When people think of cats, they often think of meowing, purring, sleeping, cuddling, and kitty litter. However, what many people do not know is that you can train a cat to use the toilet. This is not something that only animal professionals can do. Instead, it is more than possible for people of all ages and backgrounds. Cat potty training will take some time, but it is certainly effective. In fact, if you do this, you can save yourself a lot of money. Additionally, if you can train a cat to use the toilet, you will not only rid the house of the smell of cat urine and other fun things but will also help the environment by not buying cat litter. The following includes the basic steps for those who want to learn how to toilet train their cats.

The Litter Box

If your litter box isn’t already in your bathroom, move it to the bathroom. Do this gradually, a little each day until the litter box is in the bathroom. It will take some time to train your cat, but the first step is to get the cat into the bathroom. Raise the box off the floor gradually, you can stack books or other solid objects under it. Continue raising the box until it is level with the toilet. As you are raising the box, put less and less! litter in it. The box needs to be well anchored so your cat can’t knock it over.

When the litter box height is even with the toilet, slowly begin moving it closer to the toilet. Keep reducing the amount of litter that you use until there is less than an inch of litter. You want the cat to understand that the toilet is a litter box. Get the litter box as close to the toilet as possible. Cats are intelligent and very clean by nature. They can also be stubborn, but they just need a little time to get used to new ideas. Move at a pace that is comfortable for you and your cat.

Making the Switch

Now you’re in the ho! me stretch. You can buy a cat toilet training aid now, or use an shallow pan. Attach the pan between the toilet and the seat. Make sure it’s secure, or the cat won’t use it. Put less than an inch of flushable litter in the litter pan. You can find kitty toilet training aids in your local pet store or online, but if you don’t want to spend the money, or can’t find one, a shallow plastic or aluminium pan will serve the purpose.

You can train a cat to use the toilet if you slowly morph the above device. For example, cut a hole into the center of the pan. Start with a small hole and then work up until it is larger and larger. Keep reducing the litter. Soon, the cat will become used to going to the bathroom using this device and without water. You can train a cat to use the toilet, but it is bound to take weeks or even months to accomplish. The slower you move between steps, the better able your cat will be to learn this new skill. In time, when people ask if you can train a cat to use the toilet, you will be able to show them!

It is amazing that  there are so many guides on dog training accessible. There are certainly a lack of cat training guides. Cats are also beloved by many people including you and me. Like dogs, cats are as smart and alert, and we are definitely able to train them as well.

Most of the cats in the household live a carefree life where food are provided and live comfortably curling up on their owner’s lap. Have you ever wondered that you are able to train your cat by teaching them how to do tricks and work with willingness?

There are so many amazing things that a cat can do, really. You will be totally stunned that a cat are able to perform like the acrobatics in the circus! They can actually do all sorts of stuff, like rolling over, playing dead, shaking hands and playing fetch! Whatever dogs can do, cats can do them too? Cats are as capable as well!

You might be the one of the few who are eagerly trying to look for the perfect handbook on training your pet cat. Stop looking else where. You will get to learn from the very respected cat trainer Paula Robb who is the author of Complete Cat Training, she’s really incredible.

This is not just any simple guide out there.

Complete Cat Training teaches you everything you want to know about cats, almost everything are covered in this book. Not a single information will be left out from this guide.

Complete Cat Training has 101 training tips for your cats, providing instructions based on true stories and real life experiences. You will not see lines and lines of instructions, instead there are pictures showing you step by step with training strategies. People are always overwhelmed by looking at strings of words, that is why this book provide pictures to allow readers to have a clearer view and easily shorten the whole process.

That is not all you will get. You will also get two bonus books which are “The Essential Cat Recipe Book” and “The Ultimate Guide to Pampering Your Cat”. You will get tasty food and treats recipes for your kitty and tips on how to give your cat a quality life where you starts to build a strong bond with your cat.

There’s more! You will also get a free, private email consultation which is worth $120, where you can ask any questions, and you will get solutions on any difficulties you experienced dealing with your cat.Your emails will be answered by a team of qualified cat trainers. It’s a really good deal isn’t it.

Target training and clicker training are some of the more effective techniques used in training cats.

Target training
This is where you attract your cat’s attention and then obtain desired behaviors through the use of a designated tool such as a training wand.

Clicker training
This is a form of operant conditioning. A small mechanical noise-maker (the ‘clicker’) is used by the trainer to create a short, distinct noise. The clicker is clicked at the precise moment that the cat performs a desired behavior. For example, for the ’sit’ command, the clicker is pressed at the exact moment your cat places it’s bottom on the floor. Straight after the clicking noise, the cat is given a small treat.

As this is repeated over and over again, the cat will start to associate food with the clicking sound and recognize that he can earn treats by performing the actions based on the specific commands.

Tips for training cats effectively

• The key is patience. Your cat is unique and will have its own abilities and likes and dislikes. Make allowances for his personality, and don’t lose your temper if it doesn’t go exactly according to schedule.
• Implement a schedule for mealtimes. You shouldn’t leave food out at all times for your cat to eat as and when it feels like. Increase the reward-value of food treats as training devices and introduce routine into your cat’s life.
• Train smart. The best time to schedule your cat training session would be just before its meal. Your cat’s natural desire for food at his regular mealtime will sharpen his focus and increase his desire to obey you.
• Take it one step at a time when training your cat. As with all training, the most effective way to teach your cat is to get the basics right first before moving on.
• Training lessons should be kept short and exciting and should end positively.

Training cats: the ’sit’ command and training your cat to obey
‘Sit’ is the perfect first command to train your cat to do as it acts as a foundation to build upon for other commands and tricks such as ’stay’ and ‘high five’.)

The training wand can be made even more effective by dipping the end into some tuna oil for example, which will make it more atttractive to your cat. Once he’s come over to you, place the wand just over his head, so that it’s slightly behind the crown of his head.

He will tilt his head back to keep his eyes on it. When he does this, he will naturally sit down. Obviously as your cat sits down you should say the command ’sit’ in a clear tone. As soon as his botttom hits the floor, press the clicker. It’s important that you time this precisely.

Directly after clicking, give him a small food treat. Make sure it’s cut up very small – if it takes him more than two seconds to eat it, he’ll forget why you gave it to him.

Repeat this process a few more times, and over the next few weeks, keep doing so until he’s comfortable with what’s expected of him. Once he is sitting down on command you can start to phase out clicker training but still give treats now and again. It’s important to bear in mind that patience and a consistent approach are crucial.

Where to find more information on training cats
To find out more about training cats, whether for obedience or tricks, and how to get the best results check out our Complete Cat Training Review.