April Cat Training Tip of the Month

April Cat Training Tip of The Month

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Dominique will answer cat training questions submitted by web fans.
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Christie: Here is a picture of me and my cat, Moki (Mo-key). I am trying to toilet train him. I have an aluminum roasting pan in the toilet filled with litter. He has used it since the day I brought him home. The problem is that when I take away the pan, he will not "go" in the toilet. He still wants to dig in the pan. I can seldom catch him in the act when he's going to the bathroom (he's shy), but when I do catch him, I notice he is able to balance completely on the edge of the toilet seat (all 4 legs are on the toilet seat when he goes #2; his two front feet are on the seat and his hind feet stay in the pan when he goes #1). Do you have any tips for getting him past this stage? Have you tried toilet training your cats? I've heard it is possible

I will try your suggestion of cutting a hole in the pan and see how that goes. I'll keep you informed of his progress.

I followed your advice on toilet training and I now have a 2 inch hole in the aluminum pan. Moki will pee in it just fine, but every other day, he refuses to poop in the pan. One day he will use the pan; the next day he poops in the floor beside the toilet. I spray him with water in the face and scold him (showing him the poop), and the next day he goes in the toilet. Back and forth. One day the toilet, the next day the floor.

Do you know why he might be doing this? I think he is rebelling against the training. How can I get him to stop this and just use the pan again?

Dominique's Reply:
"Keep doing what you're doing with Moki: time and perseverance is what it is and don't give up: he is waiting for that. Be a little strict every time you deal with his behavior and show him love and affection when he is good."

Christie: Thank you for your advice. You are right -- Moki is very stubborn and he's waiting for me to give up on toilet training. But I will continue doing the same things. Last night, he pooped in the floor and got locked in the bathroom for 30 minutes (along with water sprays). Tonight, he pooped in the toilet and we celebrated with hugs, kisses, and extra playtime.

Submit your Cat Training question to Dominique and your input may appear on this Tip of the Month page.

If you like you can e-mail me a picture of you with your cat with your question.