Quick Answer 🏁

• 📏 Bigger is better: Choose a tray at least 1.5× your cat’s body length (nose to tail base) and wide enough to turn comfortably. Room to choose where to scratch = fewer accidents.
• 🏠 High sides + low entry: High sides reduce scatter; a low or cut-out entry protects joints and helps kittens or seniors.
• 🛖 Lids (covered boxes): Give privacy and dog-proofing but trap odours. If you use one, check and clean more often and ensure good airflow.
• 🌬️ Odour control: Cleanliness beats perfume. Scoop 1–2× daily, refresh regularly, and use a naturally pleasant-smelling litter (e.g., wood’s clean aroma) rather than heavy fragrances.
• 📍 Placement: Quiet, accessible, away from food and noisy appliances. One box per cat, plus one extra.
• 🔒 Dog-proofing: Covered/top-entry box, baby gate with cat gap, or smart furniture placement.

Why “Bigger Is Better” — The Behavioural Science 🧠📐

Your cat’s toileting ritual is a sequence: enter ➜ sniff ➜ circle ➜ dig ➜ eliminate ➜ cover. Each step takes space. Trays that are too small interrupt this flow and create problems:

• 😾 Wall or rim soiling: When cramped, cats position too close to the edge, leading to urine or faeces on walls, rims, or even outside the box.
• 🧽 Self-soiling: Tight quarters make it easy for cats to accidentally step in or sit on fresh waste, dirtying their coat and paws.
• 🧠 Stress & avoidance: If a cat can’t turn, choose a spot to scratch, or cover comfortably, they may seek a bigger “toilet” elsewhere (bath mats, plant pots…).

Goal size: For most adult cats, a tray about 50–70 cm (20–28 in) long and 35–50 cm (14–20 in) wide feels spacious. Large breeds or long-bodied cats often need “jumbo” options or repurposed storage totes. When in doubt, size up. 📏✅

How to Measure the Right Tray Size 📏🧮

1. Length: Measure your cat from nose to tail base. Multiply by 1.5. That’s your minimum internal length.
2. Width: Your cat should turn around without touching the sides; aim for shoulder width × 3 as a guide.
3. Height: Side walls of 15–20 cm (6–8 in) contain scatter. Add a lower entry (7–10 cm) for comfort.
4. Depth of litter: Maintain 5–7 cm (2–3 in). Too shallow = pooling; too deep = some cats won’t dig.

Remember: space lets cats choose where to scratch, which keeps waste centred and covered. 🎯

Covered vs Open Trays: Pros, Cons & How to Choose 🛖🆚🪟

Covered (Lidded) Trays

• 🕊️ Pros: Privacy for shy cats; reduces litter scatter; helps stop dogs eating cat poo; can look tidier in living spaces.
• ⚠️ Cons: Trap odours and humidity; owners forget to check as often; some cats dislike reduced visibility or low headroom.
• 🛠️ Fix: Choose a spacious covered tray with generous headroom and wide door opening. Clean daily. Consider models with carbon vents or lift-off tops for quick scooping.

Open Trays

• 🌬️ Pros: Better ventilation, easier to spot and remove waste, many cats prefer the open sightlines.
• 🌀 Cons: More scatter; not dog-proof unless placement is clever; may look messier in small homes.
• 🛠️ Fix: Choose high sides with a low front entry. Place a good litter mat outside the entry.

Top-Entry Trays

• 🔒 Pros: Excellent at dog-proofing and containing scatter; sleek footprint.
• 🐾 Cons: Can be tricky for kittens, seniors, or arthritic cats; some cats dislike jumping in/out.
• 🛠️ Fix: Use for agile adults; provide an alternative open tray for accessibility.

Bottom line: Covered trays deliver privacy and block dogs, but they demand better owner habits: frequent checks and cleaning. Open trays breathe well and are easy to maintain. Choose what suits your cat’s personality and your household — and keep it big. 💡

Dog-Proofing & Multi-Pet Households 🐶🚫

If your dog raids the “snack bar,” consider:

• 🛖 Covered or top-entry tray: A simple way to block access.
• 🚪 Baby gate with cat gap: Mount a gate with a small pass-through or elevate the tray behind furniture the dog can’t navigate.
• 📍 Smart placement: A quiet corner behind a cat tree, or in a room with a magnetic cat flap.
• ⏰ Timely scooping: The less waste available, the less temptation.
• 🎓 Training: Teach a reliable “leave it” and reward alternative behaviours.

