Best Cat Litter Boxes for Your Feline
Clean your cat's commode with ease.
Owning a cat has many perks, but cleaning their litter is not one of them. The best cat litter box should offer a perfect balance of no-fuss cleaning for you and comfortability for your four-legged friend. Read on for our picks of the best cat litter boxes available.
Best Cat Litter Boxes: Types
Litter boxes should be suitably sized for your cat, placed in an appealing location, and cleaned regularly.
Tip!
The ideally proportioned litter box should measure 1 1/2x the length of your cat from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail.
Standard: A standard cat litter box usually consists of a wide, open bin that your cat can easily climb in and out of. These litter boxes are not disguised as anything other than what they are, and they occasionally come with a lid to cover the base. Some cats prefer the easy escape route an open litter box provides. Without the confinement of an enclosure, your cat will be able to look around while vulnerable, thus offering them a greater sense of safety.
Enclosed: If you don't like to look at litter boxes, a litter box enclosure will do the job. A litter box enclosure hides the litter box completely to appear as a stylish and more appealing addition to your household. This includes a variety of styles and designs, ranging anywhere from a modern cabinet to an eccentric cat house. Enclosures sometimes offer additional features like extra storage space or even seating.
Furniture Style: Furniture-style litter boxes store your cat's litter box away in a piece of faux furniture. Not only is this the best cat litter box to look at, but the often flat-topped surface offers a space to store items or display decor. This type of litter box functions as a receptacle which is empty inside to allow for the traditional litter box to be inserted. On the exterior, they resemble cabinets, benches, end tables, and more. There are normally two access points: a front door through which the litter box can be inserted and removed and a smaller hole which the cat climbs through when needed. This style of litter box is also good for containing smells, though you do need to remember to clean it regularly.
Self-Cleaning: What if the litter box could clean itself? If you are away from home frequently or prefer not to handle your cat's waste directly, consider investing in a self-cleaning litter box. Each system works differently but with the same automatic raking, sifting, or flushing system which sifts the waste into a lined container. Your contact with the litter will be reduced to a minimum as you will only need to dispose of the filled bag as frequently as you choose.
Odor Control: Cat urine contains toxins which give off a strong scent that tends to linger. For this reason, you will want to invest in an odor-controlling litter box that eliminates or reduces the smell. These litter boxes can reduce odor in a number of different ways. Some boxes come with a replaceable odor-absorbing filter which eliminates smells. Some enclosed boxes come with odor-control crystals which offer better clumping and are pushed into a covered compartment where the scents are contained. Finally, some litter boxes are enclosed or have higher sides that offer odor control by keeping all litter and urine within the box, thus lowering the chance for scents to escape. Odor-control litter boxes are great for smaller living spaces.
Appropriate for Large Cats: The best cat litter box should allow enough room for your cat to turn around and squat so they can comfortably relieve themselves. If your cat is larger in size, a bigger litter box may be the best option to ensure they aren't too cramped. Before investing in a bigger litter box, be sure that your cat can easily get in and out to ensure that they use it time and time again. As far as litter boxes go, bigger is better as long as your cat can comfortably use it!
The best cat litter box should be both durable and affordable. Choose from a number of materials to best suit your needs and budget.
Plastic: For the most cost-effective and easiest-to-clean option, select a plastic litter box. The lightness of plastic also means that this type of litter box is easy to lift. Changing your cat's litter regularly will help to prolong the life of a plastic litter box.
Wood: Natural wood comes from trees and is sturdy and durable though a little more costly. It offers a rustic look and brings warmth to a room while still functioning as a litter box. Do remember that natural wood is absorbent and tough to clean, so be sure to protect it as best you can.
Manufactured Wood: Manufactured wood consists of a top layer of real wood (usually known as a veneer) coated in melamine to prevent scratching and staining. Beneath this is a pressed board made of different pieces of wood combined and pressed together, giving a similar appearance and quality to plywood. Manufactured wood offers a certain level of water resistance, making cleanup easy while providing the aesthetic of natural wood.
Metal: Metal litter boxes do not harbor mold or bacteria and are extremely easy to clean. These boxes are more durable and will not need to be replaced every year as others would. Metal litter boxes are also eco-friendly, as they can be recycled. Though a metal litter box may cost more upfront, you will end up saving more in the long run because it will last longer.
Cats use their boxes, but it is humans who need to clean them. This task can be made easier with helpful accessories.
Cat Litter Mat: If your cat is prone to kicking their litter around but prefers an open box, it's a good idea to invest in a cat litter mat. The ridged or treaded material will help to collect any flung debris and remove litter from your cat's paws, preventing them from tracking it through the house. Simply dust off and discard the litter when cleaning. Some litter mats are even machine-washable, allowing you to keep them as fresh as possible. Place the mat directly in front of the litter box's entrance to keep the dirt from scattering around the interior. The mat must be larger than the size of the litter box to be effective.
Scoops: Cat litter should be scooped at least once a day or at least several times a week to keep odors at bay. You will want an easy-to-use and durable tool to do the job. A scoop allows you to remove just the clumped and solid waste while sifting the clean litter instead of discarding it all.
Air Filters/Deodorizers: Reduce the scent of cat litter with air filters or deodorizers. Many enclosed cat litter boxes have a grill for ventilation that an air filter can fit over. If your cat's litter box doesn't have a grill, try a deodorizer. Air deodorizers come in liquid or powder form and need only to be sprayed or distributed over the litter to reduce any scents.
Waste Receptacles: The crystal litter in disposable trays provides odor control by absorbing liquids and dehydrating solids. These waste receptacles can be used for up to 30 days in a single-cat household. The covered trap locks away waste, keeping you from touching, seeing, or smelling the litter when disposing of the tray. Plastic tray lining creates a powerful extra barrier to protect against leakage. Disposable trays can also be used as litter boxes. You will need to either scoop the waste under the waste trap flap or remove it entirely as often as needed. Mixing the litter daily is recommended.
Pan Liners: Plastic pan liners are durable and easy to use. Once the liner is placed over the pan and overhanging on all sides and the litter is added, your cat will be able to use the litter box normally while enjoying the benefits of odor neutralization and cleanliness. Once it is time to change the litter, simply lift the liner, secure it shut, and dispose of it.
To keep it as bacteria- and odor-free as possible, replace your cat's litter box every year. Choose from our wide range to best suit your four-legged friend's needs and preferences.
