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've been able to observe Tanya and Chanel over the past day or two since returning from my trip. I'll keep this tasteful and not give too graphic details about their excrement (let's face it, no one is really that interested in what comes out). That said, I will say that they both perform #1 in a great position every single time (see Tanya on the left). Even Chanel is finding it more comfortable to place front paws on the seat. I see her squat in weird positions initially and then eventually move herself into the sweet spot. But #2 needs some work. Even the sitter mentioned that she thought Tanya was regressing. When I left, she was going with at least 2 or 3 paws on the seat--bum facing centrally. But now, I see her with all fours in the litter tray.
Chanel also keeps all fours in the litter tray for #2, but I'm not as surprised by that. It is normal for cats to have more success with #1 than #2 through the hole at first. Hit or miss is common. The question that comes up again is....when do I move them along to the next stage? Tanya is for sure ready to move on. Is Chanel?
I will hold off switching to the Intermediate Green tray at least until Friday (in 3 days). This will give me the weekend to keep a watchful eye out for potential objections to the set up. According to the Litter Kwitter Training Booklet: "Once your cat is regularly placing both front paws and at least one of its rear paws on the seat and squatting approximately over the hole; this is your cue to move to the Green Stage." I think there is a little wiggle room on that because I will be moving to the Intermediate Green tray instead of the Main Green.
I've been able to observe Tanya and Chanel over the past day or two since returning from my trip. I'll keep this tasteful and not give too graphic details about their excrement (let's face it, no one is really that interested in what comes out). That said, I will say that they both perform #1 in a great position every single time (see Tanya on the left). Even Chanel is finding it more comfortable to place front paws on the seat. I see her squat in weird positions initially and then eventually move herself into the sweet spot. But #2 needs some work. Even the sitter mentioned that she thought Tanya was regressing. When I left, she was going with at least 2 or 3 paws on the seat--bum facing centrally. But now, I see her with all fours in the litter tray.
1 comment:
the kitties are doing brilliantly!!!! try to catch them in the act of #2 and reposition them at their point of no return. it seemed to work for you before. they seem to catch on quick! smart kitties!
jenny & hello
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