A litter box is a necessity if you have a cat. While having cats as companions at home is an exciting experience, no one wants to be cleaning up after them everywhere in the house. If you have a litter box, you can designate a specific place for your cat to relieve itself. Say goodbye to messy cleanups and nasty smells at home!
No litter box is the same, and there are several points to consider before purchasing one for your furry friend. In this article, we'll show you the 10 best litter boxes for cats or for kittens on the market right now, whether you want an automatic model, a cat litter box with a sifter, or a closed cat litter box. We've also prepared a buying guide, fact-checked by veterinarian Exequiel F. Brobio, DVM, to help you choose the best one for your cat.
Quick List - Top Cat Litter Boxes
Exequiel F. Brobio, DVM, is an experienced Veterinarian with deep, practical experience in animal health and medicine. He provides customer technical support for animal health products and services, including pet and other animal healthcare-related products for veterinarians.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Animals have biological instincts instilled in them through their DNA. These instinctual behaviors exist even with your domesticated cat. Their ancestors used to live in the wild and have passed on these behaviors, which helped them survive. One example is their need to bury their excretions.
To avoid predators, cats have to cover their tracks to avoid alerting them. As the more intelligent cats realized, covering their waste led to higher chances of surviving. It helps mask their scent, making it hard for predators to track them. Cats chose dirt or sand to hide their scent and facilitate easier burying.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
There are 3 types of litter boxes: open, covered, and self-cleaning. Depending on the temperament of the cat, one type of litter box would work well for some but not for others. Some types of litter boxes also work well if you have multiple cats in your household. Let’s see which scenarios work best for each type.
If you don't have much space inside your home and have multiple cats, an open litter box works wonderfully. They take up little space and are a breeze to clean. An open litter box also makes it easier for cats to see if it is safe to do their business, as they can see who is currently using the litter box.
The downside is that odors are much stronger and more noticeable with the open design, particularly those with an open top. If you have kids and pet dogs, it will be hard to stop them from taking notice of the box, too, as there are no barriers in it. If you’re getting one, consider one with a taller height, including a mat to catch the litter.
No matter what type of litter box you get, you should be prepared for the work that it takes to clean and maintain a litter box. It is a must that you clean it frequently to prevent the buildup of moisture and ammonia.
A covered litter box provides better containment for the litter and does a great job of keeping unpleasant odors from wafting out and polluting the air. If you are particular about keeping litter and unpleasant odor under control, it's best to go with this type. Remember to choose one with ventilation to avoid concentrating the odors in the box and to make it easier to clean.
Also, the containment of a closed litter box may appeal to some cats. It offers more privacy, which makes them more comfortable to do their business. However, let them test it out first since not all cats prefer the seclusion that a covered litter box offers.
Covered litter boxes are ideal for larger households with 2 or more cats.
It goes without saying that a litter box should fit a cat comfortably with enough room for it to walk in and out of the box. A good rule of thumb is that it should be at least as long as your cat, from its nose to the tip of its tail. Height-wise, you would need to take note of your cat's habits and mobility issues.
For cats that excrete waste normally, the best litter box height for them is typically around 5-7 inches. These are for cats that don’t make a mess with their litter and just do their business and bury them after.
Getting the right height will make sure that your cat will have privacy when doing their business. It also prevents cats from being distracted by their surroundings.
For cats that kick up litter or spray around as they pee, you'll want the sides to be tall enough to minimize the mess they'll make. Find a litter box with sides that are tall enough, around 8-12 inches, to prevent pee, poop, or litter from hitting your floor. It should also have a lower entry or exit side of around 5-6 inches to make getting in and out of the litter box easy.
Spraying and kicking are usually observed in male cats. Getting a litter box with a taller height will also help prevent odors in the surrounding areas of the cat litter.
Kittens or aging cats aren’t as mobile as those in their prime, so they will definitely need a litter box with one side that is much lower than the usual height. A wall height of about 2.5-3.5 inches is good as a manageable entry or exit point while also being able to keep the litter inside the box.
This type of cat litter is best recommended for geriatric cats, as well as cats that have undergone leg surgeries.
When choosing a litter box, it is, of course, best to go with those made of materials that are lightweight and easy to clean. Plastic is usually the go-to material because it is fairly durable and a breeze to wash and wipe. If you prefer a more eco-friendly option, you can look into other types of materials that have been re-engineered to look and feel like plastic, such as bamboo.
