Train Cats to Use Toilet

Bathroom Etiquette

If you are going to train a cat in to use the toilet, every person in the household must learn to leave the lid up and the seat down.

If at all possible, it is best to have a toilet that is reserved for the cat's use. If this is not possible on an ongoing basis, it is best to have a toilet reserved just for the training period. If you live in a single bathroom home, it is still possible to train your cat. Just remember to replace the training system after each use.

Train Cats to Use Toilet Bowls

Although there are many toilet training kits, you can easily toilet train your cat with a metal mixing bowl.

Step One: Project Relocation

The first step is to begin to move the litter box closer to the bathroom where you plan to toilet train your cat. Move the box gradually. The cat should still be able to see the litter box from where it was previously kept. Also, take the cat to the new location and show him or her where the litter box is. Leave it in this position for a few days. Next, move it a bit closer to the bathroom. Again, the cat must be able to still see the litter box from the second position where you moved it. Show the cat where the box is located. Continue until the box is in the bathroom and next to the toilet.

Step Two: Gradual Changes

Place the litter box on a stool or object that will keep the box steady, but raise it to about half as high as the toilet itself is. This stage can be difficult for some cats, so be sure to praise your pet every time you see him or her use the box in this position. Leave the box there for about a week.

Next, place the litter box on the toilet with the seat down but the lid up. Again, some cats will find this strange and may have trouble adjusting. Be patient and willing to go back a step if necessary. It can take several months to get a cat fully trained, but once you are finished you'll never have to scoop cat litter again. Leave the litter box in this position until the cat seems comfortable using it there.

Step Three: The Big Switch

Measure the toilet bowl. You need a sturdy metal bowl that will fit inside the bowl and rest on the rim of the toilet. You need a bowl that will be sturdy as any mishap can scare your cat from using the litter in this position, and you'll have to start over from the beginning.

Once you find one, remove the litter box and place the aluminum bowl inside the toilet. Let the lip of the bowl rest on the rim of the toilet and then shut the seat down on top of the bowl. Leave the lid up. Fill the bowl with about two to three inches of litter. Use this method until your cat seems comfortable.

Step Four: Position is Everything

During this part of the process, it is important that you teach your cat the proper position to avoid mishaps and accidents. The cat must be able to balance in a stable position on the toilet to avoid injury or falling into the bowl. Some cats will find the right position naturally and others will need help.

• Front paws should be close together on the seat in front of the cat.
• Hind legs should be outside the front paws but on the same part of the seat.
• Cat's rear should be down.

Step Five: The Home Stretch

Gradually reduce the amount of litter until there is only a handful in the bottom of the bowl. Allow the cat to adjust gradually to each change and move forward only when you feel your cat is comfortable. Each cat will be different, so you'll have to watch your pet carefully.

Once there is no litter in the bowl, begin to add water to the metal bowl. First, add just a cup or so. Gradually increase the amount of water in stages until there is about two inches of water in the bowl. Once the cat gets used to that, remove the bowl. Now you just have to remember to keep the lid up and the seat down. Did you ever think you'd be able to train cats to use toilet bowla so easily?

If My Cat Could Just Flush

You'll probably have to flush for your cat, but this is a minor price to pay for no more litter boxes, no more tracking through the house and all the money you'll save by not buying litter.