How to Toilet Train Your Cat

Posted by Ken in Toilet Training

So you want to train your cat to use the toilet? Toilet training a cat is not easy. Some people like to think of their cats as humans. But that doesn’t change that fact that cats are still of another species altogether. Their training should be specialized to suit their needs, mental abilities, and instincts. It takes time for them to develop good habits. One prime example is toilet-training. Expect to put in time, effort, and a lot of patience into this task. Remember that you are teaching your cat to be “domesticated” which is against their natural inclination.

Preparing for the Toilet Training

It is ideal to have two toilets inside the house if you want to train your cat. The first toilet can be for your usage while the second one can be for the cat. Your cat needs to get used to the height and strength of the flush of the water tank so if the two toilets have different specifications, don’t switch from one to another.
Also, take note that the cat should be at least six months old before undergoing toilet-training because they are continually growing. At some point, they need to balance themselves in the toilet seat. If they are used to using it when they were small, they might struggle once they get bigger.

Materials

Using aluminum trays as a tool is highly effective. One tray will be fitted into the toilet while the next one should replace the cat’s litter box. The latter is important because it conditions the cat to use aluminum trays whenever he has the urge to relieve himself. The transition from using the litter box to the toilet becomes easier by using aluminum trays.

Patience is the Key

It is hard enough to train a cat to use the litter box. So expect that training your cat to use the toilet will be more of a challenge. Give your cat time to adjust to the aluminum tray. Usually, it takes a few days before it feels comfortable. Gradually move the aluminum tray closer to the toilet and then raise it 2-4 inches off the ground.
Ensure that it is in a stable surface and that the cat has room enough to maneuver around comfortable. Once the cat get used to this height, raise it 1-2 inches higher each time until it reaches the height of the toilet. Things will be easier from here.