Is Your Cat A Good Candidate For Toilet Training?

Some cats adjust very quickly to using the toilet.  Other cats, not so much.  I researched this topic while deciding whether to train my cat.  I found that the general sentiment (among those who don’t consider cat training to be an oxymoron) is that it’s individual to each cat and you just have to try it and see.  While I agree that each cat is different, my own experience has led me to the conclusion that there a few major factors that can be taken into account when determining whether your cat is likely to take to the process.

Good sign: Your cat is loyal to the cat box.  If you have a moody cat who sometimes goes to the bathroom in locations other than her cat box (like your down comforter), do not attempt this training unless you have some reason to think that she will like the toilet better.  You can’t make a cat do something it doesn’t want to do – it will just pee on everything you own.  If, on the other hand, your cat only uses the cat box and continues to use it if you move it, you have a good sign that training can be successful without sacrificing all of your linens, carpets, and dignity.

Bad sign: Your cat is too big or clumsy to balance on the toilet seat.  Most cats don’t have a problem with this because hey are naturally agile.  Still, some cats just can’t get the hang of this.  They have to be able to stand on the seat with all four feet and hang their backside over the bowl.  If your cat is bottom heavy, clumsy, or only has three legs, toilet training is not for him.

Good sign: You have more than one toilet.  This process takes from one to six months.  If you have to share a toilet with your cat during this time, your misery will know no bounds.  In order to train your cat you’ll need some sort of apparatus in your toilet which will have to be removed every time you want to use it.  Also, there is kitty litter involved in the training process and your cat is likely to make a mess.  So, it’s possible but a major inconvenience to do this with only one toilet, especially if you ever plan to have guests.  If you have more than one toilet your cat can have his own space, you can keep your sanity, and you will still have friends.

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