FAQ: Litter & Accessories for cats

The cat climbs into this box through an opening in the lid, so less litter is scattered and dogs or small children cannot reach it. It does not suit kittens, older cats or cats with joint problems that find jumping hard.

A corner box is triangular and designed to sit in the corner of a room, so it saves space. It still needs to be big enough for the cat to turn around comfortably.

High sides keep litter in when the cat digs vigorously and contain urine if the cat stands tall to urinate. The entry point should still be low so the cat can get in easily.

An older cat does well with a roomy box with a low entry that is easy to step over with sore joints. Place it near where the cat rests so it does not have to walk far or climb stairs.

A kitten needs a box with a low side so it can climb in easily. It will soon outgrow a small box, so many owners buy an adult-sized box with a low entry from the start.

Large cats need a considerably bigger box than standard so they can turn around and dig. Some owners use a large plastic storage tub with a low opening cut into it.

It is an electric box that separates clumps from clean litter after the cat's visit and puts them in a closed drawer. It makes upkeep easier, but needs suitable litter and regular cleaning, and not all cats accept it.

Most automatic boxes work with firmly clumping, not too heavy litter, and some with special granules or crystals. The suitable litter type is stated in the device's manual, and it is worth following.

At first leave the box switched off and place it next to the old one so the cat can explore it. Once the cat uses it, turn on automatic cleaning, and remove the old box only when the cat is fully used to the new one.

Many manufacturers state a minimum cat weight at which the box detects the cat and will not run while it is inside. For very small kittens it is often advised to switch the automatic function off until they grow.

An automatic box removes clumps without you, so it is easier to miss that the cat is urinating more or less often. Some show visit counts in an app, but it is still worth checking the contents now and then and watching the cat's behaviour.

It is a box with several trays, one of which has holes: when you lift it, clean litter falls through and the clumps stay on top. It suits clumping litter or wood pellets and lets you do without a scoop.

Most boxes are made of plastic, which is light and inexpensive but gets scratched over time. Stainless steel boxes do not absorb odour and last a long time, but cost more and are heavier.

The box should be in a quiet, easy-to-reach spot away from the cat's food and water bowls. Avoid noisy places next to the washing machine or where the cat could be cornered by other animals.

Yes, as long as the cat can always get into the bathroom and the door does not shut. Moisture and steam can soften litter, so choose a more moisture-resistant litter there and ventilate well.

Yes, but preferably gradually, moving it a little each day, or keeping two boxes for a while, in the old and new spots. A sudden move confuses some cats, and they start going in the old spot.

Cats naturally dislike eating near where they toilet, so they may start avoiding either the food or the box. Keep them in different parts of the room or home.

Liners are plastic bags that line the box so that when changing litter you can simply lift it all out. Some cats tear them while digging and urine can pool in the folds, so liners do not suit everyone.

A mat with grooves or a textured surface catches litter falling from the paws so it does not spread around the home. It needs to be shaken out and washed regularly.

For clumping litter, a sturdy scoop with gaps that let clean litter fall through while clumps stay works well. For silica litter or wood pellets you need a scoop with wider gaps so the granules pass through.