As soon as the long-awaited kitten is taken into the house, the question immediately arises of where he will go to the toilet. This is perhaps the most burning problem that arises between a pet and its owner. And, if you are not a professional breeder, then some tips on how to choose the right litter box for your cat may come in handy. After all, the toilet for a cat is of no small importance, it is more important for her than for the owner.
What to look for when choosing
When the owner chooses a toilet for cats, then for his own and the cat's convenience, he must think over all the details. After all, it will depend on this choice whether the pet will walk into it and whether it will be convenient to clean it. Which is the best cat litter box to choose? So, when choosing a litter box, it would be nice to pay attention to:
- Cost. A cat litter box shouldn't be too expensive or too cheap. You need to choose something in between and reliable. It is advisable that he serve the pet all its life, because if you have to go through the change of the litter box in a mature feline age, it will be more difficult than accustoming a kitten.
- The size. It is very important to buy such a litter box for a cat so that it fits entirely in it, that is, it should not be small. If the tray is bought for a kitten, then you need to focus on the size of a mature animal of this breed. This is especially true for structures such as a closed toilet for cats, which looks like a house. When choosing a house, you need to pay attention to how the roof is located, determining whether the house is low to the animal.
- The material from which the cat litter box is made. The material should be lightweight and durable, usually plastic is used.
- The litter box should not be too light to prevent the large animal from tipping over when raking with the contents of the litter box.
- Defects. The cat litter box must be smooth and free of any defects so that the pet is not injured.
- Design. This refers to the presence or absence of a cover. A pet tray with a lid resembles a house, it is called a dry closet. It is convenient in that the animal will feel in solitude, and the filler will not spill out during raking. The house option is well suited for shy pets. And for those mustache who do not like to be in solitude, the house will not be the best option.
- Easy to clean. This is an important aspect. When choosing, you need to see how easy it will be to clean all the corners. There are trays into which disposable bags are inserted, such as garbage bags.
- Appearance. Toilets for cats should not have a strong odor; too bright unnatural colors indicate a low quality of the litter box.
Advantages and disadvantages of the main types of trays
Pet stores have a wide variety of these items, here are some of them:
1. Plastic trays for cats.
They are usually rectangular in shape, usually with low sides.
Moderna artist small toilet tray
- An economical option.
- Filler easily changes.
- Washes well.
- Compact, takes up little space, easy to take on the road.
- With active instillation, part of the filler is thrown out.
- Poorly holding odor.
- Cannot be used without filler.
2. Cat litter box.
It is a container equipped with a plastic mesh through which urine flows easily, and the feces remain outside. Filler can be added to the mesh tray.
YAMI-YAMI, cat litter box
- Filler is not required. There are some pets who do not like cat litter to be supplied.
- The cat does not get dirty while visiting the toilet.
- Easy to clean. After your pet goes to the toilet with a net, the net can be removed and rinsed under a large stream of water.
- A mesh tray that has no filler does not retain odor well.
- Frequent washing.
- Some pets do not like such devices, as they are deprived of the opportunity to dig for their pleasure.
3. Cat litter with high sides.
Cat litter box with high sides. As a rule, they are supplied with the main tray and are attached additionally. After visiting the toilet with a pet, it is enough to remove the film, throw it into the trash can. The container itself remains clean, and the film is replaced with a new one.
Ferplast, NIP PLUS 10 Cat Tray
- The cat will not be able to scatter the litter outside when instilling it.
- It is easy to clean.
- Large enough, takes up more space than a simple design.
4. Tray with built-in filtration system.
Outwardly it looks like a toilet with a mesh, only finer. In this version, the filler is not poured into the container, but onto the mesh. During the instillation, the cat sifts through the filler, the dirty one remains on top and is thrown away, and the clean one wakes up in the trough. This saves filler and makes cleaning easier.
STEFANPLAST Furba, Toilet with quick cleaning function
- An economical option.
- It does not need to be connected like a dry closet - a house to a sewer and, like an automatic one, to a water supply.
- Good for digging pets.
- Doesn't need daily washing.
- Allows you to save filler.
- An unpleasant odor may appear with occasional cleaning.
- Self cleaning required, not like an automatic dry closet.
- The cat can take the litter around the house on its paws.
