Any advice on potty training cats?

Question

Hello,

my cat is about 3 and a half years old. She is very sweet and she is very observant. She follows me around everywhere and tries to do the things that I do. Her name is Cali.

Now, my question about potty training her - I live in a small apartment and have my own bathroom. The bathroom itself is small, so finding room for the litter box is tough and the smell can be overpowering even if I scoop it twice a day. I had read that potty training cats is possible, although it's easier to traing kittens. Anyways, I've been trying for about 3 months now, and as things are, I have the litter box on the toilet seat and some boxes that form steps to it. However, as soon as I remove the litter box and place the bowl in the seat, she freaks out. The toilet seat is kind of small and slippery, and she doesn't feel secure on it. I've thought about modifying a toilet seat to make it more of a platform to ease her into it. I'm looking for tips, hints, ideas, anything! All are welcome. Another thing I thought of doing (this may sound gross to some people), but like I said, she's always watching me and following me. So maybe when I go to the bathroom, I should keep her in there with me so she can watch how I use the bathroom? Is that weird?

Thanks,

-S

Answer 1

unfortunately it is in a cats instinct to be afraid of water. if you want you can try this website good luck!

http://www.karawynn.net/mishacat/toilet....

Answer 2

Due to generations and generations of cats digging and burying their waste, this has become natural to them. It's been hardwired in their brain to do this, so getting your cat to do this, would be like you going in your backyard digging up a spot squatting and burying it. It's just not how they're programmed. While it is possible to train a cat to use a toilet, it's not realistic to say that every cat could do this. Cats are independent animals and do not train very well (seriously, try training them to sit). You could attempt the toilet training stuff, but it's not realistic to say that it'll learn. I would just say to keep the litter box in the bathroom if the training is unsuccessful (which I think it will be, because if you were going to attempt this it would've been a lot easier if it were younger and didn't have a lot of time to learn the litter box concept) and if the smell is too over powering try switching to a litter with baking soda in it. I use the arm&hammer stuff and it works fine with me. Or you could look for a litter deodorizer, usually in pet stores and grocery stores. Best of luck :)  

Answer 3

make sure the box is placed on the floor, she will not be able to use it properly otherwise. The toilet seat is a very bad idea, she is a cat and that is unhygenic. Also try holding her front paws gently and scratching them through the litter, most older cats get the idea pretty quickly as it feel natural to them to dig and go to the toilet. But definitely take it of the toilet seat, or you will find a terrible mess to go with the smell.

Answer 4

you want your cat to use your toilet?  why would you want to make your cat do something so unnatural?

Answer 5

Good luck on that but cats need to dig and bury their fecus and pee so therefore not many on any will use a toilet. You should just put the liter box in the tub to get it out of your way and she'll like the privacy too. Cali must be a cutie!

Answer 6

um cats go in litter boxes...anyway, find a place other than the bathroom anywhere! and put her infront of the box and coax her into it. at worst put her in the litter box and stay until she goes. hope this helps! (also put it on the floor so she can easily access athe litter box, if its too hard to reach the wont go in it.)

Answer 7

call petsmart, they have some pretty decent trainers...other than that, i have no clue whatsoever.

Answer 8

lol well what i did was put it in the litter box untill it went to the washroom and it worked for me  

Answer 9

hmm, tricky. try this: http://www.catseat.com/a_catseatHome.htm...

I haven't tried it yet but it might work for you!  

Answer 10

hmmm ive never potty trained a cat but it sounds like your going the right way training any animal requires alot of time and patience. I would suggest modifying the seat and if shes observant like you say then maybe try letting her watch you. It may work. animals work and learn in different ways well good luck and hope that helps