How To Toilet Train A Maine Coon

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Although it may seem silly at first, learning how to toilet train a Maine Coon can actually save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run!

To toilet train a Maine Coon, you will need to start by placing its litter box in the bathroom. Gradually raise the litter box over a period of days to weeks until it is at the same height as the toilet. After this, you will replace the litter box with a training box until your cat is comfortable using the toilet.

Nobody likes cleaning out the litter box, so what if there was a way you could train your cat to leave no mess at all?

Toilet training a cat is a long, slow process, and unfortunately, not every cat will take to this method.

However, Maine Coons are intelligent, obedient cats, and with enough time and patience, it is likely that you will find success!

How To Toilet Train A Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a naturally occurring breed that once lived wild in the state of Maine.

In the 1800s, however, farmers and sailors were amazed by their incredible hunting instincts, and the breed became more established until it was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Despite their wild origins, Maine Coons are incredibly loving and easy to train.

Due to the Maine Coon’s trainability, many owners wonder, can you potty train a Maine Coon cat?

If you want to train a cat to use the toilet instead of a litter box, then the Maine Coon is one of the best breeds to teach.

These cats are not as stubborn as many other cat breeds, and they easily learn all sorts of tricks and tasks.

So, why might you want to train your cat to use the toilet in the first place?

Here are some reasons why some owners choose to toilet train their Maine Coons:

You Do Not Have To Clean The Litter Box

Cleaning the litter box is, without a doubt, the worst chore that comes with owning a cat.

While it is much more convenient than owning a dog, it might be a good idea to try out toilet training if you find yourself dreading cleaning the litter box.

It Reduces Odor

Even if you clean the litter box every day, there is no way to completely eliminate its odor.

Many litter materials have a distinctive smell, as well.

It Is Cheaper

While Maine Coons are hardly cheap themselves, the cost of litter can really add up over time.

Toilet training your Maine Coon cat can therefore save you quite a lot of cash.

It Is Funny

While this may not be the most convincing reason to toilet train a cat, there is no denying that a cat using a toilet like a human is pretty hilarious.

There is something charming about living with a Maine Coon who does his business just like a miniature person!

Step By Step Guide

If you have decided that your Maine Coon is the perfect candidate for toilet training, then here are the steps you should take so your cat can become a bathroom pro (sources 1,2):

Step 1: Place The Litter Box In The Bathroom

The first step to teaching your Maine Coon to use the toilet is to first get them acquainted with the bathroom.

Unfortunately, toilet training only works if you have a spare bathroom, as you will eventually be moving the litter box directly on top of the toilet.

You will also need a bathroom that has enough space for the litter box because need to place it directly next to the toilet at first.

It may take some time for your Maine Coon to begin using the litter box in the bathroom, especially if you have more than one litter box.

Try to encourage your Maine Coon to use this litter box by sprinkling catnip in the fresh litter, or giving your cat treats or praise for successfully using the litter box.

Step 2: Slowly Raise The Litter Box

Do not move on to step two until your cat is regularly and comfortably using the litter box in the bathroom.

Once you are sure your Maine Coon has got the hang of it, then you can begin slowly raising the height of the litter box.

Place books, magazines, or other materials beneath the litter box to gradually raise it.

Test the stability each time you add height, so there is no chance of wobbling or tipping. Cats can be very cautious, and they will not enter a litter box if it feels unstable.

At first, you may only want to add height every two or three days and do not change the height until you know your cat has used the litter box successfully.

Then, you can begin adding height every day, until the litter box is at the same height as the toilet.

Step 3: Move The Litter Box Over The Toilet

Once your cat’s litter box is at the same height as the toilet, gradually move the litter box until it is directly on top of the toilet.

Move it just about an inch every day, making sure that the litter box is level and stable each time you move it.

Step 4: Replace The Litter Box With A Training Box

When your cat is able to use the litter box confidently while it is on top of the toilet, you can replace the litter box with a training box.

