Cat essentials
Litter Boxes and Litter
Most feline house-soiling problems are litter tray problems. Size, number, location and substrate matter more than any product claim on the packaging.
What matters
- Size
- At least one and a half times the length of the cat from nose to tail base.
- Number
- One tray per cat plus one spare, placed in different rooms.
- Entry height
- Low sides for kittens and arthritic seniors; high sides for enthusiastic diggers.
- Substrate
- Most cats prefer fine, unscented, sand-like clumping litter at a depth of 3–5 cm.
- Location
- Quiet, easy to reach, with an escape route and away from food and noisy appliances.
Types and options
Large open tray
Best for: Most cats, most of the time
Watch out: Needs scooping at least twice daily
High-sided tray
Best for: Cats that dig vigorously or spray while toileting
Watch out: Hard for elderly or arthritic cats to enter
Covered tray
Best for: Owners wanting odour containment
Watch out: Traps smells inside and many cats avoid them; never the only option offered
Automatic self-cleaning tray
Best for: Households struggling with daily scooping
Watch out: Noise and movement frighten some cats; they hide changes in urine output that signal illness
Buying notes
Changes in litter habits are a medical signal first and a behaviour issue second. Before changing products, have a vet rule out urinary disease, arthritis and kidney problems.