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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Happy New Spring!!
I was a little nervous about coming home today. I had to wake up at 4:30am to leave home at 5:30 for an hour and a half drive to work. It was brutal. I gave Tanya and Chanel their wet food meals for the morning/afternoon and left. I didn't have time to train Chanel for her morning ritual.
I got home late, about 8:30pm and worried about what I would find in or around the toilet.
What I found wasn't too bad as you can see (daisies are stepping in to represent). They both did really well! Just a little on the Green tray, the rest in the toilet. It's not perfect yet, but it's better. Tonight, I heard Chanel scratching again, but decided to stay away. I peeked in and she stood with 3 paws on the seat, but still a little sideways (just like in March 6th entry). It all landed on the tray.
5 comments:
Wow, that is so advanced! How long did they spend on the amber tray before reaching green? They are so close to hitting only water.
Enviously, Lia
That is really amazing!!!
I am impress!!!!!
This is so impressive! I can't believe how fast you're learning.
Kaze
good kitties! has chanel's #2s stopped landing on the white seat now?
WOW! you kitties are so good! Mamaw is finally ready to start enlarging the hole for the Fig. It has been about 1 month now since we have been back to no-hole because Fig kept rebelling and going #1 on the carpets, in the pee cube, and in and around the toilet on the floors and in the bathtubs! but the past week he has been perfect. so we are paws crossed. the video monitor should helps...we are starting tomorrow with the new hole!!!
Veronica
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