A litter box that's the right one for your cat is an absolute necessity to ensure they use it. IRIS USA, Petmate, and others make them in different shapes and sizes, with features like hoods and doors. In addition, they also differ in terms of how easy they make it to scoop and how well they prevent litter scattering. All these factors make it hard to decide which one to buy.
We've compared eight bestselling litter boxes available online and tested them to recommend the best Litter Boxes for you.
We tested each product for the following:
Which product ended up being the best of the best? Our buying guide will also tell you how to pick the best litter boxes, so read on for more shopping tips.
Sheri Rydyznski is a professional pet care service provider who operates Fetch.Sit.Stay. Cincinnati. LLC. When she’s not busy providing care for clients, she is an avid audiophile, curious traveler, entertaining raconteur and content creator for @fetch_sit_stay. She lives in the Greater Cincinnati, OH area with her husband and spirited tortie, Mischief.
Jun is an experienced professional in the pet supply industry, with a strong background in sales and small breed care. Having previously worked for a major pet store, Jun was in charge of serving pet owners and understanding their pet-related concerns, and within half a year, Jun was appointed head of small breeds. Currently, Jun serves as the head of pet food and pet supply articles at mybest. She strives to promote products that enhance the lives of pets and communicate on behalf of pets to pet owners with information that will make their days more comfortable and enjoyable.
If you own a cat, you must scoop out waste daily. How often you do it per day may vary, but it can't be avoided entirely, so it's best to pick a litter box that makes things easier for you. That's why we focused on the opening's size, shape, and position to see if it was easy to put your hands inside.We value products with a wide opening that lets you see urine clumps and poop while cleaning. For products with sides and doors, the bigger the area around the entrance, the higher we scored.
Cats cover their waste with litter, which can lead to some of it ending up on the floor around the box, making more work for you. No matter how much you love your pet, you want to avoid touching their waste and litter as much as possible. That’s why we looked at the shape of the litter box and how well its design reduces litter scattering to come up with an overall score.These are the specific things we looked for.Shape of the litter box The more narrow the opening is, the higher the score. For high-sided and basic, simple boxes, we looked for products with sides higher than the average cat height of 10 inches.Scatter and tracking prevention design Extra points were awarded for a unique design innovation, such as a part that wipes litter off a cat’s paws.
Cats prefer cleanliness. As the owner, you’re responsible for maintaining the litter box and ensuring your pet feels compelled to use it. If it’s hard to clean, you could have trouble finding the motivation to clean it regularly. A dirty litter box can cause problems for your cat, too, so it’s critical to get one that is easy to clean.Based on the following criteria, we looked for products with a simple design and without complex parts.Attaching the various parts We checked whether or not the parts were difficult to remove and attach. If there was a lock, we checked if it could be unlocked without much force. Products with pieces that were easy to remove and attach were rated higher.Simplicity of design We checked whether or not the box and its parts were easy to wash without uneven surfaces. We were looking for litter boxes with smooth surfaces that didn’t need a brush or other cleaning tool to get into small corners.Number of parts We checked how many parts there were after disassembly. The lower the number, the better.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
You may wonder if you should choose a regular litter box or an automatic, self-scooping litter box. They each have their pros and cons.
Regular litter boxes are usually used with clumping cat litter and require the owner to scoop out and dispose of waste by hand. They're simple and inexpensive, making them a good choice for new owners. They come in various shapes and styles, which we'll detail below.
As the name suggests, robot or self-cleaning litter boxes take care of waste automatically, so all you have to do is throw it away when it gets full. These require less frequent cleaning and are perfect for people who want to avoid touching waste as much as possible. However, they're expensive and electric, meaning some parts can't be washed.
In this article, we'll focus on the basic type: the easiest to find, most straightforward to put together, and easiest to maintain. If you're not satisfied with your current litter box or are welcoming a new furry friend into your home and don't know where to start, our rankings will guide you to the right litter box for you and your pet.
Litter boxes are sanitation products, and they must be easy for your cat to use and easy for you to manage. Since it will be a part of your daily life, you don’t want a product that will cause you any stress. Let’s consider some essential things when choosing a litter box.
