The best cat litter boxes come in many designs, from basic high-sided plastic or stainless steel pans to high-tech, self-cleaning models. Choosing the right one means balancing your cat's preferences with what works best for your home. The ideal litter box will be comfortable for your cat to use and easy for you to maintain.
To find the best options, Insider Reviews reporters tested 39 litter boxes and consulted veterinarians and cat behaviorists about the features that matter most for cats of different ages, sizes, and lifestyles, including seniors, large breeds, and multicat households. Whatever litter box you choose, it should measure at least 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to base of tail, says Molly DeVoss, certified cat behavior specialist. That's a size many traditional boxes fall short of.
My top pick is the Frisco High Sided Extra Large Cat Litter Box, which our reporters tested in two homes with four different cats. Its roomy size comfortably accommodates many cats, and its 10-inch sides do a great job of containing litter. For larger cats, those with limited mobility, or homes with specific needs, I also recommend several alternatives that strike a good balance between your cat's comfort and your household's needs.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best cat litter boxes
Best overall: Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box, Extra Large - $24 at Chewy
Best low-entry for seniors and kittens: Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Large Litter Box - $50 at Chewy
Best stainless steel: Frisco Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box - $46 at Chewy
Best for large cats: Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter Box - $75 at Chewy
Best automatic: Whisker Litter-Robot 4 - $699 at Chewy
Best covered: Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box - $34 at Chewy
Best DIY: Sterilite Storage Bin, 41 Quart Clear Plastic Storage Container - $10 at Walmart
Best top-entry: Modkat XL Litter Box - $190 at Chewy
Best overall
This no-frills litter box delivers exactly what your cat needs — a comfortably sized interior and lower entry — without any unnecessary extras that can turn cats away or make cleaning harder.
What we like
What we don't like
House cats vary in size, but most litter boxes don't provide enough room for them to do their business, including circling and digging. The Frisco High Sided Extra Large Litter Box offers most cats the room they need with a 24-by-18-inch footprint and 10-inch-high sides that help contain mess.
"I appreciate that its high sides prevent litter from scattering outside of the box," says associate home editor Kinsley Searles, whose cat has been using the box for four months. "I have a petite cat, but she's never had issues entering the Frisco litter box." The 5.6-inch entrance might be too high for cats with mobility issues, but you can add a ramp or cut a lower entrance and cover the edges with duct tape to accommodate them.
I also like its simple design. With litter boxes, simpler is better, says Sung and cat behaviorist Daniel "DQ" Quagliozzi, a certified feline behavior and training specialist. With fewer crevices, there are fewer places for urine and odors to build up, which also means there's less scrubbing for you to do. That's important, says Dr. Elena Shirley, lead veterinarian and partner at CityVet in Charlotte Uptown, who recommends replacing the litter weekly and thoroughly cleaning the box with soap and water every four to six weeks. The box is made from smooth, BPA-free, recyclable plastic that resists sticking, which makes daily scooping and deep cleaning quick and easy.
This box doesn't come with a cover, and that's another benefit. "Most cats prefer litter boxes that are uncovered," says Samantha Bell, a cat enrichment expert at Best Friends Animal Society. Covers trap ammonia odors, making the box unpleasant for cats. Open boxes also help cats feel more secure with better visibility and easy escape routes.
Best low-entry for seniors and kittens
With an extra-low entrance, this litter box makes it easy for kittens, senior cats, and those with limited mobility to enter and exit.
What we like
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In some cases, short- or long-term medical conditions can influence the best cat litter box choice, Shirley says. DeVoss adds that a box with a low entry is even better than ramps or stairs. My 6-year-old cat, Lyra, has a bad knee and early-onset arthritis, so I prefer low-profile boxes that she can step in and out of comfortably.
The Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Large Litter Box has a 3-inch-tall front entry for easy access. Even with a low entry, some cats — like mine — still hop over the sides. "Cats are masters at hiding their pain," says Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. They may also not recognize their own limitations. That's why I appreciate the short 5-inch rim on this litter box in addition to its low entrance — it can help reduce overexertion, no matter the route taken. That said, I was pleasantly surprised to see my cat gingerly step out through the entrance of this box, perhaps because it's a generous 11 inches wide. DeVoss also says there's no such thing as a litter box that's too big, making this model a great choice for itty-bitty kittens as well.
One drawback of this box is that the low entry limits the litter depth. Some cats prefer digging in a few inches, but the fill line on this box sits at about an inch. I filled it just slightly above the line, and while litter reached the edge of the entry after my cats used it, none actually tumbled out. An aggressive digger, however, will likely cause some litter to spill from the entryway. Shallow litter depth also means less clean litter is available for your cat after they eliminate, so you should scoop the box more frequently. To help manage litter scatter, I recommend pairing the box with a litter mat, such as the Gorilla Grip Cat Litter Trapping Mat.
Best stainless steel litter box
This litter box is built to last with durable, scratch-resistant stainless steel.
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The durable Frisco Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box offers a significant advantage over traditional plastic litter boxes: It resists the scratches that plastic boxes accumulate over time. Those scratches can harbor bacteria and unpleasant odors, even when the box is cleaned regularly.
"Once you see scratches on the bottom of the box, it is time to replace it," DeVoss says. Since plastic boxes are prone to scratches, they typically need to be replaced every six months. To eliminate the need for frequent replacements, DeVoss recommends stainless steel litter boxes that can withstand a cat's claws. The downside of a stainless steel litter box is that it amplifies sound, which can be bothersome to noise-sensitive cats and people.
Priced around $46, the pan offers ample space for small and medium-sized cats at an affordable price. Its nonskid base keeps it firmly in place, even during enthusiastic digging or post-litter-box zoomies. However, it lacks a tapered entry, which may make it tougher for seniors, kittens, or cats with mobility limitations to climb in and out.
Best for large cats
At 28 by 22 inches, this spacious litter pan provides big cats plenty of room to stretch out. It is recommended by one of our experts and is suitable for cats of all ages and needs.
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If you have a large cat, you need an even larger litter box. When a box is too small, your cat might perch on the edge, be smooshed against the sides, unable to turn around, dig outside the box, or worse, go somewhere else, says DeVoss. She recommends the Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter Box, which is our top pick among the best large litter boxes.
At about $70, it is pricier than other traditional boxes, but DeVoss says its size and functionality are well worth the investment. The box measures more than 1.5 times the length of an 18-inch cat, giving many larger cats room to comfortably stretch out and cover their waste. "Cats are indeed different sizes, so you'll need to measure," she says. Large cat breeds like Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest Cats, and Savannahs are larger than the average kitty, but often still fit comfortably in an extra-large box like this one. For jumbo cats like the Maine Coon, I recommend a larger DIY box, like the Sterilite 41-Quart Storage Bin in this guide.
The Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter Box also features relatively high ramped sides to reduce litter scatter from the sides. However, you may want to pair this box with one of the best cat litter mats to catch any stray litter that tumbles from the low entryway. You can also install the included gate to reduce litter scatter, but it does increase the entry height to 4.5 inches from 3.5. Without the gate, we collected 2 tablespoons of scattered litter over three days, and only 1.5 tablespoons with the gate installed.
The pan is made from durable plastic that's easy to clean and has an oversized rim for easy lifting.
Best automatic
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 has a whisper-quiet design and offers ample space for cats of many sizes.
What we like
What we don't like
The fourth version of Litter-Robot is a reliable machine that cleans itself and notifies you when it's time to empty the waste drawer or replace litter. You can also add a LitterHopper for automated litter replenishment. My cats happily use their Litter-Robot boxes, including previous generations 2 and 3.
