Do you dream of never having to empty the litter box again? If so, toilet training might be for your cat. You've probably seen kitties in movies going to potty in the toilet, but this isn't just for movie stars — it's totally doable for your cat too! This guide will walk you through teaching toilet manners and give you the tools you need for successful training.
For toilet training a kitty, you'll need lots of treats and patience. The process is simple. You're training your cat to do something they already know how to do, just in a different place.
Some pet parents have concerns about toilet training cats because it changes their natural bathroom behaviors of scratching and covering up their "presents". Rest assured, toilet training is completely harmless for your cat and will be much more convenient for you too.
This guide will focus strictly on teaching your cat to use the potty. Chances are your cat won't be able to flush or put the seat down, but that is a small price to pay for never having to scoop a smelly litter box again.
Most of these methods do require some extra materials, mainly litter pan toilet inserts. These can be purchased online or easily DIY'd at home with the right materials. These toilet training kits range from $20 to $50. We know that sounds like a lot, but think of all the money (and time!) you'll save on buying kitty litter and liners.
There are 3 main steps to getting started with toilet training a cat. Step one is to make your bathroom cat-friendly. Clean your bathroom well and remove any obstacles that might interfere with your cat getting to the toilet or their litter box.
Step two is to place the kitty pan on the bathroom floor that you want your cat to use so your cat will acclimate to the new placement rather than their usual space. Show your cat the new location of their box and encourage them to try it out. It's best to pick a quiet bathroom that's away from the main family area.
Finally, give your kitty treats for using the restroom in the new location. This will positively reinforce the behavior and prevent them from using the corner where the litter box was.