Best Alternatives Review

Cat Litter Boxes

One of the first items of “cat” equipment you’ll purchase, whether you’ve owned cats before or this is your first pet, is a litter box. Even though it’s regarded necessary, most people don’t give the litter box itself much consideration. Litter boxes may all appear the same, especially to novice cat owners. Cats can be picky about their bathroom arrangements, so it’s important to choose a litter box that meets their needs. Shape, size, and depth are all important factors to consider. To help you make the best decision for your cat, let’s take a look at the different types of litter boxes available.

Toggle Filters
Show
Sort by

One of the first items of “cat” equipment you’ll purchase, whether you’ve owned cats before or this is your first pet, is a litter box. Even though it’s regarded necessary, most people don’t give the litter box itself much consideration. Litter boxes may all appear the same, especially to novice cat owners. Cats can be picky about their bathroom arrangements, so it’s important to choose a litter box that meets their needs. Shape, size, and depth are all important factors to consider. To help you make the best decision for your cat, let’s take a look at the different types of litter boxes available.

The Ultimate Guide To Different Types of Cat Litterboxes

The most common behavioral problem reported by cat owners is elimination outside the litter box. Therefore, learning to use the litter box is key for kittens and cats to integrate into a new home. Just like with people, every cat is different and there is no single perfect solution for every feline. When it comes to choosing a litter box and cat litter for your cat, the options can be overwhelming and confusing. However, by taking the time to learn about your cat’s individual needs, you can select the best products to keep your feline friend happy, healthy, and safe.

In addition to their obvious functions, litter boxes are crucial for a cat’s overall health and mental well-being. How your cat feels about their litter box can be influenced by its shape, size, depth, and a variety of other characteristics. Owners of cats can assist their felines in avoiding a multitude of issues by following a few straightforward guidelines about litter boxes. We’ll discuss the basics of each type of Cat Litterbox and try to explain what makes each unique. Let’s look at the many kinds of litter boxes to help you in your search.

Automatic Cat Litter Boxes

Automatic Cat litter boxes

Nobody who has cats like scooping the litter. These litter boxes were created to eliminate this task from your to-do list. Basic litter pans are self-cleaning litter boxes. Some of them have a lid, some don’t, but they all have a motorized rake that periodically goes back and forth through the pan. Waste is gathered by the rake, which then carries it into a litter box-attached enclosed receptacle. The majority of self-cleaning litter boxes contain a sensor that instructs them to clean as soon as your cat exits the box, ensuring that no waste is left in the box for very long.

Self-cleaning litter boxes aren’t perfect, so you shouldn’t overlook cleaning the box entirely. If the rake has problems eliminating the waste, more clumps will grow over time. Some cats are wary of utilizing facilities that animate immediately after they’re finished. Another downside of this type of litterbox is that. You must plug these litter boxes in and set them next to an electrical outlet because they are powered by electricity. While very convenient, they are considerably more expensive than normal litter boxes.

Top entry litter boxes

top-entry-litterbox

Try a top-entry box if litter tracking and flying litter are issues for you. They are completely enclosed and higher than conventional litter boxes. For cleaning, the lid can be removed. Cats can enter and exit from the top of an enclosed box using a top entry litter box, keeping the litter inside the box while they use it. In order to prevent litter from being strewn across the floor, the lid of a top entrance litter box frequently contains grooves that capture litter caught between your cat’s paws.

If you have a large cat, you might want to avoid litter boxes with tiny top access ports. Kittens and older cats may have trouble getting in and out of the box, and it can be harder to clean than open designs. It’s also not suitable for senior cats, kittens, overweight cats, or overweight kittens. Another issue with this type of litterbox is that it is harder to clean than open designs and can contain bad odors.

