Your indoor cat deserves a clean and comfortable bathroom! This guide reveals the best litter trays for indoor cats, focusing on easy cleaning, odor control, and your cat’s happiness. Discover top picks that blend style and function, making litter box duty a breeze for both of you.
Every cat owner knows the struggle: finding the perfect litter tray. It’s more than just a box; it’s your feline friend’s private sanctuary. But with so many options, how do you choose? A good litter tray can mean fewer messes, less odor, and a happier cat.
A bad one can lead to accidents outside the box and a less-than-pleasant home environment. Don’t worry, though! We’re here to help you navigate the world of litter trays. We’ll explore what makes a litter tray great and highlight some of the best options available, ensuring your cat has a comfortable, clean space they’ll love.
Why the Right Litter Tray Matters
Choosing the right litter tray isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s crucial for your cat’s well-being and your home’s hygiene. Cats are naturally fastidious creatures, and their litter box is of utmost importance to them.
Hygiene and Health: A proper litter tray helps contain waste, reducing the spread of bacteria and odors. This is essential for your cat’s health and prevents potential issues like urinary tract infections or behavioral problems stemming from an unpleasant potty situation.
Odor Control: No one wants their home to smell like a litter box. The right tray, combined with the right litter, can significantly minimize unpleasant odors, making your home more enjoyable for everyone.
Cat Comfort and Preference: Cats have preferences too! Some like privacy, some like open spaces, and size matters. A tray that’s too small or too enclosed can deter a cat from using it, leading to accidents elsewhere.
Ease of Cleaning: Let’s be honest, cleaning the litter box is a chore. A well-designed litter tray makes scooping and full clean-outs much easier and faster, saving you time and effort.
Key Features to Look For in a Litter Tray
When you’re shopping for a litter tray, keep these essential features in mind. They’ll help you narrow down the choices and find a tray that’s perfect for your cat and your home.
Size and Depth
This is perhaps the most critical factor. A good rule of thumb is that the litter tray should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat (from nose to the base of their tail) and wide enough for them to turn around comfortably.
Too Small: Restricts movement, can lead to misses.
Too Shallow: Litter can be easily kicked out, creating a mess.
Too Deep: Can be difficult for kittens, elderly cats, or those with mobility issues to enter and exit.
Enclosure vs. Open Tray
This is largely down to your cat’s personality and your preference.
Open Trays: These are simple, easy to clean, and allow your cat to enter and exit freely from any side. They’re often preferred by cats who feel trapped or anxious in enclosed spaces. However, they can be more prone to litter scatter.
Covered Trays: These offer privacy for your cat and can help contain odors and litter scatter. They can be beneficial for multi-cat households to give each cat a sense of security. However, they can sometimes trap odors inside, making them unpleasant for the cat if not cleaned regularly, and some cats may feel anxious in them.
High Sides and Splash Guards
Many modern litter trays come with higher sides or specialized splash guards. These are a godsend for cats who tend to dig vigorously or “miss” the mark. They help keep the litter inside the box and reduce messes outside.
Material and Durability
Most litter trays are made of plastic. Look for durable, non-porous plastic that is easy to clean and won’t retain odors over time. Avoid trays with excessive nooks and crannies where waste can get trapped.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Consider how easy the tray will be to scoop and how simple full clean-outs will be. Trays with smooth interiors and minimal design elements are generally easier to maintain. Some trays have features like removable drawers or liners that simplify the cleaning process, but ensure these are also easy to manage and keep clean.
Odor Control Features
Beyond high sides, some trays incorporate specific odor control measures. This might include:
Ventilation: Some covered boxes have vents, which can help air circulate.
Filters: Activated carbon filters are sometimes included in covered boxes to trap smells.
Material Properties: Some plastics are treated to resist odors.
Top Picks for Proven Litter Trays for Indoor Cats
Based on these features, let’s explore some of the most popular and effective litter tray options for indoor cats. We’ve categorized them to help you find the best fit for your specific needs.
Best Overall Open Litter Tray
When you need a straightforward, reliable option that most cats will adapt to quickly, an open tray is often the best bet. These are simple, effective, and generally easy to clean.
The Basic, Sturdy Open Tray
Think of this as the foundational litter box. It’s a simple, basin-like structure.
Pros:
Universally acceptable for most cats.
Easy entry and exit for all ages and mobility levels.
Simple to scoop and clean.
Affordable.
Cons:
Can be prone to litter scatter if your cat is an enthusiastic digger.
Minimal odor control by itself.
Ideal For:
Kittens and senior cats.
Cats who dislike enclosed spaces.
Budget-conscious owners.
