Free Blog Counter

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.
________________________________________________________________________________

Day 14


December 9, 2007:

We had a little snafu this weekend. Chanel jumped up on the edge of the litter box and the duct tape didn't hold her weight (which is only 4.1 lbs). Poor Chanel went racing out of the bathroom in horror after the litter box tipped over. As you can imagine, litter granules went everywhere!!! After I cleaned up the mess, I went to check on her. She was actually skittish and restive--a temperament she has never been before. Everything startled her, poor thing. I held her for a while and causally walked into the bathroom. She freaked out and jumped out of my arms and out the door. Shit!

I had to figure out a way for her to make nice again with the bathroom, or my plan was toast. Not to mention, she might find alternative areas to go if she feared the litter box. First off, I re-secured the litter box. I secured it more at the base instead of the top (see pic). And I had to always put on fresh duct tape after I unfastened it (It's actually easier to unfasten this way). Then I remembered something I read in a book about rewarding your cat with treats when she uses the toilet properly during training. I decided to use the same positive feedback association. I got their favorite treats and brought them into the bathroom. Now for me, eating in the bathroom is a major faux pas. But, I had to get over it for the sake of this toilet training process. I freely gave them treats and then tossed in one of Chanel's favorite toys. They were playing in there for half an hour.

But I had to see for myself if Chanel would use the litter box again. I gave them their wet food dinner early hoping to induce some peristalsis. Tanya went first. And then Chanel followed. Thank goodness! :) Back on track.

The next step is to exchange the litter box with a bowl of litter placed underneath the seat. This is reportedly the most malodorous stage so it's best to be around as much as possible to remove the smelliness. I've noticed that Tanya and Chanel actually wait for me to get home before they go #2. They must be missing the LitterMaid, too...

by Dark n Stormy

1 comment:

Miss Hayes said...

I can't believe the litter box attacked! Another trick to encourage comfort in the bathroom is to put their toys in there. maybe cheap scratch board. That way they can express themselves if they start feeling stressed. Things sound they are going smoothly again but just in case. My kitties do the same thing. They poop before I leave in the morning and they poop at 6pm when I am supposed to come home. They want it scooped up, that's what they are doing. I just make sure the litter maid takes care of everything. My kitten, Troy is literally helping me type at this point. His paw is on my left fingers so he has a part in every word. Crazy cat.

Staying tuned!

December 10, 2007

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Free Website Directory