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The 17 Types of Cat Litter Boxes and Their Differences (2022)

Make a decision on which path to choose.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing up, I spent most of my life with cats as pets, and boy did I love it.

My mom loved cats and she was big on that, even though she only entertained keeping one cat at a go.

For this reason, our close friends and relatives enjoyed receiving healthy, lovely-looking kittens as gifts.

I must admit, neutering wasn’t in our vocabulary.

 As a result, I naturally grew to love cats. 

Being the youngest in a family of six, it went without saying that it was my primary responsibility to design a litter box and scoop it daily.

While this responsibility wasn’t fun, with time, I developed a high level of understanding of how to take care of cats, their bathroom issues, and their health in general.

 One good look at a cat or its poop, and I could tell that something was wrong.

Felt like a superpower!

A cat is a feline friend that has not only the ability to blend into your family, but also provides you with a level of happiness, calmness, and companionship in this journey of life.

Cats when they are about to eliminate, start by sniffing an area and scratching at the surface with a front paw as if digging a hole.

 She then moves around in circles, squats, and urinates or defecates on the scratched surface.

When the cat is finished, she will stand, turn, smell the soiled area and scratch the litter again in an attempt to bury the deposits.

Some will repeat this sniff and scratch procedure more than once before leaving the site.

The intensity of scratching and digging varies among cats.  Some barely bury their waste while others create a huge mound on top of the waste.

For these reasons, different cats need differently designed litter boxes. 

We will dig much deeper into this later.

These adjustments and considerations are important when choosing the best type of cat litter box for your cat. They determine eventually what you will settle for.

Figuring out which is the best cat litter box to choose can be quite confusing.

Knowing what will best suit your cat’s size, age, health, comfort, home, and taste can be challenging.

Choosing a litter box can get confusing if you’re not sure which one is best for your cat.

That’s why I created this blog with the best types of cat litter boxes you can choose from.

Here, you’ll get my opinion based on years of hands-on experience, on the best cat litter boxes and what makes them great.

Pro tip: Remember that you are choosing the best cat litter box suitable for your cat, not you. It is impossible to train a cat to use a litter box that he finds uncomfortable or annoying.

Factors to consider before selecting the right litter box for your cat:

1.      What does your cat prefer?

Cats can be picky and reject the constant changing of litter box types.

 It’s best to stick with one consistent design unless you are willing to put in the time to retrain your cat.

If a cat values privacy, a covered litter box will be ideal.

If you’re considering an unusually shaped or high-tech box, some cats may accept them, while others find them unacceptable.

2.      How many cats do you own? 

Cats can be territorial and in case you own more than one cat, having an extra tray will be beneficial.

This will make sure they can help themselves with ease without facing any aggression.

A timid cat will then go and poop elsewhere (read on your couch!)

3.      The size of your cat:

The litter box should be large enough to enable your cat to comfortably relieve herself and turn, without stepping outside the box.

 If the cat box is tiny, she may end up using another corner in the house, since she doesn’t want to step on her poop.

Kittens may require a smaller, low-sided box since they are too tiny to climb into a larger high sided cat box.

A shallow tray, something similar to an aluminum baking pan, comes in handy.

This is until the cat is about 12 weeks of age when they can get in and out of a typical litter box.

Once the kitten grows bigger, automatically transitions into a larger one.

When dealing with a larger cat, select a litter box that has enough room for him to urinate and poop in several spots.

They should still have some clean space to stand on.

Ensure that the box is large enough so that your cat’s rear end doesn’t hang over the side when he eliminates.

If you have a bigger-bodied cat, you will automatically select a bigger box that will accommodate your cat.

 This is important when turning around and still finding a good spot to eliminate.

Whatever size you choose for your adult cat, the bottom of the litter box should be deep enough (three to four inches). This will give him enough burying room without spilling the litter outside.

4.      What type of kitty litter boxes?

A covered, self-cleaning or uncovered litter box is ideal for your kitty.

Each has its pros and cons and this is something you want to look into deeply. More on this later.

Understand what is best suited for your unique position.

 Some cats like the privacy and security of a covered litter box.

Others prefer an open box where they can observe everything that’s going on in the area.

You may decide to experiment at first and provide both types to learn which your cat prefers.

I have broken down these types of litter boxes in great detail and the benefits that they carry plus their weaknesses. 

Pro tip: In a multiple-cat household, a covered box may make it easy for an aggressive cat to lie in wait and ambush a timid one as he leaves the box. You may find it hard to believe that your favorite pet is a bully.  Just know that you are blind to a reality that happens so often.

