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When shopping for one of the best cat litter boxes, there's a lot to consider, including your cat's preferences and your specific household needs. Litter boxes come in a range of designs, so you'll find everything from simple high-sided pans to the most technologically advanced self-cleaning boxes. No matter the type of litter box you choose, it should be comfortable for your cat and easy for you to maintain.
Over the last three years, we've tested 36 litter boxes. We also asked veterinarians and cat behaviorists what features to prioritize to make our recommendations for cats of all ages and needs, including seniors, large breeds, and multiple-cat households. The best overall box is the budget-friendly Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box. It is a well-sized option with a removable cover. If you're looking for an automatic litter box that appeals to both cats and humans, the Petsafe Scoop Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box is a reliable entry-level model.
Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best cat litter boxes
Best overall: Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box, Extra Large - See at Chewy
Best for odor control: Catit Jumbo Hooded Pan - See at Chewy
Best budget automatic self-cleaning: Petsafe Scoop Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box - See at Chewy
Best overall automatic self-cleaning : Whisker Litter-Robot 4 - See at Chewy
Best stainless steel: Frisco Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box - See at Chewy
Best for large cats: KittyGoHere Jumbo Litter Box - See at KittyGoHere
Best for seniors and kittens: Shirley K's Senior Cat Litter Box - See at Chewy
Best top-entry: Modkat XL Litter Box - See at Amazon
Best disposable: So Phresh Disposable Litter Box Set - See at Amazon
Best litter box furniture: Recaceik Litter Box Enclosure With Cat Tree - See at Amazon
Best corner: Kitangle Corner Kitty - See at Chewy
Best overall
This spacious litter box with a removable hood is easy to modify to fit your cat's preferences.
- Can use box uncovered or covered
- Door is removable
- Includes a charcoal filter for odor control
- Available in two colors
- Must completely remove the cover to clean the box
Often, what a cat desires in a litter box is not the same thing that appeals to our human interests. I saw this firsthand as my two felines tested litter boxes for this guide. After speaking to Dr. Wailani Sung, a veterinarian and former director of behavior and welfare programs at the San Francisco SPCA Veterinary Hospital, and cat behavior consultant Daniel "DQ" Quagliozzi, I've learned that cats must have choices to feel secure.
For this reason, I selected the Frisco Extra-Large Hooded Cat Litter Box as the best litter box for cats. It can be altered to meet a cat's specific litter box needs and has a spacious interior. It's also one of the more affordable enclosed litter boxes, ranging in price from $30 to $40. The box consists of two pieces: a high-sided pan and a hood with a charcoal filter that clips into the base. Its plastic is durable and easy to clean.
A translucent plastic door helps prevent odors from escaping. If you have a sensitive cat that may be uncomfortable pushing through the door or distracted by its swinging once inside, the door can be removed. You can also remove the cover and use only the pan. –Shoshi Parks
Best for odor control
The disposable carbon filter and sturdy plastic door on Catit's Jumbo Hooded Pan keep foul odors at bay.
- Sturdy door and hood for good odor control
- Replaceable carbon filter included
- Can be used uncovered, covered, or with a section of top flipped up
- Hood does not need to be removed for cleaning
- Available in two colors
- Expensive
The sturdy construction of the Catit Jumbo Hooded Pan's cover and door helps prevent bad odors from escaping. A replaceable charcoal filter inserted in the hood adds an extra layer of odor protection. For the best odor control, you'll want to use the box with its cover and door in place.
Even if this litter box didn't have solid odor control features, we'd still give it top ratings as one of the best cat litter boxes, thanks to its generous size and adjustable cover. It was a serious contender for the best overall pick, but it lost points due to its higher price tag (about $20 more).
Unfortunately, some cats will not be comfortable with the confined space and the door's movement. For more sensitive felines, you can remove the door or lift the front section of the cover to let a little light in while still containing some odor. The box cleans up easily with soap and water. –Shoshi Parks
Best automatic self-cleaning on a budget
The simple design of this litter box didn't intimidate our tester cats, and the box works hard to keep the pan constantly clean and fresh.
