Best Cat Litter Box

All the information you need to know when looking to buy the best cat litter box

Introduction
Reviews
FAQ
Introduction

As a cat owner and lover, you simply can’t stand having to clean up around the home when accidents occur. And, if you’ve ever stepped atop one of “those accidents” in the middle of the night, you know all too well that you must invest in a well-made litter box. For this reason, the perfect cat litter box is a must-have in any home. Your cat’s litter box is not only what will prevent those accidents when you properly train them, but will also help eliminate the harsh odours in your home as well.

The simple fact that a litter box is well-kept at all times is going to eliminate harsh odours, prevent clumping, and make it easier for your cat to go in (and out of), after they use the restroom. However, not all litter boxes are designed equally. Some are too short, others don’t have head-room for your cat to enter, some are wide-open, which causes the odours you are trying to prevent throughout your home.

You simply love your cat, and you therefore want to provide a clean, scentless, inviting environment when setting up their litter box. Before you invest in the cheapest one you can find, consider a few of these relevant factors to help you choose the right one for your furry friend.

About Cat litter boxes

A litter box is simply a box which owners will utilise so their cats don’t use the restroom throughout the home. Most litter boxes will require the application or use of sand, or cat litter. This is typically placed at the bottom of the litter box, in order to clump (urine and feces), and prevent it from seeping through the bottom or sides of the box.

There is really no secret to using a litter box. Although, many do have revolving or electronic mechanisms which sweep through the litter after your cat uses them, these are usually self-timed, or you set the timer for how often they sweep the litter box. Otherwise, it is a box which you will clean after your cat uses the restroom.

They are used in any home where a cat is present. If you have more than one cat in the home, it is well worth investing in individual litter boxes for each. It is not only easier to train the cats, but also easier to clean, and eliminate harsh odours from presenting themselves in the home all day long.

FEATURES

Size

Self cleaning or manual

Material

Depth/height

Cover

  1. Size - This determination will be made based upon the corner/area where you plan on putting the litter box, how large your cat is, and how often they use the restroom. If possible, owners should clean the litter box more frequently (each time the cat goes).
  2. Self cleaning or manual - Many manufacturers have developed self-cleaning litter boxes. They will sweep the box after your cat uses the bathroom, so all you have to do is collect the litter at day’s end. With these systems, consider possibility for jamming, or issues with clumping. Manual litter boxes will simply require you scoop and dispose of the litter yourself. (Keep in mind this feature might be a bad one, even though you don’t have to clean it. If it jams or doesn’t function, it can end up causing a huge mess).
  3. Material - A plastic frame is a common material used for litter boxes. However, there are other materials available, so consider all options prior to choosing one.
  4. Depth/height - If you have a larger cat, the depth of the litter box should be deeper for easier entry/exit, and to avoid dragging out of the litter box after each use. For smaller cats, you want something that is easy for them to enter and exit as well. So, keep the clearance room, and ease of access/entry in mind when choosing a box.
  5. Cover - Some cats prefer having a covered litter box, others want an open box. You can purchase a litter box which has a cover, and see what your cat prefers. Obviously, when not in use, you can cover the box, to help prevent odours from penetrating throughout your home, throughout the course of the day if you can’t clean up after each time your cat uses the litter box.
The Best Budget: Petmate 22040 Giant litter box

The giant litter pan is suitable for kittens to adult cats. It is designed with high-set standards, is easy to clean, and the large capacity can hold a large amount of litter, meaning less clean-up for owners.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • Convenient storage compartments are built into the litter box.
  • The wide-open space makes cleaning and scooping litter quick and easy.
  • Made of quality materials, and has Microban antibacterial filtering components.
Pros

The large size makes this litter box convenient for larger cats. It has a short-leg clearance space, so no dragging occurs after your cat uses the box. Built-in Microban antibacterial filters, also ensure a clean, fresh home, regardless of how often your cats are using the litter box.

Cons

The large size is a pro (and con), as it requires more litter, and might not clump as easily. There isn’t a removable cover, so odours might be prominent in the area you leave the litter box. The plastic material also means more frequent cleaning, as urine can cause harsh odours if you don’t cleanup as often, or change the litter out frequently.

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The Cheapest Product: VanNess small litter box

Although small in size, this compact box is ideal for kittens and training them to use the litter box. It is easy to clean, and doesn’t take up too much room in smaller homes or apartment spaces.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • Smaller tray, means less to clean up after your kitten uses the restroom.
  • Ease of entry and exit for smaller kittens when training.
  • Made of high-polish finish, It is stain and scratch resistant.
Pros

The smaller size of the litter box makes it easy to clean when changing out the litter. When training your kitten, it is also easy to point them to the box, and easy for them to access as it is a shorter height.

