ᐉ How to choose a litter box for a cat?

One of the important aspects of creating a comfortable environment for your pet is the proper arrangement of the cat’s toilet. The more you know about your cat's habits, the easier it will be to choose the perfect option, so arm yourself with knowledge and read our review of the best cat litter. We will look at all types of trays (open, closed, with and without bars, with sides, travel and disposable), and also talk about new products - bio- and auto-toilets.

Types of cat litter boxes

Today, the choice of cat litter boxes is wide: closed, with carbon filters, trays for very small kittens, there are models for toilet training a cat... How to choose from all this variety and at the same time ensure comfort for your pet? To begin with, you should familiarize yourself with the entire range.

The most common and very cheap tray with a double bottom. The average price of such a tray is 300 rubles, but you can find it cheaper, for 200 rubles.

Pets will be happy to go to the tray if you choose it correctly

The tray consists of a plastic box and a mesh insert. You can put a filler under the mesh, for example, wood or silica gel, due to this, most of the unpleasant odors will be absorbed. Since the filler does not come into contact with the paws, the area will always be clean. But because of this, a tray with a mesh for a cat can become a reason for a boycott - not being able to bury “its work,” the pet may flatly refuse to go into it.

High-tech cat tray CatGenie 120

Toilet for kittens with high sides

High sides are needed to prevent the pet from scattering the litter from the tray. If the product is purchased for a small kitten, there should be a recess on one edge so that the baby can climb into it.

Flat plastic tray with low sides

The most economical and easy to maintain option. It is inconvenient because the filler will always spill over the edge. If your cat really likes to dig, you should pay attention to a cat tray with high sides.

Additional information: you can put a special ribbed plastic mat in front of a regular tray; it will retain some of the filler.

Closed tray house

For shy people, a toilet that is completely closed (with a door) or partially closed (without one side wall) is suitable. They will not quickly jump out of it without finishing their work if one of the people passes by.

There are a lot of models in this category, they come with a regular door (Bergamo Oliver), a tunnel entrance (Petmate Clean Step) or a hole at the top (Moderna Top Cat).

Tray with built-in filtration system

This is a tray with one or several grating inserts; fine filler is poured into the topmost one (directly onto the grate).

After the cat goes to the toilet, the contents are sifted and the waste remaining on the mesh is easily removed.

Of the minuses: due to the weight of the filler, it can be difficult to hold and sift, dust rises.

Self-cleaning dry toilet for cats

A fully automated device that sifts or rinses the filler and removes waste into a special compartment or even into the sewer.

Cons: high price, some models require constant connection to electricity, water and sewerage.

This is interesting! CatGenie 120 is the most expensive dry closet model at the moment. The filler granules are mixed, the excrement is washed down the drain, the filler is washed and dried with hot air. Approximate cost - 35 thousand rubles.

A simple rectangular tray with a frame on the side

In this option, it is very convenient to replace the absorbent filler - just take out the bag with the old one and tie it. The frame is used to secure the plastic bag in the tray.

Sometimes such a tray is used without bags; due to the frame, the filler hardly spills out. The disadvantages are that cats often tear the bags, and the frame is more difficult to clean than a regular flat tray.

Designed to train a cat to use the toilet. It consists of several inserts inserted into each other; as the cat gets used to it, they are gradually removed until the cat learns to relieve itself while sitting on a regular toilet seat.

You can put your cat’s usual litter into the inserts. It is not recommended to use this type of litter box for small kittens, older cats, or pregnant cats.

Note! Dry toilets also include regular trays with a built-in carbon filter, or a special antibacterial napkin under the filler, which absorbs urine and neutralizes its odor.

Corner toilet cabinet

In standard apartments of this model, there is only room in the hallway or combined bathroom. Of all the options for corner toilets, it is better to choose one in which the entire door rises up with part of the “ceiling”: this one is easy to clean and has a mount for a scoop (for example, the Moderna Flip model).

Corner tray

As the name suggests, this tray can be placed in a secluded corner. This model is especially convenient to use in a small apartment when there is no space to install a rectangular tray. Therefore, if you have little space in your apartment, it is definitely better to choose a corner litter box for your kitten.

The toilet has an ergonomic shape with rounded corners. It can be the simplest, with a mesh, with a filter, or even in the form of a house. This is a combined type of closed and corner trays.

The open version of the corner model is equipped with high sides. Due to this, granules of hygienic filler do not spill out.

Popular cat litter models

Below is a selection of models from various manufacturers that are in great demand.

NETTA Open

A simple cat litter box with high sides at the back and sides, a lower side at the front and a wide, perforated step to keep litter out of the paws.

Tray toilet NETTA Open

Minimum cost*—950 rub. excluding delivery.

Imac DUO

A regular deep tray with a side and an attached scoop stand. Costs about 1500 rubles.

Toilet tools

After purchasing a tray, additional tools are purchased.

