What’s The Best Cat Litter Box? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide
All cat owners know that litter boxes are the easiest way to provide cats a clean and private space to excrete. Cat’s naturally excrete in soft soil or sand for the convenient burial of urine or fecal matter. Cat litter boxes encourage this instinct. Keeping them in low traffic areas of the home is advised, so as to make them comfortable with the usage of the litter box.
Litter boxes are typically filled with two inches of cat litter. Several kinds of litter are available, such as those that trap odors, silica gel litter, and clumping litter. Cats bury their waste by sweeping the litter granules over it.
Discovering which kind of litter box and litter is best for your cat can take some time. This guide will help you learn more about our top picks of the best cat litter box in the market.
Contents
- Our 8 Best Cat Litter Boxes
- 1. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
- 2. Nature's Miracle Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box
- 3. Nature's Miracle Silver Oval Hooded Litter Box
- 4. Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan
- 5. Omega Paw Roll 'n Clean Litter Box
- 6. Nature's Miracle Litter High Sided Box
- 7. Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box
- 8. Petmate Litter Pan
- Benefits of Using a Litter Box
- Kinds of Cat Litter Boxes
- Important Features To Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS
PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Covered litter box for better privacy and odor control
- Durable and deep litter pan
- Ideal for bigger homes with multiple cats
- Hood has a carbon filtration system
- Opening large enough for cats of all sizes
- Hooded corner design to conserve space and increase privacy
- Replaceable charcoal filter for odor control
- Non-stick surface to reduce litter buildup
- Antimicrobial coating to inhibit microorganism growth
- Sizing allows for comfortable movement inside the box
- Charcoal filters for odor blocking
- Flip-top front makes the box easier to clean
- Inbuilt odor neutralizers to suppress litter and solid waste odor
- Anti-stick layer prevents caking of litter
- Enclosed hood helps avoid urine sprays
Our 8 Best Cat Litter Boxes
1. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
Covered litter boxes like the Catit Hooded Cat Pan help localize and control odor, urine spray, and litter tracking, unlike open litter boxes. The best budget box among covered cat pans, this litter box is made of BPA (Bisphenol A) free materials. Also, the carry handle and latches make it portable and easy to clean.
Positive reviews talk about the powerful odor and dust control due to the carbon filtration technology used. Additionally, the size of the pan serves as a great feature for households with more than one cat or large cats.
The depth of the pan is 17 inches, making it ideal for cats who like to dig in the litter. Not to forget, the clear plastic door is removable to allow easy access.
PROS
- Side latches to secure lid
- Bag anchors to keep litter in place
- Replaceable filters ensure freshness
CONS
- Requires a lot of cat litter
2. Nature's Miracle Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box
This particular box comes with a special corner design to stop litter tracking and save space, making it ideal for smaller homes and single pet households. The enclosed design inhibits litter-scatter and this front-entry litter box has charcoal filters for odor blocking as well.
A depth of 20 inches makes it easy for your kitty to turn all the way around and dig in the litter to bury its waste. Moreover, this cat litter box is built using Ionpure antimicrobial protection that reduces the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the plastic surface.
PROS
- Antimicrobial coating on surfaces
- Deep enough to provide ample space for digging
- Can be easily concealed due to shape
CONS
- Some reviewers found entry to be too low for their cat
3. Nature's Miracle Silver Oval Hooded Litter Box
One of the best cat litter boxes, this Nature’s Miracle product has inbuilt odor neutralizers to combat litter box smells and maintain freshness for up to three months. There are four side snap latches, and a front opening flip-top to simplify the cleaning process.
The anti-stick surfaces prevent litter from clumping and sticking to the sides. Available in 2 colors and big enough for household cats, this box has a high back suited for cats who tend to urinate over the back of open litter boxes.
The odor control mechanism comprises charcoal filters and the dimensions of the box are 25.25 x 18.75 x 16.5 inches.
PROS
- Charcoal filter for odor absorption
- Non-stick surface prevents litter from caking
- Large enough for cats of all ages
CONS
- Senior cats or cats with mobility issues may have issues entering the box
4. Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan
Top entry litter boxes allow easy access to your cat due to their wide openings. This litter box is broad enough to give your cat enough space to move around in it. Its high walls prevent the litter from spraying out when your cat digs within the box.