5. Ventilated tray.
It contains a sump with openings to help circulate air. There is filler in the tray and is believed to dry well by circulation.
Canada Litter CatEco, Anti-Odor Toilet
- The filler dries faster.
- Little unpleasant odor is emitted.
- It does not need, like an automatic dry closet - a house, a connection to the sewerage or water supply.
- Suitable for a digging kitten.
- Doesn't need daily cleaning.
- May help save filler.
- Expensive price.
- You need to clean it yourself, not like an automatic dry closet - a house.
- Can be carried on the paws of a kitten.
6. Closed toilet, toilet - home.
Dry closet - a kitten's house evokes a sense of protection and looks quite aesthetically pleasing. Usually a dry closet - the house has a door that the cat opens himself, but sometimes the owners clean it, as they think that it will be better for the kitten.
Stefanplast, Wivacat closed toilet
- Tray - the house keeps the smell well.
- The house prevents cats from scattering litter.
- Dry closet - the house is well suited for shy, shy pets.
- The closed toilet is very popular with cats.
- Some pets are afraid of the model with a house, due to the presence of a door.
- High price.
- Some enterprising pets use it in a different capacity, not as a toilet, but as a house.
7. Automatic dry closet.
This species is just entering the Russian market, it has a very aesthetic appearance, similar to a toilet bowl for cats.
PetSafe ScoopFree, automatic self-cleaning toilet
- Complete absence of odors.
- The self-cleaning system easily removes all negative odors.
- No need to wash yourself.
- Safe for the kitten.
- No filler required.
- It is necessary that the pet does not see the moment when the cleansing occurs, otherwise it may get scared and refuse to use it.
- Expensive price.
In the modern world, there is a considerable selection of kitten trays. Which option is better to choose depends on the capabilities of the owner and the choice of the pet.
The easiest and most convenient way to organize a cat litter box is to buy a litter box. In pet stores today, they are presented in the widest assortment and price range. As a rule, cat litter boxes are made of plastic, which is why they are lightweight, durable, washable and do not absorb odors. There are many design options. On sale you will find the simplest trays for filler, trays with lattice, closed toilets, houses and even dry closets.
If you choose a regular tray for filler, it is better to give preference to a product with high sides and spacious enough in size.
The point is that cats are known to like to bury the contents of the toilet after visiting. Therefore, the filler can often fly out of the tray. In addition, if it is also too small for a pet, the animal will experience inconvenience, and the amount of garbage around will only increase.
In case your pet is accustomed to a litter box, you can buy a cat litter box with a grate. Then you just have to rinse the product after each use, and the pet will not get its paws dirty or litter around the tray.
Closed toilets are designed for those owners who do not want to pay too much attention to cleaning the cat litter box, and also want to prevent the spread of odors.
All the dowry has been bought for the long-awaited kitten, it remains to deal with the most important thing - this is the cat litter. Today, there are a huge variety of them in pet stores and you need not to get confused when choosing a container. In our article, we will consider the most economical and simple option - this is a tray with a lattice.
What is this design:
- First of all, it is a comfortable and stable device made of plastic. A cat litter box cannot be made of wood or iron, because the iron will oxidize due to exposure to urine and release vapors that are hazardous to health. Wood is also not used for these purposes, since it absorbs moisture very well, and harmful microorganisms will breed in it, which can harm not only animals, but also people. Plastic copes with its task very well. This device is quite light and can be easily moved anywhere in the apartment.
- The grate, which is placed on top of the pallet, is comfortable enough for the cat's paws, allowing the cat to easily do his business.
It is better to take a litter box "for growth", focusing on adult cats, this is necessary so that then a situation does not arise that the adult cat has to re-train it to use the litter box.
The main advantages and disadvantages of a cat litter box
- A tray with a grate is a rather hygienic means, because the animal walks on the grate when needed without touching the inner contents of the tray.
- The mesh tray will not allow cats to develop such a bad habit as eating cat litter.
- This toilet allows the pet to quickly adapt to it and not shit in other places that are not intended for this.
- Aesthetics is another plus of plastic cat trays. Manufacturers have released these designs in a wide variety of colors, which can easily blend in with any setting and color scheme of wallpaper, at the same time they are able to not catch the eye with their appearance.
