Best Cat Litter Trays & Accessories
Find the perfect litter tray to keep your home fresh and your cat comfortable
Last Updated: 27 May 2026
Website: pethubonline.com
Business: Pet Hub Online
Table of Contents
- Why the Right Cat Litter Tray Matters
- Top 5 Best Cat Litter Trays
- Shop by Cat Litter Tray Type
- How to Choose the Right Cat Litter Tray
- Who This Page Is For
- Cat Litter Trays FAQ
- Why Pet Owners Trust Pet Hub Online
- Explore More Cat Essentials
- Find the Perfect Cat Litter Tray Today
- Useful Tips for Every Pet Owner
Why the Right Cat Litter Tray Matters
A clean, well-chosen cat litter tray is one of the most important investments you can make for your cat’s health and your home’s hygiene. Cats are naturally fastidious animals that instinctively bury their waste, and providing them with a suitable tray encourages proper toileting habits, reduces stress, and prevents unwanted accidents around the home. The wrong tray — whether too small, too difficult to access, or poorly maintained — can lead to litter avoidance, behavioural problems, and even urinary health issues.
Whether you have a single indoor cat, a busy multi-cat household, or a new kitten, this guide will help you find cat litter trays that are hygienic, practical, and perfectly suited to your cat’s size, habits, and preferences.
Scroll down to explore our top 5 best cat litter trays and shop by tray type to find the ideal match for your home.
Top 5 Best Cat Litter Trays
These are our top picks for clean, hygienic, and easy-to-maintain cat litter trays for every home.
Hooded Cat Litter Tray →
An enclosed litter tray with a carbon filter that traps odours and gives your cat complete privacy.
- Hooded design — contains mess and gives cats a private, den-like space
- Activated carbon filter — neutralises odours at the source
- Swing door entry — easy access while keeping litter scatter contained
- Large capacity — suitable for cats of all sizes including large breeds
- Easy-clean smooth interior — wipe down in seconds for quick maintenance
Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box →
An automatic self-cleaning litter box that scoops and separates waste after each use.
- Automatic raking system — scoops waste into a sealed drawer hands-free
- Reduces daily scooping — only empty the waste drawer once a week
- Odour-lock receptacle — keeps smells sealed and contained
- Quiet motor — won’t startle even the most nervous cats
- Compatible with clumping litter — standard supermarket brands work perfectly
Large Cat Litter Tray with High Sides →
A spacious open-top tray with extra-high sides to prevent litter scatter and spillage.
- Extra-high sides — prevents litter being kicked out during digging
- Generous dimensions — comfortable for large breeds like Maine Coons
- Non-stick surface — clumps slide off for effortless cleaning
- Low-cut entry point — accessible for kittens and senior cats
- Durable BPA-free plastic — built to last with daily use
Corner Cat Litter Tray →
A space-saving triangular tray designed to fit neatly into any corner of your home.
- Corner-fit design — maximises floor space in small flats and rooms
- High back walls — prevents splashing and litter scatter
- Open front — easy access for cats of all ages and mobility levels
- Lightweight construction — simple to lift, empty, and wash
- Discreet placement — tucks away neatly out of sight
Cat Litter Tray with Sifting System →
A multi-layer sifting tray that separates clean litter from clumps without scooping.
- Three-part sifting system — lift, sift, and separate waste in seconds
- No scooping needed — saves time on daily litter maintenance
- Works with clumping litter — compatible with all major clumping brands
- Deep tray base — holds plenty of litter for extended use
- Easy to disassemble — simple to wash and reassemble
Shop by Cat Litter Tray Type
Find the right cat litter tray based on your home size, cleaning preference, and your cat’s personality.
Open Litter Trays
Best for easy access and ventilation. Simple, uncovered trays that are affordable, easy to clean, and well-suited for kittens, anxious cats, or those who prefer open sightlines while toileting.
Hooded & Enclosed Trays
Ideal for odour control and privacy. Covered designs with carbon filters trap smells and give cats a secure, den-like space — perfect for busy households with children or other pets.
Self-Cleaning Trays
Great for busy owners who want hands-free maintenance. Automated raking or rotating systems sift waste into sealed compartments, reducing daily scooping to a simple weekly empty.
Sifting & Corner Trays
Perfect for small spaces and quick litter changes. Sifting trays separate clean litter from clumps in seconds, while corner designs maximise floor space in compact homes.
How to Choose the Right Cat Litter Tray
Choosing the right cat litter tray comes down to your cat’s size, your home layout, cleaning preferences, and any specific health or behavioural needs. A well-chosen tray promotes consistent use and keeps your home fresh.
