10 Best Cat Litter Boxes in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks
A litter box is a necessary if you have an indoor cat, but cleaning it isn’t the most pleasant job in the world, especially considering the health risk of parasites, such as Toxoplasmosis gondii.
Our guide will go over the innovations of the litter box industry that make maintenance easier and safer for pet owners. We also researched the available options. These reviews will help you make an informed choice when looking for the right one for your needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2022
Rating
Image
Product
Details
Best Overall
Nature's Miracle Just For Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box
The Nature’s Miracle Just For Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box is our pick for the best overall cat litter box. We like covered boxes like this one because it saves money on litter. The owner is clearly the focus of this product, with its overall design and antimicrobial surface. The latter makes it safer to clean.
While cat litter manufacturers have made excellent strides with odor-containing products, we still appreciate the charcoal filter of this box. The corner design is genius too. It’s a small touch, but it does wonders for helping contain the litter. We like that the opening isn’t covered, to make it easier for cats new to hooded boxes to get used to it. The height is a bit tall but does an excellent job containing the litter.
All in all, we think this is the best cat litter box of the year.
Pros
Antimicrobial surface
Corner design
Replaceable charcoal filter
Affordably priced
Cons
Too tall for young or older cats
2. Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan — Best Value
The Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan stands out as the best cat litter box for the money. It has much going for it, starting with its design. It’s large and roomy enough for larger pets. Even though it’s open, it has high sides that do a decent job of containing the litter. It’s lightweight, which makes it easier to empty and fill. The manufacturer uses both plastic and recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice.
It’s affordable, which is certainly a plus, but it seems a bit flimsy if you fill it to the recommended 3 inches of litter. Of course, that depends on what type you use. Lightweight litters make this less of an issue. It is odor-resistant, which we always appreciate. We also like the fact that it’s made in the U.S.A.
To conclude, for the money, we think this is the best cat litter pan you can find.
The Litter-Robot 3 Connect Essentials WiFi Enabled Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box ticks off all the possible boxes for a premium cat litter box. It’d probably be easier to say what it doesn’t do than what it does. The design makes clean-up hands-off. If your cat is picky about how clean their box is, this one will have you covered. However, it’s definitely a product aimed at pet parents.
The manufacturer included a self-cleaning mechanism and hood. There’s also a ramp to help younger and senior animals use it. It even has a fence to encourage your cat into the box. We can see some pets being scared of it, though. It has a AutoPets Connect app so you can monitor the box and how your cat uses it. That said, the night light is overkill with an animal that can see well in the dark.
The Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box does an excellent job of containing the litter, which is desirable if you have the litter box in a carpeted room. The sides are high with a lower cut-out for entry, which might be still a bit high for some cats. While it’s made from recyclable materials, the pan is durable and will stand the test of time. It’ll even take scratching and digging.
The box comes in only two colors, but we didn’t consider it a deal-breaker because they are neutral hues. The plastic is easy to clean, although it doesn’t have an antimicrobial coating. However, we liked that it is a U.S.A.-made product.
The Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box has a unique take on an old-school product with its planter design. It’s useful if you have limited space, so you can put down the pan without it being obtrusive. It’s easy to clean, which fits with its purpose. The included plants are fake, but we thought that they looked fine for what they were. Some buyers might consider swapping them out for something else.
It has a filtered vent to cut down on odors. That’s a good thing, given its enclosed shape. You can also spray paint it. After all, the design speaks to it being a part of your décor, so it only seems fitting that you can tweak it. The shape is roomy. We like that it is easy to clean. The 1-year limited warranty is a welcome perk.
The ScoopFree Automatic Cat Litter Box is a self-cleaning product that has features for both you and your pet. It covers waste completely and works hands-free. It is automated, with only periodic replacement needed. The trays are disposable, so your handling of used litter is minimized. Unfortunately, the trays are proprietary, even if they are convenient.
The box is covered, which helps contain the litter well, though the opening is a tad high for kittens and seniors. The cleaning mechanism is excellent and can save you up to 10 times the litter you’re using now. That can offset its higher price. Since the box self-cleaning, you have to place it near an outlet. Some assembly is required but not much. This product worth considering if you don’t want to bother with cleaning the litter box.
The Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan has tweaks to its regular design to make it more user and cat-friendly. It’s a decent size with its opening. The cover keeps the litter in the box. It has a door to improve its efficiency, though your kitty may or may not like this feature, making it a good thing that it’s removable. A carbon filter is available for an extra cost. However, it’s a must-have if you use the door.
The pan comes in one neutral color, which is fine in our books. It has a convenient handle on the top to take to the sink for cleaning. The hood design makes it easier to scoop out the box. The opening is wide enough to make it easy for your cat to get used to this type. It’s affordably priced, making it worth a look.
