Choosing the Right Litter Tray for a Large Cat

Why a Standard Tray Falls Short

Maine Coons are not simply bigger versions of the average moggy. A fully grown male can measure close to a metre from nose to tail tip and stand tall enough to rest his chin on a kitchen worktop. The typical litter tray sold in pet shops, at around 40 centimetres long, is designed with a much smaller cat in mind. Picture asking a tall adult to use a toilet cubicle built for a toddler and you begin to understand the daily frustration this causes.

When a tray is too small, cats cannot squat, turn and cover properly. Many will perch awkwardly on the rim, which leads to spraying over the edge, or they hold on for as long as possible, which raises the risk of urinary and bowel problems. Some simply stop using the tray altogether and choose a corner of the utility room instead. Buying the wrong size is one of the most common reasons for litter-tray avoidance in large breeds, and it is also the easiest problem to fix.

Measuring Up: How Much Space to Allow

Ignore the label on the packaging and think in dimensions instead. As a working rule, the tray should be at least one and a half times the length of your cat from nose to the base of the tail, and wide enough for him to turn around without his sides brushing the walls. For most adult Maine Coons that means something in the region of 70 to 80 centimetres long and at least 50 centimetres wide.

Purpose-made extra-large trays exist, but plenty of owners find the most practical solution elsewhere. Deep plastic storage boxes, under-bed storage crates and cement-mixing trays all work beautifully and cost very little. They are easy to scrub and come in generous sizes. Whatever you choose, check three things:

• Your cat can stand up fully inside without his back touching the top.
• There is room to turn a full circle comfortably.
• The base is stable enough not to flex or tip when a heavy cat steps on the edge.

Depth, Entry and the Tall Cat Problem

Depth matters as much as width. A Maine Coon produces a generous amount of urine, and a shallow tray means wet litter and a soggy bottom. Look for sides of around 20 to 25 centimetres high, which gives enough depth for covering without creating a fence your cat has to vault.

High walls and easy access can seem contradictory, so choose a box with a low entry point and taller sides elsewhere. You can create this yourself by cutting a notch out of one side with a craft knife, leaving a smooth edge, and placing the tray so that side faces outward. This is especially helpful for older cats, kittens, or any cat with stiff joints. A small step or ramp in front of the entry is a thoughtful touch for a senior Maine Coon.

Litter itself should be deep enough to dig into — around six to eight centimetres of a fine, unscented clumping litter suits most cats. Scented litters are marketed for humans, not felines, and many cats object to them.

Covered or Open?

Hooded trays are popular because they contain scatter and look tidier, but they shrink the usable space inside and trap odour. For a cat the size of a Maine Coon, a hood often means he cannot lift his head or turn without his shoulders grazing the sides. If you would like the tidiness of a covered tray, choose an extra-large one and consider removing the flap, or simply keep the hood off and use a high-sided open box instead.

An open tray in a quiet spot, with a splash guard or an old washable mat underneath, usually wins on comfort. Sprinkle a little litter outside the tray too — it helps catch stray granules tracked on large paws.

Location Matters More Than You Think

Placement can make or break even the best tray. Cats prefer privacy, but not isolation, and they hate being cornered. A tray with only one exit, tucked into a dead-end cupboard, feels like a trap to a cat who wants to keep an eye on the room.

Aim for a quiet, low-traffic spot with a clear view and an easy escape route. Keep it away from food and water bowls — no cat enjoys dining beside a toilet — and away from noisy appliances such as washing machines or boilers that fire up without warning. In a multi-storey home, provide a tray on each floor so your cat is never faced with a long journey. If you have more than one cat, the golden rule is one tray per cat, plus one spare.

Keeping the Area Comfortable

Size and location do most of the work, but maintenance finishes the job. Scoop solids and clumps at least once a day; Maine Coons are fastidious and a dirty tray is a fast route to accidents elsewhere. Do a full litter change and a wash with warm water and a mild, unscented soap weekly, avoiding strong disinfectants that can irritate paws and airways.

Finally, watch your cat rather than the tray. If he digs enthusiastically, exits calmly and never perches on the rim, you have got it right. If he scratches at the floor nearby, races away afterwards or uses the bath instead, revisit the size, the depth and the position — a small change often restores a peaceful household for both of you.