- Easy to set up and use
- Covered compartment holds solid waste
- Uses odor-absorbent and dust-free proprietary litter
- Tracks how often a cat uses the box
- Disposable trays can be easily thrown out
- Front-entry and top-entry models
- Uses crystal litter only
- Waste compartment is small
- Lots of litter tracking
- Must buy disposable litter trays
Our experts say self-cleaning litter boxes are not recommended for every cat and their caretaker. Dr. Leanne Lilly, a fear-free certified veterinarian and assistant professor of behavioral medicine at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, says the sound and movements of a self-cleaning litter box can frighten cats, and pet caretakers may miss the signs of intestinal or urinary problems. Still, if you're unable to clean your cat's litter box at least once daily, one of the best automatic litter boxes can help. Of the 12 automatic litter boxes we collectively tested in two separate households, our cats preferred the one closely resembling a generously sized standard litter box: the Scoop Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box.
Although we tested the open design for this guide, the Scoop Free box is available in two additional covered variations: one with a front opening and another with a top opening that we recommend as one of the best top-entry litter boxes. Every box has a sensor rim and a built-in rake that sits on top of a disposable litter tray. Sensors recognize when a cat enters the box, and 20 minutes after they've exited, the rake automatically pushes solid waste toward a covered compartment at the opposite end. A health counter keeps track of how often your pet enters the box.
Petsafe recommends using its proprietary crystal cat litter and disposable leak-proof litter trays. The litter is absorbent, drying, and produces minimal dust, but it easily tracks. According to the brand, the litter and tray should be replaced every two to three weeks. Alternatively, you can purchase a reusable tray and replace the litter as needed.
Just because the box is self-cleaning doesn't mean you're entirely off the hook. Dr. Mark Freeman, a veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, says litter boxes should be deep-cleaned with soap and water every few weeks. Additionally, the small compartment that collects waste may need emptying several times before it's time to change the litter tray. –Shoshi Parks, Janelle Leeson
Read our Petsafe Scoop Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box review.
Best automatic self-cleaning overall
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 has a whisper-quiet design and offers ample size and feline-friendly features suitable for small, large, and mobility-impaired cats.
- Self-cleans and requires minimal upkeep
- Smart features include app notifications and weight monitoring
- Has odor-locking waste drawer
- 90-day trial and 1-year warranty
- Available in two colors
- Takes some time to introduce cats properly
- Some cats may be frightened by the shape or automatic cleaning features
- Not suitable for kittens under 3 lbs.
- Expensive
- Requires clumping litter
- Seniors must climb a step to access the box
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. Insider Reviews senior reporter James Brains says his cats took to this automatic box after four days of encouragement and have used it exclusively ever since. Similarly, my cats also happily use the 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 eleven optional push notifications.
The machine sifts waste into a lined tray that you'll need to empty every couple of weeks, depending on the frequency of use. 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, we consider this self-cleaning litter box worthy of the investment.
With a large circular entry and a roomy interior, this litter box also makes our list of recommendations for the largest litter boxes for cats. If your cat is small or has mobility issues, you can add an attachable step. 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 aren't happy with the Litter-Robot 4, you can also return it within 90 days for a refund. Return shipping will be deducted from your refund. –Shoshi Parks, Janelle Leeson
Read our full Whisker Litter-Robot 4 review.
Best stainless steel
This litter box is built to last with durable, scratch-resistant stainless steel.
- Stainless steel material is super durable
- Nonskid base prevents slipping
- Easy to clean
- Some people dislike the sound of cats digging in a stainless steel box
- Senior cats and kittens may have difficulty accessing this box
The durable stainless steel Frisco litter box offers a significant advantage over traditional plastic litter boxes — it's highly resistant to accumulating scratches. Scratches in a litter box can become breeding grounds for bacteria and unpleasant odors, no matter how diligently the box is cleaned.
