Best Cat Litter Box

Size & Height

It’s important to take your cat’s size into account when choosing the best litter box. Just like most people prefer a spacious bathroom, most cats prefer a spacious litter box. A litter box should have enough space for a cat to turn around and dig without difficulty.

Height is also an important feature for many cat owners to look for in a litter box. Most cats dig around before or after doing their business. This can lead to litter flying into the air, depending on how deep your cat digs. The litter can be contained by a high-sided box.

Cats also tend to squat higher than other cats, so urine may spray from a low litterbox. To avoid the extra cleanup, some pet parents opt for a litter box with extra-high sides for this reason as well.

Our Review Process

After hours of research and testing over 25 litter boxes with my cats, I’ve chosen iPrimio Non-Stick Plated Stainless Steel XL Litter Pan as the best cat litter box on the market. The litter pan stands out because of its long-lasting steel construction and smooth walls which make it easy to clean. It also has a large, comfortable design cats love.

But this litter box isn’t perfect for every cat.

We have included 10 recommendations to address different cat or household needs. You’ll find litter boxes that excel in scatter control, easy cleaning, and aesthetics. There are top litter boxes that can be used by senior cats and kittens. Across all types, sizes, and competencies, all of these boxes meet our quality criteria and performed well in our in-home tests.

In addition to learning about our top picks, you’ll learn what cats need in a litter box, get an introduction to the different types of litter boxes available on the market today, and discover the best type of litter box for your unique situation.

How to keep litter from being tracked

You know how messy clumping clay litter can make around your litter box. This litter is preferred by cats over natural or sand-based products. Litter particles are very important to me. I like to walk around the house barefoot and notice the slightest variance on our floors. Whether it’s a Fruit Loop on the kitchen floor or a small crumb fallen from a cookie, I feel it and cringe. You can imagine how I feel when walking around barefoot, only to lift my foot to find it peppered with litter particles!

This article has more information about different litter types, including those that can be used for asthma patients and cats.

Gorilla Grip has figured it out! They have developed a mat that not only traps excess litter from your cat’s paws but practically hides it within the woven fabric until you’re ready to dump. Really easy to clean. And it’s soft on your kitty’s paws. There are a variety of colors available, as well as a number of shapes and sizes.

The Best

The Kitty’s Wonderbox disposable litter box made from 100% recycled, biodegradable paper is the Kitty’s Wonderbox. This litter box, even though disposable is durable. This litter box will not break, leak or tear. It eliminates the need to use disinfectants and allows your cat to get a new litter box every month. It can be used as a liner in a larger litterbox. Unlike some plastic liners, this tray-style liner is resistant to ripping or tearing.

The manufacturer recommends using one box for up to four weeks–with daily scooping, of course. When it’s time to deep clean the litter box, the process is simple: just discard the entire tray.

Nature’S Miracle Disposable Cat Litter Box – Best Value

Many litter boxes available on the market can be reused for a long time. They can be cleaned and reused many times until they finally get too stinky and need to be thrown away. Some people prefer using a disposable litter box, though, like Nature’s Miracle Disposable Cat Litter Box. These are often cheaper up front, but they can add up over time.

There are two sizes of disposable litter boxes: regular and large. Larger cats and homes that have multiple cats will prefer the large size. However, they are more expensive due to their larger size. To neutralize unpleasant odors, litter boxes can be made from baking soda. Of course, this only works if the waste touches the box outside, so it perhaps isn’t as effective as you might hope.

This box is entirely eco-friendly, which is essential since you will be throwing away with them a lot. These litterboxes can be used for travel or for cats with picky habits. This litterbox is also one the most affordable.

If you’re looking for the best of the best litter box out there, the Litter-Robot Automatic Cat Litter Box is easily the most premium option out there. The litter box is completely automatic and self-cleaning. It begins to clean the litterbox as soon as the cat gets out. In addition, it has a carbon-filtered waste drawer where everything is stored until you remove it and throw it away. The carbon prevents the odor from reaching your home.

Because the machine is designed to eliminate the need to scoop, it reduces littering. You won’t waste as much litter due to the precision cleaning, so you’ll likely save money in the long run.

This litter box is wi-fi enabled. You can monitor it using a special app on your phone, which lets you know how the box is being used and lets you know the current waste levels. This app is intuitive and works quite well, though it isn’t essential for using the box itself.

