Toilet training the kittens - the diary!

[dinahsmum]

Longer term members will remember that I intend to train the new babies to use the human toilet. Here is the link to a video clip of a successful student! http://www.citikitty.com/index.htm

Well, it's time to start.

Here is the equipment

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01517.jpg

and here, sitting on the loo

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01518.jpg

I've set it up so they should have no bother moving to it and going from the present litter tray (which is creeping, inexorably, nearer and nearer the loo), with a nice cardboard box to facilitate exploring

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01516.jpg

... and popped clean litter, with a touch of 'used' for authentic litter tray niff, in the cat loo

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01519.jpg

The idea is that they get used to jumping up and 'going' on the cat loo, then you gradually remove the concentric rings of plastic, so they get used to 'going' into a hole and having less and less litter, then you remove the cat loo altogether, put the loo seat down ('Rah! a triumph of co-operative working between felines and females to thwart the menfolk! :lol: ). The cat loo has to be kept clean of course and you use flushable litter, so you can just sluice straight into the toilet.

There are added advantages, like you get a good box to play in

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01522.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01523.jpg

But Chester is still going the old fashioned way - and being bothered by his bruvv whilst peeing!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01521.jpg


to be continued ....

Disclaimer: The en-suite shown in these photos is in the chaotic state illustrated because of the presence of 2 kittens, not the sluttishness of the occupant!

[Fran]

:lol: Brilliant stuff DM, can't wait to hear of the kitties progress using the loo :-D

[CJK]

Not sure this would work in my house, I think i would get a bit fed up removing the cat litter tray before any of us could use the loo!!

And i bet being lads bentley and chester miss and piddle all over the loo seat anyway lol

let us know how it goes.

[dinahsmum]

And i bet being lads bentley and chester miss and piddle all over the loo seat anyway lol
:-D :-D :-D

[Kazz]

Well it should work DM good luck. And can I add to this Chester looks more stunning every time I see him he will be my "ideal" big ginger Tom soon....and Bentley's coming on well too - I think he may turn outto be the more "adventerous" of your kits.

[dinahsmum]

Well it should work DM good luck. And can I add to this Chester looks more stunning every time I see him he will be my "ideal" big ginger Tom soon....and Bentley's coming on well too - I think he may turn outto be the more "adventerous" of your kits.
Little bits of character etc are coming out. Bentley is a total snuggle-bug; he throws himself on his back for a snuggle/tummy tickle. He is also the usual instigator of play-fights! Chester is a little braver (he was first to approach the vacuum) and he is a tiny bit taller, but skinnier. He is incredibly handsome, and Benters is not so dusty (though dusty coloured) either.
We'll see what the future brings, and who is first to use the 'big boys' toilet'! :)

[Kazz]

Sounds like they are being pure and utter joy. Just what the kitten manual suggests :-D

[Elaine]

That looks very interesting, looking forward to the updates:D Wonder if I could get the Diva to do that:D

[dinahsmum]

That looks very interesting, looking forward to the updates:D Wonder if I could get the Diva to do that:D
I think the cat in the video clip is 12 and was tought as an adult. Go for it!

[Elaine]

I might just do that and we can compare notes LOL
Where did you get the toilet seat?

[dinahsmum]

I might just do that and we can compare notes LOL
Where did you get the toilet seat?
From the US site in the link in the first post. It came within a week, despite travelling via Australia! :roll: Honest!

[Sweet]

I await updates x

[Donna]

Be amazed if this works - will read this diary with interest Dm!!!

[random]

ooooooh DM, what a brill idea, if that works I will teach my girls too! :mrgreen: Deffinately keep us posted!

[Naomi]

Wow cool stuff H. Can't wait for updates

[dinahsmum]

Monday
Not a picture I would normally post but I'm proud of my boys!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01536.jpg

Now I've put the 'normal' tray high up on the box, so that they look to jump up before pee/pooing.
Haven't removed any of the actual cat loo base yet, so they're still going on a solid base - no hole yet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01537.jpg

I bet you're all waiting for the next thrilling episode?! :)

[Naomi]

Yay that's brill. Didin't take 'em long to use it.