"Once you see scratches on the bottom of the box, it is time to replace it," says Molly DeVoss, a certified cat behavior specialist. Since they're prone to scratches, plastic boxes typically need replacing every six months. To combat this issue, DeVoss recommends stainless steel litter boxes that hold up to a cat's claws.
The pan provides plenty of space at an affordable price — about $60. The box has a nonskid base that ensures it stays securely in place, even during enthusiastic digging sessions or post-bathroom zoomies. However, it doesn't have a tapered entry, which may make it challenging for seniors and kittens to access the box. –Janelle Leeson
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.
- High ramped sides help decrease litter kicking
- Extra-large size
- Low entry to accommodate senior cats
- Low entry may increase litter tracking
- Only available in one color
- Expensive
Quagliozzi and Sung look for simplicity and spaciousness in a litter box. A litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of a cat, but Sung says most traditional boxes are too small. The Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter Pan is among the best large litter boxes.
At about $70, it is pricier than other traditional boxes. However, DeVoss says it's well worth the price for its size and functionality. Measuring more than 1.5 times the length of a 17-inch cat, larger cats can comfortably stretch out and cover waste in this box. It has relatively high ramped sides to decrease litter scatter from the sides. However, you may want to pair this purchase with one of the best cat litter mats to catch any stray litter that might tumble for the low entry.
The pan is made from durable plastic that is easy to clean and has an oversized rim for easy lifting. It comes in neutral gray. –Janelle Leeson, Shoshi Parks
Best for seniors and kittens
With an extra-low entrance, Shirley K's litter box makes it easy for cats with limited mobility to enter and exit.
- Accessible entry for kittens and mobility-impaired cats
- Spacious interior accommodates larger cats
- Litter depth is limited
- Litter may spill from the entrance
- Only one color available
Small kittens and senior cats with mobility issues might require a boost from stairs or a ramp to enter their box. DeVoss says a box with a low entry is even better than ramps and stairs.
Shirley K's Senior Cat Litter Box features a low front entry, allowing for easy and comfortable access. It has a tall rim for enthusiastic diggers who might otherwise struggle to keep litter contained. DeVoss says there's no such thing as too big of a litter box, making this low-entry box a great choice for itty-bitty kittens too.
The only downside of this box is that the low entryway limits the litter depth of litter to about 2 inches, but some cats prefer digging in a few inches. Like the similarly designed KittyGoHere Jumbo Litter Pan, we recommend pairing this box with a litter mat since litter can easily tumble from the low entryway. –Janelle Leeson
Best top-entry
The Modkat XL Litter Box has both a top and side entry, making it accessible for both mobility-impaired cats and senior cats. The perforated folding lid helps capture loose litter and allows for easy cleaning.
- Has front and top entries
- Perforated folding lid for capturing loose litter and easy cleaning
- Reusable plastic liner and scoop included
- Can be used by seniors and cats with mobility issues
- Covered box may be more likely to trap odors
- Expensive
Most cats require the athletic ability to enter a top-entry box, and once inside, they can only go in a spot that allows them to pop their heads out of the entry. With a higher lid and entries at the top and front, Modkat's XL Litter Box is our No. 1 pick for the best top-entry litter boxes. It fits the needs of a wider variety of cats than other top-entry boxes.
Good-looking and well-designed, the Modkat XL is 21 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 17 inches tall and available in white, gray, or black. The top entrance is a generous 10.25 inches in diameter, and the front opening measures 8.5 inches wide by 9.75 inches tall. If you'd rather your cat not use the front entry, you can close the built-in sliding door.
The lid folds back for easy cleaning, and litter tracked onto the roof returns to the pan through perforations. The box also comes with two reusable plastic liners, each lasting up to three months, and a scoop.
While the front entry makes this litter box more accessible, aging cats and kittens may still struggle to access the door about 6 inches above the floor. However, my senior cat had no trouble and used this box frequently. Although he didn't use the top entry, he tracked no more litter out of this box than the others we tested.