Accessories that will facilitate the process of cleaning and maintaining the toilet:

Scoops are purchased for cleaning litter. A large scoop is used to add new litter, and a tool with a strainer is used to clean out the old one.
Sprays that teach animals to go to the toilet.
To maintain closed structures, you will need to purchase plastic bags.
Each tray can be equipped with a carbon filter that absorbs unpleasant odors.
Disinfectants are used to clean the structure and destroy plaque.

To prevent scattered filler from leaving marks on the floor, purchase a mat for the tray. The dirt from the cat's paws remains on it, and not on the floor. Suitable for any design, protects from excess moisture and absorbs unpleasant odors.

How to choose the right cat litter box: what to consider when purchasing

This thing can also be of high quality or not. In addition, there are other selection criteria.

Although these are not dishes or toys that a pet can chew, the quality of the material should still be high. A new cat litter box should not smell unpleasant, especially if it is not located in the bathroom.

These animals have a very good sense of smell; the strong chemical smell of plastic can scare them away. The material of the product should also not absorb the odors of cat waste during use.

Note! The plastic should not be too thin and brittle so that the animal is not injured. There should be no protruding sharp burrs left after production along the edges of the product.

How is waste removed?

The cat tray can be with a regular mesh, a scoop, or it can be fully automatic. It all depends on the owner’s habit, or, in the case of self-cleaning, on the budget.

Tray size, shape and location in the apartment

A huge Maine Coon may not have enough space in a triangular tray that comfortably accommodates a miniature adult Angora.

When choosing a product, especially online, you need to pay attention to the external and internal dimensions - now you can choose one for any size of animal, from small kittens to really large animals.

The usual location of the tray is a bathroom, corridor, balcony; such trays can be of any type. If it is placed in a living room, it is better to give preference to a closed house, so there will be less unpleasant smell.

If you don’t need filler, you should choose the cheapest and most easy-to-clean options - simple trays or a toilet with a mesh.

Are you on a very limited budget and have several pets? There are a huge selection of inexpensive options! But if the cat is alone, loved and spoiled, and has its own room with toys, then you can choose the most extravagant model.

Note! Animal experts advise placing as many litter boxes at home as there are cats living there, plus one extra. In fact, you need to look at the situation, because it happens that several pets can get by with one tray in turn.

Main criteria

When choosing a tray for a cat, you should consider the following features:

Cat tray

Size. A cat toilet, regardless of design, should not be small. The entire animal must fit inside. When purchasing an accessory for a small kitten, you should take into account the future size of an adult cat. This criterion especially applies to closed toilets in the shape of a house.
Price. Preference should be given to the middle price range. It is advisable to choose a model that will serve the animal throughout its life, since in adulthood it will be very difficult to change the tray and at the same time accustom an adult cat to a new accessory.
Material. The model should be light and comfortable, preferably made of plastic.
Material weight. Whatever tray you think is best for a kitten, you must again think about the long-term use of it by an adult large animal.
Defects. Another important point when choosing which toilet is best to buy for a cat: there should not be any defects on the tray, as this can injure the animal during use.
Easy to maintain. It is necessary that the tray is easy to clean, so the presence of a large number of corners and hard-to-reach places is undesirable. Convenient options are accessories that contain bags at the base. Such designs do not require regular washing.
Appearance. A furry fussy dog may not want to use the litter box if it has a strong chemical smell or is an unnatural color. In addition, such a design of a tray always indicates its low quality.
Design. This point is one of the most important when choosing a toilet for a cat. Modern pet stores offer 2 types of designs - open and closed trays. The second option is ideal for shy animals who are looking for privacy.

Based on the criteria for choosing a tray, it is important to consider its location. A tray that is too large requires not only sufficient area for placement, but also some space around it. Otherwise, the animal will not have free access to the toilet, which will not allow it to be accustomed to the tray.

Ease of use

How to train a kitten to go to the litter box

The headache of all owners of small kittens and puppies is to teach them to relieve themselves where they need to, and not where they want.

You should choose a tray with low sides so that the baby can climb into it on his own, and add a thin layer of filler to the bottom. You need to put the kitten in the tray after sleep, active games, 20 minutes after eating, stroking its belly. When you first get acquainted with the potty, you should scrape the filler a little with your fingers to interest the baby.

If the kitten has gone big outside the toilet, you need to put the pile in the tray and show it to your pet. As soon as he sits down somewhere with the clear intention of defecating, you need to carefully transfer him to the tray. Places where the kitten mistakenly went should be thoroughly washed so that the animal is not tempted to reuse them for the toilet. Experienced cat owners advise putting food or water there after cleaning, then the pet will disdain to go to the toilet nearby.

Important! You cannot hit the kitten, pull it by the scruff of the neck, or shout at it. This behavior of the owners further aggravates the animal’s reluctance to go to the toilet in a specially designated place.

It’s worth trying different fillers for the litter tray; perhaps the kitten will like some of them more.

