Advantages and disadvantages of different cat litter box designs

Choosing a litter box for a cat, you will have to consider whether it will be convenient for the animal. Often the reason that the animal fundamentally does not go to the litter box, lies in its design. Therefore, when it is not possible to instill correct behavior in a kitten or an adult, then start by replacing the waste place. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of different models.

Classic cat litter tray

The standard model of the litter box is characterized by low sides, a standard oblong shape. It refers to the most budgetary products, is presented in a wide color palette. In fact, it is an ordinary plastic container.

Advantages:

• minimum price;
• ease of cleaning.

Disadvantages:

• gives to feel all the «flavors»;
• when burying the filler flies in all directions;
• constantly dirty paws.

Toilet for cats with a grid

On the standard litter tray, a removable mesh is superimposed on top. Thanks to this, a free space is formed between it and the bottom.

Advantages:

• inexpensive;
• the cat's paws do not get dirty;
• less unpleasant odors;
• no sand that scatters.

The disadvantage of a litter box with a grid is that it is categorically not suitable for cats who like to bury everything in the sand. The animal will scrape the grid for a long time until it breaks.

Tray with high sides

The same classic, but with large sides. A little more expensive, but it is worth it. The tray with large sides retains all the original advantages, including a wide color palette:

• ease of maintenance;
• easy digging.

Bonus: nothing flies out.

The imperfections are noticeably reduced. Only soiled paws remain, the stench is felt less. Unfortunately, the litter tray with high sides is poorly suited for small kittens, the obstacle proves difficult to overcome.

Litter trays with a removable bag

Similar to a standard litter tray, but the sides are made to secure the bag. An ideal option for squeamish owners, but it is not convenient for cats.

75% of animals refuse to go without filler. Enough many are frightened/irritated by the attached bag. Possible type of use as with litter: soiled and filled, removed and thrown out.

Closed cat litter box

Visually resembles a carrier or house. The animal pushes the door and enters, after exiting, it closes.

Advantages:

• Odor absorption;
• cleanliness of the surroundings;
• complete privacy for the animal.

Disadvantages:

• expensive;
• the kitty may decide it's a new carrier or house and just sleep or sit there;
• an animal with signs of claustrophobia will not go into such a litter box at all.

Manual cat litter box with filtration

This model is an upgrade of the closed-type litter box. It has all the bonuses and flaws of the previous model. A special nuance: to clean the litter box, it is enough to turn the handle and all solid waste will fall into a special compartment. You will need to take it out once a week. The charcoal filter provides clean air. But the smell of coal may not like the cat.

Miracle of technology - automatic toilet for cats

This is a toilet for cats with an auto-flush. That is, you connect the device to water, sewer and electricity. Sensors begin to work, showing that the animal went down and came out. The draining and flushing of the filler pellets is turned on, then everything is dried.