How does a toilet attachment work - a system for training a cat to use the toilet, is it possible to make such an attachment with your own hands?

When is it easier to toilet train a cat?

It is easier to teach a cat to use the toilet as an adult, since a small kitten may not be able to stay on the slippery toilet seat.
Learning this difficult skill will take a lot of time, so you should be patient. There are two ways to train a cat to use the toilet:

Using a regular cat litter box.
Using special simulators sold in pet stores.

Training using simulators

Special devices for toilet training a cat are sold in pet stores.

The use of special simulators is the simplest way to train a cat to use the toilet. Pet stores sell cat toilet attachments in which a hole is gradually cut into an increasingly larger circle, gradually through the learning process.

At the initial stage of training, the simulator is used as a standard cat litter box. Filler is poured into it, placed next to the toilet and shown to the pet. The usual familiar tray, in this case, is removed. They do this so that the cat gets used to the new toilet. After 3–5 days, the simulator is put on the toilet.

Once the cat gets used to the new hole, it is necessary to cut the next one.

When the cat begins to look for a place for the toilet, they put her on the toilet, thereby showing her a new place for the toilet. When the cat gets used to it a little and begins to jump on the toilet, the first hole is cut in the simulator. Special attachments already have cutting zones, so cutting a hole will not be difficult. After the pet gets used to the new hole, the next one is cut. It is necessary to repeat the process until the nozzle is level with the toilet. Then the nozzle must be removed. And the owner and the cat will start using the same toilet.

Litter box training

Using a litter box to train a cat to use a litter box is not easy, but it's worth it!

It is necessary to move the cat's litter box to the toilet next to the toilet. The door to the bathroom should always be slightly open so that the cat can get used to the new place of her toilet. The cat should get used to the new environment and calmly go to the toilet when needed.

After completely getting used to the new place of the tray, you should start placing magazines or something flat of medium thickness under it. This should be repeated day after day until the level of the tray is equal to the level of the toilet seat.

Of course, you should pay attention to the cat’s behavior; if he doesn’t like a certain height, then placing the next magazine should be postponed until the cat gets used to it

Under no circumstances should you force or force a cat to use a new toilet. Otherwise, the animal may start shitting anywhere. The pet should gradually get used to the new toilet.

Adviсe

When the task has been completed and the cat has begun to use the toilet properly, it is important to consolidate the result. Here are some useful tips:

the door to the toilet room should be left ajar or a special entrance hatch should be made in it;
the lid is not lowered so that he can recover at any time.

We must not forget about rewarding your pet for correct behavior. It will not be difficult for the owner to pet his pet once again and give him his favorite treat.

Tray learning process

In order for a cat to calmly relieve itself on the toilet, you need to spend time developing a habit. You can start teaching a kitten in your apartment to go to the toilet; adults can also be trained.

At the first stage, you should definitely move the tray to the toilet if it was in a different place. The cat will get used to the room, to the sound of water being flushed in the toilet.
The tray gradually moves closer to the toilet, and gradually rises above the floor level. The stand for the product must be strong and stable. You need to lift the container without haste, so as not to alarm the animal.
Over time, the tray with the filler will end up at the level of the toilet. After the pet gets used to the changes, the process of reducing the litter in the tray begins. This should be done carefully; an adult cat will immediately be frightened by the difference in the litter box.
Is your cat already calmly walking into an empty litter tray? The next stage can begin. The container is installed directly on the toilet; it must be well secured. The animal will need to jump on the plumbing to use the toilet; an unstable tray can scare it away and ruin the entire learning process.
After the cat has calmly climbed onto the tray installed on the toilet, you can try to completely remove the container. If the cat does not accept the innovation and refuses to relieve itself in the toilet hole, the tray is returned temporarily.

ATTENTION! You should teach your cat good habits slowly, encouraging him with a kind word for each achievement. Placing the tray on the toilet seat is not very convenient

You need to remove the container often, and besides, it can slip. If the tray is placed incorrectly, the lid and seat will get dirty, and you will have to spend even more time cleaning. Therefore, manufacturers of pet products have developed a special pad for cats; with its help, cat litter does not lead to unpleasant consequences

Placing the tray on the toilet seat is not very convenient. You need to remove the container often, and besides, it can slip. If the tray is placed incorrectly, the lid and seat will get dirty, and you will have to spend even more time cleaning. Therefore, manufacturers of pet products have developed a special pad for cats; with its help, cat litter does not lead to unpleasant consequences.

What breeds can be trained

Any cat, even a very stubborn one, can be taught to go to the toilet in a civilized manner. True, some breeds will not be able to master such a skill. We are talking about pets with short legs. They simply will not be able to jump to great heights. For a similar reason, it is not recommended to toilet train a kitten. Problems are also possible with cats that like to bury.

There are especially gifted breeds of cats that themselves begin to relieve themselves in the toilet. These include Maine Coons and Siberians.

