Hi. I found a stray or feral cat and am trying to rescue her. She's been to the vet to get all shot and was fixed. She is very afraid and I am allowing her to hide in my extra room until she recooperates. It's slow going. She only allows my to see her for about 30 seconds before she hides. Anyway, its been about 6 days and she has not used the litter box I have in the room. Is there something I can get to put in the litter to draw her out and get her to use it?

Going to be messy, but try putting some paper towels on the floor. Let her go on them, and then ring them out into the litter tray, same for the poop! Leaving her in a room by herself will not endear her to you. If you have kids around or its noisy in your house that will also keep her away and keep her scared. All cats will react diffferently to their surroundings, it could be a long journey. But persevere and well done for taking in a stray. Good luck.

Colbtech's advice is good advice: When she goes to the bathroom on the floor, transfer it to the litter box so that the litter picks up that scent. You can also try coaxing her into the box by scratching in it with your fingers. Cats have a strong impulse to bury and so once she makes that connection, that she can go to the bathroom in it and bury it, she will most likely begin using it regularly. Putting the feces in the box will help her to understand what it's there for. Just keep in mind how new all this is for her; it's going to take her some time to figure out this new world in which she finds herself.

It is smart to let her have a place that is hers and where she feels safe and can hide, but you want to encourage as much interaction as possible. Keep the door to the room open so that she can explore her new surroundings and, just as important, observe you. Let her begin to approach you, rather than you going to her. You can also try sitting on the floor and encouraging her to play by wiggling a shoelace or toy with which she can play without having to be only inches away from you. Try exciting her curiosity while at the same time demonstrating by your tone of voice and movements that you aren't a threat.

This may take some time, so please be patient with her. Who knows what she has been through, what her past experiences with humans may have been like. She will begin to trust you since you are the one who brings her food. But you are still very unfamiliar. She's being cautious and, when you think about it, that is very smart of her--you're A LOT bigger than she is. She has no way of knowing yet that you won't hurt her, that you are someone she can trust.

The best thing you can do is to be patient and understanding. She will come around.

Good luck to you and your little girl. I hope you'll come back to let us know how things are going or if you have more questions.

Hi I too tamed a ferel cat and now he lives in our house with our house cat. After having him for a year now he will NOT use the litter box. I have tried caging him, keeping him alone in a room, you name it. He is now trained to go outside when I take my dogs out. He does his business and comes back in. Sometimes it takes him a little longer than the dogs and sometimes I MUST leave him out for a while to go on with my day. He is neutered and NEVER goes more than a couple of houses down from where he lives. Twice when we were trying to box train him he peed on our bed! YUCK!! My inside cat is also a male so that may be an issue for him as well . He is a lovely, loving wonderful addition to our family. He gets along great with my dogs and other cat. I wish I NEVER had to let him out because of the danger he could face but I know that I have done all I can. I strongly suggest you have your kitty spayed or neutered ASAP!! I also volunteer at our local animal shelter and we offer a free spay and neuter so check and see if your local shelter has any resources for you. Taking the time to work with him and give him a chance was one of the best decisions of my life. We love him so much! Thanks for what you have done for your kitty. You are a real hero!

Opps sorry I see she is already fixed!!

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