5.      Your cat’s behavior and physical condition:

Is your cat a sprayer, aged, has a physical impairment, or even arthritis?

All these put into consideration will help you determine the height of your litter box.

Sprayers will need a cat box with taller walls.

Kittens and the cat with mobility issues will need a litter box with low entry sides.

6.      The durability of the box material:

The best material for a litter box should be heavy and durable.

This will be easy to clean and will endure the test of time.

 A weak material will break down easily and need to be replaced regularly which can be expensive. 

7.      Consider the age of your cat:

Fat cat resting on gravel

Older cats need a box with lower entry sides.

If your older cat is suddenly “missing” the litter box, try providing one with lower entry and exit sides.

What is the best type of litter box for cats?

1.      The Self-Cleaning Litter Box:

The thought of constant scooping of the cat’s litter boxes can quickly dim your plans of acquiring a cat.

It can be a tedious, repetitive, and gross affair that takes up your time and effort….

And who wants to keep cleaning a smelly kitty box anyway?

Lucky for you, automatic litter boxes are here to solve your biggest problem.

If you’d like to dig deeper, here is a detailed post on the automatic litter box reviews.

>> Read My Full Review Here <<

2.      Covered Litter Boxes:

Hooded litter boxes, also known as closed or covered litter pans, are boxes with a covering or a hood.

This converts the box into a small-looking house, where your cat enters to relieve himself in seclusion and privacy.

Recently, with the advancement in tech, some have odor-absorbing filters in the hood vent. This keeps the air fresh and reduces odors.

The hooded cat box is one of the best litter box options for any cat home.

Follow me as you and I dig deeper into the unique benefits that these covered boxes offer.

>> Read My Full Review Here <<

3.      The Litter Box Furniture:

This litter box cabinet, however, is a game-changer. It is a litter box built into a piece of furniture such as a cabinet or a nightstand.

This forms part of the basic furniture in the house and doesn’t alter anything.

A hidden litter box usually stays hidden in plain sight since it’s inside an enclosure like a cabinet.

This makes it an ideal resting area and comfort zone for your cat.

They provide much more space for your feline friends, unlike a typical standalone litter box.

This is a perfect hiding place since it’s designed to blend in with your living space. It remains unseen by visitors.

Who is this for?

If the unsightly site of a bulky-looking smelly box, is not your cup of coffee, then I’m speaking to you, my friend.

How about you read more of the benefits of the litter box cabinet, if you are not yet convinced.

  >> Read Our Full Review Here <<

4.      Top Entry Litter Boxes: 

Getting home to find litter scattered all over the house, is a messy affair…

 It can frustrate you and tire you with endless sweeping.

The top entry litter box design eliminates these problems flawlessly.

 It keeps litter in, keeps most dogs out, and reduces odors.

It keeps the unsightly view of the litter mess hidden from you and your precious guests.

You can take a quick detour from this home page to read this article here in full.

>> Read Our Full Review Here <<

5.      Disposable Litter Boxes:

What happens when you want to travel and carry your feline friend with you?

You are in the process of moving into a new house or you are in-between places.

How will your cat handle her elimination business during this transition period?

Or even worse, your cat is sick and you don’t want any infection to spread to the other pets? What do you do?

Ordinary litter boxes that your cats use in a day-to-day situation are not the best solution.

They can spread the infection to other pets, they are bulky to transport and are not a good fit for air travel.

This is where a disposable litter box comes in handy.

A good portion of them are crap and the possibility of buying a piece of junk is high.

For this reason, you need to learn which legitimate brands are. Brands that won’t break your bank, while offering you superb service.

Where else can you get genuine reviews of the litter boxes in the marketplace?

Let’s dig deeper.

>> Read Our Full Review Here <<

6.      Dog Proof Litter Boxes:

Do you have a multi-pet household that consists of a cat and a dog for pets?

Did you know that your lovely dog tries to sneak into the cat’s litter box for a “midday snack?”

Gross! I know right. But such is life and the reality that faces you and every household that has a dog and a cat.

The risk of infection from eating cat’s poop is present.

If you don’t address it, you’ll accumulate bills at the veterinarian and even risk losing your dog.

 All manner of gastrointestinal tract issues in your lovely dog can crop up quickly. Helminths such as tapeworms, viruses, and bacteria are a potential threat.

You are in luck though, because there is a solution to combat this problem.

Some litter boxes are designed to prevent dogs from accessing them and making a mess while at them. These are dog-proof litter boxes.

