The Cat Toilet Training Guide

From litter box to toilet — one small step at a time.

Before You Start

  • Is your cat ready?

    Most healthy cats with good mobility can potentially learn to use a toilet, but every cat is different. Very young kittens may not yet have the coordination needed to safely use a toilet, while older cats or cats with mobility issues may need additional assistance getting onto the toilet. If your cat has existing urinary, digestive, mobility, or litter-box problems, speak with your veterinarian before starting.

  • You'll need:

    • Your cat's existing litter box
    • Their usual litter
    • A toilet-training system
    • Plenty of small, high-value treats
    • Patience. A lot of it.

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Introduction

You've seen videos of other cats using the toilet instead of a litter box. Maybe you've even thought: 'Wait... can my cat actually do that?' The answer is: many cats can be taught to use a toilet, but the process works best when you take it slowly and let your cat set the pace. Changes in their toileting habits can lead to unnecessary stress, and even more serious health concerns. Therefore, take it step by step. This guide walks you through the process in 4 simple stages, from your cat's familiar litter box all the way to using the toilet. The goal isn't to make your cat use the toilet tomorrow. It's to make the toilet feel completely normal and comfortable, all throughout the process.

The Golden Rules

  1. Change one thing at a time — Cats don't exactly love having their entire bathroom situation redesigned overnight. Try to avoid changing the litter, litter box, location, and training system all at once. Instead, make one small change at a time and give your cat a chance to adjust.
  2. Reward success — Find something your cat genuinely loves — treats, praise, affection, or play. Use the reward immediately after successful interactions so your cat starts making the connection between good behavior and good things happening.
  3. Never punish accidents — Your cat may have an accident outside the designated area at some point. Don't yell, punish them, or force them back onto the toilet. Clean the area thoroughly and consider whether you've progressed too quickly.
  4. Let your cat set the pace — There is no prize for finishing fastest. Some cats will progress quickly. Others will need consider…

Step 1 — Move the Bathroom

Start with the litter box your cat already knows. Your cat already understands this box is the bathroom — we're not changing that yet. Instead, we're going to gradually change where the bathroom is. If the litter box isn't already in the bathroom, begin moving it toward the toilet gradually rather than suddenly relocating it. During the early stages, stick with a litter your cat already likes; if choosing a new litter, an unscented, fine-grained, low-dust clumping litter is generally a good choice.

Ready to move on? If your cat is consistently using the familiar litter box beside the toilet without hesitation or accidents, move to Step 2.

Step 2 — Meet the Training System

Now that your cat is comfortable doing their business beside the toilet, it's time to introduce the training system. Move the new training system beside the toilet and let your cat get used to it there first, filled with the same litter as before. Once they're comfortable, move it onto the toilet and let your cat investigate — don't force them onto it. Spend a few short sessions a day helping your cat get comfortable, using treats and praise.

Ready to move on? If your cat is consistently using the training system and comfortably positioning themselves on it, move to Step 3.

Step 3 — Make the Opening Bigger

This is where the real transition happens. The training system is designed with multiple levels that gradually increase the size of the opening your cat uses. Start by removing the first inner layer, then let your cat use the new level until they're completely comfortable before removing the next layer. Train by confidence, not by calendar — give your cat at least several days at each level before progressing.

🟢 Move up — Uses the current level consistently, positions themselves comfortably, shows little or no hesitation, has had no accidents → Remove the next layer.

🟡 Stay here — Still using the system but seems uncertain or hesitant → Don't change anything yet. Give them more time.

🔴 Go back — Has an accident, refuses to use the setup, repeatedly avoids it, or becomes clearly distressed → Return to the previous successful level.

What If There's an Accident?

  1. 1. Clean the area thoroughly — Use a 50/50 vinegar-water mixture to neutralize the smell.
  2. 2. Don't punish your cat — They have no idea they've done anything wrong.
  3. 3. Return to the previous successful level — Rebuild from there.
  4. 4. Give them more time, then try again.

Step 4 — Graduation 🎓

You've made it. Your cat has successfully progressed through all the levels and is confidently using the largest opening. Now it's time for the final step: remove the training system completely. Let your cat use the toilet without it, continue rewarding successful use during the transition, and keep the toilet accessible with the seat down.

When to Stop Training

Toilet training should never involve forcing your cat to hold their urine or stool. If your cat suddenly stops using the setup, appears to be in pain, repeatedly strains, produces little or no urine, or shows other unusual changes in their bathroom habits, stop training and contact your veterinarian. Your cat's health comes first — when in doubt, pause and consult your vet.

Ready to Start?

You've got the method. You've got the steps. Now you just need to start. Our multi-level training system lets you adjust the opening as your cat becomes more comfortable, so you can progress one step at a time.

🐾 GET THE TRAINING KIT →