GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - The CitiKitty claims you can toilet train your cat in a gradual, step-by-step process that will allow you to get rid of your litter box for good.
The CitiKitty is a plastic toilet cover that goes under the lid, kitty litter is poured in the middle, and several rings can be removed over time until eventually you have an open bowl.
Daryl and Jessica and their cat Marley live in a downtown condo without a lot of space. Their litter box is in a closet. They wanted their closet back and the CitiKitty seemed like a great idea. Their cat Marley is 3-years-old and the makers say it works on cats of any age, 3-months or older.
You start by moving your litter box into the bathroom so they get used to that. Then slowly transition your cat to the CitiKitty.
They captured video of Marley using the CitiKitty on the toilet. He peed on the toilet, seemed to balance just fine, and even tried covering it up, but was confused, circling around the toilet, using his paws but with no litter to dig at.
But while things looked promising, when they began removing rings, things went, well, down the toilet. Marley began holding it, going only every day and a half to two days and pooping in the living room. Daryl and Jessica said he would cry when he had to go and stopped eating as much. They said he was miserable and after too many accidents in the living room, and worried his holding it might be unhealthy, they had to stop.
They said one of the downfalls was they only have one bathroom. They had to keep moving the CitiKitty off the toilet, they spilled litter and it was messy. You may want to have a bathroom dedicated to your cat, at least during the training session.
They also said it's a bit flimsy and it would be nice if it had handles.
Now, I know many people who've had success with the CitiKitty, and it may work for your cat. Just keep in mind what your household is capable of, it might not work with every cat, make sure you have a free bathroom, and keep the lid up.
The CitiKitty sells for between $20-$25 and if your cat masters it, they also sell an automatic flusher like what's used in public restrooms.