Best cat litter boxes for your household | Covered, self-cleaning, portable and more

If you are a cat parent or planning to get one in the near future, then it is obvious that you have to make arrangements for a place for your kitty to do its business. Felines are very particular about their litter box and you would not want your kitty to scatter stool and urine all around the house.

But which are the best cat litter boxes? Should you opt for an uncovered litter pan or a covered one? What about those automatic litter boxes? And what about a portable litter box that can be used for travel?

In this article, we will look at answering specifically these questions and discuss the different types of litter solutions available at your disposal, covering their primary purpose and respective advantages and disadvantages. We will list the best cat litter boxes for each of these categories and also share some factors to consider before picking the best cat litter box for your needs.

For more information, you can always check out our detailed articles on the best standard cat litter boxes, the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes, the best portable cat litter boxes and the best disposable cat litter boxes.

Best cat litter boxes list

Some of the best cat litter boxes available in the market are listed below:
PictureProductSpecifications
IRIS Open Top Cat Litter Box KitUncovered
19.0" x 15.0" x 11.8"



Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter Box KitUncovered/Covered
21.0”x 16.5” x 10.5”


Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter PanCovered, Side-Entry
22.4" x 18.3" x 17"
Door: 10.4" x 9.6"


IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter BoxCovered, Top-Entry
M: 17.3" x 13.4" x 12.2"
L: 20.5” x 16.1” x 14.6”


Petmate Clean Step Litter DomeCovered, Dome
20" x 24" x 19"
Door: 13" x 7"- 8"



Litter-Robot III Open-Air Self-Cleaning Litter BoxAutomatic
29.2" x 24.1" x 26.7"
PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Litter BoxAutomatic
27.5" x 19" x 7"


CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat BoxAutomatic, Self-flushing
17.5" x 24.5" x 21"
Necoichi Portable Cat Litter BoxPortable w/o cover
15.0" x 11.0" x 5.1"


IRIS Travel Cat Litter PanPortable with cover
15.5" x 15.5" x 4"
Nature's Miracle Disposable Litter BoxDisposable w/o cover
S: 12.5" x 10.1" x 3.1"
M: 17.1" x 12.6" x 6.4"
J: 21" x 15.3" x 7.8"


Kitty Kan Covered Disposable Litter BoxDisposable with cover
16" x 13.5" x 16/19"

What are the different types of cat litter boxes and which one is best for me?

Before we look at the best cat litter box options, let us briefly discuss the different types of cat litter boxes that are available in the market and the situations in which they may be useful.

Standard cat litter boxes

Standard cat litter boxes are the simplest type of litter solution available in the market. Such a litter box typically consists of a covered or uncovered tray that can be filled with litter to simulate the soft and sandy soil – something that cats use in their traditional habitats to dig and cover their feces and urine.

Standard litter boxes are available in both uncovered/open and covered/hooded litter boxes. Both of these types are relatively inexpensive and would fulfill the cat litter needs for most households.

The choice of covered vs uncovered litter box is essentially based on the preference of the feline – some cats like privacy, while others do not like crouching in a dark, enclosed space. In addition, covered litter boxes do a better job in minimizing odors and litter tracking.

For more details on these types of litter boxes, you can check our detailed article on the best standard-cat litter boxes.

Self-cleaning cat litter boxes

Self-cleaning cat litter boxes, as the name suggested, refer to cat litter boxes which do not require frequent sifting and scooping to remove the cat feces and urine clumps from the litter box. They accomplish it by using manual levers, roll-ins or electric power.

Self-cleaning litter boxes are available in two broad categories – Manual or Semi-Automatic Cat Litter boxes and Automatic Cat Litter Boxes.

Manual self-cleaning litter boxes use a mechanical sifting mechanism to separate feces and urine from litter by passing the litter through a separator sieve or grill and collecting the waste in a tray. They are not as convenient as the automatic litter boxes but are considerably cheaper. And since they do not require a power outlet or water supply, they can be placed anywhere in the house.

Automatic cat litter boxes use electric power to operate and hence need a connection to the outlet or backup batteries. They rely either on the rotating cleaning mechanism or the raking cleaning mechanism to automatically sift the litter. These automatic cat litter boxes offer maximum convenience to the owners as they require minimal attention. They are however pretty costly – about 5-10 times costlier than standard litter boxes.