They'll be using the loo in no time :D The difficult bit will be teaching them to flush the loo

[Jac]

Thats brilliant!! Do you think we could do the same thing with dogs? Think not:lol: . Will keep up with your progress.

[SillyTilly]

I was watching a telly program the other day and it had someone from Pets at Home - cheif buyer or something. Anyway she'd just brought some of these toilet seats to try in the UK. I don't know which shops they'll be selling them at tho.

Olivia

[dinahsmum]

I was watching a telly program the other day and it had someone from Pets at Home - cheif buyer or something. Anyway she'd just brought some of these toilet seats to try in the UK. I don't know which shops they'll be selling them at tho.

Olivia
That would be easier than getting from the US - although that was easy enough.

[Elaine]

Clever little kitties:lol: I'm impressed they have already used it:lol: Well done xxx

[Mags]

Chester, this will be Stage 2 of your training.........:-D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Mags40/cat_toilet.gif

[CJK]

The more I hear of your success the more I am thinking of trying this! Although I reckon Alisha would have a bit of bother, she can't jump that high yet!!! She has trouble getting onto the sofa. Might have to leave elliot's steppy stool out lol.

I really am thinking of it though!!!!
Did it cost a lot to get? Or has anyone found a uk site yet that sells them??

Clever boys though ( do we know which one it was yet??)

[dinahsmum]

It was Bentley! (good boy!)

The thing cost $49 (most of which was shipping I think) when I got it several months back. I see it is $59 now, which is plenty for a little bit of plastic and a set of instructions.:roll:
If P@H are selling it might be worth looking at their website, to either check on a nearby store or whether they sell mail-oder.

Edit but if you compare $49 with innumerable bags of litter plus trays plus cleaning fluids plus rubber gloves plus time and effort over a cat's lifetime it's not such a bad deal. Multiply the benefits if you have more than one cat.

[Sweet]

Well Done little one x

[CJK]

thats a good price isnt it. I spend £40 on worlds best (roughly) every 3-4 months!
I saw one loo for $89 today!!!
at first I was " I'm NOT paying THAT" but when you think of a lifetime worth of litter for 5 cats....no comparison

[dinahsmum]

Both babies now using the CityKitty loo, so I will take the litter tray away now (but leave them the upturned cardboard box to aid jumping up and landing in the right spot!) :)
Will leave them using the cat loo for a couple of days (trying to keep the litter clean for every use, so lots of flushing) then remove the first of the base rings.
Exciting!
(Not taking long is it?)

[CJK]

wow, speedy progress Dm. I really gotta try this for my lot!
Think i WILL get one for sure. Great idea isnt it!

[Donna]

Glad it is still going well x

[dinahsmum]

wow, speedy progress Dm. I really gotta try this for my lot!
Think i WILL get one for sure. Great idea isnt it!
I think it's helped that they haven't really had to move from the spot they are used to (only about 3 feet) and they are very young and haven't known much else.
It's $59 delivered now, but maybe there are other makes on the market? - goodness knows how you google for it without getting thousands of references to litter trays.

[CJK]

I DID get thousands of litter tray references lol!!!!
Got bored after the first 3 pages !!!

But worth a more serious search now me thinks!

[dinahsmum]

Here's a different idea - more costly @ $110 plus shipping (good video though!) http://www.catseat.com/

[dinahsmum]

Now I like the look of this one - reuseable you see. Once I remove (cut out) the base rings of mine there's no replacing. This looks like you could stash it in a cupboard ready for the next (?) baby. http://www.litterkwitter.com/en/index.php
Another one @ $89 plus shipping.
Might be better for a multi cat household tho?

[CJK]

you beat me to it!
I just saw that ans was going to post the link to it.
Looks good doesn't it.
Just have tot alk hubby or my mum into letting me use thier card to order it and i think i'll give it a go.
I thinka lso if the rings are replaceable it's a good idea. If you remove a ring and the cats dont get on with it you cant go back, with the reusable ones you can always put the ring back in and try again alter.

