Many of us love to have cats as pets. However, being a cat owner goes beyond playing with these cute creatures with an attitude. It comes with a lot of responsibility from their vaccinations to feeding them and taking care of their overall well being.
Cat litter is another big aspect of owing a cat. However, with the right knowledge and tools like the best cat litter box, the tough job can become easier.
In this buyer’s guide, we will provide you with information you need to know before you purchase one for your feline companion. From why you need one, features to look for, various types, and the quality of the litter box, there are many things to consider when it comes to cat accessories.
SHOW ME THE TOP 20 CAT LITTER BOXES NOWSince there are a number of aspects, this guide about choosing the best cat litter boxes will make your job easier. Let us start with the simplest and most fundamental questions first.
Why Do Cats Litter?
If you are a cat owner, you must be aware of your cat littering all over the house. But, many cat owners do not know why a cat litters. This is an annoying habit of cats, and it can be quite frustrating for an owner to keep on cleaning after the cat has littered around.
But, if you are a cat owner, then you should accept this behavior of your cat and find ways to ease things out.
This is a normal behavior of a cat but is problematic for her owner. It is tough to live in a place that is mostly littered by cat. The domestic cats are the descend from wild cats who tend to cover their waste by sand or mud.
Thus the domestic cats also inherit this habit. Many cats even dig the litter as a part of testing it. Many times, they go to the extent of checking the texture and where the litter should go.
When a cat litters, they do that with the back legs. Many experts have determined this behavior of cats as marking behavior. They have a standard final kicking behavior when they are covering their poop.
But, if you notice them kicking like crazy from the very beginning, then this can be a sign of the cat trying to mark his or her territory.
They mark the area with scent. How strongly your cat kicks also depend on her age. If your cat is old or sick she will kick less or with less force. But, when it comes to the kitten, it is fun to dig and continue doing that.
Many a times, kittens pick up this habit from their mother. If a kitten has seen his/her mother digging, then there is a greater probability of picking this habit. But, if the kittens were too young when they lost their mother and missed the chance of seeing her dig, then they might not inherit the skill.
Irrespective of everything, having the best litter box for cats is the ideal way to maintain hygiene of your home and cat.
What Is A Cat Litter Box?
Litter boxes are the new age pet accessory which is used for the collection of urine or faeces of cats or other small pets like rabbits, small dogs, miniature pigs and ferrets. This box is also known as a litter tray, cat pan, and sandbox.
There are many types of litter boxes like open litter pans, hooded litter boxes, top entry litter boxes, self-cleaning litter boxes, and disposable litter boxes. These are a must buy for those who have cats.
It is a common practice in cats to cover their poop with sand and mud, which is easy for them to burry. They use their back legs for this job. To give cats the freedom to bury their litter, the bottom of litter boxes are covered with 2 inches of cat litter. The measurement may vary.
Several litter boxes come with fillers laden with ammonia, which work as the best absorbing material. Many litter boxes include baking soda, which is best known for absorbing the odor of the litter. If you have bought a litter box whose filler does not contain baking soda, then you can sprinkle some.
The fillers can also be replaced by clay. You can also use natural dirt. Natural dirt is known to stimulate the instinct of the cat. Getting a litter box can reduce the mess the cat makes around your house and reduce your work. Not only that many cats love using their litter boxes because of the filler.
Factors To Look Before Buying The Best Cat Litter Boxes
Most cats love to kick their litter here and there, some start back kicking the litter, this can result in a big mess, and to avoid this you must get a litter box. Buying the right litter box can reduce your job and improve your feline’s life.
When you need to buy a litter box for your cat, then you must keep in mind several factors. Your cat will let you know by their behavior if they like the litter box or not.
1. Types of Cat Litter Boxes
There are several types of litter boxes for cats. Some common ones you will find are:
- Oval Hooded: This has high sides and is non stick on the inside.