One unit is advertised as being useable by four different cats. While the litter box is relatively small for a large number of cats, the fact that it cleans after every use allows it to be used effectively by multiple felines.

#9 Best For Kittens And Geriatric Cats: Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan

Amazon: Buy On Chewy

The Lucky Champ cat litter pan has kitten-ready features that set it apart from the rest. The litter pan has an extremely low front, which is accessible to tiny kittens and senior cats as well as a sturdy, wide base.

This is a well-built, well-designed litter box. The litter box is durable and can be used for many years. It is easy to clean and scoop. The litter box measures approximately 25×16.5×9 inches. Rubberized grips are on either side of the lid to give you a firm handhold for cleaning and moving the container.

The downside with this litter box is its limited ability to control scatter. The low front that improves accessibility for kittens and geriatric cats also opens the door to litter scatter.

Top-Entry

There are many litter boxes that allow front-entry. This classic design is suitable for all cats, including senior cats and young kittens. You can even find front-entry options for cats with mobility issues.

Top-entry litter boxes can be difficult to access for kittens, elderly cats, and cats with mobility issues. However, they’re still a popular design because they are a space-saving option. Since cats enter from the top of a litter box as opposed to a hole in the side, the only space it takes up is the dimensions of the box.

Top-entry litter boxes are ideal for containing litter within the box. Front-entry litter box allow for litter to escape even though cats may be digging in or removing litter. An undesirable mess is much less likely to occur with top-entry boxes since all sides are covered.

What If My Cat Stops Urinating?

Cats are highly susceptible to FLUTD, a range of conditions that affect the bladder, urinary tract and/or urethra. Male cats are more likely to be affected by urinary stones, which can block the urine’s ability to leave their bodies. And when a cat can’t urinate, the toxins that build up can be deadly. A vet has just 24 to 48 hours to remove a blockage and save their life. A vet will not be able to diagnose FLUTD, or any other medical conditions. Cats who are refusing to go to the bathroom due to anxiety may have this problem. A behaviorist can identify the cat’s triggers and help them overcome it.

Tidy Cats Breeze Litter Systems

Tidy Cats Breeze Litter System was created to eliminate litter box smells. It uses a special type of litter that doesn’t absorb the urine but lets it pass through to be absorbed by pads in a drawer below. Solid waste must still be picked up, but urine and urine smell remain contained in the drawers until they are emptied each 7 days. Special pellet litter can also be used to minimize litter tracking and mess. The litter box is not large enough for larger cats. Some owners have reported problems with their pellet litter. You should be mindful that kittens might mistake litter pellets as food, and try to eat them.

• Maintenance low
• Controls urine odor well
• Only works with special litter
• Smaller box

Kittygohere Litter Box

Best for Senior or Arthritic Cats

Because it is low enough to be able to stand on its own, and does not require you jumping onto or off of anything, this box makes a great choice for elderly or arthritis-prone cats. It’s also a great choice for kittens and cats that continue to eliminate in their existing boxes. The KittyGoHere box comes in lavender, sand or apple green, which are things cats shouldn’t eat but are nice colors to complement your decor.

Buy it (from $32)

The most common association with stainless steel is food and water bowls. Because it’s not porous, bacteria can have trouble growing on it. It is easy to clean and disinfect. Why not apply that to your litter box? Iprimio boxes don’t rust and s stain. The rubber feet on the bottom prevent scuffed floors or scooching mid-potty break.

Buy it ($80)

Best Top-Entry Litter Box

Some cats may not like top-entry boxes. Some will get used to perching and plopping or jumping right into these, while others enjoy more open space while they are most vulnerable. If yours are into the top entry style, go for the Iris box, which comes in several sizes and colors and has a grooved lid to catch clingy litter.

Buy it (From $29)

Best Hidden Litter Box

Fool everyone who comes over with this hidden litter box! It looks like a planter and provides ample space for your cat’s business. If your cat room’s theme is “Jungle,” maybe add this to the mix?

Purchase it (65 USD)

Best Space-Saver

A corner box can be an excellent addition to your litterbox collection. The Nature’s Miracle corner box fits perfectly into small spaces. It will also prevent your cat from tossing their litter everywhere.

Buy it ($25)

Van Ness Cat Litter Box

Although enclosed litter boxes tend to be more costly than open-topped ones, the Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Box costs less and can help keep unpleasant cat smells under control. The door flap closes when your cat goes in or out. This gives your cat privacy and keeps the smells from entering your home. Too bad the door flap keeps getting stuck!