Types of cat litter

In urban environments, cats don’t have many opportunities to relieve themselves on the street, so quite often they try to train them to use the toilet. Some people are overly smart and even think about how to wash the cat in the toilet. This, of course, is overkill, but any cat can use a plumbing fixture for its intended purpose.

In general, the following options for organizing a cat litter box in the house are possible:

to train a cat to go to the toilet - of course, it will not be very convenient for the animal to relieve itself in a regular plumbing fixture, but it is very simple and cheap. A cat on the toilet is a common occurrence in a city apartment;

Typical scene in a city apartment

the regular litter tray also remains popular

The disadvantages of this solution are obvious - you constantly have to buy litter, and cats can be capricious, so not every type of litter is suitable; You can also find special trays on sale that are installed on the toilet, thanks to this the cat will not be able to balance on the edge of the bowl, but will sit more confidently; if the budget is not a weak point, then you can pay attention to a cat toilet with a flush, this is a separate plumbing fixture with an automatic flush after the cat has done its business

Separate toilet for the cat

Summarizing

A cat litter box allows you to solve the problem of using a toilet for an animal in an urban environment. Of course, you will have to tinker a little with taming your pet to the toilet, but the result is worth it. Once this issue has been dealt with, the problem of unpleasant “cat surprises” will be solved for many years.

In the video in this article, a specialist talks in more detail about how to train a cat to use the toilet.

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Methods

To teach a kitten to use the toilet, two conditions must be met:

The kitten needs to get used to the litter box.
The kitten must be over 4 months old and of medium size so as not to drown in the toilet.

If you start training your pet before 8 months of age, you can quickly achieve results. The methods are not suitable for pregnant cats.

Method No. 1 - gradually moving the tray

The method consists of the following procedure:

The tray is installed next to the toilet. Every week it is raised a couple of centimeters higher. To do this, newspapers, paper, cardboard, and magazines are placed under it. The structure must be reliable and stable so that the pet feels safe on it and can dig around in the pot.
Next, the tray is moved to the toilet. It's better to do it in stages. First, place it between a stack of papers and the toilet, and after a week place it on the rim. Give the kitten time to get used to it, and then remove the newspapers.
After the pet has adapted, after 3-4 days you need to put a thick sheet of plastic under the toilet seat instead of a tray, and also sprinkle a handful of bedding on top. The partition must bend under the weight of the animal, but not break or collapse. This is necessary so that the kitten, in an attempt to maintain a comfortable position, transfers its body weight to the toilet seat. Give the kitten a week to get used to this design.
Next, make a hole a couple of centimeters in the plastic. Every few days, enlarge the hole by 1-2 centimeters. Continue this procedure until the hole is the size of a toilet seat. Afterwards, the kitten must go to the toilet on its own.

Method No. 2 – “Sharp Cat” remedy

The drug is used to train a kitten to use the litter box, but it can also be used to form the habit of going to the toilet. The product has the form of drops with a pleasant smell for animals. For people, the aroma is weak and will not interfere. But cats react to it constantly.

Using drops only will not give the desired result. It is necessary to combine this method with the previous method. The solution is used at the stage of replacing the tray with a plastic sheet. The problem at this stage appears due to the fact that the plastic has an unfamiliar smell (or even unpleasant for the cat). To solve the problem, you need to apply a couple of drops on the sheet itself.

Method No. 3 - special simulators

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Kitten doesn't want to go to the litter box

Such simulators include “Citikitty Cat”, “Litter Kwitter”, “Domakot”, and similar designs. Their kit is different, but the principle of operation is the same. The cost of all sets ranges from 750-1000 (for “Citikitty Cat”, “Domakot”) to 2500-3000 rubles (for “Litter Kwitter”) and more.

The main element of the simulators is a tray attachment, at the bottom of which there is a hole with removable rings. These rings allow you to gradually widen the hole in the structure. Its function is the same as the first method described above.

Additionally, the kit includes another tray attachment, which should help you return to the previous stage if problems arise. Sometimes the kit also includes mint, aromatic substances pleasant to cats, a magazine with recommendations on how to use it, as well as a lifting device for changing the height of the tray.

The general principle of operation is the same. The potty is first raised to the level of the toilet with or without the use of a special support device - using a stack of papers. Then the tray attachment is placed on the toilet. At the end, you need to either make holes in the bottom (following the signs), or take out the rings from the bottom, widening the hole.

The scheme for toilet training a kitten is the same.

The advantage of using a special tray is as follows:

the pet feels more confident on a stable structure, which was specially created for attachment to the toilet;
The bottom is made elastic, but strong in terms of thickness and flexibility;
Using a support device, it is easier to place the pot at the desired level;
sometimes special devices and marks are made in the tray that will make it easier to create holes of the required diameter;
The last advantage is that the partitions are made strong.

Method number 4 - sprays

However, the problem arises at the last stage of toilet training. The fact is that as soon as you start removing the bedding and making a hole, the kitten may suddenly lose interest in the potty. In this case, the pet will look for other corners that are familiar to it.

