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!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.