The Only Good Cat is a Dead Cat

[Eunuchist (imported)]

Ours are so smart they can use the toilet, and so far there are only two problems: One, some times they beat you to the toilet, and two, they never flush!

Actually, they do (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brOp3r0J ... re=related)!

..Takes some time to train 'em properly, though..

[markdf (imported)]

I was talking with someone the other night about this cat. Sadly, it doesn't actually glow, rather it phosphoresces under UV light.

Now what I'd like to see is an angora with a jellyfish gene or two implanted. Can you imagine handing out treats at night, with the lights out, with this eerie green-glowing cat walking around? Or at any time of the year, having such a cat jump out at you?

It fluoresces. Fluorescence is what things like these cats do -- they absorb high energy radiation (like ultraviolet radiation) and immediately re-emit it as low energy radiation (like visible light). Phosphorescence describes things that continue glowing for a little while after the energy source is removed, because they can't immediately release the energy. It all happens for quantum mechanical reasons that are awesome.

[BossTamsin (imported)]

I was close! Knew the word I wanted, just ran into one of them pesky gaps when it came to sending it to the fingers. Akin to knowing exactly what you're going to say until you open your mouth, I suppose. Heheh.

[A-1 (imported)]

I do love our cats. They can be a bit of a pain at times, but then they can be great companions. Ours are so smart they can use the toilet, and so far there are only two problems: One, some times they beat you to the toilet, and two, they never flush!

Cat lovers UNTIE ...er UNITE...

...I am finally in TOTAL agreement with Jema.

...so, tell me, how did you train them to potty? Sounds like it saved a lot of money on kitty litter...

[Riverwind (imported)]

A-1, its called a cat door, the down side is its been removed for the winter. In answer on how do you train a cat, thats the problem, its the other way around, anybody who has a cat knows, cats have staff and if your good they will even let you pet them.

Many of you have met Rupert so you will understand when I say he is in charge.

River

[A-1 (imported)]

A-1, its called a cat door, the down side is its been removed for the winter. In answer on how do you train a cat, thats the problem, its the other way around, anybody who has a cat knows, cats have staff and if your good they will even let you pet them.

Many of you have met Rupert so you will understand when I say he is in charge.

River

...are you trying to tell me that Jema poops outside?

.... ..... .....

[markdf (imported)]

I was close! Knew the word I wanted, just ran into one of them pesky gaps when it came to sending it to the fingers. Akin to knowing exactly what you're going to say until you open your mouth, I suppose. Heheh.

Hey, that's what pedantic science-nerds are for. They also know just the word you're looking for, and a dozen more that you weren't.

[Riverwind (imported)]

I do love our cats. They can be a bit of a pain at times, but then they can be great companions. Ours are so smart they can use the toilet, and so far there are only two problems: One, some times they beat you to the toilet, and two, they never flush!

Tie a string to a ball and the other end to the handle, then you teach the cat to play with the ball, flush.

As for cats, I have always been a dog owner that is until Rupert, to be honest I think I love the little guy more then some of my kids. He is very special and several on this thread have met him. Oh and one last thing, I do what ever he tells me to do, he has me trained well.

River

[jemagirl (imported)]

Cat lovers UNTIE ...er UNITE...

...I am finally in TOTAL agreement with Jema.

...so, tell me, how did you train them to potty? Sounds like it saved a lot of money on kitty litter...

Start by keeping the litter box next to the toilet. It's a good place for it any way. Remember to reward them for using the litter box, but don't let on like your trying to train them. Just thank them, tell them how smart they are and give them a little treat. Our cats made a big production out of the whole affair because they knew the would get their favorite treat.

After two weeks place a phone book underneath the litter pan. Repeat this every two weeks until the litter pan reaches the same hight as the toilet seat.

After the litter pan has been at the same hight as the toilet for two weeks, move it over. Hopefully your cats wont be too suspicious and rebel by pooping on the carpet. BE SURE to leave the phonebooks in place since they are used to hopping up on them

After the cats have gotten used to finding the litter box on the toilet, replace it with a disposable aluminum turkey roasting pan. This will fit under the toilet seat. Fill it with flush-able kitty litter and poke a stool sized hole in the middle of the pan. When the cats use the litter box all you have to do is scoop it to the hole and flush the toilet. This is already a huge improvement.

Every two week make the hole in the bottom of the pan a little bigger. Don't rush unless you want to see them crap on your bath mat as a protest.

Eventually all that is left are the edges of the pan and the can have long since gotten used to doing their business while perched at the edge of the toilet seat, and the remaining pan is just there for peace of mind. DO NOT underestimate how important that is... unless you want to buy a new bath mat.

At some point after that cats have forgotten what a litter box is you can dispense with the rest of the aluminum pan, and start removing the phone books that they use to jump up to the toilet.

Here are a few other additional considerations to keep in mind.

If at some point your cats rebel to the idea of using the toilet, this is probably an indication that you are progressing to rapidly. Cats are not a big fan of change. So don't stress them out.

When your cats get used to using the toilet, you might want to consider taping the upper lid open or they might be a little distressed when they find it closed. This is especially important if you are going to be away from the house for a period of time.

All in all they do a pretty good job of getting all their business in the toilet but, it is nice to keep a spray bottle of soap and sanitiser near the toilet incase they have a boo boo.

Finally get used to the idea that your cats are now in competition for the toilet and if it comes down to it they'll beat you to the pot every time.