I went through a period of time where I was just researching and shopping for the right litter box for my cat. There were so many choices on the market but I knew that finding the right one was absolutely essential. The litter box you pick will depend on a few factors. These are the number of cats you have, how big your cats are and also, how nice the litter box itself looks in your home!
After trying out so many, I decided to review them here to share my findings.
If you’re interested in more, I have also written a review on Automatic Cat Litter Boxes.
Best Cat Litter Boxes:
My Choices | Thoughts | My Rating |
---|---|---|
Modkat XL Litter Box | Top Overall Pick | 4.8 |
Good Pet Stuff Company Hidden Cat Litter Box | Second Pick | 4.6 |
Litter Robot Self-Cleaning Litter Box | Best Self Cleaning | 4.8 |
Nature's Miracle Oval Hooded Flip Top Litter Box | Great Pick for Enclosed | 4.3 |
PetFusion's BetterBox Litter Box | Value for Money | 4.2 |
Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan | Budget Pick | 4.0 |
Modkat XL Cat Litter Box
My Top Pick
The Modkat litter box is one of my personal favorites. The litter box is unique as it has both a top and front entrance, and this particular model is an updated version of a previous Modkat design. Designed to be extra tall with added width for the comfort of your feline friend, this litter box is wide enough to accommodate more than one small cat.
For your convenience, the litter box has a swivel-top lid that makes for easy cleaning and reusable litters liners that are rip resistant and can be used daily for up to 3 months each.
Modkat Features include:
- Swivel Top
- Two Entrances
- Reusable litter liners
Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan
My Second Pick
The Catit hooded litter box boasts a number of handy features. Firstly, it has a large hood that lifts up when it’s time for cleaning, as well as a handle that can be used to move the box without having to grab the litter box itself and risk touching something unpleasant, which is something I appreciated as my cat has a tendency to make a mess.
The box is spacious and offers plenty of room for your cat to do its business. Perhaps the most unique thing about this box is its filter. It uses a compact carbon filter to remove odor without the need for special powders or deodorizers.
Also included with the litter box is a sample of the Magic Blue Litter Box Filter, which can be purchased on Amazon and used inside of the litter box.
Catit Features include:
- Hooded top
- Carbon filtration system
- Carrying handle
- Bonus filter
Good Pet Stuff Company Hidden Litter Box
Best Design
This stylish litter box looks great in any room of the house. I kept it in the corner of my kitchen where it was out of the way but still easily accessible.
The Good Pet Stuff Company litter box looks like a clay pot with a potted plant inside of it. The litter box looks authentic and can be used as a functional- and necessary- piece of decor. Made of polypropylene, the box is durable and sturdy.
It uses a filtered ventilation system to cut down on the dust and dirt debris and can be used by large breeds of cats as well as households with multiple cats.
Good Pet Stuff Features include:
- Durable polypropylene materials that will last
- Great for large cats and families with many kitties
- There is a filtered vented feature that helps to keep odor, dust and dirt under control
Nature’s Miracle Oval Hooded Flip Top Box
Best Enclosed Cat Litter Box
The Nature’s Miracle hooded litter box uses a built-in odor neutralizer that works for up to three months with everyday use. It The litter box’s lid is held on securely by snap latches and features a large flip top opening.
The litter box has an enclosed hood to reduce the spray of litter and the inside of the litter box is covered in a non-stick material that works to reduce the amount of litter that sticks to the litter box. Your kitten will love that it’s large enough. It allows even the largest cats (see largest cat litter box) to comfortably do their business and promotes multi-cat use.
Nature’s Miracle Oval Flip Top Box Features include:
- Flip top entrance
- Non-stick interior
- Snap latch closures
- Enclosed hood
PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning
Best Self Cleaning Litter Box
This litter box comes in two stunning colors. It uses crystal litter that both absorbs urine and dehydrates faeces to reduce the smell. The crystals are low-tracking, meaning that they don’t stick to your cat’s feet. The litter box features a leak-proof urine tray to further reduce the chances of a mess. The expelled waste is locked away and kept out of sight. The litter box cleans itself for up to three months at a time. It even comes ready with a bag of crystal litter that can be used in the litter box.
PetSafe ScoopFree Features include:
- Self-cleaning
- Urine tray
- Crystal litter
- Two color options
Who Should Buy A Cat Litter Box?
There are more enjoyable things in life than changing the cat’s litter box. However, if you’d rather avoid cleaning up frequent messes on the kitchen floor, you’ll want to buy one. Essentially, anyone who owns a cat will need to buy a litter box.
