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Litter boxes are a fact of life for cat people. But with so many different styles, sizes, and price points, it’s hard to know where to start!
Litter Box Basics
Picture your ideal bathroom. Chances are, it’s clean, well-lit, free from unpleasant odors, and big enough to feel comfortable in. Your cat’s ideal bathroom is pretty much the same, but their toilet is a litter box. So to keep your cat happy and healthy, an appropriate litter box set-up is a must.
The standard recommendation is to have the same number of litter boxes as you have cats, plus one. That means one cat gets two litter boxes, two cats get three, and three cats get four litter boxes distributed throughout the home. Why so many? Because cats are clean and territorial, meaning they may not want to share a busy box.
The truth is, different cats have different preferences for litter box size and style. Some are fine with a basic rectangular box, while others need high walls. Some cats don’t like lidded boxes because they feel small and trap odors, while other cats like the privacy of a lidded box.
We’re recommending top picks from many different styles of litter boxes, so you can experiment to find what works best for your cat.
The 15 Best Litter Boxes for Picky Cats
Read on for an in-depth review of each of our top 15 picks for the best litter boxes for picky cats.
Best High-Sided Litter Box: Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
Does your kitty fling litter every which way when they go to the bathroom? Even worse, do you have a sprayer on your hands? This extra-large litter box has high sides to keep your cat’s mess contained to the box.
The high sides of this litter box work to keep the mess under control, but the lower front entry point makes it easy for your cat to get in or out. In fact, it’s perfect for older cats with arthritis, or kittens who are just learning how to climb in and out of the box. The box is also big enough for multiple cats to share, so if you have an oldie and a baby, this one is a great pick.
Nature’s Miracle are experts in cat urine odor control and have extended that expertise to their line of litter boxes. This big, high-sided box has a non-stick antimicrobial surface to reduce litter caking and buildup, so it’s easy to clean up quickly and prevents odors from accumulating.
Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box Key Features
- High sides keep litter contained
- Non-stick surface with antimicrobial protection makes cleaning easier
- Lower entry point is good for older cats and kittens
- Large enough for multi-cat households
Best Dog Proof Litter Box: Clevercat Top Entry Litter Box
This is the preferred litter box in my multi-species household. Its unique top-entry design features a secure lid that locks in place to keep out nosy dogs. And while the Clevercat Top-Entry Litter Box safely keeps dogs out, it also keeps litter in the box where it belongs!
Another great feature of this high-sided, lidded litter box: no “over-spray.” If your cat likes to back up and spray, you need a box that can contain their work. Although it may look different from other types of litter boxes, most cats quickly adjust to jumping on top of the box and entering from the top.
The only drawback of the Clevercat box is that it’s not ideal for disabled, elderly, or very large cats who may have trouble getting in and out. That said, my very large 14-year-old orange tabby (think Garfield proportions) has no trouble using this top-entry litter box! In fact, he seems to love the extra privacy of a fully-enclosed litter box. And I appreciate that it contains the smell.
Clevercat Top-Entry Litter Box Key Features
- Top-entry design reduces tracking and prevents over-the-edge spills
- Covered top reduces litter box odor to keep your home fresh and clean
- Keeps most dogs out, so no more kitty snacks
Best Basic Litter Box: Petmate Open Cat Litter Box
If your cat “keeps it clean,” a standard open-top litter box will suit them fine. Easy to scoop and clean, and inexpensive to replace, it’s hard to beat this basic buy litter box!
The Petmate Open Litter Pan has a wide base, making it comfortable for cats of all sizes. Unlike covered cat boxes, it’s spacious on all sides, letting your cat turn around with ease. Plus, with all that extra space, your cat can shake off the litter inside. That means less litter tracking.
This box isn’t just good for your cat; it’s designed to make your life easier, too. The comfort-grip rim is easy to lift, and provides stability when the box is filled with heavy litter. Plus, it’s made from durable plastic that’s easy to clean. It even comes in two-packs so you can stock up to have a box in every room!