Master toilet

Some owners want their cat to go to the toilet and not to his own litter box. Implementing this idea is not difficult: there is a special 21-day program for toilet training a cat, but it is only suitable for older pets. Small kittens cannot cope with this task. If you plan to toilet train your cat in the future, buy him a cheap standard toilet to use for the first time until he grows up.

Having a cat go to the toilet is convenient because... After it all you have to do is wash it off. But, on the other hand, this is not entirely hygienic, because you will go to the same potty with your pet. Besides, what if you both really want to go to the toilet at the same time?

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Recommendations for use

A tray with high sides may be uncomfortable for older cats, so you may need to provide a step or cutout on the side.

If litter is used in a cat's litter box, then it should be covered with a thick layer of 5-6 cm. This amount will allow you to change the contents less often.

A house on a bench - this can also be placed in the corridor of an ordinary apartment, for example, in the hallway

If your cat doesn't bury her waste, she's trying to signal that the litter box is full or doesn't have enough litter.

You need to wash the tray at least once a month, ideally every time you completely change the filler. Products are best used with a neutral odor and wash off easily. You can sprinkle baking soda under the litter; many cat owners claim that this really neutralizes the unpleasant odor.

Important! A cat walking outside can be a carrier of toxoplasmosis or helminthiasis, so children and pregnant women should not come into contact with the litter tray, as infection is most dangerous for them.

Tray for an adult cat

As your pet grows, you need to prepare to change the tray. I changed my cat's litter tray to an adult one when he was about 9 months old. The second tray was not very large, medium with slightly higher sides.

We eventually switched to an enclosed litter box.

But let's look at what types of trays there are and which one is advisable to buy in each specific case.

Traditional plastic tray with low sides with or without mesh

Such trays are the most common; they can be found in every zoo and not only pet stores. The average height of such a tray is 8-9 cm with an average size of 37*27 cm. If your cat has no problems going to the toilet, you can choose such a tray.

This tray has both pros and cons.

Minuses:

By the way, if you still choose just such a small tray, I recommend purchasing it with a mesh for the first time. At the same time, see which option is more convenient for you. The grid can eventually be removed. But it's more hygienic. Liquid waste falls under the mesh, therefore there are fewer odors and the tray is cleaner.

I don’t recommend buying such a tray for large animals - the cat should have a place to turn around and dig. For larger breeds (especially Maine Coons), buy a larger litter box.

Large open tray

A larger litter box will be comfortable for most adult cats. Their sizes are different - 50*36, 51*40, 56*39 and so on. My cat has a tray measuring 58*40 - king size. There are also large corner trays - convenient for some rooms.

Minuses:

According to my observations, more is not better. I noticed from my cat that he does not use the entire area of the tray. He has a favorite part of him and goes to mostly the same place. However, if you leave the cat alone for several days, such a tray can be a real lifesaver. So from the larger sizes it is not necessary to choose the largest one.

Tray with high sides

This is my choice - my cat has a large tray with high sides.

Which sides should be considered high? Again, based on our own observations, high sides can be considered a tray height of 22 cm and above. My cat's litter box has a side height of 23 cm. And I can say that I could have looked a couple more cm higher.

Such trays, as a rule, are equipped with an entrance, that is, they have a slight decrease in level (high sides are most often overhead and this is very convenient - if necessary, the side can be removed and the tray will become lower).

There are also cascade trays - the maximum side height can reach 27 cm, and the minimum 15.

But when choosing, you need to understand that if the cat goes to the toilet not towards the high side, but towards the exit, then he can do his business by passing by. In our case, the entrance is not very wide, so there are no problems. At the same time, the cat can enter the litter box without hindrance - he does not have to jump into it.

You may think that a tray height of 23 cm is a lot. Not really. Do not forget about the level of filler under and above the mesh (in my case it eats up about 3 cm).

The advantages are basically similar to those when using conventional large trays:

Minuses:

This litter box is perfect for those cats that walk by. And also if you are worried about the scattering of the filler. From such a tray, filler granules sometimes fall outside its boundaries, but these are isolated cases.

Closed tray house

If your cat is already quite an adult and previously he always went to an open litter box, then he may have problems getting used to the new toilet. Some cats are afraid of covered litter boxes, while some, on the contrary, like to retire there, and not only in the toilet area.

In this case, I can only advise you to check it from your own experience. My adult cat began to go into the litter box without any problems, but only with the door removed. In fact, the screen door for such a tray is inconvenient and I immediately removed it and do not use it. This doesn't bother me at all. And the cat does not feel any discomfort.

Minuses:

Biotrays are a type of house tray - they are equipped with a carbon filter that absorbs odors. Therefore, the liquid fraction can be removed less frequently. But solid waste will have to be disposed of as usual. Such trays are much more expensive.

Automatic litter box for cats

It is a full-fledged toilet that has a connection to the sewerage system. It can be made of different materials - from plastic to earthenware. The toilet is practically no different from a standard human toilet. Flushing occurs automatically. The built-in sensor prevents the flush from working while the pet is in the toilet.