If you have more than one cat or an exceptionally large home, however, you might want to invest in multiple litter boxes. You’ll want to place a litter box on each floor of the home- two if you’re feeling generous so that your cat or cats will have a litter box in every area of the house.
Many animal lovers have pet rabbits. Rabbits, like cats, can be trained to use the litter box. If you have a cat and a rabbit, both animals can be taught to use the same litter boxes, cutting down on the mess. This is a great way to keep both animals happy and healthy.
What You Should Consider: Essential Features
The number of litter boxes needed
As mentioned above, if your home is unusually large or you have more than one cat, multiple litter boxes is a good idea. This should be considered when purchasing your litter boxes, as many subfactors go into this factor.
When deciding which to get based on your need for them, you’ll need to consider the price of each prospective litter box and how much it will cost you to purchase multiple boxes.
Price
Yes, you need to think about price when buying multiple litter boxes. But you also need to think of it when purchasing just one. The price of litter boxes ranges from under $50 to over $100.
Depending on your budget, you’ll want to look for a litter box that doesn’t go over what you can comfortably spend. If you’re on a tight budget, opt for a litter box that is large enough but lacks fancy features such as self-cleaning technology, which make the prices go up.
Self or manual cleaning?
Litter boxes come in two varieties: self cleaning and manual. Self-cleaning litter boxes clean themselves, while manual litter boxes need to be scooped and cleaned by hand. If you don’t mind cleaning your cat’s litter box, stick with a manual one as they tend to be cheaper.
If you don’t want to clean the litter box or don’t have time to, however, a self-cleaning box might be your best bet. Self-cleaning litter boxes come in different styles, using different cleaning methods, so if you choose to buy one, take your time when deciding on a style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How come my cat won’t use her litter box?
Cats or kittens might not use their assigned litter boxes for a number of reasons. Most commonly, cats who won’t use their litter boxes have a medical condition or simply don’t like their litter box.
You can try changing where in your home the litter box is kept, cleaning it more, and switching what kind of litter you use. If none of these do the trick, consider talking to your vet about the problem.
What kind of litter should I use?
This is up to you. There are a number of different litters on the market. Some are scented, some are unscented, some clump, while others don’t. Some can even be flushed down the toilet.
There’s no right or wrong litter to use. It’s all a matter of personal preference. Many people I know prefer clumping litter, but many more are totally against scented litter, claiming that it irritates their noses.
To find out which litter is best for you and your cat, try out a few different varieties and see which one you like the most.
How to Clean a Cat Litter Box
The primary concerns for a litter box are the smell and the scattering of discarded litter from the feet of your cat. Investing in a cat litter mat to put outside the litter box might save you from finding little sandy bits of litter all over the house.
One important thing to consider is choosing the right box for you and your cat. Some cats dig more than others, throwing a lot of litter behind them as they prepare to use the litter tray.
For these types of cats, we recommend a sturdy box with either a fully enclosing lid, or a box with higher sides (iris open top litter box). For cats that aren’t as messy or prefer to be not as confined, a simpler design is more ideal.
An important thing to consider is that cats like their things to stay clean. They spend a good portion of their day grooming themselves, so they feel no different about their litter box. Maintaining a clean box will keep things smelling better, make cleanup less daunting, and keep your cat happy, all at the same time.
Stay on top of your cleaning. By sifting out used litter on a daily basis, then completely cleaning the box whenever you feel it needs a good scrub, your cat will be much more comfortable.
Different types of litter react differently. Therefore, some have slightly different cleaning requirements. There are types that clump, some that are made of all-natural materials, and many others.
There are many cat litter cleaning aids. When the smell becomes too much, there are several kinds of deodorizers in the form of balls that can be placed in the tray. Powder is very similar to using baking soda for absorbing smells. You can also use a special sifting apparatus that makes cleanup the easiest it could be.
There are items that are essentially the cat version of a “diaper genie.” They help by capturing all the odor particles inside with many charcoal filters. This makes sure that no cat-related smells escape.
There are many options out there. For you, it’s just a matter of finding the right system that works for you and your kitten. Cats all react differently and prefer different things. So, making sure your cleaning system works for your cat or cats is most important.
How often should I clean a litter box?
Cats use the litter box a lot. Some cats go in and out of their box up to 10 times a day, so it’s no wonder that clean litter boxes rarely stay that way for long.
You should clean the best litter box for kittens multiple times a week. If you have one cat, two to three times a week will probably be okay. For more cats, though, more frequent cleaning will probably be necessary.
