There are so many options when it comes to picking the right litter box for your cat. How can you be sure that you’re making the best decision for both you and your kitty? Let’s discuss which is the best litter box for you and which is the best litter box for messy cats.
What does it matter what box you pick?
According to numerous veterinarians, the choice of cat litter box matters greatly. First of all, you must advocate for and represent your cat because they can’t exactly go to the store and pick out the box they like best. So, you need to be receptive to what your cat wants.
A box that is too small, too shallow, or in any other way does not suit your cat’s needs will ultimately result in your cat going to the bathroom elsewhere. This is called “inappropriate elimination,” and though you will likely be more upset than your cat by this, it is important to acknowledge that your decision leads to it. Just as we would seek a cleaner, more comfortable area to relieve ourselves, so does your cat when they find their litter box disagreeable.
Does the size of a litter box matter?
The size of a litter box matters very much! Much like the story of Goldilocks, you need to help your cat find a litter box that is neither too big nor too small, but rather just right for their particular needs. Studies show that a larger litter box receives 55% more usage than a standard-sized litter box.
However, a box that is too big or tall can result in your cats, especially as they age, having difficulty entering and exiting their litter box. As time passes and their health changes, older cats might stop using the litter box suddenly. Older cats with arthritis, for example, might struggle to use an especially large litter box.
Unless cleaned very regularly, litter boxes that are too small will often result in your cat stepping in their waste, which, again, can lead to “inappropriate elimination.” Your cat may even try to kick some litter outside the litter box and pee next to the litter box as a result.
A large part of the responsibility of being a cat parent comes down to making sure that your cat is comfortable, which is especially important when it comes to their litter box.
Different types of litter boxes
Many different types of litter boxes are available today.
Standard cat litter box
You can begin with conventional litter boxes and see how your cat responds to the height, width, and depth. Another viable option is using something like a sweater box or a storage container if you find that your cat is longing for more space or depth when doing their business. These can range from 10 to 30 gallons and offer your cat a much more comfortable experience.
These litter boxes are usually a good start but may pose some odor and cleanliness issues due to their "open" style. Litter dust is more prone to dispersing around your house, and standard litter boxes' aesthetics are also not the best.
Covered litter box
Enclosed litter boxes can be very effective for cats that appear skittish or shy about using an open litter box. On the other hand, some cats will feel too confined, so it’s really a matter of finding the best solution for your cat. This design is particularly useful in multi-cat households where minimizing odor is crucial.
In multi-cat households, maintaining a fresh environment is essential. If you are looking for a covered litter box that further neutralizes odors, Litter-Robot smart litter boxes not only provides privacy with its covered design but also ensures a consistently clean space, even with multiple users.
Self-cleaning litter box
With new technologies becoming more prevalent, there are several automatic self-cleaning litter boxes on the market, such as Litter Robot. This can drastically reduce the amount of cat litter that you use, as well as save you time, work, and money. Many cat parents are switching over to automatic litter boxes and finding great success.
The final decision is really up to you, but it should be made with every possible consideration for your cat(s). If you need more help with your litter box check out our full litter box guide.
The best litter box for cats
Choosing the best litter box for messy cats is crucial for their comfort and your convenience. Various types are available in the market, each designed to address specific needs. Consider these options when deciding which litter box suits your cat's unique requirements.
The best litter box for multiple cats
Maintaining a fresh environment is essential in multi-cat households. Cats, known for their cleanliness, avoid using dirty litter boxes. Territorial cats, in particular, may have deliberate "accidents" if they detect another cat's recent waste. Therefore, maintaining a clean litter box in a multi-cat household is crucial to ensure your cat's well-being and even prevent health issues.
If you opt for traditional litter boxes, it's advisable to have an extra box beyond the number of cats in your household. Additionally, ensure that you scoop these litter boxes daily for optimal cleanliness.
Because having multiple cats requires frequent litter box cleaning, self-cleaning litter boxes have become a popular solution for multi-cat households. Litter-Robot automatic litter boxes provides privacy, and its automated cleaning system ensures a consistently clean space that caters to the needs of multiple feline companions.
Plus, with Litter-Robot 4, you can create profiles for each cat and track their weight and litter box usage!
The best litter box for odor control
Maintaining a clean and odor-free space for both your cat and yourself can be a concern for many cat parents, especially if you live in a small apartment. For that reason, we do not recommend standard litter boxes, as their open style exacerbates odors, especially if placed in a sunny area.
