How To Train Your Cat To Use The Toilet

How To Train Your Cat To Use The Toilet

If you have a cat you'll agree that replacing the sand from the litterbox and cleaning it is a time-consuming and sometimes nasty task. What if your cat used the toilet, just like you do? There is a debate on whether you should teach your cat how to use the toilet or not. People against the training system say that it goes against the cat's instincts. But it is true that if your cat learns how to use the toilet it will save you time and money. However, you should know that not all cats are suitable to be toilet trained, it will depend much on their age and their overall health. Want to get rid of the smelly litter box? Here at OneHowTo we explain you how to train your cat to use the toilet.

Steps to follow:
1

Before starting the training, consider if your cat is suitable for it. Young cats are the best for this kind of training, because they're more agile and are more open to changes. It might be more difficult to change the behaviour and habits of older cats, so think about it before starting the training. Also, your cat will need to jump on the toilet, so don't use this training if he or she suffers from arthritis or any other problems that make jumping difficult.

If you think your cat will be able to switch from the litterbox to the toilet, you can start the training.

2

First, if you have more than one bathroom at home, designate one for your cat. If the litter box is not yet inside the bathroom, put it next to the toilet and leave it there for a couple of weeks.

3

Gather the needed materials. On the internet there is a variety of systems to teach your cat to use the toilet. The Litter Kwitter is one of the most common, but you can purchase any online. These training kits consist of different rings that you remove as the weeks go on.

4

When your cat is used to the new location of the litter box, you can start elevating it regularly. This is advisable if you have an older cat that might find changes difficult to bear. However, if you have a young cat you can try to put the training system directly on the toilet and if you see he or she has problems jumping on it, make a steadier change and elevate the litter box slowly.

5

Put the training system on your toilet and remember to always leave the toilet lid open. If you're using a training kit, on the first weeks you have to use the smallest training pan. This won't have any hole on it and it will simply be like a litter box but higher. Fill it with flushable litter.

6

After a couple of weeks, remove the first ring from the training seat. Gradually remove rings and put less flushable litter, and your cat will get used to it. Maybe your cat will need one week only between rings or maybe more time. Don't try to go too fast, it'll take some time to train your cat but if you're patient you won't need litter boxes anymore.

7

When you're at the last ring, remove any flushable litter. This way your cat will get used to not having any sand to cover their feces.

8

Finally, remove the training seat completely. If the training is right, your cat shouldn't have any problem with the toilet and should be comfortable using it.

9

Now that your cat has learned how to use the toilet, you should have some things in consideration. Remember to always keep your bathroom door open and leave the toilet lid up.

10

Be ready for surprises. Even if the training is done correctly, you might find that some days your cat eliminates elsewhere. Training is an activity that requires patience.

11

If you see that the training is causing stress to your cat, stop it. As we've mentioned before, not all cats are suitable for toilet training. Your cat might be young and healthy, but it might get stressed quite easily. If you realise your cat's behaviour has changed and he or she looks stressed, quit the training and go back to the normal litter box.

12

If you have a cat and want more information on how to train it, check out these OneHowTo articles:

  • How to train your cat
  • How to keep your cat from peeing in the house
  • How to change your cat's behaviour
  • How to teach my cat to use the scratching post

If you want to read similar articles to How To Train Your Cat To Use The Toilet, we recommend you visit our Pets category.