To scare away, use special sprays:

"Smart Spray";
"Beaphar Catty Home";
“Ms. Kiss";
"Himola".

But remember that many of them have an unpleasant odor. The solution quality of the sprays is the same.

Recommendations for selection

When choosing a lining, it is important to pay attention not only to its quality. It is also necessary to take into account the size of the toilet and the dimensions of the animal. For a large cat, it is better to purchase a denser and more durable product - the plastic should be quite thick

For a large cat, it is better to purchase a denser and more durable product - the plastic should be quite thick

For a large cat, it is better to purchase a denser and more durable product - the plastic should be quite thick.

In different models of linings, the size of the holes can vary greatly.

The depth at which the nozzle will be placed in the toilet opening may also vary depending on the model. It is worth considering that with shallow pads, your pet is more likely to accidentally scoop out some of the filler during the process of burying it on the floor.

It is equally important to evaluate the quality of the product. Toxic materials can cause an allergic reaction in your pet. If the plastic has a strong, unpleasant odor, it will only repel your pet.

If the plastic has a strong, unpleasant odor, it will only repel your pet.

Plastic that is too thin or brittle can cause a cat to fall into the toilet. At best, the animal will experience stress and refuse to learn further; at worst, it will be injured. It is worth considering that the high cost of the lining does not always indicate its quality - quite often the price is determined by the brand.

Training cats to use the toilet

Folk method

There is a time-tested system for toilet training cats, which has several stages and takes up to one month. Its essence lies in moving the animal’s familiar container with filler closer and closer to the toilet.

Let's take a closer look:

First, you need to place a cat tray with special granules near the plumbing fixture in the toilet and leave it there until the cat gets used to the new placement of the hygiene box. This takes from 2 to 3 days.

We begin to lift the box up until it reaches the level of the toilet lid. To do this, you can put empty boxes, old magazines, telephone or advertising directories under it later. At one point you need to reduce the amount of filler in the container. (See also the article Valve for the cistern: highlights.)

When the stack of magazines or boxes reaches the desired height, begin to move the cat container towards the toilet circle. As in the previous case, this must be done in stages (no more than 2-3 cm per day). By this time, the thickness of the litter to absorb cat waste should not be more than 2 cm.

After this, the simple tray is replaced with a training tray, which can be purchased at a pet store. If you do not have this device at your disposal, you can construct a suitable replacement with your own hands:

lifting the circle, attach thick wax paper to the bowl, pulling it tightly so that it looks like a drum membrane;
inside you need to pour a little filler for the tray (take those that are allowed to be flushed down the drain);
Instead of paper, a narrow aluminum tray is suitable.

Once the cat has learned to use the new tray, it is necessary to cut a small hole with a diameter of no more than 3 cm in the center of the wax paper or aluminum tray. It must be slowly expanded so that the animal gets used to going to the toilet in water. (See also the article Toilet with bidet function: highlights.)

If you are using a special tray, you need to slowly remove sections from it, enlarging the hole.
At the same time, always reduce the layer of filler that you place along the edges of wax paper, pallet or plastic tray. By the end of the training there should be none left at all.

At the end of the animal’s visit to the toilet, it is imperative to flush the water after it. This is not only a requirement of sanitation rules. Most animals do not like to do their business in a place that is already “dirty.”

Reward your cat for successfully completing each stage of training. This will allow her to get used to the toilet faster.

By means of a special device

In order to reduce the time and effort required to accustom an animal to using a shared toilet, it is possible to use a special cat tray for toilet training. This is a special device that is securely attached to the toilet and facilitates the process of training the animal.

A toilet trainer for cats has the following advantages:

is firmly installed on the bowl and provides support for the animal;
does not fall off the lid or fall inside due to sudden movements of the cat;
your pet will better accept a device that resembles its usual litter tray.

There are two types of devices:

Disposable. This is a plastic tray that attaches to the toilet bowl. Special oval lines are drawn on its bottom. During training using this marking, it is necessary to cut out unnecessary parts, slowly enlarging the hole. Using a training tray, it is possible to train an animal to go to the toilet in approximately 7-10 days, depending on the character and temperament of the animal.

Reusable. Such a trainer consists not of one, but of several trays with holes of different diameters.

A reusable device for training a cat to use a toilet can be reused. For example, give it to familiar ones who also faced a similar problem, or use it after many years to train a new pet.

Recommendations you need

The following tips will help you cope more successfully with the process of training your pet to use a shared toilet:

there is no need to force the cat to go to the toilet; wait until she goes through one or another stage of training;
do not move on to the next training point until the animal has become accustomed to the transformations that have already occurred (for example, you do not need to immediately put the animal on a training tray, this will not lead to anything good);
If the cat normally goes to the toilet on a training tray or paper, and at the end refuses to do its business in a simple circle, pour a little litter into the toilet bowl.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before we start training, let's figure out what the pros and cons are of toilet training a kitten. Not everything is so simple in reality, so we recommend that you read it.

