{"product_id":"the-tray-check-cat-litter-tray-guide","title":"The Tray Check: get your cat's litter tray right in one evening","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.vn-eb{--navy:#021d3a;--teal:#0f3a3d;--ink:#0d1317;--mute:#5b6166;--orange:#ff3c20;--cream:#f7f3ec;--line:#e6e1d8;color:var(--ink);font:16px\/1.65 \"Open Sans\",Arial,sans-serif}\n.vn-eb *{box-sizing:border-box}\n.vn-eb ul,.vn-eb li{list-style:none!important}.vn-eb ul.prints li:before,.vn-eb ul.toc li:before,.vn-eb ul.gets li:before{display:none!important}\n.vn-eb h2,.vn-eb h3,.vn-eb .kick,.vn-eb .n,.vn-eb .cn{font-family:Montserrat,Arial,sans-serif}\n.vn-eb h2{font-size:28px;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 14px;font-weight:700;color:var(--ink)}\n.vn-eb h3{font-size:19px;margin:8px 0 6px;color:inherit}\n.vn-eb p{margin:0 0 12px}\n.vn-eb .blk{padding:36px 28px;margin:0}\n.vn-eb .kick{font-size:12px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--orange);margin:0 0 8px}\n.vn-eb 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.policy{font-size:14px;color:var(--mute);text-align:center;padding:16px}\n\/* theme-proofing: the store theme styles description headings and paragraphs *\/\n.vn-eb h2,.vn-eb h3,.vn-eb summary{text-transform:none!important;letter-spacing:normal!important;font-family:Montserrat,Arial,sans-serif!important}\n.vn-eb h2{font-size:28px!important;line-height:1.2!important;font-weight:700!important;color:var(--ink)!important}\n.vn-eb h3{font-size:19px!important;font-weight:700!important;color:var(--ink)!important}\n.vn-eb p,.vn-eb li,.vn-eb span,.vn-eb figcaption{text-align:left!important;text-transform:none!important}\n.vn-eb p{font-size:16px!important;line-height:1.65!important;color:var(--ink)!important}\n.vn-eb .steps h2,.vn-eb .step h3{color:#fff!important}\n.vn-eb .step p{color:#cfd9e3!important;font-size:15px!important}\n.vn-eb .kick{color:var(--orange)!important;font-size:12px!important;letter-spacing:.16em!important;text-transform:uppercase!important}\n.vn-eb .policy{text-align:center!important;color:var(--mute)!important;font-size:14px!important}\n.vn-eb .stats{margin:0 28px}\n.vn-eb .stats span{text-transform:uppercase!important;text-align:center!important}\n.vn-eb em{font-family:inherit!important}\n@media (max-width:760px){.vn-eb .grid4,.vn-eb .stats{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.vn-eb ul.gets,.vn-eb ul.toc{grid-template-columns:1fr}.vn-eb .rail{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}.vn-eb .blk{padding:26px 16px}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"vn-eb\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"blk\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTwo cats, two trays? You're one short.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe guidance is one tray per cat, plus one. Yet 40% of UK homes with more than one cat have just one tray, and in a 2025 study of 565 UK homes, fewer than 1 in 5 had more trays than cats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumber is only the start. Size, place, litter, cleaning and the kind of tray all matter to a cat. It's easy to set a tray up once and never look at it again, until there's a smell you can't shift, litter across the floor, or a cat who hovers at the edge before going in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tray Check takes you round your home and checks every tray against the advice, point by point. By bedtime you know your score and exactly what to change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"stats\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e12\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003epoints\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e6\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eparts\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e2\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eprintables\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e14\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003esources\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"blk steps\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"kick\"\u003eThe method\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSix stops round your home, two points at each\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid4 g3\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"step\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"n\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNumber\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne tray per cat, plus one, each in its own place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"step\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"n\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSize\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne and a half times your cat's length, nose to base of tail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"step\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"n\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlace\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSomewhere quiet, with a view and a way out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"step\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"n\"\u003e04\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLitter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine, unscented, 3cm deep, and changed slowly if at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"step\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"n\"\u003e05\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClean\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScooped twice a day and washed on time, with nothing that harms your cat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"step\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"n\"\u003e06\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStyle\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCovered or open, kitten or senior: the tray that fits your cat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mnote\"\u003eEach part ends with a Pass or Fix on two points and a \"Do this now\" box, so you finish every stop with something done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"blk\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"kick\"\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA tray set-up you know is right, and why\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"gets\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tick\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA score out of 12.\u003c\/strong\u003e Every tray gets a Pass or a Fix on each point, so you know exactly where you stand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tick\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fix list for the week.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your top three changes, in order, with the two rules that keep changes gentle on your cat: add before you take away, and one thing at a time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tick\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe numbers you'd otherwise have to hunt for.\u003c\/strong\u003e How many trays for one to four cats. The tray length for a 40, 45 or 50cm cat. A cleaning schedule for clumping, non-clumping and hooded trays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tick\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe honest answer to the smell.\u003c\/strong\u003e Why a stronger scent isn't the fix, and what is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tick\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwo gentle ways to change litter or tray,\u003c\/strong\u003e from the UK cat charity guidance, for when you have to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tick\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA red-flag check first.\u003c\/strong\u003e The one sign that means ring the vet now, and when to book a vet check before you change the tray.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tick\"\u003e✓\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSourced and British.