How does a toilet attachment work - a system for training a cat to use the toilet, is it possible to make such an attachment with your own hands?

Where a cat lives, there is often an unpleasant smell from the litter box. If the owners are not at home during the day, it is impossible to clean the cat litter box on time. As a result, both the animal and its owners suffer from the smell of sewage in the apartment. How to forget forever about what a dirty litter tray is? How to save tens of thousands of rubles a year on cat litter?

Using a special training system, you can teach your pet to relieve itself in the toilet. This training stand is sold in veterinary stores. “Teachers” come in different sizes and designs. How to choose the right one?

When is it easier to toilet train a cat?

It is easier to teach a cat to use the toilet as an adult, since a small kitten may not be able to stay on the slippery toilet seat.
Learning this difficult skill will take a lot of time, so you should be patient. There are two ways to train a cat to use the toilet:

Using a regular cat litter box.
Using special simulators sold in pet stores.

Training using simulators

Special devices for toilet training a cat are sold in pet stores.

The use of special simulators is the simplest way to train a cat to use the toilet. Pet stores sell cat toilet attachments in which a hole is gradually cut into an increasingly larger circle, gradually through the learning process.

At the initial stage of training, the simulator is used as a standard cat litter box. Filler is poured into it, placed next to the toilet and shown to the pet. The usual familiar tray, in this case, is removed. They do this so that the cat gets used to the new toilet. After 3–5 days, the simulator is put on the toilet.

Once the cat gets used to the new hole, it is necessary to cut the next one.

When the cat begins to look for a place for the toilet, they put her on the toilet, thereby showing her a new place for the toilet. When the cat gets used to it a little and begins to jump on the toilet, the first hole is cut in the simulator. Special attachments already have cutting zones, so cutting a hole will not be difficult. After the pet gets used to the new hole, the next one is cut. It is necessary to repeat the process until the nozzle is level with the toilet. Then the nozzle must be removed. And the owner and the cat will start using the same toilet.

Litter box training

Using a litter box to train a cat to use a litter box is not easy, but it's worth it!

It is necessary to move the cat's litter box to the toilet next to the toilet. The door to the bathroom should always be slightly open so that the cat can get used to the new place of her toilet. The cat should get used to the new environment and calmly go to the toilet when needed.

After completely getting used to the new place of the tray, you should start placing magazines or something flat of medium thickness under it. This should be repeated day after day until the level of the tray is equal to the level of the toilet seat.

Of course, you should pay attention to the cat’s behavior; if he doesn’t like a certain height, then placing the next magazine should be postponed until the cat gets used to it

Under no circumstances should you force or force a cat to use a new toilet. Otherwise, the animal may start shitting anywhere. The pet should gradually get used to the new toilet.

Why and which cats can be toilet trained

Almost any cat can be toilet trained. In this case, caring for them will be reduced to the need to periodically press the button on the drain tank.

In addition to the ease of maintaining cleanliness, there are several other positive aspects:

There is no need to monitor the constant availability of a certain supply of cat litter. And, accordingly, the money spent on its purchase is saved.
The tray does not take up space and does not dangle under your feet. Wherever it stands (usually in the toilet or bathroom), it gets in the way and doesn’t look very attractive.
No time is wasted on cleaning. After all, cats, when burying their feces, always scatter the litter, and sometimes they also try to play with it.
There will be no established, characteristic cat smell in the room.

Although it is believed that representatives of the cat family are very difficult to train, most of them, with some patience and effort, can be trained to use the toilet.

After the pet relieves itself on the toilet, all that remains is to press the button on the tank - and everything is clean

Sometimes you come across particularly stubborn and capricious individuals who stubbornly refuse to change anything in their lives. In this case, it is better to leave everything as it is, otherwise the pet may start shitting anywhere.

Which cats can be taught to use the toilet?

No matter how much you would like to train your pet to relieve itself on the toilet, there are cats that should not be introduced to this invention of mankind:

animals that are too large and inactive are not so dexterous, they can fall and get injured;
You shouldn’t experiment with pregnant and lactating cats at all, they have no time for that right now;
a sick, weakened or simply too old animal is also unlikely to adequately accept attempts to retrain it.

Young kittens should be toilet trained very carefully

In principle, there is no difference between cats and cats; they react the same to all innovations . But you have to be careful with small kittens. There is no point in training before 5-6 months. They may fall into the toilet and get very scared. This is the best case scenario, but in the worst case scenario they may drown.

If there are several pets living in the house, then you should not use this method either. Owners who are rarely at home will have to put up with cleaning the litter box, since they will not be able to pay enough attention to each pet.

Only older animals who have previously used their own “potty” flawlessly should be trained to go to the toilet on the toilet.

Sometimes animals themselves show interest in the human toilet, jump on the toilet and even try to use it for its intended purpose. Some individuals do this quite successfully. But sometimes independent actions end in failure.