Open Litterboxes

Girl in a jacket

Open litter boxes leave plenty of space for your cat to use the bathroom without them feeling closed in, allowing your cat to move around more freely inside the box. These types of boxes also are easier to deal with if your kitty covers up their waste in the right way. These types of litter boxes also don’t retain moisture the way that closer litter boxes do, meaning you’ll have fewer clumps and smell to deal with. Since there’s no lid, it’s not as restrictive for your cat. Some cats will use the bathroom outside of the litter box because they feel restricted when they’re inside. If you have an open litter box, this doesn’t happen.

On the downside, open litter boxes are much messier than their closed counterparts, as there’s no lid to contain the litter when your cat starts scratching to cover his waste. It also circulates the smells through the air and into your home. One of the biggest problems with open litter boxes, however, occurs if you have dogs. For some reason, dogs love to eat the waste out of cat litter boxes, and it’s easy for them to do if the open litter box is sitting there like a dinner invitation. Since these boxes aren’t covered, there are no barriers to odor. You’ll need to commit to cleaning an open litter box every day to prevent it from smelling.

Covered litter boxes

Girl in a jacket

Covered boxes are identical to uncovered boxes, except they have a lid. Most of them are simple covers with an opening for entry and exit, but some can be very elaborate with domes and swinging doors. Covered boxes offer privacy to shy cats and help contain litter scatter and spray. They also can be helpful if you have a cat who likes to dig to China and bury her treasures. Some cats prefer the privacy offered by the cover. Cats who are prone to stress can often be found “hiding” inside their covered litter box.

On the downside, some cats prefer the freedom of an uncovered box and can feel claustrophobic in a covered one. If you have more than one cat, you’ll need a box for each of them, because no self-respecting feline will share their bathroom with another cat. Covered boxes are also more difficult to clean, as you have to either remove the lid or clean around it. Overall, a covered box is a good choice for most cats and cat parents. If you’re not sure which type of box to get, ask your veterinarian or an experienced cat parent for their recommendations.

Disposable litter pans

disposable-litter-pans

As the name implies, disposable litter pans are made from sturdy plastic and designed to be thrown out after use. Some cat parents prefer them because they’re easy to use and don’t require scooping. They also don’t require any special cleaning solutions. However, because they’re not meant to be reused, they can be more expensive in the long run. Additionally, some cats may not like the feel of plastic and may prefer a litter pan that’s more like their natural environment.

Most disposable cat litter boxes are supposed to last up to four weeks, but some may only last a few days, depending on the size of your cat and how often they use the litter box. If you have more than one cat, you may need to buy more than one box. While easy to throw away and replace, some cats will grow used to one type of box and that can be disorientating to them when changed. So if you use a disposable litter pan, make sure to buy the same brand that your cat is accustomed to.

Sifting litter boxes

Girl in a jacket

Also called sifting pans, these are available in both open and closed styles. Sifting pans have a grate at the bottom that sits inside a separate container to help with cleaning. By periodically “sifting” the top pan side to side, you are left with the dirty clumps in the top pan to dump out into the trash thus eliminate the need to dig and scoop, making manual litter box cleaning simple. Of all the options for cat litterboxes, these are the most environmentally friendly. Due to the fact that clean litter isn’t inadvertently removed with the dirty material, these boxes also reduce litter waste. If you’re looking for a covered The sifting litterbox comes it a variety of styles, including open and covered.

Although they are simple to clean, deep cleaning is more difficult. You will still need to clean out your litter box every few weeks. This style of cat litterbox also has the drawback of producing more dust while being sifted. While utilizing a sifting litterbox instead of a scoop keeps your hands cleaner, urine frequently adheres to the pan and needs to be thoroughly washed. Eight cats, or overweight kittens. Another issue with this type of litterbox is that it is harder to clean than open designs and can contain bad odors.

Cat Litter Enclosure

Girl in a jacket

Litter box enclosures are attractive pieces of furniture that conceal your cat’s litter box and turn it into a decorative item. Some are made of wood, while others are made of plastic, engineered wood, or laminate. Some even have additional storage space or a sizable top surface that can be used as a bench or for decoration. They typically include a cover or enclosure to keep the litter box out of sight and can be customized to match the design of your home. These litter boxes can be built into the room, making them less intrusive and more visually beautiful than a typical litter box.

