Whether it be potty training or finding a place to do their business in peace, our feline friends can be very demanding. Considering their preferences, pet parents need to invest in the best cat litter boxes that offer enough room, are non-smelly, and are easy to clean. The litter boxes on our list are made of premium materials, are well-designed, and give your pet the satisfaction they require while taking bathroom breaks. Plus, they can also be used for all cat breeds.
Finding the right litter box can be a hard nut to crack, which led us to curate this list of 7 top litter box options for you! Before getting to them, let’s find out a bit more about what felines prefer.
What Type of Litter Box Do Cats Prefer?
Cats prefer comfortable spaces that are not very compact or too small. It is possible that your furry friend might have developed a pre and post-litter box routine involving sniffing, turning around, scratching the surface, or even digging into the litter before they sit to do their business. That is why litter boxes with proper space and ventilation are preferred by cats.
Litter boxes with tall sides or high entry points can make entering difficult for your feline pals. Since cats love to jump, move, and climb, high sides can also be an issue. Cats with arthritis, mobility, or joint issues will also benefit from low-side litter boxes.
Additionally, cats usually like to litter in wide-open, uncovered trays. Covered boxes keep the urine or feces smell trapped inside, which can be a big turnoff for your kitty. Also, a clean and tidy litter box is something most cats enjoy..
How Often Should I Change My Cat’s Litter?
Ideally, cat poop should be taken out immediately. But if you can’t clean it right away, try taking it out at least twice daily. Dirty litter boxes cause many health issues, plus your kitty may refuse to enter the box if it’s unhygienic.
Changing the litter depends on the number of cats you own and the type of litter the boxes contain. The frequency of changing non-clumping cat litter should be more than clumping litter. Non-clumping litter can absorb urine more effectively, making the litter more smelly. If the litter is saturated, the urine will pass through them at the bottom of the tray. If only one cat is using a litter tray, cleaning it every week is fine. However, if many cats are using it, the litter needs to be changed more frequently.
The Best Cat Litter Boxes to Buy in 2025
Cats need a proper place for their potty training business, and we suggest the best cat litter boxes! Find out more about our top picks!
BEST OVERALL
IRIS Large Cat Litter Box
PHOTO CREDIT: PLACEHOLDER
Why We Love
Easy to wash
Made in the USA
Easy-to-hang scoop
Strong and durable quality
High-polished interior surfaces
But…
Not leak-proof
The IRIS Large Cat Litter Box has earned the top position on our list since it checks all the right boxes. Made with globally sourced materials, it is lightweight, easy to carry, and has a functional design. This kitty litter box with low-rise entry offers easy accessibility and privacy with its deep-pan design. It also has an open top that makes monitoring easier for you.
The high walls prevent spillage and scattering of the mess, making cleaning easy. There is a scoop that comes with it, which adds to the convenience. You can place it anywhere in your house as it has a sleek design that looks great and compliments your home decor, too.
BEST DESIGN
Van Ness Odor Control Cat Litter Box
PHOTO CREDIT: PLACEHOLDER
Why We Love
Easy entry and exit
Made in USA
Suitable for all cat sizes
Compatible with the Large Drawstring Litter Liners and Extra Giant Sifting Cat Pan Liners
But…
Poor hinge design
The premium quality and functional design make this a great litter box for cats. It is made of BPA-free polypropylene material with a highly polished, non-sticky finish that resists stains and smells. This litter box has a basket-like design with an enclosed hood at the top and a swinging door to provide privacy. The fully enclosed design prevents litter scattering, making mess-cleaning more convenient.
Adding to its excellent features is a zeolite air filter that absorbs litter odor and can easily be replaced when needed. There are four latches on the box that keep the hood properly attached to the base, preventing it from falling. It also has a handle on the lid that makes it travel-friendly and easy to lift.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
Good Pet Stuff The Original Hidden Litter Box
PHOTO CREDIT: PLACEHOLDER
Why We Love
Lightweight
Made in USA
Innovative design
Available in multiple colors
But…
Slightly flimsy material
This is a uniquely designed cat litter box that not only keeps your cat’s mess intact but also complements your home decor. The Original Hidden Litter Box from Good Pet Stuff is designed like a planter that comes with a faux plant. Featuring a vented system with a filter, it manages odor exceptionally well. It also has an easy-to-access top that can be used to place the faux plant.
Designed for all breeds and sizes, it has enough space in it to fit your kitty. The enclosed design helps prevent dust and dander from entering the box, thus making it convenient to clean. Made of strong polypropylene material, this easy-to-assemble litter box can withstand wear and tear caused by your feline friend.
MOST SPACIOUS
Petmate Open Cat Litter Box
PHOTO CREDIT: PLACEHOLDER
Why We Love
Comfort-grip pan
Sold in two-packs
Available in two colors
Easy-to-scoop design
Good for cats of all sizes
But…
Slightly flimsy material
The Petmate Open Cat Litter Box is suitable for small kittens or senior cats who struggle with mobility issues. Not only does it provide easy low entry but also enough space to let your kitty do their business properly.
