What Types of Litter Trays Are Available?
Open Trays
Simple, affordable, and easy to clean. Most cats prefer open trays as they allow easy escape routes and good ventilation. However, litter can be kicked outside the tray.
Covered/Hooded Trays
Contain mess and odour better. Some cats dislike the enclosed feeling, and odour can build up inside if not cleaned frequently. The RSPCA notes that many cats prefer uncovered trays.
Top-Entry Trays
Cats enter from the top, reducing litter tracking. Good for households with dogs who like to investigate the litter tray. May not suit elderly or mobility-impaired cats.
Self-Cleaning Trays
Automated systems that rake or rotate to separate clumps. Convenient but expensive, and some cats are frightened by the motor noise.
How Many Litter Trays Does an Indoor Cat Need?
The widely accepted formula is one tray per cat plus one extra. For a single indoor cat, this means two trays. For two cats, three trays. This is recommended by the RSPCA, Cats Protection, and International Cat Care.
Having multiple trays is important because cats may refuse to use a soiled tray, and some cats prefer to urinate in one location and defecate in another.
Where Should You Place Litter Trays in Your Home?
- Quiet locations — Away from washing machines, tumble dryers, and busy walkways
- Away from food and water — Cats instinctively separate their toilet area from eating areas
- Different rooms — Place trays in separate rooms so your cat always has a clean, accessible option
- Easy access — Avoid locations behind closed doors or up/down stairs for elderly cats
- Escape routes — Ensure your cat can see the room from the tray and is not cornered
What Type of Cat Litter Is Best for Indoor Cats?
- Clumping clay — Most popular. Easy to scoop, good odour control. Heavier to dispose of.
- Non-clumping clay — Affordable but needs full replacement more often.
- Silica crystal — Excellent odour absorption, longer lasting, but some cats dislike the texture.
- Paper-based — Lightweight, eco-friendly, good for sensitive paws. Less effective at odour control.
- Wood pellet — Natural, good odour control, biodegradable. Can be tracked around the house.
- Tofu/corn-based — Biodegradable, flushable (check local regulations), and increasingly popular in the UK.
What Are the Recommended Products?
Catit PIXI Top-Entry Litter Box
Stylish top-entry design reduces litter tracking. Built-in scoop holder. Large enough for most adult cats.
Approximate price: ~£30
Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
Spacious covered tray with carbon filter for odour control. Swinging door for easy cat access.
Approximate price: ~£20
Petsafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Automatic raking system with disposable crystal trays. Hands-free cleaning for up to 30 days.
Approximate price: ~£130
World’s Best Cat Litter (Clumping)
Plant-based clumping litter made from whole-kernel corn. Quick clumping, easy to scoop, flushable.
Approximate price: ~£15 (3.18 kg)
What Is the Product Comparison?
| Product | Type | Odour Control | Easy to Clean | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catit PIXI Top-Entry | Top-entry box | Good | Manual scoop | ~£30 |
| Catit Jumbo Hooded | Covered box | Carbon filter | Manual scoop | ~£20 |
| PetSafe ScoopFree | Self-cleaning | Excellent | Automatic | ~£130 |
| World’s Best Cat Litter | Plant-based clumping | Very good | Easy scoop | ~£15 |
What Is the Key Terms / Glossary?
- Litter tray: A container filled with absorbent material where cats urinate and defecate indoors
- Clumping litter: Cat litter that forms solid clumps when wet, making it easy to scoop out soiled sections
- Litter tracking: When cats carry small pieces of litter on their paws and deposit them outside the tray
- Carbon filter: An activated charcoal filter fitted to covered litter trays to absorb odour
- Substrate preference: A cat’s individual preference for the type and texture of litter material
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean the litter tray?
Scoop clumps and solids at least once daily. Completely empty, wash, and refill the tray with fresh litter every 1-2 weeks, or as recommended by the litter manufacturer.
Why does my indoor cat go outside the litter tray?
Common reasons include a dirty tray, wrong litter type, stressful tray location, medical issues (UTIs, kidney disease), or not enough trays in a multi-cat home. If the behaviour starts suddenly, see your vet.
Is covered or uncovered better for indoor cats?
Most cats prefer uncovered trays because they offer better ventilation and visibility. However, some cats like the privacy of a cover. Offer both initially and let your cat choose.
Can I use scented litter for my indoor cat?
Most cats dislike scented litter. Unscented litter with good clumping or crystal absorption is better for odour control without deterring your cat from using the tray.
Where should I NOT place a litter tray?
Avoid placing trays next to food bowls, in high-traffic areas, near noisy appliances, in dead-end corners with no escape route, or behind closed doors.
Sources & References
- PDSA – Cat Care Advice
- RSPCA – Cat Welfare
- Blue Cross – Cat Advice
- Cats Protection – Help & Advice
- International Cat Care – Cat Advice
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