Any pet breeder knows how much pet a household needs. In this case, the selection of the tray is often paid little attention, which can later turn into the need to buy a new toilet. Among other species, trays with high sides are in demand with cat owners. What are their features, and what are the nuances of choice, will tell the material of this article.
Features
Cat litter with high sides are a separate line of trays for pets of different breeds. Despite the fact that by design such trays are open products, they are not suitable for all cats. And the point here is not so much in the breed of the pet, as in his age. Due to the high lateral edges, small kittens often simply cannot get into such a toilet. The minimum height of the sides is approximately 10 cm.
The exceptions are models with an entrance located on one side of the box. However, the presence of the entrance complicates the cleaning of the product and makes the breeder think over additional measures to ensure cleanliness around the tray. As a rule, if the box is filled with filler, it is the presence of the input that causes its separation.
In order to prevent the formation of granulated or sand tracks, creeping from the toilet through the house, you have to buy rubber mats and lay them directly under the tray.
Varieties
To classify cat litter with high sides can be on the type of models. They are produced without a grid and with a grid. Products of the first type require the use of a filler, the composition of which will determine the frequency of cleaning and cleaning the box. On average, it is necessary to change the granules once a week, provided that one pet lives in the house.
As for the analogs of the second type, they can be used without filler. Its main task is to eliminate unpleasant odor. It is for this purpose that it is placed on the bottom of the box in such a way so that he does not reach the grid at least 2 cm.
The gap is necessary because when the liquid is applied to the filler from the grid, the granules increase in size.
The very same lattice can be different, but it is always removable, which is important for ease of washing the tray. Wash it every day, as soon as the pet handles its natural needs. The mesh may have different sized holes. The breeder, as a rule, takes the option where they are the smallest, which eliminates the risk of cat paws.
As for the boards, their type can be traditional or removable. In modifications of the second type, they are held by reliable clamps. Modifications of the first type are more convenient from the point of view of cleaning, since such trays are easier to clean. It takes more time to clean the second product, in these cases it is necessary to clean more dirt.
Boards may vary in degree of flow. For example, in simple models they are the usual continuation of the box, in analogues with removable frames can be semicircular. These options are convenient because they exclude the possibility of excrement and urine falling outside the box. Other modifications have a horizontal board at the entrance to the tray and vertical ones on the other three sides.
Removable sides can be put on the box with the sides tilted inward. Of course, it is more difficult to wash such trays, however they protect the space around the box from accidental ingress of pet waste. In addition, products of this type are good for cats who love to scatter the filler.Other models have removable beads of different widths, worn on the sidewalls.
Form and material
To date, the shape of cat litter with high sides can be different (for example, streamlined and angular, rectangular and oval). In this case, the tray can be not only symmetrically rectangular. In the line of manufacturers there are models of direct and angular type, as well as options with different height of the boards. For example, they can wavy increase in height.
In models of the angular type, the height of the sides is lower in front than on the sides that are placed against the wall. Other varieties do have a similarity to a panel that protects the wall from contamination (for example, accidental ingress of wet granules, excrement, or cat urine). As for the material of manufacture, in the manufacture of cat trays using plastic. The material itself may differ in density, what the buyer should pay attention to when choosing a particular model.
Approximate dimensions
Trays with high sides for cats can vary in size, which is developed taking into account breeds of different sizes, including large cats (up to 10 kg or more). For example, on sale you can buy products with the following parameters:
- classic box without mesh: 400x300x100, 500x350x120, 350x250x100, 495x390x120 mm;
- analog with lattice: 390x290x100, 540x390x160 mm;
- model baths with different height of the sides: 310x430, 580x390, 540x390, with a maximum height of the sides of 29 cm;
- corner products: 430x310x160,520x380x160,560x420x180 mm.
The nuances of choice
By the choice of cat litter must be treated thoroughly, because not every product worthy of purchase. Of course, the decisive factor may be the budget, however, there are times when it is better to pay more so that the product will last a long time. It is worth choosing between products with a removable frame and options with a grid.