Covered trays also offer privacy for cats who like to toilet without an audience — just remember that lids can hold in bad smells, so you must check and clean more often. 🧽

Odour Control That Actually Works 🌬️🌿

Perfume doesn’t equal clean. True odour control comes from size, ventilation, and routine. Here’s your plan:

• 🧼 Daily scooping: Remove solids and (if clumping) urine clumps 1–2× daily.
• ♻️ Regular refresh: Weekly for non-clumping; every 2–3 weeks for clumping, depending on use.
• 🪣 Box wash: Warm water + mild, unscented detergent; rinse and dry fully to prevent trapped odours in scratches.
• 🌬️ Airflow: Ensure the area is well-ventilated. A small fan nearby (not blowing directly) disperses smells.
• 🌲 Choose a litter with a naturally pleasant smell: For example, wood-based litters often have a clean, naturally strong yet gentle aroma that reads “fresh” without synthetic perfumes. Avoid harsh added fragrances that overwhelm sensitive feline noses.

In short, pick a tray that supports easy maintenance and pair it with a naturally nice-smelling litter. Clean > cover-up. ✨

Tray Materials, Shapes & Features 🧰🧩

Materials

• 🧴 Plastic (most common): Lightweight, affordable, easy to clean. Replace when scratches hold odours.
• 🪵 Composite/wood-look enclosures: Furniture-style cabinets hide trays and can dog-proof. Choose models with ventilation and easy access for cleaning.
• 🪙 Stainless steel: Durable, odour-resistant, and easy to sanitise. Often roomier; higher upfront cost.

Shapes & Layout

• ⬛ Rectangular (classic): Most space-efficient and cat-friendly.
• 🔷 Corner (triangular): Useful in tight spaces but often too small — check interior measurements.
• 🌀 High-back or splash-guard designs: Great for enthusiastic diggers or high-sprayers.

Useful Features

• 🚪 Low entry lip: Accessibility for kittens/seniors.
• 🧲 Clip-on rim/guard: Reduces scatter; still easy to remove for cleaning.
• 🧴 Liner compatibility: Handy for quick full refreshes (but avoid ill-fitting liners that bunch under paws).
• 🧼 Smooth interior corners: Faster, more hygienic clean-up.

Placement & Privacy: Set the Stage for Success 🎭📍

• 🤫 Quiet zone: Away from washers, dryers, subwoofers, and slam-prone doors.
• 🚰 Separate from food/water: Cats prefer distance between dining and toileting.
• 🚪 Clear approach: No dead ends where another pet can block exit routes.
• 🔁 Consistency: Once your cat approves the site, avoid frequent moves.
• 🗺️ Multi-box map: In multi-cat homes, spread boxes across different rooms to prevent territory bottlenecks.

How Many Trays Do You Need? ➕🧮

Use the golden rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. Two cats? Provide three trays. Place them in different locations so each cat can toilet without feeling trapped or watched. More choice = fewer accidents and less stress. 🧘‍♀️

Pair the Tray with the Right Litter 🌿🪵

Your tray choice and litter choice work together. To support your “bigger is better” tray:

• 🌿 Go natural: Wood, paper, or plant-based litters offer a naturally pleasant smell (clean wood, fresh paper, mild grain) without heavy perfumes.
• 🧱 Clumping vs non-clumping: Clumping plant litters are convenient for adults; non-clumping pellets are great for kittens or nibblers.
• 🌬️ Low dust: Protects airways and keeps surfaces cleaner, especially in covered trays.

