cat freaked out

I tried to show my old cat a litter box with litter and he freaked out. How do I get him to understan that it is a litter box and where he needs to be going to the bathroom?

For the past several years he has been going outside to use the bathroom because he has been indoor/outdoor, but recently the vet said to try and keep him indoors so I need him to start using the litterbox. Please help!!!

You could try filling the box part way with litter and then sand or dirt from outside on top of it.

Stephanie

The dirt is a good idea but I say also if you can find a sample of his poop outside and collect it, AND the surrounding dirt that would be better. Sprinkle it on top of the litter and entice your cat into the litter box for a look around. (Place him near the box, or dangle a toy in front of it, or even just grab a furry mouse or something and toss it in.) Let him investigate on his own. Once he figures out that there's poop already in there, then he SHOULD figure out that that's where he should be doing his business.

Maybe you can even mix in some potting soil with his litter till he gets the idea. Others will be able to tell you if this is a good idea. However, maybe not if you have houseplants. Oh, and if you do, you should probably watch those while he's being litterbox-trained.

he used to use the litter box when he was younger, but he is 10 now and he has been going outside for atleast 3-4 years. I will try the dirt idea, also would like a clay type of litter be better than crystals?