The 17 Best Cat Litter Boxes Available

Reviews

Litter-Robot III with Connect is the best automatic litter box
 

Tuft + Paw’s Cove litter box is my top choice, because to its streamlined design and integrated scoop and dustpan.

It’s small enough to fit in tight spaces yet large enough for your cat to enjoy. You can even add an 8-inch divider for further privacy and scatter control.

The Cove litter box is not only elegantly designed, but it is also well-made. The plastic materials are quite durable, and the base is solid. It also has a matte texture, which is unique among litter boxes and gives it a modern appearance.

In terms of functionality, this litter box is simple to scoop, and the dustpan and hand brush included are useful. When I wasn’t using the partition, I noticed some litter spread, but nothing too bad. The primary disadvantage of this litter box is the price.

Pros

• Design is compact and sleek.
• 8-inch partition available for privacy and scatter control
• Scoop, dustpan, and hand brush are all integrated.

Cons

• Priced north of $150, it is somewhat pricey.
• Without the barrier, scatter control may be less effective.

 

The iPrimio Non-Stick Plated Stainless Steel XL Litter Pan is ideal for large cats
 

Most litter boxes sold online and in pet stores are made of plastic, thus the iPrimio Non-Stick Plated Stainless Steel litter pan drew my attention right away. It is not only large and robust, but it also boasts a nonstick coating that is very easy to clean.

This stainless-steel litter box, unlike standard plastic litter pans, does not absorb odor. The nonstick coating also helps to reduce residue accumulation, making cleaning the litter box a breeze. Furthermore, the 6-inch sides are deep enough to keep litter and pee spray contained.

The generous size of this iPrimio litter pan (a fantastic benefit for larger cats and multi-cat families) gives it points, albeit the 6-inch sides may be difficult for kittens and senior cats. Having said that, it appears to be quite cat-friendly overall, and the nonstick coating appears to help prevent odor.

There have been a few consumer complaints regarding the coating developing scratches after thorough scrubbing, but iPrimio says slight abrasions are typical and will not hinder the coating’s performance. Even so, to extend the life of your cat litter pan, use the appropriate scoop.

Pros

• Long-lasting stainless-steel structure
• The nonstick coating helps to eliminate odor and residue buildup.
• Generous in size, having somewhat high sides
• Simple to clean, withstands scrubbing and scooping

Cons

• When compared to other possibilities, it is somewhat costly.
• Kittens and elderly cats may struggle with high sides.
• With vigorous washing, the nonstick coating may scratch.

 

Petphabet Jumbo Covered Litter Box is the best covered
 

Covered litter boxes help to keep litter box odors from spreading throughout your home. They may also be more effective than open boxes at containing urine spray and litter dispersal.

The Petphabet Jumbo Covered Litter Box checks all of these boxes, but it also offers a few unique characteristics that make it my go-to covered litter box.

This covered litter box has a roomy inside, so most cats will not feel claustrophobic when using it. It also has a glass hood, which allows you to monitor waste accumulation while also letting your cat to watch the outside world.

I really like that it doesn’t have a door, because doors and flaps tend to trap odors. This covered litter box comes in a variety of vibrant hues.

Unfortunately, it is a very pricey litter box, but it is well-made and simple to clean. Larger cats may find it a little tiny as a covered litter box, however little cats may not have this problem.

Pros

• Cats can see through the transparent hood.
• There is no door or flap to keep odors out.
• Available in a variety of vibrant colors

Cons

• Larger cats may feel a little cramped.
• When compared to other models, it is rather pricey.

 

Modkat Top Entry Litter Box is the best top entry
 

While top-entry litter boxes like this one are frequently the most difficult for your cat to use, they’re a lifeline for those who have coprophagic dogs (dogs that eat poop).

The Modkat Top Entry Litter Box has a lovely, useful design that includes a washable liner that is easy to remove and a locking swivel cover.

It also includes a litter scoop. The dog-proof design and on-trend look come at a price – this popular litter box will set you back more than $80.

This top-entry litter box performs admirably in terms of litter dispersal and urine spray. It’s also super simple to clean because to the reusable liner.

