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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December 7, 2007:
Well, since Tanya and Chanel are acting like they weren't cut open yesterday, I think it's okay to proceed with the next step. I moved the litter box directly over the toilet. Since it is larger than the average litter box, I had to use some duct tape to secure it. I don't want the litter box to be perceived as unstable and I certainly don't want it to shift or even fall while they jump onto it. Even if you are using a smaller litter box, you should still secure it down.
When you see you it, you will wonder how the heck I use the potty! Another inconvenience... I'll unfasten the tape and move it aside. It would be ideal if I had a second toilet for this, but I don't.
Watch the video and see how Tanya jumps up to use the litter on top of the seat. Chanel cheats a little, but they are catching on very fast. I'll keep this step for a couple days. I want them to be used to jumping on top of the toilet to use the litter before I remove the litter box all together.
1 comment:
Well, Troy and I are most impressed by the new developments. Althought, I hope you are not too inconvieneced yourself during the training.
As for my littermaid experiences, I stopped using the littermaid litter. Unfortunately I couldn't find the litter you sent me so I went with "Fresh Step". I really like it because the litter is still premium and it truly covers up odors! No more household takeovers from the litterbox! So I think I'll keep the littermaid for now. This toilet training process seems easy. I just wish you had a second bathroom! I just may give it a try. Troy is definitely interested...
We will stay tuned!
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