You could also go for other kinds like metal, ceramic, and glass. The main advantage of these materials is that they do not absorb odor. However, they are also heavier and more expensive. Ceramic and glass are also more fragile to use.
Remember that if you choose a cat litter box material that's easy to clean, it will also save you time—perfect for those who have a busy schedule. Always make sure to use the appropriate kind of detergent and soap when cleaning!
If your kitty is always alone at home, investing in a self-cleaning litter box would make it easier for you. This type typically has sensors that detect usage, and it usually comes with automated sifters that separate waste from litter and store it in another receptacle for your disposal. All you would need to do then is take out your pet's waste at your convenience!
Some important things to note are that some self-cleaning litter boxes need a special litter which can be expensive. It also costs more due to the mechanical components included. And because the waste is disposed of automatically, it may also rob you of the opportunity to check your cat’s pee and poop for any changes as an indicator of its health.
Deep cleaning is needed once in a while, as some cats reject a litter box that has strong odors. With the included mechanical components, some cats may get startled as well. It might take time before they get used to it and become fully comfortable with the notion of using this type of litter box.
This type is best for those who don't want to spend time cleaning the litter box, but keep in mind that self-cleaning litter boxes would also be more expensive than traditional ones!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Petkit Pura X | ![]() | The Ultimate Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Busy Pet Parents | |
2 | Catit SmartSift Cat Litter Box | ![]() | An Easy-to-Clean Litter Box for Your Family of Cats | |
3 | Automatic Litter Box | ![]() | Connects With a Smart App for Intelligent Operation and Sterilization | |
4 | PETHOME Foldable Cat Litter Box|With Scoop | ![]() | A Semi-Closed Litter Box for Large Cats | |
5 | Large Cat Litter Box|With Scoop | ![]() | A Bang-for-Your-Buck Litter Box With a Roomy Design | |
6 | PETJC Automatic Closed Cat Litter Box | ![]() | An Automatic Litter Box That's Easy to Assemble and Clean | |
7 | Anti-Spill Cat Toilet With Scoop | ![]() | Keep Your Home Pristine With This Anti-Spill Model | |
8 | Wikidog Cat Litter Box |With Scoop | ![]() | A Fun and Quirky Cat Litter Box for Your Energetic Pet | |
9 | Kitten Litter Box |With Scoop | ![]() | The Best Litter Box to Help Potty Train Your Kitten | |
10 | High Quality Cat Litter Box |With Scoop | ![]() | A Low-Height Litter Pan for Cats With Impaired Mobility |
No other litter box comes close to the Petkit Pura when it comes to responsiveness and convenience. It has redefined cat litter boxes with its 12 smart sensors with different functions, such as auto-cleaning, odor removal, accident protection, and more!
Cat parents who are often out of the house will appreciate its connectivity with the Petkit app that lets them monitor their cats and operate the machine through remote control. You can get real-time "cat business" reports and take advantage of its two modesーauto-cleaning and scheduled cleaningーwherever you are.
This litter box is compatible with different types of cat litter, so usage isn't as expensive as you'd expect. While it's definitely pricier than other types of litter boxes, its thoughtful design and the hundreds of good reviews it has earned should assure you that you're getting the best for your fur baby!
Having a lot of cats makes it hard to clean up their mess, but you won't have that problem with this closed cat litter box with an automatic sifting mechanism. The sealed design ensures that each cat gets privacy, and at the same time, it helps minimize tracking litter out of the box.
This is a great choice for cat parents who would like a non-motorized option that does the bulk of the cleaning job for them. All you need to do is to pull the lever on the side, and the clean litter will be separated from the clumped litter. You won't have to worry about scooping as well as replacing expensive parts with this one!
Self-cleaning litter boxes are a luxury item, but if you don't mind the steep price tag, they will reward you with ease of use. By connecting it with an app, you can activate many helpful features that make both your and your cat's lives easier. One example of this is an intelligent sterilization feature that you won't find easily in other litter boxes.
The box is powered electrically, performing the cleaning, dumping, and storing of waste for you. It also detects when the cat has left by performing its necessary functions, ensuring a clean litter every time your pet comes back.
This litter box with a futuristic design has an adequate entry and exit point, providing a semi-enclosed environment with just the right balance of freedom and privacy for your fur baby's comfort. Getting this will make your cat's waste disposal a stress-free experience!