- Hidden Box: This is designed like a usual furniture item with a litter box hidden inside.
- Top Entry: These are easy to access by cats and easy to clean too.
- Disposable: These you can make yourself too using cardboard and recycled and biodegradable papers.
- Self cleaning: These are automatic, time-saving and expensive.
2. Automatic Self Cleaning Litter Boxes
You will find many automatic cat litter boxes out there. With these, you won’t need to scoop litter boxes daily. Also, they reduce odor and also useful if you have multiple cats.
You can go away on trips without worrying about cat litter cleaning. The best thing is the cats enjoy using them once they get accustomed to it. Though these are expensive but will prove useful in the long run once your cat gets used to it.
3. Size Of The Litter Box
It is the most necessary thing you must consider before getting a litter box for your cat. It is not easy for your cat to use a quarter size litter box. You need to be sure of the fact that the box is large enough for your cat to fit inside comfortably without bending much.
There should be plenty of space inside for your cat to move a bit and dig with ease. There also should be enough space for them to avoid deposits they have left earlier.
If you are unsure about the size of the litter box, then go by the thumb rule that the size of the litter box should be one and half time of the length of the cat, or just choose a bigger size. This means from their nose to the tail tip.
If your cat does not kick the deposit, then you can go for walls that are 5 to 7 inches high. If your cat is known to kick the litter a lot, then it is better to go for a litter box that is tall enough around 8 to 12 inches. But it also must have a lower exit that is good for secure entrance and exit.
4. Uncovered Or Covered
You have two choices when it comes to litter box, one is the open one and the second is the closed one. There is no definitive choice for this. This mostly depends on the preference of the cat.
Some cats like it covered, and some like it uncovered. You can make your cat make a choice here. Your cat will start giving you a hint on which one it likes.
In case you have already made your mind up to go for the covered one, check that the opening is not too small, and it is easy to get out of the box. In case your cat has any symptoms of arthritis or asthma, then go for the open box.
5. Other Pointers
- It is essential to get a litter box that has a lower entrance. This will help them quickly exit and enter.
- It is better to get a plastic litter box. These are durable and easier to clean.
- If your cat tends to kick the litter out of the box, then go for a higher wall litter box.
- Buy a new litter box every year as a rule.
These factors quickly help you to buy the best cat litter box.
Know About Cat’s Litter Box Filler
After buying a litter box, you also need to buy cat litter box filler that is put in the litter box to satisfy the cat’s instinct to hide their scent and bury their poop. You can choose from a wide range of cat litters like clay, coconut husks, wood, walnut, gel crystals, and recycle paper pellets, silica, and much more.
- Corn: The corn made litter is known to absorb odor quickly. The best part is that it is dust-free and is biodegradable. This litter box is earth-conscious. It can be counted as the best cat litter for odor.
- Clumping Clay: This is the basic cat litter found in a cat litter box. It is hard and is non-biodegradable. This can cause severe issues if anyone in your family has respiratory problems.
- Coconut-husk: It is dust-free, earth-conscious, biodegradable and made of renewable resources. It can be scooped and recycled in the garden.
- Wood: It is usually pine-wood, does not lump and is biodegradable, dust-free, and environmentally safe and can be easily disposed of.
- Silicia or gel crystals: It is a natural mineral, and your cat can use it for over a month. The silica gel crystal absorbs the moisture and becomes dry.
- Recycled newspaper: It is made from recycled paper and is thus environment-friendly. It is known to absorb urine. It is not known to lump and works excellent with deodorizers and additives.
- More options: More biodegradable options you can consider are corn, wheat, sawdust, barley, wal nuts and even dry orange peel.
Top 20 Best Cat Litter Boxes Of 2020
1. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan
This can be the best choice for you and your cat if you are looking to give some privacy to your cat. It is easily accessible, the large hood opens up, and it makes it far easier for you to clean.