Thankfully, this oversized design leaves plenty of space for your cat to be comfortable while taking care of business. It’s not very long-lasting. The handle is attached to the top of it, but it’s too weak to be able to lift it from litter. It is too fragile to hold the bottom and top together. If you try to pull it off, they will break and ruin the litter box.

At A Glance: 10 Best Cat Litter Boxes

In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

• Litter bed large, lots of interior space
• High sides help contain litter scatter
• Affordably priced under $20
• Can be used with any clumping clay cat litter
• Robust and highly durable design
• Controls litter scatter fairly well
• Compact, streamlined design
• Available 8-inch partition for privacy and scatter control
• Integrated scoop, dustpan, and hand brush
• Transparent hood allows cat to see out
• No door or flap, doesn’t lock in odor
• Easy-to-remove reusable liner
• Dog-proof design (works for small & medium dogs)
• Well-controlled litter spraying and urine control
• Made with patented scoop-free technology
• Plastic-free, made from 100% recycled cardboard
• Reduces bacteria growth and ammonia odor
• Easy cleaning with three-level sifting
• Sturdy plastic construction with reinforced bottoms
• Antimicrobial protection with microban coating
• Stability is assured by a strong, wide base
• High back contains mess pretty well
• Low front improves accessibility
• Large-capacity litter box great for multiple cats
• Comes with a dust filter built into the litter box
• Large planter conceals the litter box in plain sight

Runner-Up

Nature’s Miracle is an established brand that eliminates pet odors and removes pet stain. This litter box is a testament to their dedication to eliminating messes. This open litter box features extra-high sides to prevent litter scatter. The litter box has a nonstick surface and an antimicrobial coating for ease of cleaning.

Although this litter box has high sides, the lowered entryway means it is accessible for most cats, even young kittens, seniors, and cats with mobility issues. It also features an easy-pouring spout, making it much easier to empty the litter and clean it. This simple litter box makes cleanup easier and is still affordable.

Iris Open Top Budget Cat Litter Box – Best Value

The IRIS Open Top Litter Box is a great option if you prefer functionality and low prices over designer features and high price tags. Although the open top design is not the most effective at keeping out odors it can be used to great effect for cats and keeps the cost low.

Although the litter box’s top can be opened, it has tall walls and a deep pan that creates a private space for felines. This helps keep the litter clean and prevents dirt from getting in. The interior is also highly polished and smooth, which makes it very easy to clean.

Overall, the simplicity, ease of maintenance, and affordable price make this the best cat litter box for the money in our eyes.

Types Of Cat Litter Boxes

There are several types of cat litter boxes on the market today. More are coming out every day as manufactures try to find the “next best thing” in innovation.

Traditional litter boxes

The traditional litter box is simply a square container made of high-quality plastic. They’re what you probably think of as the “typical” litter box. These litter boxes are similar in that they don’t have much to distinguish them from one another. Some may feature exceptionally high sides or something of that sort, but that’s about as big of a difference as there is.

These boxes are easy to clean and can be used by many cats. However, these boxes don’t provide any additional help for odor control.

Hooded Litter Boxes

The tops of these litter boxes are included. The doorway may be open, or it can include a flap door. Some of the smells will remain trapped in the litter box due to the lack of air circulation. This will eventually be removed when you change the litter. Even if the litter box is new to them, not all cats will be comfortable using it. Some cats may feel trapped, and refuse to use the litter box.

These litterboxes often have an air filter on the top that circulates air and fights odors. They have different degrees of success.

Automatic Litter Boxes

The most expensive, fancy litter boxes require electricity and wi-fi access. They require more work to set up, but many decrease the amount of work required after the initial start. Many will scoop the feces themselves. Some put the feces into a particular container that you have to dump, but others will flush it right into your pipes.

As you might imagine, these are incredibly expensive. In addition, they don’t always work as advertised, and many may require just as much work in maintenance and troubleshooting as a traditional litter box.

Additional “New” Litter Boxes

New designs are being developed by companies to improve the lives of their customers. For example, some litter boxes include a fancy shifter that is used instead of a scooper. Some litter boxes have a grate that removes the need to clump your litter. You may find a solution to your litter box problems if you are particularly concerned about it.

Otherwise, these boxes often don’t work as well as advertised and don’t save you that much time. Some of them are great, but most of them are just as good as a traditional box. They aren’t necessarily better or worse, just different.