Self-cleaning cat litter boxes are a perfect choice for multi-cat homes and households with working pet parents.

For more details on these types of litter boxes, you can check our detailed article on the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes.

Portable cat litter boxes

Portable cat litter boxes are compact, collapsible and packable cat litter boxes which can provide a portable toilet for the cat while on the go. Portable cat litter boxes are sometimes also referred to as foldable cat litter boxes or collapsible cat litter boxes.

These litter boxes generally come in two categories – multi-use, fabric-based collapsible cat litter boxes and disposable travel cat litter boxes. Though travel cat litter boxes are available in multiple shapes, sizes and designs, they are generally smaller than standard cat litter boxes. All fabric-based portable litter boxes are uncovered or open, while disposable litter boxes can be both covered or uncovered (see below).

Portable cat litter boxes are perfect for travel and can go a long way in making the trip more comfortable for you and your cat. Some litter boxes are also available with a zipper cover and hence can also be used to store cat litter while on the go. They can also be used as makeshift litter boxes if you want to leave your cat with a cat sitter.

For more details on these types of litter boxes, you can check our detailed article on the best portable cat litter boxes.

Disposable cat litter boxes

Disposable cat litter boxes are a use-and-throw type of litter boxes which do not require regular scooping and can be used for anywhere from one to four weeks and simply disposed-off after that. They can be considered as a subset of portable cat litter boxes.

Most disposable litter boxes are made of biodegradable and landfill friendly recyclable materials – typically paper and cardboard. Some high-quality litter boxes even have odor-prevention coating to minimize the smell. Just like the standard cat litter boxes, the disposable litter boxes are available in covered and uncovered/enclosed designs. They are also available in multiple sizes, so you can pick one suitable for your kitten or cat breed. Some of such litter boxes come pre-filled with litter as well.

Disposable cat litter boxes can be useful in the following situations:

  • As standalone litter boxes for housebreaking or temporary pet addition.
  • As heavy-duty litter box liners for cats that like to claw a thin litter box liner bag.
  • As cat litter box for travel, vacations and temporary relocation.
  • As a backup to standard cat litter boxes.

For more details on these types of litter boxes, you can check our detailed article on the best disposable cat litter boxes.

In the next sections, we will look at some of the best cat litter boxes of each type available in the market and share our top picks. We would also cover the main factors to consider before picking the best cat litter box for your needs. Read on!

Which are the best cat litter boxes?

IRIS Open Top Cat Litter Box KitIRIS Open Top Cat Litter Box Kit with Shield and Scoop, White

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Type: Uncovered cat litter box. Suitable for indoor household use for small to medium cats.
Specifications:

  • Material: BPA-free plastic.
  • Size: 19.0″ x 15.0″ x 11.8″.
  • Price: $.

Features:

  • Smartly-designed, semi-private cat litter box made with high-quality plastic. Made in the US or imported from Japan.
  • Comes with a three-sided removable top-open shield to create extra height and prevent spill-overs by the cat.
  • Features a polished, non-stick interior with recessed bottoms and all-around molded-in rims for better stability.
  • A matching color litter scoop is also included. Available in five colors and suitable for small and medium-sized cats.
  • Backed by a 6-month part replacement warranty and customer service support after that.

For a detailed review of the product, you can check the article here.

Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter Box KitPurina Tidy Cats BREEZE Cat Litter System Starter Kit

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Type: Uncovered cat litter box. A covered version also available.
Specifications:

  • Material: High-quality, BPA-free ABS plastic body with Zeolite and Silica-gel pellets.
  • Size: 21.0”x 16.5” x 10.5”.
  • Price: $$$.

Features:

  • An all-inclusive cat litter pan kit that comes with a cat litter tray, litter pellets, a scoop and absorbing pads for urine. Available with or without the hood.
  • Features a cat litter tray is made of high-quality, BPA-free plastic and has a protective drawer with pads for liquid waste. The innovative pass-through grated floor allows moisture to drain onto the super-absorbent odor-controlling litter pad. The solid waste is held up by the pellets.
  • Uses its own set of dust free zeolite and silica-gel pellets that can last a whole month, while each litter pad would last up to a week. Replacement pads are available separately.
  • Pellets are made in the US, 99.99% dust-free and designed to minimize the odors. They can also be washed for reuse, though it is not recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Costlier than most other standard litter pads to own and use because of specialized pellet litter and litter pads.
  • Backed a satisfaction guaranteed commitment throughout the lifetime of the product.

Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter PanCatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan - Warm Gray

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Type: Side-entry covered cat litter box. Rubberized flap cover. Suitable for indoor household use for large/multiple cats.
Specifications:

  • Material: High-quality, BPA-free ABS plastic with rubberized flap door.
  • Size: 22.4″ x 18.3″ x 17″; Door: 10.4″ x 9.6″
  • Price: $$.

Features:

  • Jumbo-sized hooded cat litter pan made with high-quality, BPA-free plastic. Made in Malaysia for Canada-based company.
  • Suitable for multi-cat homes as well as large cats – 2 cats can fit in at one time. Larger size means that it requires more litter than other litter boxes.
  • Features an oversized flap-door that can be removed or rolled up as per preference. The entry and exit edges are smartly-designed to minimize litter tracking.
  • The locking lid features a carbon-impregnated filter that traps and removes odors. One filter can last for 10-15 days and replacements are available online.
  • Equipped with four locking tabs to keep the unit sturdy and stable.
  • Comes with a handle attached to the hood for easy transportation, scooping and cleaning. Also, features a built-in bag anchor for hands-free cleaning.
  • A regular-sized Catit Hooded Litter Box is also available from the same manufacturer.

For a detailed review of the product, you can check the article here.

IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter BoxIRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Cat Litter Scoop, White & Beige

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Type: Top-entry covered cat litter box with grooved/filtered lid. Rubberized feet. Suitable for indoor household use.
Specifications:

  • Material: High-quality, BPA-free glossy plastic.
  • Size: Medium: 17.3″ x 13.4″ x 12.2″; Large: 5” x 16.1” x 14.6”
  • Price: $$.

Features:

  • Smartly-designed top-entry cat litter box for medium to large adult cats. Imported from Japan for the US-based company.
  • Has a high-quality plastic construction with a grooved/filtered surface to prevent spilling and tracking of cat litter.
  • Features a dog-proof, top entry design with a 7″- 8″ tapered entrance hole for secure and private access to the kitty.
  • A rounded corner design makes cleaning easy. Non-skid rubber feet provide stability.
  • Available in two sizes and two designs – grooved and filtered. Comes in eight elegant color combinations. A high-quality litter scoop in matching color is also included with the litter box.
  • Backed by a six-month manufacturer warranty.

Petmate Clean Step Litter DomePetmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box 3 Colors

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Type: Dome-types covered cat litter box with access ramp steps. Suitable for indoor household use.
Specifications:

  • Material: High-quality 95% recycled plastic body.
  • Size: 20″ x 24″ x 19″; 13″ x 7″- 8″ tapered door.
  • Price: $$.

Features:

  • A unique, dome-shaped, covered cat litter box with a grooved access ramp that catches stuck litter from the kitty’s paws and minimizes tracking.
  • Features a high-quality ABS plastic construction, with a built-in handle for easy transportation. Made in the US with 95% recycled plastic.
  • Curved, non-stick plastic walls with no corners reduce mess and provide privacy to the feline. Easy to clean.
  • Comes with a replaceable charcoal filter to minimize odors. A liner is also included with the pack, with additional liners can be purchased separately.
  • Available in four fashionable colors and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.

Litter-Robot Open-Air Self-Cleaning Litter BoxLitter Robot III

Type: Automatic covered self-cleaning cat litter box. Suitable for indoor household use.
Specifications:

  • Material: Sturdy ABS plastic body with high-quality robotic circuitry.
  • Size: 29.2″ x 24.1″ x 26.7″.
  • Price: $$$$$.

Features:

  • Top of the line, fully automatic litter box that is designed to support up to 3-4 cats. High-quality durable plastic construction with a carbon-filter drawer. Engineered and assembled in the US.
  • The third generation model from Litter Robot range comes with support for Wi-Fi-based Smart App synchronization and management.
  • Features an adjustable timer for initiating the cleaning cycle, a waste drawer full indicator and an automatic night light. Motion sensor resets the cleanup time automatically if the cat re-enters.
  • Uses a rotating cleaning mechanism. The patented sifting mechanism is designed to provide reliable cleaning and excellent odor control. Designed to hold litter between 5-10 days.
  • Does not require any brand specific supplies. Works with any premium clumping litter and carbon filter.
  • Powered by the standard 120V power outlet, along with a backup battery option for emergencies.
  • Backed by a 90-day money back guarantee and 18-month manufacturer warranty.