📏 Choose the Right Size
The tray should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to base of tail. A tray that is too small will be uncomfortable and may cause your cat to eliminate outside the box.
- Standard adult cats need a tray measuring at least 50 cm x 40 cm.
- Large breeds like Maine Coons need extra-large trays — 60 cm x 45 cm or bigger.
- Kittens can start with a smaller, low-sided tray and transition to full-size by 6 months.
- In multi-cat homes, provide one tray per cat plus one extra to prevent resource guarding.
🏠 Open vs Hooded Design
The choice between open and hooded trays depends on your cat’s personality and your household environment. Each design has distinct advantages.
- Open trays: Better ventilation, easier to clean, preferred by anxious cats who need to see their surroundings.
- Hooded trays: Contain odour and scatter, offer privacy, ideal for busy homes with children or dogs.
- Top-entry trays: Excellent scatter control, dog-proof, but not suitable for senior or mobility-impaired cats.
- If unsure, start with an open tray — most cats accept them readily.
🧹 Consider Ease of Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential for your cat’s health. Choose a tray that fits your lifestyle and cleaning routine.
- Choose trays with smooth, non-stick interiors that wipe clean easily.
- Sifting trays save time — lift, sift, and separate waste in seconds.
- Self-cleaning models are ideal if you struggle to scoop daily.
- Replace plastic trays every 6–12 months as scratches harbour bacteria and odour.
- Scoop at least twice daily — ammonia and hydrogen sulphide off-gas almost immediately, so frequent cleaning is the most effective odour control strategy.
- Use activated carbon or charcoal additives to neutralise odours rather than masking them with heavily perfumed litters that can deter cats.
- Weekly full clean: empty all used litter, wash the tray with warm water and mild unscented detergent, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before adding fresh litter.
- Monthly inspection: check for scratches, cracks, or damage that harbour bacteria — deep-clean with a pet-safe disinfectant and allow to air dry fully.
- Maintain a litter depth of 5–7 cm and ensure good ventilation in the tray room to reduce lingering smells.
- Monitor your cat’s litter habits — changes in frequency, unusual odour, or blood are early warning signs of urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or diabetes.
🐱 Think About Your Cat’s Preferences
Every cat has individual preferences around their toileting environment. Observing your cat’s behaviour is the best guide to choosing the right tray.
- Cats that dig vigorously need high-sided trays to contain scatter.
- Shy or nervous cats may prefer a hooded tray for privacy and security.
- Senior cats need trays with a low-cut entry point for easy access.
- If your cat suddenly stops using the tray, try a different style or location before assuming a medical issue.
- Placement matters: keep trays away from food and water bowls — cats refuse to eat and toilet in the same area. Avoid high-traffic zones and spots near loud appliances.
- In multi-storey homes, place at least one tray on each floor so your cat always has easy access.
- For multi-cat households, spread trays across different rooms — a row of trays in one location is seen by cats as a single large tray, defeating the purpose of multiple options.
- Quiet bathrooms, utility rooms, and spare bedrooms are consistently popular locations for cat litter trays.
Who This Page Is For
Choosing the right cat litter tray isn’t one-size-fits-all. This guide is designed to help every cat owner find the perfect solution based on their cat’s needs, home layout, and lifestyle.
🐱 New Kitten Owners
If you’re bringing home a kitten for the first time, this guide covers low-sided starter trays, litter training tips, and the best tray types for young cats still developing coordination and confidence.
🏠 Multi-Cat Households
Managing litter trays in a multi-cat home requires the right number, placement, and tray styles. We cover the n+1 rule, territorial considerations, and the best trays for homes with two or more cats.
🧓 Senior Cat Owners
Older cats with arthritis or reduced mobility need trays with low-cut entry points, easy-access designs, and generous dimensions. This guide highlights the best options for keeping senior cats comfortable.
Cat Litter Trays FAQ
How many cat litter trays do I need?
The general recommendation is one cat litter tray per cat, plus one extra. For a single cat household, having two trays is ideal. For two cats, three trays are recommended, and so on. This ensures every cat always has access to a clean tray and reduces the risk of resource guarding or territorial behaviour around the litter area.
How often should I replace cat litter trays?
Plastic trays should typically be replaced every six to twelve months, or sooner if they become heavily scratched. Scratches in the plastic create microscopic grooves where bacteria and odour-causing compounds can accumulate and cannot be fully cleaned away. Stainless steel cat litter trays last considerably longer and can be an economical long-term investment.