Advantages

Financial benefit. You will save significantly on filler and other accessories for the tray.
Instant cleaning. Cleaning is greatly simplified. You just need to press a button and flush the toilet.
No unpleasant odor. If you don’t forget to flush after your pet on time, the toilet will not smell.

Flaws

There is a danger for a cat to fall into the toilet. Even if a cat is fully toilet trained, there is always a risk that it will fall inside. It is possible that the cat will not be able to balance on the toilet rim and will plunge into cold water, which may completely discourage her from using this device.
Inconvenient for the cat. Agree that it may simply be uncomfortable for your cat to try to maintain balance at a time when you need to completely relax.
Lack of hygiene. If your cat shares the toilet with you, be prepared for the toilet to be constantly covered in paw marks and cat hair.
You should not leave your cat unattended for a long time. If you need to go away for several days, you can always leave a tray with high-quality filler without fear that the cat will go to the toilet in another place. With the toilet, the situation is more complicated, since if you cannot regularly flush the contents of the toilet after the cat, then most likely, due to its cleanliness, it will try to find a more convenient place for the toilet.

Benefits of switching from a tray to a toilet

Saving money after training. You will no longer need to buy litter and cleaning products. You will only need products for the human toilet, which you already buy.
More time for yourself. You will no longer waste time cleaning and cleaning the cat litter box, buying litter in the store, but will be able to spend more time on yourself or communicating with your beloved pet.
Space is freed up. The cat litter occupied a certain place, but now it is free.
Fewer reasons to clean. The filler will no longer be spread throughout the apartment.
Goodbye cat smell.
Another reason to be proud of your furry friend.

Studying time

Cats with a calm, balanced character master the toilet in about three weeks.

But if the cat has extremely violent behavior and is afraid of its own shadow, this will take longer.
Sometimes the process in such cases lasts from two to four months.
The character and behavior of each cat is individual, so you should not rush, so as not to overdo it.

Where is the best place to put a cat litter box?

Cats are very particular about their litter box, so choosing the right location for it is very important. And you, most likely, will not dare to install a tray on the carpet in the living room or kitchen. Remember the “one plus one” rule - you should have one “main” tray and one additional one. Accordingly, if you have two cats, there should be four trays, etc. Why is that?

These are such interesting animals - cats. They will never share their litter box with other animals. Many of our furry pets go even further in their requests - they prefer to urinate in one tray and defecate in another. Moreover, this requirement may appear suddenly! Therefore, always keep a spare tray ready.

So, let's try to find the right place for the tray

To do this, we must know something important from the nature of these beauties!. Place

Cats like to relieve themselves in solitude, out of sight. Moreover, they do this not at all out of modesty, but out of elementary fear: what if they are caught in such a vulnerable position by an insidious enemy! Based on this, we recommend, if you have one, to find a place in the guest bathroom. Problems with space in your apartment? Then find a quiet, non-traffic place if possible. If you don’t have any, buy a protective screen and place the tray in the corner of the living room or bedroom. You can successfully install the tray in both the bathroom and the toilet. Don't be afraid, the noise of the washing machine will not scare your pet

Place.

Away from food please!

Follow the rules of hygiene! We understand how much you love your cat and even kiss her from time to time, but still the tray and products are in no way compatible. Also, do not place the litter box in the same place where the cat eats, for the same reasons. Do not forget!

The tray is not a place for games!

This advice will be useful for those who have several cats. The fact is that cats love to play interactive games among themselves, hide in ambushes, and the tray often serves as a favorite place for such an ambush - cats love to literally fly up from there. In this case, move the litter box to an area where your pets do not play.

Avoid places that are too hidden and hard to reach.

When we say that cats love privacy in these matters, do not take everything literally and do not go too far: do not place trays in exotic places - in the basement, attic, etc., especially in places where you can only get by climbing a ladder . These exercises are especially difficult for kittens. And in this case, an adult cat will probably choose a more interesting place, and of course, outside your tray! A small exception should be made if you have a house with several floors: then we suggest setting up trays on each floor for the convenience of the animal.

Don't forget to keep the doors open!

You risk wasting all your time if, for example, you choose a place in the bathroom and then, out of habit, close the door there tightly. Remember: trays should always be freely accessible for pets!

Contact the services of furniture manufacturing companies!

If none of the proposed options suits you, then we advise you to look on the Internet for offers from some furniture companies that offer very nice multifunctional furniture sets with a cleverly camouflaged tray! For our taste, bamboo furniture is the ideal choice. It’s not a sin to place one like this in the living room!

Source

Choosing toiletries for your furry pet

If the decision to get a kitten or an adult cat was not made spontaneously, then you need to stock up in advance on the necessary things required for the normal maintenance of the animal.

Need to purchase:

tray;
filler.

You must purchase the tray and filler in advance

In addition, you will need to decide on the location of the pet’s toilet.