My sister has a very large cat. While still a teenager, he could easily climb onto this piece of plumbing. Even then he understood what this thing was and what should be done with it, and also made attempts to get comfortable on the edge. Either his legs were short, or the seat was slippery, but he fell into the water a couple of times. Didn't try again. But I should have been a little more attentive and helped him a little. Now my sister regrets it. The cat is extremely conscious and understands everything. But now he flatly doesn’t want to go to the toilet.

How long will it take to study

Calm, balanced cats that do not react too violently to external stimuli get used to a new place to correct their own needs within three weeks. There is even a special program scheduled by day. It's called standard. But with overly excitable and timid animals you will have to tinker longer. The process can take up to eight weeks. But the main thing in this matter is patience. You shouldn’t force things, as all cats are very individual and behave differently. There is a possibility of overdoing it, which will result in your pet becoming poorly controlled and causing a lot of inconvenience.

Some animals become toilet trained within 3–3.5 months. So be patient.

Video: the result you should strive for

Tray learning process

In order for a cat to calmly relieve itself on the toilet, you need to spend time developing a habit. You can start teaching a kitten in your apartment to go to the toilet; adults can also be trained.

At the first stage, you should definitely move the tray to the toilet if it was in a different place. The cat will get used to the room, to the sound of water being flushed in the toilet.
The tray gradually moves closer to the toilet, and gradually rises above the floor level. The stand for the product must be strong and stable. You need to lift the container without haste, so as not to alarm the animal.
Over time, the tray with the filler will end up at the level of the toilet. After the pet gets used to the changes, the process of reducing the litter in the tray begins. This should be done carefully; an adult cat will immediately be frightened by the difference in the litter box.
Is your cat already calmly walking into an empty litter tray? The next stage can begin. The container is installed directly on the toilet; it must be well secured. The animal will need to jump on the plumbing to use the toilet; an unstable tray can scare it away and ruin the entire learning process.
After the cat has calmly climbed onto the tray installed on the toilet, you can try to completely remove the container. If the cat does not accept the innovation and refuses to relieve itself in the toilet hole, the tray is returned temporarily.

ATTENTION! You should teach your cat good habits slowly, encouraging him with a kind word for each achievement. Placing the tray on the toilet seat is not very convenient

You need to remove the container often, and besides, it can slip. If the tray is placed incorrectly, the lid and seat will get dirty, and you will have to spend even more time cleaning. Therefore, manufacturers of pet products have developed a special pad for cats; with its help, cat litter does not lead to unpleasant consequences

Placing the tray on the toilet seat is not very convenient. You need to remove the container often, and besides, it can slip. If the tray is placed incorrectly, the lid and seat will get dirty, and you will have to spend even more time cleaning. Therefore, manufacturers of pet products have developed a special pad for cats; with its help, cat litter does not lead to unpleasant consequences.

What breeds can be trained

Any cat, even a very stubborn one, can be taught to go to the toilet in a civilized manner. True, some breeds will not be able to master such a skill. We are talking about pets with short legs. They simply will not be able to jump to great heights. For a similar reason, it is not recommended to toilet train a kitten. Problems are also possible with cats that like to bury.

There are especially gifted breeds of cats that themselves begin to relieve themselves in the toilet. These include Maine Coons and Siberians.

Types of cat litter

In urban environments, cats don’t have many opportunities to relieve themselves on the street, so quite often they try to train them to use the toilet. Some people are overly smart and even think about how to wash the cat in the toilet. This, of course, is overkill, but any cat can use a plumbing fixture for its intended purpose.

In general, the following options for organizing a cat litter box in the house are possible:

to train a cat to go to the toilet - of course, it will not be very convenient for the animal to relieve itself in a regular plumbing fixture, but it is very simple and cheap. A cat on the toilet is a common occurrence in a city apartment;

Typical scene in a city apartment

the regular litter tray also remains popular

The disadvantages of this solution are obvious - you constantly have to buy litter, and cats can be capricious, so not every type of litter is suitable; You can also find special trays on sale that are installed on the toilet, thanks to this the cat will not be able to balance on the edge of the bowl, but will sit more confidently; if the budget is not a weak point, then you can pay attention to a cat toilet with a flush, this is a separate plumbing fixture with an automatic flush after the cat has done its business

Separate toilet for the cat

Features of different types of toilets

You will have to choose a suitable toilet not only taking into account your budget, but also the character of your pet. Some cats use a human toilet without any problems, others flatly refuse to use a toilet without the usual litter; it all depends on how docile the animal’s character is.

Toilet tray

Such a device is installed directly on a plumbing fixture; the main advantage is that the top of the toilet bowl will be almost completely closed, only a small hole will remain in the center. At first it will be easier for the cat to get used to it.

