Teaching your cat to use the toilet has many benefits. It allows you to eliminate bad smells from the litter box and reduces your workload. The training process takes time, education and patience. Follow the instructions to the letter and be prepared to handle any setbacks.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Transition Process
Step 1. Set up your cat's bathroom
If you have decided to teach him to use the toilet, then first you need to prepare a toilet for him. Choose the one in your home that offers the cat easy access. Move her litter box to that room and place it next to the toilet.
Step 2. Gather everything you need
You will need a variety of materials to train your kitty. Your goal is to gradually get him to leave the litter box to use a potty and eventually the toilet.
- A cat potty is actually a "reducer" that fits over the toilet bowl. In the center there is a depression where you have to put some litter that can be flushed down the toilet. As training progresses, you will cut larger and larger holes in the potty until your cat gets used to toileting directly in the toilet rather than in the litter box. You can make this device handcrafted or buy one.
- There are several manufacturers of cat potties. Some models come with several trays of various colors that must be used at different stages of the training process. As your cat progresses, you can switch to the smaller sized tray. Eventually your furry friend will be able to evacuate directly into the cup and you can remove the tray. This kind of potty is very comfortable but quite expensive, typically selling for 35-45 euros.
- If you'd rather save some money, then you can make one yourself. You will need sturdy masking tape, a plastic or cling film, and a 32 x 25 x 7.5cm disposable aluminum pan.
Step 3. Learn to make the structure
If you've decided to build the potty yourself, the process is pretty straightforward. Before you start training to move from litter box to toilet, you need to know how to build this device.
- Place the aluminum pan over the edge of the toilet and secure it with masking tape.
- If the pan is not large enough to fit into the cup, fill the gaps with cling film.
Part 2 of 3: Begin the Training
Step 1. Raise the litter box gradually over a week
To teach the cat to move from its litter box to the toilet, you need to lift it up to the level of the toilet seat. Eventually the cat will learn to jump on the toilet when it needs to do its business. Use a stack of newspapers, cardboard, or old magazines to raise the litter box 7.5 cm per day, until it is level with the sanitary seat.
Step 2. Place the litter box over the toilet
When you have brought it to this height, transfer it directly to the cup and leave it there for a few days. This is the time it takes for the cat to feel comfortable evacuating into the toilet.
Step 3. Replace the litter box with the cat potty filled with litter that can be flushed down the toilet
Once your cat has learned to use the litter box over the cup without any incident, then you can move on to potty training. Lock it safely to the sanitary.
- If you have decided to use a potty with several trays, then start with the smallest one. This has no holes and you just have to fill it with cat sand.
- If you are using the disposable aluminum pan, simply insert it into the toilet and fill it with sand. Do not drill any holes for the moment.
Step 4. Slowly teach the cat to go to the toilet in the cup
Give him a few days to get used to using the potty; when he can do it without "accidents", then it is time to move on to the next stage.
- If you are using a commercial potty, replace the tray with the larger one. Trays have small holes in the bottom that get bigger as the cat progresses.
- If you are using the aluminum pan, make a hole in the bottom with a screwdriver and widen it every day more and more.
- Over time, decrease the amount of litter as well. Every time your cat uses the potty, replace the litter box by reducing the amount.
Step 5. Remove the potty
After about two weeks, during which you have gradually increased the potty hole, you can try to remove the device altogether. At this point the cat should be able and comfortable to use the toilet instead of the litter box.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Precautions
Step 1. Determine if this kind of training is right for your furry friend
This is a skill that not all cats are able to acquire. If you and your pet don't have the right mindset, then it's worth sticking to the traditional litter box.
- If your cat is very young, less than six months old, or has problems with the litter box, then it's not a good idea to toilet train them. Adult specimens that know how to use the litter perfectly are the best candidates for this type of training.
- Very lively cats may have some problems. The more timid ones prefer to hide their feces and urine to protect themselves from potential predators.
- To train a cat to use the toilet takes time, organization and effort. If you are generally not an organized person or are very busy, then keep getting him to use the litter box.
Step 2. Consider the disadvantages of this type of training
Many vets advise against it; you need to educate yourself about the negatives, so that you make an informed decision about what's best for you and your feline friend.
- First, using the toilet goes against a cat's natural instincts. Kittens have a tendency to burrow and hide their droppings. Using a toilet prevents them from behaving this way and could stress them out. You should not let your cat use the bathroom if this makes them uncomfortable, as this could affect their behavior and health.
- The toilet lid must be constantly raised. If you or your guest inadvertently shut it down, then the cat will go to the toilet somewhere else.
- Older cats or cats with joint problems have difficulty reaching the toilet bowl and balancing on the edge. In this case there is a serious risk of injury.
Step 3. Be prepared for hiccups along the training path
During this process, even if conducted in the best way, setbacks often occur. The animal may not make progress, refuse to move on to the next stage, or do its business elsewhere. If this happens, take a step back in the training program and see if this solution helps. You should also have plenty of cleaning products and tools on hand as you teach your cat to use the toilet. In all likelihood, there will be at least one hiccup.
Advice
- Never scold your cat for soiling out of the litter box or toilet. Cats don't learn from scolding and may misbehave when scolded.
- Tell friends who come to your home often that you are training your cat to use the toilet. Remember to tell them to leave the toilet lid off.