Why is my cat not using the litter tray?
There are many possible reasons a cat may avoid using a litter tray, including: the tray is not being cleaned frequently enough; the litter type has changed; the tray is in a stressful or noisy location; the tray is too small; a medical condition such as a urinary tract infection is causing pain; or stress from a change in the household. Always consult your vet first to rule out health issues, then work through environmental and litter-related factors systematically.
What depth of litter should I put in cat litter trays?
Most cats prefer a litter depth of approximately 5–7 cm. This gives them enough material to dig and cover their waste effectively, which is an important part of their natural behaviour. Too little litter and your cat may refuse to use the tray or waste will reach the bottom of the tray and stick. Too much litter can cause excessive scatter and may make some cats uncomfortable.
Should I use a liner in my cat litter trays?
Litter tray liners can make cleaning easier by allowing you to lift out all the used litter in one go, but they are not universally accepted by cats. Some cats dislike the feel or crinkle of plastic liners and may scratch or shred them, which defeats the purpose. If you want to try liners, introduce them gradually and if your cat rejects them, do not force the issue.
Can I use cat litter trays for kittens?
Yes, a standard tray is suitable for kittens, but choose a smaller option with low sides to start so the kitten can climb in and out easily. Very young kittens under 8 weeks may need extra-low sides. As the kitten grows, transition them gradually to a full-size tray. Avoid hooded designs for very young kittens as the enclosed space can be confusing and intimidating.
What is the best way to dispose of used cat litter?
In the UK, most used cat litter should be bagged securely and placed in your general waste bin — it cannot go in food waste or garden waste collections due to the risk of toxoplasmosis from cat faeces. Some biodegradable litters such as wood pellet or paper-based options can be composted in a dedicated compost bin. Never flush cat litter down the toilet, as it can damage plumbing and water treatment systems.
Useful Tips for Every Pet Owner
Beyond choosing the right tray, these practical guides will help you get the most out of your cat litter setup — from picking the best litter type to training a new kitten.
Complete Guide to Cat Litter Types
Choosing the right litter for your cat litter trays is just as important as choosing the tray itself. The four most common types available in the UK are clumping clay, silica gel crystals, wood pellets, and recycled paper.
- Clumping clay litter — the most popular choice, forming solid clumps when wet for quick scooping and excellent odour control.
- Silica gel crystals — absorb moisture and can last up to four weeks between full changes, making them economical despite a higher upfront cost.
- Wood pellet litter — 100% biodegradable, made from compressed sawdust with a naturally pleasant pine scent. The most eco-friendly option.
- Recycled paper litter — soft on paws and virtually dust-free, ideal for cats recovering from surgery or those with respiratory sensitivities.
- Ensure your cat accepts the texture — some cats are particular about substrate and may reject an unfamiliar litter type. Transition gradually by mixing old and new litter over a week.
How to Litter Train a Kitten
Most kittens take to cat litter trays instinctively, but a gentle introduction helps establish good habits early. Here is a step-by-step approach to successful litter training.
- Introduce early: place your kitten directly into the tray after meals, after naps, and any time you observe sniffing or circling behaviour.
- Start with a low-sided tray so the kitten can climb in easily, and keep it in a consistent, accessible location away from food and water.
- Never punish accidents — simply clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner and redirect them to their tray.
- Kittens have small bladders and may need access to trays every 30 to 60 minutes during active periods.
- Consistency and patience are the keys to success — most kittens are fully trained within one to two weeks of consistent use.
- Avoid hooded designs for very young kittens as the enclosed space can be confusing and intimidating.
Travelling with Cats & Portable Litter Solutions
Whether you are moving house, visiting the vet, or going on a longer trip, having a portable litter solution ensures your cat remains comfortable and stress-free during travel.
- Disposable travel trays — lightweight, pre-filled options perfect for short journeys and hotel stays.
- Collapsible silicone trays — fold flat for easy packing and expand to full size when needed.
- Bring litter from your cat’s existing tray — the familiar scent encourages use in an unfamiliar environment.
- For long car journeys, set up a small tray in a secure carrier and offer breaks every two to three hours.
- When moving house, confine your cat to one room initially with their familiar tray before gradually giving them access to the rest of the home.
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Find the Perfect Cat Litter Tray Today
Whether you are setting up a home for a new kitten, upgrading from a basic open tray to a self-cleaning model, or managing a busy multi-cat household, there is a perfect solution waiting for you. Explore our curated selection of cat litter trays — all available with fast UK delivery.
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