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The 11 Best Cat Litter Boxes To Appease Even The Pickiest of Paws
The subject of cat litter boxes can be a stinky one, but the cat lovers of iHeartCats are here to help you and your cat get the potty process down to a purrfected art! Because no cat is the same and each kitty has their own litter box preferences, picking out the right litter box can be overwhelming as the market is flooded with litter pans that range from inexpensive simplicity to luxury-priced with all the bells and whistles. But, for every need and every stage, we’ve got you covered with our choices for the best cat litter boxes!
Related: Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats
Before we get to the pans, here are some tips to keep in mind when setting up litter boxes:
- When it comes to the number of pans you need, remember it’s one litter box for each cat, plus at least one extra.
- Too big is better than too small when considering cats and their litter pans.
- Location can be everything to some cats, so when you’re trying to figure out the best spot for the litter box, check out The Best And Worst Spots In Your Home For Your Cat’s Litter Box.
- Stick to unscented litters as artificial perfumes and fragrances can overpower cat noses. All that scent might detract felines from going in their box.
- And for happy cats, remember to scoop litter twice daily.
Now, get ready to find your kitty’s new litter pan among these 11 choices, and your cat will feel like royalty in their litter throne!
#1 Best Automatic Cat Litter Box
- Never scoop again with this automatic, self-cleaning cat litter box
- Reduces odor and minimizes litter tracking
- Wi-Fi enabled for monitoring and maintaining via app
- Must have if you travel frequently
- Made in the USA
When it comes to the best automatic cat litter box, look no further than the Litter-Robot 3 Connect. While on the pricey side, it’s a splurge that’s worth it. This best-rated self-cleaning cat litter box does the smelly work for you and sifts away kitty’s business after they go. All you have to do is empty the waste tray when it gets full. Plus, when you pair this WiFi-enabled automatic litter box with the Whisker app, you can run cleaning cycles, monitor your cat’s health, and know when the waste tray needs emptying.
Also, if you’re traveling and need to leave your cat at home for a few days, this self-cleaning litter pan is an excellent option as it takes care of the mess while you’re away. Just ask whoever you have checking in on your kitties to ensure everything is still running right. Chances are, it will be because you have complete control with the app. It’s space-aged cat care, fur sure!
#2 Best Overall Cat Litter Box
- Durable stainless steel will never rust and stands up to digging cat claws
- Easy-to-clean and odor-resistant
- Ergonomic design with rounded edges and enclosed sides so nothing will get stuck in the corners
- Big enough to give large cats plenty of room
- Deep enough cats won't throw litter everywhere
When it comes to litter boxes, you’re probably used to seeing pans made of plastic. But plastic litter boxes can break down under cat claws that scratch at them multiple times a day. And no matter how much you scrub, the odor and stains just don’t come out of plastic. But check out the iPrimio Ultimate Stainless Steel Cat XL Litter Box. Because this extra-large cat litter box is made of stainless steel, clumps will never stick, and cleaning is a breeze because steel stands up to claws!
Related: 9 Litter Box Mistakes You May Be Making
#3 Best Cat Litter Box on a Budget
- Budget-friendly when buying multiple boxes
- Low sides make entry easy for senior cats and kittens
- Polished finish helps repel odors and stains
- Easy to clean
- Made from 20% recycled content
Coming in under five dollars, the Van Ness Cat Litter Pan is a great budget choice for most cats. This large cat litter box provides plenty of space and sides high enough to keep the litter in, as long as your cat isn’t a crazy litter kicker! From small cats to chonky ones, kitties will find this pan an ideal choice for doing their important business.
#4 Best Litter Box for Large Cats
- Measures 25.56" L x 18.3" W x 10.02" H
- Ideal for large cats
- Holds up to 30lbs. of cat litter
- High sides keep cats from kicking litter on the floor
- Wide base prevents tipping
On our hunt for the best boxes, size was a factor we greatly considered. Large cats need lots of space to spread out when they do their box business, and the Petmate Giant Litter Box gives flabby tabbies all the room they need. Not only spacious at 25 inches in length and 18 inches wide, but the sides of the box are also 10 inches deep to keep litter contained for minimal tracking. Those high sides will also keep urine inside the box if you’ve got a cat that aims high.
#5 Best Litter Box for Senior Cats
- Features a 3-inch high entry point for easy entry
- Great for senior cats with arthritis and mobility issues
- Helps kittens transition into grown-up litter pan
- Two size options to meet your cat's needs
- Cute color choices
Due to mobility issues and arthritis, senior cats have a more challenging time climbing in and out of litter pans with high sides. The KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box solves that issue with a drop-down entryway that’s only three inches high. This litter box is also ideal for kittens transitioning into larger pans as they grow. Those high-sided litter pans can be a struggle for chubby, little kitten legs!
