Best Cat Litter Boxes

Cats are notorious about being particular, especially when it comes to their toilet habits. As tidy animals, they are not prone to peeing or pooping outside the designated area–unless there’s a problem with the litter box itself or an underlying medical issue. In many ways, cats can be the ideal pet when hygiene is considered. Still, to avoid any “trouble” caused by an inadequate kitty toilet, you’ll have to choose the right location for the litter box, the right type of litter, and finally, the right litter box itself. Otherwise, you can expect pee and poo everywhere but the place it’s supposed to be – and a lot of unwanted chores. Unfortunately, choosing the best cat litter box can be a trial and error process – unless you do your research beforehand. And we’re here to make that research easier!

Avoiding Litter Box: Difference Between Health Issues and Preferences

Like it or not, as a pet parent, you’ll be intimately acquainted with your pet’s poop and pee. And while it can be disgusting (at first), it is important to monitor their toilet habits, as they can give you insight into your pet’s health. Cats, in particular, are prone to urinary tract issues that can range from frustrating to fatal in severe cases, so keeping an eye on the cat’s litter box behavior can end up being a lifesaver. If a cat is acting weird in the litter box, like lying in it or acting like they’ll pee but doing nothing, it can be a sign that they have trouble urinating and you should schedule a visit to the vet to eliminate a medical cause to your cat’s unusual behavior.

While potty “accidents” are far rarer with cats than with dogs. In fact, cats can live out their whole lives without ever peeing or pooping outside of their designated toilet area. But there are exceptions even if they are not common, and cat can pee or poop outside of the litter box. The trick is to discern what prompted them to do it. Sometimes, it can be a medical issue that’s forcing your pet to eliminate outside their litter, and if this type of behavior is paired with any other unusual symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or anything out of the ordinary, be sure to contact the vet.

The most common reason why cats poop outside of the litter box, though, is that it’s not clean. If you are not vigilant about cleaning the litter box, your cat won’t use it. Cats tend to avoid dirty litters and will stop using them until they can hold it in no more. And that’s when accidents happen. Make sure your cat’s litter is regularly cleaned and fresh. The frequency of cleaning will vary depending on the number of cats in the household and the type of litter used, but overall a good rule of thumb is twice a week. If you have been slacking and letting the litter turn too stinky to step into, your kitty will let you know with a puddle or a little “present” right next to the litter box.

In other cases, cats can do their business outside the litter box as a form of protest, and mostly over the litter box itself. They might not like the new spot for the litterbox, dislike the design, size, or even the type of litter you used. There’s plenty to bitch about when you’re a cat, at least that’s what my feline roomies would have me think. So if you can connect the dots between your cat’s behavior and litter or litter box-related changes, it’s highly likely that something’s amiss in the toilet department. That’s easily solved, though- just put it back as it was or improve it to meet your kitty’s high standards.

Does the Location of the Litter Box Matter?

Most pet owners choose the litter box location with their own comfort or means in mind. And it’s completely normal! If you have a tiny apartment with an even tinier bathroom, you might have to put the litter box anywhere it will fit. Similarly, if you have the room to spare, you probably wouldn’t want the litter box in your living room–nothing ruins movie nights like your cat pooping during a romantic scene. Needless to say, most pet parents thing that the bathroom is the ideal location for their cat’s litter box.

The best location for a litter box is a low-traffic spot in the home where the cat can go potty without distractions, as well as somewhere far enough from your nostrils. If the place happens not to be to your cat’s liking, they’ll find a way to tell you- so a good rule to follow is to see how your pet reacts and go from there. Of course, this all works out great if you have one cat in the family, but what if you have a couple of feline companions? Well, it’s not like you’re not aware of how that complicates your life, litter box or not.

Important Considerations for Multi-Cat Households

Living in a multi-cat household can be a pain. It’s lovely, don’t get me wrong, but it’s like constant juggling with everyone’s needs. Cats are finicky and particular about their likes and dislikes, and if their preferences aren’t compatible, you’ve got a problem. One of the most problematic things about litter boxes in multi-cat families is the number of litter boxes needed. How many litter boxes does a cat really need? Isn’t one enough?

