Moving the litter tray

Z
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Hi everyone

I've had the cat's litter tray in my bedroom for quite a while now and I finally decided to move it to the bathroom. Any tips for getting her used to the new spot? She's already tried walking into the wall where the tray used to be, then she crawled under the bed and started getting into position to have a poo. I caught her just in time and took her to the tray, and she did her business there. How can I remind her that her tray is now in the bathroom and not in my room? Does using bleach help at all?

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5 answers
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    • ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    First of all, you need to make sure that the problem is actually the new location of the litter tray and not the litter itself.

    Make sure the tray is always kept clean and that the type of litter is right for your cat (especially if you changed brands when you moved it to a different room).

    If those things are all fine, ensure that the room where you’ve put the tray is always accessible (for example, make sure the door is propped open and hasn't accidentally closed).

    The new spot you’ve chosen is a good one, as it's quiet and doesn't get much foot traffic. To guide your cat there, try moving the tray gradually—just a few inches every day—to make the transition as smooth as possible.

    In the meantime, you could try a few tricks to keep them off your bed, such as covering it with a material they find unpleasant (like an oilcloth or plastic sheet) or using repellent sprays from a pet shop or the vet that leave a scent cats don't like.

    One last thing—be careful with bleach, as it actually tends to attract cats and might encourage them to mark the area!

    Have a good day.

    Caroline – Veterinary Student at the Alfort National Veterinary School (EnvA), Project Manager for ProVéto Junior Conseil, the EnvA student-run consultancy http://proveto.net/

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    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    Bleach for cleaning the litter tray and white vinegar for the floor ^^

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    M
    Myra Icon representing the flag French
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    Bleach is fine, but just be careful as the smell actually attracts them. Use it for cleaning the litter tray, but definitely not for any "accidents" in your bedroom or elsewhere! ;-)

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    Z
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    He’s just peed on the floor, so yeah, I’ve put his litter tray back in its original spot in the bedroom. I’m going to start moving it a tiny bit every day, hoping he’ll do his business in there.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Especially as the cat is still young,

    You should move the litter tray by about 20 to 30 cm every day from the old spot towards the new one.

    I know that for a while the tray will be right in the middle of the way, but you’ll just have to put up with it...

    It’s the surest way to move a litter tray without the cat noticing and having an accident elsewhere, so they don’t get into the habit of going in the wrong place.

    Best regards

    Translated from French

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