The 11 Types Of Cat Litter Boxes
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Barry Buttler
If you are a parent, you know that the toilet box is one of the essentials that you cannot be without.
Your cat's physical and emotional health depends on its ability to remove waste in a clean, well-maintained litter box, so it's important that you take care of it.
Today, there are so many options for litter boxes that it can be difficult to choose the right one.
That's why BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has gone ahead and gone through the process of finding the best-rated cat litter boxes for you to choose from.
To save you time and effort, we have compiled a list of the types of cat litter boxes on the market today.
Table of contents
How to Choose the Finest Litter Box for Your Cat (and Why You Should) FAQs Conclusion ReviewsHow to Choose the Finest Litter Box for Your Cat (and Why You Should)
To this point, we have covered the several options for litter boxes that your feline friend can use. Let’s take a look at the essentials that every cat owner needs to know before purchasing a litter box for their feline friend.
In spite of the abundance of choices, picking the right cat box might be challenging if you aren’t familiar with the essential features your feline friend needs.
Make the best decision for your cat by writing down important information like its size, height, and personality traits before going shopping.
Check out the specifications below, which may include the dimensions, the height, the construction, the style, etc. Will unquestionably serve to you in your making a good decision.
Size
The size of a cat’s litter box is an essential consideration when making a purchase. Different cat breeds come in a variety of sizes, so you’ll have to make a selection based on your feline friend’s measurements.
There are many sized litter boxes on the market, and getting one that is too little for your giant feline friend is pointless. Since she will not be able to do business within the established norms, she will be forced to find creative solutions.
Cats, being cats, obviously need a place to do their business. They don’t simply use it as a bathroom; when they come out, they often rearrange the litter box and dig in their own excrement.
That’s why it’s important to take your cat’s size into account when designing a home for it.
Height
Well, generally speaking, most cat breeds are advised to use a litter box with a typical height of seven to eight inches.
But if you have a sneaky cat that likes to scatter litter outside the box, you might want to rethink that. To avoid having litter tracked all over your floor or carpet, it’s best to use a litter box with high sides.
Inside facet
One consideration while selecting a litter box is the durability of its inner surface.
This is due to the fact that cats have an innate need to scratch everything that moves and a fascination with excavating their own excrement. Therefore, it is of no value if the inner surface is not of high quality.
Because eventually the box will break and you’ll have to replace it. Therefore, you should also inspect the inside.
Material
Choose a long-lasting material for your cat’s litter box if you don’t want to keep replacing it. You may get litter boxes in a variety of materials, including plastic and metal.
Stainless steel is more maintenance-free than plastic, yet both have their advantages and disadvantages. On the other hand, plastic is much lighter than steel.
Choose a high-quality material—steel or plastic—based on how often and how your cat will use it.
FAQs
What’s the deal, cats? Do they use covered or open litter boxes?
Cats are neat freaks, so it seems to reason that they would use only spotless, spacious, and simple-to-access litter boxes. There is no reliable estimate of what fraction of cats prefer covered or uncovered litter boxes.
In any case, we can confirm that a covered litter box might be their first option, as it allows them to better control their breathing when they eliminate.
When should you change your cat’s litter box?
If you’re using high-quality litter for your cat, you should replace it at least once a week, preferably twice.
However, you may only need to replace it once a week or once every other day, depending on the specifics of your condition. It really just depends on how much your cat uses it and how often you clean it.
Put this much litter in the litter box.
The poll found that two to three inches of trash was the sweet spot. If you fill the litter box to a depth of two to three inches, your cat will have more room to perform her business, and you will get more usage out of the litter.
Cats that scrape the surfaces of their litter boxes should have around three to four inches of litter.
When you replace the litter box, do cats become upset?
Yes, felines can be irritated if you mess with their regular schedule, mealtime, or possessions. There is a good chance that she will become angry if you relocate her litter box, and she may refuse to use it in the future.
So, if you can, try to find an exact replacement, and allow your cat some time to adjust.