For a detailed review of the product, you can check the article here.

PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Litter BoxPetSafe ScoopFree Original Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box, Automatic with Disposable Litter Tray and Blue Crystal Cat Litter, 2 Color Options

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Type: Automatic covered/uncovered self-cleaning cat litter box. Suitable for indoor household use.
Specifications:

  • Material: High-quality ABS plastic body with cardboard litter trays and metallic rake.
  • Size: 27.5″ x 19″ x 7.0″.
  • Price: $$$.

Features:

  • Most popular automatic self-cleaning litter box that relies on a raking cleaning mechanism. Works best with own crystal type of litter (supports pre-filled disposable litter trays). Made in China under the US-based company’s quality control measures.
  • Designed to work best with up to 2 cats per litter box. Each disposable litter tray can last up to 20 days, while the waste tray requires cleanup once 4-5 days.
  • The automatic cleanup mechanism is triggered every 5, 10 or 20 minutes. Crystal litter absorbs the liquid waste and locks away solid waste. Raking removes the waste, which is collected in the disposable leak-proof waste trap.
  • Powered by a standard power outlet. Equipped with a cat motion sensor that resets the cleanup timer upon activation.
  • Available in two colors – purple and taupe. A covered PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box modelwith a privacy hood is also available. Moreover, you can also get an automated waste bagging system for your Scoopfree – the Litter-Bagger for Scoopfree Litter Boxes.
  • Backed by 90-day money back guarantee and a one-year manufacturer warranty. Cheaper than LitterRobot and CatGenie self-cleaning litter boxes.

For a detailed review of the product, you can check the article here.

CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat BoxCatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box

Type: Automatic self-cleaning cat litter box. Suitable for indoor household use with water connection.
Specifications:

  • Material: ABS plastic body.
  • Size: 19.0″ x 16.0″ x 12.3”/17.0”.
  • Price: $$$$.

Features:

  • An innovative, self-cleaning cat litter box that is designed to mechanically wash and flush the waste by employing a proprietary raking mechanism. Made in China.
  • Relies on septic-safe litter-like washable granules that can last for up to 2-4 months. Solid waste is liquefied and flushed along with the liquid waste. Biodegradable SaniSolution purifies the granules and the dryer heats and dries the granules for next use.
  • Powered by electricity and needs a connection to the water supply for draining the waste. Works best with up to 3 cats which are 6 months or older.
  • Cleaning can be done automatically, up to 4 times a day, on demand or based on cat activation.
  • Water Hose may need cleanup once a month to ensure proper disposal. The litter box requires cleanup only twice or thrice in one year.
  • Backed by a 90-day money back guarantee and two-year manufacturer warranty. The package comes with a CatGenie 120 Self-Washing Cat Box, 1 SaniSolution cartridge, 1 box of washable granules and manual.
  • A four-section dome is also available to convert it to a covered litter box.

Necoichi Portable Cat Litter BoxBest portable cat litter box - Necoichi Pop-up Portable Cat Litter Box Always Ready to go!

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Type: Foldable fabric cat litter box without the cover. Suitable for travel and use in cat carriers.
Specifications:

  • Material: Nylon Canvas Fabric with PVC-coated interior.
  • Size: 15.0″ x 11.0″ x 5.1″ (Folded: 7.5″ x 2.8″ x 4.5″).
  • Price: $.

Features:

  • Best-selling, portable litter box with a high-quality oxford cloth body. Open, uncovered litter pan design. Made in Japan.
  • The interiors are covered with a seamless and durable Polyurethane waterproof liner for added protection and easy cleanup – Wiping and hand wash only.
  • Higher side-walls compared to other portable litter boxes prevent litter from getting kicked out.
  • Extremely compact and collapses to a nearly flat shape with snap-in strap for convenient packing and transportation. Weighs about 1.2 lbs.
  • Competitively priced and comes in a standard black and white checkered pattern. Backed by a satisfaction guaranteed and 30-day hassle-free money back guarantee commitment by the manufacturer.
  • Also works well with the best-selling Necoichi Stress-Free Cat Carrier Cage.

For a detailed review of the product, you can check the article here.

