CitiKitty Update: Week One
Oh no, I'm getting sick. :(
So, a while back I wrote about my plans to toilet train my cat, Theo, cuz I've grown tired of litter management. So, how are things going? Well, it's been a week so far, and let's just say Theo will need a little more time to fully adjust. I've had to modify the suggested training approach; I initially placed the training dish directly on the toilet bowl under the seat as per the instructions and introduced Theo to his new "space"; he just kinda giggled and said "Surely not..." I waited the recommended 24 hours for Theo to give in and use the dish, but he preferred to hold on to his liquids and solids (which couldn't have been too comfortable, right?) So, I placed the dish on the floor of the bathroom...an acceptable compromise. The CitiKitty training forum says I should anticipate "accidents" during the initial phase of training as the cat learns to aim properly. No kidding...the first morning after I'd placed the dish on the floor was not fun; I was late for work, lol. Theo's gotten progressively better, though. (Yes, it's sorta messy and a lot more work to clean, but I've got my eye on a litter-free future. Fingers crossed. Thank god this is all happening in the second bathroom.) I'm supposed to wait a few additional days before placing the dish on the toilet again, at which point it should be smooth sailing. I'll keep you posted...
So, a while back I wrote about my plans to toilet train my cat, Theo, cuz I've grown tired of litter management. So, how are things going? Well, it's been a week so far, and let's just say Theo will need a little more time to fully adjust. I've had to modify the suggested training approach; I initially placed the training dish directly on the toilet bowl under the seat as per the instructions and introduced Theo to his new "space"; he just kinda giggled and said "Surely not..." I waited the recommended 24 hours for Theo to give in and use the dish, but he preferred to hold on to his liquids and solids (which couldn't have been too comfortable, right?) So, I placed the dish on the floor of the bathroom...an acceptable compromise. The CitiKitty training forum says I should anticipate "accidents" during the initial phase of training as the cat learns to aim properly. No kidding...the first morning after I'd placed the dish on the floor was not fun; I was late for work, lol. Theo's gotten progressively better, though. (Yes, it's sorta messy and a lot more work to clean, but I've got my eye on a litter-free future. Fingers crossed. Thank god this is all happening in the second bathroom.) I'm supposed to wait a few additional days before placing the dish on the toilet again, at which point it should be smooth sailing. I'll keep you posted...