A tray for a small pet is an essential item. The success of toilet training a kitten largely depends on the correct choice of litter box. The modern pet industry offers a huge number of different models: from the simplest and most budget-friendly to the super-functional and expensive. In order not to get confused in the store, it is useful to get acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of different models in advance.
What to consider when choosing?
When choosing a model, you need to take into account not only the preferences of your little pet, but also the ease of use of the tray for humans: cleaning, absorption of unwanted odors, transportability. It is important to immediately decide on the location for the toilet so that you know what size will suit you. Experienced breeders give the following recommendations:
- The kitten should easily climb into the container, so you need to choose a height for the sides so that they do not become an obstacle for the baby. Otherwise, he may relieve himself not in the right place, but nearby.
- Size is very important: it should not constrain the animal.
- It is better to decide in advance on the type of model - open or closed.
- Pallets made of lightweight plastic are easily overturned, so it is better to choose more stable options.
- If the model is difficult to care for, it is not easy to wash it and remove the filler, it is better to abandon it. Cats are very clean and can ignore a poorly cleaned litter box.
The cost of an accessory does not always determine the right decision. The most important points are comfort and suitable size. If the tray is inconvenient for the baby, the process of toilet training will be delayed and will require additional effort and time from you.
Main criteria
When choosing a tray for a cat, you should consider the following features:
Cat tray
- Size. A cat toilet, regardless of design, should not be small. The entire animal must fit inside. When purchasing an accessory for a small kitten, you should take into account the future size of an adult cat. This criterion especially applies to closed toilets in the shape of a house.
- Price. Preference should be given to the middle price range. It is advisable to choose a model that will serve the animal throughout its life, since in adulthood it will be very difficult to change the tray and at the same time accustom an adult cat to a new accessory.
- Material. The model should be light and comfortable, preferably made of plastic.
- Material weight. Whatever tray you think is best for a kitten, you must again think about the long-term use of it by an adult large animal.
- Defects. Another important point when choosing which toilet is best to buy for a cat: there should not be any defects on the tray, as this can injure the animal during use.
- Easy to maintain. It is necessary that the tray is easy to clean, so the presence of a large number of corners and hard-to-reach places is undesirable. Convenient options are accessories that contain bags at the base. Such designs do not require regular washing.
- Appearance. A furry fussy dog may not want to use the litter box if it has a strong chemical smell or is an unnatural color. In addition, such a design of a tray always indicates its low quality.
- Design. This point is one of the most important when choosing a toilet for a cat. Modern pet stores offer 2 types of designs - open and closed trays. The second option is ideal for shy animals who are looking for privacy.
Based on the criteria for choosing a tray, it is important to consider its location. A tray that is too large requires not only sufficient area for placement, but also some space around it. Otherwise, the animal will not have free access to the toilet, which will not allow it to be accustomed to the tray.
Ease of use
Plastic tray with low sides
This is the most popular option. It is as simple as possible, it looks like a plastic pallet with sides of different heights and shapes.
Advantages:
- does not create obstacles for the kitten, as it is convenient to climb into it;
- inexpensive, therefore, if necessary (violation of integrity, the appearance of a persistent odor that cannot be gotten rid of), it can easily be replaced with a new one;
- convenience when replacing the filler, which can be easily poured into a bag or drain;
- easy to clean – a one-piece open container without additional parts can be washed without difficulty;
- transportability – plastic products are lightweight and compact, they can easily be moved or taken on a trip.
Flaws:
- does not protect against scattering of filler due to low sides;
- The plastic is quite soft, so over time it will inevitably develop scratches that cannot be washed out;
- requires the mandatory use of filler;
- Does not block unwanted odors.
One of the modifications is a pot with sides curved inward. It is more practical, as it prevents the filler from spreading, but is less practical to maintain. It is not easy to wash the inner surface of such sides, and it is not always possible to shake out the dirty filling right away: the pieces fall under the bend, and it is difficult to get rid of them without additional equipment.
Plastic toilet with grate
It is a regular plastic tray with a mesh insert inside. We can say that this is an improved modification of a simple tray.
Advantages:
- the grid protects the kitten’s paws from getting wet, so all the liquid flows to the bottom;
- solid feces remain on the mesh and can be easily removed with a dustpan;
- easy to clean: both the tray and the grill can be easily washed with a stream of water;
- the filler does not spread around and does not stick to the cat’s paws, that is, it does not spread throughout the apartment, as it is usually poured under the net.