Featuring a wide base and large sides, the litter box can keep messes contained without causing any spillage. It is a great option for anxious felines who do not like enclosed spaces. Made with eco-friendly, pre-consumer plastic, it is good for the environment, too. With small rims on all sides, it is also easy to lift.
BEST TOP-ENTRY DESIGN
IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box
PHOTO CREDIT: PLACEHOLDER
Why We Love
High walls
Made in USA
Simple design
Suitable for all breed sizes
Large opening for easy entry
But…
Not the easiest to clean
The IRIS top-entry kitty litter tray is an aesthetically pleasing litter box that won’t look out of place in your home. It has tall sides that offer privacy and prevent spillage, along with letting your cat do their business comfortably. To keep the messes and spraying concealed, the box has a top entry with an enclosed design. Odor control is easier as well, all credit to its enclosed design.
Furthermore, there are grooves in the lid that catch any litter particles lingering from your cat’s paws, making mess management a bit easier. The litter box comes with a scoop that can be hung on the pan with its hook, making cleaning convenient and easy.
BEST FOR EASY CLEANING
Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box
PHOTO CREDIT: PLACEHOLDER
Why We Love
Made in USA
Easy to carry
Durable quality
Sturdy construction
Scoop-free cleanup
But…
Size may not be suitable for all cats
Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box is an environmentally friendly litter box that resembles a broad basket with high-sided walls. Suitable for collecting all types of litter — pellets, pine litter, or clumping cat litter, this litter box is very convenient. Created with recycled materials, the litter box is a sustainable choice.
Additionally, it offers Microban protection that controls litter odor and is easy to clean. The brand boasts patented sifting technology that collects clumps, and the sifting tray comes along with two pans that can be lifted to sift with no need for a scoop.
BEST TRAVEL-FRIENDLY
Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Cat Litter Box
PHOTO CREDIT: PLACEHOLDER
Why We Love
Easy-to-lift hood
Low-maintenance
One-year warranty
Appropriate size that fits anywhere
But…
Doesn’t come with scoop
This Amazon Basics large hooded litter box is perfect for felines who like to keep their business private. The box is created using premium quality plastic along with swinging doors. It also has a pre-installed carbon filter that controls odor effectively. Plus, the filter is replaceable, so you don’t have to deal with the stubborn odor anytime. The plastic used is stain-resistant, making cleaning a breeze.
With the high sides of this litter box, you don’t have to deal with any spillage. Despite being enclosed, there is ample space to prevent the feeling of suffocation and anxiety. Simply by lifting the hood, you can scoop litter and clean the box. The swinging door helps make entry and exit easy for your kitty.
How We Chose the Best Cat Litter Boxes?
We at CatTime.com aim to make your feline pal’s life easier and healthier, so we bring you the best cat litter boxes, compiled after research and consultation with the experts. These litter boxes have been used by cat owners and have been included in this article after getting to know their real-life experiences. Check out these products and get one for your cat depending on their choices and preferences!
FAQ
What type of litter box do cats prefer?
Cats like a litter box that doesn’t smell bad. There should be enough space for them to do their potty business, and they should be comfortable in their litter boxes. Litter boxes that are wide and spacious are also widely perffered.
What litter box do vets recommend?
Vets recommend litter boxes that do not trap odor and let cats have a peaceful, clean space for their business.
Do cats prefer open or closed litter boxes?
Generally, cats prefer open litter boxes. Open litter boxes do not trap odor and act as a peaceful spot.
Why is cat litter so expensive now?
Cat litter is expensive due to the costly material and highly priced technology used. Since it needs to be changed time and again, it can be heavy on your pocket.
How often should I change my cat’s litter?
It is suggested that you change your cat’s litter every week. In case you use clumping litter, it should be scooped daily.
Do cats like a dirty litter box?
No, cats do not like a dirty litter box. Some may not even want to get into a dirty box as they are more sensitive to their surroundings. One must clean a dirty litter box regularly to maintain good health and hygiene and prevent any health issues.
Why won’t my cat poop in the litter box?
There can be many reasons behind a cat not pooping in the litter box. Such reasons include medical issues, preference to poop outdoors, and aversion to the odor contained in the litter box. Some cats may even feel suffocated in the litter box, leading to your cat’s disinterest in the litter box.
How often should I scoop my litter box?
You must scoop the litter box at least once daily. Ideally, it should be done twice a day, but due to time constraints, it can be done once. Scooping helps keep the litter box clean and prevents odor buildup.
Do closed litter boxes smell less?
Closed litter boxes do not spread smells outside and keep the odor contained inside. Certain litter boxes feature odor-reducing filters that absorb odor and make the boxes smell less.