A great example is a standard, generously sized open litter pan. Many brands offer these, often with slightly higher sides than the most basic models. Look for one that’s at least 18 inches long and 12 inches wide for an average-sized cat.
High-Sided Open Litter Tray
For cats that tend to kick litter out or are prone to accidents, high-sided open trays are a fantastic upgrade.
Pros:
Excellent at preventing litter scatter.
Can help with “aiming” issues.
Still easy for cats to access.
Cons:
May be slightly harder for very small kittens or elderly cats to climb into.
Still open to view, which some owners may not prefer.
Ideal For:
Cats who dig and kick a lot.
Homes where litter tracking is a major concern.
An example is the Modkat High-Sided Litter Tray, which offers sturdy walls to contain mess. Another popular choice is the Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box, known for its durability and effectiveness in containing messes.
Best Covered Litter Tray
Covered litter trays offer privacy for your cat and can help keep the litter contained, reducing both odor and tracking. However, it’s crucial to choose one that is well-ventilated and easy to clean to prevent the buildup of unpleasant smells.
The Ventilated Hooded Tray
These are the most common type of covered litter box. They typically have a flip-up or removable hood, and often include a replaceable odor-absorbing filter.
Pros:
Helps contain odors and litter scatter.
Provides privacy for the cat.
Can be aesthetically pleasing, hiding the litter box.
Cons:
Some cats dislike the enclosed space.
Can trap odors if not properly ventilated or cleaned.
Hoods can sometimes be tricky to remove for cleaning.
Ideal For:
Homes with limited space.
Cats who appreciate privacy.
Owners looking to minimize visible litter boxes and odors.
A classic example is the Catit Hooded Litter Pan. It’s a popular choice due to its reasonable price and effective design. The large door allows for easy entry, and the hood can lift off for easier cleaning. Many users report good odor control when paired with a quality litter and regular cleaning.
The Top-Entry Litter Box
These innovative boxes offer a unique solution to litter scatter and odor. Cats enter from the top, which can deter them from kicking litter out, and waste often falls through a grate into the lower tray.
Pros:
Excellent at preventing litter scatter and tracking.
High sides mean no “misses.”
Can be very effective at containing odors.
Modern, aesthetically pleasing design.
Cons:
May be challenging for kittens, elderly cats, or cats with mobility issues.
Some cats may be hesitant to jump onto the top.
Cleaning the grates and lower tray can sometimes be cumbersome.
Ideal For:
Owners determined to defeat litter tracking.
Cats who don’t have accessibility issues.
Modern homes where aesthetics matter.
The Litter Robot is a high-tech, self-cleaning option that fits this category, though it’s a significant investment. For a more budget-friendly, manual top-entry option, the Clevercat Top-Entry Litter Box is a great choice. It features a sturdy design and encourages cats to enter from above, significantly reducing mess.
Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box
While not technically a “tray” in the traditional sense, the self-cleaning litter box is a revolutionary product for indoor cat owners. These automated units scoop the waste for you, providing a consistently clean environment for your cat.
The Automated Self-Cleaning System
These units use sensors and mechanisms to detect when a cat has used the box and then automatically rake or tumble the waste into a sealed compartment.
Pros:
Unmatched convenience for the owner.
Provides a very clean litter box for the cat consistently.
Significantly reduces odor.
Reduces the frequency of manual scooping.
Cons:
High initial cost.
Requires electricity.
Can be noisy, potentially scaring some cats.
May require special litter for optimal function.
Larger and heavier than traditional trays.
Ideal For:
Busy owners who struggle with daily scooping.
Multi-cat households to maintain cleanliness.
Owners prioritizing ultimate odor control and convenience.
Those with physical limitations making scooping difficult.
The Litter-Robot 4 is a leading example, known for its reliability, smart features, and effective odor control. Other notable brands include the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box and the Whisker Litter-Robot. For more information on how these systems work and to compare models, you can check out resources from reputable pet product reviewers such as Pet Product Review or industry guides.
Special Mentions: Trays for Specific Needs
Some cats have unique requirements that call for specialized litter trays.
Odor-Absorbing Litter Trays
Certain trays are designed with odor-fighting materials or features. This can include porous materials that allow air to flow, or trays made from antimicrobial plastics, like some of the options from brands focusing on pet hygiene.
Kitten-Friendly Litter Trays
For very young kittens, entry and exit are paramount. Look for trays with very low sides or even ramp access. Many basic, shallow open trays serve this purpose excellently.
Extra-Large Litter Trays
As mentioned, size is key. If you have a Maine Coon or a similarly large breed, ensure you’re investing in an extra-large open tray or a generously sized covered option. Some manufacturers offer “jumbo” or “XL” versions specifically for larger cats.