Minuses:

I personally have not tried this option (or rather, my cat). I can’t speak clearly for or against. But at least the cost of such a device and the uncertainty that the pet will appreciate such know-how are frightening.

Interesting solutions for placing a toilet

Picture 10 Cabinet house: takes up a lot of space, but it's worth it

Oh, this ubiquitous cat litter... It seems like the sides are high and the rug is laid out - no, the cat still manages to carry grains of sand to the master bedroom. Owners of spacious apartments and private houses are lucky in this regard - they will be helped out by special furniture, inside of which you can hide a toilet for cats.

The biggest advantage of this design is a separate “room” with a regular rug on which the filling remains.

Even those cats that are taken to the country for several months a year prefer to relieve themselves in a convenient and clean litter box rather than on the street. Today, there are many different models of cat litter available in stores. When choosing one option or another, you need to make sure that it is first and foremost comfortable for the cat.

Owner reviews

We also tried a lot of things, but we haven’t found a better tray with high sides with clumping filler BIO CAT”S. And for kittens I have a tray with small sides - they still go there. And as mentioned above, from the first steps. Now the little ones are already a month old and they saw where mommy and auntie were rummaging, they are trying to climb in there too. Yesterday I removed small poop from there, which means the sides are not a hindrance even for such little ones.

irinkin1506

https://www.thaicat.ru/forum/45–1735–1

Not every tray that is suitable from a human point of view is suitable for a cat. And the fact that you throw her poop there, collected in the corners, nothing fundamentally will change - a self-respecting cat, and this is what true British and British women are without a doubt, will not go into any tray that you offer her as a vessel for coping with natural needs. Here are the main reasons why cats shit everywhere. Only by following the following rules can you train your cat to go to the toilet without any problems: The cat should like the place where the toilet is located. It should be easily accessible ALWAYS and not in the aisle, so that the cat can calmly do its business. The cat should like what was offered as a toilet. A well-mannered, neat and clean cat can disdain a small tray with a bare mesh, as well as torn newspapers and sand from a neighboring sandbox. The tray should be large and comfortable, so that there is room to fit it, with clean filler. It must be spacious, especially for the cat (!), otherwise, at best, the cat will sit in the tray with his butt outside, and in the worst case, he will refuse to use this “spit can” altogether.

Natasha

https://britishcat.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=128

My British girl, when she was little, went to the litter box, then, when she grew up big and big, she began to “miss” next to the litter box.

Alex Raduga

https://mauforum.ru/viewtopic.php?f=134&t=5855&start=20

My cat goes to the toilet with high sides, and it’s fine, I buy heavy clumping litter, nothing spills out, he also digs in hard..

furgy

https://forum.ngs.ru/board/pets/flat/1963045588/?fpart=1&per-page=50

Since you are using filler, you need to choose a deep tray. Those. The depth should be sufficient so that the cat can dig around to its fullest without scattering the litter. As a rule, such trays have a fastened side at the top that is bent inward, this also prevents the filler from scattering.

CatsMom

https://prokotov.com/index.php/forum/ukhod-za-koshkami/448-kakoj-lotok-luchshe-vybrat-dlya-koshki

My cat has a standard litter box: rectangular, with a mesh on top. The net was removed; somehow it wasn’t very convenient to use it. When our cat was a kitten, we bought litter, but I have large pots of flowers on the floor at home, and she sometimes “did things” there. We stopped using the filler and the problem was solved. So it remains, it “goes” into the empty tray, I don’t even tear up the newspaper - it’s very convenient, the main thing is to change it after each time, it doesn’t go into the wet anymore.

Olga128

https://prokotov.com/index.php/forum/ukhod-za-koshkami/448-kakoj-lotok-luchshe-vybrat-dlya-koshki

How to choose a litter box for a cat

Tray fillers

Fillers are used to improve hygiene. There are 4 types of substances. They are used depending on the type of tray and the age of the animal.

Mineral – suitable for kittens. The composition does not stick to the paws. Absorbs the smell until the filler is completely saturated.
Wood is a cheap filler. It is environmentally safe for the animal, but does not absorb odors well.
Silica gel - absorbs liquid well, protecting the environment from unpleasant odors. Does not cause allergies in kittens.
Clay ones have a long shelf life. Suitable for owners who rarely clean up after their cat.

Criteria for evaluating cat litter

The characteristics of the pet and the owner’s preferences in the frequency of cleaning significantly influence the answer to the question: which litter box is the best for a cat. The following criteria will help you decide on the appropriate type of cat litter.

