How to choose and use a tray with a lattice for cats?

When a kitten appears in the apartment, the house is filled not only with fun and joy, but also with additional problems. Improper use of the tray can lead to the spread of odor, as well as dirt from scattering granules scattered throughout the rooms. So that in the house where the cat lives, a pleasant atmosphere always reigned, it is recommended to purchase a tray with a grill.

To make sure that the tray with the grid is much more efficient than ordinary pots, the following facts will help:

• the cat is not in direct contact with the granules of the filler, which means that they do not stick to her paws and do not spread throughout the house;
• if the liquid waste is not cleaned in time, then the pet will not get dirty through the lattice the next time you visit the toilet;
• a tray with a lattice protects the health of curious kittens who love to taste the filler, which leads to intestinal blockage;
• stores offer a large selection of trays with a grille, among which you can choose the most suitable design, color, size, so that the tray in the home interior is not conspicuous.

Before you buy a pot with a grill, familiarize yourself with the following disadvantages of this design:

• solid wastes are not buried, they immediately thin down unpleasant odors, they can be clearly seen, which is not very aesthetic, therefore, waste products must be cleaned immediately after the cat visits the tray;
• Traces may remain on the grille itself after the feces or the liquid waste that did not flow down, so the grille should be rinsed frequently;
• Not all cats can get used to such a toilet, many of them will refuse to visit the tray with the lattice because of the habit of digging holes and carefully bury their waste products.

If the owner chose a tray with a grill, then he is offered one of several types of filler.

• Inserts-pellets - This is the most economical option. Now wood filler can be purchased in large portions at various woodworking enterprises at an even lower price than the stores offer. However, it is still a less effective filler, as it absorbs odors to a minimum. Rather, it absorbs the unpleasant odor immediately, but when in contact with the liquid, the pellets soak and turn into a foul-smelling mush, which should be removed immediately. That is, wood filler is suitable only for those owners who are constantly at home and can promptly clean the tray.

• Absorbent Filler - This is a good option for a tray with a grill. Absorbing granules absorb liquid and “loosen” inside the material, while the area between the granules and the surface remains wet. Without the use of the cat's lattice, in the process of “concealing” its waste, it digs up well-soaked granules, which makes the smell sharper. Therefore, the variant with a lattice is most effective in the case of using an absorbent filler.

• Lumps granules. When moisture enters the lumpy filler, the granules form into a lump, so it is very easy to remove them with a spatula. However, this species has its drawbacks.The filler should not be disposed of in the toilet, since when it comes into contact with water it turns into cement and can clog sewers. In addition, if you do not remove the lump in a timely manner, then soon the entire contents of the tray will turn into an unpleasant substance, the squeamish owner will be quite difficult to clean the container. The advantage of the variety is not only the simplicity of cleaning, but also the natural origin of the products. The filler is based on clay raw materials, so it is safe for the pet.

Choosing the right cat tray with a grill in the pet store, pay attention to several criteria.

• Material. Basically, all the pots are made of plastic, but this material may have a different quality. Feel free to sniff the tray. If you feel a sharp smell of chemistry, then it is better to abandon this product. The cat has a delicate sense of smell, and may not want to visit such a toilet. And also make sure that the grille is strong and does not bend under low weight.
• Design. Low and high grid pots are available. It is recommended to choose the second option, it allows you to fill a larger volume of filler into the container, and is also more convenient for owners using plain water instead of pellets. In addition, you can purchase a tray with low or high sides. In this case, it is better to give preference to a pot with high walls. Many cats, especially in old age, begin to urinate almost standing. Thus, the animal floods the walls, the floor and close objects. Big boards will relieve from this problem.
• Dimensions. If a small kitten lives in the house, then it will be more convenient for him to use a compact tray. As he grows, the cat will no longer fit into a small space, so it is recommended to buy him a new spacious pot.

It is simple to use a tray with a lattice. To do this, you need to raise the grid, fill the filling with the desired layer and put the grid back. The volume of the granules depends on the filler. For example, if it is a silica gel filler, then a layer of granules of 3-5 cm is required. Pellets need very little, since this type requires instant cleaning. The standard layer for other varieties is 2 cm. Make sure the grille does not push the filler out of the tray.

However, after this, the grate must be rinsed under running water. Moisture penetrating under the grid, depending on the type of filler, is removed in the following ways;

• if it is woody, the contents are shaken out completely;
• if the silica gel, then part of the granules is removed, and the rest is stirred for quick drying;
• if a lumpy filler is used, then only a lump is removed.

Once a week the contents of the tray are completely removed. The bottom is thoroughly rinsed and disinfected. Sometimes, when interacting with cat urine, a lime scale remains on the plastic bottom. To eliminate it, you can use special tools that are offered at the pet store. Cat urine has very odorous properties, sometimes even a high-quality filler does not save the tray from unpleasant smell.

Try to avoid alcohol-containing drugs when cleaning the tray, as sensitive cats, feeling an unpleasant smell for them, may refuse to visit the toilet. Another way to reduce odor is to pour soda into the bottom of a cleaned container, and fill the pot with fresh granules from above.

Soda absorbs unpleasant odors. Pet shops sell special products based on soda, they are flavored and also eliminate odor in the cat tray.Cleaning the pot must be done in thick rubber gloves. When the cleaning process is completed, the gloves should be well washed, hands without gloves should also be thoroughly washed with soap and water.

Before you teach the cat to the toilet on the lattice, you want to teach him to visit the open tray with a filler. The smaller the pet's age, the easier it is to teach him. When the cat goes to the toilet out of place, transfer its solid waste to the pot, and moisten the liquid with a newspaper and put it in a container. Sprinkle a place where the cat can not go to the toilet, a special deterrent, it can be found in the pet store. Over time, the pet will understand what is required of it.

Once the cat has learned to go to the toilet in a certain place, you can put a lattice on the tray, and pour a few granules on top. Gradually reduce the amount of filler placed on the grid. When he does not remain at all, the animal will already be accustomed to a particular place and, over time, will become fully accustomed to this method of using the toilet.

The subtleties of choosing a toilet for cats are presented in the following video.