Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Why do indoor/outdoor cats believe they HAVE to do #2 in their litter box? (Original Post) raccoon Jun 2012 OP
Because their "slave" that removes the "offending evidence" lives inside.... hlthe2b Jun 2012 #1
Maybe it is because they know it is safe there jp11 Jun 2012 #2
Our cat has used his litterbox *one time* since he discovered the cat door. woo me with science Jun 2012 #3
I'd like to know why they have to "refill" the box the moment I change it. Liberal Veteran Jun 2012 #4
You could go outside, too, but you don't The Velveteen Ocelot Jun 2012 #5
Not all. One of the neighbors has a cat that thinks our garden is a litter box. HopeHoops Jun 2012 #6

jp11

(2,104 posts)
2. Maybe it is because they know it is safe there
Wed Jun 20, 2012, 08:21 AM
Jun 2012

and some rampant street rat or field mouse won't come along to harass them as they do their business.

Or maybe they just want some privacy when they are thinking about the newspaper you won't let them read.

Also outside stinks like pee for some reason.



woo me with science

(32,139 posts)
3. Our cat has used his litterbox *one time* since he discovered the cat door.
Wed Jun 20, 2012, 09:55 AM
Jun 2012

It was during a terrible, terrible storm, and he sat at the cat door for a long time looking out at the lightning and driving rain before finally letting out a horrible, resigned sigh/"rraw" and going to use his litter box.

The rest of the time, the sand is so pristine that the neighborhood kids could play in it.

Liberal Veteran

(22,239 posts)
4. I'd like to know why they have to "refill" the box the moment I change it.
Wed Jun 20, 2012, 10:09 AM
Jun 2012

The moment I scoop the litter (which I do twice daily), they immediately have to make more presents in the box.

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,858 posts)
5. You could go outside, too, but you don't
Wed Jun 20, 2012, 10:25 AM
Jun 2012

(I assume) because you have a nice, comfortable, private bathroom. QED.

Also, cats bury their poo to conceal their presence from predators. If they are outside they have to dig a hole in something that's probably harder to dig in than kitty litter, do their business, cover it up and then leave before anybody notices. Back in the house, it's a lot safer and less work.

 

HopeHoops

(47,675 posts)
6. Not all. One of the neighbors has a cat that thinks our garden is a litter box.
Wed Jun 20, 2012, 11:06 AM
Jun 2012

The rabbits all think the garden is a salad bar. Indoor cats think just over the edge of the box is a good place and any pile of paper is a good substitute for a place to take a piss. Dogs actually self-incriminate for such actions - you can tell, but cats act like nothing happened - "wasn't me. Ask the dog." The dog will plead guilty even if it was the cat.

As for YOUR indoor/outdoor cat, do any of your neighbors have a shotgun?



Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Why do indoor/outdoor cat...