Some disadvantages of enclosed cat litterboxes are that they make the cat uncomfortable by trapping the odor within, the box is often too small, and cats may feel confined. If there is no backup exit in case another cat appears, this may cause even more stress for the cat. Furthermore, the effect of “out of sight, out of mind” states that if we do not see the litter box, we may clean it less frequently. This can be a problem because you must constantly clean them since they have the potential to introduce litter box stench into your home. Additionally, the most costly kind of litter box is a designer one.

What to Consider Before Buying a Litter Box

How big your kitty is. There are many different types, sizes, and materials for litter boxes, but the one quality that cat parents frequently ignore is space. Similar to how we prefer a regular restroom to a porta potty, cats demand space when they use the litter box. This is why: More than humans do, cats don’t want to be stuck in the smell of the restroom. The best cat litter box should therefore, as a general rule of thumb, be at least 1.5 times the size of your cat, including the tail. Measure your cat before you purchase the box, if at all possible. (While that is the best size, there is no need to switch if your new cat is used to using a smaller litter box without any problems.)

Your cat’s age and health. Older cats need to be able to enter and exit without having to climb too far; young cats can withstand higher sides and entries. Find one with a low-entry front if you have a senior. Older cats who don’t arch their backs when urinating are an excellent candidate for a box with high sides and back (but still a modest entry). We typically see issues in older cats who have back pain and are unable to squat properly. Unfortunately, these cats will stand in the box and urinate over the side; young, healthy cats typically don’t have this issue.

Shape of the litterbox: To stop litter from spreading or urine from overspraying, an open litter box should have high sides. An enclosed one should feature a doorway that’s big enough for your cat to get through comfortably. Your cat should be able to readily enter and exit the litter box, especially if they are a little older or have agility issues. High sides and backs are essential for your cat if it throws the litter, as they make cleanups simpler. If your cat digs, you should provide them a box with low sides so they can get in and out with ease. Getting a covered box will help keep the problem contained if your cat sprays. Really, everything just hinges on your cat’s preferences, spend time observing your cat and the way it behaves in the litterbox and take notes on it’s habits.

Your budget.Price ranges for litter boxes can be as little as $10 for a basic litter pan and as much as $100 for self-cleaning boxes or ones that resemble furniture. Additionally, you should replace the litter box whenever the plastic has nicks and scratches because these flaws can trap odors and filth and make it less enticing for your cat to use. Vetenarians recommend replacing the box every six months or so.

Easy to scoop and clean: Each day you should scoop the litter box, and every two weeks you should totally replace the litter. (The ASPCA recommends replenishing the litter and washing the boxes once a week with detergent and warm water.) However, poor litter boxes feature ridges, divots, and crevices where clumped litter and cat waste can become trapped, making cleaning and scooping difficult. The ideal boxes have edges and corners that can be completely cleared with a flat scoop and are smooth enough not to accumulate clumps.

Materials of high quality: Poorly constructed litter boxes crack and lose their shape when loaded with cat litter, or their lids’ latches fail to stay closed and shatter. A excellent litter box is constructed of sturdy materials that won’t break under light weight and can withstand years of daily use from a cat scratching on it.

If you are having trouble getting your cat to use the litterbox, there are a few things you can try:

As soon as they arrive, allow them to inspect and smell them. Once you’ve shown your cat the boxes, don’t relocate them to prevent confusion.

After meals and when waking up from naps, put your cat in one of the boxes. Pick them up and place them in the litter box if you see them acting like they need to relieve themselves, which could be demonstrated by sniffing or squatting in a specific location.

Make sure the litterbox is in a place where the cat feels comfortable. Cats are often picky about where they go to the bathroom, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect location.

Make sure the litterbox is clean. A dirty litterbox will often discourage a cat from using it, cats are very hygienic animals and are very sensitive to smells. Make sure not to use harsh chemicals this will further discourage your cat from using it.