Material – almost all trays are made of plastic of varying quality. The main thing is to make sure that it does not smell of chemicals and does not bend under slight weight. Cats have a sensitive sense of smell and will simply reject a pungent-smelling litter box.
Tray design - if you are the owner of a timid cat or someone who likes to rummage through the litter until they go crazy and throw it out of the toilet, then closed toilets with protection from prying eyes and walls to hold the litter inside the structure are suitable for you. The open type is suitable for owners of several cats, as it is immediately clear when cleaning is necessary.
Size – small trays, although they look neat, are actually only suitable for kittens. An adult cat needs a toilet that is more spacious so that it can easily turn around, and for closed types it is important to choose the height of the top lid, otherwise the cat will not be able to straighten up inside the toilet house.
The need to use filler - a lattice-limiter will allow you not to spend money on filler, but not every cat will agree to this option; it is better to accustom it to such a tray from a young age.
Cost – traditional litter boxes with or without bars are cheap, and you can buy two of them at once, which, by the way, cats love. Expensive dry closets and self-cleaning trays are a serious purchase, and it’s worth weighing the pros and cons, because in addition to buying the filler, you will need special cartridges, cleaning products and sprays.
Ease of cleaning - open toilets are quick to clean, however, in the absence of filler, a difficult-to-clean residue may form in the corners of the tray. Closed toilets should be easy to disassemble and not have hard-to-reach areas where dirt can accumulate.

Review of popular types of litter boxes for cats:

Automatic cat toilet

The automatic litter box for domestic cats is a new technological invention that has a self-cleaning function. Everything necessary for this - disinfection and rinsing of the tray after use - is done in such a way as not to cause harm to the animal from contact with chemicals or bacteria.

Automatic toilet for cats.

Of course, such convenience comes at a rather high price. In addition, the process of cleaning the litter box can frighten some cats who are not accustomed to this task.

The best trays for a kitten

Choosing a tray for a kitten is not a difficult task on the one hand, but it is better to approach it wisely. Today we have prepared for you an overview of all types of litter boxes for kittens with advantages and disadvantages. Domestic representatives of the cat breed have a tendency to wash themselves frequently and a certain disgust. Cats do not like dirty bowls with stale food and drink, as well as unclean and uncomfortable litter boxes. When protesting against poor care, they can show enviable obstinacy. Therefore, even a tray for kittens, like a filler, must be chosen after first thinking through various nuances.

Comparison table of characteristics

For a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of product items, we have prepared a summary table:

Name _	Dimensions (L/W/H), cm	Design Features	Material	A country	Price, rubles
SAVIC Aseo	56x39x27.5	High sides Open	Plastic	Belgium	829-1380 rubles.
Moderna Lift to Sift Jumbo	56x42.7x27.3	Open High removable sides 2 replaceable trays Intermediate tray with sieve grid	Plastic	Belgium/ USA	1958-2332 rubles.
TRIXIE Carlo	43x31x14	Open With sides With removable snap-on rim	Plastic	Germany	587-650 rubles.
MPS Netta	54x39x40	Closed With handle and door Mesh step for cleaning paws Carbon filter Spatula storage space Anti-slip rubber pads	High strength plastic	Italy	1419-2236 rubles.
SAVIC Nestor	56x39x38.5	Closed With door and built-in handle The upper part is attached to the lower part using latches Carbon filter	Plastic	Belgium	1299-1955 rubles.
Xiaomi Homerun Cat Litter Box Basic Version CLB10MB	41x44x53	Closed with door and window Grate for cleaning paws on the roof of the tray Pull-out 13-liter drawer for storing filler Door lock Sterilization system with microphones and infrared sensors Synchronization with a smartphone in Bluetooth mode Rechargeable battery for autonomous operation	Impact resistant thermo plastic	China	7990 rubles.
Curver PET LIFE	51x39x39	Closed Collapsible With grill Step for easy entry Carbon filter Pull-out tray The upper part is fixed to the lower part with latches	Impact resistant plastic	Poland	4229-5492 rubles.

How to choose?

How to choose the right litter box for a kitten? Having studied the advantages and disadvantages of popular models of cat litter boxes through experience, professional breeders offer their advice on choosing litter boxes for kittens.

Basic recommendations: first decide on the location of the toilet in order to choose a tray that is suitable in size, and also select a container that is convenient for your pet to visit:

The sides are neither high nor low, so that it is easy for him to climb in there and at the same time not relieve himself past the tray;
Sufficient space for free placement;
Open or closed toilet with a lid, depending on the nature and size of the kitten;
Do not buy very light open trays: they are easy to turn over;
Take care of your own convenience: choose a toilet that is easy to wash and clean;
Remember that the best litter boxes for your kitten don't have to be expensive, but don't expect much benefit from the cheap options either.

In pursuit of fashion trends and wanting to make caring for their animals easier, cat lovers are eager to purchase advertised self-cleaning trays with an automatic device. Experienced breeders recommend using such toilets carefully. Without paying special attention to cleaning them, it is easy to miss the occurrence of digestive problems in your kitten.

What to consider when choosing?