- The mesh tray helps your pet to avoid throwing litter around the toilet, as the litter is inside, under the grill.
A plastic litter box with a lattice is the best option for spayed cats or neutered cats, because they have a minimal odor from feces, this type of toilet is unlikely to be convenient for non-castrated cats.
- The main and only drawback is that the mesh tray must be washed every time after the cat poops. Feces left on the net for a long time will give off an unpleasant odor. Everyone knows that cats are pretty clean animals, they can refuse to go to the toilet on a dirty and foul-smelling structure.
How to use the tray correctly
For the convenience of cats using the toilet, you need to follow some simple rules: firstly, you need to put the selected filler on the bottom of a clean and dry structure. From above, the tray needs to be closed with a lattice, and in such a way that there is a space between them, so that urine gets on the filler, which will protect from the appearance of an unwanted odor.
How to choose filler for a tray with a lattice
The uniqueness of the tray with the mesh is such that you can do without filler at all, but this option is suitable in the case when there is always someone at home, otherwise there will be a specific smell on the whole apartment. When constant monitoring is not appropriate, you can use any type of filler:
- Sand. This type of natural filler absorbs moisture quite well, but odor removal is much worse. It weakens it, but does not completely eradicate it. Replacement should be done every 2-3 days.
- Such a "popular" way as newspapers is rather troublesome. Moreover, he does not cope with either the smell or the absorption of urine. Newspapers need to be changed every day.
- Sawdust. They cope well with smell and moisture. Can be cleaned every 5 days.
- Wood pellets. These are the pellets used for heating boilers. They are very effective against moisture and odor. The filler can be changed once a week.
How to pour the filler into the mesh tray
Some owners are perplexed why pour filler into the tray with a grid, because all the same, cats do not have the opportunity to delve into it from the heart. It's very simple, cat litter mix is \u200b\u200bnecessary to keep the house odorless. Urine, draining from the grate, enters the filler, thus neutralizing the specific aroma.
A small layer of baking soda can be placed on the bottom of the tray to help urine absorb better and is effective in removing bad odors.
Fillers are poured to the bottom of the device, about 3 centimeters. The mixture should not reach the bottom of the tray. It is necessary to properly pour the mixture for the cat litter box, in this matter the "golden mean" is important. Too little filler will not cope with its task: remove unwanted odor, and too much will spill out.
How to properly wash your cat litter box
It is much more convenient to wash a toilet with a net than a simple one, since all feces remain on the grate. However, to remove odors, both daily cleaning and weekly cleaning should be done:
- Daily cleaning includes washing the surface of the faeces from the grate, as open faeces can cause unpleasant odors not only for cats, but also for humans. As a rule, the grill is cleaned without problems. Feces can simply be thrown out immediately after the pet poops, and the grate can be placed under a large stream of water. Thus, she washes well.
- The weekly cleaning includes thorough washing and disinfection. First, the dirty filler is thrown into the trash. Secondly, an empty toilet must be rinsed with a disinfectant using warm water. If you notice that the filler has adhered to the device in places, then you need to soak it for a short time in water. The grid or mesh must be cleaned of limescale that has formed from contact with urine. This plaque tends to build up in the toilet and smell unpleasant.
Cleaning the litter box should be done with rubber gloves. After cleaning is over, you must first wash your gloved hands with soap and water, and then rinse your hands thoroughly with soap in running water.
How to wash the tray
It is very important for the health of cats and their owners to keep the toilet clean, because in addition to the smell, it is dangerous to health. This is especially true for pregnant women, who are better off not cleaning the litter box of cats during pregnancy, as this can threaten the baby with such a difficult disease as toxoplasmosis. If there is no one to do this, then it is necessary to wash very carefully. It is better for a woman to put on a mask on her face, and gloves on her hands, so you can protect yourself and the baby. What to use for washing:
- You can use unscented detergents for better cleaning, as the harsh scent can scare your pet away from using the tray.
- For disinfection, you can try pouring vinegar over the device for 10 minutes.
- You can use a solution of baking soda and warm water to clean the tray.
- You can use apple cider vinegar for washing.
- After cleaning the litter box, rinse it thoroughly under running warm water to remove the smell of detergent.
