From: zuzu22@webtv.net
Subject: Re: Kitty Toilet Training
Date: 2000/05/01
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Regarding toilet training a cat, I have a real problem with this and
don't think cats should be made or expected to use a toilet for several
reasons. First, it is absolutely an unnatural thing, and by expecting
and forcing cats to eliminate in a "human" way, they are unable to do
instinctual things such as dig and bury their urine or feces. It isn't
enough that people attempt to modify their cats so they fit in with what
that person might deem as acceptable, (declawing is one example), but
expecting cats to do things "the human way" is, in my book, going too
far. Why can't people just let cats be cats? What's the big deal about
cleaning litterboxes? That's part of the deal you make when you get a
cat, and everyone knows it. It is not time consuming, and is much
fairer. I have yet to see a cat voluntarily, without provocation or
training, run to use a toilet. Yet, when I scoop boxes, or place a
litterbox down with fresh litter in it, the race is on to see who can
get in there and pee first.
Toilet seats are slippery, and there is always a chance of a cat
slipping and falling, possibly injuring themselves in the process. This
could also be an experience that will frighten them enough that they
refuse to use the toilet again. Toilets also require that the cat jump
up, and while this is easy for younger cats, an older or arthritic cat
can find it difficult or painful to jump up, and it's not fair to the
cat to expect them to do this. It also makes it impossible to see urine
output, which is important in monitoring the cat's health. Feces can't
be checked accurately if there is a possible problem, as the water they
end up in could very well change the consistency. A cat that has a
urinary tract infection may not feel comfortable trying to balance on
the toilet seat when it is already miserable from painful urination or
an inflamed bladder, and will be likely to seek out other spots. 
Another problem is that many cats have a location preference, and a
toilet can't be moved. While a litterbox in the bathroom may work for
some, in many households there are litterboxes placed in other locations
as well. Take that away, and this in and of itself can be a setup for
innappropiate elimination by cats who
prefer another location, especially in a multi-cat household.
Toilet training a cat does NO favors for the cat, and is done strictly
as a convenience for the owner. I would never think of making my cats do
such a thing, and will happily continue to scoop and clean litterboxes.
That's the deal I made.

Megan

                                    

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing."

-Edmund Burke

Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=244574&Auth=false