On Labor Day weekend, 2007, I brought home two cute 3-month old female Devon Rex kittens. Tanya (TAN-ya) and Chanel. This was my first time living with cats, so I prepared with books for dummies and how-to manuals. During my readings, I came across books and websites about toilet training. Yes, you teach your cat to use the toilet! I was intrigued and read multiple strategies to train my kitties to poop in the commode. The process can take anywhere from 4 weeks to a year!! It was still early, and all sources advised to wait until 6 months of age.
So I waited. In the mean time, I learned how annoying litter can be. I got the automatic LitterMaid Elite Mega Advanced Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box which scoops the poop every time the kitties go. I got it lightly used from a craigslist.org posting. It was worth the money and I didn't become too much of a slave to the litter box. Even though I didn't have the burden of all day scooping, I started noticing that litter traveled. I saw little litter granules beyond the laundry room (original location of the litter box). I 'd see it track out from the laundry room door and occasionally see a granule or two on the kitchen floor or on the couch. I know cats are clean animals, but litter granules on the couch can't be very sanitary.
So, as they started pushing their 6th month of life (Tanya was 6 months, Chanel was 5 1/2 months), I decided to start their training to use the toilet. I love my kitties, but I hate the litter. They are super smart, so I think they will pick it up quickly.
I'm writing this blog on Tanya, Chanel, and the Toilet so you can keep up with their (and my) daily progress (or lack thereof). I am by no means an expert. But you can see pictures and watch the brief videos that chronicle their status and the methods I've used.
You can start from Day 1 by scrolling to the bottom of the page.
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I am currently at the Miami airport waiting to board my flight to El Salvador for a volunteer medical service campaign. I left Tanya and Chanel with the Main Amber tray and I am confident they are at a stable stage. I think it will be good for them to have some time to get more comfortable with the set up without me meddling. I actually wonder what Chanel will look like when I get back. Will she still be squeezing herself between the hole and the seat? Will she learn on her own to put her front paws on the seat?
This morning, before I left, she came into the bathroom while I was at the sink. She placed herself in the usual position. I looked over at her, and she looked up at me. All of a sudden, she moved herself and placed her front paws on the seat. Aww! What a good girl & sweetheart she is! The next 10 days will be a good experiment to see if she only positions when I'm around. I notice her watching Tanya more, too.
If I get any updates from the sitter, I'll post them on the site. But I'll be back with pictures and a report of how they're doing when I return after Feb 3. Check in again!
1 comment:
hi dns-
my finger are crossed for you that all is smooth with TT at home. i went away for 3 nights and hello protested by going #1 in the bathtub and on the floor. i don't know if she just missed me or if my sitter wasn't cleaning the LK properly and efficiently. if they are good, give them lots of praise and treats when you get home. i'm sure they miss you! have a safe trip home.
jenny & hello
http://www.freewebs.com/myhellokitten
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