Cat Litter Tray Sizes Compared: Kitten, Standard or Hooded?
By Little Pet Warehouse | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
Compare a compact kitten tray, a large rimmed tray, and an enclosed hooded box on real measurements, so you can pick the right size and style for your cat and home.
Quick answer
Match the tray to your cat's current size and your tolerance for mess: a compact kitten tray for cats under roughly 4 kg, a large open tray with a raised rim for most adult cats, and a hooded box when privacy or odor containment matters more than easy access.
Why the 1.5x rule beats guessing
A common guideline is that the litter tray should be about 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to base of tail. Measure your cat, then compare that number with the overall tray length. This matters because cats need room to turn around and dig without stepping in waste. The compact tray at 42 cm long suits a small kitten; the 50 cm and 50.5 cm trays give adult cats more turning space.
Open versus hooded: the real trade-off
An open tray is easier to scoop, shows you soiled spots immediately, and lets air circulate. A hooded box contains litter scatter and offers privacy, but it also traps odors and can feel confining to a nervous cat. The hooded box here has a removable hood, so you can start open and add the cover once your cat is comfortable. That flexibility is the main reason to choose hooded over open if you are unsure.
When a raised rim is worth it
A raised rim on an open tray reduces litter spillage from digging and kicking, especially with cats that scratch vigorously. The trade-off is that a higher rim can be harder for a kitten or a senior cat to step over. The Premium tray's rim is practical for most adults, but if your cat is very small or arthritic, a lower-entry tray is kinder.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Compact kitten tray: Low entry and small footprint suit kittens and tiny spaces, but you will likely need to size up within months as your cat grows. Buy this as a starter tray, not a forever tray.
- Large open tray with raised rim: More room to turn and a rim to catch litter, but the higher sides can deter very small or elderly cats. Measure your cat's entry height comfort before committing.
- Enclosed hooded box: Contains scatter and offers privacy, but traps odors and can feel closed-in; the removable hood is the safety net. Plan to scoop more often when the hood is on.
Product facts
- Premium Cat Litter Tray with Raised Rim – Beige (50cm x 40cm): Overall size 50 x 40 x 15.5 cm with a raised rim. The generous floor area and rim contain litter from vigorous diggers, but the 15.5 cm height may be a stretch for kittens or seniors.
Premium Cat Litter Tray with Raised Rim – Beige (50cm x 40cm) - Compact Cat Litter Tray – Beige (42cm x 31cm) | Perfect for Kittens & Small Cats: Overall size 42 x 31 x 7.5 cm, designed for kittens and small cats. The low 7.5 cm entry is easy for tiny paws, but the small footprint will be outgrown quickly by a fast-growing kitten.
Compact Cat Litter Tray – Beige (42cm x 31cm) | Perfect for Kittens & Small Cats - Enclosed Hooded Cat Litter Box with Handle & Scoop – Blue (50.5cm x 40cm): Overall size 50.5 x 40 x 40 cm with a removable hood and high-sided base tray. The hood contains scatter and offers privacy, while the removable design lets you switch to an open tray if your cat refuses the cover.
Which tray fits your cat?
Best for
- Kittens and small cats under 4 kg (compact tray)
- Most adult cats and messy diggers (large rimmed tray)
- Shy cats and homes where odor containment matters (hooded box)
Not for
- Adult cats that need room to turn (compact tray)
- Kittens or arthritic seniors that struggle with high sides (large rimmed tray)
- Cats that refuse covered boxes or households that skip daily scooping (hooded box)
