So, you want to teach your feline friend to use the toilet? It might sound like a crazy cat person’s dream, but with patience and the right approach, your cat can indeed learn to relieve themselves in the porcelain throne. This guide, inspired by the legendary Charles Mingus’s own experience, will walk you through the process of transitioning your cat from a litter box to the bathroom.
First things first, your cat needs to be comfortable using a makeshift litter box made of cardboard. If you haven’t already, create one. Ensure the bottom is sturdy by reinforcing it with extra cardboard. Forget the kitty litter; we’re using shredded newspaper. This is crucial because you can’t flush sand down a toilet.
Now, the gradual relocation begins. Slowly move the cardboard box towards the bathroom. If it’s in a corner, nudge it a few feet away. Small increments are key; moving it too far too quickly can cause accidents in the original spot. Your cat needs to follow the box. If the box is already in the bathroom, move it out and then back in. The cat needs to “track” the box. Starting too close to the toilet may prevent them from following it onto the seat later. Remember, cats rely on scent and familiarity.
As you shift the box, begin trimming down the sides. Gradually lower the brim of the box over time.
Eventually, you’ll reach the bathroom, and then, the toilet. Now comes the pivotal moment: placing the box on the toilet. Cut small slits at each corner of the box. Use string to secure the box to the toilet, preventing it from falling. Your cat will see the box atop their new throne and (hopefully) jump up. The sides of the box should now be only an inch or so high.
Resist the urge to hover. Don’t rush your cat. Let them explore and become comfortable with the new arrangement. This could take a week or two. Gradually reduce the amount of newspaper inside the box.
After your cat is comfortable, carefully cut a small hole in the center of the cardboard, no bigger than a plum. Leave some newspaper around the hole. Your cat will naturally start aiming for the hole, possibly even trying to enlarge it. The paper will absorb any waste. The key is that they aren’t scared of the hole when they jump up because they expect it. This is a major victory!
From this point forward, it’s just a matter of time. To prevent accidents during cleaning, keep a spare flat piece of cardboard with a small hole handy. Slide it under the toilet lid while you clean, just in case your cat needs to go. You might even add some newspaper to the temporary cardboard.
Completely remove the sides of the cardboard box, leaving only a flat piece under the toilet lid. Continue to leave a small amount of newspaper. Eventually, you can ditch the cardboard altogether, once your cat has mastered their balance.
Don’t be surprised if you hear the toilet flushing in the middle of the night. Cats can learn to flush, driven by their instinct to cover up their business. If they accidentally hit the flush lever and see the bowl clear, they might remember and do it intentionally.
Also, be sure to turn the toilet paper roll so it unrolls away from the toilet. Cats might try to use it to cover up, mimicking the way they would bury waste in litter.
Toilet training a cat takes time, patience, and consistency. In Mingus’s case, it took about three or four weeks, with the majority of the time spent slowly moving the box. The most crucial element is not rushing or confusing your cat. Once the box is on the toilet, give them a week or two to adjust. Good luck!
