How Many Litter Trays Do Two Cats Need?

The Bothy enclosed self-cleaning litter tray in a studio view.

Direct answer: a widely used starting point is one litter tray per cat, plus one extra—so three trays for two cats. Place them in separate locations; three trays side by side can function like one guarded resource.

The Bothy enclosed self-cleaning litter tray in a studio view.
The Bothy

Spread trays around the home

Choose quiet, accessible spots with more than one practical route where possible. Avoid forcing a cat past another cat, a noisy appliance or a busy doorway to reach every tray.

Match each tray to the cat

A large cat needs room to enter, turn and dig comfortably. Offer different tray styles if preferences are unclear, and do not assume that an automatic tray removes the need for alternatives.

Watch use and adjust

Soiling outside the tray, waiting, guarding or one cat consistently avoiding an area can signal a layout or health problem. Clean appropriately and ask a vet about sudden toileting changes.

Where furniture helps: The Bothy may support this part of the routine. Check the live product page for current specifications and suitability; furniture does not replace veterinary or behaviour advice.

Sources and further reading