You can purchase a training box that has been specially made for toilet training cats, or you can make your own.

To make your own, take a plastic or aluminum tray and fill it with litter. Tape it securely to each side of the toilet. Cut a small hole in the center, but make sure your cat does not spray litter into the toilet!

Step 5: Gradually Expand Hole And Decrease Litter

Once your cat is using the training box, it is time to increase the hole and decrease the amount of litter.

If you purchased a training box, then it will come with removable rings to gradually expand the hole.

If you are doing it yourself, cut the hole about an inch wider each time.

Eventually, the training box should have a hole the same size as the toilet, and your cat will no longer require litter.

Step 6: Remove The Training Box

If your cat is capable of using the training box without litter, it is time to remove the training box altogether.

Some owners try to train their cat to flush the toilet, but it is best to avoid this, as your cat may find it enjoys flushing the toilet just for fun.

So long as your cat can confidently use the toilet whenever it needs to use the bathroom, then your cat is officially toilet trained.

Is Toilet Training Good For Cats?

While toilet training may sound like a great idea at first, it is important to weigh out whether this will be a good decision in the long run.

Here are some pros and cons to consider if you want to toilet train your Maine Coon:

Pros

1. No Litter Box Hassle

The biggest upside to toilet training a Maine Coon is that you will no longer have to deal with cleaning out a litter box or purchasing litter.

2. No More Poop In Fur

Since Maine Coons are semi-long-haired cats, using the litter box can cause pieces of poop to collect in their fur, leading to some serious hygiene problems.

Cats that are toilet trained are less likely to have this problem.

Cons

1. It Is Difficult

Unfortunately, the success rate of toilet training cats is relatively low.

Sometimes, this is because a cat simply does not want to use the toilet, or has difficulty transitioning to not using the litter.

Often, though, it is because owners do not have the patience or dedication to continue toilet training.

2. Not All Cats Have Good Aim

Once the training process is over, you will probably want to be able to use the bathroom again like normal.

However, even a well-trained Maine Coon might have difficulty keeping the toilet clean each time they use the bathroom!

3. Cat Waste Can Be Dangerous

Some cat waste can contain a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii.

While it is mainly found in outdoor cats, indoor cats can also pass this parasite through their waste.

4. Your Cat May Start Playing

Maine Coons love water, which means many are fascinated by toilets even if they are not toilet trained.

Some Maine Coons like to throw toys or food in water, which means giving your cat constant access to the bathroom can be a huge nuisance if your cat is especially mischievous!

5. Unsuitable For Certain Cats

Toilet training is not good for senior cats or cats with certain disabilities.

Not all cats can jump onto the toilet, particularly if they suffer from hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, or arthritis.

Your Maine Coon may take to toilet training at first, but as it becomes older, stiff joints may mean you have to return to using a litter box.

How Hard Is It To Train A Cat To Use The Toilet?

If you have a Maine Coon, litter box training should come very easily. However, toilet training can prove to be much trickier.

If you are not consistent and patient, then it can be impossible to train a cat to use the toilet.

However, with lots of patience and positive reinforcement, you should be able to train an intelligent, obedient Maine Coon to use the toilet within a few weeks.

If you are looking for an easy way to train your cat, you might also be wondering how to toilet train a cat without buying anything.

While some companies sell training boxes, you can also make your own out of cardboard, or a plastic or aluminum pan.

How Long Does It Take To Toilet Train A Cat?

It typically takes between three and six weeks to toilet train a cat, but it may take longer if your cat is especially cautious or anxious.

While you will likely want to train your cat as quickly as possible, it is key to take things slow and steady, only going at whatever pace your cat is comfortable with (source 1).

Can You Flush Cat Poo Down The Toilet?

You should, of course, never flush litter down the toilet, as it will clog pipes. However, the conundrum of flushing cat poop down the toilet is a bit more complicated.