\u003c\/strong\u003e Built on iCatCare, Cats Protection, the PDSA and the international cat vets' guidance, with 14 sources numbered at the back. No brands, no product plugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"blk look\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"kick\"\u003eLook inside\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA proper book, with tools you'll use tonight\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rail r6\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vivanutrition.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/the-tray-check-cat-litter-tray-page1.jpg\" alt=\"How many trays? The answer for one cat to four, and for two kittens.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eHow many trays? The answer for one cat to four, and for two kittens.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vivanutrition.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/the-tray-check-cat-litter-tray-page2.jpg\" alt=\"Measure once, multiply by 1.5: the tray length your cat needs.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eMeasure once, multiply by 1.5: the tray length your cat needs.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vivanutrition.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/the-tray-check-cat-litter-tray-page3.jpg\" alt=\"Good spot, poor spot: where a tray works and where it doesn't.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eGood spot, poor spot: where a tray works and where it doesn't.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vivanutrition.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/the-tray-check-cat-litter-tray-page4.jpg\" alt=\"How often to scoop and wash, for every kind of tray.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eHow often to scoop and wash, for every kind of tray.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vivanutrition.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/the-tray-check-cat-litter-tray-page5.jpg\" alt=\"One column per tray, Pass or Fix on all 12 points.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eOne column per tray, Pass or Fix on all 12 points.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vivanutrition.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/the-tray-check-cat-litter-tray-page6.jpg\" alt=\"Three changes this week, one at a time.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eThree changes this week, one at a time.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"blk\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"kick\"\u003eWhat's inside\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSix parts and two printables\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"toc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cn\"\u003eStart\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck your cat, then check the tray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe red-flag signs, and why the tray is the first thing worth checking\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cn\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow many trays? One more than you have cats\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe number for your home, and why side by side counts as one\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cn\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBig enough means one and a half times your cat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to measure, and what shape works\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cn\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSomewhere quiet, with a way out\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhere a tray works, and the spots cats avoid\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cn\"\u003e4\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFine, unscented and 3cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe litter cats prefer, and how to change it safely\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cn\"\u003e5\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClean beats scented, every time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScooping, washing, safe cleaners and the smell\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cn\"\u003e6\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFit the tray to the cat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCovered or open, kittens and older cats\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cn\"\u003eNext\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe tray's right. So why is it still happening?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat to know, and where to go, if your cat still goes elsewhere\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin-top: 26px;\"\u003eTwo printables, one A4 page each\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"prints\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e1\u003c\/b\u003eThe Tray Check scorecard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e2\u003c\/b\u003eMy fix list\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"blk faq\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"kick\"\u003eQuestions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBefore you buy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow do I get it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStraight after checkout you'll get an email with your download link. It's an A4 PDF, ready to read on your phone or print at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat exactly do I get?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 18-page guide: six parts, 12 points, a scorecard and a fix list to print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow long does it take?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout ten minutes to read and one evening to check every tray and write your fix list. If a fix needs a shopping trip, like a bigger tray, it goes on the list with a date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWill it stop my cat weeing outside the tray?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt makes sure the tray is set up the way the UK cat charities and cat vets advise, and the tray is the easiest cause to change. If your cat has started going elsewhere, see your vet first. If the tray passes and it's still happening, the last part shows you where to go next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes it work for several cats, kittens and older cats?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The number table covers one to four cats and two kittens, and Part 6 covers kittens and older or stiff cats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDo I need to buy anything else?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tape measure, a ruler and a pen. If your set-up needs a bigger or an extra tray, it goes on your fix list. We don't recommend brands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eAlready dealing with accidents?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with your vet. Then \u003cem\u003eBack in the Tray\u003c\/em\u003e is our full guide to cats weeing, pooing or spraying indoors, with a 28-day plan to find your cat's cause and sort it. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vivanutrition.shop\/products\/back-in-the-tray-a-28-day-guide-for-a-cat-going-outside-the-litter-tray?utm_source=tray-check\u0026amp;utm_medium=pdf\u0026amp;utm_campaign=vcr-j-0028\"\u003eSee Back in the Tray\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"policy\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstant PDF download after checkout. A4, ready to print.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"policy\"\u003eDigital products are non-refundable once downloaded; if a file is faulty, we always replace it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"VivaNutrition Guides","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62726648037763,"sku":null,"price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0723\/3365\/6364\/files\/g1_book_teal.jpg?v=1790970208","url":"https:\/\/vivanutrition.shop\/de\/products\/the-tray-check-cat-litter-tray-guide","provider":"VivaNutrition","version":"1.0","type":"link"}