How to Choose a Cat Litter Box: A Simple Buyer’s Guide
To choose a litter box, size it so your cat can fully turn around with room to spare, usually about one and a half times their body length. Then pick a style your cat will actually use, keep the entry low for kittens and seniors, and plan one box per cat plus one spare.
The right litter box is one your cat uses without a second thought and one you can keep clean without a fight. Get it wrong and you end up with tracking, odor, and a cat that starts eyeing the bath mat instead.
The good news is that only a few decisions really matter. Nail the size, the style, and the setup, and most everyday problems solve themselves. When you are ready to compare specific models, our roundup of the best cat litter boxes lines up the top picks by size, design, and ease of cleaning.
Start with the right size
Size is the choice most people get wrong, and it is almost always too small. A cramped box makes a cat feel exposed and awkward, so they hover, miss the edge, or refuse it entirely. As a rule, the box should measure at least one and a half times the length of your cat from nose to base of tail.
Give your cat enough room to step in, turn a full circle, and dig comfortably. Bigger cats and long bodied breeds need noticeably more floor space than the standard box on the shelf provides. If your cat only just fits, size up.
- Kittens: low sides make entry easy, but plan to upgrade as they grow.
- Adults: aim for one and a half times body length, more if you have space.
- Large breeds: a storage tub with a cut down entry often beats any off the shelf box.
Open, covered, or top entry
Box style changes how your cat feels and how much mess escapes. Each design has a clear best fit, so match it to your cat rather than your decor.
- Open trays: the simplest option. Great airflow, easy to scoop, and most cats accept them instantly. They do let litter and odor travel more.
- Covered boxes: hide the mess and trap some smell, which many owners prefer. Shy cats like the privacy, though a few feel boxed in and avoid them.
- Top entry boxes: cut down on tracking and stop dogs helping themselves. They do not suit kittens, seniors, or cats with stiff joints.
- High sided trays: a middle ground that curbs over the edge accidents without fully enclosing your cat.
If you are unsure, start with an open or high sided tray. It is the safest bet for a cat whose preferences you do not know yet.
Match the box to your cat’s stage of life
Your cat’s needs shift over time, and the box should follow. A kitten needs low sides they can climb over and a spot that is easy to reach in a hurry. A confident adult can handle almost any style, so you can prioritise easy cleaning and low tracking.
Older cats are where thoughtful choices pay off most. Stiff joints make high walls and top entry lids a real barrier, so a low step in and a roomy floor keep things comfortable. If your household has more than one cat, personalities matter too, since a nervous cat may want an open box with a clear escape route.
Think about cleaning and maintenance
The best box on paper is useless if it is a chore to clean, because a box that gets neglected is a box your cat abandons. Before you buy, picture your daily routine and pick a design that fits it.
- Smooth surfaces: non stick plastic scoops clean far more easily than rough or textured trays.
- Few seams: fewer joints and corners mean fewer places for waste and odor to hide.
- Removable lids: covered boxes should come apart in seconds for a proper wash.
- Durable plastic: cheap trays scratch, and scratches hold smell no matter how often you scrub.
Once your box arrives, a simple routine keeps it fresh. Our walkthrough on how to clean a litter box covers daily scooping and deep cleans without the guesswork.
Plan for placement and number of boxes
Even a great box fails in the wrong spot. Cats want a quiet, low traffic place where they will not be startled mid squat, with an easy escape route and a little distance from their food and water. A cramped corner next to a noisy washing machine is a common reason cats look elsewhere.
The standard guideline is one box per cat plus one spare, spread across different areas rather than lined up in a row. For the full breakdown of good and bad locations, see our guide on where to put a litter box. For more help across the category, browse our Pets guides.
Ready to pick one?
We compared size, style, tracking, and how easy each box is to keep clean so you do not have to. See the models that made our shortlist.
A quick checklist before you buy
- Measured your cat and chosen a box at least one and a half times their length.
- Picked a style your cat will actually enter, not just one that looks tidy.
- Accounted for age, since kittens and seniors need low, easy access.
- Chosen a design you can clean quickly and often.
- Planned one box per cat plus a spare, in calm spots.
Tick those five boxes and you sidestep the most common regrets. If you are weighing a fancier setup, our comparison of a self-cleaning vs regular litter box shows where the extra spend is worth it. When you are ready to buy, the best cat litter boxes roundup makes the final choice easy.
Frequently asked questions
What size litter box does my cat need?
Aim for a box at least one and a half times your cat’s length from nose to tail base. They should be able to step in, turn a full circle, and dig without touching the sides. When in doubt, size up.
Are covered litter boxes better than open ones?
Covered boxes hide mess and trap some odor, which many owners like. Some cats feel boxed in and avoid them, though. Open or high sided trays are a safer first choice if you do not know your cat’s preference.
Is a top entry litter box a good idea?
Top entry boxes cut tracking and keep curious dogs out, so they suit tidy households with agile adult cats. They are a poor fit for kittens, seniors, or any cat that struggles to climb.
How many litter boxes do I need?
The common guideline is one box per cat plus one spare. Two cats means three boxes, placed in different areas rather than side by side, so no cat feels blocked from going.
What is the best litter box for a large cat?
Large and long bodied cats often outgrow standard boxes. A big storage tub with a low cut entry gives them room to turn and dig, and usually costs less than an oversized branded box.
Should the litter box match my furniture?
Looks come last. A box your cat happily uses beats a stylish one they avoid every time. If you want it hidden, choose a discreet spot or a furniture style enclosure rather than a cramped designer tray.