IRIS Travel Cat Litter PanIRIS Travel Cat Litter Pan, Yellow

Type: Foldable fabric cat litter box with zippered cover. Suitable for car and airline travel for small and medium cats.
Specifications:

  • Material: Nylon Canvas Fabric with PVC-coated interior.
  • Size: Small: 15.5″ x 15.5″ x 4″ (Folded: 12” x 11” x 2”).
  • Price: $.

Features:

  • Decent-quality, sealable fabric cat litter box made of high-quality nylon canvas body. Made in China for US-based company.
  • The interiors are PVC coated for waterproof protection and easy cleaning. Machine/Hand washable with soap or mild detergent
  • Comes with a zippered top that stores the litter in the pan when not in use. Has a strap on each side for easy carry when filled with litter.
  • Extremely lightweight and portable with its round shape. Weighs only 0.7 lbs. when unfilled.
  • Lower side-walls and small size make it most suitable for kittens or small and medium-sized cats only.

For a detailed review of the product, you can check the article here.

Nature’s Miracle Disposable Litter BoxNature's Miracle Disposable Litter Box, Jumbo, 2-Pack - P-82029

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Type: Uncovered disposable cat litter pan. Suitable for travel, housebreaking training and as litter box liner.
Specifications:

  • Material: 100% recycled paper material with baking soda coating.
  • Size: Small: 12.5″ x 10.1″ x 3.1″; Medium: 17.1″ x 12.6″ x 6.4″; Jumbo: 21″ x 15.3″ x 7.8″.
  • Maximum Life: Up to 4 weeks.
  • Price: $.

Features:

  • Best-selling standard uncovered litter pan that is made in the US of high-grade 100% recycled paper-based material. Biodegradable and 100% landfill-safe.
  • Baking soda coating on the interior helps in minimizing ammonia and other unpleasant litter box odors.
  • Heavy-duty construction that is leak-proof and waterproof. One of the strongest disposable cat litter boxes in the market.
  • Breathable wall material enhances airflow and helps in keeping the litter dry and minimizes odor buildup.
  • Available in three sizes, small for kittens and small cats, medium for medium cat breeds and jumbo for large cats and multiple cat homes. Comes in a set of 2, 3, 6 or 12 individual trays.
  • Works with almost all types of litter from pine pellets, crystal litter to standard non-clumping litter. For use without a plastic litter liner.

For a detailed review of the product, you can check the article here.

Kitty Kan Covered Disposable Litter BoxKitty Kan Traveler Quality Enclosed Disposable Litter Box with Scoops and a Bonus Cat Bed

Type: Covered disposable cat litter box. Suitable for travel and housebreaking training.
Specifications:

  • Material: 100% recycled paper-based material.
  • Size: 16″ x 13.5″ x 16/19″.
  • Maximum Life: Up to 2 weeks.
  • Price: $$.

Features:

  • High-quality covered disposable cat litter box that is made in the US with 100% recycled cardboard. Biodegradable and landfill safe.
  • Sturdy construction, with a large interior space and a 7-inch opening for the cat to enter the box.
  • The interior is coated with a special FDA-approved 100% natural liner that makes it waterproof and odor resistant.
  • Extremely portable and easy to assemble and dispose. Can be assembled/disassembled 3-4 times without weakening.
  • Comes with 4 disposable scoops and 1 bonus cat bed with soft cardboard rolls for cats to sleep on.
  • Available in two buying options- with or without litter.

For a detailed review of the product, you can check the article here.

How to pick the best cat litter box for your needs?

With so many different cat litter boxes available in the market with different types, shapes and designs, picking the best cat litter box for your needs can often be a challenging task. After all, you would like to have a litter box that is easy to maintain and comfortable for your kitty to use it.

Once you have decided upon the approximate budget, you need to keep the following major factors in mind before picking the best cat litter box for your cat or cats. Just remember that you might have to switch between a few different cat litter boxes before zeroing-in on the best option:

  • Purpose and type of the litter box
  • Building material and design
  • Size of the litter box
  • Maintenance and operation requirements
  • Additional features and considerations

Purpose and type of the litter box

Before picking the best cat litter box for your needs, you would have to think about the primary purpose for which you are looking for such a litter solution. After all, it would govern whether you should opt for a specialized litter solution like a self-cleaning or portable litter box or just a standard covered/uncovered cat litter pan would be sufficient.

