How to Train your Cat to Use the Toilet

Is your cat’s litter box taking up too much space in your home, and is cleaning it a real chore? 

There is a method to teach your cat to use the toilet, step by step, until the litter box is completely abandoned. 

Here are all our tips for training your cat to use the toilet like his owners! 

At What Age Should your Cat Be Toilet Trained? 

To learn to use the toilet, your cat needs to know how to control her bladder and sphincters.

Therefore, it’s not recommended that un-weaned kittens under 3 months of age be taught this skill.

Senior cats and cats with limited mobility should not be taught this skill, as they may fall into the toilet and injure themselves. 

Cats that are at least 6 months old, healthy and not prone to stress are perfect candidates for toilet training! 

How Do You Toilet Train your Cat?  

To get your cat used to relieving herself in a place other than the litter box, you’ll need to be patient.

It can take several months! During this period, it is useless to permanently remove your pet’s litter box: he might relieve himself everywhere in the house, and be very stressed. 

Instead, opt for a smooth transition, taking it step by step to educate your cat.

Step 1: Place her Litter Box Next to the Toilet 

Cats associate spaces with functions. That’s why it’s not a good idea to place their food bowl next to where they rest, or next to their litter box, for example. 

To maximize the chances of success, place the cat’s litter box in your toilet: he will get used to doing his business in this dedicated space. 

If you have more than one toilet, choose the one with less traffic, so as not to stress your pet. 

Your pet needs to relieve himself alone and in a calm environment. 

During the whole process, keep the litter box very clean: a dirty box may disturb your pet. 

Step 2: Raise the Litter Box a Little at a Time 

By now, your little feline should understand that he needs to relieve himself on high ground. 

For an effective transition, she needs to get used to climbing onto the toilet. 

You’ll need to elevate his litter box a little at a time. Pay attention to the stability of your construction, so that it doesn’t fall down! 

For a week, raise the box a little each day until it reaches the same level as your toilet. 

Leave the litter box at this height for a few days, so your cat will get the jumping reflex. 

Step 3: Place the Litter Box on the Toilet for a Few Days 

This step is inconvenient, but it’s crucial: you’ll have to change your habits! For three or four days, attach the litter box directly to your toilet. 

Make sure it stays put! Your cat should continue to relieve herself by climbing into the box, without reluctance. 

If, after several days, she goes in the litter box without a problem, you can move on to the final stages of learning. 

Step 4: Use a Special Kit  

There are training kits designed to teach your cat to urinate on the toilet. 

These tools work very simply: they are plastic cups with a hole to put on the bowl, on which you can place a little litter. 

As the days go by, you change the cup by increasing the diameter of the hole. 

Your cat needs to get used to positioning its hind legs correctly, so it is recommended that you use the training kit for more than a month. 

Step 5: Remove the Kit 

If your cat remains comfortable, and does its business correctly for at least two weeks, you can remove the training kit: your cat now uses the toilet like a pro! 

Pro Tip

During this learning phase, your cat is not safe from small accidents, and may urinate on its fur and paws. 

Your cat’s cleanliness is essential to its well-being. It is therefore important to groom your cat regularly, and to disinfect the toilet for the well-being of the whole family! 

Choose products with a neutral odor and rinse them well: products that are too strong could frighten your little feline or encourage him to urinate only on the toilet seat. 

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of this Method?  

Toilet training your cat is a long and arduous process. 

Before you make your decision, take some time to think about it, weighing the pros and cons.