I have carefully and consciously reviewed the top 5 best available options right here on Mr. Litter box.

These boxes are robust and designed as anti-dog litter boxes.

>> Read Our Full Review Here <<

7.      Portable Litter Boxes for Travel:

What happens if you are a frequent traveler and you have to take your cat with you on a journey?

The regular home litter box in most cases is not ideal for the journey and an alternative portable travel litter box is needed.

A portable cat box that can easily fit in your car or even a plane and isn’t a hustle to ferry around.

They come in different shapes and sizes and here I classify them into three categories:

1.      Collapsible litter boxes

2.      Multi-use boxes

3.      Disposable litter box for travel

Read more for a detailed breakdown of the various options available.

 >> Read Our Full Review Here <<

8.      Sifting Litter Boxes:

Sifting litter boxes are a great alternative to traditional litter boxes.

They are designed to help you eliminate the hassle of cleaning the cat box daily.

Sifting litter boxes have a sifter that allows you to scoop out clumps of waste without having to dump out the entire litter pan every time. This can save you time, money, and energy!

The best thing about sifting litter boxes is that they allow you to control how much of your cat’s waste gets recycled back into their litter!

The more waste that gets recycled back into their litter, the less waste ends up in landfills which means that fewer cats have to be euthanized every year due to overcrowding at shelters!

The sifting mechanism does all the work for you!

Some sifting litter boxes even have an odor control feature that eliminates smells from being trapped inside the box.

This is great if you have multiple cats and don’t want them stepping into their waste!

>> Read Our Full Review Here <<

9.    Budget Litter Boxes:

Budget litter boxes are a great way to save money while still having a good option for your cat.

There are many benefits to using a budget litter box. The first and most obvious is the cost savings.

Many people who have multiple cats will spend hundreds of dollars each year on cat boxes, especially if they use premium brands.

In this article, we will talk about budget litter boxes, which are an excellent option if you want something affordable and easy to use.

 >> Read Our Full Review Here <<

10. High Sided Litter Boxes:

High Sided Litter Boxes are the most recent trend in cat litter boxes. They have many benefits over traditional flat-sided litter boxes.

High-sided cat litter boxes are designed to prevent cats from kicking out their waste and urine from the bottom of the box.

The high sides also help keep the litter inside the box and not all over your floor.

If you’re looking for a litter box that will keep your home clean and keep your cat happy, high-sided litter boxes are the way to go.

 >> Read Our Full Review Here <<

11. Litter Boxes for Small Apartments:

If you live in a small apartment and have a cat, then you know how difficult it can be to find a good place for the litter box.

It can be very difficult to hide and even harder to clean up after your cat does his business.

When you live in a small apartment, the last thing you want is to have to deal with a stinky litter box.

Fortunately, there are some great solutions out there that can make it much easier for you to keep your home clean and odor-free.

Litter boxes for small apartments are a great way to keep your cat contained in a small space.

They’re also great for cats who like to go outside, but need a place to do their business when they’re inside.

Read on!

 >> Read Our Full Review Here <<

12. Litter Boxes for Older Cats:

There are many reasons you may want to consider getting a litter box for your older cat.

Litter boxes for older cats are ideal for those who have mobility issues, or who have arthritis or other joint problems.

 They can make it easier for you to keep your cat’s litter box clean, and they may help your cat feel more comfortable in their environment.

Litter boxes for older cats can be a great way to help your kitty keep their litter box area clean and odor-free.

The key is to find one that will work for both you and your cat.

There are a few things you can do to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible when using their litter box.

 >> Read Our Full Review Here <<

13. Litter Boxes for Kittens:

Kittens have different needs than adult cats. They are still in the process of growing and developing.

Litter boxes for kittens are an essential part of house training your kitten.

They can help you keep your kitten’s litter box clean, which means less mess in the home and less stress on you.

There are a couple of different kinds of litter boxes for kittens.

Some are open-topped, while others have covers that you can lift to access the tray below.

These litter boxes will help your kittens that may have problems with potty training.

 >> Read Our Full Review Here <<

14. Litter Boxes for Cats That Kick Litter:

A lot of cat owners are having problems with their cats kicking litter out of the box.

This can cause a mess in your home, and also make it harder to clean up after your cat.

Litter boxes for cats that kick litter are designed to prevent cats from kicking litter out of the box.

The kickers can be either male or female, but most people think that males are more likely to kick litter out of the box because they have larger feet and stronger legs.

If this is happening to you, then I have some good news for you!

There are litter boxes with lids that will prevent this from happening.