Choose the litter that your cat actually uses happily and that smells naturally clean to you. If you enjoy a naturally strong but pleasant aroma, wood-based litters often fit the brief without synthetic scents. 🌲🙂

Cleaning Routine: The 10-Minute Weekly System ⏲️🧽

1. Daily (AM & PM): Scoop solids; remove urine clumps if applicable. Top up to maintain 5–7 cm depth.
2. Weekly (non-clumping): Empty, wash with warm water + mild unscented detergent, rinse, dry fully, refill.
3. Every 2–3 weeks (clumping): Full refresh and wash.
4. Monthly: Inspect for scratches, cracks, or stubborn odour — replace tray if needed.
5. Covered trays: Wipe inside roof and vents; stale air collects there.

Set phone reminders and keep a small caddy of supplies near the tray (scooper, bags, gloves, spray bottle). Organisation keeps the box fresh with minimal effort. 📦✅

Special Cases: Kittens, Seniors, Large Breeds & More 🐾🎯

Kittens 🍼

• Choose a large open tray with a low entry so learning is easy.
• Use non-clumping natural pellets at first; kittens explore with their mouths.
• Place the tray where accidents historically happen to encourage success.

Seniors & Arthritic Cats 🧓

• Pick a jumbo tray with very low entry or a ramp; soft mat for grip.
• Consider an open, high-back design to keep cleaning simple.
• Place a tray on each floor of the house to shorten travel distances.

Large or Long-Body Cats 🐈‍⬛

• Seek out extra-large models or repurpose a wide storage tote (cut a low entry).
• Ensure headroom if using a lid; no crouching with the spine curled.

High-Sprayers & Enthusiastic Diggers 💦

• Choose high-back or fully covered; line the surrounding wall with a washable splash guard.
• Use absorbent mats outside the entry.

Multi-Cat Homes 🐈🐈

• Provide multiple large trays spaced throughout the home (not side-by-side only).
• Offer both open and covered options so each cat finds a comfortable choice.

Behaviour Clues: What Your Cat Is Telling You 🗣️🔎

• 🚶 Hovering or perching on the rim: The tray feels cramped or dirty; size up and clean more often.
• 🏃 Quick in-and-out: Location is too exposed or noisy. Relocate to a calmer spot.
• 🧻 Eliminating just outside the box: Entry too high, box too small, lid disliked, or litter type not preferred.
• 🧼 Excessive covering or frantic scratching: May be trying to bury in too little litter; deepen to 5–7 cm.

Troubleshooting Common Problems 🛠️❗

“My cat poos on the wall or outside the box.”

• Upgrade to a larger tray with high back; ensure enough litter depth.
• Check placement for safety and privacy.
• Consider removing/repositioning the lid if your cat is hitting the back wall due to cramped headroom.

“The covered box smells.”

• Scoop more frequently and wipe the lid interior.
• Improve ventilation (use models with vents) and ensure the litter itself has a naturally pleasant smell (e.g., clean wood aroma) rather than strong perfumes.
• If odour persists, try an open high-back tray for better airflow.

“My dog keeps raiding the box.”

• Switch to a covered or top-entry design and gate off the room with a cat gap.
• Scoop promptly and reinforce a “leave it.”

“There’s litter everywhere.”

• Use a larger tray (cats flail less when there’s space).
• Add a litter mat and consider high sides or top-entry.
• Pair with a lower-tracking natural litter.

Accessories That Make Life Easier 🧸🧼

• 🧹 Quality scooper: Metal or sturdy plastic with comfortable grip.
• 🧴 Liners: Useful for quick changes, but ensure a snug fit to avoid bunching.
• 🧻 Litter mats: Capture granules; choose washable, textured designs.
• 🕯️ Odour aids: Charcoal filter in covered lids and naturally pleasant-smelling litter (no heavy perfumes).
• 🧺 Supply caddy: Keep bags, gloves, spray bottle, spare liner together.

Budget & Longevity 💸⏳

Good trays aren’t expensive, but size and material affect price. A roomy plastic tray is affordable and effective; replace annually if scratches trap odour. Stainless steel lasts for years and doesn’t absorb smells. Furniture enclosures cost more but can double as dog-proofing and décor. Allocate budget toward size first; bells and whistles won’t help if the tray is too small. 🛎️❌

Myths & Misconceptions 🧨

• “Cats prefer small, snug boxes.” Most cats prefer space. Small boxes drive mess and accidents.
• “Lids fix odour problems.” Lids hide odour but also trap it. Cleanliness is the fix.
• “Strong perfume = clean.” Heavy fragrances can repel cats. Choose a litter with a naturally strong but pleasant aroma instead, and keep the box clean.
• “One tray is enough for two cats.” Not usually. Provide one per cat + one extra, placed apart.

Your 6-Step Decision Framework 🧭✅

1. Size: Minimum 1.5× body length, roomy width; bigger is better.
2. Style: Open (ventilation, easy cleaning) vs covered/top-entry (privacy, dog-proofing). Match to your cat’s mobility and your household.
3. Sides & entry: High sides to contain scatter; low entry or ramp for accessibility.
4. Placement: Quiet, safe, away from food; multiple locations in multi-cat homes.
5. Litter choice: Naturally pleasant-smelling, low dust; depth 5–7 cm.
6. Maintenance plan: Daily scoop, regular refresh, monthly tray check.

Step-by-Step Setup (Done in 15 Minutes) 🛠️⏲️

1. Place the large tray where your cat already gravitates or in a quiet corner with clear entry/exit.
2. Pour litter to 5–7 cm depth; mark the inside with a line for easy refills.
3. Add a mat at the entry; confirm entry height suits your cat.
4. If using a lid, ensure vents are open and that there’s adequate headroom.
5. Scoop a few grains on top to encourage digging, then show your cat the tray and allow a calm sniff tour.
6. Set AM/PM scoop reminders. Place a caddy with scoop, gloves, bags nearby.

FAQs ❓🐾

Do cats prefer covered or open boxes?

Many prefer open for airflow and visibility; some love privacy. Offer both if space allows and let your cat choose. If you go covered, clean more often.

How high should the sides be?

About 15–20 cm with a 7–10 cm entry suits most cats. High-back models help high-sprayers and vigorous diggers.

What about automatic self-cleaning boxes?

Some cats love them; others are spooked by noise. Ensure they’re spacious and run cycles when the cat isn’t nearby. Keep a traditional tray as a back-up during transitions.

Can I place the tray in the laundry?

Often yes, but avoid machines during spin cycles. Ensure constant access and ventilation; don’t hide the box so well that you forget to clean it.

What’s the ideal litter scent?

Choose a naturally pleasant smell from the litter’s base (e.g., clean wood) rather than strong perfumes. Natural aromas read “fresh” to cats and people.

My cat still goes outside the tray — what now?

Rule out medical issues, then reassess size, placement, litter depth, and lid. Increase tray count and trial an open high-back jumbo model with a naturally nice-smelling litter.

Buyer’s Checklist ✅🛒

• 📏 Jumbo size (≥1.5× body length).
• 🧱 High sides + low entry.
• 🛖 Lid? Only if you’ll check & clean more often; ensure headroom and vents.
• 🌿 Litter with a naturally pleasant aroma (clean wood/paper/grain), low dust.
• 📍 Quiet placement with good airflow.
• ➕ One per cat + one extra, spread apart.
• 🧽 Maintenance plan (AM/PM scoop; scheduled refresh).

Vet Summary: The Big Wins 🧪📌

• Bigger is better: Space reduces wall-soiling, outside-the-box accidents, and self-soiling.
• Lids help privacy & dog-proofing but trap odours — commit to frequent checks and cleaning.
• Naturally good smells from the litter base beat heavy perfumes. Cleanliness is king.
• Placement matters: Quiet, ventilated, accessible, and separated from food.
• Choice prevents conflict: One box per cat + one, open and covered options, and generous size.

Need Personalised Help Choosing a Tray? 📱🐾

Tray choices can feel overwhelming — sizes, lids, entries, and where on earth to put them. If you’d like a personalised plan based on your cat’s age, mobility, habits, and your home’s layout, chat with me on the Ask A Vet app. We can review photos of your current setup and recommend easy upgrades that reduce odour and mess immediately. Visit AskAVet.com and download the app today. 🩺✨