FAQ's

As a cat owner it is a good idea to provide your feline with an indoor toilet solution. Whether or not your cat goes to the toilet outdoors, the sensible idea is to provide your cat with another option for when they are at home.

A litter tray or box can potentially reduce accidents, put your pet at ease and reduce the risk of illness such as bladder and bowel problems.

A CATS TOILET HABITS

Cats tend to go on average 3 - 5 times a day. Naturally, kittens at around seven weeks old learn to dig and bury when they go to the toilet but some will leave it exposed. When urinating, typically a cat will squat low but when defecating, will have a slightly higher squat. If you notice anything unusual about your cats toilet habits, it is advised to check with a vet.

In general, most cats will prefer to go to the toilet in secluded location on the edge of their main territory (the area where they eat, sleep and play).

SO WHAT IS A LITTER TRAY/BOX?

A litter tray or box is just that, a tray or container filled with a loose aggregate material known as cat litter, that cats will use as a toilet. 

Generally, cats do not need to be trained to use a litter tray as it is their natural instinct to go to the toilet in a material where they can dig and bury. This behaviour tends to occur naturally when they are kittens and if a litter tray is nearby they will instinctively use it.

MY CAT GOES OUTDOORS, DO I STILL NEED A TRAY?

There maybe occasions when your cat does not fancy going outside. It maybe that the weather is bad or there is another cat on the scene so providing an alternate option such as an indoor tray or box is always a good idea.

WHICH TYPE OF TRAY IS RIGHT FOR MY CAT?

Every cat is different and has its own preferences, however most cats will prefer to use a litter tray that is easily accessible and large enough for them to turn around in comfortably. That is why we have designed our range of mogbogs to accommodate your cats needs.

OPEN OR COVERED UP?

Most cats like to feel they can see all around them when going to the toilet, making an open tray the more popular choice. A covered tray or box however is the preferred choice by cat owners rather than cats as it covers the contents and odour more discreetly and they feel it is the better choice for the cats privacy.

A cat will adapt to a covered tray although some may feel uneasy when confined to a small space. Providing a covered box with two exits can make your cal feel less vulnerable.

WHAT SIZE TRAY DOES MY CAT NEED?

The idea size as a recommendation is one and a half times the size of your cat, from its nose to the base of its tail. This allows for your cat to turn around comfortably without feeling confined and vulnerable.

We would recommend a tray size no smaller than 45cm x 35cm.

A kitten should have a small, starter tray with low sides or easy access then increase the size of the tray regularly as it grows. Kittens also tend to pick more objects up with their mouths including litter. A good idea is to consider a plant based litter to start with to avoid any harm if ingested.

CAT LITTER

WHAT TYPE OF LITTER SHOULD I CHOOSE?

There are many types of cat litter products available on the market, from paper and wood to silica, corn, wheat and sand. Most cats prefer non-scented litter like sand. Although this tends to be quite heavy to carry there are other lighter biodegradable products available. Our litter is designed to make your cat feel comfortable and at ease when using their tray and doing their business.

Cats will grow to like a certain litter type from a young age so we recommend sticking to what they are used to as much as possible.

CLUMPING OR NON-CLUMPING LITTER?

Cat litter is available in two forms, clumping and non-clumping. So, clumping litter clumps together once your cat goes to the toilet on it making it easier to scoop up in small parts. Non-clumping litter just absorbs urine, which means you will need to change the whole litter tray more often. Both choices are popular and personal however with both, if the tray starts to smell you may need to change the type of litter you use or clean the tray more regularly.

HOW MUCH LITTER DO I USE?

All cats will have a preference but generally 3-4cm of litter should meet your cats needs however keep an eye out to make sure your cat is happy. Not enough litter and it won't be able to cover up its mess. A cat that goes outdoors to use the toilet maybe used to being able to dig a lot deeper so the tray may require more litter. If using an open tray your cat may dig litter out of the tray and it may require topping up.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN THE TRAY?

We recommend scooping out clumping litter at least twice a day to remove any lumps and reduce odours. Non-clumping litter should also be changed when necessary or at least daily. Weekly, the contents of the litter tray should be completely emptied and the tray should be washed with a mild detergent and hot water. Dry thoroughly before placing new litter in the tray.

Avoid using compound disinfectants, such as Phenol and Chloroxylenol as these are toxic and harmful for your cat and should not be used.

DO I NEED TO USE A LINER IN THE TRAY?

This is a personal choice as it can help to make cleaning the tray easier. Plastic liners or paper are favourable but these can still leak as when a cat digs, its claws can tear through the liner. If lining your tray choose a liner that will not snag and cause harm to your cats claws.

HOW MANY LITTER TRAYS DO I NEED?

Where possible we recommend having one tray per cat plus one. Outdoors, a cat will tend to urinate and defecate in separate locations so trying to provide the same setting indoors may help your cat to avoid any accidents. Most cats will however use just one tray if this is all that is available to them.

So, in a home with two cats, ideally three trays would be available in different locations throughout the house. From experience, more sociable cats are likely share trays.

WHERE SHOULD I PUT MY TRAY(S)?

Finding the right location for your cat is important. You want your cat to feel safe, encouraging it to use its tray. Litter trays should be placed in corners or against walls allowing your cat to have a 180° view when approaching. They should also be located away from where they eat and drink and somewhere out of the way were they will not be interrupted.