I have two 3 year old female cats and was wondering whether i would be able to get them to use a hooded cat litter tray from this age or whether its too late to try? Has anyone been successful with this? i don't want to waste money buying a new one if its probably going to be a pointless exercise.

the reason for wanting to do this is, my baby is now 4 months old and i am starting to think about baby proofing the house, and one of my concerns is that he will want to play with the litter tray! and i thought the best thing would be one of the hooded litter trays... anyone else had this problem? what did you do?

thanks in advance!!

I've had the hooded ones before, if they are used to going in and out a cat-flap, I think they would get the idea fairly quickly. Especially if you shove them through it once or twice well it worked with mine.

Alternatively if you can't get your cats to use a hooded tray, have you considered putting the tray, for instance if you have one, in the cupboard under the stair and putting a child gate across it? Cats would still have access and baby can't.

I started using hooded litter trays a few years ago when my cats were already adults and they were fine about it. Though I also bought one of those triangular corner ones and they are not so keen on using that one, presumably because there's less room - so you'd probably be better off getting a conventional oblong one.

Age isnt a problem. Start off with the bottom section only with a little soiled litter, then add the lid when they are used to it. Finally add the flap. Try to get one with a semi-transparent lid so its not too dark. Petsathome were selling them for around £15.

Thanks everyone - i'll give it a go! one of my cats is very long so hoping she'll fit okay in one!

They've never ever used a cat flap in their life before so not sure if that will make it more tricky for them to get used to it, but i'll give it a go!

I use mine without the flap in the bathroom. It gives them a little more room.