Flaws:
- does not block unpleasant odors without filler;
- It is more difficult to clean than usual, since it consists of two parts;
- Disliked by cats who prefer to bury excrement.
The option with a grid involves a little trick: you can pour just a little heavy filler (mineral, silica gel or clumping) onto the grid, and a well-absorbing filler under the grid. This way the cat will have something to scratch, but the smell will remain in the lower part of the tray and will not spread throughout the house.
Types of trays for cats
Alas, it is not a fact that this very first chosen attribute of a cat’s life will immediately fit. It happens that we choose, rack our brains, but the animal categorically refuses to go to the advertised brand, no matter how much you force it. And it happens the other way around - they bought the first one they came across, and the cat immediately liked it. The choice of these products is huge, the price range is from a penny to a cost equal to the price of a dishwasher.
Experienced cat owners, if the animal has appeared in the house for the first time, advise choosing an inexpensive model to try, and they are right in some ways: it is not a fact that the cat will like a “sophisticated” tray. The main argument when choosing a tray should be the animal’s liking for it, the rest should be based on convenience in terms of cleaning, and the price also matters. Let's take a look at what pet products manufacturers offer.
1. Educational model for kittens. When choosing a club kitten, such a thing is often given along with it. You can pour filler into the hole there, but it is not necessary: the main thing is to teach the baby that he will relieve himself in a certain place. Then it is changed to the “adult” version or left if the cat itself is small.
2. The most simple and “budget” model is a simple plastic container. It is inexpensive, easy to clean, the filling is easy to change, and it looks quite nice. There is a drawback: even special plastic will gradually absorb the smell of waste, no matter how you scrub or use anything - the “aroma” will be felt after some time. Sometimes you need to throw away such trays and buy new ones. Imagine that the cat got used to it, they threw it out, but they didn’t find exactly the same one? Tragedy for the animal, problems for the owners! If you decide to choose just this one, you should not buy it with sides that curve inward. Dirt will get there, and it will be very difficult to clean it out.
3. Double tray with separate continuous tray. It seems more convenient: the upper part can be washed, the lower part will always be clean. The request for the product is the same as for the previous one: choose one with edges that are not rounded inward. Yes, when a cat buries its “deeds,” some of the litter spills out of a tray with smooth edges, but the opinion of experienced “cat lovers” is that it is better to sweep next to the tray than to try to clean it inside these curves.
4. Container with a removable mesh tray. This is for those pets who categorically do not accept filler. If the cat went into this litter box with pleasure, the owners can be envied with “white envy” - they will not have to spend money on litter. There is a little trick on how to do it without washing the bottom part. A solid piece of polyethylene is inserted between the mesh and the bottom, it is simply collected and the waste is thrown away - voila, there is no need to wash the bottom! The only drawback is that you have to wash (or remove the polyethylene) every time, the smell is not “extinguished” by anything. It also happens that a cat damages its claws on the mesh when it wants to bury waste. Choose this model if the animal is comfortable and the cat owner agrees to bother with cleaning several times a day.
5. House-toilet with a roof. Sometimes pet owners struggle with shopping for different open trays and don’t understand: they seem to have chosen a convenient, beautiful one, but the cat shits on the floor. As soon as they brought the “house”, I went there the first time. There are shy cats who categorically refuse to go into an open litter box; we must respect this feature of their character. This device looks nicer; solid waste and wet spots on the filler do not catch the eye. True, you will have to clean everything: the tray, the top part, and the walls, because gradually all the parts of the “house” will get dirty. There are models where the tray slides out from below like a shelf - it’s very convenient; it’s better to choose this option than just a collapsible one.
6. Corner trays in the form of a triangle. A real salvation if space does not allow you to install a rectangular one in your apartment. It can be the simplest or with a mesh, the main “trick” in it is its ergonomic shape. And there are also triangular “houses”!
7. A tray disguised as a piece of furniture. Guests won't even understand where your cat goes to the toilet! Looks like a nightstand, a large vase, part of a cabinet. From an aesthetic point of view, this is a great idea. You can make such a structure to order and integrate it into a furniture set, or choose a ready-made one, stylized as a designer product. Again, the question of cleaning arises: it will be difficult to clean this “furniture” from the inside. And the smell, if it is not made of special plastic, is absorbed quickly by the “outdoor”.
