Cat tray: types, sizes and selection rules

With the advent of a kitten in the house, you have to think about buying a tray. It is easy for a simple layman to get confused in the choice, because the range of these products is very wide. On the shelves of shops you can find different models, and this is what baffles you, because you want to choose the best option for your pet.

How to determine the optimal variety, as well as how to choose the right size of the product - we will consider in more detail.

There are several ways to classify tray models. For example, they are ordinary linear and angular. According to the degree of complexity, they can be simple and complex. By type of use are divided into manual and automatic. For the price they allow you to choose an option for owners with different budgets.

By durability of use, modifications can be standard and disposable. In the lines there are models of the road type or folding structures necessary for the cat participating in exhibitions or often visiting with the owner of the guests. In general, trays can be classified into 2 main types: open and closed. Each line of varieties has its own categories and features.

Open trays are traditional, presented in the form of typical boxes of plastic of rectangular shape, and can be supplemented by gratings and sides.

The advantages of such modifications are reasonable price and compactness - they do not take up much space. In addition, they are convenient to operate, visually open to control cleanliness and not burdensome in washing and changing the filler.As for the minuses, the usual cat trays need to be cleaned often, and sometimes daily.

In addition, when using them, the filler is often spread outside the tray. Another disadvantage is unaesthetic: dFor cleaning, it is convenient, but in general, looking at the tray in which there is animal excrement is unpleasant.

Modifications of the open type with a grill are more convenient. In fact, these are the same boxes, but on top they have gratings with holes of different sizes and quantities. The filler in them is strewed to the bottom, which eliminates the wearing of granules around the house. These products are inexpensive, due to the filler used, they do not emit an unpleasant odor.

The disadvantage of the product is the need to clean the grill every time the animal fulfills its natural needs. In addition, fecal residues may linger between the openings of the grill, which complicates the washing. Another nuance is the difficulty in selecting the tray, because manufacturers often make such models from soft plastic. In addition, it is difficult to find a product of this type for cats of large breeds.

Cat trays equipped with high sides belong to the category of open models. The design of the product is an open tray with sides that are attached to the edges using special clips. In this case, the model may have a mesh lattice and a special spatula to remove excrement and swollen filler granules. These models are designed for cats that throw filler out of the tray or for individuals who defecate past the tray.

The convenience of the models is the possibility of using plastic bags for the pallet, which simplifies the cleaning of waste filler. Due to the high sides, the filler remains inside the boxes. The trays themselves are more stable, they are suitable for cats and cats of large breeds (bobtail, maine coon).

Modifications of the trays for cats of a closed type are externally more aesthetic and have a good ability to contain unpleasant odors.

This is a great choice for cat owners who do not want to keep the toilet door closed, allowing the cat to enter it as needed. Designs of this type have a door, which is often cleaned after purchase to adapt to the toilet so that the cat does not think that he is going to bed.

The advantages of these models are cleanliness of the environment, calm shy cats, the impossibility of getting excrement outside the box, aesthetic appeal.

Cons of products also have. These include large sizes, which is why the tray requires more space. In addition, these products are more expensive, they need to be washed not only the bottom, but also the upper part. Sometimes cats do not recognize such toilets, which has to be fought for a long time.

Progress does not stand still, and therefore cats can have dry closets today. In fact, these models are similar to conventional closed-type designs, with the only difference being that they have a blade and a charcoal filter, necessary to absorb unpleasant odors. Filtration plates are designed for 5-7 months, it is recommended to put antibacterial wipes on the bottom of such trays, which prevent the growth of bacteria.

The disadvantage of the designs is the need for continuous collection of solid waste. These models cost more than standard analogs of the closed type. However, they are convenient, have a drawer under the filler, practical in operation and aesthetically attractive.These products are produced by companies in Japan and Italy, the designs have doors, can vary in size, shape.

Automatic cat trays are a kind of know-how in organizing the toilet issue. Unlike other varieties, the models of this line are equipped with a self-cleaning function, which significantly raises the price tag of any tray. These trays are connected to the sewage system and cold water supply, as well as electricity. In fact, this is a stand-alone device with a full installation, requiring the purchase of filler and timely replacement of cartridges.