Petmate Open Cat Litter Box Key Features
- Wide-profile base contains litter
- Allows easy access from any side
- Comfort-grip rim on all sides allows easy lifting and cleaning
- Offered in 4 sizes to accommodate a wide range of cats
Best Affordable Modern Design Litter Box: IRIS Top Entry
There are lots of modern litter boxes out there, but they’re often quite expensive for what they are (a cat toilet). The IRIS Top Entry box, on the other hand, delivers style for thirty bucks. With its rounded edges and small footprint, it fits in your small bathroom or micro-studio apartment. Plus, it comes in several gray, black, and white color profiles to suit modern decor.
The best thing about this litter box has to be its functional design. It doesn’t just look good: the high walls and top entry eliminate litter tracking and contain spray. The grooved lid catches extra litter from your kitty’s paws, keeping your floors clean. And the included litter scoop hangs from a hook on the interior of the box, keeping it out of site but easily within reach.
Another benefit of that cool covered lid: it keeps nosy dogs out, and contains unpleasant odors. Overall, this chic covered litter box helps reduce the mess cats sometimes make in the bathroom, and it looks great doing it.
Iris Top Entry Litter Box Key Features
- Top entry prevents litter scatter and contains spraying
- Large opening makes it easy for cats of all size to get in and out
- Grooved lid removes litter particles from cat’s paws
- Rounded shape and no sharp edges make it easy to clean
Best Odor Filtering Litter Box: Booda Dome Clean Step
If top-entry won’t work for your cat but you still want to contain the mess, check out this hooded box with a staircase entry. The grooved litter-cling steps gently wipe your cats’ paws as they exit the box, keeping your floors litter-free. And the large cover conceals litter (and the stuff your cat leaves behind) out of sight, so your guests won’t encounter any unpleasant surprises.
The domed lid doesn’t just hide your cat’s activities from guests; more importantly, it gives your cat privacy. Some cats simply prefer to do their business behind closed doors, and this large litter box lets them do just that.
Speaking of large: it’s true, the Booda Dome is BIG! It’s not ideal for hiding in the corner, but it’s perfect for cats who need lots of room to do their business. Plus, the attractive circular design and attractive colors mean you won’t want to hide it away.
Note: this box isn’t dog-proof, so keep it somewhere the pooch can’t snoop.
Booda Dome Clean Step Key Features
- Clean step stairs wipe cats’ paws for litter-free floors
- Non-stick, round plastic pan with no stubborn corners to trap litter
- Charcoal filter significantly reduces odors
Best Corner Box: Nature’s Miracle Advanced High Sided Corner Litter Box
Looking to shove that litter box into a corner? This high-sided option from Nature’s Miracle has 10-inch walls that contain litter scatter and spray. And like other Nature’s Miracle litter boxes, it has an antimicrobial surface that helps control odors.
If you have multiple cats, this big box is ideal because it holds a lot of litter. Of course, you still have to scoop regularly. Luckily, the rounded edges and non-stick surface makes it super easy to clean. And the low, rounded entry isn’t just easier for your cat—it doubles as a pouring spout so you can easily change out the litter.
Reviewers note that this litter box is BIG. While it might not be ideal for small spaces, it’s great for cats who need plenty of room to go potty. And the angled design makes it perfect to hide in the corner of any room.
Nature’s Miracle Advanced High Sided Corner Litter Box Key Features
- Non-stick, anti-microbial surface is easy to clean
- Large size and high walls contain litter scatter and spray
- Corner design ideal for hiding behind furniture
Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box: Omega Paw Roll ‘n’ Clean
Robot litter boxes are tempting but poorly reviewed. The mechanical parts get gunked up, and the noises scare cats. But there is a self-cleaning litter box that works! The Omega Paw Roll ‘n’ Clean has a grill on the inside that catches solids and clumps. Just roll the box a couple of times a day and pull out the handing scooping drawer to remove waste.
How exactly does it work? The Roll Away Self Cleaning Litter Box has a patented grill that separates out clumped waste and deposits it into a pullout tray. Simply tilt it to the side and then back, and the icky stuff will stay in the tray while the clean litter returns to the pan. It’s perfect for picky cats who need a smooth surface every time they use the bathroom.