8. Toilet tray with artificial grass. The first of these were released for dogs, but cat owners tried them and they went with a bang. This magical thing consists of three layers: a tray, a mesh and on top a layer of grass made of special soft plastic. An almost complete illusion of a courtyard with green vegetation! The liquid goes down, solid waste “hides” in the grass. The grass can be thick, short or long. This miracle needs to be washed often, but if the cat likes such a tray and visits it with pleasure, why not?
9. A miracle of technology - not just a tray, but a robotic toilet. They are semi-autonomous and fully autonomous. First, you need to change special cartridges, monitor the device for contamination and press buttons to clean it. The latter are connected to the sewer system, set up, and you can forget about the problem of cat waste forever: the magical device will turn on and wash itself in time. It’s a wonderful thing, if funds allow, we choose it without hesitation, but the automatic cat litter box has two drawbacks. First: price - it costs about the same as a dishwasher; you still need to buy cartridges for such a device (when it’s semi-automatic). Second: if there is a power surge or a power outage, the program may malfunction, and the miracle of technology will “declare a boycott.”
Happiness for cat owners if she liked the first tray. It happens that two, three or more times you have to offer your pet something new, and finally he favorably chooses the right one. And besides the tray, there are still important attributes that you definitely need to buy.
High-sided toilet
Such modifications are suitable for older kittens and adult animals. They usually consist of two parts - a pallet and a removable frame.
Advantages:
- high walls and a frame around the edges protect the room from contamination: granules do not fly out, even if the cat paddles with all his might;
- easy to clean: the frame is removed and the container is washed under running water;
- it is possible to increase the volume of filler to reduce the unpleasant aroma;
- the design allows you to insert a bag or film inside and fix it with its sides; this greatly simplifies the process of replacing the filler: it is simply removed along with the bag and thrown away.
Flaws:
- not compact: takes up quite a lot of space, may not fit in a small bathroom;
- for small kittens it is very high - they cannot climb into it, so it is more suitable for teenagers and adult animals.
Hint: a tray with sides can be installed outside of the bathroom - if there is not enough space there. For example, some owners place the cat litter box on a closed loggia or in the hallway.
TOP 7 best toilets for cats
Our list includes the following popular cat litter box models:
- SAVIC Aseo;
- Moderna Lift to Sift Jumbo;
- TRIXIE Carlo;
- MPS Netta;
- SAVIC Nestor;
- Xiaomi Homerun Cat Litter Box Basic Version CLB10MB;
- Curver PET LIFE.
Let's look at the listed products in more detail.
SAVIC Aseo
A practical tray made of durable plastic is available in a choice of gray and light green colors. It is equipped with uneven-high sides and is protected on top by a special removable rim, bent inward. Raised sides and a higher back side prevent the litter from scattering when the cat buries the contents of the litter box. The low front side allows even small and weak pets to enter the tray. The rim additionally protects the filler from scattering and securely secures the garbage bag for ideal cleaning of the product. The toilet is easy to clean thanks to the rounded joints of the bottom and walls.
Size (L/W/H), cm | 56x39x27.5 cm |
Design Features | High sides Open |
Product material | Plastic |
Manufacturer country | Belgium |
Price: from 829 to 1380 rubles.
pros
- famous European manufacturer;
- high-quality, odorless plastic;
- comfortable shape;
- light weight (0.89 kg);
- roomy (suitable for large cats);
- deep;
- stable;
- prevents scattering of filler well;
- easy to clean.
Minuses
- not designed for a small toilet area;
- no mesh.
Great spacious tray! I've been looking for something like this for my cats for a long time. Previously, there was always litter lying around in the toilet or cats were doing their thing by the way. Now there is no such problem. Everything remains clean and inside. Highly recommend!
tray SAVIC Aseo
Moderna Lift to Sift Jumbo
The multifunctional cat litter box from Moderna is made of hard plastic in a neutral gray color. The design consists of two identical trays, a sieve and removable restrictive sides. The sieve is installed between the trays, creating a convenient cleaning system. High sides are secured with clamps and prevent the filler from scattering. Thoughtful design suitable for all cat breeds. It minimizes waste and makes grooming as hygienic as possible.
