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Indoor cats need a litter box to comfortably do their business.
Most litter boxes are rectangular plastic containers to contain the litter, but there are many variations – models with top entry to keep the litter contained, lower entrances for elderly cats, and even automatic ones – that can improve quality of life for both you and your cat.
After hundreds of hours of combined testing, we found that the Iris Ohyama Cat Litter Box is the best choice for most cats.
It is made of plastic, has a low entry with extra high walls to effectively prevent litter scatter.
However, we also found several other fantastic litter boxes that may work even better for you and your cat, including top entry boxes and our favorite automatic litter box.
Best Overall Litter Box
- Prevents splashes
- Removable walls
- The shovel attaches to the wall for storage
- Not suitable for cats over 15 pounds
Best Automatic Litter Box
- Advanced Anti-Odor Technology
- Hands-Free Cleaning Experience
- Durable and Resilient Design
- Age and Weight Restriction
- High Price
The XSecure PURA MAX Cylinder Mat Cat Litter Box is an innovative safety solution for cats, incorporating advanced features that enhance the caregiving experience for your feline.
Equipped with thermal, infrared, weight, anti-clumping, and smart detection sensors, along with a remote alarm system and accident prevention, this product offers a comprehensive approach to your pet’s safety and well-being.
It is recommended for use with cats weighing between 4.4 lbs and 17.6 lbs, avoiding use for animals under 6 months old.
Designed for large cats or homes with multiple felines, the PURA MAX features a spacious interior with dimensions of 18.9″ * 20.5″ (diameter), volume of 20.1 gallons, and an elevated entry above the ground of 7.9″.
With options for automatic, timed, and manual cleaning, the PURA MAX offers versatility. Control cleaning, odor elimination, and lighting through the PETKIT app, monitoring your cat’s behavior with smart sensors.
The litter box features a sealed waste container and a removable odor elimination device. The PURA AIR Smart Spray automatically deodorizes after cleaning, effectively eliminating foul odors and aldehydes.
In summary, the PURA MAX Cylinder Mat is a comprehensive and efficient solution to maintain your cat’s environment hygiene. With cutting-edge technology, it ensures cleanliness and well-being for your pet, making it an ideal choice for owners concerned about the safety and health of their felines.
Material: Plastic, PET rubber, and Oxford | Dimensions: 24.4″ x 21.7″ x 21.2″ | Included Scoop: N/A – Self-cleaning
Best Budget
- Durability
- Assembly and Cleaning Ease
- Multiple Colors Available
- For single cat use only
- Box is not very tall, so there might be litter jumping out
The product’s durability is notable, clearly designed to withstand daily use. Additionally, its ease of use is a strong point: the tray and rim fit together perfectly, making assembly and cleaning straightforward.
The box’s design is sleek and discreet, with a combination of dark gray and white colors that easily blend into any environment. The high sides are a bonus, keeping litter contained and preventing mess.
In terms of size, it’s ideal for a medium-sized cat, providing plenty of space for movement and comfort. The value is also excellent, considering the quality of the product.
In summary, I am very satisfied with the Trixie Classic Cat Litter Box with Rim.
I recommend it to all cat owners looking for a durable, easy-to-use solution with great value for money.
Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 14.6 x 5.9 x 18.5 inches | Scoop Included: No
Best Top Entry
- Efficient for cats who urinate standing up or backwards
- Easy cleaning
- Ideal for homes with cats and dogs
- Need for additional space
- Cleaning scoop not included
The Hop In is highly recommended for cats who have the habit of urinating standing up, urinating backwards, or like to scatter litter, as the raised sides keep litter, liquid, and dirt inside the tray.
Additionally, the Hop In is also ideal for “cat and dog” owners, as it keeps litter and waste out of reach of dogs and prevents them from entering the litter box.
The most important feature of the Hop In is the slightly inclined perforated lid. As the cat walks on the lid when exiting the tray, the litter from the box falls through the small holes back inside. Therefore, the area around the tray remains clean and tidy. The large opening in the lid allows easy access and exit, making the Hop In perfect for larger cats as well.