The most important thing is that your cat uses the litter box, but several factors go into this, including where you put it, the type of cat litter you use, and whether or not you keep it clean. Thus, the litter box you choose must be easy to clean regularly. You need to clean up waste every day if you own a cat, but it’s also essential to keep the box itself clean.
A litter box that makes it easy to scoop out waste and is easy to clean not only helps you as the owner but will also make your cat happier. Also, cats use litter to hide their feces, often leaving debris scattered outside the box. By looking for one that reduces litter scattering, you can save yourself the trouble of cleaning it up later.
Focusing on these factors, we tested each product to see how easy it was to scoop out waste, how easy it was to clean, and how well it prevented litter scattering.
Here are the points to remember when choosing the best litter box.
Even among basic litter boxes, various designs are available, including some with doors and sides, so it can be hard to decide which to choose. Here at mybest, we suggest a high-sided litter box if you’re having trouble deciding.
The five main types of basic litter boxes are open, high-sided, top-entry, covered with a door, and dome. We found through our testing that high-sided litter boxes were the easiest to use for the owner and easy to maintain.
Leaving waste in the litter box for an extended period can cause odors or get stuck to your cat's feet. It can also make your cat not want to use the litter box, so it's essential to dispose of it as soon as possible.
If you have to peek inside a box with a narrow opening or remove a lid to check for waste, it's not exactly ideal. Some products are also hard to reach into, making them harder to use.
High-sided litter boxes have a large opening even though they have sides, so it's easy to see inside them. This makes it more likely you'll notice when your cat goes in and out, so you can scoop out the waste promptly.
Cats instinctively hide their waste in the wild, covering it with sand or mud. Even today, most house cats cover their waste, so many owners are concerned about them scattering the litter. Most cats are about nine to 10 inches tall. Ideally, you want the sides to be taller than your cat to prevent scattering, so 10 inches is the mark to look for in order to keep cat litter in the box.
High-sided litter boxes have sides on three sides. Most of the products we tested were over 10 inches tall, so they prevented scattering effectively. However, the entrance is lower to make it easy for your cat to get in and out, so if they kick litter in this direction, it can still end up on the floor.
Changing the litter is insufficient to keep your cat’s litter box clean. You need to clean the box itself, too. If you don’t, odor and dangerous germs can get stuck on the box, making your cat sick or avoiding using the box. It’s essential to clean the whole unit at least once a month.
Litter boxes with few parts and a simple design are the easiest to clean. Doors, handles, and locks are convenient, but these litter boxes are more complicated to clean due to their many parts and complex design. On the other hand, high-sided boxes are typically comprised of just the pan and walls. This makes it fast and easy to clean them in the sink or shower and reach every nook and corner.
IRIS USA’s Open Top Litter Box received the highest overall score in our evaluation. The wide opening and lack of a cover make it easy to tell when your cat goes in and out, allowing you to remove waste quickly.
Its 11.75-inch walls are taller than most cats, so it can prevent scattering everywhere except the entrance. Not only that, but its simple two-piece construction makes it easy to wash and dry, making this the perfect fit if you want an easy-to-use litter box without any fancy features.
No one wants to have to clean up cat litter from the floor all the time. Let’s look at some of the best litter boxes for scatter prevention.
Of the five types of litter boxes, covered, top-entry, and dome types have the narrowest openings. These products are best for people concerned about their cat scattering litter.
As the name suggests, covered litter boxes with doors cover all sides of the tray. The flap over the entrance closes it off while your cat does its business. Top-entry types have an opening on the top where your cat goes in and out, and all sides are covered, preventing litter from scattering in all directions.
Dome types are covered in all directions aside from an entrance on the front or side. Some products separate the litter tray and the door, making it even harder for litter to get out on the floor. These types cover a large portion of the litter tray; some will look good with your interior decor. These types are suitable for people concerned about their litter box's appearance.