These lids will help keep litter inside the box and prevent it from being kicked out by your cat’s paws when they walk in and out of it.

 >> Read Our Full Review Here <<

15. Litter Boxes for Fat Cats:

If you have a cat that is larger than the average size, then you may have a hard time finding a litter box that is big enough for them.

These boxes are specially designed to accommodate big cats and are the best option if you have a large cat or multiple cats.

There are many different types of litter boxes for large cats and you must choose the one that will work best for your pet.

If you have a large cat, you may want to consider getting a larger litter box with high sides for them to go in.

This way, they won’t have as many accidents on the floor since it’s hard for them to climb out of it.

 >> Read Our Full Review Here <<

16. Corner Litter Boxes:

Corner litter boxes are a great solution for those who have a limited amount of space in their homes.

 These boxes are large, sturdy plastic containers that are made specifically to contain cat litter.

They can be used in the privacy of your own home or even outside on your patio or balcony.

A corner litter box is designed to be placed in a corner of your home so that your cat can get in and out with ease.

They usually come with an attached lid so your pet won’t be able to escape, but they also have an opening at the top so that you can easily clean them out.

17. Open Litter Boxes:

An open litter box is a type of litter box that has the top completely open.

This makes it much easier for them to get in and out of the litter box without any trouble at all.

The advantage of this type of litter box is that it allows your pet to see what’s going on around him or her, which can be very beneficial.

This makes it much easier for them to get in and out of the litter box without any trouble at all.

The main benefit of an open litter box is that you can see right away if there is a problem with your cat’s health or behavior.

These types of litter boxes are typically made from durable plastic or metal and are easy to clean.

They come in a variety of sizes and shapes so you can find one that suits your pet’s needs best.

Whether you have one cat or multiple cats, open litter boxes can be a great way to help them feel more at ease with their surroundings.

18. Stainless Steel Litter Boxes:

Stainless steel litter boxes are made from a high-quality stainless steel material that is resistant to corrosion, rusting, and dents.

These types of litter boxes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors so you can find the perfect fit for your cat!

They also have a smooth, shiny finish that makes them easy to clean, which makes them an excellent choice for any type of home environment.

Some have lids while others don’t.

Stainless steel litter boxes might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.

Find out why!

 >> Read Our Full Review Here <<

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do cats like deep or shallow litter boxes?

The answer is both.
In reality, there are pros and cons to both types of boxes.
Cats like deep litter boxes because they can bury their waste.
The deeper the litter box is, the more likely it is that your cat will bury her waste.
 It’s instinctual for cats to bury their feces. It helps keep them safe from predators and other animals that could harm them.
The main advantage of a deep litter box is that it gives your cat more room to move around in it comfortably.
Deep boxes also tend to be better at containing odors and will last longer since there’s less chance of waste becoming exposed on top of the surface.
The disadvantage is that they’re harder on older cats who might not be able to climb into them easily or get out when they need help getting up after using the bathroom in it.
A shallow litter box may work if you have an older cat that has difficulty climbing in and out of the box.

My cat is too big for the litter box. How can I keep her from making a mess?

The first thing you should do is change the type of litter you use.
Cats don’t like sharp, rough edges on their feet, and sometimes even large cats will step on their waste when they dig around in their litter boxes.
A smooth-edged litter may help solve this problem. If you’re using clumping litter, try switching to non clumping, which tends to be less dusty and easier on sensitive paws.
Depending on how big your cat is, you may also want to consider buying a larger litter box with higher sides than the one you currently have.

Are open or closed litter boxes better?

The majority of cat owners use an open litter box for their furry friends.
These are usually squat or rectangular and come with a top that is hinged or removable, allowing you to easily scoop out the waste.
Many people prefer this type of box because it gives cats more room to move around and does not trap odors as much as other designs.

Conclusion:

Cat wondering which type of litter box is best for her

If you have a cat, you know that litter boxes are a necessary component of their care.

There are several great options to choose from when you’re picking out a litter box for your cat(s).

If a cat owner was truly only interested in finding the best litter box for their feline, no one right box will work for all cats.

 Each cat is going to have its preferences, so it’s up to the owner to test out various types of litter boxes and see what works best.

If you choose to go with the open litter box, closed litter box, or stainless steel litter box for your beloved cat, just choose one and stick with it.

Switching up different boxes to make your little feline happy will make them very confused and less likely to use their box which can lead to problems in the long run.

Maybe you already own a cat litter box, but it’s something still worth thinking about.

Are you putting all of your eggs in one basket? And who’s holding the basket?