Daily cleaning of the Hop In is an easy task. The top lid can be hinged to remove waste, and integrated handles on the base make it easy to transport and empty the tray.
Additionally, the Hop In has a convenient hook on the outside for hanging a cleaning scoop.
Finally, a tip: place the Hop In in a corner to save space, causing your cat to be forced to walk on the lid with small holes when exiting the tray before jumping out.
Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 23 x 15.4 x 15.6 inches | Scoop Included: No
Best Budget Top Entry
- High walls provide cats with privacy
- Wide top entry accommodates larger cats
- Grated surface collects litter from paws, reducing tracking
- Scoop not included
- May require additional space due to tall design
I recently purchased the Top Entry Litter Box for my cat, and I couldn’t be more pleased with its performance. This enclosed litter box provides high walls for my cat’s privacy, ensuring she feels comfortable and secure while doing her business.
One of the standout features of this litter box is its wide, top entry design, which easily accommodates larger cats like mine. The grated surface on the top entry helps collect litter from my cat’s paws each time she exits, significantly reducing litter tracking throughout the house. Additionally, the non-slip textured lid with openings adds an extra layer of safety and convenience.
I particularly appreciate how this litter box helps keep my floors litter-free. The tall design allows my cat to dig and cover her waste without spilling litter onto the floor. The grated top efficiently collects litter from her paws, ensuring it falls back into the pan below.
Another convenient aspect of this litter box is the hook included to hang my cat litter scoop, although it’s worth noting that the scoop itself is not included. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall quality and functionality of the product.
Overall, I highly recommend the Top Entry Litter Box from Petmate to any cat owner looking for a reliable, convenient, and mess-free litter box solution.
Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 15”x15”x20” | Scoop Included: No
Best Covered Litter Box
- Effective in odor neutralization
- Facilitates cleaning
- Prevents leaks
- Quick opening with Easy Click springs
- Internal space limited
- Limited color variety
Equipped with cover, door, scoop, and handle, this litter box offers several advantages.
The integrated charcoal filter is effective in eliminating bad odors, keeping the environment fresh and pleasant. Additionally, the hinged front makes cleaning the litter box easier, allowing quick and easy access for waste removal.
The double rim is an asset in preventing urine and litter leaks, ensuring cleaner and hassle-free use. Easy Click springs provide quick opening of the toilet, facilitating cat access and simplifying the cleaning process for the owner.
However, it is important to note that the Trixie Vico Easy Clean litter box may be more suitable for medium to small-sized cats, as the internal space may be limited for larger cats.
Furthermore, it would be advantageous to have a greater variety of colors available to match different decor styles.
In summary, the Trixie Vico Easy Clean Toilet offers a practical and effective solution for your cat’s hygiene, providing a clean and fresh environment for your feline friend.
Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 15.75 x 15.75 x 22 inches | Scoop Included: Yes
Best Budget Covered Litter Box
- Hooded top reduces litter scatter and urine spray outside of the box
- Smooth, high polish surface reduces litter sticking and is resistant to stains/odors
- Two-way swinging door contains odors inside the box
- Does not include a cleaning scoop
- May require additional space due to its larger size
As a cat owner, I understand the struggle of dealing with litter scatter and unpleasant odors, but this litter box has truly made a difference.
One of the standout features of this litter box is its high polish finish, which not only gives it a sleek look but also makes it incredibly easy to clean. The smooth surface is resistant to stains and odors, ensuring that the box remains hygienic and fresh for longer periods.
The hooded top with a two-way swinging door is a brilliant addition. It effectively traps odors and urine spray inside the box, keeping the surrounding area clean and tidy. This feature is especially handy for households with multiple pets or small living spaces.
Additionally, knowing that it’s BPA-free and made in the USA gives me peace of mind about the safety and quality of the product.
