Ever since Fluffy arrived, I’ve never tried to get him used to a "hooded" litter tray (the ones with a lid and door) because at the rescue centre he was always used to an open tray. I tried putting the lid on yesterday, but no luck – he’s far too scared of it.
However, every morning I wake up to find loads of litter scattered all over the house. It’s like he’s leaving a trail of breadcrumbs; I can literally track his every move! Does anyone have any tips to stop this? Or is it just something I’ll have to live with forever? ^^
I’ve tried using a litter mat, but honestly, it’s useless. It was a bit of a rubbish idea.
So, if you have any suggestions, I’m all ears. My poor feet would definitely appreciate it – I’m fed up with treading on it every morning! 😯
Translated from French
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Hi, clumping litter forms clumps when it comes into contact with urine or poo. Only the grains that have actually been in contact with one or the other will clump together. Silica litter is non-clumping and changes colour when it comes into contact with urine. Depending on the brand (Cat’s Best for the clumping version), wood pellets will either clump or break down when they come into contact with either.
Hi,
Thanks for your reply! I think I'll try switching to clumping litter then, I just hope he gets used to it...
Hi there,
Clumping litter forms solid lumps when it comes into contact with urine or poo. Only the granules that have actually touched the waste will clump together.
Silica litter is non-clumping and changes colour when it absorbs urine.
As for wood pellet litter, depending on the brand (Cat’s Best for the clumping version), it will either clump together or break down when it gets wet.
Hey girl, honestly, with my two giant trays for my 3 cats, I can’t complain. There’s always going to be a bit of litter on the floor, but it’s nowhere near as much as what spills out of standard litter trays. I keep a smaller third tray out all the time (just in case), but they never use it.
Hi Blue, yep! I’m going to go and buy a tray. I just need to measure the gap between the loo and the wall! Even though the tray is quite high, he’ll have to jump now 😜😜
You've got your own private beach at home and you're complaining? I've tried the Catsan clumping litter; there are pros and cons. It doesn't smell at all, which is a massive plus, and because the grains are bigger, I find I don't get as much tracking. However, you're better off waiting a bit for the wee clumps to dry out, otherwise they just crumble back into the tray. Overall, I think it's quite good and I'm going to stick with it for now. That’s my experience, for what it’s worth!
I’m going to sound a bit daft here, but I’ve never really understood the difference between clumping and non-clumping litter? Could someone explain? 🥺🥺
I use the standard Catsan. As for the smell, it’s not too bad because I clear out the poo regularly, but the downside is that it gets stuck to his paws!
To be honest, with my two giant litter trays for my 3 cats, I can't complain. You’ll always get a bit of litter on the floor, but it’s nothing compared to the mess you get with standard litter trays. I keep a 3rd smaller one out all the time just in case, but they never use it.
The Maldives in your own home and you’re complaining?
I’ve been testing out Catsan clumping litter, and there are pros and cons. It doesn’t smell at all, which is a massive plus, and as the grains are larger, I’ve found they don’t track it everywhere quite as much. Mind you, it’s better to wait a bit for the clumps to dry out, otherwise they just crumble back into the rest of the litter. Overall, I think it’s pretty decent and I’m going to stick with this one for now.
Hi everyone,
@Ulalie: The first link isn't working 😔 I’ve got the same little builder at home; I think they must be on the same team. I keep finding litter in the bedroom (even though the two rooms are at opposite ends of the house). He’s got a real knack for getting it stuck in his paws.
Thanks for all your advice. I’ll make a note to get a plastic tray; it’ll definitely help stop it getting everywhere. When I wake up, I feel like I’m at the seaside 😎 with all those white grains of sand... better than the Maldives.
Personally, as I’ve basically got a little builder living with me, nothing seems to work—whether it’s high-sided litter trays or hooded ones, he just kicks it all out and makes a right mess. The only thing I’ve found that helps is using mats with fairly wide grooves, because the ones you usually find nowadays don't catch a thing; the grains just get stuck in them and they're an absolute nightmare to clean. Most of it lands on the mat, so I just tip it back into the tray, and I keep a little dustpan and brush next to each tray to tidy up around them. I’ve tried plenty of different types of litter, but it’s always the same story.
I use these ones, they’re the best:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kerbl-Washable-Cat-Litter-Mat/dp/B00140ORMM
I really don’t like these ones:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pet-Litter-Tray-Mat-Design/dp/B01M7YVCJT
You know what my little tinker 😻 is like, and the best thing I've found is a tray with higher sides, but what's really helped stop the tracking is Cat's Best clumping litter.
It's not 100% spotless, but it's nothing compared to the archaeological dig I had going on before.
Hi everyone, I’ve just changed my cat's litter tray. I used to have a large one where I’d taken the hood off, and whenever I tried to put it back on, she’d just sit in front of it and give me a bewildered look, so I never really pushed the issue. I’ve just bought an open tray with high rims and I’m really pleased with it; there’s hardly any litter on the floor anymore, although my kitty isn't a big digger. For the first few days, I had to remove the rim because she was scared of the little grate at the front and was climbing out the back (it doesn't take much to spook her!), but she’s fine now. I’ve included a link to the type of tray I mean, but there are plenty of similar models on other sites. https://www.maxizoo.fr/p/anione-bac--litire-pour-chat-high-rim-m-gris-fonc-1255626/#pdpreviewcontainer
