All litter boxes are not created equal. Whether you've got one feline friend or 10, we can help you find the best cat litter box.
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How to Choose the Best Cat Litter Box
If you’re shopping for the best cat litter box for your pet, there are many variables to consider. You’ll need a litter box that’s large enough for your cat, but small enough to fit comfortably in your living space. Choosing the right type of litter box will help prevent cats from peeing outside the litter box.
Start by deciding where you want to place your litter box in your home, then measure the area. If you have a particularly large cat, opt for a large or extra-large box. If you have more than one cat, most vets recommend providing one box per cat to ensure your cats don’t feel territorial.
It’s tempting to reach for cutesy litter boxes with covers, or ones that blend with furniture, but many cats don’t like these models. Cats may feel vulnerable when doing their business, so they want space and visibility. By leaving as much open space as possible, your cat can see everything coming their way and determine the best escape route. Know your cat’s habits and preferences before you buy.
Best Litter Box for Large Cats: Petmate Open Litter Pan
Big cats need lots of space. You need enough room for your cat to fit, plus a deep enough tray for litter to line the bottom. The no-frills jumbo litter pan from Petmate is just what the vet ordered. You won’t find a wide selection of colors or patterns, but your big cat will be comfortable in the large tray. Mission accomplished.
Best Litter Box for Small Cats: Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box
If your cat likes closed spaces and is small enough to fit through the opening, it doesn’t get much better than the Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box. This Amazon’s Choice earned a 4.6 rating with more than 21,000 reviews, and it’s as cute as it is functional. Available in seven colors, it looks like a piece of chic home decor. It also comes with a matching freestanding scoop.
Best Budget Litter Box: Vanness Cat Pan
If you just need a functional, affordable litter box, it doesn’t get more basic than the Vanness CP2 Large Cat Pan. It comes in one size and costs less than $4. It’s not as high quality as other name brands on this list. But with a 4.6-star rating on Amazon after more than 5,300 reviews, you can rest easy knowing this pan will do exactly what it claims: Hold litter.
Best Splurge Litter Box: PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box
If you want a litter box that does all the work for you, look into self-cleaning modelssuch as the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box.
Automatic models feature motorized rakes that sense when a cat has finished its business, then cleans up the mess left behind. Some automatic models go for up to $500, but this one ($140) received high praise from most of its more than 18,000 Amazon reviewers.
Best Space-Saving Litter Box: Nature’s Miracle Corner Cat Litter Box
Litter boxes take up room. If you’re living in tight quarters, you may not have the floor space to handle a full-size standard litter box. Enter the corner litter box!
The Nature’s Miracle Corner Cat Litter Box earned a 4.6 rating at Chewy.com, and boasts a wide-enough tray bed to easily fit small and medium-size cats.
Best Litter Box for Elderly Cats: KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box
Elderly kitties just want to do their business without hurting themselves. They don’t want to squeeze into an open-top litter box, nor climb over high sides to get to the litter.
The KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box features a low-sided step that allows older cats to walk right in. The large, shallow pan allows them to spread out as they need.
Best for Multiple Cats: The Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
If you have multiple cats, you need multiple litter boxes. Opt for a reliable litter box that will fit both cats individually (not at the same time).
The Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box only comes in one size, but it’s fine for small to large cats. The high sides are good for cats who like scratching before they go or enjoy flinging litter around with their paws. Plus, if you put your litter boxes side-by-side, the high sides help eliminate litter mess.
Best-Looking Litter Box: Modkat Flip Litter Box
Want a litter box that doubles as home décor? Opt for the Modkat Flip Litter Box. This model blends in with any modern or rustic décor.
It comes with flaps that can open and shut as necessary to provide whatever environment your cat prefers. It also comes with a litter liner, and a scoop that handily attaches to the box’s side.
Best Litter Box if You Hate Scooping: PetMate Arm & Hammer Sifting Litter Pan
Digging out your cat’s business isn’t fun, but there’s no getting around it. Or is there?
Arm & Hammer offers a sifting litter pan that does the dirty work for you! Simply lift up the top liner and watch the litter fall while the dirty bits remain. This is a great option if you really hate using a litter scoop. Amazon reviewers particularly recommend this model if you use pellet-based litter.
Best Covered Litter Box: Petphabet Covered Litter Box
Covered litter boxes may help contain pet odors and prevent messes, but some cats just don’t take to them. If you want to explore covered litter boxes, try this one from Petphabet, which comes with a transparent top and colorful bottom.
The top allows your cat to see what’s around them, which is critical. And it comes in a range of fun colors, so you can pick the shade that best matches your cat’s personality.
