Answering the call of nature – why even cats with access to the great outdoors need a litter tray

The outside world is constantly changing for a cat that has indoor/outdoor access. In some ways this is good, because the changes mean varied mental stimulation. But in other ways it can negatively impact on them psychologically. A lot of cats that have access to both tend to toilet when outside.

Keeping in mind cats go to the toilet for two reasons, to relieve themselves, obviously. But it’s also a commonly used tool to leave information for other cats to recognise defined territory.

When a cat is involved in a territory dispute with a newcomer it can take its toll greatly. A cat with no access to a designated area indoors – their core territory where they feel the safest – is likely to take the initiative if there’s no clearly defined places for that purpose. This in turn leads to what people deem inappropriate toileting, but is simply the cat adapting to a situation that makes him or her uncomfortable in the place they would normally toilet.

Another issue that can arise due to feeling discomfort if the only place a cat toilets is outdoors, are health issues such as urinary tract infections. A cat that has no indoor toilet but feels uncomfortable toileting outside can hold the need to relieve themselves longer than is healthy, and suffer a lot of discomfort potentially leading to an infection that is likely to need treatment.

Logically speaking, when a cat is going to the toilet, they’re performing  one of the necessary activities that makes them the most vulnerable. There needs to be a place they can do that at all times that minimises the feeling of vulnerability.

There are a variety of litter trays trying to address the fact that they are basically one of the unappealing aspects of sharing your home with a feline. Investing in one of the more aesthetically pleasing yet functional options is likely to benefit both you and your cat in the long run.

Making spending a penny a little more stylish…..
Image: Coolpetproducts.com