posted 12-01-2003 12:38 AM         

The reason I mentioned this is to ask you how safe is the area in which you live and how old is/are your kitten(s)?

I've had my cat since he was 3 weeks old. I didn't let him outside by himself until he was about 6 months old. I would take him into the garden about three times a day to play. He became very familiar with the entire garden at an early age. I would watch him the entire time. He thought going to the bathroom outside was better than the litter box.

I only leave the litter box outside during the day. However, I always bring it in at night, just in case he needs to use it.

So, if you plan on letting your kitten(s) be indoor/outdoor you don't need to train them to go to the bathroom outside. They will just do it on their own. However, I don't suggest leaving your cat(s) outside at night for many reasons.

I would wait till your kitten(s) are at least 6 months of age, before you let them wander about on their own. In the meantime you can take them outside and watch them explore with you there. You'll find that they will often find a good place to go to the bathroom on their own. Then when they are older install a cat door for the day, but bring them in at night (and close the cat door), also bring in the litter box (if you don't like it inside during the day).