It is made of BPA-free material, making it safe for use. Besides this litter box comes with carbon filter ensuring that there is no odor.
The door of the litter opens up to 10.4” and a width of 9.6 “, giving enough space for the cat to move in and out. The dimension is 22.4″L x 18.3″H x 17″W when it is completely assembled. This can be a natural choice if you are looking for a cat litter box under $25. It is considered as one of the best litter boxes for large cats.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!2. Purina Tidy Cats Litter Box System
It is the product if you are looking for an all-in-one best cat box. Being an open litter box, it is easy to clean and maintain. It comes with BREEZE System Starter Kit Litter Box, Litter Pellets & Pads. The litter fillers are ammonia blocker.
The filler is guaranteed to prevent the odor of ammonia for as long as seven days. This can be enough for 1 cat. The litter pads provided offer a mess-free.
The fillers have anti-tracking pellets that help you minimize the waste. The litter pads are filtering and can be easily removed. This is a perfect buy if you are looking for a litter box under $ 25.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!3. Petmate Litter Pan
If you are looking for a top entry litter box, then this can be your perfect choice. This litter box comes with high walls ensuring the privacy and comfort of cats. Besides, the grated cover traps the waste from the cat’s paw making the floor dust-free. This is the best litter box for large cats.
The high walls are perfect for a cat that has a frequent kicking habit. This is extremely easy to clean after your cat is done digging the deposit. This easily comes under one of the best cat litter boxes under $ 20. This is available in multiple colors.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!4. Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box
If you want some unconventional looking cat litter box, then you can opt for this dome-shaped litter box. This guarantees the privacy of your cat and ensures the floor to be litter-free. The grated steps ensure your cat’s paw is free from dirt before it leaves the litter box.
The litter box dome has charcoal filters that guarantee an odor-free environment. This can be the best litter box for multiple cats. It is extremely easy to clean up.
This product is the best buy if you are looking to buy a litter box under $ 35. Petmate is a renowned company that you can easily rely upon. This is a highly rated Amazon’s choice product.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!5. Claypot Design Hidden Cat Litter Box By Good Pet Stuff
If you are looking for an aesthetically appealing litter box, then this litter box is a good choice. Designed like a clay pot, this litter box comes with a plant at the top.
This litter box is made of polypropylene, which is highly durable. This can be the best buy under $ 50. The filtered vented system works as a pleasant odor and dust controller.
This is the best litter box for a large cat. It is only available in brown color. It is almost 42 inches high and has a one year guarantee. It is a 5-star rated product by hundreds of customers on Amazon.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!6. Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Cat Litter Scoop
This one here is a covered litter box with high walls. It is available in six colors and two sizes. This is sure to give your cat complete privacy. Made from BPA free material, this is safe for your feline pet, and round corners make it easy to clean.
This can be the best cat litter box under $20. This has got excellent reviews from the users. It can be a good buy and affordable too.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!7. PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Get a hassle-free help to clean up the faeces of your cat with this automatic self-cleaning cat litter box with crystal litter. It automatically removes the cat poop.
You will not require to scoop, refill or clean your cat’s litter box. Because of the silicon litter filler, it is counted as one the best cat litter box for odor control. The low tracking ensures a 99 per cent litter-free floor.
It has disposable trays that help avoid leaking. It is easy to clean. Since its automatic, it is the
best litter box for multiple cats owner. If your budget is around $140, then this can be the right choice.
8. PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Automatic Self Cleaning Hooded Cat Litter Box
If you don’t want to get bothered every time your cat poops, then this automatic hooded cat litter box is a good choice for you. It comes with superb odor-controlling fillers make it a good choice for cat owners.
The zero tracking crystals guarantees you no-mess floor. It has a motion sensor that keeps track of the health of your cat, by following the track of how many times your cat visits the litter box. It has got great reviews from many users and is a great choicebest cat litter box for multiple cats.If your budget is $ 150.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!9. PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Tray Refills
If you are looking for gel crystal or silicon filler litter, then this is the best choice for you. It has one of the best odor controls because of silicon crystals. The crystals can quickly absorb urine and dehydrates the solid waste ensuring that there is no musty smell.
