Choosing the right litter tray sounds simple, but talk to any cat owner and you’ll quickly discover the reality: the wrong tray means litter scattered across the floor, smells escaping into the room, and a cat who stubbornly refuses to use it. Get it right, though, and it’s one less thing to think about.
We’ve rounded up the best cat litter trays available in the UK in 2026, covering open trays, hooded models, top-entry designs, and self-cleaning options. Whether you have one cat in a flat or three cats in a house, there’s a tray here that will work for you.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
| Vealind High Sided Litter Tray | Budget, scatter prevention | £12–18 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Curver Cat Litter Box | Most households | £28–38 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Catit Jumbo Hooded Pan | Odour control, large cats | £35–48 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| IRIS Top Entry Litter Box | Scatter prevention, stylish | £45–60 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning | Hands-off owners | £130–160 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Our Top Picks
1. Vealind High Sided Cat Litter Tray
Best for: Budget buyers, cats who dig enthusiastically, and anyone tired of litter scatter
The Vealind High Sided Cat Litter Tray has become one of the most popular budget options on Amazon UK, and the reason is straightforward: the high walls contain scatter brilliantly without the cost or complexity of a fully hooded tray. Cats can still see around them (which many prefer over enclosed designs) while the tall sides mean litter stays where it should.
It’s made from good-quality plastic that’s easy to wipe down, and the low entry point at the front keeps it accessible even for kittens or older cats with reduced mobility. It’s available in a range of sizes, and we’d recommend going for the large option as a default — cats generally prefer more space than owners expect.
This won’t win on odour control (no filter, no lid), but for a straightforward, no-fuss litter tray that does its job at a very fair price, it’s hard to beat.
What we like:
- High sides significantly reduce litter scatter
- Open design suits cats who dislike enclosed spaces
- Low entry point is kitten- and senior-cat-friendly
- Very easy to clean
Worth knowing:
- No lid, so odour control is limited compared to hooded options
- Not suitable as the only tray in a multi-cat household (use one tray per cat plus one extra as a rule of thumb)
Specifications:
- Available sizes: medium and large (we recommend large)
- Design: open, high-sided
- Entry: low front entry
- Material: durable plastic
- Suitable for: kittens, adult cats, senior cats
2. Curver Cat Litter Box
Best for: Most households — the best all-rounder
With over 20,000 reviews on Amazon UK and a consistent 4.4-star rating, the Curver Cat Litter Box is the kind of product that earns its popularity. It doesn’t look like a traditional litter tray — the curved, modern design means it blends into the home far more naturally than the standard rectangular box. The swinging door provides privacy for your cat and helps contain odours, while the integrated carbon filter does a decent job of absorbing smells between cleans.
The drawer-style base pulls out for easy emptying — a genuinely useful feature that makes cleaning significantly less unpleasant. The whole unit is solid and well put-together, and the carbon filter is replaceable when it eventually loses effectiveness.
It’s on the larger side, so check your space before ordering, but for most cat owners this is the tray we’d point to as the default recommendation. Cats tend to take to the swinging door quickly, and the contemporary design makes it easier to find a good spot for it in the home.
What we like:
- Modern design that doesn’t scream “litter tray”
- Drawer-style base makes emptying much easier
- Swinging door for privacy and odour control
- Replaceable carbon odour filter
- Exceptional number of positive real-world reviews
Worth knowing:
- Larger footprint than basic open trays — measure your space
- Some cats need a day or two to accept the swinging door
Specifications:
- Design: hooded with swinging door
- Filter: integrated replaceable carbon filter
- Emptying: pull-out drawer base
- Material: durable plastic
- Suitable for: adult cats and kittens (once confident with the door)
3. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
Best for: Large cats, maximum odour control, and multi-cat households
The Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan is a firm favourite among cat owners who prioritise odour control. The large enclosed design provides real privacy for your cat and does a noticeably better job of containing smells than standard open trays or even some other hooded options. The built-in carbon filter works well when changed regularly, and the hinged hood lifts up fully for easy cleaning.
As the name suggests, this is a large tray — a real positive for bigger cats like Maine Coons, Ragdolls, or simply larger domestic cats who feel cramped in standard-sized trays. The handle on top makes it easier to move when full, and the locking clips keep the hood securely in place during use.
It’s also one of the more affordable hooded options on the UK market, which makes it excellent value given the size and build quality. Available from Pets at Home, Amazon UK, and Zooplus UK.
What we like:
- Jumbo size suits large cats and cats who like space
- Excellent odour containment with carbon filter
- Hinged hood makes scooping and deep cleaning easy
- Locking clips hold the hood securely
- Good value for a hooded tray at this size
Worth knowing:
- Large footprint — check dimensions before ordering
- Carbon filters need regular replacement for best results
- Some cats prefer to enter without the hood — the lid can be removed if needed
Specifications:
- Design: hooded, jumbo size
- Entry: large front opening with flap
- Filter: carbon odour filter (replaceable)
- Material: durable plastic
- Suitable for: large breeds, most adult cats, multi-cat households
4. IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box
Best for: Owners who want maximum scatter prevention and a clean, stylish look
Top-entry litter trays are a niche but passionate category of cat ownership. The idea is simple: your cat enters and exits through a hole in the lid, which means any litter on their paws falls back into the tray rather than spreading across the floor. For cats who fling litter enthusiastically, it’s a genuinely effective solution.
The IRIS USA Top Entry Box is available in the UK via Amazon and has a clean, modern design that looks considerably more presentable than traditional trays. The grooved lid helps remove litter from paws as cats exit. It’s deep enough to use with most clumping litters, and the handle makes it easy to move for cleaning.