There is no need to worry about litter adhering to the bottom or sides of the box because you simply remove the liner out of the box to empty it, then rinse and reuse.

The Modkat top entry litter box, which comes in three colors, is on the smaller side. Modkat suggests it for cats weighing no more than 12 pounds because it measures 16-by-16-inches and stands 15-inches tall.

Pros

• Reusable liner with easy removal
• Design for dogs (works for small & medium dogs)
• Very effective at controlling urine spray and litter dispersal.
• It has an ergonomic litter scoop.

Cons

• Cats weighing more than 12 pounds may find it too small.
• The litter box may be difficult to reach for older cats.

 

For Those Who Despise Scooping: Disposable Sifting Litter Box Kitty Sift
 

The Kitty Sift Disposable Sifting Litter Box is a fantastic choice for individuals who wish to have as little interaction with unclean litter as possible.

You can clean the litter box in 30 seconds or less because to its revolutionary design. And, to avoid dealing with litter building over time, the litter box is disposable for long-term cleanliness.

The Kitty Sift, like most sifting litter boxes, has a multi-level design. One solid litter box, three sifting liners, and a shield are included.

Simply lift the top sifting liner to separate clumps and solid waste, dispose of the garbage, then rotate the liner 180° and insert it under the bottom sifting tray to clean the litter box.

While the longevity of the box is determined by your cat’s litter box habits, the Kitty Sift system should last up to four weeks for one cat.

The Kitty Sift is not only convenient to use without a scoop, but it is also incredibly eco-friendly. This litter box is made from FSC-certified 100% recycled cardboard and is a perfect alternative to plastic. It is also compostable and 100% recyclable when clean and dry.

The Kitty Sift is remarkably robust for a disposable litter box. It is water-resistant and made of breathable materials, which help to keep the litter dryer and the litter box fresher for a longer period of time.

Furthermore, the shield is more effective than a standard open-style litter pan at containing urine spray and litter spread. Overall, I was quite happy with this box’s sifting performance, long-term cleanliness, and environmentally friendly build.

Pros

• Developed with unique scoop-free technology
• Plastic-free and made entirely of recycled cardboard
• Reduces the growth of bacteria and the odor of ammonia.
• Contains a good amount of urine spray and litter scatter.
• When compared to other sifting litter boxes, this one is really effective.

Cons

• High humidity may cause the cardboard materials to deteriorate.

 

Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan is ideal for pine cat litter
 

Sifting litter boxes eliminates the need to physically scoop the litter box, which no cat owner can complain about. The Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan, like most sifting litter boxes, has three levels. Nestled between two ordinary closed-bottom boxes is a sifting tray.

All three litter pans are made of tough plastic and have a reinforced bottom for extra stability. Microban antimicrobial protection is applied to the pans, which may help decrease litter box odor by preventing bacteria growth. It also works exceptionally well with pine litter.

When you’re ready to clean the box, lift off the top pan, sift the litter, chuck out the waste, and rotate the boxes. The method is simpler and faster than the traditional scoop-and-toss method. It’s a good compromise between an automatic litter box and a standard litter pan.

While this litter box has the advantage of being easy to sift and clean, it doesn’t do anything to prevent litter dispersal. It is, however, a low-cost alternative that works well with most litter.

Pros

• Sifting design with three levels for easy cleaning
• Plastic construction that is tough and has reinforced bottoms
• Antimicrobial protection with Microban coating
• Works especially effectively with pine litter.

Cons

• It doesn’t do anything to reduce litter dispersal.

 

Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan is ideal for kittens and senior cats
 

The Lucky Champ cat litter pan is distinguished by kitten-friendly characteristics that set it apart from the competition.

It includes a wide, solid base that will not topple over in a room full of boisterous kittens, a high back to catch mess, and an incredibly low front that is accessible to tiny kittens, disabled cats, and seniors.

This litter box is well-made and well-designed. It’s made to last a long time and is simple to scoop and clean. It is a larger litter box, measuring 25-by-16.5-by-9 inches.

It also incorporates rubberized grips on the sides for secure handholds when moving and cleaning the box. The disadvantage of this litter box is its inability to regulate dispersal.

