outdoor toilet training

Question
Dear Tabbi, I realise you have answered this question before; however, I have tried various things, including the sand area outside to get my three kittens to move from the litter tray to outdoors (to which they have unlimited access via a cat-flap) without success. They seem very institutionalised in their toilet habits and appear stressed at the notion of changing. Do you think these 'peeposts' they sell with pheromones on them can help? What do you think of cat toilet training? I'm not a fan of it but wondered if you had any views on it as I keep getting pop-ups for it every time I try to find advice on outdoor toilet training.Thanks, Pauleen

Answer
Pauleen,

Cats are creatures of habit. If they are used to using the litterbox inside they will not want to change. Also a lot of cats prefer privacy and they get nervous going outside out in the open. And in the winter, they really don't like going outside.

A few of my cats that are inside-outside cats will "cross their legs" when they are outside until they can get in to use the litterbox...then run back outside!

The kittens may change when they are older but as kittens, they usually prefer the familiar.

After the kittens have eaten, you can lock them outside so they have to use the sand. But I think they will still use the inside litterbox if they have the option, at least for now.

I don't have any experience or haven't heard of anyone using the 'peeposts'.

Tabbi