Put some of the cat’s favorite food in the litterbox. This will encourage the cat to enter the litterbox and may help trigger the instinct to use it. Do not continue this practice after the cat has acclimatized to the new box as one should also separate the eating and pooping places for your cat.

Encourage the cat to use the litterbox by providing positive reinforcement. If the cat uses the litterbox, give it a treat or some other form of positive reinforcement. If the cat does not use the litterbox, consult a veterinarian.

Commonly Observed Issues With Cats and Litterboxes

The most commonly observed issues with cats, is not urinating or defecating inside their designated litter area or litter box. Thankfully there are a few methods to try reprogram your cats behavior. Read on to learn more about how to solve this issue.

What to do when your cat poops outside the box.

If your cat is pooping outside of the box, the first thing you should do is rule out any medical causes. If your cat is healthy, there may be a behavioral reason for the problem. Try to figure out what is causing your cat to poop outside of the box and make changes accordingly. You may need to experiment with different litter types or box locations. If the problem persists, you should talk to your veterinarian for for help.

What to do when your cat pees outside the box.

Cats that pee outside of the litter box are often trying to tell you something. Rule out any medical causes first, then look for behavioral reasons. If your cat is healthy, there may be a problem with the litter box itself. Try different types of litter or a different location for the box. If your cat is peeing everywhere and you’ve ruled out medical issues, then it’s time to reassess your litter boxes. Begin by making sure your cat’s litter boxes are as clean and desirable as possible. Choose the largest litter boxes possible and try to keep them uncovered. If your cat is still peeing outside of the litter box, you may need to consider behavior modification. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process, so be patient. Work with your veterinarian or a behaviorist to come up with a plan that will work for you and your cat.

Tips on how to clean a cat litter box::

-Scoop the litter box every day to remove solid waste.
-Empty the entire litter box and wash it with soap and water at least once a week.
-Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners such as ammonia or bleach as they may be harmful to your cat.
-Fill the box with fresh litter.
-Place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible location.
-Observe your cat’s behavior to ensure they are using the litter box and that it is clean enough for their needs.

Frequently Asked question about cat litter boxes

Do cats prefer covered or uncovered litterboxes?

The majority of cats prefer open litter boxes because they like to see their surroundings clearly, and closed lids trap odors, which are unpleasant for both pets and people. However, if you have a cat who is extremely cautious, a covered box might make her feel more comfortable.

How often should you give your litter box a good cleaning?

According to the Humane Society, it’s recommended to scoop the litter box once per day, replace the entire contents with fresh litter, and wash the pan at least twice a month. Alternately, if you heed the ASPCA’s suggestion, you should swap out the litter and wash the boxes once a week using soap and warm water.

How can I stop my home smelling like the litter box?

Scooping the litter box every day and changing the litter every few weeks works best to keep it from stinking. If you have several cats, you might need more than one litter box and more frequent litter replacements to keep your home smelling fresh.

Do you have some advice for cleaning my litterbox?

Litter boxes should be kept clean by scooping out waste daily. About two to three inches of litter should be placed in the litter box to allow ample depth for absorbing urine as well as facilitate digging behavior from your cat. But this depth doesn’t mean you should wait until all the litter is used up before cleaning the box. A regularly cleaned, well-chosen litter box is a key part of a happy, healthy indoor cat’s environment.

What sort of litter is best my cat litterbox?

Of course, you’ll also want to choose a litter that makes the cleaning of the litter box easy, too. Most cat owners prefer clumping litter that makes it easy to scoop waste, low-tracking litters that don’t get all over the house, and absorbent litters that help control odors. Price, natural ingredients, weight, and other factors are also important things to consider when choosing a cat litter but make sure you don’t change litter types too frequently or you may encourage litter box avoidance in your cat.

Are their any other litter related accessories you recommend?

Yes, there are many products available that make your life much easier. For one, you may like to check out our selection of cat litter scoopers, or odor control products. You don’t have to live with a stinky cat box!