Automatic Litterbox Central

OK.

Today was my "research pee prevention options" day during my lunch hour and a bit after work, and here's what I would suggest.

Maddog's solution is still the best, regarding the weatherstrip idea -- I just think he forgot to clarify some details.

If you're using any of the tray designs posted here at the side (or the Forever tray), the side skirt height of the tray should all be just about the same -- that is 2 1/8" from the floor, which means you end up with a very small gap (less than 1/16") between the tray and the SF.

If you tip the SF unit up, you'll notice an area (about 1/2" wide) where the tray meets the box (where that gap is). THAT is where I'd apply the self-adhesive weatherstripping that Maddog mentions. You don't have to get that exact part number, just something that's not the foam type (or it will act as a pee sponge, which you don't want). I just got back from a trip to Home Depot on my way home, and they carry an assortment of self-adhesive weatherstripping in white. I'd suggest using the white stuff (as pictured by maddog) as it's easy to clean, but maybe pick something flat that will just can be adhered along that flat area mentioned above. It doesn't need to be real thick either, as you're only looking to fill that small gap.

It can be found in the hardware isle (isle 19 at my Home Depot) and cost is around $5.79 for one pack, which is about all you should need.

Hope this helps!!

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll also add, I emailed the company and they said this issue would be addressed in future designs. In the mean time, they told me to simply use clear packing tape and seal the gaps. Amazingly, it worked like a charm! I'm not enthused about ripping up and replacing packing tape all the time, but it does buy me some time until I either try the weatherstripping thing or buy the next version. Thanks all!

I've found another option.


Even easier and even less expensive.

I haven't stopped trying to figure out some alternatives for people with this problem -- and packing tape seems to me to be a lot of hassle each time (and a little messy.......)

Although my cats don't do this (so I can't actually test the peeing on the sides thing) and I'm reluctant to pee in the tray myself, I can't absolutely guarantee that this is perfect.

Yesterday I purchased 4 1/2 feet of 3/8" vinyl tubing @ 55 cents/foot, and cut lenghts to fit at each of the three important sides of the box (as in not the lid side). I then made a slit on one side of each of the pieces with a case cutter. The tubing can then be fitted onto the top edge of the tray. Total cost $2.47 plus tax. Available from most hardware stores, Home Depot or Tap Plastics.

This provides a seal that's flexible enough so it should stop leakage, and easy to remove/reinstall on cleaning.

Since I don't have a use for this with my guys, if someone wants it and doesn't want to go the store just drop me a line and I'll mail these pieces to the first person who asks.

Me me me! I'll take it! You already have my address... I bought the tray from you on ebay under the username CoolStuff4you2buy. I think we even emailed back and forth a couple of times.

done.

I'll mail on Monday, if that's OK.

The only string attached is that you have to let me know how this idea works. (I figure that's not being too demanding, eh?)



Have a great weekend!

r.

That's a fair deal!

Sorry for the lack of info T&O's. I actually glued the side peices on top of the large bottom plate. My cats havn't gotten a drop of urine on the ground until......The weather stripping started coming off little by litte every time I had to clean it. This is mainly due to the small suface area (too thin) plastic.

Fix: Removed all old weather stripping. Went back to lows and got some of the wider,flatter stuff. Now if look at the bottom side of the littler box you will notice how wide the section of plastic is, where it meets with the tray. Cleaned the surface real good and applied the wider weather stripping. So far this has worked the best. Thanks to Jack 'n Stans Dad for this tip. And you don't really need to be as careful when placing the littler box over the tray since you will always make good contact to the weather stripping.

Now I did make the tray slightly larger then the original one, which so far has not caused any problems. And it allows me to use a little more litter. Also, note that I mentioned in my previous post that silicon was not really needed, but I do really think you should use some after the glue has dried. I've heard of some of these tray's breaking because the joints get too weak. The silicon does add a bunch of strength and pretty much guarantees no leaks from the bottom.

I still have one problem that is starting to appear. The lid looks like is will eventually come off since the tape I use is not sticking as well as it did.

Any suggestions?

Hey Jack,

Have you had any issues with ScoopFree for selling the forever tray? I would think they would not be to happy about it. We have a ScoopFree and I am really tired of paying the high prices for the trays. They never last 30 days.

Catwomanstyle

No issues so far. I'm not (nor do I have plans to) mass produce these in China, so I don't think it's biting too heavily into their profit structure.

The permanent tray concept seems to work for some people, while others still just prefer the cardboard cartridges.

Regarding the original post on this thread -- I have indeed finally found a realitively easy and very reliable solution for those whose cats pee on the sides. It involves the purchase of about $1.49 worth of plastic corner protector from your local hardware store, some time and some Rhino glue (or equivalent).

It turns out that Stan is also a side pee-er (argh) and so I've been experimenting with different things until I finally figured this one out, and have tested it now for about a month. I wanted to be sure that it would work, as well as be hassle-free, easy to clean and easy for the average person to modify the SF.

Unfortunately I don't know yet how to post photos here -- but if someone will instruct me I'll post photos and a complete breakdown on how to do it. I'm planning on putting the same info at the Forevertrays website as well.

I'll put it up here soooooooon.

best to all,

r.