Though it doesnt look like your boys will ahve any bother.

can i just ask a questiona bout bentley. does he have these long but little white hairs all over? Alisha does. It's hard to show in a piccy. She is grey/blue, but has these really fine and really long white hairs all over. theyre about 2-3 times longer than her grey/blue hairs.
It looks funny. Just wondered if it's a trait of ragdoll crosses! ( nothing to do with loo's i know lol)

[dinahsmum]

Off-topic

No Bentley is not 'whiskery' as you describe. However, his litter brother (who Sandra has kept and has called ...... wait for it .... Chester - spooky eh?) has more of the longer hair
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/SandrasFluffy-1.jpg
but on the other hand, the three darker kits in the litter are pretty much short haired. So - i dunno!

[CJK]

oh what a gorgeous picture.

Well, getting back on topic, i have just got my mum to order me the loo with the multi coloured rings.
She did ask why on earth would I want to share my toilet with cats.and added she hopes i am going to disenfect it before every human use!!!

[Donna]

These loo things are great - would even give it a go - but Misty doesnt squat well enough so she would wee all over the WC wall no doubt.

Now if there was a "how to get your cat to squat to pee" device then I might buy that!!!

[CJK]

donna, you amy laugh, but i was reading a web site giving info on how to get your cat toilet trained, and it mentioned " you may have to teach your cat to squat by positioning it's legs when you see it going to use the loo seat"

[Donna]

Ha ha CJ!!

I did used to push her bottom down when she was a kitten as it used to just spray all over the floor, but she is a big girl now and VERY strong so it has now become a habit and I cant stop her doing it. At least in the hooded cat tray it stays contained!!

[CJK]

think i might be temtped to stick to a hooded cat tray then donna lol

[Donna]

think i might be temtped to stick to a hooded cat tray then donna lol

My thoughts exactly!!!:roll: :roll:

[dinahsmum]

Update - Saturday 24th June

First ring removed.

Bentley and Chester inspect the site. They are mystified that a hole has appeared and are looking into it! - they are worried that they will have nothing to go on. :-D
Oh sorry - but sometimes only an old joke will do! :roll:

Will report back on success - I hope!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01572.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01573.jpg

Apologies for bad pics - lots of sun shining on the boys.

[Mags]

What interesting pics DM.........really looking forward to following their progress!!

At least neither of them will fall through the first hole!! :-D

[Snoof]

My goodness :shock: Those pictures show exactly how they've grown and I'm just stunned!

[dinahsmum]

My goodness :shock: Those pictures show exactly how they've grown and I'm just stunned!
It is amazing. :) I weighed them this afternoon and was suprised that (as far as I could tell with them not really liking sitting on my kitchen scales and leaping off at the earliest opportunity) they are both the same. :? Chester is now markedly taller and longer but Bentley is a solid citizen, so it evens out. Both about 2lbs 12 oz (sorry, haven't gone metric with my weights)

[Naomi]

Crikey H your boys have grown :shock:

[Mags]

DM.....how is the toilet training going?

[dinahsmum]

Hi! We're doing fine!
2 rings out of 'their' trainer now, so there's a sizeable aperture - certainly big enough for them to fall through! :shock: I was a bit alarmed at first, but then I realised that the actual toilet seat is also big enough for them to fall through too, when they graduate to that. I still have the high level litter tray available, and the trainer thing. They use either/both. I can't do away with the ordinary tray yet, because they often want to 'go' together, and it's too crowded on the little seat! :)
I don't think you need more pictures of success :roll: but if I have the camera handy when one or both of them is looking at the water flushing I'll get that. They are fascinated and not the least frightened.

[Mags]

They are clever kitties.....just shows what you can do if you teach them young!

I'd be very surprised if they didn't get through their training with at least one dunking!! :-D

[dinahsmum]

I was discussing my worries about them falling through with OH. He helpfuly said 'but they won't drown, they'll just be a bit sad sitting with their feet in the water waiting to be rescued" Poor chaps - hope it doesn't happen :)

[Mags]

:lol::lol::lol: awww poor chaps...............but make sure you have your camera handy if ever it did happen DM!:-D

[Fran]

Glad it's going well DM! would love to see some piccies :p

[dinahsmum]

Here's the 'week 2' aperture

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01633.jpg

but Bentley has found that you can 'go' outside too! (actually they both have, but only snapped the blue boy) :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC01626.jpg

[Fran]

Awwww what good boys they are!

