Best litter tray for a senior rescue cat

A 13-year-old rescue with a clear preference for open trays — that's actually really useful information, and it's worth respecting it completely. Most litter boxes are too small to begin with (cats need a tray at least 1.5 times their body length), and covered boxes often make cats feel trapped, so her instincts are sound. At her age, there's another factor too: senior cats can develop arthritis or general stiffness, which makes high-sided trays uncomfortable to step into. How big is she, roughly — and are there any current issues like missing the tray, going less frequently, or hesitating before getting in?

That pause before stepping in is a classic early sign of joint stiffness — she's telling you exactly what she needs. A lower entry point makes a real difference at this stage, and catching it now means you can sort it before she starts avoiding the tray altogether. Is she on her own, or do you have other cats in the house?

Perfect — one cat, clear preferences, and a specific physical need. Here's what I'd recommend: the Savic Senator Open Litter Tray in the large size. It's a generously sized open tray with a low front entry point, which is exactly what she needs right now. The rim is high enough at the back and sides to contain litter when she scratches, but the front dip is low enough that she won't have to haul herself over a wall to get in. It's also big enough for a medium cat to turn around and position comfortably, which matters more as cats age — they're less agile and need the space. No hood, no flap, no feeling of being cornered. It suits everything you've described about her.

Yes — put the new tray next to the old one rather than replacing it straight away. Let her investigate and choose. Most cats move over within a day or two when the new one is more comfortable, but giving her the choice removes any stress around the change. With a rescue cat who may have had inconsistent experiences, low-pressure transitions always go more smoothly. Keep using the same litter she's used to — don't change both things at once. Once she's using the new tray consistently, you can remove the old one.

Good call. The low entry will likely make a noticeable difference quickly — you may find the hesitation disappears within the first few uses. If her mobility changes more over time, it's worth keeping an eye on placement too: ground floor only, no steps to reach it, and somewhere she can approach from any direction without feeling cornered. She sounds like she's in good hands.