How to Train Your Cat to Use A Toilet

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How to Train Your Cat to Use A Toilet

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1-3 Months

Behavior

Introduction

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.

Defining Tasks

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.

Getting Started

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.

The Gradual Method

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Step

Move the litter box into the bathroom

Start by moving the litter box into the bathroom you want your kitty to potty in.

Step

Gradually move the box near the toliet

Every day, move the box closer to the toilet until the box is right up against the toilet.

Step

Raise the litter box

When the litter pan is up against the toilet, place a box under it to raise the height.

Step

Raise the litter box even higher

After a few days, add books or crates under the litter box to raise it even higher.

Step

Transition the litter box to the toliet seat

Once the pan is even with the toilet seat, place the box on top of the toilet seat.

Step

Replace the box with a litter pan insert

Remove the litter box and replace it with a litter pan that sits inside the toilet.

Step

Gradually reduce the litter in the pan

Gradually remove the litter from the pan until there is no litter left.

Step

Take the litter box away

Remove the litter pan completely.

The Toilet liner Method

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Assemble your materials

For this method, you will need graduated toilet litter pans for inside the toilet. Start with the solid pan that doesn't have a hole. Fill the pan with litter and place them on the toilet. If your pet goes potty, treat them.

Step

Replace the litter pan with one with a hole

Remove the initial pan and place a pan with a small hole in the center. When your cat gets accustomed to pottying on this pan, move to the next step.

Step

Increase the hole diameter

Use a potty pan that has a larger hole. Keep increasing the diameter of the pan hole over the course of a few weeks.

Step

Keep an eye on your pet's potty behavior

Once your cat has reached the largest pan hole size and is using it successfully, move to step 6.

Step

Omit the litter box

Eliminate the litter pan altogether.

Step

Reinforce the behavior

Give your kitty treats to positively enforce the behavior.

The Placement Method

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Step

Use a potty command

Teach the kitty to potty on command. Say the command when the cat is using the litter box and then treat them. When they master this, it's time to move to step 2.

Step

Place your cat's "presents" in the toliet

When you scoop the poop from their normal litter box, place some inside the toilet.

Step

Let your cat try out the the toliet

Place the cat on the toilet and treat the cat. Repeat this several times. Now you're ready to combine placement with the command.

Step

Use the potty command

Place the cat on the seat of the toilet and use the potty command. If Fluffy obeys the command, give them a treat.

Step

Keep an eye on your pet's progress

You may need to replace the pan if your cat regresses, and that's okay! Keep trying, and your catto will eventually catch on!

Written by Emily Reardon

Published: 02/23/2021, edited: 02/23/2021

How to Train Your Cat to Use A Toilet

Introduction

Defining Tasks

Getting Started

Success Stories and Training Questions