Litter Tray vs. Litter Mat: The Dynamic Duo
While not a litter tray itself, a good litter-mat is an essential partner. Placed directly in front of the litter tray, it catches stray litter particles that cling to your cat’s paws.
Types of Litter Mats:
Mesh/Grooved Mats: These have a surface designed to trap litter particles that fall into the grooves as your cat walks over them.
Bamboo Mats: Natural and effective at trapping litter.
Foam Mats: Soft underfoot for cats and good at trapping litter.
Dual-Layer Mats: These have a top layer with holes, allowing litter to fall through to an absorbent bottom layer.
A quality litter mat can drastically reduce the amount of litter tracked around your home, complementing the function of your chosen litter tray. Brands like Gorilla Grip or Livin’ Well offer highly-rated options for this purpose.
How to Choose the Right Litter Tray for Your Cat
Picking the perfect litter tray involves a little detective work about your feline friend and your home.
Consider Your Cat’s Personality and Behavior
Privacy Lover? A covered tray or a top-entry box might be best to offer a sense of security.
Claustrophobic? Stick to open trays, perhaps with high sides to manage scatter.
Enthusiastic Digger/Kicker? High sides or a top-entry design are your friends.
Graceful or Clumsy? Ensure entry and exit are easy and safe, especially for older cats or kittens.
Evaluate Your Home Environment
Space Constraints: If you’re tight on space, a compact covered or top-entry box might fit better.
Odor Concerns: Prioritize trays with good odor control features like filters or enclosed designs, and plan for regular cleaning.
Aesthetics: Some trays are designed to blend in with furniture or have a more modern look.
Budget Considerations
Litter trays range from very affordable basic pans to significant investments in automated systems. Determine what you’re willing to spend, keeping in mind that sometimes a slightly higher upfront cost for a better-designed tray can save you money and hassle in the long run.
Ease of Cleaning
This cannot be stressed enough. If cleaning the litter box is a daunting task, you’re less likely to do it regularly, which impacts hygiene and odor. Choose a tray that’s simple to scoop and easy to deep clean.
Here’s a handy comparison table to help visualize some popular choices:
| Litter Tray Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Sided Open Tray | Excellent litter containment, easy access | Can be open to view, still requires manual scooping | Cats who kick/dig, beginners |
| Ventilated Hooded Tray | Odor control, privacy, litter containment | Some cats dislike enclosed spaces, can trap odors if not cleaned | Privacy-seeking cats, odor-conscious owners |
| Top-Entry Litter Box | Greatest litter containment, modern look | Can be difficult for some cats, might require adjustment period | Messy cats, owners prioritizing zero scatter |
| Self-Cleaning Litter Box | Ultimate convenience, constant cleanliness, odor control | High cost, requires electricity, potential cat adjustment | Busy owners, multi-cat homes, odor control priority |
Setting Up Your New Litter Tray
Once you’ve chosen the perfect litter tray, setting it up correctly is key to your cat’s acceptance.
1. Location, Location, Location: Place the litter tray in a quiet, low-traffic area where your cat feels safe and has some privacy. Avoid placing it near their food and water bowls, or near noisy appliances. A good spot might be a corner of a laundry room, a bathroom, or a dedicated corner of a larger room.
2. Litter Depth: Fill the tray with about 2-3 inches of high-quality clumping litter. This allows your cat to dig and bury comfortably. For top-entry boxes, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, as too much litter can interfere with the mechanism.
3. Introduction: Show your cat their new litter tray. You can gently place them in it a couple of times so they understand its purpose, especially if you’re switching types. Avoid scolding them if they have an accident elsewhere.
4. Consistency: If you’re transitioning from an old tray, keep it available for a short while until you’re sure your cat is happy with the new one.
Essential Litter Box Maintenance Tips
A clean litter box is a happy cat’s best friend. Regular maintenance is critical for your cat’s health and to prevent them from seeking other, less desirable, elimination spots.
Daily Scooping: Remove solid waste and urine clumps at least once a day, ideally twice.
Weekly/Bi-Weekly Full Clean: Completely empty the old litter, wash the tray with mild, unscented soap and water, and refill with fresh litter. Never use harsh chemicals or bleach, as the strong scent can deter your cat. The ASPCA offers further guidance on litter box issues.
Filter Replacement: If using a hooded box with a filter, replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain odor control.
* Litter Type: Clumping litter makes daily scooping much easier. Experiment with different types if your cat seems finicky. For self-cleaning boxes, ensure you use a compatible litter type.
Frequently Asked Questions about Litter Trays
Q1: How often should I scoop my cat’s litter tray?
A1: It’s best to scoop once or twice a day. Cats
