How to Toilet Train a Cat

A common complaint about cats is the amnesia they tend to develop about their litter box. Experts suggest cats may not like the texture or smell of litter. Or maybe cats dislike the location of the box. One thing many people overlook is that perhaps cats just don't like using litter boxes. Training cats to use a toilet could be the answer. It's surprisingly easy if you have the patience. Follow these steps to learn how.

Things You'll Need

  • Large plastic bowl
  • Unscented, flushable cat litter
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Start the process by moving your cat's current litter box into the bathroom, not necessarily close to the toilet. Over the course of a few days, gradually slide the box closer and closer until it's alongside the toilet.

    • 2

      Place the litter box on top of a sturdy table near the toilet if your cat seems OK with all of this. You want the cat to get used to jumping up to do its business. Continue this for a few days, toilet lid up, seat down, just in case the cat gets curious and starts jumping on the toilet seat itself.

    • 3

      Sprinkle fresh cat nip on the table and the toilet seat to encourage kitty to check out things. Replenish as needed.

    • 4

      Empty the toilet tank and engage the shut off valve so there's no water left in the toilet bowl. Buy a large, inexpensive plastic bowl that's big enough to fit down inside the toilet and not rock back and forth. Fill the bowl with cat litter. Set things up carefully here because if your cat gets a wet paw because you left water in the toilet bowl, and has an aversion to water, you can probably forget the whole thing. At this point, you want the cat to be placing its front paws on the toilet seat as it uses the bowl. Clean out this bowl at least twice a day.

    • 5

      Remove the amount of litter used over the next few days if your cat seems to be doing OK with the arrangement. When you feel it's time, remove the bowl of litter from the toilet bowl. Continue using the cat nip to keep your kitty attracted to the toilet. At this point, you want him to be standing with all paws on the toilet seat as it uses the new, litter box-free bathroom.

    • 6

      Leave the toilet seat up and flush regularly. Remember, you work for your cat. A smelly toilet could bring back that amnesia.

    • 7

      Search for a commercial product designed to toilet train cats if things don't work out. If that doesn't work, you can always buy a bigger litter box.