How do I train 2 adult male cats to go outdoors?

L

laniganv

New member
I have adopted 2 male cats, both are fixed and have collars. They have been indoor cats, mostly because it had been snowing when we first got them and I wanted them to be used to the home before putting them outdoors. Now neither of them will go outside. They both are VERY interested in the various wildlife outside, but neither will leave through the cat door. I have tried to entice them with food, I have shown the door to them and shown them that it opens. I must block it at night or the raccoons will come in, but otherwise it is uncovered. We can not leave the door open for them to come in or out as we have a HUGE mosquito population that must remain outdoor.
I wouldn't care if they stayed indoors if I could get the litter box undercontrol! The smell is horrid later in the day after it is changed. They are tracking kitty litter everywhere. I have cleaned the walls almost daily as the larger one is a very large cat and can't always aim correctly. I am at aloss. We have tried different cat litters, boxes, placements, food. These are not my first set of cats, so I am aware of how much work a litter box takes, but I have never had a mess/smell problem of this magnitude, and I can't handle it anymore. Help?
I guess I forgot to mention the 2 boys who also live here and are not going to be aware if the cats leave the house. I would like the cats to feel free to leave and come as needed, but I am not interested in throwing them out to fend for themselves. In the event that they do find themselves outside I would like for them to have a safe place to retreat to (i.e. indoors through the cat door).
Amanda- I live no where near any roads, in the country. And yes, the vet gave them a clean bill of health.
Unicorn-they want to go out. I want them to be able to go safely in.
Susan-I rise go to the cat box and clean it. Every scrap, drop, particle. I fix breakfast, return to the cat box after and clean it. I then spend time getting my children out the door and when i arrive home...I am cleaning it. I scoop on average 9 times a day. I change the box every 3 days. I have tried cedar, clay, scoopable, and organic. Both got sick on any food with fillers and now are eating "free" food, dry & wet.
 
First of all, keeping your cats indoors is NOT animal cruelty. Please disregard that answer.

I keep all 4 of my cats indoors. They're interested in the wildlife outside too but they wont go out. There's so many dangers outside. Why dont you just keep them in? Indoor cats live longer and healthier lives.

I love my cats and I wouldnt be able to bare to see them as road-kill. That would kill me and I'd def. blame myself if something happened to them. Many people keep their cats indoors.

As for the litter box problem - have you taken them to the vet to check for bladder infections? I know you said that the smell is terrible but that can easily be solved. What kind of food are you feeding them now? Wet, dry? What brand?
 
Open the door and put the cats outside and close the door and about an hour later let them back in. Do this continually but each time you do,increase the amount of time they spend outside and they will get used to being outside....or want to go outside themselves
 
Grab them by the scruff of the neck chuck them out the door... put food and water and the steps and dont let them in for three days...

Third day let them come in at night.

Then they will be scratching at the door to get out the next day, especially male cats.
 
If you can, feed them both for just a few minutes until they are done, then put them outside where you would like them to do their business. This may take several tries. Once they get the hang of it, start opening the 'big door' for the to go threw. If you can, put the liter box outside. After a a little while, they should be using the cat door.

Another problem could be that they are afraid of the cat door. If so, try to demonstrate how the door works. If you could call threw it, that's great! But cat doors are usually fairly small.
Try throwing a ball threw the cat door, or holding it open for them.



In the meantime, while you try to sort out the cat door problem, I would suggest an enclosed litter box with a flap over the entrance. Also, using a hard-clumping litter makes it much easier to clean.
 
You can't really force a cat to do anything, can you? I would suggest letting them do it on their own time. I know that can be frustrating. But shoving them out the door just doesn't seem right.

How about a leash? They have cat harnesses and leashes. Perhaps take them around the yard for a little bit each day and play with them outside. Once they see there's nothing to fear, they should start venturing out.

Oh and about the door. Whoever mentioned calling through it got me thinking about something. What if you got a toy and pulled it through the door? Do they like to chase/attack string toys? You can sit on the outside with a stringed toy and pull it through the kitty door.

These guys sound like they're going to be a bit of work. :) Good luck.
 
Sorry that was a lot to read so I kinda skipped it but idk just pick those suckers up put them outside and let them get adjusted to it.
 
wow that sucks for the cats that they were stuck as inside cats. that's animal cruelty right there. haha just kidding...


i have no idea how to help you
 
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