Worth noting: some cats need time to learn top entry, and it’s not suitable for kittens, elderly cats with mobility issues, or very overweight cats who might struggle with the entry hole. For agile adult cats, though, it’s an excellent option.
What we like:
- Highly effective at containing litter scatter
- Clean, modern appearance
- Grooved lid reduces paw tracking
- Good depth for use with clumping litters
Worth knowing:
- Not suitable for kittens, elderly cats, or cats with mobility limitations
- Some cats need patience and positive reinforcement to learn top entry
- Not ideal as a household’s only tray — have an open option available during the transition
Specifications:
- Design: top-entry
- Lid: grooved to remove litter from paws
- Entry: circular hole in lid
- Suitable for: agile adult cats (not kittens or seniors)
5. PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Best for: Owners who want to minimise daily litter maintenance
Self-cleaning litter trays have a patchy reputation — many early models were unreliable and cats hated them. The PetSafe ScoopFree is one of the more established and trusted options, and it works differently from most: instead of a rotating mechanism, it uses disposable crystal litter trays that absorb urine and dehydrate solid waste, with a rake that pushes waste into a covered waste compartment automatically.
The result is a tray that genuinely handles itself for 20–30 days with one cat, with minimal smell and no daily scooping. The disposable tray inserts make cleaning straightforward — just remove the whole tray and replace. It does run on electricity and requires a power socket nearby.
The running costs from disposable trays add up over time, and the upfront price is significant. But for owners who find daily litter scooping genuinely difficult, or who travel frequently, it’s a worthwhile investment. Less suited to multi-cat households where waste volume is higher.
What we like:
- Genuinely reduces daily maintenance significantly
- Crystal litter controls odours very effectively
- Automatic rake mechanism works reliably
- Covered waste compartment contains smells well
Worth knowing:
- Ongoing cost of disposable litter tray inserts
- Requires a nearby power socket
- Not cost-effective for multi-cat households
- Some cats take time to accept an automated mechanism
Specifications:
- Type: self-cleaning, automatic rake
- Litter type: crystal litter (disposable trays)
- Power: mains electric
- Maintenance frequency: every 20–30 days for one cat
- Best for: single-cat households, owners with limited mobility
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Litter Tray
Open vs. Hooded vs. Top-Entry
Open trays are simple, cheap, and easy to clean, but offer limited odour control and no privacy. Many cats prefer them because they have a clear view of their surroundings while toileting — a natural instinct from wild ancestors who needed to watch for predators. Hooded trays contain odours better and give cats more privacy, but some cats refuse to use them, especially anxious cats or those with negative associations with enclosed spaces. Top-entry trays are the best for scatter prevention and suit confident, agile cats. A good rule of thumb: start with an open or hooded tray, and only introduce top-entry once you’re confident your cat is comfortable and mobile enough.
Size Guide
The standard advice is that a litter tray should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat. In practice, this means most adult cats need a tray of at least 45cm x 35cm, and larger cats (Maine Coons, Ragdolls) should have something bigger. Most owners underestimate how much space a cat wants — when in doubt, go larger. A cramped tray is one of the most common reasons cats start toileting elsewhere.
How Many Trays Do You Need?
The golden rule is one tray per cat, plus one extra. So one cat needs two trays; two cats need three. This is especially important in multi-storey homes — provide a tray on each floor. Cats often refuse to share, and even a cat who appears to be sharing a tray may be under stress doing so.
Placement Matters
Don’t place the litter tray next to your cat’s food and water bowls. Cats instinctively avoid toileting near their food. A quiet corner with some privacy is ideal. In multi-cat households, spread trays in different locations so cats don’t have to pass through another cat’s territory to reach the tray.
How Much Should You Spend?
- Budget (under £20): Basic open or high-sided trays. Perfectly effective, just require more frequent cleaning and litter changes for odour control.
- Mid-range (£20–50): Hooded trays with carbon filters and practical features like pull-out bases. The sweet spot for most cat owners.
- Premium (£50+): Top-entry designs, self-cleaning models, or large designer trays. Worth it for specific needs — not necessary for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
My cat keeps going outside the tray. What should I do?
First, rule out a medical issue — urinary tract problems are common in cats and can cause inappropriate toileting. If your cat is healthy, consider whether the tray is large enough, clean enough (cats often refuse trays that haven’t been scooped recently), or in a suitable location. Try switching to a larger, open tray in a quiet spot.
What litter works best?
This depends on your cat’s preferences and your priorities. Clumping litters (usually bentonite clay) make scooping easier and control odours well. Non-clumping wood pellet litters are more environmentally friendly and popular in the UK. Silica crystal litters (used in self-cleaning trays) last longer but can’t be used with all tray types. Most cats prefer unscented litters — avoid heavily fragranced varieties.
How often should I clean the litter tray?
Scoop solid waste daily, at minimum. Do a full litter change and wash the tray with mild soap and water weekly for clumping litters, or every 2–3 weeks for wood pellets. The more frequently you clean, the less likely your cat is to seek out alternatives around the home.
Final Verdict
For most cat owners, the Curver Cat Litter Box is the one to go for — the combination of modern design, practical drawer-style emptying, and an exceptional real-world track record makes it the easy recommendation. If odour control is your top priority, step up to the Catit Jumbo Hooded Pan. Owners on a tight budget will find the Vealind High Sided Tray does a surprisingly good job, and for those who genuinely want to minimise daily maintenance, the PetSafe ScoopFree earns its premium price.