While there are many owners out there who choose to toilet train their cats, cat poop can actually be harmful to sewer systems, and it can even be a danger to other people.

Sewer systems are designed for human waste, which contains different bacteria than cat waste.

Cat poop can contain a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect humans with toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis can be deadly to certain individuals, and it is especially harmful to pregnant women and people with immunodeficiency disorders.

Furthermore, while it has not been researched, it is also possible that sewer systems can have a difficult time properly processing cat poop because it is different from human waste, and it may damage pipes or other infrastructure.

Overall, most people seem to agree that flushing cat poop down the toilet can be harmful and unsafe (source 1).

How To Train Your Cat To Go To The Toilet Outside

Another option for toilet training is to have your Maine Coon use the bathroom outside, instead. This is only safe if your cat has constant access outside, such as through a litter box.

Cats are unable to hold in poop or pee for very long, so if they do not have access to the outdoors, they will have an accident inside.

Most cats easily learn to use the bathroom outside, so simply removing indoor litter boxes and providing access to the outdoors should be enough to train your Maine Coon.

Cat Toilet Training Problems

Is your cat is having bathroom problems?

Are you wondering why your cat keeps getting poop stuck on tail fur, or you are asking yourself, when will the kitten stop stepping in poop?

If so, then toilet training your cat might seem like the perfect solution.

However, there are still some problems to consider:

• Your Cat Might Miss: When it comes to toilet training, cat pooping on the floor is, unfortunately, a serious potential problem. Your cat may not understand where to aim, and could poop or pee on the toilet or outside of it.

• Burying Problems: Cats have strong instincts to bury their poop, so toilet training can cause distress in some cats. Cats with especially strong burying instincts might end up having accidents as a result.

• Playing With The Toilet: Maine Coons are intelligent and playful, and they have an unusual love of water. Your cat may soon learn how to flush the toilet for fun, or it may drop toys or food in the toilet water.

• Accidents: If your cat has difficulty transitioning to using the toilet, it may end up having accidents throughout the house, instead. If this is a continual problem even if you are training slowly and gradually, then it might be best to stop training altogether.

How To Toilet Train A Cat Without Buying Anything

If you are determined to toilet train your cat without purchasing a training box specifically made for toilet training, then here are some alternative supplies you can use instead:

• Aluminum Pan: Most people opt to use an aluminum pan lined with wax paper or plastic wrap.

• Plastic Pan: If you happen to have a sheet of plastic that is the right size, you can use it the same way you would use an aluminum pan.

• Cardboard: The cheapest option is to use cardboard. While it is much easier to cut than aluminum or plastic, it can also be messier.

Can You Have A Cat Without A Litter Box?

If you are tired of cleaning out your cat’s litter box, then here are some different options so you can learn how to have a cat without a litter box:

• Toilet Training: Toilet training is a long process that requires lots of patience, but it is an effective way to keep your cat indoors without using a litter box.

• Outdoors: The simplest way to forgo using a litter box is to allow your cat to go outside. You will need a cat flap so your Maine Coon can leave the house whenever it needs to, or else it could end up having an accident inside.

• Build A Catio: While it is possible to train your cat to use the bathroom outside, providing constant access to the outdoors can be incredibly dangerous. Instead, you may opt to build an outdoor catio, so your cat can experience the outdoors without being exposed to danger.

Conclusion

If you want to learn how to toilet train a Maine Coon, do not be discouraged by how long it may take.

Most cats learn to use the toilet between three and six weeks, and though it can take longer in some cases.

Maine Coons are intelligent and obedient cats that usually pick up on training very quickly.

Toilet training is not for every cat, particularly senior cats, cats with disabilities, or cats that have especially strong instincts to bury their waste.

However, it can be a rewarding experience for any cat that shows an interest in toilet training!

Related Questions

How To Train A Maine Coon To Play Fetch

Maine Coons are intelligent, obedient, and playful, so you can easily teach them to fetch toys using clicker training and lots of treats and positive reinforcement.