#6 Best Covered Litter Box
- Extra-large dimensions of 24.8"L x 20"W x 16.5"H give large cats plenty of room
- Large door opening size of 8.2 X 7.8 inches allows for easy in-and-out
- Clear cover provides plenty of light while still offering privacy
- Reduces litter dust and tracking
- Four color options
Covered litter boxes can be a tricky thing. Many cats don’t care for the closed-in potty experience, but the clear top on this covered litter box may convince a kitty who’s on the fence about a hood. If your cat digs having their own little poop cave, though, then the Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box will be your kitty’s dream come true! And because it’s crafted with extra-large dimensions of 24.8 “L x 20 “W x 16.5 “H, the big kitties will find it a comfy fit, too.
#7 Best Top Entry Litter Box for Cats
- Scooping is easy thanks to swivel lid
- Reusable rip-resistant liners are easy to clean and last 3 months
- Prevents litter tracking
- Modern design looks nice in the home
- Comes with litter scoop that hangs on box
One of the best features of the Modkat Top-Entry Litter is the lack of tracked litter on your floors. When cats jump on the lid on their way out, the litter dusts off and falls back through the holes in the top. Those same holes also help ventilate the box, so cats aren’t trapped inside with their stink! This box might not suit large cats, but smaller felines will enjoy hopping in and out of this sleek top-entry litter box.
#8 Best Sifting Litter Box
- No scooping thanks to a 3-pan sifting system
- Remove soiled litter with a quick pour and sift, leaving your cat with clean litter
- Antimicrobial protection helps fight stains and odor-causing bacteria
- Reinforced bottom supports heavy litter load when lifted for sifting
- Good for average-sized cats with dimensions of 19" L x 15" W x 8" H
If scooping isn’t your bag, try the Arm & Hammer Sifting Cat Litter Pan for something different. This sifting litter box aims to extend the life of litter material by shaking away the waste to leave behind a fresh experience for your cat. Plus, in their reviews, more than a few cat parents commented on how well this sifting litter pan works with pine litter.
#9 Best Cat Litter Box for Small Spaces
- Great for limited space as litter box is housed inside leaving room for storage or decor on top
- Stylish design allows for multi-functional use as a bathroom bench, end table, or nightstand
- Two inside compartments allow for litter pan and storage of litter and accessories
- Openings on both sides allow your cat to enter and exit from either direction
- Easy to assemble
When searching for the best cat litter boxes for apartments, you should consider a litter box furniture enclosure to save space. And the Sweet Barks Wooden Bench Cat Litter Box Enclosure provides a stylish option for small spaces. Inside the cabinet, you’ll find two spacious compartments that offer you some options. You can either store litter supplies in one side of the cabinet with the pan in the other or put two litter boxes inside. The top provides a place for storage no matter where you decide to put it. To make this enclosure even better, the openings on either end are in the shape of a cat’s head. Too cute!
#10 Best Litter Box for Corners
- Unique design saves space and fits securely in the corner to prevent tipping
- High sides keep your cat from kicking litter out of the box
- Non-stick surface makes for easy cleaning
- Antimicrobial coating helps prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria
- Dimensions of 10" L x 23" W x 26" H provide plenty of room for larger cats
The Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Corner Cat Litter Box is great for a few reasons. One, it’s made of sturdy, solid plastic that cats can’t tip easily. Two, because it sits in a corner, this box offers even more stability and a sense of security with two walls on either side. And number three, it’s a giant litter box for a large cat as it offers twenty-three inches of space from entry to the back. At 26 inches deep, cats can kick all the litter they want, and it will stay inside the box.
#11 Best Litter Box with Fun Flare
- This covered litter box doubles as decor thanks to the clay pot design and artificial plant
- Filtered vent system controls dust and odor
- Large opening makes for easy scooping
- Litter box breaks into separate pieces for easy cleaning
- Super fun design
Since a house full of cats needs lots of litter pans, get one that’s some fun! The Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box not only keeps the litter box from view, but it also doubles as cute décor, allowing for a litter box in areas with higher traffic where space is limited. Plus, the plant on top needs no care; it’s faux!
Surely, you’ll find your little prince or princess’s prime choice among this list of the best boxes on the market. And once you’ve chosen the purrfect litter pan, follow these 8 Tips For Keeping A Clean Litter Box to keep kitty’s potty just right!