All these types prevent scattering effectively, but covered litter boxes with doors block off all directions, preventing almost all litter from scattering. A flap over the entrance allows your cat to enter and leave as it pleases while keeping the waste in the box when your cat uses it. Keeping debris in the box is sanitary and helps prevent odors from spreading.
If you want to put the litter box in your living room or other places where you have guests, one of these litter boxes might be a good fit. However, it’s easy for dust and odors to accumulate and the air inside to stagnate, so you should be careful if you have a senior cat or a cat with asthma.
As we mentioned earlier, it’s also essential that a litter box is easy to clean, especially if you have multiple cats or a cat that uses the litter box frequently.
If you’re looking for the easiest litter box to clean, we recommend the open type, the simplest one. Open litter boxes have no locks or flaps and usually consist of just the pan. They are smooth and have no small parts, making them the easiest to clean of all the mentioned types.
Open litter boxes typically consist of just a plastic or stainless steel tray. They usually have smooth edges, making them easy to wash and dry because water doesn’t get stuck anywhere. However, some have anti-slip feet or corner protectors, which usually have tiny grooves that must be cleaned with a brush. While these are still easier and quicker to clean than other types of litter boxes, they can be a bit of a pain compared to those with simpler designs.
If you’re looking for a litter box that’s easy to clean, we recommend an open one without anti-slip feet or other small parts.
Litter boxes range from lightweight, compact units to large, more stable types. We want to introduce the approximate size we think you should look for.
Ideally, the litter box should be wide enough that your cat can turn around inside and should be about one and a half times the cat's length. Most cats don't mind a litter box that is too big, but they tend not to like ones that are too small.
The average cat is about 13 to 16 inches long, so 20 inches or more is ideal for most cats. You must ensure the box is large enough for your pet, especially if you have a large cat, such as a Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest cat, or Ragdoll.
Shape | High-sided |
---|---|
Recommended cat size | - |
IRIS USA is a subsidiary of Iris Ohyama, a Japanese manufacturer of household goods. This litter box's pan and shield come in simple colors that help it blend with your interior, and it includes a scoop, so all you need to do is put cat litter in it, and it's ready to go. It's a high-sided type litter box with an open entrance and top, so it's easy to see when it's time to do some scooping. Additionally, there's no need to remove a lid or any other parts, and the opening is large enough to easily put your hands in, making it a breeze to scoop out waste.
The walls are 11.75 inches tall, taller than the average cat, and prevent litter scattering on the sides covered by the shield. However, the entrance is wide open, so it's easy for litter to get out on that side. There are only two parts, so it's easy to put together and doesn't require much effort. The spots where the two pieces connect are relatively simple, so dirt doesn't get stuck in there easily. The parts are also smooth, making them easy to wash. This litter box is perfect for any owner, as it makes it easy to dispose of waste, prevents litter scattering, and has a simple design.
Material | Plastic |
---|---|
Included accessories | Scoop |
Disassembly | ✓ |
For large cats | - |
Shape | Covered, half-covered, or open |
---|---|
Recommended cat size | Lid supports 20 lbs. |
The Modkat Flip Litter Box is a recipient of the international Red Dot Award for product design and is popular in the US and Europe. It comes with a scoop so that you can use it right away. It also has a liner, making it easy to maintain and throw out the used litter.
You can’t tell if the litter box has been used without peeking inside through the entrance, but the lid can be opened wholly or halfway, allowing you to see inside. Opening the lid all the way makes it easy to scoop out waste. With the top closed, it turns into a dome-type litter box, making it hard for litter to fly out, even if your cat is a litter kicker. With the lid open, it can be used as a high-sided box with a height of 16.7 inches, making it effective at preventing litter scattering.
It has a lot of folding parts which have small nooks and crannies, and this makes the unit itself hard to clean. However, the pan and lid are the only pieces; they fit together seamlessly and allow the box to be set up quickly.
Material | Plastic |
---|---|
Included accessories | Reusable liner, scoop |
Disassembly | ✓ |
For large cats | A bit tight |
Shape | High-sided |
---|---|
Recommended cat size | - |
This high-sided litter box is a product of Nature's Miracle, a company managed by Spectrum Brands, which also manages other pet brands such as Dingo and Furminator. It's a giant litter box with handles on the side that make it easy to carry. Its open top makes it easy to see when your cat uses it and to scoop out waste. The sides are taller than a typical open litter box but don't get in the way during cleaning.