The Modkat XL's one downside is its price, typically $180. –Shoshi Parks
Best disposable
This disposable pan made from sustainable materials is a reliable choice for temporary use.
- Made from sustainable fiber
- Ideal for temporary use or travel
- Challenging to scrape stuck-on clumps
Whether you're looking for a sturdy stand-alone box or a liner for a plastic box, the So Phresh Disposable Litter Box is a good, worry-free choice. The box is made of dense bagasse, a natural and sustainable fiber.
This box isn't as generously sized as our previous pick, the discontinued Nature's Miracle's Disposable Litter Box. It's also not leakproof, so you'll want to place it on a waterproof surface. The box's biggest flaw is that clumps stuck to the bottom or sides are a little harder to remove than in a smooth plastic box.
While the box is biodegradable, sending a pan to the landfill every month seems unnecessary when so many reusable options are available. Nevertheless, guardians who are ultra-fastidious about their litter boxes and those who need a reliable temporary box will find a decent solution in So Phresh Disposable Litter Box. –Shoshi Parks
Best litter box furniture
This multifunctional cabinet offers great value and a space-saving design with a cat tree, scratching post, cubby, and a spacious double-entry cat litter enclosure.
- Provides air circulation, multiple viewpoints, and two entrances
- Fits most litter boxes
- Two entrances
- Interior can be divided into two spaces
- Double cabinet doors open for easy cleaning
- Requires assembly
A litter box enclosure keeps unattractive pans out of sight while containing foul odors. This multipurpose furniture from Recaceik combines a traditional cabinet with a cat cubby, scratching posts, and perches. We named it the best litter box furniture enclosure because it has multiple viewpoints and a large entrance on each side, both of which our experts recommend. Holes across the back of the cabinet provide extra ventilation.
Recaceik's enclosure is large enough to fit most litter boxes. The included divider allows you to split the interior into two spaces. Locking double doors across the front of the cabinet makes it easy to access and clean the litter box.
This enclosure is made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and is available in brown, black, white, and gray. You'll need to assemble it yourself, but reviewers say it's a fairly simple process. It weighs a little over 45 pounds. –Shoshi Parks
Best corner
The Kitangle corner box offers cats plenty of space, yet it can be tucked away into corners and tight spots.
- Made of sturdy plastic
- Seamless design without cracks for urine to seep into
- Senior and special needs-friendly
- Can be covered or uncovered
- Lacks ventilation holes
- May not be suitable for large cats
- Expensive
Don't dismiss your awkward corner space as a waste of space just yet. Designed to fit perfectly into unused corners with its triangular shape, the Kitangle corner litter box is ideal for discreet spots and tight spaces. This may be a preferred placement for some cats. "Some cats are very confident, and will use a litter box anywhere, while others are more insecure and prefer a litter box that is secluded," Freeman says.
The Kitangle box comes in a few styles, including top entry, front entry, and sloped front entry. Among these options, the front-entry box stands out for its simple design and more affordable price compared to the sloped front-entry option. Our experts don't recommend top-entry litter boxes for senior or mobility-impaired cats.
Made from durable polypropylene plastic, the Kitangle corner litter box has a leak-proof design and a removable lid for easy scooping. Custom liners are available for purchase, but the brand says they're not necessary as long as you regularly deep clean your box with soap and water. The box weighs approximately 9 pounds. –Janelle Leeson
What to look for in a cat litter box
The best litter box for cats is spacious, easy for a cat to access and 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. Make sure to consider your cat's mobility needs. Kittens, senior cats, and other cats with mobility limitations may need a box with a lower entry.
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, the more simple the design of a box, the easier it will be to clean. 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. Our experts say you'll also need to deep clean your litter boxes every four to six weeks.
Material: In this guide, we included both metal and plastic litter box options. 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 scratch marks accumulate bacteria and, therefore, odors, no matter how well the box is cleaned. 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.
