Anyone who owns a cat understands how annoying the litter box can be. It can be a full-time job keeping up with your cat between constantly cleaning the box and cleaning accumulated litter throughout the house. many cat owners choose to potty train their cats to combat this and eliminate the need for a litter box. By potty training your cat on the toilet, you can create a cost effective, safe and hygienic solution for your cat. toilet training is a gradual process and usually takes about six weeks to complete.
what is toilet training?
Most cat owners will use a litter box for their cats to use as a toilet. however, litter boxes can be unsightly, become smelly, and spread to other parts of the home. Potty training your cat is one way to teach him to use the toilet in the bathroom. Potty training requires no litter or litter box, allowing you to simply eliminate your cat’s waste as you would your own. the potty training process is easy and effective, and most cats will eventually learn to use the toilet instead of a traditional litter box.
how do I train my cat?
Toilet training your cat is gradual, but can usually be completed within a few months. To potty train your cat, you should:
step 1: move the litter box
You’ll want to move the litter box to the bathroom you want your cat to use. try placing the litter box near the toilet, on the floor.
step 2: set up the litter box
Start gradually raising the litter box until it’s at the same height as the toilet. Every time you pick up the litter box, you’ll want to get some litter out. once the litter box is flush with the toilet, gradually move the box closer to the toilet an inch at a time until the litter box is directly over the toilet.
step 3: potty training
You’ll need to create a “trainer box” for your cat that sits directly over the toilet. you can buy a potty box or make your own using waxed paper with a little bit of litter sprinkled on top. Secure the waxed paper over the toilet by catching the edges with the toilet seat. always make sure the training box is secure enough to support your cat’s weight.
There are also several commercially available training boxes that you can purchase for your cat. These litter boxes fit inside the toilet seat and come in various sizes with larger holes. By switching between sizes, you can eventually teach your cat to eliminate directly into the toilet.
step 4: cut the hole
Cut a small hole in the waxed paper once your cat is comfortable using the homemade training box. gradually create a larger hole until the entire toilet is exposed.
step 5: empty and reward
always be sure to flush after your cat goes to the bathroom. You can use treats as prizes to encourage and reinforce good behavior.
with patience and gradual progression, you can potty train your cat. expect the entire potty training process to take about six weeks. It is important to understand that not all cats are potty trained. If your cat is not getting used to training or seems to be stressed by moving the litter box, you should stop the training process and return to a conventional litter box. Understanding your cat’s needs and overall health and well-being is critical to potty training.
what are the benefits of toilet training?
Potty training your cat has several benefits that make this habit desirable for many cat owners. Potty training is the perfect way to eliminate a smelly and unsightly litter box. Plus, compared to buying litter every week, potty training your cat is cheaper. Potty training your cat can help reduce “cat odor” in your home and can be a wonderful solution if you have young children at home who want to play in the litter box.
There are arguments that eliminating the litter box is also a great way to keep your cat healthier. By not digging in dusty, sandy litter, you can improve your cat’s health and keep her from breathing toxic litter fumes. Plus, you can remove artificial odors and fragrances from your cat’s litter simply by having your cat go to the bathroom.
Are there any downsides to potty training your cat?
Of course, some argue that potty training your cat breaks his natural behaviors. By not allowing your cat to remove and bury waste, you are breaking instinctive behaviors. Another downside to potty training your cat is that you are now sharing your bathroom with your cat. you will always need to have the bathroom door open so that your cat has access to the bathroom. Additionally, potty training your cat can create an awkward situation for guests in your home if the cat forgets to flush.
