The best cat litter boxes in 2024, tested and reviewed

Pros: Can be used uncovered or covered, door is removable, spacious, charcoal filter controls odors

Cons: Cover must be removed entirely for cleaning

Often, what a cat desires in a litter box is not the same thing that appeals to our human interests. I saw this firsthand as my two felines tested the best cat litter boxes for this guide. After speaking to Dr. Wailani Sung, a veterinarian and the director of behavior and welfare programs at the San Francisco SPCA Veterinary Hospital, and cat behavior consultant Daniel "DQ" Quagliozzi, I've learned that cats must have choices to feel secure.

For this reason, I selected the Frisco Extra-Large Hooded Cat Litter Box as the best litter box for cats. It can be altered to meet a cat's specific litter box needs and has a spacious 26-by-18-inch interior. It's also one of the more affordable enclosed litter boxes, ranging in price from $30 to $40. The box consists of two pieces: a high-sided pan and a hood with a charcoal filter that clips into the base. Its BPA-free plastic is durable and easy to clean.

A translucent plastic door can help prevent odors from escaping. If you have a sensitive cat that may be uncomfortable pushing through the door or distracted by its swinging once inside, the door can be removed. You can also remove the cover and use only the pan. –Shoshi Parks

Pros: Easy to set up and use, covered compartment holds solid waste, uses odor-absorbent and dust-free proprietary litter, tracks how often a cat uses the box, disposable trays can be easily thrown out

Cons: Uses crystal litter only, waste compartment is small, litter tracks

Our experts say that self-cleaning litter boxes are not recommended for every cat and their caretaker. According to Dr. Leanne Lilly, a fear-free certified veterinarian and assistant professor of behavioral medicine at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, the sound and movements of a self-cleaning litter box can frighten cats, and pet caretakers may miss the signs of intestinal or urinary problems. Still, if you're unable to clean your cat's litter box at least once daily, one of the best self-cleaning litter boxes can help. Of the 12 automatic litter boxes we collectively tested in two separate households, our cats preferred the one closely resembling a generously sized standard litter box: the Scoop Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box.

Although we tested the open design for this guide to the best cat litter boxes, the Scoop Free box is available in two additional covered variations: one with a front opening and another with a top opening that we recommend as one of the best top-entry litter boxes. Every box has a sensor rim and a built-in rake that sits on top of a 23-by-15.5-inch disposable litter tray. Sensors recognize when a cat enters the box, and 20 minutes after they've exited, the rake automatically pushes solid waste toward a covered compartment at the opposite end. A health counter keeps track of how often your pet enters the box.

Petsafe recommends using its proprietary crystal cat litter and disposable leak-proof litter trays ($70 for a bundle of three trays and cat litter). The litter is absorbent, drying, and produces minimal dust, but it easily tracks. According to the brand, the litter and tray should be replaced every two to three weeks. Alternatively, you can purchase a reusable tray and replace the litter as needed. 

Just because the box is self-cleaning doesn't mean you're entirely off the hook. Dr. Mark Freeman, a veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, says litter boxes should be deep-cleaned with soap and water every few weeks. Additionally, the small compartment that collects waste may need emptying several times before it's time to change the litter tray. –Shoshi Parks, Janelle Leeson

Read our full review of the Petsafe Scoop Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box.

Pros: Sturdy door and hood for good odor control; replaceable carbon filter included; can be used uncovered, covered, or with a section of top flipped up; hood clips into base; hood does not need to be removed for cleaning; available in two colors

Cons: Expensive

The sturdy construction of the Catit Jumbo Hooded Pan's cover and door help prevent bad odors from escaping. A replaceable charcoal filter inserted in the hood adds an extra layer of odor protection. You'll want to use the box with its cover and door in place for the best odor control. 

Even if this litter box didn't have solid odor control features, we'd still give it top ratings as one of the best cat litter boxes, thanks to its generous size (22.4 by 18.3 inches) and adjustable cover. It was a serious contender for the best overall pick, but it lost points due to its higher price tag (about $20 more). 

Unfortunately, some cats will not be comfortable with the confined space and the door's movement. For more sensitive felines, you can remove the door or lift the front section of the cover to let a little light in while still containing some odor. The BPA-free plastic box cleans up easily with soap and water and is available in white or grey. –Shoshi Parks

Pros: Modern design, front- and top-entry, perforated folding lid for capturing loose litter and easy cleaning, reusable plastic liner, scoop included, three color options

Cons: Kittens and older or anxiety-prone cats may have trouble using this box, expensive

Most cats require the athletic ability to enter a top-entry box, and once inside, a cat can only go in a spot that allows them to pop their head out of the entry. With a higher lid and entries at the top and front, Modkat's XL Litter Box is our No. 1 pick for the best top-entry litter boxes. It fits the needs of a wider variety of cats than other top-entry boxes.