Selecting a tray

In pet stores you can see a very large number of trays, differing in design, size and construction. The most common and popular are plastic products. They are inexpensive, easy to clean, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. Plastic modifications of pots with mesh are offered, which do not require filling. There are closed-type options, which are kind of small houses. But caring for such pots is much more difficult.

Trays vary in size and height

Automatic cat litter box requires virtually no maintenance

For a small kitten, a not very large tray with low sides (5–7 cm) is suitable, otherwise the baby simply will not be able to climb into it. But if the sides are too low, then when the pet begins to diligently bury its feces, some of the filler will always fall out onto the floor. When the kitten gets a little older, you can offer him a tray with a more spacious design.

A toiletry product for an adult animal is chosen based on the size of its body. A large individual will need a large and deep tray. A smaller cat may need a smaller pot.

If the space allows, you can purchase a closed tray for your pet.

It is important that the entire structure is stable. A cat may accidentally knock over a tray that is too light when it steps on its edge.

Subsequently, the pet will be afraid to go there.

From personal experience. We adopted an adult cat for foster care. The owners brought it along with their own toilet, litter, bowl and other household items. The tray was placed next to the existing one. Coincidentally, the filler turned out to be the same, and the nosy cat immediately climbed into our cat’s potty. But she is very tiny, and her tray is also very small. The guest in it was barely able to turn around, almost knocked him over and didn’t go there again.

Selecting filler

Cats are picky eaters and they all like different types of litter. When choosing a composition for a kitten, you need to focus on the type that was used in the pot of its parent. The familiar smell will attract the baby there. If he was picked up on the street or is not yet toilet trained at all, then you should opt for safe wood pellets.

For small kittens, it is recommended to fill the pot with safe wood filler.

For adults, a gel or silicone filler is suitable. But not all cats like the crunch that occurs when walking on such granules. It is not recommended to use these varieties for kittens, as babies may accidentally swallow the gel balls. When they enter the gastrointestinal tract, they increase in volume many times over, which can lead to intestinal obstruction.

For adult cats, silica gel litter is recommended.

Clumping material is very convenient because it does not require frequent replacement. It is enough just to periodically remove the formed lumps. Clay mineral compositions are highly absorbent, so they are chosen for very large cats or if there are several mustachioed pets living in the house.

There is no need to frequently change the entire filler; it is enough to remove the formed lumps

Choosing a place for the toilet

It is extremely important to choose a calm, quiet and non-traffic area for the cat's litter box. The animal needs peace and solitude while performing its natural needs.

He should not be disturbed by his owners or other animals. Your pet will also feel uncomfortable near noisy household appliances.

The place for the tray should be quiet and secluded

You should not place a potty next to food and water bowls, as cats do not like to defecate where their food is. The ideal place is a bathroom, toilet room or closet. The door must be open at all times so that the animal has easy access to its toilet.

Training conditions

The next condition for the success of the process is to teach your furry friend to go to the tray without filler. Its amount must be gradually reduced until the animal begins to go to a completely empty tray. The main thing here is not to rush.

A more gentle option is to purchase a tray with a grate, where the filler is poured under it. They will smell the litter and walk into it. The amount of filler should also be gradually reduced to zero.

If the tray is not next to the toilet, you need to gradually and slowly move it towards it. Cats don't like change, so take your time. You will also need to develop 2 habits: leave the toilet door open and never lower the toilet lid.

The toilet can frighten some pets with its noisy sounds. Therefore, you need to show her that it’s not scary at all: take her in your arms, sit with her in your arms on the toilet, stroke her, periodically press on the flush. This procedure must be repeated several times.
A furry friend should not treat training as something forced. Otherwise he will refuse to go to the meeting. Only affection and cunning can achieve success.

How long can it take to retrain?

If the animal is calm, balanced, and tolerates changes in external circumstances well, then most likely its training will take about 3-4 weeks. There is a special program for training, which is calculated in detail by day. If the animal is more timid and easily excitable, then its training can last up to 2 months. But it is important for the owner to be patient and not try to force things. If you put too much pressure on the animal, it may protest. There are also particularly slow individuals that can take up to 3 months to acclimate.

Review of cat toilet training systems

Without special equipment, it is difficult to teach a cat to go to the toilet, although it is possible. To make the learning process go smoothly and without unnecessary stress, special plastic seat supports have been invented. These designs imitate a cat's litter box, which is gradually removed, and the cat begins to go to the toilet without fear or apprehension.

Any model has many advantages compared to a conventional tray:

no smell of urine;
easy cleaning - the tray must be cleaned regularly, and in the toilet you just need to press the flush button;
savings - owners do not have to spend money on filler;
hygiene – after visiting the litter box, the cat needs to wash its paws, and in the case of the simulator, they remain clean.

The wide range of products for toilet training a pet can confuse an inexperienced owner. What is the best thing to buy for your pet? It is necessary to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular models.

