Litter Boxes/Trays

Cats are very clean and can be quite fussy with their toilet habits.

As a rule of thumb, cats should have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats you should have three boxes.

This lets everyone have their own room and space, and can also help eliminate anything nasty that could be transferred between cats in a multi-cat household. 

How big should a litter tray be?

In general, bigger is better. Litter boxes should be one and a half times the length of your cat from the nose to the base of the tail.

The litter box needs to be big enough to pirouette around in and have enough litter to dig to Australia. (Ok - about 1.5-2 inches)

Where should I put my little box?

Cats usually prefer private and quite places to eliminate, so avoid busy and high-traffic areas of your home. Cats like space. Don't we all.

In a multi-cat household make sure that litter trays are placed in multiple separate locations. If you have a shy or timid cat in multiple cat household, this will allow them access to a litter tray without passing by or getting blocked in by a bully or dominant cat.

In a multi-cat household it’s best to place a litter box on every level of your home.

If you have a senior cat of a cat with medical needs it’s best to place the litter box on the level that’s easier for them to access.

Wherever you choose to place your little box. please ensure it’s nowhere near the cat's food and water. The feeding and toilet areas really do need to be kept separate. Even discounting contamination, cats are instinctively clean, and they can be put off their food if it’s too close to where they eliminate.

What cat litter box should I use?

In general cats prefer large open type litter trays. A good litter tray should have high sides (cat's love throwing their litter around!) and a low entry way. 

High walls can also protect homes from high-peeing cats, keeping the wee inside the box. And while a low entryway might let some extra litter escape, it always allows cats of all ages to get in and out more easily.

Hooded litter trays are also good, but these are more for the convenience of the owner, rather than the cat. Hooded litter trays absolutely look nicer and definitely keep more litter in, but please note that in general cats don’t like flaps. If you do decide to get a hooded tray, at least consider removing the flap.

Cat Litter

There are so many different types of cat litter on the market, it’s all a little overwhelming when trying to decide which one to choose. Selecting one really comes down to what your cat prefers, whilst being affordable for you as their butler, since prices vary widely.  

Remember, every cat is different with their litter preference, just like humans and choosing their favourite toilet roll (for example, anyone remember Izal which was better as tracing paper!?). Instead of bottom friendliness though, it’s about the softness on a kitty’s toe beans.

What type of litter should I use?

Price considerations aside, it comes down to two main types of cat litter

• clumping
• non clumping

Whatever type of litter you choose, it’s highly recommended that you choose one that is unscented. Some litters contain perfume crystals or other scents which can irritate a cat’s olfactory system and can even cause asthma. Plus if you scoop the litter box regularly, they don’t really achieve a lot.  

Clumping cat litter

Clumping is a term used for litter that has been developed to be a lot more absorbent and sticks together when kitty does what kitties do.

Not only is clumping litter easy to use, it’s easy to clean and fairly economical.

Clumping litter also has potential medical benefits. It’s an excellent way to keep on top of your cat’s urine production (extremely important in monitoring your cat’s health) and it also ensures that in a multiple cat household you can quickly recognise any kitty that is showing signs of medical issues.

IMPORTANT

We DON’T recommend clumping litter for kittens. Please note it’s not the clumping litter’s fault, it’s down to mischievous kittens deciding that snacking on the litter is good idea!

Clumping litter can be introduced when your small bean has grown up a bit and has the litter tray down to a fine art. Although each cat is different, cats technically stop being kittens at a year old, so, let’s air on the side of caution and say no clumping litter before their first birthday.

Pros

• easy to clean and replenish
• no need to throw away litter. Scoop up, clean around the sides and when the litter goes low, add more
• litter tray only needs to be fully cleaned once a month
• economical
• soft on paws
• help keep on top of medical issues
• brilliant for multiple cat households

Cons

• depending on which clumping little it can be dusty, so if you or kitty have allergies to dust it might not be your best choice

• need to place away from any water or food bowls due to the dust
• premier clumping litter can be rather expensive
• does tend to stick to paws and track through the house a bit

Non-clumping litter

Like the name suggests, this is litter with particles that don’t clump together, although it’s still made from materials which absorb moisture and odour. The most common type is made from wood pellets.

Wood pellets

Absolutely the best for the environment and there are loads of different types of wood litter to suit every budget, Wood pellets absorb moisture and odours naturally with no need for chemical fragrances.

Pros

• renewable
• biodegradable
• sustainable
• doesn’t track through your house as much
• less dust
• neutralises unpleasant smells and ammonia

Cons

• litter needs to be changed every other day and the tray fully cleaned more regularly
• can be a bit hard on the paws until it turns to saw dust
• although it’s cheap to buy, the saving isn’t all it seems as it needs changing so often