How to Choose the Best Litter Tray: Size, Covered vs Open, Dog Proofing, Odour and Cleaning 🐱🧺

By Dr Duncan Houston

A litter tray might seem like a simple household item, but it plays a huge role in your cat’s daily comfort and behaviour.

When the tray is the right size, placed in the right location, and cleaned properly, most cats use it reliably for life. When it is too small, poorly placed, or dirty, problems quickly appear such as accidents outside the tray, wall spraying, or stress related behaviours.

In this guide I will walk you through how to choose the right litter tray, where to place it, how to control odour, and how to solve common problems such as dogs raiding the litter box.

📏 Why Bigger Is Almost Always Better

Many commercial litter trays are simply too small for adult cats.

Cats perform a natural toileting routine that includes entering the tray, sniffing, circling, digging, eliminating, and covering the waste. This process requires space.

When a tray is too small, several problems occur.

😾 Cats may urinate against the wall or rim
🧽 Cats may step in their own waste
🚫 Some cats avoid the tray entirely

As a general rule, the tray should be at least 1.5 times your cat’s body length measured from nose to the base of the tail.

For most adult cats this means a tray roughly:

📏 50 to 70 cm long
📏 35 to 50 cm wide

Large breeds or long bodied cats often need jumbo trays or repurposed storage containers.

When in doubt, choose the larger option.

📐 How to Measure the Right Litter Tray

A few simple measurements help ensure the tray is comfortable.

Length

Minimum of 1.5 times your cat’s body length.

Width

Your cat should be able to turn around without touching both sides.

Side height

Around 15 to 20 cm helps contain litter scatter.

Entry height

A lower entry of about 7 to 10 cm makes access easier for kittens and older cats.

Litter depth

Maintain about 5 to 7 cm of litter. Too shallow allows urine to pool. Too deep may discourage digging.

🛖 Covered vs Open Litter Trays

One of the most common questions is whether to choose a covered tray or an open tray.

Both can work well depending on the cat and the household.

Covered Litter Trays

Covered trays provide a lid or enclosure over the box.

Advantages

🕊 Privacy for shy cats
🐶 Helps prevent dogs eating cat waste
🧹 Reduces litter scatter
🏠 Can look tidier in the home

Potential drawbacks

🌬 Odours can build up inside
🔎 Owners may check them less often
🐱 Some cats dislike reduced visibility

If you use a covered tray, choose one with good ventilation and make sure it is cleaned frequently.

Open Litter Trays

Open trays have no lid.

Advantages

🌬 Better airflow and ventilation
🧹 Easier to scoop and clean
👀 Many cats prefer open visibility

Potential drawbacks

🌀 Litter may scatter outside the tray
🐶 Dogs may access the waste

High sided open trays with a low entry often provide a good balance.

Top Entry Litter Trays

Top entry trays require the cat to jump in through a hole in the lid.

They are particularly useful when dogs are present.

Advantages

🔒 Excellent dog proofing
🧹 Reduced litter tracking

Limitations

🐾 Difficult for kittens
🧓 Not ideal for elderly or arthritic cats

These trays are best suited to healthy adult cats.

🐶 Dog Proofing the Litter Box

Dogs are often attracted to cat faeces, which can create hygiene issues.

Ways to prevent this include:

🛖 Using a covered or top entry tray
🚪 Installing a baby gate with a small cat opening
📍 Placing the tray in a room only the cat can access
🧽 Scooping waste promptly

Training dogs with a strong “leave it” command can also help.

🌬 Odour Control That Actually Works

Strong perfumes are not the solution to litter box odour.

Cats have very sensitive noses and heavy fragrances can discourage them from using the tray.

The best odour control strategy is simple.

🧼 Scoop at least once or twice daily
♻ Replace litter regularly
🪣 Wash the tray with mild unscented detergent
🌬 Ensure the location has good ventilation

Many natural litters such as wood based or plant based products provide a naturally pleasant smell without artificial perfume.

Cleanliness always works better than masking smells.

🧰 Litter Tray Materials and Design

Different tray materials and shapes offer different advantages.

Materials

Plastic

The most common option. Lightweight and affordable but may absorb odours over time.

Stainless steel

Very durable, easy to sanitise, and resistant to odours.

Furniture style enclosures

These hide the tray inside cabinets and may help prevent dogs accessing it.

Shapes

Rectangular trays

Usually provide the most usable space.

Corner trays

Useful in small spaces but often too small for many cats.

High back trays

Ideal for cats that dig vigorously or spray high.

📍 Choosing the Right Location

Placement is just as important as tray design.

Cats prefer litter trays that are:

🤫 Quiet and low traffic
🚰 Separate from food and water bowls
🚪 Easy to enter and exit
🌬 Well ventilated

Avoid locations next to loud appliances such as washing machines.

Consistency also matters. Once a cat accepts a location, avoid moving the tray frequently.

➕ How Many Litter Trays Do Cats Need

The golden rule is simple.

One litter tray per cat plus one extra.

For example:

🐱 One cat = two trays
🐱🐱 Two cats = three trays

In multi cat homes, place trays in different areas of the house rather than grouping them together.

This helps prevent competition or territorial blocking.

🧽 A Simple Cleaning Routine

A consistent routine keeps the litter tray fresh and prevents odours.

Daily

🧹 Scoop solid waste and urine clumps once or twice daily.

Weekly

🪣 Empty and wash the tray if using non clumping litter.

Every two to three weeks

♻ Fully refresh clumping litter and wash the tray.

Monthly

🔎 Check the tray for scratches or persistent odour and replace if needed.

🐾 Special Situations

Different cats sometimes need different tray setups.

Kittens

Choose a large open tray with a very low entry so learning is easy.

Avoid clumping litter initially as kittens may ingest it.

Senior or Arthritic Cats

Use trays with very low entry points or ramps.

Place trays on each floor of the house to minimise travel distance.

Large Cats

Large breeds often require extra large trays or modified storage containers.

Adequate headroom is important if using covered trays.

Enthusiastic Diggers or High Sprayers

High back trays or covered designs help prevent litter scatter and wall soiling.

🔎 Behaviour Clues From Your Cat

Cats often communicate litter tray problems through behaviour.

🚶 Standing on the rim may mean the tray is too small or dirty.

🏃 Rushing in and out may indicate the location feels unsafe.

🧻 Eliminating beside the tray may suggest the entry is too high or the litter type is disliked.

Adjusting tray size, location, or litter type often solves these problems.

🎯 Final Thoughts

A well chosen litter tray makes life easier for both cats and owners.

The biggest improvements usually come from simple changes such as using a larger tray, choosing the right placement, and maintaining a consistent cleaning routine.

Providing multiple trays, using natural low dust litter, and ensuring easy access for your cat can dramatically reduce accidents and odour issues.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do cats prefer covered or open litter boxes?
Many cats prefer open trays because they allow better visibility and airflow, though some cats enjoy the privacy of covered trays.

How often should I clean the litter tray?
Scooping once or twice daily is ideal. Regular full litter replacement keeps odours under control.

Why does my cat toilet beside the tray?
Common causes include a tray that is too small, dirty, poorly located, or difficult to enter.

Is one litter tray enough for two cats?
Usually not. Most multi cat households benefit from one tray per cat plus one extra.

If you ever want help troubleshooting litter tray problems or understanding your cat’s behaviour, the ASK A VET™ app allows owners to track health and behaviour changes and access veterinary guidance when needed. 🐾