Good-looking and well-designed, the Modkat XL is 21 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 17 inches tall and available in white, gray, or black. The top entrance is a generous 10.25 inches in diameter, and the front opening measures 8.5 inches wide by 9.75 inches tall. If you'd rather your cat not use the front entry, you can close the built-in sliding door.

The lid folds back for easy cleaning, and litter tracked onto the roof returns to the pan through perforations. The box also comes with two reusable plastic liners, which will last up to three months each, and a scoop.

While the front entry makes this litter box more accessible, aging cats and kittens may still struggle to access the door about 6 inches above the floor. However, my senior cat had no trouble and used this box frequently. Although he didn't use the top entry, he tracked no more litter out of this box than the others we tested. 

The Modkat XL's one downside is its price, typically $180. –Shoshi Parks

Pros: Self-cleans, sends notifications to your phone, monitors cat's weight, can be used by senior cats and cats with disabilities weighing at least 3 pounds, 90-day trial period, 1-year warranty, available in two colors 

Cons: Takes some time to introduce cats properly, some cats may be frightened by the shape or automatic cleaning features, expensive

The fourth version of Litter-Robot is a reliable smart machine that self-cleans and notifies you when the waste drawer needs to be emptied or litter replaced. Insider Reviews senior reporter James Brains says his cats took to this automatic box after four days of encouragement and have used it exclusively ever since. Similarly, my cats also happily use the Litter-Robot boxes, including previous generations 2 and 3.

The Litter-Robot 4 takes over almost all of a pet parent's maintenance tasks and performs them well. It runs a cleaning cycle a few minutes after a cat leaves the box. Thanks to laser-light technology, the cylinder stops cycling if a cat enters while the cleaning cycle is running. The machine also weighs your cat every time they enter. It's one of 11 push notifications you can turn on or off.

The machine sifts waste into a lined tray that you'll need to empty every couple of weeks, depending on frequency of use. Brains says he received cleaning notifications before they seemed necessary and found that if he shook the drawer to distribute the waste more evenly, the sensor would reset. The "empty" cycle works well to remove all the litter when it needs replacing, but Brains still wipes down stuck-on debris inside and deep cleans the globe every one to three months. My Litter-Robot 4 sometimes cycles without a cat entering and weight monitoring is only accurate when the machine is placed on a hard floor instead of carpet. Nonetheless, we consider this self-cleaning litter box worthy of the investment.

With a circular entry 15.75 inches in diameter and a 22-by-27-inch exterior, this litter box is spacious enough for a multi-cat household. It also makes our list of recommendations for the largest litter boxes for cats. If your cat is small or has mobility issues, you can add an attachable step. The biggest downside is the Litter-Robot 4's high cost ($700), but it comes with a one-year warranty. If you or your cat aren't happy with the machine, you can also return it within 90 days for a refund. Return shipping will be deducted from your refund. –Shoshi Parks, Janelle Leeson

Read our full review of the Whisker Litter-Robot 4.

Pros: Generous size, high ramped sides help decrease litter kicking, low entry
Cons: Only one color option, low entry may increase litter tracking

Simplicity and spaciousness are the first two factors Quagliozzi and Sung look for in a litter box. A litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of a cat, but Sung says most traditional boxes are too small. The Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter Pan is among the largest litter boxes we tested at 28 by 22 inches.

At about $70, it is pricier than other traditional boxes. However, it's well worth the price for its size and functionality, according to certified cat behavior specialist Molly DeVoss. Measuring more than 1.5 times the length of a 17-inch cat, larger cats can comfortably stretch out and cover waste in this box. It has relatively high ramped sides to decrease litter scatter from the sides. However, you may want to pair this purchase with a litter mat to catch any stray litter that might tumble for the low entry. 

The pan is made from durable plastic that is easy to clean and has an oversized rim for easy lifting. It comes in neutral gray. –Janelle Leeson, Shoshi Parks

Pros: Accessible entry for kittens and mobility-impaired cats, spacious interior

Cons: Limited litter depth, litter may spill from the entrance, only one color available

Cats with mobility issues, such as small kittens and seniors, might require a boost from stairs or a ramp to enter their box. Even better than ramps and stairs is a box with a low entry, according to DeVoss. 