Note: this box only works with clumping litter. It’s great for multi-cat households with big fluffs who need extra space and frequently-cleaned boxes.
Omega Paw Roll ‘n’ Clean Key Features
- Simple to use
- Covered design gives cats privacy
- Large capacity offers plenty of space to bigger cats
Best Colorful Litter Box: Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box
Looking to brighten up your whole litter box situation? The Petphabet hooded box comes in bright blue and turquoise, adding a pop of color to your kitty’s bathroom. The coordinated, removable top pops on and off with four secure clips, making it easy to deep clean the sturdy plastic.
This Petphabet hooded litter box also has a deep pan that contains the mess (and odor). If your cat is a sprayer, or likes to fling litter all over the place, this high-sided covered litter box is a great fit.
Covered boxes are a lot cleaner for humans, but some cats don’t like to be confined. However, this box has a wide front opening that lets your cat enter and exit with ease. And the transparent hood lets them see out, reducing the feeling of confinement. It’s the best of both worlds!
- Transparent hood contains mess while keeping your cat comfortable
- Removable lid makes it easy to clean
- Bright colors make it an attractive accessory
Best Open Top Litter Box: Basics Open Top Cat Litter Box
This open-top litter box is a good compromise for cats who hate lids. The two-piece construction snaps together with sturdy clips, creating high sides that contain scatter from even the most determined kickers. It lets your cat enter, turn around, and go potty comfortably, while keeping everything inside the box.
The snap-on top also makes cleaning easy. Just detach the cover, dump the used litter, wash the interior, and replace the lid. But you don’t have to take it apart for daily scoopings. The open top and wide front entryway make it easy for you to scoop as often as you need to.
If you’re ready to upgrade from a basic rectangular litter pan, consider an open-topped design like this. It’s easy for cats to adapt to, but can make a huge difference in the mess!
Basics Open Top Cat Litter Box Key Features
- Tall side walls prevent litter scatter and leaks
- Removable shell for easy cleaning
- Accessible for cats of all sizes
Best Box for Older Kitties: KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box
High walls aren’t right for every cat. For senior kitties or cats with mobility issues, jumping in and out of a tall box is challenging, if not downright painful. Thankfully, the KittyGoHere is a perfect solution.
At just five inches tall, the KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box requires zero jumping. The low, wide entryway makes it easy for cats to step in and out with ease. And of course, low walls and a wide footprint make it easy for you to clean, as well.
Reviewers especially love this litter box for cats with arthritis. While it’s not good for cats who spray, it’s perfect for those older, stiffer kitties who stay low to the ground.
KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box Key Features
- Low opening for cats who can’t jump into a box
- Large, low design gives cats lots of room to turn around and get situated
- Comes in several colors to match home design
Best Luxury Litter Box: Modkat Top-Entry Litter Box
Is your cat living the life of luxury? Then you can’t beat Modkat litter boxes, with their sleek, clean lines, premium materials, and yes, hefty price point. This covered litter box costs almost $90, but reviewers swear it’s worth it.
So, what’s so amazing about the Modkat Litter Box? First off, its locking lid acts as a walk-off mat, collecting litter from your kitty’s paws and keeping it off of your floors. And when it’s time to scoop the box, simply swivel the lid to reach in and scoop one-handed.
Speaking of scooping, Modkat includes an ergonomic hanging scoop to clean out the mess. And the reusable tarp liner lets you lift out and dump litter. Just rinse it off, let it dry, and put it back in the box to refill.
Of course, a big part of the appeal here is the modern design. The modern look of Modkat litter boxes has won awards, and complements any room in your home. I know people who keep their Modkats on display as part of the decor. They’re just that chic!
Modkat Top-Entry Litter Box Key Features
- Locking swivel lid prevents litter tracking
- Reusable liner is rip-resistant and easy to clean
- Modern design fits in to any decor
Best Scoop Free Litter Box: Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan
Looking for a low-fi self-cleaning litter box? Look no further than this sifting pan design that makes “scooping” the box as easy as lifting it up. Plus, it comes from Arm and Hammer (yup, the baking soda brand), so you know it has excellent odor control.