The low front, which promotes accessibility for kittens and senior cats, also allows litter to scatter.

Pros

• For stability, use a broad, strong foundation.
• The mess is mostly contained by the high back.
• The low front increases accessibility.

Cons

• Doesn’t do a good job at controlling scatter.

 

Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Litter Box Is Ideal For Small Apartments
 

If you live in a small apartment, you don’t want to waste valuable floor space with a smelly, ugly litter box. This Good Pet Stuff hidden litter box is the ideal answer. It not only conceals your cat’s litter box, but it also serves as home décor.

The Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Litter Box conceals a large-capacity litter box within a genuine clay planter. The planter, which comes in brown and gray, stands 42 inches tall – 55 inches with the supplied plant – but takes up only approximately 20 square inches of floor area.

This litter box is made of high-quality polypropylene and has a dust filter. All you need to do is pick the ideal location for it, fill it with litter, and you’re good to go. No one will suspect the planter conceals a litter box, especially if you arrange it cleverly.

Pros

• For stability, use a broad, strong foundation.
• The mess is mostly contained by the high back.
• The low front increases accessibility.

Cons

• Doesn’t do a good job at controlling scatter.

What Characteristics Characterize the Best Cat Litter Box?

The greatest cat litter boxes meet your cat’s demands in several ways. Let’s look at what the greatest cat litter boxes do that the average ones don’t.

The greatest cat litter box provides space for your cat

Litter boxes are primarily intended to provide human comfort. That is, they are often small and compact enough to fit in a small space.

As a result, your cat’s head and tail will hang over the edge of the litter box. Consider how it feels to step in your own excrement when using a litter box with hardly enough room to maneuver around in. This is a bad condition for a creature as concerned with hygiene as a cat.

Cats should use litter boxes that are at least as wide as they are long, from the tip of their snout to the base of their tail, according to general cat care wisdom. If your cat is 15″ long from nose tip to tail tip, she will want a litter box that is at least 15″ broad and 22.5″ long.

According to Dr. Danielle (Elly) Page BVSc, BCom, “the best type of litter box is the plain plastic variety with tall sides and the largest size you can buy.”

Cat litter boxes with high edges are the best

Small litter boxes struggle to keep litter contained. Tracking and dispersing are unavoidable, but low-sided litter boxes cause more issues than others. Consider using a high-sided litter box designed specifically for litter dispersal.

Keep in mind that some cats, particularly females, spray urine on the sides and over the edges of the litter box. If your litter box has low edges, pee will most likely spill over the edge and onto the floor. High sides aid in keeping everything contained within the box.

Your cat must also have easy access to the litter box

Your cat’s litter box entry strategy should not include a sprint. Kittens and older cats are more vulnerable to having difficulty reaching a litter box with high sides, so consider boxes with a lower entrance for easy access.

Each litter box must be cleaned at least once every day, the greatest litter boxes make the job simpler

Choose litter boxes with smooth inside surfaces that are easy to scoop. Avoid boxes with difficult-to-clean patterns such as interior curves, ridges, and valleys.

All of these features collect waste and complicate your job. Avoid litter boxes with square corners as well; these are tough to properly wipe out. Some litter boxes include nonstick and antibacterial coatings that aid with odor control.

Litter Box Varieties

The litter box is a simple product, but it doesn’t mean you don’t have choices. The litter box options range from plain plastic pans to strange-looking mechanical sifting machines. Let us investigate more.

Cat Litter Box Sifting

Automatic litter boxes’ less technologically advanced cousin is the sifting litter box. Sifting litter boxes, while not doing all of the cleaning for you, do eliminate the need to scoop out the box – they practically scoop themselves.

Because clumping litter divides into dirty clumps and clean grains, these litter boxes operate best with it.

They’re also the greatest option for folks who use pine pellet litter, which degrades to sawdust when exposed to dampness. The sifter separates used dust from fresh pellets, extending the litter’s life.