Size (L/W/H), cm | 56x42.7x27.3 cm |
Design Features | Open High removable sides 2 replaceable trays Intermediate tray with sieve grid |
Material | Plastic |
Brand owning countries | Belgium/USA |
Price: from 1958 to 2332 rubles.
pros
- durable premium plastic for long-term use;
- convenient shape and size;
- reliable protective sides;
- innovative cleaning system;
- does not require the use of a scoop;
- eliminates leakage;
- easy to clean with warm soapy water;
- clear step-by-step instructions with illustrations;
- available in smaller sizes.
Minuses
- large slits in the mesh;
- high price.
Finally my litter box area is clean! Excellent design, which significantly saves filler and reduces the frequency of cleaning. High-quality plastic that does not absorb odor and does not deteriorate from scratches. High sides. Good size and the cat is very comfortable in the tray. Super toilet! I advise you to buy it.
Moderna Lift to Sift Jumbo Tray
TRIXIE Carlo
An ergonomic tray made of hypoallergenic plastic is ideal for kittens and small pets. The depth of the container is enough to keep the filler inside when digging. The design is equipped with sides and a wide rim-limiter that can withstand the weight of the animal. All of the above reliably prevents the contents of the tray from being thrown outward. For comfortable entry, the front side is made lower than the rest. Available in two colours, the product comes with a dustpan for cleaning up waste.
Dimensions (L/W/H), cm | 43x31x14 cm |
Design Features | Open With sides With removable rim with snaps |
Material | Plastic |
Country of registration of the manufacturer | Germany |
Price: from 587 to 650 rubles.
pros
- presentable and aesthetic appearance;
- compact size (suitable for small spaces);
- environmentally friendly plastic;
- simple design;
- does not absorb odors;
- easy to clean;
- The set includes a scoop;
- low cost.
Minuses
- tight for large cats;
- curved bottom (bends and scares the animal);
- low wear resistance of plastic.
A good and beautiful toilet for small cats. Our cat immediately accepted it and stopped misbehaving in inappropriate places. The filler, however, still wakes up a little, but not at all like before. Overall, I'm happy with the purchase. And I was pleased with the included spatula. I recommend!
tray TRIXIE Carlo
MPS Netta
A closed tray-house with a carbon filter looks aesthetically pleasing indoors, hides the contents of the toilet inside, and effectively absorbs unpleasant odors. The modification eliminates the spread of the filler and makes it impossible to accidentally miss. The lightweight hinged door does not prevent the pet from getting inside, and the mesh step effectively cleans the paws on the way out. There is an option for quickly cleaning the tray through a compartment on the lid. To facilitate transportation, the house is equipped with a handle. The closed design is ideal for adult animals and incredibly comfortable for large breed cats. The manufacturer offers 3 color solutions, among which you will certainly find a combination that suits your interior.
Dimensions (L/W/H), cm | 54x39x40 cm |
Design Features | Closed With handle and door Mesh step for cleaning paws Carbon filter Spatula storage space Anti-slip rubber pads |
Material | High strength plastic |
Manufacturer | Italy |
Price: from 1419 to 2236 rubles.
pros
- Beautiful design;
- spacious, long and tall;
- high-quality durable plastic;
- convenient to assemble/disassemble;
- stable (non-slip);
- presence of a carbon filter;
- presence of steps and doors;
- easy to clean;
- cleaning shovel included;
- detailed instructions;
- Ideal for shy pets.
Minuses
- uneven bottom with depressions;
- A high entrance with a door may be inconvenient for kittens.
This is our first cat litter and I love it! Everything about it is so perfectly done that I can’t even find any flaws. Our cat seems to be delighted too. He goes to the toilet and plays with it (jumps on top). By the way, the plastic under it does not bend, although ours is sturdy. Of course, take it!
tray MPS Netta
SAVIC Nestor
A modern indoor cat litter box for large adult pets can be placed in any room thanks to a hinged door and a carbon filter that efficiently absorbs odors from feces. The tray is equipped with a raised back to prevent leaks. The wide-opening front of the housing allows you to carefully and quickly remove dirty filler without removing the entire upper half of the structure. When assembling the tray, the parts are firmly secured with latches, which allows a bag to be placed between them. To carry the house, a handle is built into its lid. Three color combinations include the optimal black and white solution.
