Best Cat Litter Boxes to Encourage Better Habits

Choosing the best cat litter box is like finding the perfect mattress: it’s all about comfort, fit, and functionality for your furry friend. If you want to encourage better and safer bathroom habits for your feline friend then by choosing the best cat litter box. 

Let’s face it, a good litter box can make all the difference because it can make life easier and cleaner for both you and your cat. But with so many options, which ones stand out as the best litter boxes?

This guide will cover the best litter boxes for various needs—whether you have a big cat, a multi-cat household, or a tiny apartment. We’ll break down what makes these boxes top picks for odour control, size, and style, so you can keep your kitty (and your nose) happy!

Benefits of Choosing the Right Litter Box

Common litter complaints like strong odours, excessive tracking, and "cling-ons" can all be helped by choosing the best litter box style for your cat's unique needs and preferences. 

A litter box that accommodates your cat's size, age, mobility, and preferences can lead to a cleaner litter box and healthier bathroom habits. You also may need to offer different types of litter boxes if you have more than one cat. This will allow each cat to feel the most comfortable and confident in their bathrooms.

You'll need to consider a number of factors when choosing a litter box:

• • Size - Make sure your cat has enough room to move comfortably within the litter box. The box should be at least the full length of your cat and offer enough room for them to comfortably turn around without having to step out of the litter box.
  • Height - Choose a height that suits your cat's size and mobility. Young kittens and seniors may prefer the easy access of a shorter-sided box, while larger and more agile cats can easily navigate a high-sided litter pan which can reduce messes from kicking and covering. 
  • Type - There are a variety of styles to choose from, including covered litter boxes, top-loading litter boxes, and even self-cleaning litter boxes. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so make sure you check out our top picks below to help you choose the options that best suit you and your cat.  
  • Ease of Cleaning - Stick to litter boxes that are easily accessible and easy to clean. This will encourage better and safer litter box habits for both you and your cat.
  • Available Space - Consider the space you have available for your cat's litter box. It needs to be accessible to both you and them, so size and style may depend on your living space. A litter box for a small apartment might be different than one you would choose for a larger more open space.
  • Odour Control - Many hooded litter boxes come with a replaceable charcoal filter that can help trap and eliminate strong odours from your cat's litter box. These are often a preference for litter boxes that are in high-traffic areas of the home or in small spaces.
  • Durability - Litter boxes are typically made of plastic, but not all are the same quality or durability. Cheap and simple litter boxes can be pretty flimsy, which might be ideal for smaller kittens or temporary use, but full-grown cats need a litter box that won't bend, crack, or break during regular use or transport.
  • Special Features - Like any appliances made for humans, litter boxes are becoming more and more practical and can offer a variety of features to make litter cleaning and maintenance a little less unpleasant. Litter scoop holders, sifter inserts, and odour removers are simple add-ons you'll find on some of the best litter boxes.

When choosing a litter box, consider all of the options and do your research on what benefits and features each litter box offers. Don't be afraid to try something new if your cat is already displaying some unwanted or unsafe bathroom behaviours. You'll be surprised how much of a difference a brand new litter box can make. 

Best Covered Litter Box

A classic covered litter box is often the go-to choice. These boxes provide privacy for your cat while containing any stray litter so your home stays need and tidy. They’re great for homes with multiple cats or large cats, as many models come in roomy sizes.

Covered litter boxes are also excellent for odour control. They often come with odour-eliminating filters to reduce strong ammonia smells from cat urine. The filters can be replaced monthly to keep the litter box smelling fresh and more welcoming to your cat.

This style of box is often preferred by cat owners who don't want to see the litter as well. Just remember that just because you can't see it or smell it, doesn't mean it's clean or safe for cats. Daily scooping and routine sanitization are still vital.

Bergamo Ariel Top Free Litter Pan

There are many options to choose from, but our top seller is the Bergamo Ariel Top Free Litter Pan with Scoop. It's a great choice for a classic covered litter box and has a built-in charcoal filter in the hood.  The sleek design also boasts non-slip feet to hold the litter box in place.