Do I have to change all of the litter every time I clean the box?
Some people do, some people don’t. Again, it’s a matter of preference. If your cat’s litter is reasonably full of gunk, or if your clumping litter has come unclamped and been distributed throughout the litter box, you may want to change out all of the litter.
Try to scoop out most of the debris. You can probably get away with simply scooping, deodorizing, and adding a bit more clean litter. If you don’t use clumping litter, you should change the litter every time.
Can I use bleach to clean the litter box?
You shouldn’t use bleach to clean the litter box. Bleach is toxic to both humans and animals when ingested or inhaled. If you use bleach- or even a watered down bleach solution- to clean the litter box, any nasty smells will go away but you’ll also increase the chances or your cat getting sick.
Stick to gentle dish detergent and hot water.
Why do my cats fight over their litter boxes?
Cats who fight over litter boxes are probably actually fighting over lack of personal space. Litter box aggression is common between cats who live in too small of an area.
Sometimes two cars will manage to settle the dispute on their own. However, if the aggression is caused by lack of space due to too small of a house or living quarters, it can be harder to solve the problem.
Some owners may find a larger home, while others may get rid of one of the cats. I’ve also seen people confine cats to different areas of the home, for example, one cat living on the top floor and another on the bottom floor of the home.
Although this can work, I don’t recommend it as your cats may become lonely or bored and destructive because they are confined.
More Cat Litter Boxes on The Market
Open Top Litter Boxes To Consider
Available in single purchase or a set of two. The PetFusion BetterBox is designed to provide everything your vet wants your cat’s litter box to be. EPA and FDA tested materials are covered in a non-stick coating to prevent sticking and allow for easy clean up and curved edges keep your cats from making a mess.
Important Features:
- EPA and FDA approved materials
- Antimicrobial, non-stick design reduces sticking and odor
- Designed to work for cats of all ages
Yangbaga Stainless Steel Litter Box
Made of stainless steel material, this open litter box works for a variety of pets including cats, rabbits and small dogs. The litter box features rubber feet, rust proof and high sides to prevent litter from spilling out.
Important Features:
- Stainless steel material prevents odor and sticking
- Works for a variety of pet types
- Available in standard and large sizes
Arm & Hammer Sifting Litter Pan
Featuring a sifter to provide easy and thorough cleaning, the Arm and Hammer Pet Mate litter box is a great open litter box option. This littler box is designed to protect against antimicrobials and the three pan systems are designed to keep things as clean and simple as possible without having to worry about messes.
Important Features:
- Three pan sifter design
- Prevents antimicrobials
- Saves time and works efficiently
Kitty’s Wonderbox Disposable Litter Box
If you are interested in disposable options or just want to incorporate liners into your existing litter boxes, Kitty’s WonderBox is a great option for you. They are impervious to shredding, tearing, or leaking and the paper’s PH is designed to eliminate ammonia odor.
Important Features:
– Perfect for travel or liners
– Lasts up to 4 weeks and eliminates ammonia odor
– 100% biodegradable
Nature’s Miracle Advanced High Sided Corner Litter Box
Nature’s Miracle’s Advanced High Sided Corner litter box may be on the smaller side but is designed to pack a big punch. This litter box is designed to save space by fitting into a corner but will high walls you never need to worry about spraying or litter getting out and making a mess.
Important Features:
- Corner design to save space
- Extra large litter box for multiple cats
- High walls prevent mess
Nature’s Miracle Disposable Litter Box
If you want to stock up on liners to keep the mess and smell to a minimum, Nature’s Miracle disposable litter box is a great option. You can simply take it out and toss it away or clean and reuse it.
Important Features:
- Disposable littler box or litter box liner
- Comes in a pack of three
- Dispose of after use, to avoid smell and mess
So Phresh High Back Litter Pan
Designed with high sides and back to prevent spraying and litter mess and an easy to step in the entrance, the So Phresh litter box will keep your home clean while allowing your cats plenty of room to do their business.
Important Features:
- Available in large and jumbo sizes for multiple cats
- High walls in back and sides prevent a mess
- Easy to get into front entrance works for every cat
With a corner design to save space and a sifting pan to make cleaning simple and easy, PetMate is a great option for those in apartments or in areas with less room. The high sides help prevent spraying and minimize messes and low entry makes it easy for cats of all ages to get in and out.