  • Do you need a standard litter solution that is cheap and simple to use? In such situations, a standard uncovered litter box would be the most suitable option.
  • Do you need a litter solution for a skittish cat that loves privacy, or something to minimize litter tracking? In such situations, a smartly-designed covered litter box with a top entry or access ramp would be an excellent option to consider.
  • Do you need a litter solution that requires minimal sifting and scooping? In such cases, a self-cleaning litter box would be the best option.
  • Do you need a litter box for travel or housebreaking? If you are looking for a temporary litter box specifically for travel or housebreaking training, then you need a portable litter box or a disposable cat litter box.
  • Do you need a litter box to act as a litter liner for a kitten, elderly or a messy cat? In such cases, the inexpensive, open, disposable litter trays are most suitable.

So, depending upon your primary purpose, you can decide upon the best type of litter box that you should look for your needs.

Building material and design

The construction material of the litter box and its underlying design is also something to consider before picking the best option.

All the options that we have listed above are made of high-quality materials, be it waterproof nylon or canvas fabric for portable litter box, 100% biodegradable cardboard or recycled paper for disposable litter boxes or BPA-free ABS plastic or polycarbonate for other types of litter boxes. So, you need not worry about the litter boxes failing on you with the options that we have listed.

Closely related to the construction quality is the design of the litter box. Features like access ramps, flap doors, grooved surfaces help in reducing litter tracking and hence preferred by most cat parents. Similarly, recessed entrances make it easier for kittens and elder cats to access the litter box while top-entry litter box designs provide a secure, private environment safe from other pets in the house.

Check the building material and special design factors before zeroing in on the most suitable cat litter box model for your feline friend.

Size of the litter box

In addition to its construction material and design, the size of a cat litter box is also an important consideration to keep in mind as it governs the size and number of cats it can support.

The general rule is to have a litter box that is around 1.5-2 times the size of your feline. And if you have multiple cats, pick a litter box that can fit in 2 cats at a time.

For an uncovered litter box, the size of the litter box can be defined by the dimensions of the litter surface and its height. Cats, like humans, love a big bathroom! So, the bigger the litter box is, the more comfortable your kitty would be using it. If a cat needs to cramp in the litter box, chances are that it would eventually lead to box aversion and the cat may simply refuse to use the litter pan.

For covered/hooded cat litter boxes, the height of the enclosure also plays a role as you would not want your cat to have to crouch in the litter box while relieving itself. This is also the main reason why many cats do not prefer covered or hooded litter boxes.

Closely related to the dimensions of the litter box are the height of the entrance and the back. You would have to consider the entrance height of the litter box based on the size of your cat. Kittens and small cats may have problems getting into a litter box with high entrance walls, while you may have to pick a litter box with high back walls for a full-sized adult cat to prevent spraying of urine outside the pan.

In our list of litter boxes, we have picked options with sizes big enough for most cats. In addition, for some models that we have listed, you can get a smaller or a larger-sized litter pan as well. So, pick one which suits the size of your cat (or cats).

Maintenance and operation requirements

The maintenance and operation requirements and costs are also an important factor to consider before picking the best cat litter box for your household. This generally translates into requirements for specialized litter and accessories, the frequency of sifting and scooping and the frequency of cleaning the litter box.

Most of the options that we have listed work with standard accessories – litter, filters etc. However, there are some models like the Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter Box Kit, PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Litter Box and CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box require specialized litters and accessories, so you would need to account for these requirements while computing operation costs.

Coming to the ease of use, self-cleaning and disposable litter boxes require less scooping and sifting when compared to standard litter boxes. But a thorough cleaning may take more time, especially with self-cleaning litter boxes. Open litter pans are the easiest to clean, but they require more frequent scooping.

Keep these maintenance requirements and costs in mind before picking the best cat litter box for your household.

Additional features and considerations

In addition to the major factors discussed above, there are a couple of other considerations that can make a cat litter box a better choice over others.

One such factor is the accessories, if any, that come with the litter box. While most litter boxes do not come with accessories like litter scoop, litter sample and filters, some manufacturers such as PetSafe and IRIS offer all-inclusive kits with litter scoops, litter trays and filters, making them an attractive choice.

Another important factor to check out is the warranty and service support provided by the manufacturer. Almost all the options that we listed support the 30-day money back commitment.  Some manufacturers provide a warranty ranging from 6 months to multiple years, making such options an attractive choice to consider.