Size (L/W/H), cm | 56x39x38.5 cm |
Design Features | Closed With door and built-in handle The upper part is attached to the lower part using latches Carbon filter |
Product material | Plastic |
Manufacturer country | Belgium |
Price: from 1299 to 1955 rubles.
pros
- modern design;
- high quality materials;
- odorless plastic;
- reliable design;
- deep and roomy, but light;
- convertible top;
- no sharp corners;
- simple and quick assembly/disassembly;
- holds the filler inside;
- absorbs odors;
- price.
Minuses
- It is not always possible to buy a replacement filter.
Our cat was most happy about the new thing. He prefers privacy with us during the delicate process and now he is comfortable. Well, I’m happy because the apartment is cleaner and I don’t have to constantly walk around with a broom. I recommend to all!
tray SAVIC Nestor
Xiaomi Homerun Cat Litter Box Basic Version CLB10MB
The “smart” cat litter box from Xiaomi is a real gift for pet owners. The design makes cleaning as easy and quick as possible, without excluding convenience for the animals themselves: with a fairly compact appearance, the toilet has a voluminous interior space, is equipped with an upper window and is designed for cats weighing up to 20 kg. The owners will definitely be pleased with the electronic sterilization system (destruction of bacteria), a simple garbage removal system and the ability to control the toilet from a smartphone in Bluetooth mode.
Product dimensions (L/W/H), cm | 41 x 44 x 53 cm |
Design features | Closed with door and window Grate for cleaning paws on the roof of the tray Pull-out 13-liter drawer for storing filler Door lock Sterilization system with microphones and infrared sensors Synchronization with a smartphone in Bluetooth mode Rechargeable battery for autonomous operation |
Tray material | Impact-resistant thermoplastic (ABS plastic) |
Manufacturer | China |
Price: 7990 rubles.
pros
- ergonomic design;
- compact size;
- spacious interior space;
- shockproof housing;
- electronic cleaning system;
- synchronization with smartphone;
- box for storing filler;
- cleaning spatula included.
Minuses
- price.
The toilet is simply top class! It, of course, can be perceived as some kind of toy or pampering. But believe me, the tray is worth the money spent on it. And the toilet looks very modern and fits perfectly into the interior of my bathroom. I don't regret buying it at all! By the way, the cat got used to it very quickly. I recommend the product.
tray Xiaomi Homerun Cat Litter Box Basic Version CLB10MB
Curver PET LIFE
The original toilet in the form of a house is made of environmentally friendly plastic and decorated in a stylish design that can decorate any interior. The contents of the tray are hidden from prying eyes, and the carbon filter effectively eliminates excess odors. The closed design of the toilet prevents debris from getting out. A retractable tray (tray) greatly facilitates toilet maintenance and the necessary processes can be carried out without disconnecting the top. The manufacturer suggests using the paw cleaning net in two ways: attach it to a tray or place it in front of the house. For convenient movement, the toilet is equipped with a built-in handle.
Dimensions (L/W/H), cm | 51x39x39 cm |
Design Features | Closed Collapsible With grill Step for easy entry Carbon filter Pull-out tray The upper part is fixed to the lower part with latches |
Material | Impact resistant plastic |
Trademark owner country | Poland |
Price: from 4229 to 5492 rubles.
pros
- stylish appearance of the case;
- environmentally friendly plastic;
- collapsible design;
- a light weight;
- eliminates odors and pollution;
- comfortable and quick cleaning;
- The included scoop includes space for storing it.
Minuses
- high price.
Beautiful toilet! It fits into the interior just perfectly. And the quality is excellent: everything is done in good faith, it attaches normally, does not stick together or jam. Our cat, however, thought that this was her house now, but she got used to the toilet very quickly. I am very pleased that I decided to purchase. I recommend!
tray Curver PET LIFE
Tray with ventilation
A relatively inexpensive modern model that replaces a dry closet. Suitable for installation not only in the bathroom, but also in most places in the house.
Pros:
- has an additional tray with holes through which air flows;
- constant air movement ensures rapid drying of the filler substrate;
- perfectly blocks unpleasant odors;
- is a budget version of a dry closet.
Minuses:
- the cat steps on the granules with its paws, they can stick and spread around the apartment;
- requires maintenance (washing), unlike automatic dry closets.
