Does the thought of cleaning your cat’s litter box make you cringe? You are not alone! Every cat owner faces the same challenge: finding the perfect litter tray. It seems simple, but the market is flooded with choices. Do you need an open tray or a covered one? What size is best for your furry friend? These decisions can quickly become overwhelming, often leading to messy floors and unhappy cats.
Choosing the wrong tray can mean more scooping, persistent odors, and even your cat refusing to use it altogether. That is why understanding your options is crucial for a cleaner home and a happier pet. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the different types of litter trays available.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which litter tray matches your cat’s personality and your home’s needs. Get ready to say goodbye to litter box woes and hello to a cleaner setup. Let’s dive in and find your perfect match!
Top Litter Tray Recommendations
- No-Scoop Cat Litter & Tray: Designed for use with ScoopFree self-cleaning automatic litter boxes, the PetSafe Disposable Crystal Litter and Tray gives you weeks of easy, hands-free cleaning
- Odor Control: Silica gel crystals absorb liquid and dry solid waste fast, eliminating smell 5x better than clumping clay for a fresher home; fresh scent crystals add additional odor protection
- Leak Proof Litter: Lightweight, leak-proof plastic liners make this disposable litter tray ideal for pet parents everywhere
- Global Mission, Local Care: With U.S. roots and worldwide reach, PetSafe delivers vet- and trainer-recommended solutions and exceptional customer support to create fields of joy for pets
- 25 Years of Trust: Since 1998, PetSafe has created safe, innovative, and trusted products that bring joy, enhance pet lives, and support the lifelong bond between pets and their families
- OPEN-TOP KITTY LITTER BOX: This large cat litter pan provides ample space on all sides for cats to do their business comfortably, and is great for small cats or kittens to access
- KEEPS LITTER CONTAINED: The jumbo cat litter box features a wide base to keep mess contained within the pan for litter-free floors It features a rim on all sides to easily lift move the pan Dimensions: "14 x 105"
- PET CLEAN UP: Swiftly clean up after your dog or cat while at home or on walks with a variety of waste management products From waste bags, rakes, pans, trainings pads to poop scoopers, litter boxes litter, we've got you your pet covered
- Petmate: For over 50 years, we at Petmate are passionate about our dogs, cats furry friends in general Starting with the very first dog kennel, we've produced plenty of eco-friendly products that pets will love
- JUST FOR PETS: Petmate makes a variety of pet products for dogs, cats, chickens other small furry friends Check out our brands such as Aspen Pet, Arm Hammer, Booda, Chuckit, Jackson Galaxy more
- Ultra Spacious Design: This cat litter tray features an ultra-spacious structure with dimensions of 23.6" L x 15.7" W x 5.9", able to hold up to 20 liters of cat litter—enough to last an average cat approximately 20 days. Its generous capacity ensures your feline friend has ample space to move around while toileting, and you won’t have to worry about frequent litter refills even during short trips away from home
- Low Entry & Anti-Splash Edge: The entry height of this litter box is only 3 IN, enabling cats to enter and exit effortlessly. This thoughtful design is particularly friendly to kittens, senior cats, and cats with mobility issues, eliminating any barriers to their daily toileting routine. Additionally, the raised anti-splash edge around the tray prevents litter from being kicked out, keeping your floor tidy
- Litter Trapping Pedal: A non-slip litter trapping pedal is attached at the exit of the litter tray, effectively catching residual litter on your cat’s paws before they step onto your floors. The pedal is 1.8 cm lower than the entry, creating a natural slope that guides litter back into the tray, further reducing mess and maintaining a clean home environment
- Heavy-Duty & Long-Lasting: The bottom of the litter box is designed with a reinforced crisscross structure, paired with thickened, high-quality material, to form a stable and durable base. This design enhances the tray’s load-bearing capacity, ensuring it won’t deform, crack, or tip over even when cats jump in, step on, or move around inside frequently
- Hassle-Free Cleaning: The litter box’s bottom is crafted with a smooth, rounded surface and a special non-stick coating. The rounded edges and curvature help gather scattered litter, minimizing waste, while the non-stick coating prevents litter from adhering to the bottom. A quick wipe with a damp cloth or a gentle rinse is all it takes to keep the tray clean and fresh
- Please double confirm your model before purchase. If you are not sure, take pictures of your Petsafe Scoopfree litter box and check with us.