This foldable semi-closed litter box is something every cat owner should have. It is spacious and able to fit small to large cats inside. The door fits one cat, giving your cat a territory it can call its own. You can also opt to remove the hood, in case your cat prefers the open air. The drawer design also makes for more convenient cleanup.
Perhaps the best thing about this litter box is that it's foldable, a perfect companion for those times when you need to travel and would like to bring your cat with you. That way, you can still provide it with a familiar place for relieving itself even when you're away from home.
This budget-friendly litter box offers great value with its spacious design. The sides are high enough, amounting to more than 8 inches of clearance, to prevent litter and waste from spilling out, saving you precious time and effort for cleaning. If your cat is a sprayer or digger, this box will protect your home from any unnecessary mess.
One sidewall is lower to give your cat a good entry and exit point. The pan also has ample depth to level your litter depending on your cat's habits. And because the size is roomy, it's good for sharing between two cats. It also comes with a slotted shovel for easy cleanups.
Privacy is something cats value. This closed litter box is the manifestation of that understanding and addresses cats' need for seclusion in order to poop and urinate in peace. Not only that, but it also allows busy pet parents to incorporate cleanups seamlessly in their daily lives through its auto-cleanup feature that activates 60 seconds after their cat goes to the toilet.
It also has an intelligent detection sensor that beeps to tell you when the litter storage drawer is full and needs to be taken out. The door itself is also touch sensor-activated; it has multiple monitors in place to keep your cat from getting stuck.
The well itself is deep and able to accommodate up to 6 kg of cat litter. Because of this depth, though, keep in mind that this litter box is suitable only for adult cats with no mobility issues.
If you've got a frisky cat, you might want to check out this open litter box that will make your life much easier. It is designed with the goal of preventing litter spills while offering a large space for your cat to move around in.
While minimalist in design, it has a baffle bayonet frame that wraps around the body like a shield to prevent splashing when sanding. It also has a litter pedal at the front that acts as a filter for your cat's paws and keeps it free of litter as it steps out of the box. With these two useful features, it's clear that this litter box is a great choice for cats who are sprayers and kickers.
With its unique cat-shaped top, this litter box is sure to catch your fur baby's attention. Aside from its cute design, the hood is curved inwards to prevent any waste from splashing out while your cat does its business.
The size of this litter box offers ample space for 2 cats to use. The litter pan is deep and able to satisfy a digger if your cat is one. It comes with a shovel for easy cleanups, and the box itself is made of thick and durable plastic.
If you have a newly acquired kitten, it is imperative to have it potty-trained. Not only does it save you from having to clean up often around the house, but it also helps your kitten build good habits at an early age.
The dimensions are perfect for a small cat, with the sidewall only reaching less than 6 inches. This makes it easier for the kitten to go in and out of the box. It also has an open design that helps the kitten see you, giving it confidence and reinforcement that it is safe as it does its business.
The lid also has mesh-type slits that facilitate better waste sifting as the cat enters and exits the litter. The included scooper also helps in this regard. Truly, this is the best litter box for newborns or very small cats.
As cats age, their mobility decreases. If they are having a hard time with their old litter box, changing into this one will not only help your cat relieve itself better, but its joints will thank you as well. With a height of only 4 inches, this pan is easier for small cats and old cats alike to get in and out of.
The depth of the pan is sufficient enough to take litter. However, if you have an active cat, the low hood will likely not be able to prevent tracking, and you might end up with a messier area than you'd have with a tall litter box. It does come with a handy scooper to help make cleanups easier, and the high-quality plastic material of the box is easy to clean as well.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Exequiel Brobio, DVM.
The first thing to do is to take your cat to the vet to rule out medical conditions. Other than that, you should inspect other possible causes. Your cat might not like its location or the type of litter used. They might also have an aversion if the litter box is too small or enclosed. Once you've figured out the cause, you can then address it and change what needs to be changed.
To help steer your cat back to using the box, you could experiment with different locations by setting up more litter boxes in the house that are easy to access. Discourage your cat from peeing or pooping in certain areas by blocking those areas off or covering them with foil or plastic wrap.
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Author: Richard Martin
Re-editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Petkit |Pura X
No. 2: Catit|SmartSift Cat Litter Box
No. 3: |Automatic Litter Box
No. 4: PETHOME|Foldable Cat Litter Box|With Scoop
No. 5: |Large Cat Litter Box|With Scoop
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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