The most suitable type of filler for such a toilet is silica gel or clumping.
Automatic tray
A cat litter box with an automatic cleaning function is a high-tech device that completely frees the owner from the need to clean the litter box and replace the litter. As soon as your pet does its business and leaves the toilet, the cleaning system will start, which will sift the granules and collect the contaminated litter in a special container.
The most advanced models are connected to the sewerage system and water supply. Solid feces are liquefied in a special container and disposed of into the sewer system. The filler is washed with a stream of antibacterial liquid and dried with a stream of warm air.
Advantages:
- does not require daily cleaning;
- prevents the spread of unpleasant odors.
Flaws:
- quite high price;
- sounds during the cleaning procedure may frighten the animal.
Price range: from 15,000 rubles
Tray houses (closed)
Such options are suitable for pets who love to dig or shy individuals. When choosing such a design, you need to take into account the comfort for the baby and ease of care (some tray houses are difficult to wash). They are available in different sizes, designed for kittens and adult cats.
Pros:
- good blocking of unpleasant odors;
- protection against spillage of filler;
- aesthetic design, due to which you can install a tray-house right in the room.
Minuses:
- bulkiness - this model is not suitable for small apartments;
- difficulty in cleaning or, another option, constant change of filter mats, and this involves additional expenses.
There are many modifications of litter boxes, the main thing when choosing is to take into account the dimensions of the pet. The cat should feel free inside. You can buy a toilet for kittens to grow up with.
Corner tray
As the name suggests, this tray can be placed in a secluded corner. This model is especially convenient to use in a small apartment when there is no space to install a rectangular tray. Therefore, if you have little space in your apartment, it is definitely better to choose a corner litter box for your kitten.
The toilet has an ergonomic shape with rounded corners. It can be the simplest, with a mesh, with a filter, or even in the form of a house. This is a combined type of closed and corner trays.
The open version of the corner model is equipped with high sides. Due to this, granules of hygienic filler do not spill out.
Snail, or Clean Paws
The “snail” tray is a closed structure resembling a shell, with steps at the entrance. Coming out of the tray, the cat walks along the ladder and thus shakes off the remaining litter from its paws. The top of the structure is equipped with a filter that absorbs unpleasant odors.
This cat litter box has an aesthetic appearance and is usually liked by furry pets because of the additional sense of security. Individual snail toilets are designed pieces of art.
When choosing this option, make sure that the design allows you to easily clean the pot. It may be difficult to train a kitten that is used to an open litter box. Decide which tray is best for a kitten based on its characteristics.
Bio toilet
The cat's organic toilet is a toilet-house equipped with a carbon filter to absorb unpleasant odors. The filter needs to be changed on average every 6-7 months, in some models more often.
Advantages:
- eliminates the appearance of unpleasant odors and scattering of filler;
- creates a closed space;
- suitable for cats who like to dig;
- does not require frequent care;
- has a nice design.
Flaws:
- high initial cost;
- it is necessary to purchase additional accessories;
- has quite large dimensions;
- the presence of a door can frighten a pet.
Price range: from 2000 rubles
Self-sifting toilet
Perhaps the most hygienic option of all trays. All you need is to tilt the tray to the side, and the soiled filler will be poured through the mesh into a special tray. You then remove the tray and throw the waste into the trash. You don't have to go through such a tedious and unpleasant procedure as sifting through used cat litter with a spatula. Everything happens automatically.
It should be noted that not all animals like this design - it is not very stable. And the price is steep (from 5,000 rubles). Often you can only buy such a tray in a foreign online store.
Disposable cat litter
Many cat owners, when choosing a tray, by the question “which tray is best for a kitten” mean the question “which tray is more convenient for me?” Therefore, their choice often falls on disposable cat litter.
The main advantage of disposable cat litter is that the kitten owner gets rid of unpleasant procedures: emptying the tray of used litter, cleaning and washing the tray before the next fill of litter. Instead, the used disposable toilet is thrown away and a new one is installed in its place.
A disposable cat litter box is a box made of micro-corrugated cardboard, inside there is a plastic tray into which heat-treated granules of natural opal-cristobalite sorbent with a high ability to absorb and retain odors are poured. The service life of a disposable tray is approximately a month.
Significant disadvantages: you still have to remove solid excrement yourself with a scoop, and you need to buy a tray quite often.
