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How to Choose a Litter Box and Litter: A Practical Buyer's Guide

Open grey litter box with fine litter in a quiet bathroom corner

Short answer: choose an open tray big enough for your cat to stand, turn and dig in, fill it with a soft, unscented, sand-like litter at least 3 to 4 cm deep, and put it in a quiet spot away from food and water. These are the main points of Battersea's litter tray guidance. Price and brand matter far less than size, litter type and location.

Start with size, not features

Battersea suggests a tray at least 1.5 times your cat's length, measured from nose to the base of the tail, so the cat can stand, turn around and dig comfortably. It also warns that a "large" label can be misleading, so check the actual measurements before buying. For kittens, begin with a small, low-entry tray and move to a full adult tray once they can climb in easily. A bigger, lower tray is also worth trying if your cat toilets just outside the box: Battersea says the tray may be too small or its sides too high.

Open, covered or automatic?

  • Open trays. Battersea recommends avoiding covered trays where possible, because they can trap smells and limit your cat's view of the room.
  • Covered trays. Some owners like them for tidiness, but check that your cat uses one willingly. If it avoids it, switch to an open tray.
  • Automatic or self-cleaning trays. Battersea says the noise, movement or smell can put cats off. If you try one, keep a standard tray available so your cat has a choice.

Choosing a litter

Battersea recommends a soft, unscented, sand-like litter that is gentle on paws. Once your cat uses a litter confidently, stick with it, because changes can lead to accidents. Avoid plastic liners and newspaper, which can catch on claws and feel uncomfortable. Keep at least 3 to 4 cm of litter in the tray so your cat can dig. If you want to switch products, mix the new litter in gradually and watch your cat's reaction.

How many trays, and where

  • Number. In a multi-cat home, provide one tray per cat plus one extra. In a multi-floor home, put one on each level.
  • Location. Pick a quiet, low-traffic spot, away from food, water and resting areas, and always accessible.
  • Places to avoid. Battersea suggests keeping trays away from large windows, where outside cats can look in, and away from utility rooms with washing machines or dryers, where sudden noise and vibration can be stressful.

Cleaning routine

  1. Scoop at least once a day.
  2. Wash the tray weekly with mild, unscented dish soap.
  3. Replace all the litter regularly to prevent smells.
  4. Avoid strong-smelling cleaners such as bleach, which can put your cat off the tray.

When the problem is not the tray

Battersea advises having a vet check any change in toileting routine, since there may be a medical reason, and never punishing your cat. Straining, frequent trips with little output or blood in the urine need urgent attention; see our guide to cats straining to pee. For behaviour and cleaning issues, read why cats stop using the litter box.

What to look for when you shop

  • Interior length of at least 1.5 times your cat's length.
  • A low entry for kittens, seniors and cats with stiff joints.
  • An open design, or a cover that your cat accepts.
  • Smooth, easy-to-wash plastic, with no rough corners.
  • Soft, unscented litter in a size of bag you can finish before it goes stale.
  • A scoop with slots that suit your litter.

A product example: an automatic litter box

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The link below is an affiliate link: if you buy through it, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

We have not tested any litter box, so we do not rank products. As an example of the automatic type, the Mintakawa automatic self-cleaning litter box is described on its Amazon listing as having app control, weight monitoring, quiet operation and an anti-pinch design, for medium cats and kittens, with assembly required. Those are the seller's claims, not ours.

Before buying any automatic box, check it against the list above: is the interior long enough for your cat (at least 1.5 times its length), will your cat accept a covered design, and can you take it apart and wash it easily? Read recent customer reviews and the return policy, and introduce it gradually, keeping the old tray available until your cat uses the new one.

Quick checklist

  • Tray at least 1.5 times your cat's length.
  • Soft, unscented, sand-like litter, 3 to 4 cm deep.
  • One tray per cat plus one extra.
  • Quiet spot away from food, water and windows.
  • Scoop daily, wash weekly.
  • See your vet about any change in toileting.
  • This is general information, not veterinary advice.

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Sources

Further reading

Reminder: Kittyslovers (The Best Kitty Corner) is an independent blog. Our authors are not veterinarians and this article has not been reviewed by a veterinary professional. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your cat's health, diet, supplements and medication. Found an error? Let us know.