How to Train a Cat to Use a Toilet

Training your cat to use a toilet is an easy step by step process that can work if you are consistent and do not confuse the cat. Once you get your cat to use the toilet, you will not have to buy litter or scoop a smelly litter box again. Read on to learn about how to train a cat to use a toilet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Tape
• Box or stool
• Litter box
• Metal mixing bowl

1. Post a large note beside your toilet that says "Leave lid up and keep seat down." This will help you, your family and friends remember to keep the lid up so the cat can go to the bathroom and not fall in. If you close the bathroom door, you will have to stop that habit too.

2. Move your cat's current litter box to the side of the toilet. Make sure the cat knows where its litter box has been moved to. Moving the box will get the cat used to going to the bathroom in your bathroom. Wait at least two days to ensure that the cat is going to the bathroom in this new room.

3. After a couple days, use a sturdy box or stool to prop up the litter box so that it's at the same height as the toilet. Monitor the cat to make sure that the cat can get to the litter box and that the box or stool is secure. The idea is to get the cat to jump on the toilet first before getting into the litter box. Give your cat a couple days to get used to this.

4. Measure the inside of your toilet when the seat is down and purchase a metal mixing bowl that is slightly larger. You will want the mixing box to rest on the edges of the toilet seat.

5. Every day move the litter box closer off the box or stool and more onto the toilet seat. Eventually you will want the litter box to be directly over the toilet seat. If the cat seems reluctant, slow the process down and back up a step.

6. If the cat has adjusted to having to use its litter box on top of the toilet, take the litter box away and replace it with the metal mixing bowl. Put litter in the mixing bowl and place it inside the toilet. Monitor the cat to see if it's going to the bathroom. Give the cat a couple weeks to get used to this.

7. Once your cat gets used to the mixing bowl, begin decreasing the amount of litter that you put in the bowl. Make sure you dump the mixing bowl out immediately after the cat has used it so that the cat does not try to use the litter to cover up its scent.

8. When you have a tsp. of litter in the mixing bowl, it's time to start filling the mixing bowl up with water. Let your cat get used to this and then remove the mixing bowl.

Tips & Warnings

• Go back a step or two if you notice that the cat does not feel comfortable or if the cat isn't going to the bathroom where it should.
• Keep the seat down so the cat does not fall in the toilet.
• Training an elderly cat how to use a toilet might not be in the best interest of the cat.

[diamondeyed]

on 7/25/2009 Great article. I have read threw a few about training a cat for the toilet and yours it the best written by far! Thank you!

[shaztheripper]

on 3/6/2009 LOL, that's so funny. If I had a cat I would definitely try it!

[ChristyBuena]

on 3/4/2009 I didn't think this was even possible. Wow. Amazing.