Home on 31 Jul 2008 12:07 am
The Top Five Steps to Toilet Train Your Cat
Litter training is a simple solution to the alternative which is running over and letting them out of the house whenever they need to relieve themselves. Then, you have to hope you are home during these times. Yes, a litter trained cat is much easier to live with.
However, litter trays can be messy to clean and they can also start to smell too. For that reason, many owners often look into different ways of housetraining their cat. One method which seems to be popular with some owners is toilet training. Here you will find the top five ways to toilet train your cat. It may sound silly, but toilet training might actually be the best thing that you ever teach your cat!
1. Newspaper Training Box
Your cat must be trained to use a litterbox before it can use the toilet. Make sure you use newspaper in their litterbox when litterbox training and after. It comes in handy later, since litter cannot be flushed down, and newspaper can. The closer to the bathroom or toilet they will be using will help later on in the five step process.
2. Gradually Move the Litter Tray
It is impossible to jump straight from the litter tray to the toilet. Your cat likes routine and they will go to the toilet in the same place as they always do. If the litter tray is moved too much then they could refuse to use it. They have to feel comfortable and so this means you have to move the litter tray closer to the bathroom in stages. Moving it a little each day will slowly help your cat to get used to going in a slightly different area.
3. Lower the Litter Tray Sides
There is quite a difference between the toilet and the litter tray and your cat will definitely be able to tell the difference! So you need to start trimming down the sides of the litter tray. If you are using a strong cardboard box then this shouldn’t be too difficult. However you should obviously be careful if you are using a plastic tray!
Remember as you move the box lower the edges. Do this gradually so that kitty doesn’t notice you disrupting their everyday routine.
4. Place the Tray in the Toilet
Now that you have done all the past three steps and the box has gradually made it’s way to the toilet. You are now ready to put the box into the toilet. You will do this by tying the box inside of the toilet. Make sure when you tie the box inside the toilet that it is tied tight. If it were to fall in while your cat was using it, it will scare them and they may never come to use it again. Now it’s time for a little patience. Leave the box in the toilet until you notice your cat has become completely comfortable with the new situation. When your cat has adjusted then, move on to step five.
5. Cut a Hole in the Tray
Finally, once your cat is used to jumping up onto the toilet and using their new litter tray, it is then time to cut a hole in the bottom of the tray. This will ensure that whatever the cat does in the tray will immediately fall into the toilet. Once the cat is used to this setup, you can then take the tray away completely and they will happily use the toilet without any fuss.
Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems quickly.
- Kathrynn Kelley