Anti-scratch pad

The plastic “Anti-scratch” pad is one of the most popular and affordable training equipment for pet training. It is a structure of several interconnected circles of different diameters with a side that is attached to the toilet bowl.

To train your pet to relieve itself with the help of Anti-Scratch, it will take 1–2 months of training. To begin with, the simulator is placed on the toilet and the cat’s usual litter is poured inside. When the animal gets used to it and starts using the pad instead of the tray, you should gradually remove one circle at a time, starting with the smallest diameter, while reducing the volume of the filler. Since the bottom of the device is thinner than the lid and bends slightly under the weight of the pet, the cat will instinctively learn to place its paws on the side.

Advantages of the “Anti-scratch” simulator:

low price;
versatility - suitable for both kittens aged 3 months and older cats;
Detailed instructions for use included.

the need to remove and put on the lid every time family members visit the toilet;
Not suitable for cats that dig the litter too actively - the granules will be scattered all over the floor.

Device "CitiKitty"

An American product for toilet training a cat is the CitiKitty simulator. Similar to the Anti-Scratch system, the device is a plastic pad divided into circles that need to be cut out as the animal gets used to the size of the hole. First, the device is installed entirely on the side of the toilet, and filler is poured inside. Every week, cut out 1 circle, gradually increasing the diameter of the hole. When the cat finally gets used to it and starts going to the toilet, calmly placing its paws on the side, the nozzle should be removed.

The main advantage of "CitiKitty", as stated by the manufacturer, is the high quality and environmental friendliness of the materials. The plastic from which the exercise machine is made has no foreign chemical odors and is absolutely safe for home use. In Russia, an analogue of “CitiKitty” is produced under the name “Domakot”.

"Litter Kwitter"

The Litter Kwitter toilet training kit works on the same principle of gradually introducing cats to the toilet. It is a device with three plastic tabs of different colors that are attached to the side of the toilet. The red nozzle has a solid bottom, the orange one has a small hole, and the green one has a large diameter hole.

First, you need to install the red tab and pour filler into it every time you visit your pet. Installing an orange cell is acceptable when the cat gets used to jumping onto the side without fear. Then you should wait another 1–2 weeks so that the animal gets used to it and does not fall through the hole. Installing the green nozzle is the final stage of the learning process, after which the system is completely removed, and the cat calmly and confidently visits the toilet, forgetting about the tray and litter.

Compared to analogues, Litter Kwitter has an advantage - you don’t need to cut anything in the simulator; you just need to change the cassettes sequentially. In addition, the owners do not have to remove the system every time to go to the toilet - they just need to lower the toilet seat. The disadvantages include high cost.

What you need to know about trays

Before you train your kittens to a specific place for their needs, you need to purchase a suitable litter box. The design should be comfortable for both the kitten and you. Otherwise, the four-legged one will ignore the place allocated for the toilet and choose its own, suitable for it in all respects.

Almost all trays are made of plastic, but it varies. A chemical smell and a flimsy design that bends under the weight of even a small kitten will be your failure in the training process. Remember that cats have a very sensitive sense of smell and the slightest chemical smell from the litter box will scare them away forever.

Before you train an outdoor kitten or a purebred cat, take a closer look at the animal’s temperament and character

If you have a shy cat or an active kitten who digs into the litter with adoration, pay attention to a closed toilet. Open designs are relevant for owners of several cats

The dimensions of the tray depend on the breed and size of the animal. Of course, a compact “potty” looks neater, but it is hardly suitable for a small breed kitten. But a purebred Maine Coon or an adult British Fold cat is unlikely to appreciate such an infringement of their feline rights. For closed trays, not only the size of the base is important, but also the height. The pet should be able to fully stand on its paws without resting on the “roof”.

Another important parameter is the need to use filler. The design with a grid-limiter is undoubtedly convenient, but not all adult cats will agree to such a tray. It is necessary to teach it from a very young age.

Note! On websites you can often find private advertisements for the sale of used trays; often they are even offered to be given as free gifts. Your cat won’t appreciate such savings; the whole point is that the smell of someone else’s pet will forever remain on the plastic tray, even if you don’t feel it

7 rules of the cat litter box:

Each cat in the house should have its own personal litter box. Yes, one tray for everyone is convenient, but not comfortable for pets. Each time they will try to re-mark a strategic territorial resource in the house

This way you will get endless gang wars between the tailed ones. The location of the toilet should be convenient for the cat, not you, and there will be no compromises on this issue. If you purchased a litter tray, pay attention to how the cat treats it. Sometimes changing the filler to a perfumed one with fragrances can permanently discourage you from using the toilet

It may seem to you that the aroma is pleasant and you are doing everything for the benefit of your pet, but the cat will not think so. After all, he has 200 million receptors, and we have only 5 million. In a filler, not only the aroma or lack thereof is important, but also the consistency. Cats with declaws removed will not be comfortable on litter with sharp-angled particles. Pay attention to your pet's health. The older the cat, the easier and easier it should be to climb into the tray; no high sides, additional doors or intricate details. Often human behavior is projected onto the animal. We are accustomed to the fact that the toilet should be a secluded place, hidden from prying eyes. But cats don’t need this, so not all pets like closed toilets. In addition, the lid on top blocks the view and the cat is not comfortable, because he does not see the likely impending threat. A closed tray with a transparent roof would be a good alternative. The contents of the tray should be removed systematically and, if possible, immediately. Believe me, your pet does not experience any pleasure from moving through a “mined field.”

