There are many benefits to teaching a cat to defecate in the toilet. There will be no unpleasant odors from the litter box and you will have less work to do. Training a cat to poop takes time, practice, and patience. Follow the training process properly and be prepared to face setbacks while practicing it.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the Transition
Step 1. Prepare a bathroom for the cat
If you've decided to potty train your cat, the first step in the training process is to determine which bathroom your cat will use. Choose a bathroom in your home that is easy for cats to enter. Move the litter box into the bathroom near the toilet.
Step 2. Collect all the equipment
You will need a variety of equipment to train your cat to go to the toilet. Cats will make the transition from a regular litter box to a training seat and eventually practice using the toilet.
- The training seat is a small device that is placed on top of the toilet. The small indentation in the center of the tool will be filled with sand that can be flushed. As you train, you start making bigger and bigger holes in the training seat until your cat gets used to going straight to the toilet instead of sand. You can buy a training seat or make your own.
- The Litter Kwitter is a training seat brand. This brand has training trays in different colors and sizes from small to large. As your cat trains, switch the larger tray to a smaller one. Over time, you'll be able to get rid of the tray and your cat will go straight to the toilet. The Litter Kwitter is indeed very practical but the price is a little expensive. The price is around IDR 500,000 to IDR 700,000.
- If you want to save money, you can make your own training tray. You will need masking tape, plastic wrap, and an aluminum baking tray that is approximately 30 cm x 25 cm x 7 cm.
Step 3. Understand how to create a training tray. If you choose to make your own, the process of making this potty training box is quite simple. You should know how to build a training tray before making the transition from litter box to toilet.
- To make a training tray, place an aluminum baking tray over the edge of the toilet. Glue it with tape.
- If the tray is not large enough to cover the entire surface of the toilet, cover the gap with plastic wrap.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Lift the litter box gradually each week
To get your cat to move from the litter box to the toilet, you'll need to raise the litter box up near the toilet. Over time, your cat will learn to jump onto the toilet seat when she has to pee each week. Use a pile of old newspapers, cardboard, or magazines to raise the litter box 7 cm each day to the height of the toilet.
Step 2. Place the litter box on top of the toilet
Once the litter box is level with the toilet, place it on the toilet seat. Leave for a few days. This is done to find out how long it takes the cat to feel comfortable urinating in the toilet.
Step 3. Replace the litter box with a training seat filled with flushable sand
Once your cat is comfortable using the litter box properly, it's time to use a training seat. Keep the training seat above the toilet.
- If you are using Kwitter Litter or a similar product, use the smallest size. These exercise trays do not have holes and you will need to fill them with waterable sand.
- If you are using an aluminum tray, place the tray over the toilet and fill it with flushable sand. Don't puncture the tray yet.
Step 4. Begin teaching your cat to go to the toilet
Give your cat a few days to get used to defecating in the training tray. Once he's successfully pooped without any problems, it's time to start making the transition.
- If you use Litter Kwitter or a similar product, make the transition gradually by changing to a larger training seat. The training seat will have a hole that gets bigger the longer the cat trains.
- If using aluminum, use a screwdriver to punch holes in the bottom of the tray. Every day, drill a slightly larger hole in the tray.
- Also reduce the amount of sand you use gradually. Every time your cat pees in the tray, replace the litter with a smaller amount than before.
Step 5. Get rid of the training seat
After making a larger hole in the training tray for about two weeks, you can completely get rid of the training seat. Now, your cat will feel more comfortable going straight to the toilet instead of the litter box.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Precautions
Step 1. Consider whether potty training is right for you and your cat
This potty training is not for everyone. If neither you nor the cat have the right mentality, you may be better off choosing a litter box.
- If your cat is very young, less than 6 months old, or has problems using the litter box, potty training may not be a good option. Cats who are more mature and comfortable in their litter box are easier to potty train.
- If your cat is agile, it may be difficult to train in a litter box. Shy cats usually prefer to cover their urine and feces to protect themselves from predators.
- Toilet training takes time, organization, and dedication. If you are not an organized person or are very busy, you are better off sticking with the litter box.
Step 2. Recognize the drawbacks of potty training
Many veterinarians do not recommend potty training for cats. Recognize the criticisms of potty training so you can make an informed decision based on the information you have.
- First, potty training goes against a cat's natural instincts. Cats have a natural tendency to dig and bury their droppings. Using the toilet, even after a good workout, can be stressful for a cat. Do not let the process of defecation become a stressful time for the cat because it can cause behavioral and health problems for the cat.
- The toilet lid must always be open. If you or a guest in your home accidentally closes it, your cat will defecate elsewhere.
- Older cats or cats with joint problems may find it difficult to reach the toilet and balance on the edges. There is a risk of injury to potty training, especially for elderly cats.
Step 3. Get ready for trouble
Toilet training can cause problems, even when done properly. If the cat refuses to continue with the process, it will begin to open open defecation. If this happens, postpone potty training and see if it helps. Provide enough equipment for cleaning when training the cat to defecate in the toilet because some of the feces must be scattered.
Tips
- Never scold your cat if she defecates anywhere other than the toilet or litter box. Cats don't respond to scolding and will act up when scolded.
- Talk to friends who visit your house frequently that you are training your cat to go to the toilet. Make sure they know to keep the toilet lid open.
Warning
- Never train a kitten to go to the toilet. Kittens can drown if they fall into the toilet.
- Don't teach the cat to water. Even if it's possible, once he learns, he will enjoy it and will continue to do so, even when he doesn't have to because he doesn't poop.