Note! People often make such trays with their own hands; in this case, you must make sure that the material can withstand the weight of the cat. If it fails at the most crucial moment, then your pet is guaranteed to hate the toilet.

The photo shows that there is only a small hole left in the center

At first, when the cat is just getting used to human plumbing, it is allowed to use a regular bath with filler instead of a tray with a hole, but it must be placed above the plumbing fixture.

Also, at the initial stage, we can recommend a collapsible cat tray for the toilet. This design consists of separate sections, due to which the size of the hole can be adjusted. If you need to train an animal to relieve its needs from the edge of a plumbing fixture, then this type of tray is considered optimal.

Collapsible tray

As for installation, the simplest training tray is attached under the lid with simple tape. So you can always remove it.

Special seat

The appearance does not allow us to classify this device as a tray. Externally, this device for cats on the toilet looks like an absolutely exact copy of the seat, but made taking into account the size of the cat.

Such a device can operate in 2 modes:

if the animal is not attached to any filler, then waste products enter the toilet through the hole and are flushed into the sewer;
if things don’t work without filler, then you can use sealed plastic bags located under the hole. They are simply filled with filler, and then the bag is thrown into the trash.

To install it, just place it in the bowl of a plumbing fixture; the legs will prevent the seat from tilting.

Special toilet seat

Separate plumbing fixture for the cat

This type of device is fully automatic; the owner does not even have to wash up after the cat.

There are 2 types of such devices:

an analogue of a human toilet - a separate plumbing fixture that is connected to the sewage system, the difference is that washable granules can be used to fill the bowl;
complete analogue of a regular toilet , differs only in size;
regular tray, but with self-cleaning function.

The tray with a self-cleaning function is equipped with a special device that, after the animal leaves, scoops the contaminated litter into a separate container. The only advantage of such a toilet is that even when the owner is not at home, the cat will not make an unpleasant surprise on the floor, because the tray will be clean all the time. In addition, you don’t have to rack your brains about how to train a cat to use the toilet.

Automatic cleaning tray

Special devices with cleaning granules are suitable for those who do not want to constantly clean a regular tray. Such toilets themselves, after the animal has done its business, wash the filler and dry it. All that is required from the owner is to periodically change the detergent and filler (much less often than in a regular tray).

Device with automatic washing of granules

A separate toilet for cats is equipped with infrared sensors that record the position of the animal. After the cat leaves, the flush will occur automatically.

Note! Judging by the reviews of the owners of such models, the flushing power is often insufficient - this is due to the small size of the plumbing fixture. So you can't do without manual cleaning.

Methods

To teach a kitten to use the toilet, two conditions must be met:

The kitten needs to get used to the litter box.
The kitten must be over 4 months old and of medium size so as not to drown in the toilet.

If you start training your pet before 8 months of age, you can quickly achieve results. The methods are not suitable for pregnant cats.

Method No. 1 - gradually moving the tray

The method consists of the following procedure:

The tray is installed next to the toilet. Every week it is raised a couple of centimeters higher. To do this, newspapers, paper, cardboard, and magazines are placed under it. The structure must be reliable and stable so that the pet feels safe on it and can dig around in the pot.
Next, the tray is moved to the toilet. It's better to do it in stages. First, place it between a stack of papers and the toilet, and after a week place it on the rim. Give the kitten time to get used to it, and then remove the newspapers.
After the pet has adapted, after 3-4 days you need to put a thick sheet of plastic under the toilet seat instead of a tray, and also sprinkle a handful of bedding on top. The partition must bend under the weight of the animal, but not break or collapse. This is necessary so that the kitten, in an attempt to maintain a comfortable position, transfers its body weight to the toilet seat. Give the kitten a week to get used to this design.
Next, make a hole a couple of centimeters in the plastic. Every few days, enlarge the hole by 1-2 centimeters. Continue this procedure until the hole is the size of a toilet seat. Afterwards, the kitten must go to the toilet on its own.

Method No. 2 – “Sharp Cat” remedy

The drug is used to train a kitten to use the litter box, but it can also be used to form the habit of going to the toilet. The product has the form of drops with a pleasant smell for animals. For people, the aroma is weak and will not interfere. But cats react to it constantly.

Using drops only will not give the desired result. It is necessary to combine this method with the previous method. The solution is used at the stage of replacing the tray with a plastic sheet. The problem at this stage appears due to the fact that the plastic has an unfamiliar smell (or even unpleasant for the cat). To solve the problem, you need to apply a couple of drops on the sheet itself.

Method No. 3 - special simulators

How to train a cat

How to stop a cat from chewing wires

Kitten doesn't want to go to the litter box

Such simulators include “Citikitty Cat”, “Litter Kwitter”, “Domakot”, and similar designs. Their kit is different, but the principle of operation is the same. The cost of all sets ranges from 750-1000 (for “Citikitty Cat”, “Domakot”) to 2500-3000 rubles (for “Litter Kwitter”) and more.