Special pads for training a cat to use the toilet

Often difficulties arise at the final stage of training, when the tray needs to be installed on top. The box may not be the right size, making it difficult to jump into. It is more rational to use special attachments sold in pet stores.

On a note! Stores sell special liquids containing certain enzymes for toilet training cats. In this system, they can be used instead of litter or in addition to litter if the animal does not go right away.

The principle of operation of the system is to sequentially expand the hole in the middle until a regular lining is obtained. They come in 2 types:

plastic container fixed to the toilet. It already contains markings for cutting out circles of different diameters. Start with the smallest one and increase it by one contour every 5 days. When the cat confidently begins to stay on the rim and recovers, the nozzle is removed;
a system that includes several rings of different diameters, inserted into each other according to the pyramid principle. It is enough to periodically remove one ring at a time to expand the hole in the center.

More advanced designs are also sold, equipped with folding legs (for gradual lifting) and retractable curtains. With their help, the process of training a pet will become as simple and convenient as possible.

On a note! When choosing a system, be sure to take into account the weight of the animal. Large representatives require durable plastic to withstand heavy loads.

There are reusable systems, they are designed a little differently. They include a set of plastic pads with holes of different sizes, which are changed as the animal gets used to it.

On a note! The most popular cat training devices among buyers are: Domakot, Unikot, Vaka, Litter Kwitter, CitiKitty Cat Toilet Training Kit. Reusable plastic pads are replaced as the cat gets used to the new conditions for relieving itself.

When purchasing pads, you must take into account the weight of your pet and the thickness of the plastic of the product. The heavier the cat, the more massive and thicker such a device should be.

Special nozzles for the bathroom

You can order special toilet attachments directly from a pet store or online. They have different diameters, which makes it easy to train a baby and an adult pet to go to the toilet. Take the nozzle with the smallest hole from the kit and install it on the bathroom. 3 days will pass, the pet will get used to it and change it to a nozzle with a large hole. When your pet learns to go to the toilet with the nozzle that has the largest diameter hole, remove it completely.

Now you won't need to waste time and effort on daily cleaning of the tray. There will be no foreign odors of cat urine or excrement. The pet will always have clean paws, which means the apartment will be cleaner.

Instructions for toilet training a cat

In order for the event of retraining a cat from a tray to a toilet to be successful, you must follow strict instructions. The sequence of steps is extremely important.

Training a cat to use the toilet proceeds sequentially

If the tray was not previously in the toilet, then the pet must first be introduced to the earthenware object and accustomed to the noise of the flush cistern. To do this, simply keep the door to the toilet room constantly open, and constant curiosity will lead the cat there itself.

When the pet stops showing signs of anxiety (if any), you can begin to take more decisive action.

Moving the tray to the toilet

This step is only relevant if the tray is located in another room, for example, in the bathroom. The cat potty should be moved to the toilet room and placed next to the toilet. It is recommended to do this slowly, moving the object 2–3 cm every day. Otherwise, the animal may get confused and begin to shit on the floor in the place where the tray was previously located. After the desired is achieved and the cat begins to relieve its needs in a new place, you can proceed to the next step.

You should gradually, a few centimeters a day, move the tray near the toilet

At the end of this stage, the tray should be in close proximity to the toilet, and the pet should defecate in it regularly.

The cat should do its business regularly in the tray in its new place

Raising the tray to the height of the toilet

The next step is to raise the tray to the level of the toilet seat. The cat must get used to the fact that its litter box is now high up and that it will have to jump up there. But this cannot be done abruptly, since the animal simply will not understand what is expected of it.

For 10–11 days, old magazines, newspapers, cardboard boxes and other things are placed under the tray, gradually raising it 1–2 cm at a time. If your pet refuses to climb high, then you need to stop for a few weeks and then start all over again.

It is extremely important that the structure does not wobble and is stable

You need to give the cat a few days to get used to jumping into the tray at a height

Moving the tray onto the toilet seat

For a couple of days, the litter box is left at the maximum height, allowing the cat to make sure that everything is stable and secure. Then the tray is moved onto the toilet by about ¼ part. Nothing should be loose, otherwise the pet will get scared and won’t jump in there anymore. Moving the pot little by little, after 3-4 days it is completely placed on the toilet. At the same time, the stack of magazines is gradually dismantled. At this stage, you can stop for a few days so that the animal develops a habit of the new place. If there was filler in the tray all this time, then the amount is reduced every day and then they stop pouring it altogether.