- ❌Not compatible with: Petsafe Clumping Litter Box, Crystal Plus and Crystal Pro (PAL00-18016, PAL00-18017, ZAL00-18159) Litter Boxes.
- ✅Compatible with: PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Classic, Crystal Pro Legacy (PAL00-16805, PAL00-16806), ScoopFree Crystal Smart (PAL00-16807) Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes
- 1) PET HAHA No-Scoop Cat Litter and Disposable Trays (5 Sets): This litter tray is custom-made to be Compatible with Petsafe Scoop-Free Self-Clean Litter Boxes, providing a snug and secure fit. You will get: Base which can be reused for supporting x 1, No-Scoop Crystal Litter x 5, Disposable Trays x 5, Drawstring bags x 5.
- 2)The high-quality crystal litter can last for weeks. It has excellent Odor Control ability. It absorbs urine and dries solid waste for 6x faster than clumping clay litter.
- Please double confirm your model before purchase. If you are not sure, take pictures of your Petsafe Scoopfree litter box and check with us.
- ❌Not compatible with: Petsafe Clumping Litter Box, Crystal Plus and Crystal Pro (PAL00-18016, PAL00-18017, ZAL00-18159) Litter Boxes.
- ✅Compatible with: PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Classic, Crystal Pro Legacy (PAL00-16805, PAL00-16806), ScoopFree Crystal Smart (PAL00-16807) Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes
- 1) PET HAHA No-Scoop Cat Litter and Disposable Trays (2 Sets): This litter tray is custom-made to be Compatible with Petsafe Scoop-Free Self-Clean Litter Boxes, providing a snug and secure fit. You will get: Base which can be reused for supporting x 1, No-Scoop Crystal Litter x 2, Disposable Trays x 2, Drawstring bags x 2.
- 2)The high-quality crystal litter can last for weeks. It has excellent Odor Control ability. It absorbs urine and dries solid waste for 6x faster than clumping clay litter.
- No-Scoop Cat Litter & Tray: Designed for use with ScoopFree self-cleaning automatic litter boxes, the PetSafe Disposable Crystal Litter and Tray gives you weeks of easy, hands-free cleaning
- Odor Control: Silica gel crystals absorb liquid and dry solid waste fast, eliminating smell 5x better than clumping clay for a fresher home; lavender scent crystals add additional odor protection
- Leak Proof Litter: Lightweight, leak-proof plastic liners make this disposable litter tray ideal for pet parents everywhere
- Global Mission, Local Care: With U.S. roots and worldwide reach, PetSafe delivers vet- and trainer-recommended solutions and exceptional customer support to create fields of joy for pets
- 25 Years of Trust: Since 1998, PetSafe has created safe, innovative, and trusted products that bring joy, enhance pet lives, and support the lifelong bond between pets and their families
- No-Scoop Cat Litter & Tray: Designed for use with ScoopFree self-cleaning automatic litter boxes, the PetSafe Disposable Crystal Litter and Tray gives you weeks of easy, hands-free cleaning
- Odor Control: Silica gel crystals absorb liquid and dry solid waste fast, eliminating smell 5x better than clumping clay for a fresher home; fresh scent crystals add additional odor protection
- Leak Proof Litter: Lightweight, leak-proof plastic liners make this disposable litter tray ideal for pet parents everywhere
- 25 Years of Trust: Since 1998, PetSafe has created safe, innovative, and trusted products that bring joy, enhance pet lives, and support the lifelong bond between pets and their families
- Choose a Cleaner, Greener Option: The ScoopFree Reusable Tray with Crystal Litter helps absorb urine quickly, offering a sustainable alternative to disposable litter trays
- Fast-Acting Odor Control: Specially designed crystals lock in moisture, eliminate strong smells, and keep your litter area fresh between cleanings
- Simplify Your Litter Routine: Featuring a durable plastic litter insert, this reusable base is lightweight, low-maintenance, and easy to handle
- 25 Years of Trust: Since 1998, PetSafe has created safe, innovative, and trusted products that bring joy, enhance pet lives, and support the lifelong bond between pets and their families
- 25 Years of Trust: Since 1998, PetSafe has created safe, innovative, and trusted products that bring joy, enhance pet lives, and support the lifelong bond between pets and their families
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Litter Tray for Your Feline Friend
Choosing the right litter tray is vital for a happy cat and a clean home. This guide will help you select the best option for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Size and Space
Cats need room to move. A good litter tray should be about one and a half times the length of your cat, from nose to tail base. Small trays make cats uncomfortable. Bigger trays mean happier cats!
