Quick answer: The best litter box is the one your cat will actually use. Choose a box about 1.5 times your cat's body length, matched to their age and your space. Open boxes suit multi-cat homes on a budget, enclosed and designer boxes control odor in apartments, and top-entry boxes cut tracking for agile adult cats. Scoop daily and keep one box per cat, plus one extra.
Updated: July 2026
As a cat owner, providing your feline friends with a suitable litter box is crucial. Different cats have different preferences, and there is a wide variety to choose from. Your living situation, daily routine, and aesthetic preferences all shape the right pick. So how do you choose the best one for your cat?
What size litter box does your cat need?
Size is the first thing to get right, because a cramped box is a common reason cats stop using one.
- The box should be large enough for your cat to turn around fully and tall enough to stop litter scattering when they dig.
- Animal welfare groups such as the Humane Society recommend a box about 1.5 times your cat's body length from nose to tail base.
- Large breeds like the Maine Coon, Savannah, Siberian, and Ragdoll need extra room and often outgrow standard trays.
If litter still spreads, a double-layer non-slip cat litter mat catches stray grains at the exit.
Should you choose an open or closed litter box?
Both work well. The right pick depends on your cat and your home.
| Factor | Open box | Closed box |
|---|---|---|
| Odor control | Needs frequent cleaning | Contains smell well |
| Litter tracking | Higher | Lower |
| Cat comfort | Clear sightlines, easy escape | Private, though some cats feel trapped |
| Appearance | Visible contents | Tidy, blends with decor |
| Cleaning | Very easy | Easier with a removable lid |
Nervous cats and multi-pet homes often prefer an open box with a clear escape route. Apartment owners who want odor and litter contained usually do better with an enclosed design such as the MS Modern & Chic Fully Enclosed Compact Cat Litter Box.
Does your cat's age change the best litter box?
Yes. Match the entry height to your cat's mobility.
- Kittens and senior cats: Choose low front entries that are easy to step into.
- Healthy adult cats: Handle higher sides and top entries comfortably.
- Senior cats with stiff joints: Benefit from higher back walls for support and a low front lip for access.
How much should you spend on a litter box?
Prices start around $10 for basic plastic trays. Cheaper boxes scratch easily, and those scratches trap odor and bacteria, so they need replacing sooner. A sturdier box often costs less over time. Trimming your cat's nails also protects the tray, so read our guide on how to trim your cat's nails.
What are the main types of litter boxes?
Each type solves a different problem. Use this overview to shortlist before you buy.
| Type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Open box | Budget, multi-cat homes, nervous cats | Tracking and odor |
| Closed box | Odor control, privacy, apartments | Harder to clean without a good lid |
| Self-cleaning | Busy owners who want less scooping | Higher cost, power needed, limited litter types |
| Extra-large | Large breeds and multi-cat homes | Takes more space and litter |
| Top-entry | Reducing tracking with agile adult cats | Hard for kittens and senior cats |
| Designer | Style-conscious small spaces | Higher price, harder to find |
Open litter boxes
Open boxes are simple, affordable, and easy to clean, which makes them a practical starting point for many households. They give cats a clear view and an easy exit. The trade-offs are more litter tracking, weaker odor control, and visible contents.
Closed litter boxes
Closed boxes contain odor and stray litter and look tidier in shared spaces. They can be harder to clean unless the lid lifts off easily, and they take up more room. Some cats, especially kittens, need a short adjustment period.
Self-cleaning litter boxes
Self-cleaning boxes rake waste into a sealed compartment, which cuts daily scooping and reduces odor. They cost more, need a power source, and work only with certain litters, so they suit busy owners who value convenience above all.
Extra-large litter boxes
Extra-large boxes give big or multiple cats room to move and hold more litter between changes. The Fawn Large Semi-Enclosed Cat Litter Box is one example. The main downside is footprint, since these boxes need more floor space.
Top-entry litter boxes
Top-entry boxes cut tracking and contain odor by making cats step in through the lid. The MS Modern & Spacious Top Entry Cat Litter Box suits agile adult cats, but kittens, senior cats, and very large cats may struggle with the climb.
Designer litter boxes
Designer boxes blend into your home and often improve function as well as looks, which helps when the box sits in view. They usually cost more and can be harder to find than standard trays.
Which litter box fits your situation?
| Situation | Best choice | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Small apartment, box in view | Enclosed or designer box | Controls odor and looks tidy |
| Multiple cats | Extra-large or several open boxes | More room lowers competition |
| Large breed | Extra-large box | Prevents overflow and mess |
| Busy schedule | Self-cleaning box | Reduces daily scooping |
| Kitten or senior cat | Low-entry open box | Easy, safe access |
| Litter tracking problems | Top-entry box plus a mat | Keeps grains contained |
How often should you clean a litter box?
A clean box is the single biggest factor in whether your cat keeps using it. Litter box avoidance is common: the ASPCA reports that at least 10% of cats develop elimination problems, and a dirty box is a frequent trigger.
- Scoop all solid waste once or twice daily.
- Replace all litter with a fresh batch weekly.
- Wash the box with mild, unscented soap at least once a month.
- Replace the box every 6 months to 1 year once it is scratched or stained.
- Keep one box per cat, plus one extra, as recommended by the ASPCA.
Frequently asked questions
-
Where is the best place to put a litter box?
Put the box in a quiet, ventilated spot away from food, water, and noisy appliances. Cats want privacy and an easy escape route. In multi-cat homes, spread boxes across different rooms rather than lining them up, which cats may treat as a single box. -
How many litter boxes should I have?
Follow the one box per cat, plus one extra rule from the ASPCA. A one-cat home needs two boxes, and a two-cat home needs three. Extra boxes reduce competition, guarding, and accidents, and they keep each box cleaner between scoops. -
Why is my cat suddenly not using the litter box?
Sudden avoidance often signals a dirty box, a new location, a litter change, or a health issue such as a urinary problem. Rule out medical causes with your veterinarian first, then check cleanliness, box size, and placement before assuming it is behavioral. -
Do covered litter boxes trap odor for the cat?
A covered box holds smell inside, which is pleasant for you but stronger for your cat. This is fine if you scoop daily and change litter weekly. If a covered box smells stale, your cat may refuse it, so keep enclosed boxes especially clean. -
Are self-cleaning litter boxes safe for kittens?
Most automatic boxes are built for adult cats and use sensors to avoid raking while a cat is inside. Very small kittens can be too light to trigger these sensors reliably, so a simple open tray is the safer choice until they grow.
Key takeaways
- Choose a box about 1.5 times your cat's body length.
- Match entry height to your cat's age and mobility.
- Open boxes suit budgets and nervous cats; enclosed and designer boxes control odor in apartments.
- Top-entry and self-cleaning boxes solve tracking and time problems for adult cats.
- Scoop daily, change litter weekly, and keep one box per cat, plus one.
