Can You Really Toilet Train Your Cat?

If you aren’t familiar with the viral videos and training kits, toilet training your cat probably sounds absurd. Even so, the prospect of a life free from the hassle and expense of litter box maintenance is a compelling one for cat parents. 

It is, in fact, possible to teach some cats to use a standard bathroom commode. However, whether toilet training is a good fit for your feline friend will depend on their temperament, health, and the setup of your home. Here are some things to consider before changing up your cat’s bathroom routine. 

Yes, Potty Training Your Cat is Possible

Cats are intelligent and hygienic animals with the instinct to hide their waste, so some can adapt to using the toilet with a little patience and consistency. Younger cats are more likely to be accepting of an unconventional bathroom routine, but personality is the largest consideration. 

Just like some cats insist on unscented litter or an enclosed or uncovered box, their preferences will determine whether or not toilet training is an option. If your pet is resistant to the change, don’t force it — their discomfort will likely lead them to eliminate elsewhere in your home. 

How to Toilet Train Your Cat

If you want to test the waters, here is a guide for introducing your pet to the toilet:

1. Move the Litter Box Near the Toilet

If it isn’t there already, relocate your cat’s litter box to the bathroom you’d like them to use and let them get used to the new room before making other changes. 

2. Gradually Raise the Litter Box

Begin elevating the litter box a few inches every couple of days using a sturdy platform. The goal is to get your cat used to jumping up to use the bathroom. Do this until the litter box is level with the toilet seat.

If at any point your cat stops using the litter box, that’s a good indication they aren’t on board with the change due to mobility issues or personal preferences. 

3. Move to a Training Tray

Once the litter box is the same height as the toilet, replace it with a training tray or metal bowl that fits inside the toilet seat. Fill it with flushable litter. 

Gradually reduce the amount of litter and, if using a staged system, widen the hole in the middle so your cat gets used to eliminating directly into the water.

4. Remove the Tray

Eventually, your cat may no longer need the training device or litter. They will perch on the toilet seat and eliminate into the bowl.

Limitations to Consider

While it’s certainly possible for some cats, toilet training isn’t right for every feline or family. Keep in mind: 

• You’ll need a dedicated bathroom, at least initially. During training, your cat needs predictable access to the toilet. Ideally, you’ll have one bathroom reserved for them during this time.
• Not all cats will tolerate it. Older cats, cats with mobility issues, or those who are particularly sensitive to stress and change may never be comfortable using a toilet.
• Using the bathroom goes against innate behavior. Toilet training removes a cat’s ability to dig and bury waste. Being cut off from instinctual behaviors may cause anxiety. 
• It will be harder to monitor their health. One of the biggest drawbacks of toilet training is that you lose the ability to observe your cat’s waste. Changes in stool or urine are often early warning signs of health problems like feline UTIs.

The Bottom Line

Training trays have been around for many years, but the overwhelming popularity of traditional litter boxes and litter robots suggests that many cats reject the commode.  If you think your cat may be a good candidate for toilet training, there’s no inherent harm in giving it a try as long as you pay close attention to your pet’s feedback throughout the process. 

Pushing a reluctant cat to change their routine can lead to emotional distress and behavioral problems, so make changes gradually and stay flexible. If potty training disagrees with your pet, their sense of security is well worth scooping those clumps.