How to choose the right one: what to look for
With rare exceptions, a purebred kitten, like a real aristocrat, will receive a magnificent welcome in the new family. He will come with everything ready. Breeders notify future owners about the needs of this family member long before the move. They give instructions and advice, including how to choose a litter box for your cat, without prompting.
Things are worse if the kitten was given as a gift without warning or the pet was picked up from the street. Then the new owner has to choose a toilet for cats in emergency mode. To avoid making mistakes, you need to remember:
- Cats are great individualists. For training, it is better to choose the simplest, budget option. Leave high-tech litter boxes or enclosed structures for later. The cat can be retrained, and a purchase that does not justify itself will have to be thrown out. And the more expensive it is, the more offensive it is.
- Acceptable size. A tray for kittens differs significantly in size from that for adult animals. From the available cat litter boxes, you need to choose the one in which the animal fits completely, without experiencing a lack of space for maneuvers.
- A high price does not always guarantee convenience. A small kitten is unlikely to appreciate a vessel with high sides. Think about it: cleaning an expensive closed toilet is more difficult than a simple litter tray. The same applies to closed figured cat litter boxes, complex structures and possible recesses on the surface.
- Quality. Against the background of cat litters of the same price, you need to choose the one that has no smell and has reliable sides. The cat will not use a tray made of low-quality plastic with a strong aroma. Reliable sides guarantee long service life and ease of use: a large animal will have no chance of turning everything over onto the floor when digging out the contents.
Toilet nozzles
The toilet cover is a simulator for accustoming a cat to the toilet and looks like a regular tray. They are installed on the rim of the toilet and are initially used as a regular toilet with filler.
As the cat gets accustomed to the tray, a hole is made in the center of the pad, which expands over time. Many models are a ready-made “pyramid”, where you don’t need to cut anything: the hole is expanded by first removing a small rim, then a larger one, then even more, and so on.
As soon as the animal begins to steadily do its business in the toilet, the nozzle is removed. Of course, training takes quite a long time. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a regular kitten tray as a backup option to avoid unpleasant surprises near the toilet or in the secluded corners of your apartment.
How to toilet train a cat
If you just took your pet into the house, you can teach him to relieve himself in the tray or even directly in the toilet.
Mastering the tray
There will be no difficulties when training a cat to use a litter tray if you follow simple rules:
- choose a tray that is suitable in size;
- be patient and pay as much attention as possible to your pet during this difficult period;
- generously praise the animal for every successful act and gently reprimand for mistakes.
You should definitely take some litter or newspaper from the previous owner, on which the pet has already relieved itself, and put it on the bottom of the tray so that the cat can identify the place by smell at first.
Some owners practice the one-room principle, when the animal is locked in a room where it has everything it needs to live, and is kept there for several days after adoption. It is believed that this way the pet reduces stress from changing places, and acquaintance with new owners occurs in portions. This method has its advantages if the cat is relatively mature, and disadvantages for the kitten in the form of acute loneliness.
From my own experience, I can say that at first you will need to monitor not only the cat, but also your habits, namely: do not close the door to the toilet if the cat’s litter box is placed there, and clean in a gentle way, that is, without using detergents . After all, while the cat is small, its waste has practically no smell.
Video: litter box training a kitten
Mastering the toilet
Accustoming a cat to relieve itself in the toilet is a much more labor-intensive and time-consuming procedure, which can only be done with those animals that already know how to use a litter box, and without litter. To gain this skill, you need to gradually reduce the level of granules in the cat's litter box, eventually reducing it to nothing. Further training will consist of 4 stages:
- Moving the tray to the base of the toilet.
- Raising the tray to the level of the toilet seat.
- Placing the tray in place of the toilet.
- Refusal of the tray.
There is an alternative method when, after stage 2, a training seat is attached to the tray, then the cat litter will not need to be moved to the toilet.
The toilet can be an alternative to using a tray, due to the lack of space in the restroom and the reluctance to carry out frequent cleaning
To simplify the procedure, special toilet attachments have been developed that reduce the pet’s fear of falling into the water.
The width of the toilet nozzle opening increases as the animal gets used to it
This accessory increases the duration of the pet training procedure, but increases its effectiveness. In addition, due to the presence of a special container for the filler, it will be possible to bypass the stage of weaning the animal from digging in granules.