When choosing a model, you need to take into account not only the preferences of your little pet, but also the ease of use of the tray for humans: cleaning, absorption of unwanted odors, transportability. It is important to immediately decide on the location for the toilet so that you know what size will suit you. Experienced breeders give the following recommendations:

The kitten should easily climb into the container, so you need to choose a height for the sides so that they do not become an obstacle for the baby. Otherwise, he may relieve himself not in the right place, but nearby.
Size is very important: it should not constrain the animal.
It is better to decide in advance on the type of model - open or closed.
Pallets made of lightweight plastic are easily overturned, so it is better to choose more stable options.
If the model is difficult to care for, it is not easy to wash it and remove the filler, it is better to abandon it. Cats are very clean and can ignore a poorly cleaned litter box.

The cost of an accessory does not always determine the right decision. The most important points are comfort and suitable size. If the tray is inconvenient for the baby, the process of toilet training will be delayed and will require additional effort and time from you.

Plastic tray with sides

The simplest and most popular litter box for a kitten is a durable, rectangular plastic container with sides.

Convenient for use by small kittens (suitable for toilet training, as it is easy for them to climb into it);
Low cost (if damaged and a stagnant, unremovable odor appears, it can be easily replaced with a new one);
Quick change of filler (low thin sides do not create obstacles when pouring contents into the toilet or bag);
Easy to clean (an open container does not need to be freed from unnecessary parts and washed separately);
Small size and weight (easy to carry and take on a trip).

Intensive burying of feces by a kitten leads to scattering of litter around the tray;
The appearance of scratches on the material over time, which are difficult to wash;
Mandatory use of filler;
Lack of odor retention properties.

A variation of a simple tray - a model with high sides curved inward is more practical. Thanks to this improvement, the filler does not spill outward. The disadvantages of the container are noticeable when washing - when shaking out the contents, granules and pieces get clogged under the sides.

DIY cat toilet

You can make a toilet for a furry animal with your own hands. Plastic would be a good option. Metal oxidizes when it comes into contact with feces, and wood is short-lived.

You will need:

plastic container;
felt-tip pen;
hacksaw;
a can of acrylic paint;
file.

Algorithm of actions:

Measure the height of the sides.
Draw the cut location.
Cut off the excess parts using a hacksaw.
Carefully clean the cuts with sandpaper.
Paint the product with acrylic paint.

Plastic tray with mesh

The second copy of the kitten tray is an improved version of the first.

The presence of a strong and durable mesh placed on a tray (the kitten stands on it and relieves itself, moisture flows through the holes to the bottom of the tray, and solid feces remain on the grid - cleanliness is maintained);
Convenience for the owner when cleaning the toilet (the mesh, like the tray, can be easily washed under running water);
The filler is poured into a tray and is located under the grate - the kittens cannot reach it with their paws and cannot make a mess around the tray or taste the composition).

Without filler, the tray does not retain odor well;
It is necessary to wash the tray and mesh separately after each visit to the toilet by the cat;
When using a container with low sides, kittens often get dirty;
Not suitable for those who like to dig into the litter and bury feces.

Trays for cats with a lifting bottom

There are cats that, when they go to the toilet, raise their butts and spray urine around them, which causes great inconvenience to their owners. But the problem is easily solved. Standard litter trays are not suitable for these cats. They need tray houses, and those where the entrance is on the side and on top. Then the cat, while in the toilet, sprays urine on the walls, and the area around remains clean. The walls of the tray will have to be washed periodically, but the floor and walls of your home will not be damaged.

Toilet for kittens with high sides

A toilet for kittens of different ages with high sides, which often come as a separate structure and are attached to it along the edges.

When the kitten digs it up, the filler does not reach the edges, and therefore the area around the toilet remains clean;
The tray is easy to clean;
The height of the container allows you to pour more filler, which slightly solves the problem with an unpleasant odor;
A separate design (additional sides) makes it possible to put a bag or film in the tray, pour filler inside and snap the sides on top; After visiting the toilet, the bag with its contents can be easily removed and thrown away.

Large size (takes up a lot of space);
Due to the high and bulky sides, it is not very convenient for use by a small kitten; it is more suitable for older pets.

Comparisons of different toilets

Species comparisons

Kinds	Price	odor removal	For cleanliness in the house	According to the difficulty of washing
Low tray	400-1500 rub.	Doesn't eliminate	The filler is spread throughout the apartment	easy to wash
High tray	400-1500 rub.	Doesn't eliminate	does not spread only if it sticks to the paws	easy to wash
tray with mesh	400-1500 rub.	Doesn't eliminate	doesn't spread	easy to wash
Dry toilet	1300-10000 rub.	Eliminates well due to carbon filters	does not spread only if it sticks to the paws	a little more complicated
Auto	10,000-40,000 rub.	Perfectly eliminates due to automatic draining	does not spread only if it sticks to the paws	no need
Toilet nozzle	1300-3000 rub.	It eliminates perfectly if you train your cat to rinse off	doesn't spread	easy to wash
Road	600-1000 rub.	Doesn't eliminate	does not spread only if it sticks to the paws	easy to wash

Dry toilets and automatic devices have appeared on the market relatively recently. They do not require special care and prevent the spread of unpleasant odors throughout the apartment. The disadvantage of such designs is the high price.