The thing is functional, but the self-cleaning procedure takes about half an hour. However, this does not happen when the animal is in the tray, for which the sensors are responsible. The advantages of products of this type are automatic cleaning after each visit to the toilet by a cat, disinfection procedure, economy of the filler, elimination of unpleasant odors, as well as protection of the surrounding area from dust and granules.

To date, the list of popular trays is huge, which is explained by the preferences and financial capabilities of breeders. The top includes the most relevant models of toilets for cats for buyers.

• "VC Closet" - a capacious rectangular plastic tray with high sides and dimensions of 420x335x140, 490x380x160 mm. Produced by Chinese manufacturers, may include a scoop, mesh and top cover. Often is an element of stands for trays.

• DD Style "Dogush" - an analogue of a budget type with a mesh made of colored plastic by Dunya Dogush Plastic. It has lockable high sides with a snap-on system and prevention of scattering of the filler; dimensions can be 495x360x125, 495x360x167 mm.

• Marchioro goa - a high-quality plastic tray from the Italian manufacturer Marchioro on non-slip legs made of rubber, having parameters 370x270x120, 430x330x140, 500x370x170 mm. Has high removable sides with reliable clamps.

• Triol closed house - a cat tray from LLC “Triol SPB” in the form of a house of angular type with parameters 570x430x400, 513x388x433 mm. A kind of box for shy cats, suitable for representatives of large cat breeds.

• Closed tray Imac Zuma - a product of the Italian brand Imac with parameters 400x560x425 mm. The package includes: tray box, carbon cartridge, removable frame, bags for waste filler and a spatula.

• Ferplast jumpy - modification of a closed type with an upper entrance or a mesh cover with a hole for a cat, which prevents the entry of other breeder pets. Parameters of the trapezoidal model of the Italian manufacturer Ferplast are 575x388x390 mm.

• Curver pet life - closed closet of a streamlined shape with an oval entrance and a stylish design. The parameters of the model are 510x390x400 mm, in the lineup the tray is presented in two shades, the product is collapsible, has a pull-out tray, a scoop, a grid for the pallet, a carbon cartridge.

• Kao Cat - Japanese manufacturer Nyantomo Seiketu Toire dry closet made of plastic. Consists of a support tray, a pull-out tray, a mesh and a top cover. The parameters of the model are 550x430x400 mm. In the configuration there is a blade for removing solid waste.

When buying a tray for your furry pet, you need to consider a number of factors. For example, the product must be stable so that at the time of use it does not slip on the floor of the toilet. The existing frame should be removable, which will simplify the washing of the tray.

Bulky products of a closed type must be constantly disassembled and collected for cleaning. Others even frighten cats with the noise of purification. Separate options are made in the form of pads for accustoming the animal to the toilet. It is worth noting other purchase criteria.

• Production material must be durable and high quality. An unpleasant odor should not come from it, the plastic itself should be thick and resistant to bending, so that the pet does not push it with its weight. Unpleasantly smelling plastic cats reject, they do not fit such trays.
• Type of construction selected based on the nature of the cat. If she is shy or likes to rummage and scatter the filler, you can choose the option of a closed type. The kitten needs an open tray. Open boxes are convenient in cases where two cats go to the same tray.
• Tray dimensions are important, because small boxes are good exclusively for kittens. For larger individuals, more spacious options are selected so that the animal can turn around in a tray. As for products of a closed type, when choosing them, the key parameter becomes the height parameter: it should allow the pet to straighten inside the house.
• Side height in open models should be selected taking into account the age of the cat. If this is a very small kitten, he will not be able to independently overcome the barrier to get inside the box. An adult needs to choose an option with rounded sides.
• The best models are products with a mesh grill and the possibility of using filler. Granular material will allow you to delay the unpleasant odor that occurs after a cat visits the toilet.
• It is important to pay attention to the convenience of cleaning. In this regard, more convenient open designs of a direct type. In closed models, it is more difficult to clean the deferred plaque from urine and feces. In addition, they are not visible when the time has come for cleaning.
• It is necessary to look at the width of the product. No matter how much you want to put a cat’s toilet in an apartment or house in the most rational way with space saving, narrow options are not suitable for a cat. Insufficient width may cause the animal to spoil past the tray.
• In most cases, the deciding factor is the cost. Of course, each buyer expects a certain amount. However, if the kitten is small, you do not need to purchase an expensive tray for him, which he will not be able to walk into. The first box can be simple and small. In the future, you can choose something more expensive for your pet.