The Litter-Robot 4 runs a cleaning cycle a few minutes after a cat leaves the box, so even cats in multi-cat households will never be without a clean litter box. Thanks to laser-light technology, the cylinder stops cycling if a cat enters while the cleaning cycle is running. The machine also weighs your cat every time they enter, recognizing each cat by body weight so owners can assign profiles and monitor individual bathroom activity — one of 11 optional push notifications.
The machine sifts waste into a lined tray that you'll need to empty every week to two times a week, depending on the frequency of use. Even if the waste bin isn't full, emptying it proactively is recommended because cats have a heightened sense of smell. Brains says he received cleaning notifications before they seemed necessary and found that if he shook the drawer to distribute the waste more evenly, the sensor would reset. The "empty" cycle works well to remove all the litter when it needs replacing, but Brains still wipes down stuck-on debris inside and deep cleans the globe every one to three months. Weight monitoring is only accurate when the machine is placed on a hard floor or a Litter-Robot Carpet Tray. Nonetheless, I consider this self-cleaning litter box worthy of the investment.
If your cat is small or has mobility issues, you can add an attachable ramp. However, the ramp still has a 5-inch rise from the floor to the first step, so it won't work for every cat. The biggest downside is the Litter-Robot 4's high cost ($700), but it comes with a one-year warranty. If you or your cat isn't happy with the Litter-Robot 4, you can also return it within 90 days for a refund, although return shipping will be deducted.
To learn more, check out our Whisker Litter-Robot 4 review and our guide to the best automatic litter boxes.
Best covered
This litter box with a removable hood is easy to modify to fit your cat's preferences.
What we like
What we don't like
What a cat desires in a litter box often differs from what appeals to us humans. Case in point, covered litter boxes. While they hide mess and odors from us, they're far from feline-friendly. "Cats dislike covered boxes because this blocks the visual field," says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. In multi-cat homes and ones with dogs, it's even more important for cats to have a clear view of their surroundings. Plus, the trapped odors inside a covered box can quickly turn it into a place cats avoid.
That said, some cats don't mind a covered box — as long as it's large, clean, and comfortable. That's why I chose the Frisco Extra-Large Hooded Cat Litter Box as the best covered litter box option. It has a larger interior compared to other covered boxes and a removable cover, giving you the flexibility to adjust the setup if your cat is hesitant. With the cover in place, a built-in charcoal filter provides extra odor control between cleanings. Even without the cover, the high sides help contain messes, which is especially useful for cats who tend to "elevator pee."
The box has a semi-opaque plastic door to help prevent odors from escaping. As you might guess, that just traps smells inside with your cat and can make the space feel even more confining. For these reasons, it's best to remove the door, which easily snaps off.
Best DIY
This simple storage container is a budget-friendly, spacious alternative to a traditional litter box.
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When it comes to creating a DIY litter box, a wide, flat plastic storage container is an ideal and cost-effective stand-in for a traditional box. In fact, Quagliozzi and Sung often recommend their clients consider this DIY version since many traditional litter boxes are too small for more than one cat to use several times a day.
The Sterilite 41-Quart Storage Box is made from durable, clear plastic. Its interior dimensions of 29 3/8 inches by 18 inches provide a cat with plenty of room to perform natural behaviors like digging and covering their waste. A box this big is especially important for extra-large breeds such as the Maine Coon, the biggest domestic cat, which can reach up to an astonishing 40 inches in length. Because the box is waterproof, it won't leak any excess urine that goes uncaptured by the litter.
With 6-inch-high sides, the box is shallow enough for most cats to enter and exit easily, but you can also cut a low front entry. Use a pair of wire cutters to cut the entrance to your desired height and width, then tap over the edges with duct tape. People with cats that aggressively scratch and kick their litter may need to do more floor cleanup than they would with a litter pan with higher sides.
Best top-entry
The Modkat XL Litter Box gives cats choices with both a top and side entry, and the perforated folding lid helps capture loose litter and allows for easy cleaning.