Special attachments gradually accustom the pet to a standard toilet. A special role is given to the travel toilet, which is convenient to take with you when transporting a cat over long distances.

Also, in addition to the tray, you need to choose cat litter

Closed toilets (tray houses)

Closed toilets (tray houses) are suitable for zealous diggers and those who like to be alone. The choice of a model of such a tray must be taken very seriously. The kitten may even be scared of some of the options, or you may find them difficult to clean. Such toilets are produced in different sizes; the model can be selected for both a very small kitten and a healthy cat.

Ability to inhibit the spread of unpleasant odors;
Aesthetic appearance;
The filler does not spill out;
The toilet house is very popular with kittens that are shy or have recently settled with new owners.

Additional advantages of popular models:

Models with a transparent door have one advantage - it allows you to determine the time of changing the filler visually;
Some popular designs, called dry closets, have a carbon filter for air purification - the odor is completely concentrated inside and eliminated with the help of adsorbent wipes that absorb all emissions;
The original snail-shaped litter box has an easily removable top for easy cleaning and is equipped with rough steps that “clean” the cat’s paws from stuck granules and crumbs;
Corner models equipped with the necessary accessories are perfect for placement in small spaces;
An interesting version among cat litter boxes are trays built into bedside tables in a special way, which can be matched to the color and tone of the overall interior, and also store kitten care items on the top shelves.

“Decent” cost (not everyone can afford a replacement with a new model, so you need to approach the choice responsibly);
Kittens may be afraid of closed litter boxes for a long time or perceive them as a resting place;
In simpler models of such trays that are not equipped with a filter, the smell is concentrated inside and intensifies when the long-drying filler is rarely changed (the small pet will inhale fumes of stale air every time he visits the toilet, or will look for another latrine).

You can now view current prices and buy a tray for your pet here:

Self-sifting toilet

Perhaps the most hygienic option of all trays. All you need is to tilt the tray to the side, and the soiled filler will be poured through the mesh into a special tray. You then remove the tray and throw the waste into the trash. You don't have to go through such a tedious and unpleasant procedure as sifting through used cat litter with a spatula. Everything happens automatically.

It should be noted that not all animals like this design - it is not very stable. And the price is steep (from 5,000 rubles). Often you can only buy such a tray in a foreign online store.

Rating of the best litter boxes (trays) for cats for 2022

Open models

This is the most common type. It is easier to clean, wash and disinfect a tray of this type. In addition, they are much cheaper.

Triol P666

This sample is shaped like a triangle. Thanks to this parameter, the toilet can be placed in any corner of the house, and it will not be so conspicuous.

The model has sides, they are high and rounded. This is another advantage, since the filling will not spill out over the edges.

As for the material, the manufacturer uses plastic, and what I would like to note is that it is of high quality. It is easy to care for and treating with disinfectants is also not difficult. The set includes a special scoop for cleaning.

The cost of all this pleasure is 1130 rubles.

Triol P666

Advantages:

The tray does not turn over under the weight of the animal;
The dimensions and shape are optimal for any room;
Nice color scheme.

Flaws:

Not detected.

SAVIC Aseo

The sample price is slightly less. In appearance it resembles a trough. The design is quite simple, but the design is, let's say, ergonomic.

This option is suitable for those furry ones who love to dig deeper into the filler. There is a deep space here, filled with a lot of filler. When digging, the contents do not fly out.

The plastic used in production does not absorb odor and does not release it into the environment. You can increase the space of the tray with a simple movement, just by removing the profile.

Despite the fact that the sides are high, it will not be difficult for a small kitten to get in thanks to the lower height of the edge.

SAVIC Aseo

Advantages:

Reasonable price – 814 rubles;
In terms of size, the capacity increases and is suitable not for one, but for two cats at once;
Easy to care for.

Flaws:

Not shock resistant, material may crack.

Modern Lift to Sift Large

An interesting model in its design, which has a one-piece body. There is a grille and, just like in previous models, sides, they are high here too, but only on three sides, the fourth does not have them and is open. The animal gets inside through this side.

The grille does not deform from the weight of even a heavy cat, since the material is very dense plastic.

Modern Lift to Sift Large

Advantages:

Attractive appearance;
The space around will not be polluted;
The drive may not be used here.

Flaws:

The smell is absorbed into the material;
In this case, product maintenance is carried out more often.

Moderna Arist – O – Tray Small

The most budget option in this line. Its cost is only 170 rubles. Unlike all previous samples, this one has low sides. This product is aimed at consumers who have small kittens at home who are already trained to go to the toilet in a litter box. The color scheme looks quite impressive.

The design itself is very simple, but at the same time it ensures the kitten can easily get inside. The dimensions of this model are neither large nor small, but the most optimal for easy and simple handling and emptying of contents.

It wouldn’t be a shame to replace such a tray more than once in a few months if its integrity is damaged.

Moderna Arist – O – Tray Small

Advantages:

Budget cost;
Cleaning this plastic is very easy;
The shape ensures unobstructed care even in the deepest corners.