The rounded edges and built-in bottom handle make picking up the box convenient, even if it is full of litter. If you also have a dog, this is an excellent addition to your home as it has a flip-top lid to keep dogs from digging in the litter.
The lid on this top entry litter box is also non-slip and has grates so that any litter on top of the box falls back in, decreasing the chances of dirty floors.
PROS
- Attached hook to hang litter scoop
- Made with 95% pre-consumer recyclable materials
- Textured lid makes cleanup easy
CONS
- Can be inadequately sized for larger cats
5. Omega Paw Roll 'n Clean Litter Box
A self-cleaning litter box, the Paw Roll ‘n Clean comes with a special patented grill. The grill inside the box scoops out the clumped-up litter and dumps it out onto the pull-out tray.
This feature makes cleaning extremely easy as all you need to do is turn it upside down, roll it back into the upright position, take out the tray and dispose of the waste. Remember, this mechanism does not need electricity to function and thus will not break down.
The size makes it a good fit for homes with multiple or large cats. Additionally, the design of the box means it requires less litter, and also clean litter is never thrown away with the waste.
PROS
- Ideal for clumping or silica gel litters
- Built-in cleanup apparatus
- Solid waste removal does not require the box to be opened
CONS
- Some cats may struggle to position themselves
6. Nature's Miracle Litter High Sided Box
This litter box comes with high walls to keep litter contained where it belongs, reducing cleanup. Antimicrobial properties prevent bacterial growth, caking or build-up, and keep the box fresh for your feline.
A multi-cat home will love the spacious design that allows cats to turn around and crouch easily. The low entry opening helps cats with mobility issues get in, and the smooth insides with no crevices prevent waste or litter clumps from forming.
Its simple appearance lets you match it with any home decor and the heavy-duty plastic deters seeping or leakage too.
PROS
- Easy clean spout for effortless cleaning
- Affordable for people who need more than one litter box
- Low entry is perfect for senior cats
CONS
- Only available in one color
7. Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box
This high-sided litter box by Frisco is a large open type box. Larger cat breeds like Maine coons can comfortably use this box without getting cramped. The rounded corners and smooth, ridge-less interiors make cleanup simple and efficient.
Keep in mind, the step-in design of the box ensures that your cat has no issues getting inside. Its high sides ensure that minimal litter sprays out onto the floor. Even better, sturdy, high-quality BPA-free plastic is used to construct this box and it is available in 2 shades.
Eco-friendly and recyclable, this litter box can be cleaned easily with warm water and soap.
PROS
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Navy and warm gray color options
- Easy-pour opening for convenience
CONS
- Step-in slot height can cause litter spray
8. Petmate Litter Pan
The Petmate pan is a sturdy litter box deep enough to be comfortable for your cat. An open-top design ensures easy cleaning and maintenance. What we love is the wide base that makes it extra durable and stops leakage or spilling.
This litter box comes in four different sizes: small, medium, large, and jumbo, so that you can choose what is best for your home and your fur babies. It is made in the U.S.A. with eco-friendly, long-lasting plastic. One cannot ignore the make of the box that improves handling even when it is full of litter.
Available in many assorted colors, this litter pan is sure to be a great addition to your household.
PROS
- Hardy design that is not ruined by cat claws
- Available in varying sizes
- Recyclable materials used in construction
CONS
- Appearance can be too plain for some customers
Benefits of Using a Litter Box
Litter boxes are an excellent option for your pet cat. They isolate the waste in one place and are much easier to clean, especially those with a waste drawer. Every cat requires a litter box and it is not difficult to train your pet to use one.
Keeps Home Clean
Your cat’s litter box will generally be easy to clean and will help you keep your floors pristine. There are even self-cleaning litter boxes available.
If your pet tends to urinate in the wrong places, training it to use a litter tray could be the answer.
Helps to Train Your Cat
Many people face difficulties in training their cats, and litter boxes can change this. Training your cat to use a litter tray may take some time, but it will certainly help you understand its behavior and how to train it for other acts as well.
Your cat will easily adapt to its litter box with some effort.
Appeals to Cats’ Instincts
Litter boxes are a wonderful way to stimulate a natural environment for your cat. Disposable litter replicates the feel of sand or soft soil, which is where cats instinctively excrete. It also permits them to bury their waste as cats do not like excreting in the open.
