The 12 Best Cat Litter Boxes, from Self-Cleaning Robots to Tried-and-True Budget Savers

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
·7 min read

The whole litter box thing is probably the least appealing aspect of feline parenthood. You’ve got to find a place to put the box where it won’t smell or be too conspicuous. You’ve got to scoop it daily. You’ve got to constantly invent new ways to prevent Butters from tracking litter pellets everywhere. You might even need several boxes depending on how many cats you have (one per cat, then add one more!). If you’re in the market for a high-rated and well-performing litter box, keep reading. This list features 12 of the best cat litter boxes. We picked these to include lots of variety, too, because some cats just won’t go in the first box you buy—on principle.

What if my cat is on a litter box strike?

If you’re wondering why your cat is pooping outside the litter box, consider all of the factors surrounding their behavior. The litter box could certainly be one. Recent changes in your household—including the litter, litter box, or its placement—can deter your cat from eliminating where she usually goes. Don’t force your cat to work with the litter box you prefer; observe her behavior and go with a box she enjoys most.

The Best Litter Boxes At a Glance

RELATED: The 15 Most Expensive Cat Breeds (That Are Worth Every Penny)

1. KittyGoHere Litter Box

1. KITTYGOHERE LITTER BOX

Best for Senior or Arthritic Cats

This box is an excellent choice for anyone with arthritic or aging cats because it’s low to the ground and doesn’t require jumping up or onto anything. This also makes it a good choice for tiny kittens or cats who continue to eliminate outside their current boxes. The KittyGoHere box comes in lavender, sand or apple green, which are things cats shouldn’t eat but are nice colors to complement your decor.

Buy it (from $32)

2. IPRIMIO STAINLESS STEEL CAT LITTER BOX

Best for Longevity and Durability

Stainless steel is typically associated with food and water bowls, as it isn’t porous, bacteria has trouble growing on it and it can be simply cleaned and sanitized. Why not apply that to your litter box? The Iprimio box doesn’t rust or stain, either. The rubber feet on the bottom prevent scuffed floors or scooching mid-potty break.

Buy it ($80)

3. IRIS TOP-ENTRY LITTER BOX

Best Top-Entry Litter Box

Top-entry boxes are not for all cats. Some will get used to perching and plopping or jumping right into these, while others enjoy more open space while they are most vulnerable. If yours are into the top entry style, go for the Iris box, which comes in several sizes and colors and has a grooved lid to catch clingy litter.

Buy it (From $29)

4. GOOD PET STUFF HIDDEN CAT LITTER PLANTER

Best Hidden Litter Box

Fool everyone who comes over with this hidden litter box! Disguised as a planter, it provides plenty of room for your cat to do her business while adding a little greenery to your home. If your cat room’s theme is “Jungle,” maybe add this to the mix?

Buy it ($65)

5. NATURE’S MIRACLE HIGH-SIDED CORNER CAT LITTER BOX

Best Space-Saver

Since it’s wise to have multiple litter boxes (even if you have just one cat) and even wiser to place litter boxes in several zones throughout your home, a corner box may be a game-changer. This box from Nature’s Miracle fits snugly into a corner, which can save space in small apartments (and keep your cats from tossing litter in every direction after they’re done).

Buy it ($25)

6. NATURE’S MIRACLE DISPOSABLE LITTER BOX

Best Disposable Litter Box

Definitely the best price on our list, this disposable box is made from recycled paper and materials. Don’t worry—it won’t crumble or tear after kitty uses it. The material is strong enough to stand on its own and environmentally friendly enough to use as a liner in a larger plastic bin (a much better option than plastic bag liners that tend to annoy cats). It’s also manufactured with baking soda which, when combined with its breathable walls, means less odor overall. Replace every four weeks to keep your cat happy.

Buy it ($9 for 3 boxes)

7. PURINA TIDY CATS BREEZE CAT LITTER BOX SYSTEM

Best for Keeping Litter Inside the Box

New to kitties and litter boxes in general? Start with this customer fave. First of all, the litter pellets keep solid poos on top and allow liquid to drain onto absorbent pads. These pads are hidden in a protective drawer, keeping urine odors at bay. Second, the litter pellets are 99.9 percent dust-free and don’t track all over your home. Replace the pads once per week for one cat (or every three days for two cats) and the litter once per month. It comes in several sizes, too!

Buy it (From $40)

8. VAN NESS CAT LITTER PAN

Best on a Budget

Here’s the thing: Cats aren’t as picky as people tend to be when it comes to litter box design. Yes, some cats become picky if other factors in their lives change, but for the most part, as long as the litter box is clean and available, it works. This box is as basic as it gets. It’s also cost-effective—so if you’d rather splurge on Pretty Litter or your cat’s health requires prescription food, you can save money here.

Buy it (From $4)

9. PET MATE ARM & HAMMER SIFTING PAN

Best Sifting Litter Box

Both a great deal and a great system, this litter box streamlines the cleaning process. Instead of going on the hunt with your scooper, simply lift the sifting tray and shimmy it back and forth, then dump the contents. The materials are also antimicrobial which reduces bacteria build-up (aka, fewer stains and smells).

Buy it ($34)

10. LITTER ROBOT-3 CONNECT

Best Automatic Litter Box

We’ve already given this litter box a 93 out of 100 when it comes to value, functionality, quality, aesthetic and overall cat approval. This thing is pricey but worth it if you want to streamline the scooping process. Not only does it automatically “scoop” your cat’s business (timed of course, with a weight sensor, to ensure your cat isn’t in there when it starts moving), it sends you notifications through Litter Robot’s app letting you know when the waste drawer is full. Be sure to use clumping litter only!

Buy it ($550)

11. PETSAFE SCOOPFREE AUTOMATIC SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOX

Best Bargain Automatic Litter Box

Cat parents on the hunt for an automatic box that doesn’t cost an arm and a paw should consider the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box. This one is full of crystal litter that dehydrates solid waste and absorbs liquid waste. It only requires a litter tray change once per month (if you have one cat). A rake rids the pan of waste so you don’t have to.

Buy it ($180)

12. THE COVE LITTER BOX BY TUFT AND PAW

Best Design

Tuft and Paw is known for its incredibly sleek, modern design. They really did a number on the traditional litter box. The Cove has clean lines and curved corners for optimal cat comfort and human aesthetics. The Shelter is a removable wall included in your purchase that can be added to The Cove if your cat is a big litter kicker. (Speaking of litter, Tuft and Paw makes a dust-free, flushable, non-toxic clumping litter perfect for any box!)

Buy it ($199)

RELATED: I Won't Say the Self-Cleaning Litter-Robot Changed My life, but—OK, It Changed My Life

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