun! The only reason we bought litter was for the recovery after surgery. Before that, he pottied outside and came in for snuggling. I don't know why he won't go outside anymore? I don't even close the door on him! It stays open for him (and sister) to come and go as they please! He just won't "go" anymore..

He has discovered the joys of living inside only.  My guess is that he is afraid of going outside.  Maybe he had a bad experience.  He may decide to go outside later, but for now you cannot force him to go outside and potty.  Buy some Dr. Elsey's Litter Attract.  It works very very well.  Then have your DH clean the box. 

If this is not an option, then I would look into rehoming him.  He has decided he wants to be inside and that is a very good thing.