Important Features:
- Corner design saves space
- Sifter keeps scooping to a minimum and makes cleaning effective
- Low entry makes it easy for all cats to get in and out
For first-time cat owners or those starting over with a small animal, the Van Ness starter kit provides you wile everything you will need for your cat’s litter box. It includes a scoop, water dish, double-diner dish and liners along with the actual cat litter box to make it as simple as possible to care for your cat.
Important Features:
- The perfect starter kit for cat owners
- Easy to clean
- Includes the litter tray, scoop, liners, food dish and water dish
Enclosed Cat Litter Boxes to Consider
Designed to eliminate odor and prevent the spread of bacteria beyond the litter box. The litter box itself does all the work of keeping is clean and sanitary so you just have to worry about scooping out and replacing the litter. Simply plug in the cord and let the Nano hooded cat litter box do the rest of the work.
Important Features:
- Easy carry handle
- Eliminates the spread of bacteria and viruses up to 90%
- Gets rid of odor
Perfect for multiple cats and even small dog breeds you want to box train, the Kattails Kat Kave Litter Box is large enough to accommodate your pet while designed to prevent a mess. With no seams, high walls, and a lid, it is nearly impossible for even the messiest of pests to make a mess. If you prefer you can also use it as a pet house as well.
Important Features:
- Mess resistant design
- High walls and no seams
- Can be used for multiple cats or small dogs
Available in several colors and designed to prevent odor, the Marchioro cat litter box is designed to be as convenient as possible. The door helps keep odor and litter from getting out and the filters aid in making sure the smell stays in the litter box and not in your home.
Important Features:
- Door and filters to prevent the spread of odor
- Lid snaps off to easily clean the litter box
- Can also include rubber feet, litter catching mat, litter scoop and litter bags
PetMate Booda Clean Step Litter Dome
Designed to look less like a litter box and more like an architectural piece of art, the PetMate Booda Clean Step Litter Dome is designed to provide both privacy and convenience. You can easily lift the lid to clean it but otherwise, enjoy that the litter box hides what is happening inside from view.
Important Features:
- Odor eliminating filter
- Steps to get litter off your pet’s feet before they walk through the house
- 50 % larger than standard litter boxes making it perfect for multiple cats
With seven bright colors to choose from and a removable lid, the Petphabet lidded litter box is great for apartments or smaller homes while still being able to fit two cats in it at once.
Important Features:
- Seven vibrant colors to choose from
- Removable lid
- Perfect for multiple cats
Available in six different shapes that all have unique benefits, the AmazonBasics litter boxes combine affordability with durability and practicality. Choose the best shape and design for your home to take up less space and get easy to remove lids to provide privacy while still being easy to clean.
Important Features:
- Six distinct shape options
- Easy to remove lids for cleaning
- Durable materials
Cat Litter Boxes With Unique Designs
New Age Pet ecoFlex Litter Loo
Made from ecoFlex material that is resistant to warping, rotting, cracking and splitting, the New Age Pet Litter Loo is easy to clean and won’t absorb moisture. The design looks similar to a table or nightstand with five different color options to choose from so the litter box can match the rest of your furniture (Best Cat Litter Box Furniture) and even be used for extra table space or simply decoration. The litter tray itself is hidden inside so you don’t need to see it until it is time to clean and your cat can easily go in and out.
Important Features:
- Doubles as a nightstand
- Available in five wood finishes and two sizes
- Won’t absorb moisture
Available in both espresso and white, the UniPaws Designer Bench is, well, a bench. Your cat can make its way in and out to go to the bathroom while keeping the litter tray out of view and allowing you to utilize the bench design for shelf space or décor. The large double doors open to allow easy cleaning and no need to worry about missing anything.
Important Features:
- Large double doors
- Bench design hides the litterbox while still making it easy for your cat to get in and out
- Use it as extra shelving and décor as well
Merry Products Washroom Bench for Cats
With a closed bench design in both white and walnut, the Merry Products Washroom Bench for Cats will hide the litter tray and allow you to gain more shelf space. The bench is split into two sections on the inside so you have both the area for your cat to go to the bathroom and a separate storage section to keep the rest of the litter for when you need it. You can open the double doors to get better access to remove and clean the tray and can hold 80 pounds on the top of it.
Important Features:
- Double doors open for easy access
- Separate section for litter storage
- 80 pound weight capacity
Cats are complex creatures. They desire, love, care, and show affection just as humans do. As pet parents, it’s our responsibility to keep our cat’s litter box sanitary. If we slack on this, we may end up with an unhappy cat and a stained carpet.