Since last night, I’ve finally managed to bring the little stray cat I’ve been feeding outside for several months into my home. She isn’t hiding at all; she’s already sleeping on the sofa and purring non-stop. She has eaten, but hasn't had anything to drink yet.
The only small snag is that she still hasn’t done her business. I’ve taken her to the litter tray a few times, but she just lies down in it.
I’m looking for some advice – should I be worried? Does anyone have any tips to get her to use the tray? Thanks in advance!
Translated from French
The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.
Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.
Hello,
My husband and I rescued a little kitten, about two months old, last Friday evening. We’ve also treated him for fleas and ticks and sorted out a wound he had, as when we found him, he was well and truly stuck in some massive brambles.
It’s already Tuesday now, and even though we’re following all the advice we’ve seen online—like showing him his litter tray and everything—he won’t stop peeing and pooping all over the house, including several times on the sofa.
So, when people say "they’ll learn quickly", how long does "quickly" actually mean? Roughly?
Thanks for your help and advice.
I adopted a feral kitten a few days ago (about three or four days) after his mum was sadly run over. He’s very timid but he’s starting to get used to me. The only issue is (I’ve been keeping him in the spare room) that he won’t stop going on the bed. He uses the litter tray for a wee, but he always poos on the bed. If anyone can help, thanks in advance!
I adopted a feral kitten a few days ago (about three or four days) after his mum was sadly run over. He’s very timid but he’s starting to get used to me. The only issue is (I’ve been keeping him in the spare room) that he won’t stop going on the bed. He uses the litter tray for a wee, but he always poos on the bed. If anyone can help, thanks in advance!
Hi there,
With a bit of patience, the cat will eventually start using the litter tray. I’ve rescued a feral kitten myself that I kept, as well as several others that I’ve since rehomed. At the start, I always put them in a quiet room so they can get used to being around people, especially since the ones I take in have often never had anything to do with humans before. I also use that time to do flea and tick treatments so my own cat doesn’t catch anything. So far, they’ve all ended up using the tray. Feral cats sometimes don't eat or drink much at first, but even then, I notice my own cat only goes to the litter tray two or three times a day at most.
Anyway, best of luck! If he’s not scared of you already, that’s honestly brilliant. It’ll save you from plenty of scratches and bites—believe me, I know what I'm talking about! It’s just such a lovely feeling when they finally realise you’re only trying to do what's best for them. ^^
The worry is that she hasn’t been to the toilet at all yet—no accidents for about 15 hours now.
I think she probably would go if she were outside, but I’m scared she won’t come back. It’s already taken me such a long time to get her to trust me, even though she seems perfectly happy indoors.
I’ll try putting some soil in the litter tray, thanks for the tip!!
It’s a lovely gesture, but she’s such an adorable cat that you can’t help but fall for her :)
First of all, well done for taking in a stray and giving her a home!
You need to give her some time to settle in and find her feet in her new surroundings. As for the litter tray, you could try mixing in a bit of soil to remind her of where she used to go outside.
If she has an accident in the house, don't scold her—just place her gently in her tray and she should get the hang of it soon enough.