The main element of the simulators is a tray attachment, at the bottom of which there is a hole with removable rings. These rings allow you to gradually widen the hole in the structure. Its function is the same as the first method described above.

Additionally, the kit includes another tray attachment, which should help you return to the previous stage if problems arise. Sometimes the kit also includes mint, aromatic substances pleasant to cats, a magazine with recommendations on how to use it, as well as a lifting device for changing the height of the tray.

The general principle of operation is the same. The potty is first raised to the level of the toilet with or without the use of a special support device - using a stack of papers. Then the tray attachment is placed on the toilet. At the end, you need to either make holes in the bottom (following the signs), or take out the rings from the bottom, widening the hole.

The scheme for toilet training a kitten is the same.

The advantage of using a special tray is as follows:

the pet feels more confident on a stable structure, which was specially created for attachment to the toilet;
The bottom is made elastic, but strong in terms of thickness and flexibility;
Using a support device, it is easier to place the pot at the desired level;
sometimes special devices and marks are made in the tray that will make it easier to create holes of the required diameter;
The last advantage is that the partitions are made strong.

Method number 4 - sprays

However, the problem arises at the last stage of toilet training. The fact is that as soon as you start removing the bedding and making a hole, the kitten may suddenly lose interest in the potty. In this case, the pet will look for other corners that are familiar to it.

To scare away, use special sprays:

"Smart Spray";
"Beaphar Catty Home";
“Ms. Kiss";
"Himola".

But remember that many of them have an unpleasant odor. The solution quality of the sprays is the same.

Questions and answers

If you still have any questions about this wonderful device, perhaps you will find them among the answers below:

How will a cat understand that he needs to jump on the toilet?

To lure the cat, use catnip, which is included in the kit. It needs to be added to the filler that you pour into the simulator. The cat will smell the smell and jump on its own. If difficulties arise at first, you can put, for example, a shoe box next to the toilet to make it easier for your pet to get in. Over time, he will get used to it and the box can be removed. But usually this is not required and the animal jumps on its own without any difficulties.

After moving to the next step and removing the next ring from the simulator, the cat stopped using the device.

Don't worry. In this case, the kit includes an additional attachment that will allow you to go back one step so that your pet gets used to it. The main thing is to take your time and you will succeed!

How can I save 100,000 rubles by purchasing CitiKitty?

The average lifespan of a domestic cat is about 17-20 years. There are cases where cats even lived up to 36 years.
The average cost of cheap filler is 100 rubles
, it lasts for a week.
Thus, per month you spend about 400-500 rubles
on toilet filler.
5-6 thousand rubles
per year .
Over the course of your cat's entire life, you will spend about 80-120 thousand rubles
.
What if you have two or three cats? This amount can reach up to half a million!
The benefits of purchasing this device are simply obvious!

What's included in the CitiKitty package?

toilet seat with removable rings
additional nozzle for taking a step back
instruction manual with pictures
a bag of catnip (herbal - no chemicals)

What should I do if my cat is very heavy and presses through the CitiKitty seat?

Don't worry. For this case, the kit includes an additional attachment that can be used immediately together with the main seat. This way the structure will become much stronger, and holes will need to be cut simultaneously in both the seat and the additional attachment.

What kind of filler can be poured into the CityKiti tray without clogging the toilet? Do such things exist?

You can use wood filler, or any other filler that says on the packaging that it can be flushed down the toilet will do. We recommend using wood filler in pallets; it is cheap and smells good, and when wet it turns into a pile of tiny sawdust that can easily be flushed down the toilet.

Does plastic smell and does it scare away animals?

No. The plastic doesn't smell at all. This is a high-quality polymer without odor or allergens.

Recommendations for selection

When choosing a lining, it is important to pay attention not only to its quality. It is also necessary to take into account the size of the toilet and the dimensions of the animal. For a large cat, it is better to purchase a denser and more durable product - the plastic should be quite thick

For a large cat, it is better to purchase a denser and more durable product - the plastic should be quite thick

For a large cat, it is better to purchase a denser and more durable product - the plastic should be quite thick.

In different models of linings, the size of the holes can vary greatly.

The depth at which the nozzle will be placed in the toilet opening may also vary depending on the model. It is worth considering that with shallow pads, your pet is more likely to accidentally scoop out some of the filler during the process of burying it on the floor.

It is equally important to evaluate the quality of the product. Toxic materials can cause an allergic reaction in your pet. If the plastic has a strong, unpleasant odor, it will only repel your pet.

If the plastic has a strong, unpleasant odor, it will only repel your pet.

Plastic that is too thin or brittle can cause a cat to fall into the toilet. At best, the animal will experience stress and refuse to learn further; at worst, it will be injured. It is worth considering that the high cost of the lining does not always indicate its quality - quite often the price is determined by the brand.