If desired, you can purchase a corner box. The model can be simple without a grid or with a grid, but its parameters should accommodate the animal without restricting its movements. Otherwise, the cat will look for another latrine. To reduce the likelihood of the filler spilling, you can choose a model with a corner wall. On average, the dimensions of such a product can be 510x510x155 mm.

Depending on the type of construction, the tray is cleaned at different time intervals. It is longer in models with a self-cleaning system and shorter in open boxes. Simple trays must be washed every time animals visit them. The same rule applies for open products with a grill; they wash it daily, as soon as the cat has finished its need.

If you ignore frequent washing, an unpleasant smell accumulates in the tray, and the cat, as a squeamish creature, will cease to recognize it as its latrine. It will be unpleasant for her to step on her feet on wet or spent filler.Much depends on the number of pets and the type of filler used in the tray. It swells and increases in size differently, has its own nuances of use.

If wood is used in the tray, it has to be changed once a week. After all the granules crumble or swell, the tray is washed with a special agent, dried and a fresh portion of the filler is poured. If there are two cats in the house, you will have to change the filler and wash the toilet twice a week (except for the constant cleaning of the grill). Sometimes the situation is such that cleaning can become unplanned.

Such cases include trouble in the form of loose stools or stool sticking to the sides and walls of the tray.

Trays without gratings imply the mandatory use of filler. For these boxes, you can purchase plastic bags or garbage bags, laying them on the bottom, and pouring filler granules on top. Depending on the type of granular material, wood filler is sufficient in an amount that barely covers the bottom. Silica gel will need no more than 2 cm in thickness, a mixed product of clay and sawdust - no more than 2-2.5 cm, sand - up to 3 cm.

The filler must be used correctly. For example, you need to fill them in a tray without a grate in larger quantities. If the model has a grid, the number of granules should not be large, because if moisture gets on them, they can increase in size not only twice, but even three times. When filling the working material, it must be taken into account that there must be free space between it and the top of the grating. When increasing the granules, they should not rise through the holes in the mesh.

Dispose of spent filler in the bin. To simplify the task, it is worth wrapping the box with a plastic bag. After the granules swell, the package is removed from the box and disposed of. The tray itself is washed in order to get rid of a gradually eating smell. Then it is dried and a new bag is put on again, the filler is poured on top.

Closed models are washed no less than open models. Models mounted in the sewage system have their own purification systems. As a rule, all the nuances of washing are indicated in the documentation that came with the product. Flushing for other modifications occurs 20 seconds after the cat leaves the tray. This is carried out due to the built-in touch sensor.

Self-cleaning toilets are comfortable and hygienic. Bags in automatic models must be cleaned once a week. Cleaning is done by pressing the lever. Other devices do not need the usual filler. Such toilets are filled with special granules, through which liquid excrement flows into the drain. Solid waste is collected through a rotating scoop.

Automation is also convenient because the owner can set the optimal cleaning time. The tank is cleaned independently, the granules are washed and dried. The installation of such a toilet is carried out by a plumber, it is connected to the sewer and electricity. These products are calculated for cats of all known breeds.

Models with a self-cleaning function can have a different operating principle. Some of them have a special device that collects excrement and sends them to the lower tank, leaving the worker clean. These models need bags for excrement. However, the minus of such structures is that they cannot get rid of the smell until the owner throws out a bag of excrement.

Watch the tray overview in the next video.