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In a message dated 1/12/02 7:21:52 AM, strandbe@... writes:

<< I wonder about a litter box with a hole

cut in the bottom of it strapped to the toilet seat.... >>

They used to sell a toilet seat cap (with a hole, but with a rim the cats
could jump up on) and you put herbs in the rim, and theoretically cats could
be trained to use a toilet if you had an extra one you could leave that on.
You'd put the litter box in the same room, I think, but they might prefer the
toilet-one. And once they got it you could take it off and they would use
any toilet.

OKAY, it was silly for me to be telling you, so I went to Google.com and put
in "toilet training cats" and there's a fair bit of stuff.

Here's some, and a couple of links, and a (possibly still-going) discussion
list:

http://www.CatGift.com/toilettrain.asp

We are the exclusive distributors of this unique kit. The kit includes a
special "Kitty Toilet Training Seat" (after 21 days they'll share your
regular people toilet).

And the 60 page book that guides you step by step thru a 21 day program and
covers training mistakes, special situations, etc. Only $24.95 for the
complete kit.

Laura says"I didn't believe it either. Sure I heard stories of cats using the
toilet, but I didn't believe it was possible until we trained ours in 21
days.
I used to hate emptying the kitty litter, lets face it, it's not that
pleasant. With this book and training toilet seat your cat can learn to use
the toilet in less than a month. "
 
Forget what you've heard
"Forget what you've read or heard. This 60 page book takes you step by step
thru a 21 day program and covers training mistakes, special situations, etc. "

----------------

The Toilet Training and Cats Mailing Lists
 
Several years ago I started a mailing list about toilet training cats.  It
still goes on today but I am only involved because the list is set up in my
name.  As much as she can, BJ Jones guides the list members.  But, the list
really runs on its own.  

The best way to join the list is to go to the list website.

 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toilet

There is also a list for general cat discussions.  You can join at that
list's website.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cats-list

------------------------
http://www.execulink.com/~ritah/toilet.htm

 
"TOILET TRAINING CATS"

Okay, here's how we trained Boots to go "potty" in the toilet:

First, you move kitty's litter box into the bathroom right next to the
toilet. Take up bathroom rugs and any other things in the bathroom that might
tempt kitty to go on them (just to be safe).

Wait til he's used to that, probably a day or two, then raise the litter box
a couple of inches by placing books or a box or whatever under it. Just be
sure it remains stable so kitty doesn't get nervous from his litter box being
shaky.

Keep raising kitty's litter box a few inches at a time, giving him time to
get used to the move with each height increase.

Once the bottom of the litter box is even with the toilet seat, move it over
so that it is sitting on top of the seat. If kitty seems too reluctant at
this point, you might put just half on the seat & leave half remaining on the
stack of books or whatever, as long as it remains steady.

With the litter box sitting on the toilet seat, kitty is getting used to
having to jump onto the seat before getting into his box. Once he seems
comfortable with that, remove the litter box from the seat, raise the seat &
measure the width of the toilet bowl.

Purchase a stainless steel/metal bowl that is the same size as you measured &
place it in the toilet bowl. (Get rid of the litter box! Yeah!!) The rim of
the metal bowl keeps it from falling into the water by resting on the rim of
the toilet bowl. Place an inch or two of litter in the metal bowl, lower the
toilet seat, & gently show kitty what is expected of him by sitting him on
the toilet seat. Try to catch him in the act to see how many legs he has in
the bowl and how many are up on the seat. The more he has on the seat, the
better. Place one back leg on either side of his front legs in a squatting
position. Be calm & gentle. Do this occasionally throughout the day. Praise
him each time he does what you want him to do. He will probably complain a
little with each step & may even urinate elsewhere. If he does, just gently
place him on the toilet again & again and keep lifting his leg out of the
bowl onto the seat, getting him used to it. Pet him & talk to him lovingly to
show this experience does not need to be traumatic for him. If you just can't
convince him to go in the bowl, you may have to bring back the litter box for
a day. Just take baby steps. Don't rush the training or kitty may feel
pressured and not cooperate as readily. (Naturally, the "people" in the
household will need to take the bowl out when using the toilet!)

When he does go in the bowl, praise him, pet him, give him a snack, etc.
You'll probably be able to tell when he needs to go potty by his restlessness
and/or meowing. When you think he's telling you he needs to go, call him into
the bathroom & coax him onto the seat. Make sure all family & friends know to
keep the toilet bowl lid up & the toilet bowl seat down! Also, they must keep
the bathroom door open when not in use.

It won't take long for kitty to get used to going in the bowl. The next step
is decreasing the amount of litter in the bowl. If he resists as it gets too
low, add just a little & keep letting it get less until he's thrilled if he
gets just a teaspoon! Some cats have a harder time than others giving up the
digging & covering up ritual.

Here's the hardest part and the smelliest part, but you can probably get
through it in a day or two. Leave the bowl empty of litter. If kitty just
won't have it that way, add a sprinkle of litter, then try again for the
empty bowl.

Once he goes in the empty bowl, the next step is putting just a little water
in the bowl. As he gets used to that, add a little more water until you have
2 to 3 inches of water in the bowl. Remember, you may have to back up a step
or two if kitty is just too uncomfortable. With Boots, this is the only time
he urinated on the floor & had a bowel movement in the soil of a large plant.
My husband put plastic around the bottom of the plant covering the dirt so
Boots couldn't get to it again. Where he urinated, we just deordorized the
spot & sprinkled a little vinegar to get rid of his scent.

It won't be long before kitty feels fairly comfortable urinating in the bowl.
However, he may take longer feeling comfortable enough to have a bowel
movement in there. It's because his squatting position for urinating is lower
to the seat & he, therefore, feels more steady. But, unless your kitty has a
problem with balance or some other problem that might keep it from working,
he'll get through this final step eventually. You might try taking the bowl
out occasionally now & sitting kitty on the seat til he gets used to the bowl
being gone. He will probably prefer a clean, flushed toilet. I know that
sounds strange, but cats are not like dogs. Cats want to hide the odor.

It took Boots a couple of months to master this completely. He's 6 years old
& he's a big cat, so if your cat is younger and/or smaller, it may go much
more quickly. Sometimes a few weeks is all it takes!
Before you know it, kitty will be completely toilet trained!!

Finally, here's the pictures of Boots "In Action"! They aren't the greatest,
but it's hard to get a good picture in a small bathroom. At least it will
give you an idea of the two positions: #1 is a lower squat, #2 is a higher
squat.

Boots in his #1 squat.
 

Boots in his #2 squat.
 

Just finished #1.
All Done!!
 
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Updated August 22, 2000


The last time this page was updated was 04/01/01