Training cats to use the toilet

Folk method

There is a time-tested system for toilet training cats, which has several stages and takes up to one month. Its essence lies in moving the animal’s familiar container with filler closer and closer to the toilet.

Let's take a closer look:

First, you need to place a cat tray with special granules near the plumbing fixture in the toilet and leave it there until the cat gets used to the new placement of the hygiene box. This takes from 2 to 3 days.

We begin to lift the box up until it reaches the level of the toilet lid. To do this, you can put empty boxes, old magazines, telephone or advertising directories under it later. At one point you need to reduce the amount of filler in the container. (See also the article Valve for the cistern: highlights.)

When the stack of magazines or boxes reaches the desired height, begin to move the cat container towards the toilet circle. As in the previous case, this must be done in stages (no more than 2-3 cm per day). By this time, the thickness of the litter to absorb cat waste should not be more than 2 cm.

After this, the simple tray is replaced with a training tray, which can be purchased at a pet store. If you do not have this device at your disposal, you can construct a suitable replacement with your own hands:

lifting the circle, attach thick wax paper to the bowl, pulling it tightly so that it looks like a drum membrane;
inside you need to pour a little filler for the tray (take those that are allowed to be flushed down the drain);
Instead of paper, a narrow aluminum tray is suitable.

Once the cat has learned to use the new tray, it is necessary to cut a small hole with a diameter of no more than 3 cm in the center of the wax paper or aluminum tray. It must be slowly expanded so that the animal gets used to going to the toilet in water. (See also the article Toilet with bidet function: highlights.)

If you are using a special tray, you need to slowly remove sections from it, enlarging the hole.
At the same time, always reduce the layer of filler that you place along the edges of wax paper, pallet or plastic tray. By the end of the training there should be none left at all.

At the end of the animal’s visit to the toilet, it is imperative to flush the water after it. This is not only a requirement of sanitation rules. Most animals do not like to do their business in a place that is already “dirty.”

Reward your cat for successfully completing each stage of training. This will allow her to get used to the toilet faster.

By means of a special device

In order to reduce the time and effort required to accustom an animal to using a shared toilet, it is possible to use a special cat tray for toilet training. This is a special device that is securely attached to the toilet and facilitates the process of training the animal.

A toilet trainer for cats has the following advantages:

is firmly installed on the bowl and provides support for the animal;
does not fall off the lid or fall inside due to sudden movements of the cat;
your pet will better accept a device that resembles its usual litter tray.

There are two types of devices:

Disposable. This is a plastic tray that attaches to the toilet bowl. Special oval lines are drawn on its bottom. During training using this marking, it is necessary to cut out unnecessary parts, slowly enlarging the hole. Using a training tray, it is possible to train an animal to go to the toilet in approximately 7-10 days, depending on the character and temperament of the animal.

Reusable. Such a trainer consists not of one, but of several trays with holes of different diameters.

A reusable device for training a cat to use a toilet can be reused. For example, give it to familiar ones who also faced a similar problem, or use it after many years to train a new pet.

Recommendations you need

The following tips will help you cope more successfully with the process of training your pet to use a shared toilet:

there is no need to force the cat to go to the toilet; wait until she goes through one or another stage of training;
do not move on to the next training point until the animal has become accustomed to the transformations that have already occurred (for example, you do not need to immediately put the animal on a training tray, this will not lead to anything good);
If the cat normally goes to the toilet on a training tray or paper, and at the end refuses to do its business in a simple circle, pour a little litter into the toilet bowl.

DIY toilet seat for cats

In the absence of funds for a training tray, you can make a similar design from:

aluminum pallet
plastic plate
cat potty mesh

Homemade toilet seat for a cat from a mesh tray.

At the third stage of training, when the cat jumps to the height of the toilet, the specified device is attached to the toilet bowl or under its seat. Typically, strong masking tape is used for this.
Just as when training using the system, first use the structure as a regular tray, pouring filler into it.
They cut a hole in the center of the structure and gradually increase its diameter, bringing it to the diameter of the toilet bowl. Pour a smaller amount of filler into a tray with a hole.
The structure is removed when the cat learns to walk into the hole without filler, holding onto the toilet seat with all its paws.

Benefits of switching from a tray to a toilet

Saving money after training. You will no longer need to buy litter and cleaning products. You will only need products for the human toilet, which you already buy.
More time for yourself. You will no longer waste time cleaning and cleaning the cat litter box, buying litter in the store, but will be able to spend more time on yourself or communicating with your beloved pet.
Space is freed up. The cat litter occupied a certain place, but now it is free.
Fewer reasons to clean. The filler will no longer be spread throughout the apartment.
Goodbye cat smell.
Another reason to be proud of your furry friend.

Where is the best place to put a cat litter box?

