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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February 27, 2008
By Jove, I think she's finally got it! I almost can't believe it. For the past 2 days, I have been placing Chanel in the correct position before she is able to start her #2 business. Today, after correcting her once, she moved herself into place: front paws on the seat and back paws on the Green tray. Everything went right into the bowl!
Unfortunately, I have a potential problem coming up this weekend. I have to leave town for an urgent family issue. I'll be gone for 4 days. My friend who usually kitty sits is not available. I absolutely dread bringing back the LitterMaid litter box. I'm trying to find a way to keep them on the toilet while I'm away. If Chanel can consistently position herself and go through the hole, then I can have a friend just stop by to check on them and flush. I'll also start looking into an automatic flusher. I can't bear to think about putting them back in the litter box after so much progress.
I don't have a picture of Chanel yet. But here is Tanya-3 paws on the seat. No, she doesn't poo daisies. :)
3 comments:
yay chanel! we knew you could do it. what wonderful news.
hahaha. wouldn't it be great if the kitten pooped daisies?
jenny
p.s. i hope your family issues aren't serious.
Hello!
Wow Tanya is doing great. I wish I pooed daisies too. It would be SWEET!
Thanks for your comment on my bloggy, it took all weekend to 'spruce up' :)
I added you to my friendses.
-Veronica
hi dns-
hope your weekend with family is going well. can't wait to get a TT update when you get back from your trip.
jenny
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