Editing Litter box (section)

== Alternatives ==
Instead of using a litter box, it is possible to train cats and dogs to use a toilet.{{cn|date=April 2024}} Doing so significantly reduces waste, but for cats it goes against their instinct of burying waste. Combined with the requirement of jumping up onto the toilet, cats may find using a toilet stressful. In addition, excrement-based symptoms of medical problems are less likely to be spotted. There is also a higher likelihood of conflict with human use of toilets.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schweig |first1=Sarah V. |title=Should You Teach Your Cat To Use The Toilet? |url= https://www.thedodo.com/should-cat-use-toilet-2079157362.html |website=The Dodo |date=4 November 2016}}</ref>

Another option for animals to relieve themselves indoors is to use an absorbent ''potty pad'', also known as a ''puppy pad.''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gibeault |first1=Stephanie |title=The Ins and Outs of Potty Pad Training |url= https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/the-ins-and-outs-of-potty-pad-training/ |website=AKC.org |publisher=American Kennel Club |date=2 February 2019}}</ref>

The final option is to train a cat or dog to relieve themselves outside. Given a yard or outside area, a cat can be easily trained to go outside. This aligns with a cat's natural instincts, but for a dog it may be more challenging.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-house-train-your-dog-or-puppy |title=How to house train your dog or puppy |work=HumaneSociety.org |date=2021 |access-date=23 September 2023}}</ref>