The entrance is relatively large, so it's not great at preventing litter scattering. Still, the further you get from the door, the deeper the pan gets, so it can prevent litter scattering depending on where your cat does its business. The area around the entrance is shallow, so it's not the best design to prevent litter tracking as your cat exits the box. However, it has no complex parts or features, and the sides are smooth and even, making them easy to wash. The edges do loop backward, but they don't interfere with waste or litter and aren't that deep, so that they can be cleaned easily with a sponge.
Material | Plastic |
---|---|
Included accessories | N/A |
Disassembly | N/A |
For large cats | ✓ |
Shape | Open |
---|---|
Recommended cat size | Small cats, senior cats |
Van Ness allows you to track the materials they use from the source and are very particular about quality. Their Cat Pan has a simple design that can be used by any cat, from kittens to seniors. It’s an open litter box, so removing a lid or cover is unnecessary when scooping out waste.
The sides aren’t very high, so you can quickly tell when your cat uses the box. On the other hand, the lack of high sides means it doesn’t prevent litter scattering well. It’s only four inches tall on all sides, much shorter than the average cat, and allows even kittens and short-legged cats to kick litter out of the pan. This pan is just one piece, so you don’t have to put it together, nor does it have any intricate parts or features. The sides are even and easy to wash and dry without a brush.
Material | Plastic |
---|---|
Included accessories | N/A |
Disassembly | N/A |
For large cats | N/A |
Shape | Open |
---|---|
Recommended cat size | - |
This stainless steel litter box by iPrimio, a pet and home supply manufacturer, is sturdy and should hold up for a long time. This is a good choice for people who are opposed to using plastic. This open-type litter box has no top or sides, so it’s easy to clean wherever you put it. Since you can see when your cat enters and leaves, you know exactly when to clean it out.
On the other hand, this means it isn’t effective at keeping litter in the box and preventing scattering. This isn’t the best choice to use in the living room or other places frequented by people or for people who want to avoid cat litter on their floor. The pan itself is the only piece, but it has attachable corner protectors that can trap debris and dust depending on how you use it. While it’s generally easy to clean, the protectors have some tiny grooves and require a brush to clean, which can be a bit of a chore.
Material | Stainless steel |
---|---|
Included accessories | N/A |
Disassembly | N/A |
For large cats | Long enough but a bit narrow |
Shape | Top-entry |
---|---|
Recommended cat size | - |
IRIS USA, which makes storage and household products in addition to pet supplies, offers this litter box with a stylish, elliptical design and a scoop. The entrance is on the top, so you must peek inside to check for waste. In addition, the opening is relatively narrow, so you need to remove the lid to scoop.
However, its cylindrical design prevents litter scattering, as all sides are covered, and the only opening is on top. Also, the lid has grooves that help remove litter stuck to your cat’s paws, so almost no litter makes it onto the floor. On the other hand, if any dirt gets stuck in these grooves, they are hard to clean. On top of that, the top and bottom lock together, and unlatching it takes some force. This can be inconvenient, considering how often you must remove the lid to scoop out waste and replace the litter.
Material | Plastic |
---|---|
Included accessories | Scoop |
Disassembly | ✓ |
For large cats | A bit tight |
Shape | Covered, open door |
---|---|
Recommended cat size | N/A |
The Booda Clean Step Litter Dome by Petmate, which has several pet supply lines, including Chuckit! and JW, is a stylish round dome shape and is big enough for even large breeds. The entrance is off the side, and scooping waste from it isn't easy. Thus, you need to remove the large dome portion every time you go in, and you also can't tell when your cat is using the box. However, the dome is very effective at preventing litter scattering. A dip between the entrance and the pan also keeps litter from getting kicked out.
