Pros and cons of toilet-training your cat

Is toilet-training your cat a good thing?

For many cat owners, toilet-training your cat may seem like the answer to your prayers.  No more smelly litter boxes, no more litter tracked everywhere, no more needing to buy litter, no more scooping and changing.  But, is toilet-training really a good thing?

To toilet-train your cat, you have to get the cat used to using the litter box in the bathroom. Once he’s used to that, it’s recommended to gradually raise the height of the litter box using phone books or boxes, until the box is eventually at the same height as the toilet.  This will help your cat get used to jumping up on the toilet when it needs to go. The next step is to get a litter box that inserts into the toilet bowl.  These are available at many pet stores. Once your cat is used to using the toilet, you can remove the litter box insert.  Toilet-training kits are also available at pet stores.

There are problems associated with cats using the toilet however.  Kittens, small cats and older cats may not be able to balance themselves over a toilet. You will also need to remember to always leave the toilet seat up so that the cat has access to the toilet. If your cat falls in, while he may be able to get out on his own, you’ll have a very wet, and very angry, cat running around your house. Falling in may cause your cat stress, and he’ll view the toilet as an evil device. Toilet-training also takes away a cat’s natural instinct to dig and to cover their feces and urine.

And, even though Jack Byrnes in Meet The Parents taught Mr. Jinx to use the toilet AND flush, cats will not be able to actually flush the toilet.  There can still be an odor from the solid waste until you’re able to flush it away.

Photo credit: kudomomo via flickr

August 31st, 2009 by Beth VanHoose | Posted in Cat Behavior | (0)