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Barnyard Buddies:  Litter training outdoor cats?  |
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 01 2010 : 11:57:22 AM
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The snow has been flying and the weather getting colder. And with that, our two barn cats are whittling away at our reserves with those beseeching eyes at our front door begging us to come in.
We've had them in once but they were naughty, so they went back out. It was stupid on our parts and we really should've known better. We thought that that was 'it' and we wouldn't do it again. But then........well, winter. And those plaintive cries and sorrowful eyes that look at us while we sit in our warm home.
Since they've been kittens this spring they've been at our front door, which is a full view, so they've always had interaction with our four indoor cats who are now very used to them - and they to them. No fluffy tails indicating hostility, just mild interest on both 'sides.'
So, DH and I have decided that if we do bring them in - that we'll not let them out again, that will be that. So we've been looking into how to integrate them into our household.
So, if any of you ladies have a suggestion or tricks on how to do this I'd greatly appreciate it as we want success so we don't have to worry about them out there on a cold winters night! |
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hwright95
True Blue Farmgirl
90 Posts
Heather
Murfreesboro
TN
USA
90 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2010 : 3:46:47 PM
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do you have a bathroom or small room you could enclose them in with food water/ litter box? maybe they would get used to going in it? We had a stray we took in once and I would let him eat then watch him close and about 10-15 min after he ate I would just go toss him in the litter box. That seemed to do the trick.
Hope that helps :-)
Heather Wright~ Farmgirl Sister #2187 Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. ~Veronica A. Shoffstall
www.vintagekarmajewels.com |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2010 : 4:32:10 PM
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Cats will usually learn from other cats. Just make sure you have more than one litter box. Heather's suggestion is good too, just to get them used to it. If I were them, I would be so happy to be inside that I would use the litter box and clean it!
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2010 : 08:34:05 AM
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Update! Came home from work day before yesterday and walked in the door and discovered a furry black and white cat curled up on the floor next to my DH. My first question was asking how long had she been in the house, to which he replied several hours (it was his day off.) He said that he'd kept an eye an her and that she'd already used the cat box all on her own - and she's been using it ever since!
She's fit right in here, and seems to really enjoy being in inside. We've not had her got to the door and longingly look outdoors, and when her brother Smudge (more on him later) comes up to the door she pretty much ignores him.
So, we've opted to get her acclimated first.......then try her brother next. Of the two, he seems to enjoy being outdoors. We'll see how it goes with Sissy first!
And here I thought I was the sucker for furry ones! This is why I love my hubby so much - he loves animals as much as I do!
Anyhoot, right now she's contentedly laying on our swivel rocker dreaming of the Christmas cookie tidbits she'll get later today that my DD is baking. I'd like to help her but beings I have a nasty cold (slept an unheard of 12+ hours last night) she'd rather I stay clear. |
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2010 : 08:44:30 AM
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Fiddlehead and hwright95, thanks for the help! We've had only one cat box - a HUGE one we bought at a pet supply store (PetSmart?) over a year ago. It's specifically for cats, and has two reservoirs on the right side for whatever (we use it to hold our metal scoop we also found at this pet store. FAR better than those inexpensive plastic ones that bend, et.) All of our cats took to it just fine and we've had no problems - no cat box bullying going. We have to clean it every day, of course, but it's a small price to pay to have such great furry company in our home. We'd heard about having one more box than the number of cats - but we got tired of cleaning so many. And it took up soooo much space, too!
hwright95, so far she's only hung around the downstairs and doesn't have a problem remembering where the utility room is where the box is. I'm fine with this so she can acclimate herself to the layout before she 'discovers' the upstairs. If she'd given any indication that she was going to be a problem, we would've kept her in our bathroom with a box along with food, etc. But we've been lucky. Having the food and water right next to the utility room door probably also helps.
I'm so excited! |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2010 : 5:55:52 PM
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karen,
You sound delighted to have the company of these furry ones. I so happy for you. I have a hubby much like yours -- really the softie in the family.
Enjoy all the snuggles you have coming!
Marianne |
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hwright95
True Blue Farmgirl
90 Posts
Heather
Murfreesboro
TN
USA
90 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2010 : 09:46:08 AM
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sounds like it's workin out good Happy to hear :-)
Heather Wright~ Farmgirl Sister #2187 Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. ~Veronica A. Shoffstall
www.vintagekarmajewels.com |
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Barnyard Buddies: Litter training outdoor cats? |
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Litter training outdoor cats?