The grooves around the entrance brush off litter stuck to your cat's paws, meaning tracking is reduced, and almost all the debris stays in the box and off the floor. It's easy to set up; you simply need to push the tray and dome together. However, there are a lot of grooves in various places on the unit where dust and urine can get caught, and the structure is complicated, with many surfaces, so it can be troublesome and time-consuming to clean.
Material | Plastic |
---|---|
Included accessories | Charcoal filter |
Disassembly | ✓ |
For large cats | ✓ |
Shape | Covered, with door |
---|---|
Recommended cat size | - |
Van Ness has over 70 years of experience with pet food dishes and litter box supplies. Their Corner Enclosed Cat Pan is triangular and fits snugly in the corner. While there is an opening for your cat to enter, it’s too small to reach into and scoop out waste, so you must remove the top part to clean it out. You need to open the flap to check for waste, so it could go unnoticed for some time. However, this flap closes off the entrance when your cat uses the box, preventing litter scattering. It also keeps odors from escaping from the box, so this is a good choice if you want to put your litter box in the living room.
This unit has three parts: the pan, the cover, and the flap. The pan and cover lock together, so taking them apart and putting them together can be difficult. Furthermore, the slot for the flap is small and hard to fit the flap into, so putting it together takes some time. Since you must scoop out waste daily and clean it regularly, this can be inconvenient.
Material | Plastic |
---|---|
Included accessories | Zeolite air filter |
Disassembly | ✓ |
For large cats | A bit tight |
We tested litter boxes from Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other retailers to find the best.
Products we tested
If you own a cat, you must scoop out waste daily. How often you do it per day may vary, but it can't be avoided entirely, so it's best to pick a litter box that makes things easier for you. That's why we focused on the opening's size, shape, and position to see if it was easy to put your hands inside.
We value products with a wide opening that lets you see urine clumps and poop while cleaning. For products with sides and doors, the bigger the area around the entrance, the higher we scored.
Cats cover their waste with litter, which can lead to some of it ending up on the floor around the box, making more work for you. No matter how much you love your pet, you want to avoid touching their waste and litter as much as possible. That’s why we looked at the shape of the litter box and how well its design reduces litter scattering to come up with an overall score.
These are the specific things we looked for.
Cats prefer cleanliness. As the owner, you’re responsible for maintaining the litter box and ensuring your pet feels compelled to use it. If it’s hard to clean, you could have trouble finding the motivation to clean it regularly. A dirty litter box can cause problems for your cat, too, so it’s critical to get one that is easy to clean.
Based on the following criteria, we looked for products with a simple design and without complex parts.
We checked whether or not the parts were difficult to remove and attach. If there was a lock, we checked if it could be unlocked without much force. Products with pieces that were easy to remove and attach were rated higher.
We checked whether or not the box and its parts were easy to wash without uneven surfaces. We were looking for litter boxes with smooth surfaces that didn’t need a brush or other cleaning tool to get into small corners.
We checked how many parts there were after disassembly. The lower the number, the better.
The litter box's location can significantly impact whether or not your cat will want to use it. Let us explain how to pick the best spot.
Cats are always alert, so they usually don’t want to do their business if they can hear voices or sense people nearby. Additionally, cats recognize potential threats quickly, so it’s best to put the litter box where they can look around easily. Thus, it’s best to avoid places that are either too busy or too out of the way. We recommend looking for a place with few humans or threats nearby.
If you only have one cat, you can get away with one litter box. However, cats are very territorial, so they may fight if you only have one box for multiple cats.
Cats’ territorial nature can lead to fighting if they have to share a litter box. Adult cats can cause severe injury to each other if they get into fights, so you want to do all you can to avoid this. Also, the more cats you have, the faster each litter box gets dirty. If you have fewer litter boxes than cats, they might be displeased enough that they refrain from using it or go somewhere else.
As a rule, it’s best to take the number of cats plus one and prepare that many boxes. By having more boxes than cats, you can reduce the chances that two cats will try to use the same one at the same time and increase the chances that there’s a clean box available at all times. Holding urine in can lead to kidney trouble, so ensuring your cat can relieve itself when nature calls is essential.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
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