Hello

We adopted two cats last summer from the RSPCA, they are mother (approx. 4 yrs) and daughter (approx. 2 yrs). They came from a house of over 20 cats, along with dogs and chickens, the owner was taken to court and the animals went to the RSPCA for rehoming. They were at the rescue centre for 10 months, other than that we don't know about their previous life/habits.

The two cats have settled in well, they spent 2 months indoors before we let them out, as they were quite nervous of new things and noises. The only issue we have with them is that they do not go to the toilet outside, or even attempt to. We have 2 litter trays indoors and everyday they are used by both cats. They often go out after eating, rush back in to use the litter trays and then go back outside.

We assumed that once they were used to the garden and surroundings it would happen, as we live in a quiet area. It has been 6 months now and we are concerned that their previous 12 months of indoor living has dampened their instincts. Or if they've never had access to the outdoors before they came to live with us, would they know what to do?

Any help or suggestions would be gratefully received.

Hi

It can sometimes take a very long time for traumatised rescue pets who have come from a difficult situation to settle down in new surroundings and change their habits. I dont feel that 6 months of being with you is that long for your cats so give them more time and they may gradually adjust to using the garden.They will probably always remain quite nervous and I suspect this is why they dont have the confidence yet to start to use the garden for toileting. Also, are you sure there are no other cats that use your garden as part of their territory as this will sometimes inhibit a nervous cat from toileting outdoors even in its own garden.

They have spent quite a long time in the past using trays so dont force the issue and let them continue to use their litter trays. Unfortunately if you did remove the trays there's a risk they could probably still soil indoors. Its more work for you to keep changing trays but at least they are using these appropriately. It sounds like your really care for your cats well. Good luck with them.

Cathy Wickenden BVet Med MRCVS
Barton Lodge Veterinary Centre
1 Midland Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 5BH
Tel: 01442 216048 24 hours
[www.bartonlodgevets.co.uk]