Cat won't use litter tray!

Wherever the cat does go pick it up and put it in the tray, position is also important so not near its food and tucked away somewhere if possible.

You have probably already tried this bit I cannot think of anything else.

Is the litter tray in a quiet place in the house where the cat wouldn't be disturbed? Ideally, it shouldn't be near his food or bed, but in a quiet corner of a bathroom/utility room, somewhere where there won't be draughts, people passing, etc.

I've had cats for 39 years, and my Mr Cooper was like the cat you describe - lest out by someone/stray, and I had his chipped, neutered, etc. He won't use a tray either! He has got one and knows how to use it, but he goes outside instead.

Could your brother take the cat outside and stand out there with him? The cat may not want to go out for fear of being shut out there and unable to get back in. Or a cat-flap?

Would it be possible to put a small amount of whatever the cat produces into the litter tray? The cat could then be put near/into the tray to sniff it. With luck, he will connect the two and know that's where to 'perform'.

Is the cat using a particular area for toileting? If so, try putting the litter tray in that area then gradually moving it slowly over time to a more convenient place. Also, if you can catch some of what the cat leaves behind, put that in the litter tray so it smells of him and he’s reassured by his own scent. Not very nice, but it might do the trick.

Don’t use bleach to clean up, that causes cats to soil even more to cover the smell. Use bio washing powder/liquid.

Another suggestion is to get some Feliway. It helps cats to feel calm. You can get it online, pet shops or your vet. www.feliway.com/uk/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSIC-Diffuser

Another suggestion is a product called Zylkene which can be prescribed, or is sold OTC at Pets at Home. My cat had to be treated with this as a kind of antidepressant when she was traumatised after her brother was run over and killed.

Or there are homeopathic remedies for cat anxiety if he googles it.

Feliway didn't do anything for my cat.

Thirdly, a litter tray with a lid is good for a nervous cat so that the cat can go inside and use it privately.

I have always had two litter trays: one in use, and one standing clean but empty. Change the tray regularly and wash it in hot water, preferably without perfumed detergent, than stand it outside to dry and air off. Cats dislike the smell of a dirty tray, as in nature they use a new place each time.

Obviously, the cat is afraid he will be deserted if he goes out. Taking him out with a harness and lead on, but carrying the cat for a very short walk in the garden, then taking him inside again might help him realise that the outdoors isn't dangerous.

Keep where he can see the door, then put the cat down and let him run home.

I can't promise it will work, but it might.

What does the cat use? The corners of the rooms? Put newspaper down and see if he will use it. If he does, put newspaper and a little cat litter in the tray.

Dee1012 your brother sounds like a great guy. Lots of sensible ideas here but it does also sound as though there is an underlying behavioural problem because of the poor cat's past life experiences. I had a very difficult cat related problem a few years back and consulted the cat behavioural specialist Vicky Halls. I emailed her about the problem and she offered a telephone consultation for a very reasonable fee. She offered very comprehensive advice and many solutions that I hadn't thought of. She has written many books on cat behaviour - Google her. I hope this helps.

The cat may have always been kept indoors, and maybe that's just what he's happy with now.

If he regularly goes in one or two spots, how about just putting newspaper down there? Or even some puppy pads. They open out flat and are quite absorbent.

If that works, then you could try a litter tray with just newspaper in.

Or, try putting some cat nip in a clean tray, just to get him in it. Good luck to your lovely brother.

Sorry grandtanteJE65, just realised I have suggested same as you, re newspaper.

My female rescue cat is easily stressed ,normally will us Litter Tray,but has used floor if any workmen are near my house.
I have just started her on Cystease pills ,made by Feliway,non prescription, early days but she does seem happier since starting them and no unexpected accidents.
She was on Royal Canin Food for nervous Cats when I got her.I bought it via a Vet and that also seemed to help her settle in.
She needs 2 Litter trays,one for poo and one for urine.Won't go outdoors.

Just to clarify I meant she won't go outdoors to poo and pee. Initially she wouldn't go out at all so I just left patio doors open,sat in the garden, and then she couldn't resist joining me
She will go out by herself now for short periods.
Cystease Pills do seem to be relaxing her a lot .Today she wanted to sit on my knee whilst I was using the toilet! Thankfully she didn't decide to follow my lead and is still using her litter tray and not my knee.

Where is the litter tray situated, is it in a quiet area, is it hooded , some like hooded ones for privacy, some prefer open ones, I’d get a plug in feliway and buy the opposite tray to the one your brother has already got

As a kitten our long departed Maurice could not stand any kind of cat litter, and we tried them all!

However he was perfectly happy with newspaper torn into strips.