Cat litter boxes: types, pros and cons

Automatic litter box for cats

Cat litter boxes are one of the basic "furniture" for those who have these adorable fluffy cats at home, whenever you don't want them to do their things on the floor, in the clean laundry, on the sofa or in bed. Besides, Since cats are very picky, there are a lot of cat litter boxes on the market that adapt to the needs and character of each one of them..

Therefore, in most cases, we will have to educate ourselves and even do a bit of trial and error before settling on one. We make it easy for you with this list with the different types of sandboxes that you can find. We also recommend that you read this article on what is Best Cat Litter: Clumping, Silica, or Biodegradable.

Types of litter boxes for cats

tray sandbox
(Source).

There are a lot of types of cat litter boxes. It is as if the manufacturers know that each cat is different and that it will be difficult for us to find the perfect litter box. Here we talk about the different types:

tray

They are the most classic sandboxes, some litter brands even give them away if you buy several of their products. Evidently, In addition to being the most classic and the cheapest, they are also the simplest. For example, they tend to have very low walls, so if you have a cat who likes to dig, it is possible that the floor will be more full of sand than a Cancun beach. Of course, they keep what they promise: they contain the earth and you have to clean it every so often, there is no more mystery.

Cutlery

Conclusion ideal for those cats who like privacy, while, on the contrary, they will not be liked by those cats who want to have good views of their surroundings while they are on the subject. This is something quite common, since the time to relieve themselves is always a moment of vulnerability, so cats tend to be aware of possible threats around them.

On the other hand, covered sandboxes prevent too much soil from falling and the floor remains lost, although, if you do not clean it often, the bad smell tends to accumulate, since it is still a closed space.

Automatic sandboxes are very practical

Automatic

They are the most expensive in terms of price range of all the types we are talking about today. They are a bit difficult to choose, since there are some that are wonderful, while others have a more regular operation or directly just save you time to clean the poop of your furry ones. The best is that check reviews and comments of the models you are interested in to make sure you will find them useful, or you run the risk of staying with a useless piece of junk at home that your cats won't even touch with a stick.

with top entry

For those who do not want a single grain of sand outside the sandbox, there are sandboxes with a top entry. They consist of a kind of box with an entrance at the top through which the crawler enters to relieve himself. The piece that remains free is reinforced with holes or slits so that, when the cat comes out, not even a little bit of sand goes with it.

Without a doubt, it is a good option if you are fed up with sweeping or vacuuming up the sand that escapes from the sandbox or if you have cats that are somewhat nasty, although, as we have said, It depends on the cat, it can get overwhelmed in a space that is too closed.. In addition, it is not recommended for very large cats or those weighing more than five kilos, since they may have problems getting in or out.

covered sandpit
(Source).

with sieve

The sandboxes with sieve consist of two superimposed trays and one, in the middle, with holes, which it makes as a sieve. When you want to empty the sandbox you have to empty the full tray into the empty one by passing the sand through the sieve, as if you were a gold digger (only the prize isn't exactly nuggets). It supposes two important advantages: a significant saving of time (since you don't have to look for the poop) and of sand, since only the waste remains in the sieve, which goes directly to the garbage.

Disposable

And we finish with the disposable sandboxes, which although it may not seem like it, they do not tend to be a waste for the environment, since most are made of biodegradable materials. Of course, they only serve to get you out of an emergency (for example, if you go on a trip for several days), since if you use them as a daily sandbox it will come out through an arm and a leg.

Yes, its operation is easier, impossible: everything goes in the trash, the sand, the poop, the pee and, of course, the tray.

How to choose the perfect litter box

A cat stretched out in its tray litter box
(Source).

Once you have seen the different types of sandboxes available, you may feel a little dizzy and you don't know which one will be better suited to your furry hobbies.

  • Therefore, We recommend that you start with a tray (Take advantage of any offer to get it for free, or get them at the corner bazaar for about five euros). From here you will be able to see the needs of your cat, so it will cost you less to hit.
  • For example, If your cat likes to dig, opt for a litter box with high sides or a covered one., so that the earth does not come out.
  • If you have a mister cat or do you have trouble aiming, opt for a cagadero that is very large. It is also a good option for multi-cat households.
  • For those with space problems, a corner sandbox is a good option. Similarly, a top-entry sandbox is more discreet and less prone to soiling the floor.
  • Discard covered or top-entry sandboxes, if you have a cat who likes to have a clear environment while doing their business.
  • Si you go on a trip normally, it can be very useful to have a package with a few disposable litter trays.
  • Finally, Automatic litter boxes are ideal for homes with several cats, or if you are lazy to pick up the poop (something perfectly understandable).

Cat litter boxes are more fascinating than they seem, and we hope this article has helped you find your ideal type. Tell us, do your cats have hobbies with litter boxes? Which have they tried? Are there any that have worked especially well?

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