If you’re a cat owner like me, you know how important it is to provide a clean and comfortable space for your furry friend. Covered cat litter trays are a popular choice for keeping litter mess contained and controlling odors. In this guide, I’ll share my experience with covered trays and explore what’s available at Kmart.
DISCLOSURE: https://wellbehavedcat.com/ is supported by you the reader so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why choose a covered cat litter tray
- Key considerations when picking one
- Popular models at Kmart and their value
- How to maintain and clean covered trays
- Troubleshooting common issues for happy cats and owners
Why Choose a Covered Cat Litter Tray?
I remember when I first switched Milo, my white Ragdoll, to a covered tray. Instantly, the mess around the litter box reduced dramatically. Covered trays offer privacy to cats, which many felines actually prefer. Plus, they help keep the litter from scattering across the floor.
Benefits of Covered Litter Trays for Cats and Owners
Covered trays help contain odors better than open boxes, something every cat owner appreciates. They also reduce tracking, so you spend less time sweeping. Plus, giving your cat a cozy, sheltered spot makes them feel safe when doing their business. According to a 2018 study by the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, cats show less stress when using enclosed litter boxes. That extra comfort can improve their overall well-being.
From personal experience, Milo seemed more relaxed and tidy with his covered tray. For many owners juggling busy lives, these benefits bring peace of mind and a cleaner home environment.
Considerations When Selecting a Covered Litter Tray
Choosing the right covered litter tray isn’t just about grabbing the first one you see at Kmart. I learned this the hard way after buying a tray that was too small for Milo. Here’s what I keep in mind now:
Size and Dimensions
Your cat needs enough room to turn and dig comfortably. Larger breeds, like Ragdolls, especially benefit from roomy trays. Kmart usually lists exact dimensions, so measure your cat before buying. Too small a tray stresses your pet, and leads to messes outside.
Material and Durability
Look for sturdy plastics that are easy to clean and don’t absorb odors. I prefer trays made of durable polypropylene, it holds up well and won’t crack easily. Kmart’s covered trays range from budget-friendly to mid-tier, so pick quality over low price to avoid replacements.
Ventilation and Odor Control Features
Proper airflow stops that stale litter smell from building up inside covered trays. Some models have built-in vents or filters. From my experience, trays with charcoal filters control odor better. Keep an eye out for these features when browsing Kmart’s selection.
Popular Covered Cat Litter Trays Available at Kmart
Kmart offers a variety of covered cat litter trays, balancing affordability with useful features.
Top Models and Their Features
One popular choice is the “Pets at Home” brand covered tray that includes a flip-top lid for easy cleaning. Some models have high sides to reduce scattering, and charcoal filters to tackle odors.
Price Range and Value for Money
Prices mostly range from $15 to $40. I once chose a mid-priced tray with solid reviews, and it lasted over two years. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money on replacements.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Browsing customer feedback is insightful. Many users praise trays for ease of cleaning and odor control. A few mention that some cats take time to adjust. That matched my own experience with Milo who needed a few days to get used to the covered tray’s enclosed space.
How to Maintain and Clean a Covered Cat Litter Tray
Keeping the covered litter tray clean is key to happy cats and a fresh home.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Tips
I clean Milo’s tray every other day: first, scoop waste promptly to prevent odors.
Then, once a week, I do a full clean by:
- Removing all litter
- Washing the tray and cover with mild soap and warm water
- Drying thoroughly before adding fresh litter
Repeated cleaning keeps things fresh and discourages unwanted smells.
Using Deodorizers and Liners Effectively
I add a baking soda sprinkle at the bottom before fresh litter to absorb odors naturally. Some prefer commercial deodorizers made for litter boxes, but avoid harsh fragrances that can bother cats.
Liners can make cleaning easier but some cats dislike the texture. Milo ignored the liner when I tried it, so I stick to regular cleaning instead.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Covered trays aren’t perfect and sometimes you might hit snags.
Odor Problems and Solutions
If odors persist, check if the tray’s vents or filters need replacing or cleaning. Increasing cleaning frequency also helps. I once doubled my litter scooping schedule when a heatwave made smells worse.
Cat Acceptance and Behavioral Tips
Some cats hesitate using a covered tray at first. Give your feline time and place the tray in a quiet, accessible spot. Adding familiar litter scents can encourage use. Milo was shy initially, but after a week, he seemed to enjoy the quiet retreat his tray provided.
Conclusion
Covered cat litter trays from Kmart can be a game-changer for both cats and owners. Here are the key takeaways from my experience and research:
- Covered trays help control odor and keep litter mess contained.
- Size, material, and ventilation are crucial when choosing the right one.
- Kmart offers a range of affordable, quality trays with helpful features.
- Regular cleaning and using natural deodorizers keep trays fresh.
- Patience helps cats adjust to the enclosed space.
Overall, a covered litter tray gives your cat privacy and keeps your home cleaner, and that’s a win-win for any proud cat parent like me.
Key Takeaways
- Covered cat litter trays help control odors and contain litter mess, making them a practical choice for cat owners.
- Selecting the right covered litter tray at Kmart involves considering size, durable material, and ventilation features like charcoal filters for odor control.
- Kmart offers a variety of covered cat litter trays that balance affordability with useful features like flip-top lids and high sides to reduce scattering.
- Regular cleaning every few days and using natural deodorizers like baking soda maintain freshness and prevent persistent odors in covered trays.
- Allow your cat time to adjust to a covered litter tray by placing it in a quiet area and maintaining familiar litter scents for a smoother transition.