Well, according to experts, 1.5 litter box per cat is the golden number. Cats usually dislike going potty in the litter that’s previously been used, so you have to make sure that they have their own space and privacy for elimination. Also, making sure that all litter boxes are clean, spacious enough, and properly spaced apart is important if you want your cats to be on their best behavior: as long as every kitty has a litter for herself in a location that’s not frequented by other kitties, you’ll be good. Of course, this doubles your efforts with cleaning and also your expenses with litter, but those are the things you simply can’t avoid when you live in a home full of happy cats!

How to Choose the Right Cat Litter Box

There are a few main things you’ll have to pay attention to if you want to make sure you’re choosing the best cat litter box for your precious pet. Materials, shape, size, style- these are all important considerations. For instance, flimsy plastics won’t do- look for sturdy materials that won’t scratch easily and retain odors. Usually, litter boxes are made out of high-quality plastics, but there are disposable paper trays or stainless steel options, too. Litter boxes can be open or covered, and come in many shapes- from corner litter boxes to hooded trays and domes. It all boils down to the location of the litter box and your cat’s individual preference. Similarly, the size of the litter box is extremely important. You want your cat to be able to comfortably fit in the litter box and be able to cover their poop and pee without feeling cramped–because then they won’t do it. Other pets come into play too! Choose your litter box accordingly: if you have several cats or a pupper to boot, you might need some extra additions (such as a hood) or separate litter boxes. So pay attention to the dimensions, and if you have a kitten, don’t be afraid to go for a full size as it will last you throughout the years. No need to start small and work your way up!

So, you see, there are plenty of things to think about when buying a cat litter box. Not to mention there are just so many available options out there that choosing the right one can seem like an impossible feat. Luckily, we’ve made that job so much easier for you. Our list features the best cat litter boxes in different styles, materials, and sizes–there is a match for every kitty. To boot, each of the listed litter boxes is backed by hundreds of cat pawrents who sing it praise, so you won’t have to worry about getting a wonky low-quality box for your pampered feline. Not only that getting it right the first time will save you money, but it will also save time and nerves- so read on to figure out which of these litter boxes is up to your cat’s high standards.And, most importantly, you will be ensuring the best possible experience for your feline friend. That’s what matters the most in the end. And, most importantly, you will be ensuring the best possible experience for your feline friend. That’s what matters the most in the end.

How big of a litter box does a cat need?

A general rule of thumb is that the litter box should be at least as long as your cat, but ideally, 1.5 times that – the length is considered to be the dimensions from the tip of the cat’s nose to the point of their tail. When it comes to width, most pet parents use the same number for approximation, excluding the tail. If you’re unsure about the right size, it’s best to go a size up – the more spacious your cat’s litter box is, the better.

How often should I clean the litter box?

Ideally, you should clean the litter box daily – if by clean you mean removing your cat’s poop and clumped pee from it. It will make sure no odors linger in the litter box, that it is always clean and ready to use by your finicky feline, and that you have less work to do when it’s time for thorough cleaning. That in-depth cleaning of the litter box, when you switch out all the remaining old litter and wash and dry the litter box itself should be done once a week if you have more than one cat in the house, or every two to three weeks if your kitty is an only fur-child.

Do cats prefer open or closed litter boxes?

Cats prefer open litter boxes, which can’t be said for their owners. The reason for this is is that cats feel vulnerable when going potty, and have an instinct to keep an eye out for potential threats and predators, which is why they’ll instinctively feel uneasy when the litter box is enclosed and they can’t have a clear view of their surroundings. That’s not to say, however, that cats can’t get used to using a closed litter box: it just might take a bit more patience with some cats, especially if they are making the switch from open to closed.

Do cats like it when you clean their litter box?

You might have noticed your kitty staring at you when you’re cleaning up after them and wondered – are they displeased with you or do they appreciate it in their own way? Well, the truth is that cats love their litter box to be clean and can be quite particular about it, so it stands to reason that they like the fact you are cleaning up after them. But, in a more real sense, they’re probably just curious and want to observe what they probably consider some weird human behavior.