The content of the article
Cats, unlike dogs, are well aware of where their toilet is and regularly need it on the tray. But many progressive owners are trying to teach the animal to the toilet, which will open at least 4 positive opportunities.
- Save time. A person does not need to regularly clean and wash the tray, pour sand or filler into it.
- Saving money. There has been significant savings on all these diapers and cat litter. And the tray itself has a tendency to wear out over several months, to absorb the pungent smell of cat urine, therefore, it also takes money to replace it.
- Saving space. Whatever the compact tray, but still it occupies a certain area. If it is located in the bathroom or toilet, then the already tiny space becomes even more critical. Yes, and in the corridor a box with a filler will definitely interfere, especially if there are young children in the apartment who can show curiosity about its contents.
- Lack of smell. Now the urine or animal excrement can be quickly washed off by pressing the button on the tank. There will be no need for a filler, which, although it holds the liquid, does not eliminate the specific smell of the animal.
The main thing is to remain patient, do not scold the pet, do not forget to praise him for his success. In fact, a cat by its nature is not obliged to be able to go to the toilet, so his every step will be a gift for the owner.
The period for which the pet will learn all the wisdom of visiting the human toilet, is an individual. But judging by the reviews of "experienced" owners, even in advanced cases, the training did not take more than 2 months. Of course, age plays a role — an adult wise cat, oddly enough, is easier to teach new skills than a disoriented kitten.
There are 2 approaches how to teach a cat to the toilet. Both of them are focused on the fact that, systematically, day after day, it is necessary to move the tray closer to the toilet, raise it to the level of the toilet seat and gradually clean up completely.
The program "21 days"
The universal program is designed for those cats that are difficult to train and respond little to change.Keep in mind that if a pet goes to the tray for one specific place for a long time, then it will not be easy to retrain it.
Day 1-11
We place the box or tray with the cat's filler near the toilet bowl and make sure that the animal recognizes a new place and regularly meets need.
Then every day the box should be raised approximately 1-2 cm closer to the level of the toilet seat. To do this, you can use piles of newspapers and magazines, boxes, and then a stool. The cat at this stage is forced to climb into the tray, which brings discomfort to the animal. Make sure that the toilet room is always open for the pet, and the tray is cleaned of dirt in a timely manner. It is especially important that the cat's toilet is fixed steadily, as the animal can fall, get scared and do not come more in life, not only to the toilet, but also to the usual tray in general. If the pet resists and does not want to climb into the toilet "on the dais", marks in the corners or shoes, then you must return to the initial stage and fix the results without lifting the box.
Day 11-13
The tray is compared to the level of the toilet seat and left in this position for a couple of days.The cat is beginning to get used to the toilet, its color, texture, smells and location. It is important to make sure that the box is tightly installed at the level of the toilet seat.
Day 14
The box with the filler is moved to the side of the toilet seat a couple of centimeters. It is necessary to ensure that 20% of the tray is already located on the seat. Watch the cat's reaction, whether it has any discomfort from the smells of a human toilet.
Day 15
The tray must be moved so that 70% is on the seat. Securely fix the toilet seat of the animal, since with such an arrangement the risk that the cat with its own weight will fill the structure inside the toilet bowl increases, which will forever discourage the desire to try to put it into need.
Day 16
Pet tray set completely on the seat, using sticky tape or rope. The box must be firmly attached, do not move and shake under the weight. For a couple of days, hold the tray on the toilet seat and surreptitiously watch the animal go to the toilet, whether its surroundings or sounds are embarrassing.
Day 17-18
It is considered the most responsible day. The cat must be mentally and physically ready to use the human toilet.At this stage, it is necessary to reduce the pet's dependence on artificial cat litter and sand fillers.
The owner removes the box and the erected stand from magazines and newspapers, hides it all away from the cat. It is impossible for the animal to find the old toilet.
Then the lid and the toilet seat are lifted, a wide plastic plate of elastic material is taken and fixed along the edges of the toilet bowl and across it. Attention: the plate should bend a little under the weight of the animal! On top of it you need to put a small dish with a filler, purely for the view. The toilet seat can then be lowered. The cat will hear the familiar smell, see the container and jump on the toilet seat. Seeing that there is no favorite tray, she will begin to heal for a long time and spin around the seat, but in the end she will need her for a plate with dishes, while she will surely sit on the edge of the seat. If the cat is nervous and afraid to go to the toilet, then close the door to the room and leave it to settle, do not distract.
As soon as the pet repeats the procedure several times, the whole combination of jumping, seeking balance on the toilet seat and a sense of relief will create and strengthen the skill of the new behavior.
Do not forget to change the plastic strip after each urination of the animal.
Day 18-19
Inside the strip it is necessary to make a hole with a diameter of about 50 mm. Around it on the plastic itself distribute a little filler (for the smell). The cat must jump again, gain stability and try to do its work in the hole. Now the animal has to get used to the splashes and the smell of water.
Day 19-20
The hole in the plate must be expanded by another 30 mm. Do not forget to scatter sand or filler around, but in a smaller volume.
Day 20-21
The cat gets used to the toilet seat, smells and sounds, masters, feels confident. Then the owner can completely remove the plastic partition with filler. The chair should be left lowered, the lid raised, and the door to the room ajar.
Alternative option
If the animal does not want to learn on the above principle, then you can try another way. To do this you need a spare removable seat. This method is more troublesome, but it will help the pet to balance better and more conveniently sit on the seat.
Training begins on the principle described above, only 1 week prior to the completion of the program, the spare seat will need to be placed on top of the tray. Secure the construction with tape to achieve full stability. Tray with a removable seat and a toilet should be the same size and is on the same level.
If the animal began to actively use the tray, then you did everything correctly. Make sure that the cat has a steady reflex to go to the toilet "as it should be." Some pets learn to sit firmly on the edge of a removable seat only after 2 weeks of training or later.
The remaining period of study should be on the principle of "21 days". That is, the owner must remove the spare seat and reinforce the skills acquired by the pet.
Both the first and second systems require attention and time of the owner. But then, when your animal meets its needs just like a person, you will be proud of the results and enjoy the comfort.
Video: how to teach a cat to the toilet?
To send