Using pet odor eliminators such as OdorTrap or a covered litter box can effectively control litter box odors, along with frequent litter box cleaning.
The best litter box for large cats
For larger feline companions like Maine Coons, Ragdoll cats, or Norwegian Forest cats, opting for a spacious litter box is essential. Large cat-friendly litter boxes provide ample space for bigger cats to move comfortably and maintain their hygiene.
Larger litter boxes can, however, pose space issues, especially in a small apartment. In addition, larger cats may mean larger feces and more frequent maintenance is required to keep the litter box clean. For that reason, many opt for a self-cleaning litter box for large cats. Automatic litter boxes such as Litter-Robot 4 provide more space and can accommodate the largest cat breeds thanks to a large opening.
The best litter box for messy cats
Top-entry and covered litter boxes are good solutions for messy cats who tend to kick litter around. Adding high sides prevents litter scatter and keeps your floors cleaner.
For that reason, Litter-Robot automatic litter boxes are also really popular for cats that kick litter out of the box, especially since Litter-Robot 4 includes a fence to prevent such behavior from impacting the cleanliness of your home.
The best litter box for cats overall
For all these cases, many agree that Litter-Robot is the best litter box for your cat.
Litter-Robot 4 features state-of-the-art sensor and litter-sifting technology for enhanced odor control, cat safety, and real-time tracking of waste and litter levels through the Whisker app.
- Multi-cat friendly: Just one Litter-Robot works for up to four cats.
- Odor control: Maximum odor control with swift automatic cleaning. Litter-Robot provides a tightly sealed, large waste drawer and features a carbon filter.
- Best for messy cats: Minimize litter tracking out of the globe. Our enclosed design helps prevent mess with cats that spray or kick over the edges of traditional litter boxes.
- Dog-proof litter box: Waste disappears before dogs can access it.
- Scaredy-cat proof: QuietSift provides ultra-quiet cleaning cycles, beneficial for skittish cats.
And, not only will Litter-Robot be the cleanest option for your home, but also the most cost efficient. Our bundles are available for purchase at discounted prices (and keep an eye out for our black friday sales), as well as our active Litter-Robot promotions.
Choosing the best litter box for you
Choosing the right litter box isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision—it depends on your home, your cat’s needs, and what matters most to you. Whether you're prioritizing cleanliness, managing multiple pets, or looking for something family-friendly, these tips can help you identify the best option for your household.
For cleaner, more discreet litter boxes
If odor control and hygiene are your main concerns, there are plenty of options designed to make maintenance easier.
- Automatic litter boxes: Self-cleaning models reduce odors and handle the scooping for you, saving time and effort.
- Covered designs: Litter boxes with covers help contain odors and messes while keeping the area looking tidy.
- Good placement: Place the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area with good ventilation to keep things fresh.
For multi-pet households
Managing multiple pets requires a setup that ensures harmony and fairness.
- One box per cat: A general rule is to have one litter box per cat, plus an extra, to reduce competition.
- Dog-proof designs: If you share your home with dogs, consider covered or top-entry litter boxes to keep them out of the cat’s space.
- Accessibility: For homes with pets of different sizes, ensure the litter box is easy for smaller cats to access but secure enough to keep larger pets out.
For homes with kids and cats
If you have children in the home, you’ll want a litter box that’s both safe and practical.
- Enclosed options: These keep the mess contained and prevent kids from accidentally accessing the litter area.
- Blends with décor: Some litter boxes double as furniture or have playful designs, making them a better fit for family-friendly spaces.
- Teaching opportunity: Setting up the litter box can be a way to teach kids about caring for pets responsibly.
Factors to consider for any household
No matter your situation, keep these key factors in mind when choosing a litter box:
- Size: The box should be large enough for your cat to turn around and move comfortably.
- Ease of cleaning: Look for designs with smooth surfaces, removable liners, or self-cleaning features.
- Location: Cats prefer private, quiet spaces where they feel safe, so choose the placement carefully.
Conclusion: finding the right fit for you and your cat
The best litter box is the one that suits both your home and your cat’s needs. Whether you’re focused on cleanliness, multi-pet dynamics, or a family-friendly design, there are options to meet your priorities. By considering what works for your space and experimenting with different setups, you can create a comfortable and manageable solution for you and your feline friend.
