Why Train Your Cat to Use the Toilet?
Training your cat to use the toilet has several advantages. You won't need to buy cat litter anymore, which saves money. Plus, no more messy litter boxes to clean!
Cleaning the toilet is also easier and controls odors better. The cat's business is covered with water, unlike sitting out in a litter tray.
How Long Will It Take?
Training can take around eight to nine weeks. Some cats learn faster than others. Even older cats, like a 10-year-old, can learn.
Steps in Toilet Training Your Cat
- Move the Litter Box: Gradually move your cat’s litter box closer to the toilet.
- Elevate the Litter Box: Raise it gradually with newspapers or cardboard until it is level with the toilet seat.
- Box on Toilet Seat: Move the box so it's resting on the toilet seat.
- Use a Bowl: Place a metal bowl with litter inside the toilet and remove the litter box.
- Train Paw Placement: Ensure your cat has all four paws on the toilet seat rim.
- Reduce Litter: Use less litter until there is none left.
- Add Water: Gradually fill the bowl with water. Once comfortable at about 4cm, remove the bowl.
Tools to Help
You can buy cat toilet training kits like Litter Kwitter. These kits help by offering a step-by-step system to ease your cat into toilet use.
Possible Downsides
- Not natural for cats; goes against their instinct to dig and cover.
- Risk of injury or anxiety, as toilets can be slippery.
- Harder to monitor cat’s health without seeing the urine.
- Relocating may require new training for a different toilet.
Important Tips
Be patient. Move on only when your cat is comfortable. Keep the toilet seat up and the bathroom accessible at all times.