The Best Housebreaking Supplies For Cats
Housebreaking your cat isn’t always an easy task. It takes time, energy, and attention, but more than that, it requires the right tools. Whether you use a litter box, disposable pads, or a more unorthodox approach, getting the right pieces to the puzzle is a big part of the process. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’ve narrowed down the best housebreaking supplies for cats on the market to help you get your house in order.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best housebreaking supplies for cats on the market, we considered potential use, practicality, effectiveness, and price. For example, if you want a tried and true method of housebreaking your cat with little effort, the Purina Tidy Cats non-clumping litter system uses a classic litter box approach. However, if you prefer something a little more out of the ordinary, the CitiKitty cat toilet training kit helps teach your pet how to use a standard toilet as humans do. Read on to see all our top picks and find the housebreaking supplies that best fit you and your cat’s needs.
Purina Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Litter System
A modern classic
If you’re looking for one purchase that can do it all, look no further. This multi-part system from Purina Tidy Cats comes with everything you need to get your cat started with house training. It has a large litter box with high sides, a scoop for litter, mess-minimizing pellets, and absorbent pads. This system allows the pellets to trap solids on top for easy cleanup and allow liquids to flow below to be absorbed by the pads. It also includes enough refills to provide one cat with enough supplies for one month. It may be pricey, but you get what you pay for with this high-quality litter setup.
Pros:
- Includes a litter box, scoop, pellets, and pads
- The litter box has high sides to prevent spills
- Mess-minimizing pellets keep solids on top for easy cleanup
- Has enough refills to last one cat one month
- Very large size
Cons:
- Fairly pricey
Fresh Step Odor Shield Kitty Litter
Scoop savings
Kitty litter is a classic part of most cat waste systems, but with all the available options on the market, it can be hard to find the best one. However, this Fresh Step kitty litter rises to the top of the competition. With a modest price, large quantity, and powerful clumping power, this litter is a triple threat. It may not be as flashy or fancy as others on the market, but it’s a practical choice for everyday use. As a bonus, it also has mostly dust-free scooping, so it’s perfect for keeping the litter in the box and out of the air. For bare-bones features with powerful performance, this kitty litter is a sure winner.
Pros:
- Fit for multi-cat homes
- ClumpLock technology helps lock in liquids
- Each box is 14 pounds
- Mostly dust-free scooping
Cons:
- Smell control isn’t the best
CitiKitty Cat Toilet Training Kit
Potty talk
If you’ve ever wished that your cat could use a normal toilet like you, it’s not as far-fetched as it may seem. With the right tools, you can train your cat to use a toilet instead of a litter box, cutting down on smells, messes, and overall expenses. If you’re looking to make the switch, it takes time. That’s why this training kit from CitiKitty is a must-have. It gradually moves litter from the litter box into the toilet and gets your cat used to using the toilet. Best of all, it’s one-size-fits-all, so it can work with all toilets. It may be hard work, but this training kit makes it easier than ever to toilet-train your cat.
Pros:
- One size fits all
- Can help save money on buying cat litter long-term
- Helps cut down on bad smells
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Doesn’t include flushable litter
PetsWorld Fresh Scented Cat Pads
Training pads aren’t as common in the world of cats because of their natural inclination to use a litter box, but they can still be a huge benefit to kittens as well as puppies. However, while puppies use these pads to do their business indoors, kittens use these pads a little differently. They can be used alone, but they may be of even more use in your litter box. You could use them by themselves to absorb urine, or you could set them under the litter in the box to catch residual waste. However you choose to use them, these versatile pads are full of absorbing power to help keep your floors clean.
Pros:
- Comes with options from 50 to 1200 pads
- Very absorbent
- The protective bottom layer prevents leaks
- Great for using under litter in a box
Cons:
- Not as effective as name-brand pads
Hartz Disposable Cat Diapers
Safe and secure
If your attempts to house-train your cat have fallen apart due to markings, spraying, or even old-age incontinence, these disposable cat diapers are a great tool to help reduce messes. While they aren’t a great long-term solution, they can help while training your cat. Whether your cats are marking their territory, spraying, or they’re females in heat, these diapers can protect your carpets and floors and buy you time while you work on training them. These diapers have up to 12 hours of leak protection, so they’re even great for all-day travel. No matter how you use them, these diapers are a great last line of defense against potty-training issues.
Pros:
- Three different size options
- Up to 12 hours of leak protection
- Made of soft and breathable material
- Great for markings, spraying, or old age
- Adjustable tail hole
Cons:
- It only includes 12 diapers in a pack, so it’s not a good long-term solution
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to train a cat to use a toilet?
As absurd as it may sound, cats can use a regular bathroom toilet as humans do. However, it is a learning process. It can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks to slowly move the litter box closer to the toilet and train your cat to use it. Hypothetically, it can even take longer. However, the result is a mess-free and litter-free home.
Do cats naturally know how to use a litter box?
Most cats are naturally inclined to use the litter box because of their instinct to eliminate waste in dirt or sand. Outdoors, their instincts are applied in a fairly straightforward way, but inside, they may gravitate to whatever looks and feels the most like dirt. Since kitty litter resembles dirt, it’s usually their first option. However, if you have large house plants with dirt in the house, they may choose to go for them first.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.