Kinds of Cat Litter Boxes
There are a few types of litter boxes available for pet owners. Open and top entry boxes are the most common ones, with newer types like automatic litter boxes, or disposable litter boxes available. Some may have a weight sensor. Every cat may have a different requirement depending on its age, and health.
Enclosed
Enclosed or hooded litter boxes help reduce spraying or tracking on walls or floors surrounding the litter box. They also provide more privacy to your cat and minimize odor. Covers are made removable or flip type for ease of cleaning. They are moderately priced and generally made of plastic.
Top Entry
Top entry litter boxes come with a hole in the top of the litter box for the pet to climb into and use. While it may not be a good option for senior or physically limited animals, it stops children and other pets like dogs from accessing the litter tray. Some designs also have grates in the top that makes litter stuck to your cat’s paws fall back into the pan, reducing litter tracking.
Open
Open litter boxes are generally made of plastic and large in size, but a disposable tray is just a rectangular box 4 to 6 inches in height. This type of litter box allows for maximum ventilation but also does nothing to stop or lessen odor. Waste remains visible in the cat litter and can require frequent scooping. You can find a budget litter box in this category.
Important Features To Consider
A few factors that you need to take into account before purchasing cat litter boxes include sizes, types of boxes, and construction of the box. Litter box basics also include looking into types of cat litter and odor reduction mechanisms.
Size of Cat and Box
A cat litter box with high sides and a deep base is ideal for your cat. High sides increase privacy, reduce litter spraying, and depth allows your cat to bury its waste properly. Large cat breeds require wider boxes that allow them ease of access and comfortable movement.
Ease of Cleaning
Open-type boxes are the easiest to clean whether it is spot cleaning or litter scooping. A plastic liner can also help reduce cleanup. An automatic litter box or a self-cleaning litter box also greatly minimize cleaning effort. A high-sided box can protect your floors from tracking, a smooth interior box lessens clumping and a hooded box may decrease spillage.
Open or Enclosed
An open-type box is better for cats with limited mobility as it requires minimum effort to enter. An enclosed box can have an entry too small for larger cats. However, hooded boxes are better at cloaking unpleasant odors by using carbon filters, and they decrease messes.
An open box might be more cost-effective but to decide which is the best litter box for your feline, you may need to experiment with both types before your cat chooses one, especially since it is better to have more than one litter box.
Materials Used
Plastic is used to construct most cat pans. You should look for options made of high-grade, durable, BPA-free, long-lasting plastic that can withstand your cat’s claws scratching it multiple times every day. BPA can harm your cat and thinner plastics break down easily, causing leakage and spilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a cat naturally use a litter box?
Yes. Your cat has an instinct to eliminate waste in muddy or sandy areas and the bentonite clay used in making litter replicates the feeling of soil. Your pet will adapt to using litter boxes with little to no effort due to its urges being satisfied. If your cat refuses to use a litter box despite trying everything, consulting a cat expert or a cat behavior consultant can help.
Why do cats need litter boxes?
The reason cats have the urge to excrete in the soil is that ancestral cats had to cover their tracks to avoid being eaten by predators. Hence, we see cats covering up their waste by sweeping over it with their paws. Cats are also naturally hygienic and tidy animals. They groom themselves often, tend to keep their fur knot-free, and dislike excreting out in the open. This is why it is essential to provide your pet cats with the best litter box.
How do I keep the litter box from smelling in my house?
Most modern litter boxes come with odor reduction technology like carbon filters. Scented litter may be used in open-type boxes to lessen odor. On the other hand, frequent cleaning and upkeep can keep any unpleasant odors at bay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with so many opinions on the best cat litter boxes, it can get confusing to choose one. Based on our research, the Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan is the premium choice available on the market. Its features are well-suited to all cats and homes, and it may just solve your litter-related cleaning problems. Indoor cats need a litter box, and providing one goes a long way in a healthy and happy life for your kitty.
Editor's Choice
Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
- Covered litter box for better privacy and odor control
- Durable and deep litter pan
- Ideal for bigger homes with multiple cats
- Hood has a carbon filtration system
- Opening large enough for cats of all sizes
