Litter is a part of cat-parent life. It’s not nearly as fun as the warm and fuzzy cuddles, the adorable purrs, and the insatiable curiosity, but litter is included in the package. Having a good setup for managing litter is key to making the cleanup process as pain-free as possible. It all starts with the litter box.The litter box you choose for your cat could mean the difference between miserable and manageable. We’ll walk you through what to look for in a litter box and showcase some of the best boxes on the market. From new age to space-age, to no-frills, we’re here to give you the lowdown on all things litter boxes.
Shopping for new pet gear can be fun, but it can also be a little bit overwhelming. There are so many features—which box is best? Should you go high-tech, low-tech, or somewhere in between? Whether you’re welcoming a new kitty into your home for the first time or it’s time for a refresh, here are a few things to keep in mind before you start shopping:
Width
To find a litter box that’s the right width, you need to consider not only the size of your cat, but the size and layout of the room where the box will be stored. Litter boxes should be stored in a quiet, open location in your home.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, think about the size of your cat and whether or not they’re still growing before you make a purchase. If the box is too cramped, your cat might end up making a mess right outside the box…or somewhere else in your home.
Height
Generally, litter boxes with 5- to 7-inch sides work well for most cats. But if your cat is unruly and has a tendency to kick litter around or has bad aim, you might want to consider boxes with high walls, and maybe even a covered box.
Style
Now that you have a good idea about the width and height of the box, you can start looking at style. With the wide variety of litter boxes available today, you can definitely find a little box that’s functional and matches your home decor. Which style will work best for your home—something sleek and modern? Or maybe something that blends in with your furnishings?
Price
When it comes to budget, you’ll have to make a decision based on which box best meets your cat’s needs and what you can afford. As a cat owner, a litter box is something you should invest in. That’s why we have a variety of box types and prices below so you can make the best decision for your household.
Picking the right box will not only ensure that your cat is comfortable when they do their business, but it may also save you the hassle of daily cleanups.
Now that you have the criteria to look for as you start shopping for a new litter box, here are our recommendations for the best litter boxes available for any budget:
The Litter-Robot 3: This litter box is automatic, self-cleaning, and hassle-free. It even eliminates the need to scoop so your cat has a clean bed of litter after each use. The Litter-Robot 3 has a Wi-Fi model that lets you monitor your kitty’s waste levels, the number of box visits, and provides emptying notifications via a mobile app. Price: $449.
ChillX AutoEgg Self-Cleaning Litter Box: This white, egg-shaped automatic litter box has a sleek, modern, minimalist design. It’s self-cleaning (including deep cleaning), quiet, compact, and features a health log and alert touchscreen. Price: $399.99.
PetSafe ScoopFree Litter Box: If you like the idea of a self-cleaning litter box but the Litter-Robot 3 and the ChillX AutoEgg are giving you a bit of sticker shock, the PetSafe ScoopFree Litter Box might be a good option. This box also eliminates scooping and lets you go weeks between cleaning and refilling the box. Price: $170.
Archie & Oscar’s Ginny Litter Box Enclosure: Is this an end table or a litter box? Actually, it’s both. Visitors will never know that it’s a litter box! The box comes in a variety of colors—espresso, gray, russet, and white—and is perfect for your master bathroom, laundry room, den, or hallway. Price: $118.80.
Good Pet Stuff Hidden Cat Litter Planter: Looking for a litter box that fits in with your home decor? Look no further. This box is cleverly disguised as a houseplant, complete with a clay pot appearance. It features a cut-out for easy entry and exit and is suitable for large cats. Its filtered vent system controls dust and odor. Price: $64.99.
Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan: Good for larger cats, this litter box is enclosed, provides top-notch odor control, and safeguards against litter tracking. The polished finish is odor and stain-resistant and easy to clean. Price: $15.26.
Nature’s Miracle Just For Cats Advanced High-Sided Cat Litter Box: This litter box is both basic and budget-friendly. The high sides keep the litter and dust inside the box. The non-stick surface prevents litter caking and buildup and makes cleaning easy. Price: $13.99.
Your litter box selection can make or break your cat’s elimination routine, so choose carefully! Wondering if the high-tech models are safe for your kitty? If you’re still not sure what the best option is for your cat, we’re here to help. It doesn’t have to be an emergency for you to contact Airvet—licensed veterinarians are available to answer any questions 24/7.
