Litter tray - get rid or not?

[goldpendant]

Lovely cat is very good with his tray, never once has an accident since he was a kitten. However, I've noticed far far less in it over the last few weeks, occasional clump of wee but that's it.

A friend said just to take it away and presume he's going outdoors. He has a microchip catflap which we allow him to use day and night.

I'd LOVE to lose the tray, he kicks litter about in the kitchen and if just like it gone!

What's the general opinion on this?? Safe to ditch? Or am I opening up a world of accidents?

I've kept ours for days when the weather is terrible and they don't want to do the toilet outside

Mine hasn’t used his for months... I should probably get rid but just waiting to see if he wants to use it in Cold weather... having said that he seems to prefer going out even if it’s pouring down...

I see the temptation - but I know that if I were in your position, the moment I did there would be an errant pee somewhere, just to remind me I’m a mere servant.

Keep it. Our lad is locked in overnight so it's there in case of overnight emergencies and bad weather.

Keep it. Cats often don't like to go out if it's cold; raining; the ground is frozen; there is another cat outside. Also you will quickly see if he shows signs of a blocked bladder, which could save his life. Keep it.

Keep it. He still does use it and having the choice is important

I got rid of ours years ago when it was clear our boy wasn't using it, ever. I think he was around a year old and hadn't used it since he was six months or so.

It's in storage for future use if necessary if he ever needs it, and if he does out it will come.

I've always had cats who are free to roam as they please with access to two cat flaps, one at either end of the house. Also I live fairly rurally where I don't need to keep cats in for their own safety.

I see litter trays as a necessity when cats are young, but otherwise as a temporary thing

I don't know why anyone would get rid of the litter tray tbh, there are always going to be occasions when it's needed. For instance if they accidentally get trapped in the house. Or perhaps they have to be kept in before or after a trip to the vets. If they're going outside it will only need changing very occasionally so shouldn't really be much of a bother.

Agree with Prestel

We got rid of ours. I got it out last weekend as it was so wet outside but he ran out in the rain to attend to things. Depends on what your cat prefers, ours would do anything to avoid using one

Keep it. I only change mine about once a year as they very very rarely used it. But when one of my cats became ill, he started using it as he needed quick access so it was nice he had a choice.

Keep it. Winter kicking in and we all know how fussy cats are re being outside in this weather!

Not going to lie (and not directed at you OP), but it blooming annoys me when people want “cute, fluffy, adorable” cats, but they don’t want the “mess” that comes with it.

If you want a cat, you need a flipping tray. Get a large covered one. Use clumping wood pellets (so easy to scoop out the dirty clumps).

If they are ill, the weather is vile, they’re recovering from an operation - and loads of other reasons. You need a tray.

Is it a covered tray? Can you add a litter mat under it to catch the litter so at least it gets contained in one spot?