Cats are very particular about their litter box, so choosing the right location for it is very important. And you, most likely, will not dare to install a tray on the carpet in the living room or kitchen. Remember the “one plus one” rule - you should have one “main” tray and one additional one. Accordingly, if you have two cats, there should be four trays, etc. Why is that?

These are such interesting animals - cats. They will never share their litter box with other animals. Many of our furry pets go even further in their requests - they prefer to urinate in one tray and defecate in another. Moreover, this requirement may appear suddenly! Therefore, always keep a spare tray ready.

So, let's try to find the right place for the tray

To do this, we must know something important from the nature of these beauties!. Place

Cats like to relieve themselves in solitude, out of sight. Moreover, they do this not at all out of modesty, but out of elementary fear: what if they are caught in such a vulnerable position by an insidious enemy! Based on this, we recommend, if you have one, to find a place in the guest bathroom. Problems with space in your apartment? Then find a quiet, non-traffic place if possible. If you don’t have any, buy a protective screen and place the tray in the corner of the living room or bedroom. You can successfully install the tray in both the bathroom and the toilet. Don't be afraid, the noise of the washing machine will not scare your pet

Place.

Away from food please!

Follow the rules of hygiene! We understand how much you love your cat and even kiss her from time to time, but still the tray and products are in no way compatible. Also, do not place the litter box in the same place where the cat eats, for the same reasons. Do not forget!

The tray is not a place for games!

This advice will be useful for those who have several cats. The fact is that cats love to play interactive games among themselves, hide in ambushes, and the tray often serves as a favorite place for such an ambush - cats love to literally fly up from there. In this case, move the litter box to an area where your pets do not play.

Avoid places that are too hidden and hard to reach.

When we say that cats love privacy in these matters, do not take everything literally and do not go too far: do not place trays in exotic places - in the basement, attic, etc., especially in places where you can only get by climbing a ladder . These exercises are especially difficult for kittens. And in this case, an adult cat will probably choose a more interesting place, and of course, outside your tray! A small exception should be made if you have a house with several floors: then we suggest setting up trays on each floor for the convenience of the animal.

Don't forget to keep the doors open!

You risk wasting all your time if, for example, you choose a place in the bathroom and then, out of habit, close the door there tightly. Remember: trays should always be freely accessible for pets!

Contact the services of furniture manufacturing companies!

If none of the proposed options suits you, then we advise you to look on the Internet for offers from some furniture companies that offer very nice multifunctional furniture sets with a cleverly camouflaged tray! For our taste, bamboo furniture is the ideal choice. It’s not a sin to place one like this in the living room!

Source

Training conditions

The next condition for the success of the process is to teach your furry friend to go to the tray without filler. Its amount must be gradually reduced until the animal begins to go to a completely empty tray. The main thing here is not to rush.

A more gentle option is to purchase a tray with a grate, where the filler is poured under it. They will smell the litter and walk into it. The amount of filler should also be gradually reduced to zero.

If the tray is not next to the toilet, you need to gradually and slowly move it towards it. Cats don't like change, so take your time. You will also need to develop 2 habits: leave the toilet door open and never lower the toilet lid.

The toilet can frighten some pets with its noisy sounds. Therefore, you need to show her that it’s not scary at all: take her in your arms, sit with her in your arms on the toilet, stroke her, periodically press on the flush. This procedure must be repeated several times.
A furry friend should not treat training as something forced. Otherwise he will refuse to go to the meeting. Only affection and cunning can achieve success.

Review of cat toilet training systems

Without special equipment, it is difficult to teach a cat to go to the toilet, although it is possible. To make the learning process go smoothly and without unnecessary stress, special plastic seat supports have been invented. These designs imitate a cat's litter box, which is gradually removed, and the cat begins to go to the toilet without fear or apprehension.

Any model has many advantages compared to a conventional tray:

no smell of urine;
easy cleaning - the tray must be cleaned regularly, and in the toilet you just need to press the flush button;
savings - owners do not have to spend money on filler;
hygiene – after visiting the litter box, the cat needs to wash its paws, and in the case of the simulator, they remain clean.

The wide range of products for toilet training a pet can confuse an inexperienced owner. What is the best thing to buy for your pet? It is necessary to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular models.

Anti-scratch pad

The plastic “Anti-scratch” pad is one of the most popular and affordable training equipment for pet training. It is a structure of several interconnected circles of different diameters with a side that is attached to the toilet bowl.

To train your pet to relieve itself with the help of Anti-Scratch, it will take 1–2 months of training. To begin with, the simulator is placed on the toilet and the cat’s usual litter is poured inside. When the animal gets used to it and starts using the pad instead of the tray, you should gradually remove one circle at a time, starting with the smallest diameter, while reducing the volume of the filler. Since the bottom of the device is thinner than the lid and bends slightly under the weight of the pet, the cat will instinctively learn to place its paws on the side.