Cons

The small size means you have to clean up frequently. It can’t hold as much litter, and typically means daily cleaning. Nothing fancy, and it is extremely compact in size, so might be tight for your cat as they are transitioning to adult-size.

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Best of the Best: Our Pets Smartscoop

The auto-cleaning litter box is perfect for the lazy cat-owner. It instantly sweeps after every use, so you don’t have to clean up after your cat as often as with the traditional litter box.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • It takes care of the daily scooping chores. After your cat steps out, it will sweep the litter.
  • You receive a litter mat, bags, and filters (6 months).
  • It “learns” your cat’s behaviour, and only sweeps when they are finished with the box.
Pros

The cat litter box does the work for you. All you have to do is empty out the litter a couple times a week into the plastic bag and dispose of it. It features a single-assembly motor, has a large usable area for your cats, and works with your favorite clumping litter.

Cons

A major issue with mechanical systems is the possibility of jamming. When this occurs, it will make a large mess to clean, so you do have to monitor the system often. Another major drawback is the high price tag, but if you don’t want to clean up, it might be worth the investment for some cat owners.

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Scoop free autoself cleaning box

As this litter box’s name implies, it cleans itself. After your cat is finished doing their business, the litter box automatically sweeps, and eliminates waste. There’s no need to touch a dirty litter box anymore.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • The fact that it cleans liter, and you don’t have to replace the litter for days or weeks at a time.
  • The crystal-litter absorbs up to 5X more, so the box won’t get too wet or smelly.
  • There's a healthy counter to track how often your cat goes daily.
Pros

The self-cleaning box works on a timer. You can choose from 3-setting times, and sensor cleaning options. It also features the privacy-hood, which can be removed if owners choose to do so. Leak-proof lining, means less dropping and mess, when you have to dispose of the litter.

Cons

This litter box is expensive. The self-cleaning mechanisms can jam, causing backup or permanent damage. The crystal-litter is also far costlier than other self-clumping litter brands. Complaints of pushing the litter out of the box, are also common with these automatic cleaners.

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Cat's jumbo litter pan

This litter box has a built-in handle, allowing you to use it on the go if you ever travel with your cat. It has a privacy-hood as well, so your cat can go in private, rather than have you watch over them.

Some of the features of this product include:

  • It has a large removable hood for easy of cleanup.
  • A privacy cover, which also prevents the cat from kicking litter out of the pan.
  • It is made of BPA-plastic materials, so it is safe for your cats to use & its BPA free.
Pros

The litter box is enormous, so it is great for younger or older cats. The removable hood makes cleanup easy, and you simply have to dump the contents when changing litter. The privacy screen prevents a messy corner, and your cat can’t kick litter out after using the restroom.

Cons

It is very large, so will require an open-space to place the litter box in. It might also be too large for younger kittens, making it difficult when training them to use the litter box. Harsh odours might be a problem if you don’t change the litter frequently, with the hood cover over the litter box, preventing airflow throughout the room.

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FAQ
  • 1. Do I have to use a litter box?
  • Obviously, every owner is different. However, if you don’t want to have cat feces and urine all over the home, this is the solution. A cat litter box makes clean-up easier, prevent spread of diseases, and eliminates harsh odours throughout the home, as you leave the box in one corner.
  • 2. How many litter boxes do I need?
  • The best solution is to have on litter box for each cat, if you have multiple cats in the home. It will not only make it easier for you to train your cats to use the litter box, but will also prevent issues like fighting, territorial concerns, or your cats possibly making a mess/dragging litter around the home.
  • 3. How often should I replace it?
  • As a general rule of thumb, you should replace the litter at least twice weekly. Of course, depending on the frequency at which your cat goes, if you have a “clumping litter,” or if you choose a scented litter, you might change it more or less frequently.
  • 4. How often do I have to buy a new box?
  • Today there are boxes which last indefinitely. The self-cleaning variety is an innovative design which made cleaning litter boxes easier. However, a traditional, plastic box, should be replaced every 6-8 months. They aren’t expensive, and this will prevent odours, disease, and possible bacterial build-up in the home.
  • 5. Should I buy a large box?
  • It depends on your cat's size, size of the home, where you plan on placing it, and other factors.
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