It is not necessary to wash your pet's toilet with a citrus-scented detergent, as this smell repels cats, there is a risk that they will no longer fit this necessary device.
Veterinary stores have a large variety of cat trays, and mesh trays have found their place in the market. They are quite economical, practical and convenient to use, they can be taken on the road, and cats get used to them quite well.
Cat trays are now produced in all colors, sizes and shapes, and for the squeamish and lazy owners, even such wonders of engineering are now produced as for cats and for cats. What's the best cat litter box?
Cat trays are of the following types:
a) a simple litter box for cats
Simple cat litter box - this is an ordinary trough, large or not, into which cat litter is poured (or not poured).
Pros and cons of simple cat litter boxes
| + | - |
| Very cheap | |
| Doesn't require frequent washing | Need to clean yourself |
| Occasional misses are possible | |
| Your cat's paws can get wet |
Cat tray with sides - this is the same trough as in the first case, only with a removable frame / sides along the perimeter. The sides are needed for the tray to hold a special film or bag in it, so the cat tray is easier to clean.
The use of such trays for cats without films or bags is impractical.However, bumpers can also reduce the amount of litter emitted by the cat during landfills.
Pros and cons of cat litter boxes
| + | - |
| Cheap | An unpleasant odor may appear |
| Does not require connection to water supply, electricity and sewerage | |
| Suitable for cats who like to dig | It is possible to spread the filler around the house |
| Doesn't require frequent washing | Not suitable for shy cats |
| Not | |
| Occasional misses are possible | |
| Your cat's paws can get wet |
c) cat tray with mesh
Cat tray with mesh consists of two parts: a trough and a mesh cover; the filler is poured (or not poured) under the mesh.
Pros and cons of cat litter boxes
| + | - |
| Cheap | An unpleasant odor may appear |
| The filler does not spread | Not suitable for shy cats |
| Does not require connection to water supply, electricity and sewerage | Not suitable for cats who like to dig |
| Suitable for homes with other pets (dogs, ferrets, etc.) | Requires frequent (daily) washing |
| No need to purchase additional accessories | Occasional misses are possible |
| Cat's paws stay dry |
Externally resembles in many ways, it also consists of a trough and a lid with a mesh. Only in this tray the cells in the mesh are smaller and the filler is poured directly onto the mesh, not under it.
It is assumed that after use by the cat, the litter is sieved using the upper part of the tray with a filtration system: the clean one is at the bottom of the lower trough, and the dirty one is on the mesh. This system makes it easier to clean the tray and allows you to reuse the litter, but in practice this screening is not always ideal.
Pros and cons of cat litter boxes
| + | - |
| Cheap | Occasional misses are possible |
| No need to purchase additional accessories | An unpleasant odor may appear |
| Does not require connection to water supply, electricity and sewerage | Not suitable for shy cats |
| Suitable for cats who like to dig | Need to clean yourself |
| Doesn't require frequent washing | It is possible to spread the filler around the house |
| Saves filler | Not suitable for homes with other pets (dogs, ferrets, etc.) |
| Your cat's paws can get wet |
e) ventilated litter box for cats
The ventilated litter box for cats consists of a tray with openings for air circulation, a special pad and high sides that fit on the tray. Any filler is poured into the pallet, then a special gasket is placed, then the sides are installed and more filler is poured. It is assumed that due to the circulation of air in the tray, the filler dries quickly, and therefore, bacteria and unpleasant odors do not form.
Ventilated Cat Tray Video:
Pros and cons of ventilated cat litter box
| + | - |
| No need to purchase additional accessories | Expensive |
| Does not require connection to electricity, water supply and sewerage | Occasional misses are possible |
| Suitable for cats who like to dig | Not suitable for shy cats |
| Doesn't require frequent washing | Need to clean yourself |
| Saves filler | It is possible to spread the filler around the house |
| Bad odor is almost impossible | Not suitable for homes with other pets (dogs, ferrets, etc.) |
| Your cat's paws can get wet |
e)
Closed litter box for cats It is a trough with a removable lid that has an opening or door for the cat.
These cat trays can be shaped like carriers or look like toy houses, and sometimes designers turn them into real objects of art.
It is better to buy closed trays for cats with a door, so you will not let the smell spread throughout the apartment.