The plastic tray lining ensures you a 99 per cent less mess. You will not require scooping the tray. You can simply throw the waste away. It is available three crystal variation. It is a good litter box under $ 50.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!10. Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Cat Litter Scoop
Looking for an easy to use and clean cat litter box, then this top entry litter box is a good choice for you. The round shape of the box makes it easy to clean. Moreover, the top opening of 9.25” makes it easy for the cat to move in and out.
The upper lid is perforated, ensuring cleaning off the cat’s paw while moving out. The scoop comes with a rounded shape, which makes it easy to use it. This is a great choice if you are looking for a cat litter box under $20. It is available in four colors variants.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!11. Nature’s Miracle Oval Hooded Flip Top Litter Box w Odor Control
If you are looking for something beyond the traditional round, rectangular and square-shaped litter box then go for this one. This is an oval-shaped litter box with a hooded flip top. The fillers of this litter box immediately neutralizes the odor. The neutralizers can absorb odor for three months.
The easy to use snaps flip and latches top opening makes it easy to clean the litter box. The enclosed hood helps to avoid litter on the floor. It is available in two colors. If you are looking for a good cat litter box under $ 15, then this is the best for you.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!12. AmazonBasics Hooded Cat Litter Box
This simplistically designed cat litter box comes with a snap-on hood. If you are trying to avoid fancy and advanced cat litter boxes, then this can be the right choice for you.
The snap-on hood gives extra privacy to your cat. It also lets the litter stay inside. It has a plastic swinging door that makes it easy for your cat to enter and exit. It is made of polypropylene plastic.
This helps the box remain odor-free and makes it easy to clean. The litter has carbon filters that absorb the odors. It has a top handle that makes it easy to carry around.
It is 20.6” L by 15.6” W by 15” H inches. The opening measure of the door is 7.5”. It comes under $ 20 and has a one year warranty.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!13. Pet Mate Large Sifting Litter Pan
This is a sifting litter box. It has two regular pans and a sifting pan that allows you to clean the litter off your cat easily. You will not have to scoop the waste. You will just need to lift the sifter pan to provide an efficient way to clean your litter box.
The bottom is made to hold heavier things. It comes with antimicrobial fillers, which ensures that there is no odor causing bacteria. You can easily clean it up with the help of any scoop. You can rely upon the brand without any hesitation. It is known as one of the best litter boxes for a large cat with over 2000 reviews and 62% 5-star rating on Amazon. Priced around $ 15, it is absolutely affordable too.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!14. ecoFlex Litter Loo & Litter Box End Table
This is a functional litter box that looks and functions as an end table too. It is available in two different sizes – jumbo and standard. It is made by ecoFLEX. This litter loo does not absorb any moisture. You can simply wipe away if your pet makes it messy.
You can also use it as a functional end table and keep your necessaries on the top. It is resistant to cracking, splitting, and warping. It is effortless to clean and looks great too.
The square-shaped door of 7.9” makes it easy for the cat to move in and out. It is a great buy if you are looking for a litter box under $100. This is a highly-rated Amazons Choice product.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!15. Van Ness Sifting Enclosed Cat Litter Pan
If you are looking for an enclosed and better litter scoop low maintenance and that too with odor control technology, then this is the best for you.
The odor control technology of this littr box is outstanding. It has a zeolite air filter that can be easily replaced. It has an odor door that makes it the best cat litter box for odor control.
It is available in two sizes – large and extra-giant. It has a high polished finish and is stain and odor resistant. It can be easily cleaned. It is one of the cheapest cat litter boxes available in the market. If your budget is under $ 20, then this can be the best choice.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!16. Cat Washroom Bench
This can be a separate washroom just for your cat. It is available in two colors. This aesthetically pleasing bench can be easily placed in the washroom or in the living room.
