A useful rabbit litter tray is large enough for comfortable toileting, easy to enter and straightforward to clean. Choose usable floor area and entry height before colour or corner shape. Pair the tray with suitable non-clumping litter and fresh hay nearby, then place it where your rabbits already prefer to toilet.
What size and shape of litter tray suits a rabbit?
Look at the internal space after adding litter, not the outside dimensions. The rabbit should fit comfortably and be able to move within the tray. A bonded pair sharing one needs room for both. PDSA recommends a large tray with one low entry side and suggests a higher back to contain waste.
Before ordering, compare the tray footprint with the intended corner and the rabbit’s normal posture. Allow for access to hay without crowding the tray. A triangular design can look space-efficient while offering little usable area; assess its interior rather than assuming the word “rabbit” establishes fit.
For an older rabbit or one that struggles to step over a rim, prioritise entry access and discuss any change in mobility with your vet. Do not simply choose a tall wall to solve spills if it makes the tray difficult to use.
Which litter should you use?
A paper-based non-clumping product is a practical starting point. PDSA advises against clay or clumping cat litter because it can be harmful if eaten, and against wood shavings because of respiratory concerns. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund’s bedding guide also advises against sawdust and clumping litter, and explains differences between available materials.
Read the ingredients and intended use on the exact pack. “Natural”, “wood” or “cat litter” alone is not a complete suitability description. Keep edible hay fresh and accessible; straw bedding is not a substitute for dietary hay. If your rabbit eats the chosen litter, ask for appropriate advice before continuing with it.
Where should the tray go?
Use the rabbits’ established toileting corner as the starting point. PDSA suggests putting a small amount of used bedding or droppings in the tray to help identify its purpose, with fresh hay in or nearby. Make the arrangement easy to reach and keep it consistent while habits settle.
Our indoor rabbit pen guide and hay feeder guide cover the surrounding setup. Litter training should not mean withholding the space, exercise or companionship your rabbits need.
How can you compare tray construction and cleaning?
Check whether the actual standing area is solid and smooth, whether parts come apart for cleaning, and whether clips or corners become difficult to reach. A grate, grid or removable insert changes the contact surface: do not judge it solely by the attractive outer tray. The RSPCA advises against wire or barred floors; ask the manufacturer about any unclear design.
Blue Cross’s cleaning guidance explains choosing a comfortable tray and cleaning the wider housing thoroughly. Remove soiled litter regularly, wash using an appropriate pet-safe method, rinse as directed and allow the tray to dry. Check for cracks, damaged edges and trapped residue during cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Can an older rabbit learn to use a tray?
Yes. PDSA says rabbits can learn at any age. Choose easy access and an established toilet location, allow time and avoid punishing accidents.
Do bonded rabbits need separate trays?
PDSA ideally recommends one per rabbit, while noting that a bonded pair may share a tray large enough for both to move comfortably. Offer enough access that one rabbit cannot prevent the other using it.
Why has my rabbit suddenly stopped using the tray?
Consider changed position, litter, cleanliness or access. A sudden change can also reflect a medical or mobility problem; contact your vet if you are concerned rather than assuming a different tray will solve it.