Advice on training my rescue cat to use litter tray

Hi There,

A week ago I adopted a gorgeous 10 month old rescue cat.  The poor thing has been through a lot, she was surrendered to the shelter along with her brother from her home which apparently had too many cats so may have been a hoarding situation (the shelter was a bit vague on her history).  What I do know is that the poor thing had kittens in the last couple of months. I would have also adopted her brother as I was open to getting two cats but they said as they were independent of each other they didn't recommend adopting together.

She is an affectionate sweet little thing but she is not using the litter tray which I know is a behavioral issue most likely resulting from stress.  She tends to like doing her business in corners of my apartment or the front door.  I live in an apartment on the 3rd floor with a balcony and when I first got her she was meowing at the balcony door so I am guessing that perhaps at her home, she was going outside.  The shelter claims that she was using the litter tray when she was there but she was only there for 2 days before I adopted her.

The shelter suggested that I shut her in the bathroom while I am at work to teach her to use the tray but to me that seems a little mean.  In the past when I have owned cats they have all used the litter tray from day 1 so I feel I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to training her

I have tried using different types of litter and different size boxes but she just won't use them.  I've tried spraying cat pheromones which haven't seemed to help.

Does anyone on here have advice on getting a new cat to use the litter tray?

Thanks in advance

Well a cat has no choice but to use a litter box in a typical small shelter cage

Confining the cat to the bathroom as suggested by the shelter is actually a good idea. Many cats get overwhelmed and stressed out in a new home. A bathroom (or other room) helps the cat settle in. And some cats may get into mischief and trouble while exploring their new home, maybe even potty in a spot they find appealing. As long as the bathroom is cat-safe and is roomy enough for a litter box and food and water bowls and a few safe toys, maybe a big box to hide in, your cat will be fine while you are at work. If there is no window for natural light, leave the bathroom light or a night light on so the cat isn't sitting in darkness. You can let the cat out when you return and let her explore with supervision.

Have you tried Cat Attract litter?

Thanks for your reply LTS3.

Good to hear someone else thinks shutting her in bathroom is a good idea as I do kind of feel bad about it but it needs to be done given she finds every corner of my living room and kitchen and front door  appealing to potty in lol.  There is definitely enough room for her in the bathroom though there is no window so will get a nightlight.

I'm in Australia and unfortunately they don't sell cat attract litter.

One night I did briefly shut her in the bathroom and she pooped right next to the litter tray but hopefully with time she will start using it. I just hope this works. 

Thanks again