When should you scoop your cat’s litter box?
Keeping the litter box clean is easy if you scoop it every day. Due to the regular removal of the soiled litter, a change of litter is only required every three days.
Also, everytime you replace the litter, make it a practice to scrub the inside and outside of the box. You’ll spend less time maintaining a tidy environment.
Conclusion
With that said, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) would like to end this post on the topic of cat litter boxes.
Let’s quickly go over some of the things we’ve talked about, like the fact that there are many different kinds of litter boxes (open, covered, portable, automatic, and so on).
We have also tried to emphasize the most basic characteristics, such as size, build quality, and more. Take The Cats’ Litter Boxes Are Open, for example.
So, you’ve figured out how many litter boxes cats need and what else you should think about before choosing one for your cat.
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably ready to make an informed decision the next time you need to buy the types of cat litter boxes for your cat.
Reviews
The Cats’ Litter Boxes Are Open
One of the finest things you can do for your cat is to use an open litter box. It’s usually rather spacious, has enough of ventilation, and is conveniently located for most cats.
These containers may be purchased in a variety of plain styles.
Since open litter boxes are small, they won’t take up much room wherever you decide to set them up.
The open design of these boxes is one of its selling points since cats are naturally apprehensive and will feel more at ease using the box if they can keep an eye on what’s going on around them as they do their business.
Pros
- These litter boxes are the traditional option for cat owners since they are low-priced and widely accepted by feline pets.
- It has a low entrance point, making it suitable for cats of all ages.
- Cleaning one of these cat litter boxes is a breeze.
- Extremely long-lasting due to the high-quality materials utilized in its construction.
- Crucial infrastructure prefers open enclosures because they have a better view of their surroundings and feel safer as a result.
Cons
- Because of their open form, these litter boxes tend to get dirty more quickly and need to be cleaned more frequently if you want to maintain a high degree of hygiene.
- When your cat is in the mood to dig or play in the box, they are more likely to kick litter out of the box if it has a low or medium entrance point.
Sorting Cat Litter
If you are a cat parent who despises the routine of scooping and cleaning the litter box, read on. If this sounds like you, my buddy, then you’ll love the “Sifting litter box.”
Two pans provide for the most effective sifting litter box. To elaborate, the grates on the underside of one tray allow it to nest within another.
When it’s time to clean, just raise the top tray, tilt it so the litter falls through the perforations, discard the used tray, and replace it with clean litter.
Pros
- Instead of wasting time manually scooping waste litter, sifting litter boxes simply filter out the filthy litter for you.
- By contrast, using a sifting box ensures that only waste is thrown away, eliminating the possibility of pouring new litter while manually scooping.
- You may aid in the effort to save money by reducing the amount of trash produced.
- Because no trash will be adhered to the inside of the box, cleaning it is a breeze.
- It is available in both open and covered forms.
Cons
- Not convenient to transport from one location to another because of its heft.
- It can be cleaned, however because to its sifting design, a thorough cleaning is impossible.
- Big cats shouldn’t try it out.
Litter Boxes with Lids
Tired of the stench of the litter box? Is there any way to get beyond this?
A “Covered cat litter box,” as we call them, is our strongest suggestion since it will eliminate the problem once and for all.
The sole difference between open and covered litter boxes is the presence or absence of a lid. The majority of these containers have a straightforward appearance, but others have more ornate details like a dome shape or a swinging door.
Pros
- To reduce the risk of litter tracking outside the tray and to keep unwanted smells at bay, cover your litter box.
- Discreet cats will find it to be the best option.
- It can also serve as a stress relief haven for felines.
- Not only does the litter box’s cover help to contain odors, but it also improves its aesthetics.
- As a bonus, it aids in keeping track of soiled litter boxes.
Cons
- The form of the covered litter box is not always conducive to easy cleaning.
- Kittens that suffer from claustrophobia should not be placed in these containers.
- Cat litter boxes with such a bulky form need extra room.