The cat potty needs to be firmly secured to the toilet

Tray refusal

This moment is the most important in the learning process. One day the tray is simply removed. Moreover, it must be removed so far away that the pet cannot find it by smell. When the cat comes to the toilet, at first he will fuss, not understanding what to do. But usually he thinks quickly enough and sits down on the edge of the toilet.

Sometimes it is recommended to pour a little filler into a small jar and attach it to a stick across the toilet using tape. Then the animal will be guided by the familiar smell, settle down and do its toilet chores on this box, sitting on the edge.

At the last stage of training, the cat must understand for himself what is required of him.

An alternative option is to move the toilet seat to the tray, and then put it back in place, but without the cat “potty.”

Tips and tricks: reviews from pet cat owners

When the task has been completed and the cat has begun to use the toilet properly, it is important to consolidate the result. Here are some useful tips:

the door to the toilet room should be left ajar or a special entrance hatch should be made in it;
the lid is not lowered so that he can recover at any time.

We must not forget about rewarding your pet for correct behavior. It will not be difficult for the owner to pet his pet once again and give him his favorite treat.

As you can see, it’s not at all difficult to train a cat to use the toilet; the main thing is to follow the instructions. Haste will lead to the animal protesting against the innovations, and then all attempts to teach him to go to the toilet on the toilet will not be successful.

Olga:

I have several cats in my house and I had to train them all one by one. It's not as difficult as it seems. It is important to monitor the animal and guide it when it wants to go to the toilet. She started training when they were still kittens. Instead of a tray I used a plastic flying saucer. First she put it on the floor, and then gradually moved it to the toilet. When the cat began to do its business, it moved to the edge of the rim, and I removed the plate. Over time, I stopped installing it there altogether.

Anna:

My pet has mastered the art of going to the toilet like a human. But at one fine moment an opportunity happened: he fell off the rim and fell into the water. As a result, all our efforts were in vain. Now the cat relieves himself in the bidet or bath.

Anna:

I toilet trained all my cats. In my opinion, this is not at all difficult, the main thing is to keep an eye on the cat in order to show him in time where and what to do. I always taught them when I was a cat; the role of a tray was played by a flying saucer (it has concave edges, it’s very convenient - nothing spills). First, the kitten gets used to the tray on the floor, then when I see that he starts to fuss around in it in order to do his business, I move the tray to the toilet in front of him and put the cat there. The cat gradually gets used to the fact that the tray is in the toilet. At the last stage, while the cat is doing his business (at the same time, since it is uncomfortable on the tray itself, he usually sits on the rim of the toilet - he looks hilarious, he sits on his haunches, his ears are flattened), I remove him from under it! After everything, the cat needs to scratch - “bury” the product, so he sees that there is nothing there, only something in the water. He'll scratch a little, wet his paws and that's it. Do this several times, and the cat will get used to sitting on the rim of the toilet, then scratch the rim a little and go about his business. If I’m present at this, I always tell him how great he is, how smart he is and the best cat.

Myakosh:

My cat used to go to the toilet until he fell in there one fine day. And it all started like in a fairy tale. They gradually raised the special potty, reached the level of the toilet, moved this miracle of engineering onto the toilet, then the whole family felt all the inconvenience, this thing stands on your potty, and you have to constantly clean it, and then monitor all family members to put it in place . Finally, we waited for the day when we no longer needed the potty (about 1.5 months). But one day, apparently, the cat slipped, and all the work was in vain. Now he goes to the bath directly into the hole, it’s convenient for us, the liquid leaks, we wash it in the evening after work, and we poop once every 2 days (natural food). Here's the story.

Alexander:

My cat is five years old, but he has been using the toilet since he was five months old, my wife brags about it to her employees, whose children are peeing at five years old, he taught him with training aids, there are a lot of them, but he hasn’t completely removed them from the toilet, firstly, it’s more convenient for him to sit on them, secondly, the instinct to dig, that is, so I left the largest circle, he walks exactly into the hole, by the way, if possible, he tries to endure our arrival and calls for them to come down for him. It’s such a thrill to have a toilet, there’s basically no smell! (real cat, not neutered!))

On a note! Some cats get used to the toilet very quickly, others take a long time, and still others do not want to use it at all. It is impossible to predict in advance how a pet will perceive an attempt to retrain it. But it's definitely worth a try.

What to buy to toilet train cats

The stores offer different options for toilet training systems:

Litter Kwitter is a system with a seat and three inserts of different colors. Each stage of training involves replacing a solid insert with another with a small hole and then with an insert with a larger hole.
Anti-scratch machines are a simulator in which holes are cut along marked boundaries. Suitable for cats of different ages and sizes. Withstands weight up to 20 kg.
Domakot – Includes a cat litter box with cut-out rings, an extra tool for when you need to go back a step, and a bag of catnip to attract your cat to the new litter box.

Other options: City Kitty, VAKA "Refined Manners". The design principle and training technique for the systems are the same.