Buy Cat Litter Trays

When a cat goes to the toilet outside, it will choose to do so on soft soil, sand or other material that allows for easy burial. Cat litter trays are designed to replicate this environment indoors.

Types of Cat Litter Tray

Plastic cat litter trays are perhaps the most common type. These are open top trays that are available in a variety of colours and sizes. The tray must be large enough for your cat to turn around in before going to the toilet, as many cats like to do this. If there are a lot of misses, you may need to purchase a larger tray. The walls of the tray will need to be high enough to prevent accidental mess.

Hooded or covered cat litter trays are the other main option available. These trays are designed to provide privacy for your cat, and also keep the cat litter out of open sight. Covered cat litter trays ensure that the litter stays in the tray. These trays often have a cat flap style entrance. Some models include a filter to reduce the effects of any smell inside the tray.

Disposable litter trays are also available. These are hygienic and easy to use, and can be made from biodegradable material in order to be more environmentally friendly. These trays are ideal for use at the vets or with new kittens.

Some cat litter trays incorporate technology that is designed to enable the tray to clean itself. A pressure pad or infrared light will sense when the cat has left the tray, and a comb will rake through the litter and deposit the mess into a bag. The tray is programmed to wait for a few minutes after the cat has left, so that the cleaning system does not frighten the cat.

You can give your cat the option of using both an open and a closed litter tray. Cats will soon demonstrate which kind of litter tray they prefer!

Cat Litter Tray Tips

Cat litter trays should be situated away from the cat’s food area. Place the tray somewhere that is quiet where the cat will not be disturbed, and where the cat will have privacy. An older cat may need to have a litter tray placed on top of puppy training pads if they mess, and positioned near to their bed if they are no longer active. If your older cat is not very agile, they will also need a litter tray with very low sides to allow for easy access.

Some cats can be territorial over their litter tray and will prevent other cats from going to the toilet in that area of the house. If you have more than one cat you may need to have one tray per cat and place them apart. A spare cat litter tray may also be needed if your cat is fussy and will not use a dirty tray.

It is important to keep cat litter trays clean. Cats are naturally clean and fussy animals, and may refuse to use a dirty tray. Do not use a disinfectant with a very strong smell as this may deter your cat. The best method of cleaning a cat litter tray is with hot soapy water. Trays should be washed out at least once a week.

There are several different kinds of cat litter available. Cat litters are designed to absorb moisture and smells. Fine litter is often preferred by cats. Some types of cat litter can even be flushed down the toilet. If your cat is not using their litter tray you can try changing the type of litter as this may be the cause of the problem.

Pregnant women should not touch cat litter due to the slight risk of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that can be harmful to the unborn baby.

Cat Litter Training

Kittens will often have learnt to use a litter tray from their mother. If not, begin toilet training your kitten by introducing it to the tray. Encourage them to scratch in the tray and get used to it. Keep placing your kitten in the tray after eating, sleeping or playing as these are the times they will probably need to go to the toilet.

Praise your kitten for using the tray. Positive reinforcement works better than trying to punish accidents. If there is an accident, clean up thoroughly and ensure that no odour remains or your kitten may use the same place again. Keep the cat litter tray clean all the time to encourage use.

Kittens will need to have a low sided tray whilst they are small, and this will need to be replaced by a tray with higher sides once they have grown.

Recommended Shops for Cat Litter Trays

These stores all offer a good selection of cheap cat litter boxes and accessories.

PetPlanet

Cat litter trays, liners and accessories from Petplanet. See the range at Petplanet now.

Seapets

See the cat litter trays and accessories at Seapets now.