[Mags]

:lol:...Great pics!!

I suppose their little legs have got to get a lot longer before they can straddle any further apertures! :shock::lol:

[Kazz]

Cleo would fall head first down that - honestly she would.

Glad its going well for you DM.

[Snoof]

Cleo would fall head first down that - honestly she would.
We must have a matched set - Sweep would go bum-first :lol:

I'm very impressed, DM :-)

[Donna]

Glad it is still going well - cant wait for the day they do it without any "equipment".

[dinahsmum]

Prompted by Mags' wonderful funny, - http://www.catpages.co.uk/talkcats/showthread.php?p=143912#post143912 - I thought I'd just say everything is still going well.
The boys wee and poo outside, if they are there but otherwise are using the '2 rings removed' puss-toilet. I haven't taken it any further, because they were in kennels last weekend and will be there again next weekend .... thought we'd just plod along slowly, rather than take any backward steps.

[Mags]

Oh.....you didn't take their seat to the kennels last week and ask the owners to take them to the loo regularly then DM? :-D

Would love to have seen their faces if you had!!!:lol:

[dinahsmum]

Oh.....you didn't take their seat to the kennels last week and ask the owners to take them to the loo regularly then DM? :-D

Would love to have seen their faces if you had!!!:lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol:
No Mags - but 'Auntie Jan' did say how sweet she found it that, although they had 2 litter trays in their pen, she saw them sitting, weeing, side by side in the same tray, twice. :)
That's good actually - Bentley is a much keener 'digger and coverer' than Chester, so they are a great team!

[Mags]

:lol::lol::lol:
One makes up for what the other lacks then!!:-D

[Hreow]

Can I borrow Chester for a bit to teach Uncle Rover to not dig through his tray three times? I've heard of airing the bed, but not your loo (at least not that way). :grin:

So nice when they behave when they're away, isn't it? :-)

[dinahsmum]

Long time since I've posted on this subject, and to be honest I haven't been pushing this too much with the boys, as we've had lots of changes to routine over the last couple of months.
However, it must be going along fine, as there are no nasty pressies anywhere and they don't have the opportunity to do everything outside all the time.
Anyway, yesterday my suspicions were confirmed when I witnessed Bentley doing a wee. He squatted, tinkled (very loud into the water) turned and sniffed to check he had nothing he needed to cover, and trotted off happily - good boy! Pity I didn't have my camera!
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_4_4v.gif

[yola]

DM - that smiley is to die for!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[dinahsmum]

DM - that smiley is to die for!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
It's a great trick if you can do it Yola ... and a reminder to us all not to eat yellow snow! :roll:

[Sweet]

Your smilies are great!

Well Done to the boys x

[MrsH]

Clever Bentley :cat3

Does he flush as well or is that going to be his next trick?

[Donna]

Wondered how the kits were getting along with this. Glad to hear all is well x

[Kim]

I love the smiley too! Well done for persevering with this - sounds fab!

[Amanda]

Long time since I've posted on this subject, and to be honest I haven't been pushing this too much with the boys, as we've had lots of changes to routine over the last couple of months.
However, it must be going along fine, as there are no nasty pressies anywhere and they don't have the opportunity to do everything outside all the time.
Anyway, yesterday my suspicions were confirmed when I witnessed Bentley doing a wee. He squatted, tinkled (very loud into the water) turned and sniffed to check he had nothing he needed to cover, and trotted off happily - good boy! Pity I didn't have my camera!
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_4_4v.gif


that is absolutely fantastic news DM :D
Way to go kitty's :D:D:D
its definately worth the money in the long run. how old were they when you started?

[dinahsmum]

Thanks all - no, no flushing, unfortunately but I'd rather follow them and flush than empty litter trays. :) Also, when 'anything' is actually in the loo there is no smell etc.

They were very small when we started ... can't remember exactly but maybe 10 weeks? Probably says somewhere in the thread but I'm too lazy to go back. :roll: The blurb with the unit says start at 6 months but I can't see why one should delay. They will probably be six months or more before I remove the unit and leave them to balance on the seat.

I'll report again when we make another advance. :)

[Kazz]

Looks like you are romping away with that then DM good on the boys.