Mechanical Scatology: Self-Cleaning Litter Trays
If you’re one of those busy people who always seems to forget that they need to clean the litter box for their cat, this is for you. Consequently, mechanized litter boxes are created for busy pet owners.
You won’t have to do much work because it automatically scoops, cleans, and sorts the filthy litter for you.
The dirty one may be tossed in the garbage, and the clean one can be used again and over again with only the occasional washing or scrubbing.
There’s even a litter box that’s sort of mechanical but still has a siren in it. Your cat’s litter box has a sensor that will go off when it’s full, alerting you to scoop out the waste and reminding you to either add fresh litter or replace the entire box.
Pros
- Clean up time is cut down significantly with the help of an automated litter box.
- Eliminating the Need for Floor Mopping
- Quickly and easily cleaned
- Motion sensors are included in some of the motorized litter boxes, so you can keep track of how often your cat uses it.
Cons
- The only downside to these litter boxes is the high price.
- Uses up more room
Containers for Soiled Waste While Traveling
Taking your cat along for the ride might be a bit of a challenge. Most cats, as is well known, suffer from travel anxiety due to their natural fear of being in unfamiliar environments.
Assuming that. When planning a trip, cat owners have the challenge of figuring out how to bring their pet along. Here’s a suggestion: use “Travel litter boxes” if you take your cat anywhere other than the house.
Your cat deserves the best, so make sure she has a worry-free vacation in a litter box that suits her needs.
Pros
- A portable litter box may be taken from one location to another with ease.
- The recycled paper used in the making of eco-friendly boxes makes them both sturdy and watertight.
- Defend against the spread of unpleasant odors.
- Most portable litter boxes come with bowls and other necessities, and there are even foldable models.
- Most of the packing materials are garments, so a quick wipe off and you’re ready to go.
Cons
- When compared to standard litter boxes, this one is a pain to clean.
- If you have a cat with a collapsible or portable litter box, you should be aware that there is a risk of litter escape.
- Because of its lightweight construction, a portable litter box is not suitable for use with a significant quantity of litter.
Used Cat Litter Boxes for Sale
Ahead of the game? Lacking the time to keep up with routine litter box maintenance? Tired of the offensive odor?
If you’re too busy or just don’t enjoy cleaning the litter box every day, a “disposable cat litter box” is a terrific option.
Because of their biodegradable nature, these boxes are made without the use of any toxic ingredients, hard plastic, or long-lasting materials.
The fact that it breaks down in landfills means that it has a lower environmental impact.
Pros
- Most cats go for litter boxes that are see-through rather than covered.
- When the food inside becomes bad, there’s no need to clean the box.
- Because of its biodegradable composition, disposing of it is a simple task.
- This disposable box is lightweight and convenient enough to bring along on your journey.
Cons
- The cost of a disposable litter box may add up quickly.
- Since it wasn’t designed with cats in mind, not every purr-purr will utilize it.
- It’s not as sturdy as other boxes, so your cat’s claws may destroy it.
- The weight limit of these containers is low.
Boxes for cat waste with high sides
If you’re a cat owner in search of a litter box with plenty of depth, consider the “High sided litter box.” Its ample interior space and tall walls will keep your cat from escaping and making a mess outside the litter box.
The only difference between a regular litter box and a high-sided litter box is the height of the walls.
The finest designs for high-sided litter boxes don’t require a cover, as the high walls themselves keep litter within.
Pros
- All cats, no matter their breed, benefit from litter boxes with high sides. Because of its low entrance point, it is suitable for both young and old cats.
- In that it offers ample room for digging, it’s a good option for cats who enjoy the outdoors.
- The granules will remain contained thanks to the box’s high sidewalls while your cat has a good time exploring.
- Most cats prefer an open litter box since they don’t feel trapped or uncomfortable there.
Cons
- The downside of this litter box is its low-entry design, which can lead to messes outside the box.
