Training your cats to go outside to the toilet is by far the best and cheapest option.
Gradually move the litter tray nearer to the back door and then outside and then to the end of the garden or behind a bush. If you make a ‘dry’ area in the garden, sand or fine earth, you won’t even need a litter tray. It does have to be dry soil though, so they can scratch in it.
But if you are out at work and they’re couch potatoes like these two best friends, there are still ways to save on cat litter. The deodourized brands are expensive and a waste of money when you can quickly and easily make your own. Buy the cheapest brand and put a thin layer of bicarbonate of soda in the tray before adding the litter. It will absorb the odours and you may even find that your feline friend prefers it – some cats don’t like the smell of the deodourized litter. Mix a bit more bicarb in when you change the litter, it works a treat.
The cats in the pic are Rackham, a grey neutered male and Orangina, a frisky ginger female. Both are young cats, about 18 months old and, as you can see, they adore each other. It’s interesting to study cats personality likes and dislikes. We have cats here who, quite irrationally, dislike each other intensely. Others are aloof and for some, like these two, who are not related, it’s love at first sight. As part of our ongoing studies into cat behaviour, we’re investigating the meanings behind feline relationships. If you have any stories of out of the ordinary cat friendships or enmity, we’d love to here from you – email us at or by post please.