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.
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.