Litter Box Buying Guide: Size, Style and Features That Matter
How to choose the right litter box — size, open vs covered, top-entry, low-entry for seniors, sifting and self-cleaning boxes — with a comparison table.
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The best litter box is the one your cat uses happily every time. Size and accessibility matter far more than design features.
Size is the number-one factor
The box should be at least 1.5 times your cat's body length (nose to base of tail), with room to turn around and dig. Most standard boxes are too small for adult cats, especially large breeds like Maine Coons. Large under-bed storage boxes make excellent, inexpensive litter boxes — cut a low entry into one side if needed.
Litter box types compared
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open box | Most cats' preference in many studies; easy to scoop; no trapped odor | Litter scatter, visible | Most cats, kittens, seniors |
| High-sided open box | Contains litter scatter and high peeing | Must have a lower entry point | Cats who kick litter or pee high |
| Covered (hooded) box | Hides mess, reduces scatter | Traps odor; can feel like a trap in multi-pet homes; easier to forget to clean | Cats who prefer privacy |
| Top-entry box | Very little tracking; dogs can't get in | Hard for kittens, seniors and arthritic cats | Young, agile cats; dog households |
| Low-entry / senior box | Easy access | More scatter | Kittens, seniors, cats with arthritis |
| Sifting box (stacked trays) | Makes cleaning quicker | Only suits certain litters | Owners who prefer sifting to scooping |
| Self-cleaning (automatic) | Less daily scooping | Expensive; motor noise can frighten cats; harder to monitor urine; needs maintenance | Confident cats, introduced gradually |
| Disposable | Hygienic, useful for travel or illness | Not durable, waste | Travel, fosters, post-surgery |
Features worth having
- Smooth, non-scratched surface — easier to clean, holds fewer odors
- Rounded corners — less clumping in corners
- Rim or lip to reduce scatter
- Durable plastic or stainless steel — stainless doesn't scratch or absorb odors (but costs more)
Features you can skip
- Built-in air fresheners or scented filters — cats often dislike them
- Very tall hoods with small openings for large cats
Accessories
- Litter mat to catch tracked litter
- Sturdy metal scoop matched to your litter grain
- Bin with a lid or litter disposal system near the box
How many?
One per cat, plus one — in different places. See the litter box guide for placement and cleaning, and the cat litter buying guide for litter types.