When switching to a hooded litter box for the first time, you can ease your cat into the change in bathroom environment by leaving the lid off for the first few days. Then can replace the lid, but remove the door for a while until your cat is comfortable doing their business in an enclosed space.

Pros:

• • • Great for odour control
    • Keeps litter mess inside
    • Offers privacy for your cat

Cons:

• • • Some cats may feel confined
    • Can be bulkier, so check measurements for small apartments
    • It can be easier to forget about the litter when you can't smell or see it

Best for Litter Box for Apartments

For those living in small apartments, a compact, top-entry-style litter box might be the way to go. These boxes are simple, affordable, and take up minimal space. The open-top design keeps things airy, which can help with odour management while giving your kitty a sense of roominess despite the small size.

Compact litter boxes are easy to clean and accessible for both you and your cat. Look for a model with high sides to keep litter from scattering if your cat likes to dig or kicks a bit too zealously.

Catit PIXI Litter Box

Check out the Catit PIXI Litter Box for a top-entry, compact litter box.  It’s one of the best cat litter boxes for small apartments - and it looks adorable! While this style may seem different from any other litter box you've seen, it's an extremely effective style, and that most cats can easily adjust to.

The top tray has a perforated grid that helps to catch litter from your cat's paws as they exit the box and provides plenty of airflow to help control humidity and odour in the box. The lid also flips up for easy scooping and refilling.

Pros:

• • • Ideal for small spaces
    • Easy to clean and maintain
    • Budget-friendly

Cons:

• • • Minimal odour control
    • May require more frequent cleaning

Best Litter Box for Messy Cats

Cats love to be clean. They are meticulous groomers and often hate being dirty. But for some cats, those tidy tendencies just don't translate to their litter box. Young kittens who are either playful or clumsy tend to make a mess in the litter box. Even some older cats like to aggressively kick to cover their waste.

This could result in loose litter all over the floor, missing the litter box, and even cats not covering their waste at all. Choosing a litter box that can help contain the mess and encourage better bathroom habits will give you some peace of mind and make your cat's bathroom area more sanitary.

Arm & Hammer Rimmed Wave Pan

Whether your cat is just learning their litter box manners or if they have already developed some bad ones, the Arm & Hammer Rimmed Wave Litter Box has high sides to help keep litter where it should be and not all over the floor.

The large size also gives cats room to move around and learn to properly cover their waste without making a mess. This pan is also made with Microban, and proprietary bacteria-fighting material to keep your cat safe.

Pros:

• • • Keeps litter mess to a minimum
    • Open-top design is less intimidating
    • Made with anti-microbial material

Cons:

• • • Large size may not be suitable for small spaces
    • High entrance may be a challenge for young cats

Best Litter Box for Big Cats

If you have a Maine Coon or another large breed, look for the best litter boxes for large cats. Jumbo litter boxes provide extra space and comfort, allowing larger cats to move around easily. These boxes often come with higher walls, which means less mess and better odour control.

Jumbo hooded boxes can double as best litter boxes for multiple cats, providing ample space for two cats to use if needed.

Catit Airsift Jumbo Litter Box

If you are seeking a jumbo hooded litter box, check out Catit Airsift Jumbo Litter Box. It comes with a carbon filter to cut down on box odours. There is a built-in bag anchor on the box so you can keep your bag open and use both hands when scooping and cleaning the box.

The best litter boxes for big cats ensure kitties have ample room to move around and turn when in use. The large hood lifts and folds back to make scooping and cleaning easy.

Pros:

• • • Spacious and comfortable for big cats
    • High sides contain litter and reduce mess
    • Good odour control

Cons:

• • • Takes up more space
    • Heavier to move and clean

Best Sifting Cat Litter Box

Scooping the litter box is one of the worst parts of being a cat owner. It's one of those necessary evils that we know must be done. But what if there was a way to make regular litter maintenance faster and easier?

Self-cleaning litter boxes are a great idea, but they are often quite expensive and typically require special and pricy litter trays that need to be replaced frequently. Instead, try a sifting litter box. This is one of the best litter boxes for those who are easily squeamish around litter messes and odours.