Advantages of the “Anti-scratch” simulator:

low price;
versatility - suitable for both kittens aged 3 months and older cats;
Detailed instructions for use included.

the need to remove and put on the lid every time family members visit the toilet;
Not suitable for cats that dig the litter too actively - the granules will be scattered all over the floor.

Device "CitiKitty"

An American product for toilet training a cat is the CitiKitty simulator. Similar to the Anti-Scratch system, the device is a plastic pad divided into circles that need to be cut out as the animal gets used to the size of the hole. First, the device is installed entirely on the side of the toilet, and filler is poured inside. Every week, cut out 1 circle, gradually increasing the diameter of the hole. When the cat finally gets used to it and starts going to the toilet, calmly placing its paws on the side, the nozzle should be removed.

The main advantage of "CitiKitty", as stated by the manufacturer, is the high quality and environmental friendliness of the materials. The plastic from which the exercise machine is made has no foreign chemical odors and is absolutely safe for home use. In Russia, an analogue of “CitiKitty” is produced under the name “Domakot”.

"Litter Kwitter"

The Litter Kwitter toilet training kit works on the same principle of gradually introducing cats to the toilet. It is a device with three plastic tabs of different colors that are attached to the side of the toilet. The red nozzle has a solid bottom, the orange one has a small hole, and the green one has a large diameter hole.

First, you need to install the red tab and pour filler into it every time you visit your pet. Installing an orange cell is acceptable when the cat gets used to jumping onto the side without fear. Then you should wait another 1–2 weeks so that the animal gets used to it and does not fall through the hole. Installing the green nozzle is the final stage of the learning process, after which the system is completely removed, and the cat calmly and confidently visits the toilet, forgetting about the tray and litter.

Compared to analogues, Litter Kwitter has an advantage - you don’t need to cut anything in the simulator; you just need to change the cassettes sequentially. In addition, the owners do not have to remove the system every time to go to the toilet - they just need to lower the toilet seat. The disadvantages include high cost.

What are they and why are they needed?

Cat litter covers are usually a system that allows you to train your pet to go to the toilet. Most often, such a complex includes several trays of different sizes, which are attached to each other from largest to smallest.

The most common model looks like several trays of a slightly unusual shape that are installed on the toilet. The upper structure completely imitates the usual tray, where filler is also poured. The lower structures already have holes in the center, which vary in diameter. There are both simplified models and more complex training complexes.

Special pads for training a cat to use the toilet

Often difficulties arise at the final stage of training, when the tray needs to be installed on top. The box may not be the right size, making it difficult to jump into. It is more rational to use special attachments sold in pet stores.

On a note! Stores sell special liquids containing certain enzymes for toilet training cats. In this system, they can be used instead of litter or in addition to litter if the animal does not go right away.

The principle of operation of the system is to sequentially expand the hole in the middle until a regular lining is obtained. They come in 2 types:

plastic container fixed to the toilet. It already contains markings for cutting out circles of different diameters. Start with the smallest one and increase it by one contour every 5 days. When the cat confidently begins to stay on the rim and recovers, the nozzle is removed;
a system that includes several rings of different diameters, inserted into each other according to the pyramid principle. It is enough to periodically remove one ring at a time to expand the hole in the center.

More advanced designs are also sold, equipped with folding legs (for gradual lifting) and retractable curtains. With their help, the process of training a pet will become as simple and convenient as possible.

On a note! When choosing a system, be sure to take into account the weight of the animal. Large representatives require durable plastic to withstand heavy loads.

There are reusable systems, they are designed a little differently. They include a set of plastic pads with holes of different sizes, which are changed as the animal gets used to it.

On a note! The most popular cat training devices among buyers are: Domakot, Unikot, Vaka, Litter Kwitter, CitiKitty Cat Toilet Training Kit.

Reusable plastic pads are replaced as the cat gets used to the new conditions for relieving itself.

When purchasing pads, you must take into account the weight of your pet and the thickness of the plastic of the product. The heavier the cat, the more massive and thicker such a device should be.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before we begin to analyze the pros and cons of a toilet attachment, it is necessary to note all the advantages and disadvantages of toilet training cats. The advantages primarily include:

increasing the free space in the apartment, which was previously occupied by a tray;
reducing filler costs;
saving time and effort on cleaning the cat litter box.

As for the disadvantages of toilet training your pets, the most important thing to highlight is the potential danger. Even the most dexterous cat can slip while jumping on a toilet seat or pressing the flush button. In addition, this method of relieving itself is not suitable for all cats due to age restrictions or health conditions.

Among the advantages of toilet seat covers, it is worth highlighting ease of use. In addition, the use of attachments is the most effective method of toilet training cats . As for the disadvantages, they also include the risk of injury.

