A useful litter tray review should tell you more than whether a tray looks smart in a product photo. It should help you decide whether your cat will use it comfortably, whether it suits your home, and how much cleaning it may save you each week. For an everyday essential that affects your cat’s wellbeing and your home’s freshness, the details matter.
The best choice is rarely the tray with the most features. Some cats love the privacy of a covered design; others refuse anything with a flap. A high-sided tray can make a real difference for enthusiastic diggers, but may be awkward for an older cat to step into. Choosing well starts with your cat’s habits, not just your décor.
What a good litter tray review should cover
When comparing litter trays, start with the practical information that is easy to overlook: dimensions, entry height, side height, shape and cleaning access. Product descriptions can use terms such as “large” or “jumbo”, but the measurements are what tell you whether your cat can turn around comfortably and whether the tray will actually fit in its intended spot.
A good review also explains who the tray may suit. A compact tray can work nicely for a kitten or a small cat in a limited space, while a large adult cat generally needs more room than owners expect. Multi-cat homes need particular consideration. Even a spacious tray can become unpleasant quickly if several cats are using it, especially if it is difficult to scoop thoroughly.
Look for comments on build quality too. Smooth, sturdy plastic is easier to wipe down and less likely to hold onto odours than thin, flexible material with awkward grooves. A removable rim may help keep litter inside, but only if it clicks back into place securely. These are small design choices that become obvious after a few days of daily use.
Size comes before style
Cats value space. As a general guide, the tray should be around one and a half times your cat’s body length from nose to tail base, where your available space allows it. This gives them room to enter, turn, dig and settle without balancing on the edge or scattering litter across the floor.
For larger breeds, such as Maine Coons, Ragdolls and Norwegian Forest Cats, standard trays are often simply too cramped. A generously sized open tray or a roomy covered option can be a much kinder choice. If your cat regularly perches with its front paws outside the tray, leaves waste close to the edge, or kicks litter over the sides, lack of space may be part of the problem.
It is tempting to choose the smallest tray that tucks neatly beside the washing machine or under a bathroom unit. But a tray that is too tight can lead to mess, hesitation, or toileting elsewhere in the home. Giving the tray a little more floor space often brings more peace of mind than trying to conceal it completely.
Open, covered or top-entry?
An open litter tray is the simplest option and often the easiest for cats to accept. It offers clear sightlines, good ventilation and straightforward access for scooping. It is also particularly helpful for kittens, senior cats and cats that are anxious, recovering from illness or less mobile. The trade-off is that odours can travel more easily if cleaning slips, and energetic cats may throw litter over the sides.
Covered trays offer more visual privacy and can help contain loose litter. In a busy household, they may make a litter area feel tidier. However, a lid can trap smells inside, which means the tray must still be scooped promptly. Some cats also dislike the enclosed feeling, particularly if another pet could approach the entrance while they are inside.
Top-entry designs can be effective for reducing tracking, especially with cats who leap in and out with confidence. They are less suitable for kittens, elderly cats, cats with joint discomfort, or any cat that does not enjoy jumping. A tray only works if your cat is happy to use it every time, so never force a style that creates a barrier.
High sides help, but entry height matters
High-sided trays are a practical favourite for cats that dig with enthusiasm, spray towards the edge, or stand to urinate. They can reduce the daily sweep-around and protect nearby walls, making them a sensible choice for tidy homes.
Yet high sides are not automatically right for every cat. A low front entry offers easier access for small kittens and cats with arthritis, mobility issues or reduced confidence. Some trays combine tall rear and side walls with a lower doorway, giving you better litter containment without making access difficult. That balance is worth looking for when reading a litter tray review.
If your cat has suddenly begun toileting beside the tray, do not assume it is behavioural. A new tray that is too tall, too narrow or difficult to enter may be the issue. Sudden changes in litter habits can also signal a health concern, so speak to your vet if the behaviour continues or your cat seems uncomfortable.
Cleaning should feel manageable every day
Even the most attractive tray will disappoint if it makes cleaning harder. Wide openings, smooth interiors and uncomplicated shapes make daily scooping quicker and more thorough. Deep corners, fixed grilles and narrow access points can leave waste behind, allowing odours to build up.
For most households, scooping at least once a day is the baseline for a clean, inviting tray. In a multi-cat home, twice daily is often more realistic. A full wash and litter change should happen as needed, based on the litter you use and the number of cats, with warm water and a mild pet-safe cleaner. Strongly scented cleaning products can be unpleasant for cats and may discourage use.
Self-cleaning trays can be helpful for owners with busy routines, but they are not a hands-off solution. They still need regular emptying, cleaning and monitoring. They also come with a higher price point, need a suitable power location, and may take time for cautious cats to accept. For many cats, a well-made manual tray paired with a reliable scoop remains the simplest and most dependable option.
Think about litter tracking and odour realistically
No tray removes every grain of litter from your floor. A high rim, covered entrance or top-entry design can reduce scatter, but your choice of litter and a good litter mat make just as much difference. Positioning a mat outside the tray gives loose granules a chance to fall from paws before your cat walks through the house.
Odour control works in the same way: it is a system, not a single feature. A suitable tray size, enough litter depth, an absorbent litter, regular scooping and sensible placement all work together. Heavily perfumed trays or liners may seem appealing, but many cats prefer neutral, unscented surroundings.
Liners are another personal preference. They can speed up a full change for some owners, but cats that scratch hard may tear them, creating more work rather than less. If your cat dislikes the sound or feel of a liner, leave it out.
Placement is part of the purchase decision
Before buying, decide exactly where the tray will live. Choose a quiet, easy-to-reach area away from food and water bowls, loud appliances and constant foot traffic. Cats want privacy, but they also need to feel safe. A dark cupboard with a closing door can become stressful if your cat feels trapped or is accidentally shut in.
In homes with more than one cat, a helpful rule is one tray per cat, plus one extra, placed in separate areas where possible. Two trays side by side may look like two choices to us, but a cat can view them as one guarded toilet area. Separate locations give more timid cats a fair chance to use a clean tray without confrontation.
Measure the space before ordering, including the room needed to lift a lid, slide out a drawer or stand comfortably while scooping. This avoids the frustrating discovery that a beautifully designed tray cannot be cleaned properly where you planned to put it.
The right tray supports happier daily routines
The right litter tray should make your cat feel comfortable and make care feel simpler for you. Prioritise generous space, easy entry, straightforward cleaning and a design that suits your cat’s age and habits. A stylish finish is a welcome bonus, particularly in a modern home, but your cat’s confidence comes first.
At PetMode, we believe everyday care products should bring comfort to pets and reassurance to the people who love them. Give your cat a calm, clean place of their own, keep an eye on how they respond, and be willing to adjust if their needs change. That small act of care can make home feel better for everyone.