Flaws:

The presence of low sides does not protect against spilling of contents;
The plastic, which is soft in texture, is not shock-resistant;
It can absorb unpleasant odors and spread them around the room.

Imac Fred

The tray model is interesting in its design. The presence of high sides and rounded edges are all ideal parameters for adult cats. On top of all this is high-quality and very durable plastic. Long-term operation is a positive aspect when choosing for the consumer himself.

Due to the thoughtful design, the floor around is not dirty. The filler will remain inside, even with the most intense movement of the cat.

The angular shape allows you to place the tray in any secluded place in the room, to hide it, so to speak, from prying eyes. It will be easier for your pet to climb inside thanks to the recesses on those same sides.

If the owner feels that there is an unpleasant odor in the apartment, just add a little filler, and not

Imac Fred

Advantages:

Thoughtful form;
Long term use;
Prevents contamination around the tray.

Flaws:

The model is aimed exclusively at adult breeds; small ones will have difficulty getting inside;
It is not cheap - about 1300 rubles.

Closed models

Such samples represent a kind of image of a house, and according to experts, animals feel more comfortable in them than, say, in open trays. With these species, it is common to remove the top cover to change the contents.

Let's look at representatives of this type.

Modern Trendy Cat Cats In Love

Will ideally fit into the interior of any room. The material is very durable, its quality is capable of preventing the spread of odors that are unpleasant to humans. In addition, the material is very resistant to damage. There will be no scratches, chips, or broken parts.

Let's take a look at the building. It consists of two parts - upper and lower. They are detachable. By removing the upper part, the lower part can be used to train small kittens to the tray, and when the pet grows up, he will feel comfortable in a closed tray. The existing handle on the lid is used to carry the entire structure.

Manufacturers included a dustpan and a carbon filter in the set. They greatly simplify the cleaning process.

Modern Trendy Cat Cats In Love

Advantages:

Attractive design;
Large dimensions;
Durable and high quality material;
The existing filter absorbs odor.

Flaws:

A somewhat high price - a little more than 2 thousand rubles;
To wash the tray, you must first disassemble it and then reassemble it.

Curver Pet Life

Perhaps the most versatile model in terms of the size of the furry household. If the tray will be used for a small kitten, then to make it easier for him to get inside, the manufacturer has provided a small step.

Environmentally friendly and very durable material, combined with a convenient design, justify the not-so-low price, namely 4,700 rubles.

An improvised house - the toilet consists of two parts. In addition, there is a small space where a scoop is placed - a spatula and a handle, which is attached to the lid before carrying.

Curver Pet Life

Advantages:

Convenient to carry;
Attractive design;
Versatile in use.

Flaws:

It costs expensive.

Ferplast Maxi Bella

Here we are dealing with a manufacturer from Italy. Designed for use as a litter box for large cats. Or suitable for such an option as several cats. Two collapsible parts allow for simplified maintenance. The lid itself contains a filter to reduce unpleasant odors.

The cat can get inside without any hindrance. When digging through the filler, you shouldn’t be afraid that it will end up on the floor. The case is reliably protected from opening.

Those who have already become the proud owner of this model note that urine does not flow into the corners and does not remain there when washing.

Ferplast Maxi Bella

Advantages:

Can be purchased for both cats and small breed dogs;
High-quality execution;
Great looks.

Flaws:

Despite the fact that this sample costs slightly less than the previous one, it still remains expensive - 4,300 rubles.

SAVIC Duchesse

The most budget model in this product category. The cost is a little more than 800 rubles.

There are some restrictions when purchasing, for example, the product is aimed at kittens. It is worth accustoming to this tray gradually. First, unfasten the lid and leave the tray as it is so that the animal gets used to it. When the process becomes a habit, the lid can be returned. The attachment design of the lid and tray is very reliable. If you try to turn the house over, the individual parts will not separate, and the litter with excrement will not fall out.

At the “entrance” inside there is a plastic makeshift door. It opens inward.

Ease of use and maintenance results in low cost.

SAVIC Duchesse tray

Advantages:

Affordable price;
Transparent door that allows you to control the contents;
Nice appearance.

Flaws:

Not suitable for large breeds.

Home Cat

The last example in the rating. Quite a simple design, but despite its simplicity, the design is resistant to turning over.

You can buy a Home Cat when you are still a baby and keep it for a long time, when the pet becomes an adult. Dimensions are suitable for both options. The smooth material does not allow liquid to linger on the walls inside and dry out; everything flows down. As for the entrance opening, it is quite large here. And just like in the previous version, the door is transparent. Therefore, in order to see how things are inside and whether it is worth replacing the filling, you just need to look through the door inside, and not disassemble the two parts, unfastening them from each other.

Home Cat tray

Advantages:

Tall and comfortable toilet for a pet;
Easy to disassemble and assemble;
Increased wear and tear due to the thick plastic used in production.

Flaws:

Not detected.