How to train an adult male cat to cover up his litter?

Question

I recently brought home a stray male cat. Not only does he not cover up his litter, he keeps going to the same corner/spot in the litter box. It makes the litter so wet that it doesn't clump as it should. He doesn't seem to be used to living so neatly either, such as making a mess on his face or drops food around his food bowl whenever he eats. And I've also caught him drinking water out of the toilet instead of the water bowl I set out for him. I make sure to give him fresh, ice-cold water----even make sure that he clearly sees me pour the refrigerated water for him. Then he would still "paw" the water, as if to make sure the water is really there, before he drinks it.

How can I train him to be neat and live and carry himself as a cat should?

Answer 1

Some of them will never cover up their litter.  My oldest won't, probably because he's dominant and wants everyone to know he's there.  I suspect that the foster organization I got cat #2 from took him away from his mom too soon and he won't cover either.  My girl will take 5 minutes to move all the litter in the box into a mountain over hers.  I think you're stuck with them doing what they do there.  You can just shovel some litter onto the spot and scoop it later after it clumps.

As far as the general mess goes, I guess just give him some time.  I don't know if you can really teach them to be neat.  Over time he will probably be cleaner just because he isn't getting as dirty.  

Some of mine paw their water, one loves to put a paw in while he drinks.  I think that's just a preference and not a big deal.  Several prefer the toilet so we just always keep the seat down.    

For the food, sometimes I've just put a place mat under my cats' food and just dump off the spilled bits.  At times it's easier to just adapt ourselves.  

To some extent they're just going to do what they do.  After awhile I think yours will be a lot cleaner because he isn't getting dirty like he was and he has more free time to clean.  But some of his habits may not change or may take awhile to change.