Overall, I highly recommend the Van Ness Covered Cat Litter Box to any pet owner looking for a reliable solution to litter and odor control. It’s durable, easy to clean, and effectively contains odors – what more could you ask for in a litter box?
Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 19.5″L x 15.25″W x 17″H | Scoop Included: No
Best Travel Litter Box
- Suitable for larger cats, accommodating their size comfortably
- Foldable design for convenient storage when not in use
- Offers multiple entry points: top, side, and front, providing versatility
- Includes exterior pocket and seatbelt clip for added convenience
Mesh material may be susceptible to damage from your cat's claws
Firstly, the range of sizes available allows you to choose the most suitable size for your pet, ensuring comfort and ample space to move around.
The litter box is crafted from high-quality materials such as waterproof Oxford fabric and PE board, ensuring durability and resilience over time.
It’s easy to assemble and fold, making it convenient for transportation and storage. I would like to highlight the waterproof feature of this product, ensuring leak-proof performance and easy cleaning after use.
In summary, the foldable cat litter box has proven to be a practical and versatile solution, suitable for various situations, providing comfort and hygiene for our pets while traveling.
Material: Polyethylene (PE) and Nylon | Dimensions: 17″ L x13 W x12.5 H | Scoop Included: No
Best Semi-Automatic
- Ease of use: The sifting system makes cleaning the litter quick and efficient
- Odor control
- Suitable for cats of all sizes
- Initial investment
- Takes up more space than a conventional litter box
The Catit Smartsift is an innovative and practical solution for maintaining your cat’s hygiene. With an integrated silent sifting mechanism, it allows you to quickly collect and dispose of waste, making the cleaning task simpler and more efficient.
With a simple lever movement, the sifting is activated, instantly refreshing the litter. Dirty clumps of litter are separated and collected in a detachable tray, making disposal easy without the need for scoops.
This litter box is compatible with any type of clumping litter.
Additionally, it features practical characteristics such as a large opening, suitable for cats of all sizes, a removable access door for cleaning and adding new litter, and an integrated carbon filter to eliminate unwanted odors.
In summary, the Catit Smartsift is a convenient and effective solution for maintaining your cat’s environment hygiene, simplifying daily cleaning.
Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 26 inches x 19 inches x 25 inches | Scoop Included: N/A – Not necessary
What to Look for in a Cat Litter Box
Size
The size of your litter box should correspond to the size of your cat. Larger cats will need more space to avoid feeling cramped. If your cat is eliminating outside the litter box, it may be a sign that the box is too small.
Wall Height
For most cats, a litter box with walls ranging from 12 to 16 centimeters provides enough height to prevent litter scatter. If your cat tends to urinate on the side walls or scatter litter, you may need an option with higher walls.
A cover can also help keep the contents of the litter box inside, but many cats, especially larger ones, feel confined by a roof over their litter box. You should find what keeps your cat most comfortable to prevent accidents outside the litter box.
Style
The litter box should be visible and easily accessible to your cat, so the design of your litter box is important, especially if you plan to place it in a central area of your home. Many people prefer a neutral color palette and a simplified design.
If you really want the litter box to blend in, you can find furniture-style designs that enclose the box within a side table or other functional, multipurpose furniture piece.
Cat Litter Boxes
Frequently Asked Questions
A cat litter box should be placed in a low-traffic area that is convenient for your cat to access. This could be a bathroom, a closet, next to the washing machine and dryer, or even in the corner of the living room.
We highly recommend placing the litter box in a location that is easy to access for cleaning. Typically, litter from the litter box gets spread around the surrounding area, and if your cat is bothered by the cleanliness of their litter box, they may occasionally choose to relieve themselves directly outside the litter box, so mats are not recommended.
Most cats prefer an open litter box, but cats also instinctively scratch the litter to cover their feces and urine, which can lead to small particles of litter outside the box.
Most humans will find it advantageous to add higher walls or a covered litter box, such as a cave-type, to keep the surrounding area clean.