Pros
Carbon filter available
Built-in bag anchor
Lightweight
Cons
Front door avoidance
Pricey replacements
8. Tidy Cats Breeze XL All-In-One Cat Litter Box System
The Tidy Cats Breeze XL All-In-One Cat Litter Box System tries to cover all the bases. Its large size and high walls help keep litter in the box. We like that the walls are removable to help a kitty new to this design make the transition. It’s a feature that shows that cat owners are part of the team working on this product line. It also includes a few accessories, such as a litter scoop.
The usage isn’t as straightforward as we’d like, however. It isn’t hands-off and actually seems like you’re having to deal with it more. The product includes proprietary items, which make it less versatile if you can’t find what you need. It includes an ammonia blocker, but it only lasts a week. That makes it less useful if you have more than one cat.
The Frisco Top Entry Cat Litter Box is a different take on the covered box, where the enclosed part is below the pet instead of over it. The premise is interesting, but we can see serious obstacles in getting a pet to use it. However, it handles issues with odor, litter control, and odor elimination.
The box is the right size, affordably priced, and made of recyclable plastic, which all add up to an excellent value. However, the design puts cats at ground zero, which can lead to them tracking waste outside the box. That’s a red flag for us, given the health risks that that poses. Still, this box is easy to use and clean — if your cats adapt to its design.
Pros
Value priced
Excellent litter retention
Non-slip surface
Cons
High learning curve
Not that durable with heavier cats
10. Pet Fit For Life Collapsible Portable Litter Box
The Pet Fit For Life Collapsible Portable Litter Box is a fitting addition to this list, even though it isn’t a permanent solution. If you like to hit the road in your RV, like the other 11.2 million households in the United States, products like this one give you the freedom to bring your kitty with you. This one is relatively small, which is a problem for bigger pets. However, it is a space saver, which can balance this downside.
The sides are a decent height for keeping litter where it belongs. All you have to do is wipe it down in between uses. We like that the manufacturer threw in a collapsible bowl that fits its purpose. The canvas material is durable but will likely show its wear after a while. We’d probably opt to get a new box every season, anyway.
Buying a cat litter box is essential for cat owners. However, it pays to take the time to consider its potential features and designs because you’re going to be doing the cleaning. You need to think about how easy that is and how the box constructed to minimize the waste outside of it. After all, cat paws are like litter magnets, spreading the particles outside of their container.
The features to consider include:
Open or covered
Size and entry opening
Self-cleaning
Open Litter Box or Covered Litter Box
It’s an ongoing debate with cat owners. On the surface, it seems like a covered litter box is a way to go. The litter stays inside of it, and it’s aesthetically pleasing, given its function. However, there’s more to it than these basic things.
First and perhaps foremost, it’s a matter of whether your cat will use it. Felines like covered places, which can stir their natural curiosity. Contrary to popular belief, cats care little about privacy. Second, there is odor control. The smell may not seem obvious — unless you’re inside of it. That makes a charcoal filter imperative. Many pets will avoid using a stinky box.
Self-cleaning, covered boxes are an evident solution. The mechanism will contain the mess for you and your pet. However, it you must also think about cleaning it. You still need easy access to it, and you must replace the litter regularly. It’ll help if that’s easier to do than having to disassemble and reassemble the box.
Image Credit: Axel Bueckert, Shutterstock
Size and Entry Openings
Size is a vital consideration if you have a larger cat or more than one in your household. You need to consider the overall dimensions and the height of the opening. It’s a balancing act. You want it high enough to keep the litter inside, without making it too difficult for your pet to enter and exit it. That also applies to the height if you go with a covered box. Some manufacturers solve this problem with ramps.
Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes
A self-cleaning litter box seems like a first-world solution. But that belies the fact that dirty litter represents a health issue. This type of box is a helpful innovation when you consider it in that light. Bear in mind that it often means proprietary replacement products, whether they’re trays, cartridges, or other items. That adds to the financial and environmental cost of these products.
An open litter box is a viable option that offers many benefits. These boxes are easy to clean. You can use whatever liners, litters, or cleaning items that you want. That can make them a more affordable option in the long run. The tradeoff is that you may have closer contact with dirty litter. It’s a decision that you’ll need to weigh.
Nicole is a lover of animals of all sizes but is especially fascinated with the feline variety. She’s the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. She’s always had a cat in her home and has spent countless days with others, observing behaviors and softening up even the grouchiest of the lot. Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat can live happy, healthy, and care-free.
A litter box is a necessary if you have an indoor cat, but cleaning it isn’t the most pleasant job in the world, especially considering the health risk of parasites, such as Toxoplasmosis gondii.