Finally, the looks of your litter box may make you prefer one option over the other. Some litter boxes come in standard colors such as grey, cream, white and blue, while other litter boxes have more options for colors. Similarly, among covered litter boxes, you may find unique shapes such as top-entry boxes, side entry boxes, dome-shaped litter boxes, hidden litter boxes and so on. Just remember that your cat may need more time to adjust to these designs, so plan accordingly. In terms of looks, the Litter-Robot Open-Air Self-Cleaning Litter Box offers the most elegant, futuristic looks among all the litter boxes.

Keep these other considerations in mind while picking the best cat litter box or boxes for your needs. And if you are in doubt, pick one of the appropriate type from our list. You would not regret it!

Cat Litter Box Accessories

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter, 18 pound bag

The most common item you need to get frequently for your litter box is obviously the litter. Many specialized cat litter boxes use specific types of litter like crystals, pellets and washable granules. However, if you are still looking for some high-quality budget litter, you can check out the following options:

In order to prevent tracking and spilling of litter all around the house, you can consider getting a litter mat. Litter mats are excellent at trapping the litter from your cat’s feet as it exits the litter box. Some of the best litter mats available in the market are listed below. You can also check our article on the best cat litter mats for more details and options.

Another option is to use some cat litter pads. These litter pads are especially useful in capturing semi-moist litter from the kitty’s paws. You can check our article on the best cat litter pads for some of the best options.

Improving chances of cat litter box success

It is not always easy to train your cat (or cats) to use the cat litter box consistently. By picking the right cat litter box and following the right training system, you can improve your chances of litter box success. Some of the main considerations to help you in accomplishing that are discussed below. For some more resources for caring for your cat, you can check out our article on the best cat training guides.

  • Pick a litter box big enough for your cat. Just like humans, cats are finicky about the place where they can go about their business. If your cat prefers a covered/hooded litter box, check the height of the litter box to ascertain that your cat is not being forced to crouch excessively (7-12 inches high walls would work in most cases). When in doubt “size-up” (that is, pick a bigger size).
  • Place the litter box at a quiet place where there is minimal disturbance and interference from other pets. Also, keep it as far away as possible from the food and water bowls.
  • If you have multiple cats, have enough litter boxes. Cats tend to be possessive about their litter boxes. The general rule of thumb is that the number of litter boxes should be equal to the number of cats plus one. For self-cleaning litter boxes, you can have fewer boxes. A semi-automatic litter box can work well with 2-3 cats while a single automatic litter box can manage anywhere between 2-4 cats, though you would have to replace the litter and disposable trays more frequently.
  • Use a clumping litter for all adult cats as it is more comfortable for cats to walk on. Moreover, considering that your cat’s sense of smell is many times yours, try to pick an unscented litter, unless of course, your kitty does not mind the smell of the litter.
  • Always fill in the litter deep enough to absorb the droppings and the urine – anywhere between 2 inches to 4 inches deep. Scoop the litter and clean it up at least twice a day.
  • Clean your litter box periodically. If the litter box has a strong odor, you can use vinegar with hot water. You can also use soap or a very mild detergent to clean-up the pan. Just remember to let it dry completely or wipe it dry with a cloth before pouring fresh litter in it. Same is true with self-cleaning and portable litter boxes. They may not require daily sifting and scooping but you should still disassemble and clean them once a month or so.
  • In case your cat stops using the litter box it uses daily, immediately consult your vet as it may be a sign of discomfort or any other medical condition.

Following these basic guidelines would help in making it comfortable for your feline friend to get used to using the litter box and with as little hassle to you as possible. For more suggestions and advice, check out the article on catinfo.com site. Also check the following short video:

Final thoughts on the best cat litter boxes

Like all its possessions, a cat is particular about the place it does its business – its cat litter box. An adult kitty typically uses its cat litter box three to four times a day to relieve itself and hence picking the right litter solution is extremely important.

In this article, we looked at some of the best cat litter boxes available in the market. We covered all the most common types of cat litter boxes – standard covered and uncovered litter boxes, automatic self-cleaning litter boxes and portable cat litter boxes. We also looked at some of the most important considerations to factor in while picking the best litter box for your cat or cats.

We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in picking the best cat litter box or boxes as per your requirements and preferences. Do let us know your feedback and questions by commenting below. Until next time, have a playful spell with your beloved kitty!

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