Pros and cons of closed litter boxes
| + | - |
| The filler does not spread | Expensive |
| No need to purchase additional accessories | An unpleasant odor may appear |
| Does not require connection to water supply, electricity and sewerage | Not suitable for shy cats |
| Suitable for homes with other pets (dogs, ferrets, etc.) | Need to clean yourself |
| Suitable for cats who like to dig | Your cat's paws can get wet |
| Doesn't require frequent washing | |
| Accidental misses are excluded |
g) dry closet for cats
Dry closet for cats - this is a closed toilet, in the lid of which a charcoal filter is installed, it must prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor. In addition, a composting toilet for a cat can be equipped with a fan, special absorbent napkins and strips for cleaning cat paws from filler.
Pros and cons of composting toilets for cats
| + | - |
| The filler does not spread | Expensive |
| Requires purchase of additional accessories | |
| Does not require connection to water supply, electricity and sewerage | Need to clean yourself |
| Suitable for homes with other pets (dogs, ferrets, etc.) | Your cat's paws can get wet |
| Suitable for shy cats | |
| Suitable for cats who like to dig | |
| Doesn't require frequent washing |
h)
Self-cleaning cat litter box is a new word in science and technology, a masterpiece of human thought.
Conventionally self-cleaning cat litter boxes can be divided into two categories: simple and complex.
In simple self-cleaning cat litter boxes, a certain mechanism changes the dirty litter to clean litter after the cat uses the litter box. Naturally, in the end, the owner of the cat will still have to clean the container with dirty filler himself.
Sophisticated self-cleaning toilets for cats are connected to water and sewage systems, which allows cat waste to be flushed out in the same way as in a human toilet. Flushing occurs automatically after the cat leaves the toilet.
Pros and cons of self-cleaning cat litter boxes
| + | - |
| The filler does not spread | Very expensive |
| The appearance of an unpleasant odor is practically impossible | Requires purchase of additional accessories (not all models) |
| Suitable for homes with other pets (dogs, ferrets, etc.) (not all models) | Not suitable for shy cats |
| No need to clean by yourself | Requires connections to water, sewerage (not all models) and electricity (all models) |
| Doesn't require frequent washing | Not suitable for cats who like to dig (not all models) |
| Occasional misses possible (not all models) | |
| Your cat's paws can get wet |
i) disposable cat trays
Disposable Cat Tray - This is another know-how in the care of cats. Naturally, the disposable tray is not designed for one use, but for 20-30 days. The disposable cat litter box is a cardboard box that contains two plastic cat litter boxes. The upper tray contains a filler that allows all moisture to pass into the lower tray with wood filler, which in turn absorbs urine and retains odor. After 20-30 days, the disposable toilet is thrown away and a new one is bought.
Plastic disposable trays for cats are sold abroad, made on the principle of disposable plates. Recently in Russia, the "Siberian Cat" company has launched the production of such trays, however, unlike foreign ones, they are sold already filled with one of the types of popular cat litter.
Pros and cons of disposable cat litter boxes
| + | - |
| Relatively cheap | An unpleasant odor may appear |
| Does not require connection to water supply, electricity and sewerage | Occasional misses are possible |
| Suitable for cats who like to dig | It is possible to spread the filler around the house |
| Does not require washing at all | Not suitable for shy cats |
| No need to purchase additional accessories | Not suitable for homes with other pets (dogs, ferrets, etc.) |
| Need to clean yourself | |
| Your cat's paws can get wet |
j) portable cat tray
Portable Cat Trayis usually made from several layers of waterproof fabric. It can be folded up and taken with you on the road or to a cat show.
As a rule, portable cat trays are without net and sides and have the same pros and cons.
Each type of litter box has its own pros and cons, make the right choice that suits both you and the cat.
Cleanliness and some disgust are characteristic of almost all cats. How carefully they go around the puddles and how carefully they wash themselves, not wanting to see even a tiny speck on a precious fur coat! The cat litter box must also be clean and odorless, otherwise the princess will ignore it, expressing her "phi" somewhere in a secluded corner. Knowing the pros and cons of the basic models makes it easy to determine which litter box is best for your cat.