What we like
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Sung and Quagliozzi say cats need choices to feel secure, which includes having at least two litter box areas per cat in your home. Having more than one way in and out of a box can also make a big difference. While an uncovered box with unlimited exit routes is best, a covered box with both a top and side entrance gives your cat more control over how they come and go. For this reason, Modkat's XL Litter Box is our top recommendation for the best top-entry litter boxes.
If you'd prefer your cat not use the front entry, you can close the built-in sliding door, though our experts don't recommend it. The lid folds back for easy cleaning, and litter tracked onto the roof returns to the pan through perforations. The box comes with two reusable plastic liners and a scoop. However, Bell advises against using litter box liners. "Cats often get their claws stuck in the liner, tearing a hole in it, which causes them to dislike the box," she says.
A downside of the Modkat XL is its price, typically $190. It's one of the roomiest top-entry models available, but if you're looking for a larger box, a traditional open-top pan is your best bet.
Our top litter box picks compared
| Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box, Extra Large | Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Large Litter Box | Frisco Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box | Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter Box | Whisker Litter-Robot 4 | Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box, Extra Large | Sterilite 41-Quart Storage Bin | Modkat XL Litter Box | |
| Best for | Reducing litter scatter, small and average-sized cats | Kittens, seniors, and mobility-impaired cats | Durability and ease of cleaning, small and average-sized cats | Low entry for easy access, large cats | You are unable to scoop the litter box daily, tracking your cat's litter box usage | Cats that elevator pee | Large cats and multi-cat homes, affordability | Reducing litter scatter |
| Skip this if | You need a low entrance | Litter scatter is a concern and your cat is able to comfortably use a higher entrance | You or your cat is bothered by the sound of metal being scratched | You lack a large enough space to place this box | Your cat has mobility issues | Your cat is not comfortable using a covered box | Litter scatter is a concern | You are unable to offer access to the front entrance as well |
| Length x Width | 24" x 18" | 24" x 20" | 23.4" x 15.5" | 28" x 22" | 18" x 19" | 26" x 18.1" | 29.4" x 18" | 21" x 16.5" |
| High sides | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Low entry | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
What to look for in a cat litter box
The best cat litter boxes are spacious, easy for a cat to access, designed to fit their preferences, and simple for guardians to maintain.
Size: Sung says cats need a space at least 1.5 times their length to scratch at the litter and bury their waste. Many litter pans advertised as "large" or "jumbo" have far smaller dimensions than our top picks. You can determine whether a box is big enough by measuring your cat's length from its nose to the base of its tail and comparing it to the dimensions of the box.
Accessibility: Not every cat is agile or motivated enough to jump up into a litter box, and top-entry boxes can be especially challenging for some cats to access. When selecting a box, consider your cat's mobility needs. Kittens, senior cats, and those with injuries or mobility limitations may benefit from a box with an entry height of about 3 inches or less. If choosing a box with a high entry and sides, look for one made of a material that you can safely modify to create a lower entry that better suits your cat's needs.
Design: Quagliozzi says cats prefer a box that doesn't distract them from their business or require them to contort their body into unnatural positions. Look for boxes that offer easy entry and allow a cat to stand flat on all four paws rather than curved or angled boxes. An open-topped litter pan is the most universally accepted by cats of all types. Some cats may be intimidated by hooded or covered litter boxes, especially if the top is low enough that the cat must crouch to do their business.
Ease of cleaning: In general, boxes with simpler designs are easier to clean. Litter boxes should be scooped at least once a day, though more frequent scooping is ideal. Geller says healthy adult cats typically use the litter box two to five times a day for both peeing and pooping. However, factors like age and health can influence this. Senior cats may urinate more often due to conditions like kidney disease, while kittens usually urinate after each feeding and may poop up to three times a day. If having a cover over your litter pan makes you forget to scoop it daily, then a litter box without a hood is a more hygienic option. If you struggle to scoop your litter box daily, an automatic or smart litter box may be the best option, though even self-cleaning litter boxes still require deep cleaning. Our experts say you'll also need to deep-clean your litter boxes every four to six weeks using water and unscented dish soap.