The unique design ensures that it provides ample space for storage of litter boxes. It hides every mess and keeps your floor litter-free. It has two doors in the front, and on the sides, it has an opening for easy entry and exit of your cat.
It is not a litter box but a cupboard type box which has a partition wall that keeps the litter separated. It has extra space for your cat. It minimizes odor from the litter of the cat. It is available at an affordable price.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!17. Catit Cat Litter Pan
It is an uncovered litter pan and makes it easy for your cat to get in and out. Though it is uncovered, the rim makes it sure that the litter does not go out of the pan.
It also makes sure that the litter does not spill out. It is made of a material that resists sticking of litter on the side of the pan. Thus, it becomes far more comfortable for you to clean. This can easily count as the best cat litter box. For less than $ 20, then this is the best choice for you.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!18. PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Tray Refills
If you are looking for the best tray refill for your cat’s litter box, then this is the best choice for you. The litter filler is made of silicon crystals, which are quick absorbing. Even when you are cleaning the tray, you really would not have to touch or smell any waste.
The zero tracking crystal makes it sure that no litter particle sticks to the paw of your cat. It is extremely easy to use and clean this tray. It comes in three styles lavender, original and sensitive.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!19. Catit Hooded Cat Litter Pan
This litter pan is a great choice for those who are looking for easy to use litter pan. It is available in color grey and comes in two sizes. It is hooded and thus provides privacy to your cat and also contains the litter inside the pan.
It has a plastic door, and therefore it is easy for your cat to get in and out of the box. Its built-in bag makes it easy to scoop.
This is known as the best litter box for two cats. It comes with a free pouch of Magic Blue Litter Box Filter. If you are looking for an affordable cat litter box under $ 30, then get this one. It has got great reviews from many buyers on Amazon.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!20. Extra Giant Enclosed Cat Pan by Van Ness
Looking for a budgeted litter pan, then lay your bet on this product. Theodor control of this product is unbeatable, making it the best cat litter box for odor.
It is designed in such a way that it encloses the litter inside it and does not let it spill and scatter on the floor. It has a replaceable zeolite air filter.
This is one of the best cat litter boxes for multiple cats. It works best when you have large cats in your house. It is odor and stain-resistant. It is effortless to clean.
It has a plastic tie that secures the bottom and the top. You just need to cut off the tie and undue the clips that are on the side of the pan and the bottom will easily fall out.
It has got great reviews from most of its users. If your budget is under 15 dollars, and you are looking for the best cat litter box for odor control, then get this for your cat.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE ON AMAZON!How Can You Stop Your Cat From Littering Around?
No matter how advanced and big the litter box is, you cannot stop your cat from littering on the floor completely. But there are few things that you can keep in mind to reduce your cat’s habit of littering around.
1. You can get your cat a bigger box; the bigger the box, the more space your cats get to litter in, and thus, your floors remain safe from any kind of mess.
2. Buying an attractive litter box would make them use the box happily whenever they need to.
3. Provide more litter filler; if the filler supplied in the box falls short for your feline friend to cover the waste, then there is a chance that he or she will litter on the floor. So, provide more filler to avoid such a scenario.
4. The higher the sides of the box, the safer your floor is from cat litter.
5. You will need to clean the box more frequently. Cats do not like to use dirty boxes.
6. Most importantly, place the litter box in low-traffic and less noisy places away from food bowls. Don’t place them behind doors or cabinets, basements, shower stalls or garages.
Litter boxes are ideal for indoor cats to defecate and urinate, and they make your life easier as a cat owner. However, it can be a bit confusing to choose from the number of options out there, but with good knowledge about the litter boxes and the features to look for, you will be on the right track.
With the help of this guide you now know what is the best cat litter box for your cat’s needs. Go ahead and make the right purchase!