Even the most durable and reliable structures do not guarantee that the pet will not fall and get hurt.

During the period of accustoming a cat to the toilet, special devices create some inconvenience.

You need to ensure that your pet has access to the toilet at all times: the door to the bathroom should be constantly open and the toilet seat raised. Also, the owner of the animal will have to remove and reinstall the lining every time he needs to use the toilet.
The covers require the same regular care as the trays. Otherwise, an unpleasant odor will appear and the risk of bacteria spreading will increase. However, such inconveniences are only temporary.

Instructions for toilet training a cat

In order for the event of retraining a cat from a tray to a toilet to be successful, you must follow strict instructions. The sequence of steps is extremely important.

Training a cat to use the toilet proceeds sequentially

If the tray was not previously in the toilet, then the pet must first be introduced to the earthenware object and accustomed to the noise of the flush cistern. To do this, simply keep the door to the toilet room constantly open, and constant curiosity will lead the cat there itself.

When the pet stops showing signs of anxiety (if any), you can begin to take more decisive action.

Moving the tray to the toilet

This step is only relevant if the tray is located in another room, for example, in the bathroom. The cat potty should be moved to the toilet room and placed next to the toilet. It is recommended to do this slowly, moving the object 2–3 cm every day. Otherwise, the animal may get confused and begin to shit on the floor in the place where the tray was previously located. After the desired is achieved and the cat begins to relieve its needs in a new place, you can proceed to the next step.

You should gradually, a few centimeters a day, move the tray near the toilet

At the end of this stage, the tray should be in close proximity to the toilet, and the pet should defecate in it regularly.

The cat should do its business regularly in the tray in its new place

Raising the tray to the height of the toilet

The next step is to raise the tray to the level of the toilet seat. The cat must get used to the fact that its litter box is now high up and that it will have to jump up there. But this cannot be done abruptly, since the animal simply will not understand what is expected of it.

For 10–11 days, old magazines, newspapers, cardboard boxes and other things are placed under the tray, gradually raising it 1–2 cm at a time. If your pet refuses to climb high, then you need to stop for a few weeks and then start all over again.

It is extremely important that the structure does not wobble and is stable

You need to give the cat a few days to get used to jumping into the tray at a height

Moving the tray onto the toilet seat

For a couple of days, the litter box is left at the maximum height, allowing the cat to make sure that everything is stable and secure. Then the tray is moved onto the toilet by about ¼ part. Nothing should be loose, otherwise the pet will get scared and won’t jump in there anymore. Moving the pot little by little, after 3-4 days it is completely placed on the toilet. At the same time, the stack of magazines is gradually dismantled. At this stage, you can stop for a few days so that the animal develops a habit of the new place. If there was filler in the tray all this time, then the amount is reduced every day and then they stop pouring it altogether.

The cat potty needs to be firmly secured to the toilet

Tray refusal

This moment is the most important in the learning process. One day the tray is simply removed. Moreover, it must be removed so far away that the pet cannot find it by smell. When the cat comes to the toilet, at first he will fuss, not understanding what to do. But usually he thinks quickly enough and sits down on the edge of the toilet.

Sometimes it is recommended to pour a little filler into a small jar and attach it to a stick across the toilet using tape. Then the animal will be guided by the familiar smell, settle down and do its toilet chores on this box, sitting on the edge.

At the last stage of training, the cat must understand for himself what is required of him.

An alternative option is to move the toilet seat to the tray, and then put it back in place, but without the cat “potty.”

Adviсe

When the task has been completed and the cat has begun to use the toilet properly, it is important to consolidate the result. Here are some useful tips:

the door to the toilet room should be left ajar or a special entrance hatch should be made in it;
the lid is not lowered so that he can recover at any time.

We must not forget about rewarding your pet for correct behavior. It will not be difficult for the owner to pet his pet once again and give him his favorite treat.

What to buy to toilet train cats

The stores offer different options for toilet training systems:

Litter Kwitter is a system with a seat and three inserts of different colors. Each stage of training involves replacing a solid insert with another with a small hole and then with an insert with a larger hole.
Anti-scratch machines are a simulator in which holes are cut along marked boundaries. Suitable for cats of different ages and sizes. Withstands weight up to 20 kg.
Domakot – Includes a cat litter box with cut-out rings, an extra tool for when you need to go back a step, and a bag of catnip to attract your cat to the new litter box.

Other options: City Kitty, VAKA "Refined Manners". The design principle and training technique for the systems are the same.

Summarizing

A cat litter box allows you to solve the problem of using a toilet for an animal in an urban environment. Of course, you will have to tinker a little with taming your pet to the toilet, but the result is worth it. Once this issue has been dealt with, the problem of unpleasant “cat surprises” will be solved for many years.

In the video in this article, a specialist talks in more detail about how to train a cat to use the toilet.

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