The Petmate Arm and Hammer sifting litter box is a three-part system including two regular pans and a single sifting pan that separates soiled litter easily. The sifter’s wide holes let clean litter fall through while clumps stay put for you to dump in the trash. And all three parts have antimicrobial protection to prevent odor and extend the life of litter.
Like most sifting litter boxes, this one works best with clumping litter. Thankfully, the durable construction means heavy litter stays put! The Arm & Hammer Sifting Pan is a great choice for cats who prefer open-top litter boxes. It’s comfortable for them, and easy for you to clean, making it a win-win.
Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan Key Features
- Antimicrobial protection that helps prevent the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria
- Two regular pans and single sifting pan provide an efficient way to clean
- Low price point means you can stock up
Best Litter Pan with Door: Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan
If your cat is comfortable going through cat doors or flaps, this jumbo covered litter box might be just the thing to let them potty in privacy while keeping unpleasant odors and sights behind closed doors.
The Catit hooded litter pan has a tall hood that snaps onto a high-walled base, giving your cat lots of room to turn around and do their business. The enclosed design is ideal for containing litter scatter or spray, and the hood lifts up for easy access to cleaning. It even comes with a carbon filter to remove odors.
Some cats don’t like to be enclosed while they use the toilet, but others prefer the kind of privacy a hooded box provides. If your cat likes to be alone while they potty (can you blame them?), the Catit hooded litter pan is an affordable, attractive option.
Catit Jumbo Hooded Litter Pan Key Features:
- Large hood contains mess but lifts off for easy cleaning
- Large size is ideal for bigger cats or multicat households
- Snaps together securely and seals in leaks
Longest-Lasting Litter Box: iPrimio Ultimate Stainless Steel Litter Box
Most litter boxes are made from heavy-duty plastic, and eventually end up stained and stinky. This stainless steel litter box never stains, and is easy to fully clean and sanitize. Sure, it’s a bit pricier than typical options, but it will last a lifetime beyond them.
What’s so great about a stainless litter box? Consider how easy it is to clean. Stainless steel doesn’t absorb odor, won’t collect residue, and will never rust. Simply scoop the box as usual, and when it’s time for a deep-clean, empty it out and wash it with cleanser and hot water.
This stainless steel litter box has rounded edges, meaning there are no sharp sides or tough angles to clean up. And the rubber feet on the bottom of the box help it stay in place on any surface, including slippery linoleum floors. It may look a bit more severe than colorful plastic litter boxes, but it will outlast them. And hey, stainless steel is a bold design choice that might fit in perfectly with your industrial home design!
Stainless Steel Litter Box Key Features:
- Rust-free, long-lasting stainless steel will last forever
- Easy to clean, and won’t absorb odors or stains
- Extra large pan gives cats plenty of room to do their business
Best Furniture-Style Litter Box: ecoFlex Litter Loo
Is it an end table? Is it a litter box? It’s both! The EcoFlex Litter Loo cleverly disguises a litter box as a piece of furniture, making it a multi-tasker that will please your company as well as your cat. Use it in the living room next to the couch, as a bedside table, or as a plant stand in the bathroom.
The Litter Loo is made from eco-conscious material, with a wide opening that lets your cat easily climb in and out, and a fold-down front door makes it easy to clean. While the base is completely sealed to contain messes and smells, the top vents give your cat plenty of air while they do their business.
Note: the LitterLoo is more like a litter box hider than a litter box itself; you will need to purchase a separate box to fit inside. Be sure to double-check measurements and select a litter box that will fit fully inside. It can even accomodate an electronic self-cleaning box, and has a cord protector to hide cords.
ecoFlex Litter Loo Key Features
- Easy, no-tools assembly
- Flip down front door makes clean up easy
- Resistant to moisture, warping, cracking, and splitting
Everyone appreciates a clean, comfortable bathroom—even your cat. Taking your cat’s size and mobility into consideration, one of these litter boxes should suit their needs perfectly.
