Toilet-training; the two-word phrase we all dread!
If your fur baby has been leaving evidence of their perfectly functioning digestive system here and there, it is time to toilet-train them. Training a cat to use toilet and flush might be one of the most difficult parts of being a cat parent, yet immensely rewarding. It enables your cat to get done with their business by themselves without you having to worry about cleaning the dirty areas frequently.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to train a cat to use toilet and flush.
Why is Cat Toilet Training Necessary?
If your car has been peeing or pooping in a litter box in the house, we understand how difficult it can be to keep the area clean. Cats usually spread the litter around while covering their faces resulting in added work for you. You can train cats to use the toilet to avoid this mess. It not only keeps you at peace with cleaning the litter box but also the surrounding area while providing an enclosed area for your cat to pee and poop.
It sounds perfect. Doesn’t it!
How to train a cat to use toilet and flush?
While training your cat to use the toilet may be a little tricky and time-taking, it is not as difficult as it sounds. With persistence and continuous progression, your cat can easily learn to use the toilet in some time. Give your baby some time and stay patient as they try to adapt to something they have never before. You will require a few accessories to make the transition smooth.
When you have everything you need to toilet train your cat, make sure the shift is smooth so your baby does not scare away. You can conveniently achieve the transition by taking small steps at one time.
Here’s how to train a cat to use toilet: 8 Easy Steps
Designate a Bathroom
The first step to having your cat go to a toilet is to designate a bathroom. It is best to select a bathroom that is easily accessible to the cat, and they can go whenever they want. Choose one closest to the place where their litter box is placed. Or even better if it is near the main entrance as it lets them understand that they do not have to go far away to pee or poop. You may also call it the primary step of the process, as you cannot start cat toilet training until you do not know which toilet they will be using.
Move the Litter Box
The next part of the process is moving the litter box near the toilet. As your cat is already familiar with their litter box, they will want to use it for defecating. However, placing it near the designated bathroom helps the cats familiarize themselves with the surroundings, so they remember where to go the next time they want to poop. You may also place the litter box in the bathroom to make the place easily recognizable for your little friend.
Add Height
The next thing you may have to do is gradually add height to the litter box. Placing it on the ground ensures the cat that there is no change other than the location of the litter box. Though, you can eventually add height to it for your cat to be able to jump high when they want to defecate. It prepares your cat to jump to the height of the toilet when they are ready to shift.
Place the Litter on the Toilet
Next, place the little box on the toilet seat. It is the main step in encouraging your pet to go to the bathroom for their nature call. Besides being an essential part of the process, it is also crucial. While you may expect your cat to jump on the toilet, they may not like the idea and poop somewhere else around the house. Make sure to keep an eye on when your cat experiences this new process.
Remove the Toilet Seat
When your cat readily accepts the shifting of the litter box onto the toilet seat – congratulations!
You have made it through the difficult part, and the rest is simple now. As the cat progresses to being comfortable using the litter box on the toilet, introduce a training seat for a smooth transition.
Introduce the Training Seat
When it is time to shift the cat from the litter box to the toilet, get a training seat to reduce the space and subside the fear of your cat. Numerous seats are available for cat toilet training that you may choose according to your requirement and budget. It is better to select expandable ones so you can gradually increase the size of the hole and make it easy for your cat to adjust to the size of your toilet.
You can also create a training seat yourself by using an aluminum tray and binding it tightly to the toilet with the help of duct tape. Fill the training seat with flushable litter to provide a comfortable place for your cat to poop.
Remove the Training Seat
After around two weeks or more of the training, your fur baby will eventually get accustomed to the toilet and feel no discomfort while defecating straight into the toilet bowl. Now, remove the training seat and see your hard work paying off!
Treat Your Baby
Treating your pet every time they go into the toilet encourages them to do the same more often.
Dos and Don’ts of Training a cat to use toilet
- Always flush the toilet after your cat defecates.
- Always keep the toilet cover-up as the cat may poop somewhere else if it doesn’t see the toilet bowl.
- While it may seem a great idea to train your cat to flush, it may not be the best. Your baby might think of it to be a game, and you may have you call the plumber quite often.
- Wait for some time if your cat is 6 months or less as they are not as good at balancing as older, healthy cats. Similarly, cats with joint problems may have difficulty in toilet training.
- While you train cat to use toilet, take care of all other needs and offer care to appreciate them and ensure that they are doing something good.
The Bottom Line
Setbacks are common even after proper cat toilet training, and you must be prepared for them. Keep cleaning supplies at hand for days your cat decides to poop somewhere else. You can always take a step back and re-train.
Though it is challenging to train a cat to use toilet and flush, it comes with not having to clean the litter box repeatedly throughout the day. Train your cat with care and consistency, and you will see how they learn it in no time.
Good Luck!