Catit SmartSift Litter Box

Make litter maintenance simpler with the Catit SmartSift Litter Box. This noiseless sifting system offers a more hands-off way to scoop litter and give your cat a fresh, tidy litter experience. 

Just pull the lever to sift out any clumps. The loose litter will fall through the grate and the clumps will be deposited into the bottom tray for easy removal. It even comes with liners to help keep the box clean and sanitary.

Pros:

• • • Excellent for odour control
    • Convenient and low-maintenance
    • Hands-off maintenance

Cons:

• • • Higher price point
    • Specialty liners are sold separately
    • Bulkier than traditional boxes

Best Stainless Steel Litter Boxes

Traditional litter box materials, like plastic, can collect odours and bacteria over time. Small scratches or cracks in the material will absorb harmful and smelly bacteria which can make the litter box unsafe.

Though not as common, stainless steel litter boxes are a great option for those looking for durability and cleanliness. The material ensures long-lasting use for cats of all ages.

Unleashed Stainless Steel Litter Box

If you are looking for a versatile litter box that will last, then the Unleashes Stainless Steel Litter Box is a great choice. Made from high-quality stainless steel, this litter box may be the last one you'll ever need to buy!

The simple low-sided pan works for most cats and is especially geared towards young kittens, seniors, and cats with limited mobility. The smooth material is a breeze to clean and sanitize, keeping your cat's litter box safe and odour-free. 

Pros:

• • • Durable and Long-Lasting
    • Bacteria-Resistant
    • Accessible for all ages and sizes

Cons:

• • • Low sides don't prevent tracking
    • Susceptible to temperature

Choosing the best litter boxes for your cat’s comfort and your convenience doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you need the best litter boxes for multiple cats or the best litter boxes for small apartments, there’s an option out there that will fit your needs.

You and your cat can enjoy a cleaner, fresher, and happier home with the right litter box. Shop the large litter box selection at Homes Alive Pets and enjoy happy scooping!

Best Litter Box for Kittens

Once properly litter trained, most kittens can adapt to just about any style of litter box, but very young and small kittens may find a full-size litter box a little too intimidating. Sticking to simpler, shallow litter boxes can make the litter training process a lot easier and make the litter box more accessible. 

Van Ness Cat Litter Pan

Sometimes the best option is the most basic option. The Van Ness Cat Litter Pan is a basic one-piece litter pan with shallow sides making it easily accessible for even baby cats who are learning to use a litter box. They come in a variety of sizes to accommodate your kitten's growth, too.

These litter boxes are lightweight and inexpensive. They aren't meant to last the test of time but are an excellent option for training and temporary use.

Pros:

• • • Durable and Long-Lasting
    • Bacteria-Resistant
    • Accessible for all ages and sizes

Cons:

• • • Low sides don't prevent tracking
    • Susceptible to temperature

Best Litter Box FAQs

How often should I clean my cat’s litter box?

Ideally, scooping your cat's litter box daily is the best practice to eliminate odours and bacteria that could make you or your cat sick. A full clean weekly is also recommended. For self-cleaning boxes, check manufacturer guidelines.

What type of litter works best with these litter boxes?

Both non-clumping and clumping litter work well with most boxes. Clumping litter is recommended for top-entry litter boxes to help keep your cat clean while they are inside the box and self-cleaning models may need specific types—always check compatibility.

Are covered litter boxes better for odour control?

Covered litter boxes often have better odour control, especially those with filters or vents, but don't replace the need for regular, frequent, and appropriate cleanliness habits. Remember that the covered box may mask the scent for you, but will not eliminate the odour for your cat. 

Can kittens use top-entry litter boxes?

Generally, no. Kittens and senior cats might struggle with top-entry boxes due to the height and limited space. Simple flat and open litter boxes are best for young kittens to learn and older cats that may have more limited mobility.

How do I minimize litter tracking?

High-sided boxes or top-entry models may help reduce tracking from kicking and covering, but you should also consider a low-tracking litter and an appropriate litter mat to contain litter that may fly out when your cat leaves the box.