
Janae Heaney
Creative Leader
Janae is dedicated to helping cat owners improve their lives by sharing insights, highlighting values, and engaging in creative problem solving. Through her thoughtful approach, she highlights the benefits of catios for security, safety, and improved wellness while promoting richer connections between people and their cats.
How to Transition Your Cat from an Indoor to an Outdoor Litter Box
Written by Janae Heaney
The Benefits of Using an Outdoor Litter Box
As cat owners, we all know how messy and smelly litter boxes can get. Managing odors and keeping things clean can feel like a constant battle. But have you ever considered the benefits of transitioning to an outdoor litter box? In this article, we’ll explore how to make the transition smoothly to ensure your cat adjusts comfortably.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning Cats to an Outdoor Litter Box
Introducing your cat to a new litter box can be challenging. To them, the litter box is a special and sacred space, so it’s natural for them to need time to adjust. When making this transition, it's helpful to follow the step-by-step guide to transitioning cats to an outdoor litter box in a supportive and patient manner throughout the process.
7 Steps to Transitioning Your Cat from an Indoor to an Outdoor Litter Box
1. Appropriate Placement: Set up your outdoor litter box in a safe, quiet area, such as a catio. Cats prefer calm, low-traffic spaces and, like us, value their privacy. Placing a litter box in a crowded, noisy environment can cause cats to avoid it altogether. To enhance privacy, you can add elements like plants or other natural barriers.
2. Choose The Appropriate Litter: It is important to create a sense of familiarity during transitions. Use the same type of litter from your indoor litter box for your outdoor litter box. Once your cat has adjusted, you can change to any type of litter you'd prefer.
3. Transition Gradually: The last thing anyone wants is for their bathroom to disappear without warning; the same goes for your cat. Gradually move your cat’s litter box closer to the desired outdoor location, a little bit each day. Every time you move it, be sure to show your cat where it is, so they don’t feel anxious or confused. Over time, this gentle approach will help your cat transition smoothly and recognize that their new bathroom is outdoors.
4. Encourage Outside Over Inside: Encouragement is key in any step-by-step guide to transitioning cats to outdoor litter boxes. To help your cat adjust, ensure it is clean and consider providing multiple litter boxes, if necessary. Avoid punishing your cat if they go outside the box, as this can cause stress and make the transition more difficult. If your cat starts avoiding the litter box altogether, it could be a sign of illness, and it’s important to consult a veterinarian.
5. Encourage Exploration: Directly introduce your cat to the outdoor litter box by bringing them to the catio and placing them near the box. This allows cats to get a sense of their surroundings and reduce anxiety. Stay with them during this time to offer encouragement and make them feel comfortable.
6. Positive Reinforcement: Monitor your cat's behavior as they explore the new space. Encourage them to use the new litter box by offering their favorite treats each time they use it. This helps create a positive association with the new box and reinforces the desired behavior.
7. Keep it Clean: Cleanliness is crucial when transitioning cats to outdoor litter boxes as it benefits both their health and yours. A clean litter box promotes consistent use, as cats tend to avoid dirty ones. Practice daily cleaning and replace all the litter every 25 days. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of ammonia buildup and other harmful bacteria that may accumulate in the box.

Each cats’ transition is going to be different. And that is okay. It is important to simply track and monitor how your cat is adapting to the changes. Since you know your cat best, you can make small adjustments that are more catered to your cat as necessary.
Fact or Fiction? Things to look for after following the 7 Steps to Transitioning to an Outdoor Litter Box:
Cats will instinctively know how to use an outdoor litter box
Fiction: Cat owners may believe that a cat will just “get it” and start using an outdoor litter box without support. Nope, not necessarily. Cats do in fact need the training to make this transition, which is where our Step-by-Step guide comes into play.
You need to clean outdoor litter boxes regularly
Fact: Regularly cleaning your outdoor litter box is just as crucial as an indoor one. A dirty box can lead to ammonia buildup, irritating your cat’s respiratory system, and can harbor Toxoplasma gondiiToxoplasma gondii, a parasite dangerous to both cats and humans. Keep it clean to protect their health!
You can place your outdoor litter box anywhere
Fiction: Where you put your outdoor litter box really matters. Ideal places will look like a private, quiet, and sheltered space so that your cat feels a sense of safety and security
Outdoor litter boxes are less hygienic and harder to clean than indoor litter boxes
Fiction: While your outdoor litter box may be exposed to more things in the environment, that doesn’t mean they are inherently less sanitary. Regular maintenance and an appropriate setup allow outdoor boxes to be just as easy to maintain as indoor ones
Outdoor boxes put cats at risk of outdoor danger
Fiction: Having an outdoor litter box embedded into a secure catio ensures that your cats are safe, secure and are still able to reap all the benefits of the outdoors.
Outdoor litter boxes can be good for the environment
Fact: It comes down to the litter you choose. There are eco-friendly options, like biodegradable or compostable litter, which can easily make the outdoor litter box more environmentally friendly.
You should keep the indoor litter box if your cat has an outdoor litter box
Fact: An indoor litter box could definitely be beneficial for your cat. Taking away the option altogether could result in your cat becoming stressed and confused, which could lead to accidents