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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WOW!
Chanel is actually getting better! I was losing hope for a while a couple weeks ago when I was at my wit's end.
But she is really getting better. It has just taken time. Going back to Amber was the best thing to do.
Today, I didn't have to move her into the right spot. She did it herself.
She is used to getting a copious amount of treats after a proper #2. She goes straight to her treat dish (another product from my pottery class) and waits for the 3 varieties of treats coming to her.
If she keeps this up for the next couple of days, I'll try to get a photo or video of her. But for now, my hands are poised to position her when or if it's needed.
5 comments:
Great news!! I am so happy to hear Chanel is doing a great job!!
Kaze
that is super news -- very encouraging! sorry to hear about the overgrooming diagnosis. hope she stops soon! I'm sure the training is stressful, but I bet she'll be fine once it is finished.
Carrie
Wow, that is pretty good aim!
i'm so glad to hear you guys are still making progress. GO CHANEL! WOO HOO!
that is great news.
btw, veronica has taken to digging around in the toilet for no reason thinking she will get a treat just for digging and not for a proper #1 or #2...do yours do that??
anya
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