Cat Litter Boxes That Aren’t Covered

The litter box has experienced a few technological changes over the period of nearly 70 years of commercial litter box evolution, but the typical plastic litter pan still reigns supreme. Uncovered litter boxes are typically inexpensive and simple to locate in supermarkets.

This is the traditional litter box. It’s simply a container for holding your cat’s litter. It’s simple to clean, convenient to use, and a popular choice among all types of cat caretakers. Cats naturally prefer to keep a look out for predators while using the litter box, and uncovered boxes facilitate this.

For these reasons, veterinarians and behaviorists frequently advocate uncovered litter boxes. According to Dr. Amanda Takiguchi, DVM, “from (her) experience,…get a litter box with no top… open tray,” and she “just got a couple of new ones from Amazon that have really high sides and a lower spot in front for the cat to enter.”

Cat Litter Boxes with Covers

Covered cat litter boxes trap the stench within the litter chamber, reducing the quantity of waste odor that permeates throughout your home. Covered litter boxes, in addition to reducing odor, help to reduce litter spreading. Because the hood conceals the functional element of the litter box, they are popular among people who want to hide a litter box in their home.

Although human interests are the primary reason people choose to use a covered litter box, misconceptions regarding feline preferences can also influence their use. It’s natural to believe that because people value privacy in their toilets, cats do as well. Being imprisoned in the litter box makes cats vulnerable rather than safe.

The covered cat litter box has also been chastised for fostering sluggish behavior. Critics claim that they make cat guardians unaware of waste accumulation. Covered litter boxes contain odors into a small space, in addition to concealing the problem. It’s a condition that has been compared to a public portable restroom – an unsanitary smell chamber.

This could be unbearable for an animal with a keen sense of smell and a penchant for cleanliness. Having said that, many cats utilize covered litter boxes contentedly throughout their lives. According to the findings of this study, cats have no preference for open or covered litter boxes.

Dr. Alex Crow, a practicing veterinarian at the Buttercross Veterinary Centre in Nottinghamshire, England, agrees that the difference between covered and uncovered litter boxes is not as significant as you may imagine.

He claims that “some individuals may believe there is a significant difference between open and closed litter boxes, but this is not always the case.” Most cats merely want a clean spot to relieve themselves, and the hood is only useful if you don’t want other animals or children getting into it.

The hood can assist reduce the amount of litter dust in your home, which is something you should think about.” A covered cat litter box can be an aesthetically preferable option to the standard open litter tray if cleaned out once a day or more.

Cat Litter Boxes That Clean Themselves

Automatic or self-cleaning litter boxes are ideal for folks who despise physically cleaning out the litter box. This sort of litter box usually incorporates a sensor that detects the presence of a cat.

A sifting or raking mechanism automatically separates clean from filthy litter after your cat uses the litter box. The waste is then placed in a storage drawer until you are ready to dispose it.

Automatic litter boxes are more expensive than less complex devices, and they have a higher chance of malfunction, but they’re an excellent investment for someone with a hectic schedule or a procrastinating streak.

Automatic litter boxes are recommended by Dr. Caren Carney, DVM, for fussy cats with strong constitutions. “Automatic litter boxes are wonderful for the choosy cat who wants a perfect box all the time because the box is always clean,” she says.

However, because they are loud, some cats may be terrified of them. Many of the automatic ones necessitate additional maintenance by the owner, such as cleaning parts and the possibility of a large mess in the event of a breakdown.”

Cat Litter Boxes with a Front Entry

Top entry boxes are one of the most visually appealing types available. Instead of stepping into the litter box from the front or sides, your cat drops down into the litter through an entrance hole on the top.

Because this sort of litter box is more difficult for cats to access, it is not a good solution for cats with mobility concerns. It’s also possible that this style of litter box puts extra strain on cats’ joints.

Keep in mind your cat’s specific requirements

Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian, emphasizes that your cat’s requirements come first, stating that “no matter how great a litter box is, it’s utterly meaningless if your kitty doesn’t enjoy it.”

Some crucial factors to consider include whether or not your cat has any health difficulties. Arthritis can make it difficult to get into a tall-sided litter box, so one with low sides or a lower door is the best alternative.