How we selected the best cat litter boxes
We identified popular litter boxes available at major retailers based on criteria established by our experts. Some of our recommendations have not been personally tested. However, they align with our experts' criteria or were recommended by our experts, and come from reputable brands. Boxes that were tested were used for at least one month and underwent the tests described below. Unless a box required a specific litter to operate effectively, all the litter boxes were filled with our budget pick for the best cat litters, Dr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Strength Cat Litter, except the Litter-Robot 4. We filled the machines with either Meijer's Triple Power Cat Litter or World's Best Cat Litter, our budget pick for the best natural cat litter.
Ease of entry test: We measured the sides of each box and the height of any openings and watched to see 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 box, we collected the litter tracked onto the floor over three days, then compared the quantity of litter between boxes.
Cleaning test: We cleaned each litter box twice daily, noting 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 five experts about feline litter box habits and the qualities to look for in a good litter box.
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. 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 we interviewed her. She writes on animal behavior for Vetstreet, PetMD, and Healthy Pet magazine.
Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman's academic and research interests include feline and canine behavior.
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.
Cat litter box FAQs
What litter box do vets recommend?
No single litter box is universally best for every cat. Our experts say most cats prefer open-top litter boxes with good airflow, clear visibility, and ample space to circle around and dig. However, some cats may prefer enclosed litter boxes that offer more privacy. Our experts say that no matter the design, choose a litter box that is 1.5 times the length of your cat from head to tail tip. Providing multiple types of the best cat litter boxes on different floors of your home and in various rooms allows your cat to choose their preferred design.
What is the best litter to use in an automatic litter box?
Some automatic litter boxes require a specific litter to operate effectively. For example, Petsafe recommends using their proprietary crystal litter in the Scoopfree self-cleaning litter box while the Litter-Robot 4 requires any clumping litter. If you're unsure which litter is required for proper use, contact the manufacturer.
What is the most hygienic cat litter box?
The most hygienic cat litter box is the one that you're most likely to clean regularly. If having a cover over your litter pan makes you forget to clean it daily, for example, a litter box without a hood is a more hygienic option. If you struggle to clean your litter box daily, an automatic or smart litter box may be the best option.
What is the best litter box for cats?
Richardson looks for three major qualities in a cat litter box: size, accessibility, and how easy it is for a cat to escape. The litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat so they can turn around comfortably and find a clean area to do their business, she says. A good litter box should also be easy for your cat to enter and exit, and they should feel safe inside. "Make sure the sides aren't too high for your cat," Richardson adds. Litter boxes with high sides and ones that are fully enclosed or top-entry may make some cats feel trapped, leading them to avoid it.
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."
Where should I put my cat's litter box?
The best place to put your cat's litter box is in a quiet, secluded area away from household traffic, Richardson says. That way, your cat will feel safe and comfortable during use. She advised against placing a litter box at the end of a hallway, somewhere your cat may feel trapped, or in the area where they are fed. "Cats typically don't like to go where they eat," she says.
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 every day will help you monitor for behavioral changes that may indicate a health problem, such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
How many litter boxes do I need, and what size should they be?
Sung says a good general rule of thumb for litter boxes is to have one per cat plus an extra. Each litter box should have enough space for a cat to comfortably dig and bury waste, with dimensions at least 1.5 times the cat's size.
How often should I clean the litter box?
To keep a cat comfortable, our experts recommend scooping the litter box at least once, if not several times, daily. Every four to six weeks, clean the box with soap and water.
Do cats prefer covered or open litter boxes?
Some cats may be intimidated by hooded or covered litter boxes, especially if they are low enough that the cat must crouch to do their business. An open-topped litter pan is the most universally accepted box by cats of all types.
Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box?
There are various reasons why a cat may urinate outside of their litter box. If they dislike their litter box's size, design, or location, they may find another place to do their business, like a pile of clean laundry. Health issues such as FLUTD can also cause your cat to pee outside their box. To minimize the possibility of inappropriate elimination, make sure your litter box is in a location where your cat won't feel trapped or on display. Avoid spots that may cause your cat anxiety, such as next to a loud washing machine or the dog's bed.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].