Material: I included metal and plastic options in this guide to the best cat litter boxes. Plastic litter boxes have a lower upfront cost, but our experts recommend replacing them every six months or at the first sign of scratch marks. DeVoss says that no matter how well the box is cleaned, scratch marks accumulate bacteria and, therefore, odors. On the other hand, stainless steel and metal litter boxes may have a higher initial cost, but they offer a longer lifespan compared to plastic options. However, noise-averse people and cats alike may dislike the sound of cat claws on metal.
How we tested the best cat litter boxes
Over the past five years, we've researched popular litter boxes from major online retailers, selecting models to test based on criteria provided by the experts we consulted. Freelance reporter Shoshi Parks conducted the initial reporting for this guide and tested litter boxes with her two cats. Since then, freelance reporter Janelle Leeson and three Insider Reviews editors and reporters have tested additional boxes with six more cats. Although we haven't tested our DIY pick, it meets our experts' criteria and comes from a trusted brand.
Each litter box we tested was used for at least one month and evaluated using the methods described below. Unless a box required a specific type of litter to operate effectively, testers used their preferred substrates, including some of the best cat litters and best natural cat litters.
Ease of entry test: We measured the sides of each box and the height of any openings, and observed whether our cats appeared to have difficulty accessing the boxes. We also observed how our cats responded to each box, noting which they preferred to use more frequently.
Tracking test: For each litter box we tested, we collected the litter tracked onto the floor over three days and then compared the quantity of litter between boxes.
Cleaning test: We cleaned each litter box twice daily, observing how easy it was to access and remove the waste and how much litter stuck to the bottom and sides of the pan. After a month of use, we thoroughly cleaned each box, disposing of the litter and wiping it out completely. We noted how challenging the boxes were to clean and approximately how long it took.
Size test: For this test, we measured the length of each of our cats when standing in a relaxed position from the nose to the base of the tail. We then measured the length of each of the litter box contenders and compared the numbers. We favored larger litter boxes over smaller ones.
We also interviewed seven experts about feline litter box habits and the qualities to look for in a good litter box.
Dr. Liza Cahn is a veterinarian and consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance. She is also a freelance veterinary writer.
Molly DeVoss is a certified feline training and behavior specialist (CFTBS), certified cat behavior consultant, and Fear Free certified trainer who specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats. She is the founder and owner of Cat Behavior Solutions.
Dr. Mark Freeman is a specialist veterinarian who is board-certified in canine/feline practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman's academic and research interests include feline and canine behavior.
Daniel "DQ" Quagliozzi is a cat behavior consultant and owner of Go Cat Go! in San Francisco, California. For two decades, Quagliozzi has worked with cats at the San Francisco SPCA, San Francisco Animal Care and Control, and through his private practice, Go Cat Go!
Dr. Jamie Richardson is head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary in New York City. Richardson has worked with animals around the world, from South Africa to Hong Kong. At Small Door Veterinary, her primary interests besides general practice include preventative care, dentistry, and internal medicine.
Dr. Karen Sueda is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist who was practicing at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital when Parks interviewed her. She is also the founder of Karen Sueda Veterinary Behavior Inc., where she uses positive, pet-friendly behavior modification techniques to help pet owners work with their pets.
Dr. Wailani Sung is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist who was the director of behavior and welfare programs at the San Francisco SPCA Veterinary Hospital when Parks interviewed her. She writes on animal behavior for Vetstreet, PetMD, and Healthy Pet magazine.
Meet the expert behind this guide
Janelle Leeson, cats reporter and product tester: I combine rigorous research and reporting, real-world testing, and feline-focused insights to help readers find the best products for their cats. For this guide on litter boxes, I evaluated 39 different boxes based on their use in real homes with actual cats, consulted veterinarians and certified cat behavior specialists to understand what features matter most for cats of all sizes and life stages, and assessed each box for cat-friendliness, ease of cleaning, and odor control. My own cats were part of the testing process, helping me judge how well some of my top picks performed in everyday use.
