Large cats; litter trays and cat carriers you’d actually recommend?

[Galliano]

I have two Maine coon kittens who arrived here 3 weeks ago. They are nearly 16 weeks old.

At the moment I have a peewee eco dome covered litter tray which I bought for them and also a basic pets at home tray left from a previous feline which they’ll soon outgrow.

i am using a borrowed pets at home carrier which I need to return.

neither cost or space is an issue but every possible purchase option seems to have a ton of negative reviews. I’m happy to spend what is needed but just hoping for guidance as to any products that are actually good! Any positive recommendations for things that have worked well?

My two are much happier together if they have to go in a carrier, so I bought a heavy duty metal dog carrier. Fits them both in easily, no escaping (they did from fabric folding ones) and they comfort each other .

As for litter trays, get the biggest that space will allow, and ideally one more than the number of cats. Covered is better for humans but open lets cats feel more secure while they're "vulnerable". They need to see threats. And make sure litter is always at least 5cm deep so it can clump properly and do it's job.

We have a reasonably long ragdoll. She’s not heavy but very big compared to local cats.

We started with a covered litter tray but graduated to a large uncovered one as she seems to prefer the headroom and space.

We bought a top opening metal cat carrier but probably wouldn’t be big enough for 2 Maine coons. It’s only just big enough for Dcat but it’s easy to get her in and out and she can see us. You could probably get a larger one.

Really grateful for these comments but I broadly understand the theory…I was hoping for some specific brand and product recommendations so if anyone also has those that would be amazing

Litter tray: large storage plastic crate, no lid. Nice deep sides (40/50cm).

Travel: small/medium good quality dog carrier on wheels.

My friend has a carrier similar to this for his MC - https://amzn.eu/d/4wfHPeR

For litter tray you need one with high sides. A mat is useful too because they can get litter bits stuck in their hairy paws 😅 - https://amzn.eu/d/gol6zJH

We've got a large Ragdoll and use this litter box - highly recommend, and you can clean it thoroughly unlike plastic

VehiGo Extra Large Metal Cat Litter Box, Stainless Steel Durable Litter Pan for Large or Multiple Cats, Kitty Litter Box with Smooth Surface and Easy to Clean https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5V4TTK?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_dp_E5M2DPT202ZHF3FYPWZQ

Second this. Big Bengal boy much happier in soft bag. We got one for large cats/small dogs.

Litter tray, he goes out now, but when younger just got super large deep trays from local rural pet and field type place. Very cheap, and they tend to have more choice for larger pets.

We actually have this one: amzn.eu/d/4llA78j

I had a covered litter tray for TemporaryCat at first but although it was meant to be extra large he seemed squashed & uncomfortable in it and he was having to crouch down as it wasn't tall enough. He's very long tip to tail and 6kg so a big boy. Once yours are grown they easily be larger than that.

I've now repurposed an underbed plastic storage tray with the lid off. Not as good at keeping the whiffs in but I can't fnd anything covered that is tall enough.

Also with 2 cats you need at least 2 litter trays, many cats don't like sharing.

Also with 2 cats you need at least 2 litter trays, many cats don't like sharing.
I know this is generally advised here, but I've had a multiple cat household for the best part of 40 years and never had any complaints about litter tray sharing
Echoing what someone above said. I just use one large plastic tray (a Really Useful Box from memory) and deep fill it with litter. Cats are happy to share, (sometimes at the same time).
WRT cat boxes - I have wicker top loading baskets. Large enough for two big cats (although possibly not big enough for two Maine Coons)

I use an under bed storage tray as a litter tray and got an XL carrier from pets at home

I purchased an Amazon basic large carrier for my two bengals. It folds down flat when not in use and is very big!!!

Deal: Amazon Basics - 30" Grey Foldable Soft Pet Carrier amzn.eu/d/ccLUEOt
Like this one - they do different sizes.

We have a small dog carrier for my ragdoll and OH slightly smaller BSH - it's great fun staggering along with it up the pavement to the vet as the centre of gravity is always dodgy. It's always funny in the waiting room if someone has a regular cat carrier 😂

We use a huge tray off zoo plus, it's high sided because madam ragdoll used to sit right on the edge of the regular plus size tray and take a dump over the side 🙄 she can't do that now!

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_litter_litter_boxes/litter_tray_cat_toilet/620812?origin=hopps&q=big%20cat%20tray&i=8&ro=1

Scratch pole we use a barrel off zoo plus, they like to sleep in the crows nest on top, we have the medium but she would prefer the large or XL as she's too big for the best, but OH is mean and says it'll be too big in the lounge 😢 it sometimes gets knocked over if they're lit up

I always say if I had a business I'd make the big cat company and design products specifically for the bigger breeds as there isn't loads out there

I have the catit cabrio carrier. It’s huge and could manage a cat a lot larger than my relatively dainty Maine Coon X.

For a litter tray I use a big ikea storage box. I don’t think they sell the exact one anymore but it’s big, open topped but with sides that are high enough to keep in the litter but easy enough for her to hop in and out of. It’s similar to this one.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/kuggis-box-with-lid-white-10280203/

Don't bother with this - too small for my large rag doll...although my other cat uses it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toolzia-Foldable-Self-Cleaning-Enclosed-Green/dp/B09PG1NHL8?psc=1&pd_rd_w=94rJ0&pf_rd_p=931dcfe0-7651-44b4-a49c-1cfc42e0a6c3&pf_rd_r=FMH0H84E8GX71BN43MSZ&pd_rd_wg=UdulS&pd_rd_r=a888d8b3-87bc-46f1-869c-b96e61c1a025&content-id=amzn1.sym.931dcfe0-7651-44b4-a49c-1cfc42e0a6c3&ref_=sspa_dk_rhf_huc_pt_sub_16&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzN1VITEs2NjgxQUtLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjM2NDk3MjFCRkVaOEo2UkEwQiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDI4MTg2RjJSUkswMkxFM0hMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcmhmX2h1YyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Much better off with a stainless steel tray.

Cat tree wise you need Cat Tree King - not the rip off one, this one. These cats trees are indestructible and perfect for rag dolls and maine coons. Pricey but absolutely worth it.

https://www.cattreeking.co.uk/rhrquality-cat-trees/maine-coon-sleeper/

Carriers you need this one

https://www.mdcexports.co.uk/product/large-carrier-basket/

OP where is the obligatory photo of your 2 Maine Coon kitties? I have a half Maine Coon cat and he is huge co.pared to my.other cat and so fluffy too.

I had a large, clumsy rescue who was 6kg but slim (so VERY long!), and he was fine with the largest size Pets At Home basic litter traywhich has a removable rim. The rim hangs over the inside of the tray, so reduces the amount of litter scattered by enthusiastic digging & burying. Girlcat particularly likes the nice broad rim as she prefers to stand with her front paws on the rim when she does a poo.

For the carrier, I have a Trixie Capri top loader. Very sturdy, has a door at the front and a door on the top, and you can remove the entire upper half - very useful at the vets as they can do a full exam of a nervous cat while they are still in their "safe place" of the carrier. The metal bars on the doors are far enough apart so you can get a finger through to soothe a nervous cat too.

I was advised not to get a soft folding one as they aren't totally escape proof, and indeed Girlcat was clever enough to hook a claw in the zip in the one I borrowed and start to open it!