Trays without a lattice are inconvenient because the filler, no matter how good it may be, will begin to creep behind the paws of the animal. In this case, the height of the sides will often not play a special role. For example, it cannot prevent the spreading of filler from sawdust or sand. Such boxes will have to be washed more often than others, while at the same time exchanging the filler.
Products with a grid can be used with or without a filler. They are more convenient for those cats that are taught from childhood to the tray without a filler. After the animal has fulfilled its need, the grate is removed and immediately washed. If there is a filler at the bottom, it collects the liquid and neutralizes the unpleasant smell. In the presence of a frame, it has to be removed for washing.
Products must be made of durable plastic. A cat is not so important the color of the product as its stability and reliability. The tray should not slide on the floor or sag under the weight of the pet.
When choosing a variant with deep sides and netting, it is important to pay attention to the presence of supports: manufacturers often supplement the box with rubber feet.
It is convenient and eliminates the need to buy a rubber mat under the tray.
You can pay attention to the availability of accessories. For example, it is more convenient to operate models with scoops for cleaning spent filler and solid waste. They are distinguished from ordinary blades by the presence of holes. Scoops can be mounted to trays or have their own stand.
As for the corner models, these products take up a lot of space. They are bought when there is enough space in the toilet for accommodation. As practice shows, such products are not at all compact, and do not save room space. The height of their sides is lower in front than on the other two sides.
When buying, you need to consider the size of the product. The cat should not dodge in incredible positions to relieve the need. He should have enough space for turning and burrowing (in the case of trays filled with no mesh). Of course, there are pets who go to the toilet, standing, but these cases are rare, and therefore you need to take the free option.At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the parameters of length and width, since narrow variants can cause misses of the animal.
Pay attention to the smell coming from the material of the box. If the plastic will exude a sharp odor, the cat may not like such a tray. You need to take a product that is made of wear-resistant plastic that does not absorb foreign odors. As for the edges of the sides, they should not be sharp. Defects in the form of chipped or unsharp forms are unacceptable. Sharp edges may cause injury when washing the tray.
Deep models are good for adult cats, however, for kids, it is preferable to choose the options easier. After several months of use, such products can be replaced. In this case, the animal has become accustomed to the location of its pot. The sides for the first cat toilets may be lower, but not less than 8 cm. If the cat has several months, it will not be difficult for it to get inside the tray.
What else to consider?
Cat litter models with high sides are different. Versions with a removable frame are convenient in that, if necessary, it can be removed, thereby making the tray more spacious. At the request of the tray can be purchased to match the concept of the style of the toilet. This will allow the tray not to stand out against the general background and, as a result, not to attract increased attention to itself.
Preference can be given to designs with curved sides or different heights of the rear and front sides. In such trays, the granules of the filler used do not fall to the limits of the container, even with intensive digging of the animal. It will be more convenient for the cat to climb into the tray from the front side.
If this option is not in the store, it is better to buy a product with a low front wall and deep rest.
If a large cat lives at home (for example, a Maine Coon), a large tray is taken for it. For two cats buy big boxes with the maximum possible depth. This need is not accidental, because in a small pot the cat will experience inconvenience, raking the filler with a large paw. In addition, the box should be large in itself.
If simplicity of cleaning the tray is important, you can look at the products, inside which you can actually put garbage bags. These can be frame constructions or even plain trays without a grid. But before you buy these options, you should pay attention to the behavior of the cat. Some pets are afraid of excessive noise, the rustling of the package may not like them.
If the cat "with young claws" accustomed to the tray with a plastic bag, the purchase will be worthwhile. The owner will be easier to clean the toilet, change the filler. When purchasing it is important to inspect the frame clamps: they must be reliable. If the frame is badly fixed, it can fall off during operation.
For an overview of the high-sided tray, see below.