How to have a successful litter tray? (Pics incl..)

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Using pictures of my gorgeous new kittens to entice you in...

We got them last week and absolutely love them but are having problems keeping the litter / pooing situation under control. It is in the lounge and looks a complete mess.

It was all fine to begin with and I was amazed at how they seem to bury their poos themselves although there was a fair bit of kicking out the box.

We were using the cheap Tesco one which didn't do much to mask the door so changed to wood pellets from ASDA but did it over the course of a couple of days. Now they don't cover it up anymore and have peed and pooed on the floor instead.

Also where is the best place to keep the tray? I'd like to put it in the corner with a lid on or is that a big no no? It looks a complete mess where it is in the lounge.

Oh they each poo about 3 times a day. Is that too much?

Sorry for all the questions but am feeling bit confused about what I should be doing.

If you have 2 kittens you need a minimum of 3 litter trays in 3 different areas (rule of resources for multicat households is 1 item per cat plus a spare) this applies to all resources including beds and feeding stations.

Forcing them to share can be messy (as you've discovered!) and also forces them to compete for access which sets them up for a lifetime of potential bullying/conflict

This free online course has loads of useful info in short videos on how to provide what your kittens need as they grow up
www.coursera.org/learn/cats-and-dogs

I have an xl tray with high sides as although we had 2 trays they still used the same one. Did you change the litter over slowly or mix it gradually as they don't like quick changes? Maybe they don't like the feel of the litter. I use litter from zooplus and bitiba - currently a mix of super benek corn litter and worlds best corn litter.

m.petplanet.co.uk/p17279/purrshire_anti_bacterial_cat_litter_tray_with_scoop_xlarge.aspx this is my tray. It's in the kitchen

I have a top entry one from Zooplus. Totally cut down on mess. My two both share quite happily. Separate trays is worth a try but not always necessary.

Is the poo normal consistency? What food are you giving them? How old are they?

I have 2 kittens ( 15 weeks)who happily share one large tray. I keep it in the kitchen. They poo about three times a day, but also eat loads. One of them had gained a kilo in a month!
I think mine are very well trained( to by me) though as they will use the tray whether it is and don't care what litter I use.

Thanks for the replies. Pixie, the consistency is soft slightly runny but not liquid (ewww sorry for TMI) I'm giving them a mixture of Tescos kitten food (dry and cheap) because that is what the breeder gave them.

Was trying to add in some whiskas which they seemed to like but maybe is too fast.

Check for added cereals as some cats can be intolerant to it. Check the dry food especially. You want meat as the first ingredient not cereals.

Ok, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks.

And thanks for the recommendations on the trays and course. I will be researching all these today.

My two both share quite happily.

What choice do they have?

Separate trays is worth a try but not always necessary

The weight of scientific evidence would disagree with you. Animals with a choice generally have better welfare and we know that competition for resources in multicat households is a welfare problem - it's estimated that over 2million uk cats live with social conflict in multi cat households
www.pdsa.org.uk/~/media/pdsa/files/pdfs/veterinary/paw-reports/pdsa-paw-report-2017_online.ashx?la=en

Ours came to us as one year olds so not quite the same but they are happy with two deep trays side by side, we've never had to have three or split them location-wise. Our trays are in the understairs cupboard on large rubber backed door mats, we leave the door ajar (or you could put in a catflap), it gives the cats privacy and keeps them out of sight for us. I think privacy is good for them, when they first came to us we had the trays in view of the windows and next doors cat would stare in and intimidate ours.

I agree with making changes to food and litter types very gradually.

I have 3 trays and they go outside too.

My two have always shared the trays, regardless. No conflict here.

They use the dogs bed and water bowls instead of their own too.

I have three for two cats - they seem to use one specifically for pooing in. I keep them in the utility room.

When I had a problem with a cat not using the tray, I started by putting a tray where she seemed to want to go, and then gradually moved the tray each day towards where I wanted to put it.

Flappity Yes, mine have their own water bowl but prefer to use the dog's.

When we had 2 trays they both used the same one. The tray we have can fit both in at once (I have seen them use it at the same time!). They dont seem traumatised. They go outside but come back to use the tray.

Mine have a water bowl but drink from the pond instead

Vet. I have tried two Separate tests with them. They never touched the second one. Same with their bowls.

I have two house cats (their health reasons) and three litter trays. They are about 8 years and I've given up thinking they will ever keep the litter contained.

Which ever tray they are using they still manage to sling it everywhere. It's like a competition, who can fling the furthest. Oh they don't wipe their feet anymore either, they used to!

Buy the ultra clumping talcum powder scented ones. They know it's expensive so they use it.

Sanicat gold if your feeling brave.

Oko plus is a good litter for cats who don't like the feel of wooden pellets. I have one little madam who refused to use the wooden pellets like everyone else but is happy with oko. It's a clumping litter which you scoop out daily and then do a full change at regular intervals. I prefer to chuck away daily but wouldn't be economical.

Also not your fault but whiskas, Tescos own etc is really crap food. Try butchers classic for an alternative that is cheap and easy to get hold of. It is grain free so may well sort their poos out too. A pure wet diet is the best for cats health wise, especially if you have a male.