Translation guide
Material used in a box for cats to urinate and defecate indoors. In Japanese, the concept is expressed with specific terms for the litter material and the litter box itself.
The granular material placed in a litter box for cats to eliminate in.
The most common and direct term for cat litter. Literally 'cat sand'.
猫砂を買わなくちゃ。
I have to buy kitty litter.
A slightly more explicit version, meaning 'cat's sand'. Used interchangeably with 猫砂.
猫の砂を交換する。
I change the kitty litter.
Literally 'cat toilet sand'. Sometimes used on packaging or in product descriptions.
猫トイレ砂の種類が豊富だ。
There is a wide variety of cat toilet litter.
The box or tray that holds the litter. Often referred to together with the litter itself.
When talking about the litter material, use 猫砂. When referring to the box, use 猫トイレ. In casual conversation, you might just say トイレ (toilet) if the context is clear.
猫のトイレ、そろそろ変えないと。
I need to change the cat's litter soon.
この猫砂は固まりやすい。
This kitty litter clumps easily.
The standard term for a litter box. Literally 'cat toilet'.
猫トイレを掃除する。
I clean the kitty litter box.
新しい猫トイレを買った。
I bought a new litter box.
Means 'toilet for cats'. Slightly more formal or descriptive.
猫用トイレはどこに置く？
Where should we put the kitty litter box?