- Having a low threshold doesn’t guarantee that all cats can get in and out of it; cats with arthritis, for example, may have trouble.
- Not having a removable top might make it difficult to clean.
Cat litter boxes with a top opening
A key part of being a cat parent is taking care of the litter box. The situation will grow more difficult if your cat is a naughty kind. Because your feline companion has emptied the litter box, you will need to sweep it.
The top-entry litter box is a fantastic option for cleaning up this mess.
Top-entry litter boxes are distinguished from other varieties by their relatively high walls. At addition, there is a doorway in the top to facilitate access and escape. When it comes time to clean the box, the lid pops right off.
Pros
- Your cat won’t be able to kick the litter out of the box thanks to the high sides.
- A top-entry litter box is an excellent tool for minimizing the spread of litter.
- Because of its closed design, it is also effective in containing unpleasant odors.
- Box cover detaches for simple washing.
- Helps keep kids from getting into the trash
Cons
- The litter box has a few drawbacks, one of which is that it is unsuitable for either young cats or older cats.
- The fact that many top-entry boxes have a detachable lid doesn’t make cleaning any easier.
- Using litter that is too light can increase the likelihood that your cat will escape the litter box.
Super-Sized Cat Litter Trays
Still can’t decide which litter box is best for your big furry friend after a zillion trials?
Okay, buddy, here’s what we’ve got for you. You should always choose the extra-large litter box if you have a huge cat. The litter box will make it easier for your cat to eliminate, and it will protect your flooring from scratches.
It’s deeper than a regular litter box, so your cat won’t be able to scratch the inside of it. This will serve two purposes: first, it will discourage your cat from digging in the litter box, and second, it will safeguard the surface of the box from scratches.
Pros
- In comparison to standard boxes, these measure in at least one dimension greater in both depth and breadth. In the category of top litter boxes for big cats, it definitely belongs.
- Large-breed cats will like the low-slung shape of the enclosure’s access ports.
- Make sure there’s adequate room, with tall walls on both sides. Even little cats who have a propensity of kicking litter out of the box can benefit from this design.
- In fact, it’s useful even in homes with more than one cat.
- As it is roomy, your cat will still be able to use it to defecate even if you haven’t cleaned it in days.
- The fact that it cleans up after your cat’s business and keeps your carpet and flooring unscathed is a major plus.
Cons
- Not suitable for homes with limited square footage.
- You’ll need to stock up on litter if you’re using an extra-large litter box, since more of it will be required compared to a standard one.
- Because of its height and shape, it might be tricky to pour a large amount of trash at once.
Creative Cat Litter Trays
You have probably already seen the many cat litter box varieties available nowadays. You may be wondering, “What makes a designer litter box different from a regular one?”
Designer litter boxes may not be as functional as more specialized options, but they can improve the aesthetic appeal of your home. These high-tech litter boxes are nothing unusual; they just take the style of a plant pot, side table, lamp table, etc.
Pros
- Everyone in the room won’t even notice if you put it there.
- You can put these litter boxes pretty much anyplace in the house, and they’ll look much nicer than the standard plastic ones.
- With two functions in one, this piece of furniture/litter box is ideal for a studio or one-bedroom apartment.
- The litter box isn’t the only thing your cat needs, and if you can find a location to conceal his or her grooming supplies, you’ll have less to worry about.
- If your cat is embarrassed to use the litter box in public, this is a perfect option because no one will ever find out what she’s up to inside.
Cons
- The designer litter box is more costly than the standard option.
- These litter boxes are not effective at masking unpleasant scents and must be cleaned often to prevent the spread of the stench.
- You risk your cat realizing that the space between the plant pot and the side table is a great location for her to relieve herself.
Dr. Barry Buttler
Dr. Barry Buttler, DVM, MS, DACVIM, is an experienced veterinarian who specializes in the care of small animals, specifically dogs. Dr. Barry K. Buttler is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and holds multiple certifications in small animal emergency medicine and geriatric pet health.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Barry Buttler
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