The main selection criteria are ease of use and cleaning. The cat must freely enter the tray and fit inside the whole, otherwise some of the "business" and filler will end up on the floor. In addition, the cat litter box should be designed so that changing litter and cleaning the litter box is not time consuming. Before choosing a cat tray, decide on the installation site in order to more accurately estimate the size of the structure.
1. A well-known tray for cat owners: a plastic container with sides - and nothing more. Suitable for toilet training kittens, since even a crumb can get into such a cat tray. For adult animals - not the best option, especially if the cat is used to bury "traces of crime". The smell is not retained in any way, so you have to use an expensive filler. From the pros: it costs a penny, easy to clean, you can take it with you on a trip.
Another simple tray, but this model has sides of sufficient height and curved inward: the filler will not crumble. But washing it is inconvenient: when you turn the tray over to shake out the filler into the bag, some of the granules get stuck under the rim.
2. Inexpensive litter box for cats. The disadvantages are the same as in the first model: low sides, does not retain the smell. The net is almost at the bottom of the container, so liquid waste stains the cat's paws and hair. Often the owners send the grate to the trash bin as unnecessary, there is almost no sense from it anyway.
3. But this toilet for cats is much more convenient. The sides are quite high - the filler does not fly to the floor. On the edge there is a thick edging, which does not allow individual granules to scatter. The additional side can be removed, which not only makes cleaning easier, but also allows you to use the bag: the film is laid on a tray, the side is snapped on top and filler is poured. Now the tray does not need to be washed: snapped off the side, collected the film and you're done.
Similar construction, but this mesh cat tray can be used without filler - there is a decent gap between the grate and the bottom of the container. However, a thin layer of filler will not hurt to retain the smell. Which litter box is best for your cat - with or without a net - depends on your pet's personal preference. Some cats hate grating, as claws cling to it while digging. Other pets are indifferent to the net, and use both trays with equal accuracy.
For active diggers and shy animals, the cat house tray is ideal. The requirements are the same: the size corresponding to the dimensions of the pet and ease of cleaning. Models of "houses" for the needs of hundreds, consider the most popular.
1. Simple construction, but has a number of useful additions. Transparent door - easy to control filler cleanliness. The top is completely removable for easy cleaning. But the main thing is that this closed litter box for cats is equipped with a charcoal air filter - the unpleasant smell is securely locked inside.
2. One of the most popular designs in the West: a snail-shaped cat house tray. Available in a wide range of sizes, from tiny kitten houses to large toilets that can easily fit a solid Maine Coon. There are many pluses: removable top, textured steps (collecting granules adhering to the paws), spiral design retains the smell. There is only one drawback: in conditions of a lack of space, such a tray will take up a lot of space.
3. The angled cat tray is ideal for confined spaces. There are both ordinary containers and such closed ones. The photo shows a convenient design with a removable top, a transparent door and a carbon filter in the lid.
4. This indoor cat litter box is not only convenient, but also beautifies the bathroom. They come in a variety of colors, sizes and designs. The idea is that the tray is disguised as a cabinet. There are two "rooms" inside. At the exit, there is a compartment with a textured rug that collects granules adhering to the legs, a hook for a scoop and even a place to store a bag with filler. In the "back room" there is a toilet. The kit includes a litter box, but if desired, it can be replaced, for example, with a cat litter box. The curbstone is very light, it is easy to move it - from the bottom, on the back wall, there is a special slot for removing the tray. There are designs with a removable cover that is easy to slide or tilt to the side (on hinges or on rails).
No time to keep the toilet clean? No problem. Busy people will be helped out by a self-cleaning cat tray - a real miracle of technology! Below are two popular models.
1. The first design is a tray equipped with a cleaning system. A sensor is built into the side, which detects the approach of a cat. Some time after the cat's visit to the toilet, a "rake" leaves the side compartment, collecting solid waste and adhering lumps of filler. Waste is sent to a container that needs to be cleaned as it is filled. Since only clumping filler is suitable for such a toilet, the designers equipped the tray with a rug (clumping filler most often sticks to wool).
2. The second design is only suitable for spacious rooms, otherwise you will have to smash your head deciding where to put the cat tray. This is not just a tray, but a completely autonomous device connected to water supply, sewerage and electricity. Instead of filler - special washable granules that go through several stages of cleaning after each use of the toilet. Only one thing is required from the owner: change the detergent cartridges on time.