Sizes

You can find litter boxes in all shapes and sizes. While some are small enough for cats, others can be used for multiple cats. The size you choose depends mainly on your needs. Larger cats will need larger litterboxes and may be unable to use small ones. If you have more than one cat in your home, it may be in your best interest to purchase a larger box (or multiple small ones).

To fill larger litter containers, you will need more litter. This means it will cost more per litter change. You may need several litter bags. However, you often don’t have to change it as much, since there is more litter to get dirty. With that in mind, it usually doesn’t cost you very much more over time to own a larger litter box.

The Sides

On top of the box itself being a specific size, there are also boxes with varying side lengths. Most cats are wonderful with 5-7-inch walls. Taller boxes will be more beneficial for cats who like to spray or throw litter out. There are several boxes out there with highly tall sides for this purpose. For easy access, it is preferable to have one entry side lower than others.

Mobility-impaired cats may require even lower sides. This is also true for kittens, at least up to the age of three. These cats should not have sides that exceed 2.5-3.5 inches.

The Different Types Of Litter Boxes For Odor Control: Pros And Cons Compared

The best cat litter boxes for controlling odor can be divided into two types: traditional litter boxes with filters and self-cleaning litter box. Here are the pros and cons to both options.

Additional Cat Litter Boxes we Tested

The High-Sided XL has tall sides, as its name implies. This helps prevent litter and urine from escaping. It was easy to get this box out.

You should know that the High-Sided XL’s wide entryway and small lip weren’t able to keep litter in as well as our best overall pick does. As such, some litter did excuse the inside of the box, during testing. It does not come sporting.

When Space For Your Cat’S Litter Box Is An Issue

The litter box is small and compact, but it works well. Despite being tucked into a corner, this 10″ high litter box also gives your cat another 26″x23″ of litter box luxury. Plenty of room to move around, and the high sides help avoid unwanted accidents, like spraying or rogue litter.

You can click here for more information about where to place your litterbox.

Which Kind of Cat Litter is Best?

You should read the specifications of each litter box manufacturer, but what you really want is clumping cat litter. This will allow your litter box’s self-cleaning system to pick up and eliminate waste much more easily. However, non-clumping litter will be harder for sensors to locate (and dispose of) any unwanted items.

What if my cat is on a litter box strike?

If you’re wondering why your cat is pooping outside the litter box, consider all of the factors surrounding their behavior. The litter box could certainly be one. Your cat may be unable to eliminate the place she normally goes due to recent changes made in your home, including your litter box or placement. Do not force your cat into using the litter box that you choose. Instead, observe and let her decide which box is best for her.

Durability

If your cat breaks the litter box, it won’t do much for you. Top-entry litter boxes can easily collapse under the weight of your cat if they aren’t built strong enough.

Other litter boxes must be sturdy too. You might try to lift them by their handles to transport it. However, it could fall apart, leaving you with an enormous mess.

How Frequently Does A Cat Use Their Litter Box?

The typical cat uses the litter box as many as half-a-dozen times a day, urinating two to four times and defecating once or twice. Each cat is different and each one uses the litter box differently. You can monitor behavior changes in your cat’s litter box daily to detect any signs of feline lower urinary tract diseases (FLUTD).

Are cats more comfortable with closed or open litter boxes?

Cats may feel intimidated by litter boxes that are hooded, covered or covered. This is especially true if the litter box’s height makes it difficult for them to use their toilet. Cats of every type will accept an open-topped litter box.

Best Budget

Vanness’ litter box is an easy-to-use litter container. It’s not a basic litter box, but it is a nice upgrade to the more standard ones and has a thoughtful design. You can get the box in large sizes and with a higher back to capture litter.

The litter box is made of a high-impact plastic that won’t snap or crumble like some cheaper plastics. It also provides a smooth finish that is both odor and stain resistant. The bottom line is that it’s an affordable and solid option for pets who don’t care about cats and pet owners who want to get rid of the mess quickly.

To Self-Clean Or Not To Self-Clean?

It’s easy to fall for the lure of a self-cleaning litterbox if your childhood chore was picking up the cat box every morning at five years old. The price of convenience is high, and you’ll need to decide if you can afford it and whether it’s worth it even if you can.

A final point you should consider when using self-cleaning containers is the possibility that your cat might not want them to be used. Some self-cleaning boxes are noisy and might scare more timid cats. After all, cats will still be cats.