Entry Height
Consider your cat’s age and health. Kittens and senior cats have trouble stepping over high edges. Look for low-entry trays for easier access. High-sided trays help stop litter scatter.
Hooded vs. Open Trays
- Open Trays: Easy to clean and offer good ventilation. Some cats prefer them because they can see their surroundings.
- Hooded Trays (Covered): These keep smells contained and stop litter from being kicked out. Some shy cats prefer the privacy.
Lining and Shape
Most trays are rectangular. However, some have rounded corners or come in dome shapes. Ensure the shape fits well in your chosen space.
Important Materials
The material affects durability and cleaning ease. Most quality litter trays use plastic.
Durable Plastics
Look for thick, sturdy plastic. Thin plastic cracks easily. Cracked trays hold onto odors and become hard to sanitize. High-quality polypropylene is often used because it lasts a long time.
Stainless Steel (Less Common)
Stainless steel trays are very durable and resist odors well. They are often more expensive but last forever. They are easy to scrub clean.
Factors Affecting Quality
Ease of Cleaning
A smooth interior surface is important. Rough or textured interiors trap waste and bacteria. Trays with removable tops or sifting layers make daily scooping much easier. If cleaning takes too long, you might put it off!
Odor Control Features
If you select a hooded tray, check if it has a charcoal filter slot. These filters absorb smells. Proper ventilation slots also help reduce trapped odors.
Litter Scatter Prevention
High sides or specialized rims greatly reduce how much litter your cat tracks around the house. Some premium trays even feature a two-part design where the cat steps out onto a textured mat surface.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Multi-Cat Homes
You need more trays! The rule is usually one tray per cat, plus one extra. In these cases, simple, large, open trays are often best for quick access and cleaning.
For Small Apartments
Space saving is key. Consider slim, rectangular trays that fit neatly against a wall. Hooded trays help keep the limited space looking tidier by containing mess.
For Picky Cats
Some cats dislike enclosed spaces or strong plastic smells. If you have a fussy eater (or a fussy scooper!), start with a large, open tray made from neutral, unscented plastic. You can always try a hooded version later.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Litter Trays
Q: How often should I clean the litter tray?
A: You should scoop solid waste at least once or twice daily. Completely empty and wash the entire tray with mild soap and water every one to two weeks.
Q: Should I buy a covered or open tray?
A: This depends on your cat. Many cats prefer open trays because they feel less trapped. Covered trays help contain odors and litter scatter for the owner.
Q: What size tray is best for an average adult cat?
A: The tray should be at least 1.5 times your cat’s full length. Always err on the side of bigger; cats rarely complain about too much space!
Q: Are plastic trays safe for my cat?
A: Yes, standard, non-toxic plastic is safe. Avoid trays with strong chemical smells, as cats have sensitive noses.
Q: Can I use a storage tub instead of a dedicated litter tray?
A: You can, but make sure the plastic is thick and durable. You must also cut an entrance low enough for your cat to step into safely.
Q: What makes a litter tray high quality?
A: High quality means thick, non-porous plastic that resists staining and odor absorption, along with a design that minimizes litter scatter.
Q: Do hooded trays really control odors better?
A: They help trap the smell temporarily, especially if they include a charcoal filter. However, frequent cleaning is still the best odor control.
Q: Should the tray have sharp corners?
A: No. Rounded corners are easier to scoop clean, and there are no tight spots where waste can get stuck.
Q: What is the main benefit of a sifting litter tray?
A: Sifting trays have two parts. You lift the top layer, which holds the clean litter, leaving the waste in the bottom tray. This speeds up daily cleaning.
Q: How many litter trays do I need for two cats?
A: The general rule suggests one tray per cat, plus one extra. So, for two cats, you should aim for three litter trays placed in different locations.