A cat litter box or tray isn’t the most fun purchase on your cat shopping list, especially when there are cute collars, engaging toys, snuggly beds and delicious treats to choose from. But it’s probably one of the most important buys you’ll make as a cat parent. That’s because if your cat doesn’t like their litter tray, they won’t use it which will lead to all sorts of messy problems. It’s important to consider your cat’s needs when shopping for the right cat litter box or tray.

Read on to understand what you should consider and the types of littter trays available.

If you’ve ever watched your cat groom themselves, you’ll know they can be pretty obsessed with being clean. The same applies to their litter tray (aka their bathroom) - it’s got to be spotless for them to use it.

Here are 5 things to consider when hunting for the perfect cat litter box or tray. Bear in mind that your cat gets the final say over their litter tray. If they don’t like it or won’t use it, you’ll have to keep searching.

There are definitely advantages to buying a self-cleaning litter box - here are just 3 of them.

1. 1. Your cat’s size. Getting your cat a litter tray too small for them is the human equivalent of being stuck in a portaloo. It’s uncomfortable, cramped and those smells are hard to escape. Give your cat a throne worthy of them by making sure you buy a litter tray that’s about 1.5 times their size. It’s a good idea to measure your cat before you buy, if possible.
   2. Your cat’s age. Kittens and younger cats can normally tackle high sides and entries without problem. But for older cats, they need a litter tray they can easily step into, which doesn’t involve any climbing. As cats get older, they can develop arthritis which means squatting down to pee is a lot harder. Litter boxes or trays with high backs and sides to minimise any wee sprays but with low entries are ideal for these cats.
   3. Your cat’s behaviour. Some cats like to be in and out with no mess, no fuss. Other cats like to throw and kick cat litter absolutely everywhere. Sound like your cat? Go for high sides and backs to contain their enthusiastic litter kicks.
      Your cleaning preferences. As a cat parent, it’s your job to clean up after them. This includes scooping out the waste from their litter box or tray. If you’re really not keen on this, you might need to think about an automatic litter box which is self-cleaning (more on this below).
   4. Your budget. Cat litter boxes and trays start from around $15 and can run into the hundreds for automatic ones. Most cat litter trays, especially the more affordable and simple ones, aren’t a one-off buy. Over time, it’s normal for them to get scratched or nicked by your cat’s claws. These scratches can retain smells and dirt which can put your cat off using them. You can expect to replace a basic cat litter tray every 6 months or so. (You also need to factor in the cost of regularly changing the cat litter.)

Now you know what to consider when shopping, here are the 3 types of cat litter boxes and trays including an idea of what cats they’re most suitable for.

• • Basic litter tray
    A basic litter tray is affordable, durable and easy to keep clean. They normally suit most cats, especially because they’re fairly simple for all cats to get into and out of. You’ll probably need to replace a basic litter tray every 6 months or when they get too scratched. To contain the cat litter, look for litter trays that have high sides and backs. There are eco-friendly options too, made from plant-based materials that will naturally break down once your cat is done with it.

Basic litter trays are great for: cats of all ages, especially kittens and older cats with mobility problems.

• • Hooded litter tray
    If you really want to contain the cat litter, a hooded litter tray is a great option. As well as keeping cat litter inside, they can trap smells too, especially if the hooded litter tray has a carbon filter. Plus, hooded litter trays give cats more privacy which can make them more likely to use them. Front doors also keep other pets out. However, you do need to make sure the hooded litter tray is big enough. If it’s too small, it’s more likely to trap odours and litter dust around your cat as they use it.

Hooded litter trays are great for: cats that like to kick the cat litter around and laid-back cats that don’t mind being in an enclosed space.

• • Scoop-free / self-cleaning / automatic litter tray
    It’s not quite a robot that cleans up after your cat but automatic litter trays (also known as scoop-free or self-cleaning) are pretty close. Once your cat has used their litter box, it kicks into action. This normally involves either the automatic or manual (think you pulling a lever) raking or sifting of solid waste into a tray below, ready for you to empty. Some of the smartest automatic litter boxes have a safety sensor that stops the automatic rake if your cat is in the box. Sure, they’re expensive, but can you put a price on never having to scoop your cat’s poo again?

Automatic litter trays are great for: cats that don’t mind the noise of the humming motor (kittens may find this too much) and cats that don’t have mobility problems as they normally have a high entrance.

So there you have it - a guide to choosing the right cat litter tray for your pet! If you’re still not sure or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz.