Cats Can Be Toilet Trained (But Shouldn't Be)

If you've seen those viral videos of cats perched on toilet seats doing their business—or even hitting the flush lever—you might wonder if you're missing out on a revolutionary way to eliminate litter box duties. The short answer? Yes, cats can absolutely be toilet trained. Many cats have successfully learned this skill through gradual training programs. But before you rush to throw out that litter box, there's a crucial catch.

The Feline Toilet Training Process

Toilet training a cat typically involves a gradual process where you slowly move the litter box closer to the bathroom, eventually placing it on top of the toilet seat. Specialized training kits then help transition from litter to water, teaching cats to balance on the rim. Most cats will eventually learn with patience and consistency.

As for flushing? Cats can indeed learn this trick too. They're smart enough to associate the lever with the swirling water. However, experts warn against teaching this particular skill—some cats enjoy flushing so much they'll do it repeatedly just for fun, wasting significant amounts of water.

Why Veterinarians Say No

Despite the "cool factor," the veterinary and behavioral science communities are nearly unanimous in opposing cat toilet training. Dr. Mikel Delgado, an animal behaviorist at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, puts it bluntly: cats who dislike using toilets may retain urine as long as possible, potentially causing bladder damage, urinary tract infections, and kidney damage.

Cat behavior expert Jackson Galaxy is even more direct, calling the idea "nuts" and arguing it "changes the nature of what a cat is to suit human purposes."

What You're Actually Sacrificing

When you toilet train your cat, you lose several critical benefits:

• Health monitoring: Changes in urine frequency, color, or stool consistency can signal diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney problems, UTIs, and other serious conditions
• Natural behaviors: Cats instinctively dig and scratch before and after eliminating—behaviors that reduce stress and anxiety
• Environmental safety: Cat feces can contain Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that many water treatment facilities cannot adequately destroy
• Accessibility: Elderly, arthritic, or disabled cats may struggle with or fear balancing on a toilet rim

The Bottom Line

Yes, your cat can learn to use the toilet. Training programs exist, and many cats have mastered the skill. But just because something is possible doesn't mean it's beneficial. The consensus among animal welfare experts is clear: stick with a traditional litter box. Your cat's health, natural behaviors, and stress levels are worth more than the convenience of skipping litter box scooping.

Sometimes the old-fashioned way really is the best way—even if it means you'll never get that viral video of your cat flushing the toilet.