Some cats like the solitude of a covered litter box, while others are terrified of them. Automatic litter boxes may terrify some cats, but they are the ideal option for those who are picky.”

Conclusion

Following extensive investigation and evaluation of each of the products shown in the previous section, we have determined that products iPrimio Non-Stick Plated Stainless Steel XL Litter Pan and Petphabet Jumbo Covered Litter Box are the most noteworthy and dependable options for your consideration.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has high hopes that our rundown of the best cat litter boxes availables will be of assistance to you as you look for the most suitable answer for your cat.

FAQs

What is the finest odor-controlling cat litter box?

If your cat’s litter box stinks, have a look at yourself first. Make sure you’re emptying out the box at least once a day. If a thorough cleaning regimen leaves the litter box smelling bad, switching to a new litter box may help.

Nonstick and antibacterial coatings on some litter boxes help to reduce the quantity cat excrement that attaches to their inside surfaces.

These coatings also aid in the reduction of the growth of odor-causing microorganisms. Others include carbon filters, which trap scents before they enter the room.

Is it better for cats to use open or closed litter boxes?

Every cat has their own unique litter box preferences, however there are several advantages to using an enclosed litter box over an open litter box.

Enclosed litter boxes provide greater privacy while also limiting odor and litter dispersal better than open boxes.

The disadvantage is that some cats may find an enclosed box excessively confining. Large breeds, in particular, may prefer an open litter box.

Though each option has advantages and disadvantages, limited research indicates that most cats do not have a preference between open and closed litter boxes.

In 2012, researchers at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine published the results of a study that found that 70% of cats had no preference for one type of litter box over another.

What is the finest huge cat litter box?

It can be difficult to find a suitable litter box for a large Maine Coon or a gigantic Chausie. Litter boxes are typically too small for regular cats, making the hunt even more difficult for a huge cat.

Large cats cannot use litter boxes that are covered. A covered litter box has tight side walls that make your cat feel constricted, but even small uncovered litter boxes allow your cat to extend their head and tail over the edges. Look for large, strong uncovered crates.

Because large litter boxes are uncommon, many large cat guardians create their own or use plastic storage containers instead.

Which litter box is best for several cats?

In a multi-cat household, the litter box must accommodate increased box activity while while promoting good relationships.

It is generally recommended that you install as many litter boxes as you have cats, plus one. One cat requires two litter boxes, whereas twelve cats require thirteen.

Choose large litter boxes that can withstand extensive use in addition to accommodate your several cats. A large cat family generates a lot of waste, which necessitates the use of large litter boxes.

Remember that each cat home has its own feline social structure. The litter box, being an important element of daily life, can become involved in territory disputes and social dominance games.

A dominant cat may obstruct a subservient family member from entering the litter box, causing them to stand in their own waste. This is a terrifying and embarrassing event that can send the conflict spiraling downward.

As a result, avoid putting your litter box in a corner and avoid using covered boxes in a multi-cat household.

What is the greatest cat litter box for keeping dogs away?

Some dogs enjoy consuming stinky small cat snacks from the litter box.

This is both disgusting and unhygienic, as well as extremely deadly. Choosing the correct box can help keep your dog out of the litter box. Several designs can assist your dog stay out of the litter box.

One is a top-entry box that prevents tiny dogs from entering the garbage area. Other boxes include an inner and outer entry, which prevents larger dogs from penetrating the box.

There are alternative options for keeping your dog out if you don’t want to provide your cat a covered litter box.

If your cat is agile and comfortable jumping, use their vertical mobility to place the litter box on a counter or large shelf that your dog cannot access.

What is the finest little apartment cat litter box?

You don’t have to sacrifice litter box space because you live in a small house. Rather than saving space by selecting a small box, select one that can multitask.

Litter box furniture enclosures function as storage and shelving, letting you to make the most of your available space.

These pieces have more positioning options than the average litter box because they serve as functional decorative embellishments.

While it’s best to keep your litter box in the bathroom, laundry room, or another private location, multifunctional boxes can go virtually everywhere.

Regardless of how limited your space is, try to locate the litter box in a low-traffic spot where your cat can eliminate stress-free.