Cat litter box FAQs
What type of litter box do vets recommend?
There isn't a single best litter box for every cat. Our experts say that most cats prefer open-top litter boxes that provide good airflow, easy entry and exit, unobstructed sightlines, and plenty of room to circle and dig. However, some cats may favor enclosed litter boxes that offer more privacy. Regardless of the style, the litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat from their nose to the base of the tail. Offering multiple types of litter boxes on different floors of your home and in various rooms gives your cat the opportunity to choose their preferred design and location. Ease of access is also important. "Make sure the sides aren't too high for your cat," says Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief medical officer at Small Door Veterinary in New York City. Boxes with tall sides and ones that are fully enclosed or top-entry can make some cats feel trapped, which may cause them to avoid the box altogether.
Do cats prefer open or hooded litter boxes?
Open-topped litter pans are the most widely accepted boxes by all types of cats. Some cats may feel trapped and be afraid to enter hooded or covered litter boxes, particularly if the interior height is so limited that they need to crouch while eliminating. "If your cat feels vulnerable and unsafe in the litter box, she may not take the time to bury her waste after elimination because she wants to get out of there quickly and prevent being ambushed in the box," Geller says. In some cases, this may lead your cat to avoid the box altogether. Additionally, Bell says covered boxes trap odors, intensifying the smell for cats, which can make them reluctant to use the box. Doors on litter box entrances, especially opaque or swinging ones, can make both matters worse.
What type of cat litter do vets recommend?
According to Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian and consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, most cats do best with litter that's unscented, clumping, and made of fine grains, such as clay litter. This type of litter closely resembles sand or dirt, which cats might choose to use in the wild.
Can a litter box be too big?
No. "Most cats won't mind a box that is a bit larger than they need, provided you keep it very clean," Richardson says. "The main concern is with litter boxes being too small."
How many litter boxes do I need?
Sung says a good general rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat plus an extra. Dr. Karen Sueda, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, notes that some multi-cat households can get by with fewer boxes if they're extra large and scooped at least twice a day. You should also place boxes in different areas throughout your home.
Where should I put my cat's litter box?
Litter boxes should be placed in multiple locations throughout your home, including on each level, and kept away from noisy appliances like washers or dryers that could startle your cat. While you'll want to avoid busy, high-traffic areas, the box should still be close to where your cat likes to spend time with you. Geller says that a cat's field of vision also matters. Rather than placing a litter box tightly in a corner, setting it about 12 inches away from walls can improve your cat's view of their surroundings and help them feel more secure. Richardson also notes that litter boxes should be separated from the feeding areas. "Cats typically don't like to go where they eat," she says.
How often should I clean the litter box?
To keep a cat happily using their litter boxes, our experts recommend scooping them at least once a day, if not several times. In addition to daily maintenance, the litter box should be cleaned with unscented dish soap and water every four to six weeks.
How frequently does a cat use their litter box?
The typical cat uses the litter box as many as half a dozen times a day, urinating two to four times and defecating once or twice. Some cats may go more or less frequently on average. Cleaning your litter boxes at least once a day will help you monitor for medical or behavioral changes that may indicate a health problem, such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box?
"If your cat is urinating or defecating outside of the litter box, see your vet to rule out medical issues, such as urinary tract infection, cystitis, or arthritis," Cahn says. If your cat gets a clean bill of health, she recommends taking a closer look at your litter box setup: Do you have the recommended number of boxes placed in different areas — one per cat, plus one extra? Are the boxes spread throughout your home in easily accessible locations? Do you scoop them daily? Cahn also recommends thoroughly cleaning any soiled areas, offering a variety of litter types (both clumping and non-clumping), reducing stressors, increasing enrichment, and finally, consulting a veterinary behaviorist if needed.
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