Shirley K's Senior Cat Litter Box features a low front entry of just 3.5 inches, allowing for easy and comfortable access. Its interior measures 25 by 25 inches and it has a 9-inch-tall rim for enthusiastic diggers. DeVoss says there's no such thing as too big of a litter box, making this low-entry box a great choice for itty-bitty kittens too.  

The only downside of this box is that the low entryway limits the litter depth of litter to about 2 inches, but some cats prefer digging in a few inches. Like the similarly designed KittyGoHere Jumbo Litter Pan, we recommend pairing this box with a litter mat since litter can easily tumble from the low entryway. –Janelle Leeson

Pros: Made from sustainable fiber, ideal for temporary use or travel

Cons: Challenging to scrape stuck-on clumps

Whether you're looking for a sturdy stand-alone box or a liner for a plastic box, the So Phresh Disposable Litter Box is a good, worry-free choice. The box is made of dense bagasse, a natural and sustainable fiber, with 4.3-inch-high sides. 

At 16.7 by 12.6 inches, this box isn't as generously sized as our previous pick, the discontinued Nature's Miracle's Disposable Litter Box. It's also not leakproof, so you'll want to place it on a waterproof surface. The box's biggest flaw is that clumps stuck to the bottom or sides are a little harder to remove than in a smooth plastic box. 

While the box is biodegradable, sending a pan to the landfill every month seems unnecessary when so many reusable options are available. Nevertheless, guardians who are ultra-fastidious about their litter boxes and those who need a reliable temporary box will find a decent solution in So Phresh Disposable Litter Box. –Shoshi Parks

Pros: Plenty of room, durable plastic, snap-on lid for easy moving, low sides for easy entry by most cats, inexpensive

Cons: Litter can be kicked or tracked out of box

When it comes to creating a DIY litter box, a wide, flat plastic storage container is an ideal — and cost-effective — stand-in for a traditional box. In fact, Quagliozzi and Sung often recommend that their clients consider this DIY version since many traditional litter boxes are too small for more than one cat to use several times a day. 

Sterilite's 41-Quart Storage Box is made from durable, clear plastic. It measures 35 by 17 inches, providing a cat with plenty of room to perform natural behaviors like digging and covering their waste. Because the box is waterproof, it won't leak any excess urine that goes uncaptured by litter. You can snap the included plastic lid on to move the box to a different location without spillage.

With 6-inch-high sides, this box is shallow enough for most cats to enter and exit easily. However, guardians with cats that aggressively scratch and kick their litter may need to do more floor cleanup than they would with a litter pan with higher sides. –Shoshi Parks

Pros: Provides air circulation and multiple viewpoints, fits most litter boxes, available in four colors, two entrances, interior can be divided into two spaces, double cabinet doors open for easy cleaning

Cons: Requires assembly

A litter box enclosure keeps unattractive pans out of sight while containing foul odors. This multipurpose furniture from Recaceik combines a traditional cabinet with a cat cubby, scratching posts, and perches. We named it the best cat litter box furniture because it has multiple viewpoints and a large entrance on each side, both of which our experts recommend. Holes across the back of the cabinet provide extra ventilation.

With an interior that's 27.16 inches wide and 18.11 inches deep, Recaceik's enclosure is large enough to fit most litter boxes. You can split the interior into two spaces with the included divider. Locking double doors across the front of the cabinet make it easy to access and clean the litter box.

This enclosure is made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and is available in brown, black, white, and gray. You'll need to assemble it yourself, but reviewers say it's a fairly simple process. It weighs a little over 45 pounds. –Shoshi Parks

Pros: Durable stainless steel and metal

Cons: Some people dislike the sound of cats digging in a stainless steel box, senior cats and kittens may have difficulty accessing this box

The durable stainless steel Frisco litter box offers a significant advantage over traditional plastic litter boxes — it's highly resistant to accumulating scratches. Scratches in a litter box can become breeding grounds for bacteria and unpleasant odors, no matter how diligently the box is cleaned. 

"Once you see scratches on the bottom of the box, it is time to replace it," DeVoss says. Since they're prone to scratches, plastic boxes typically need replacing every six months. To combat this issue, DeVoss recommends stainless steel litter boxes that hold up to a cat's claws.

With an exterior that's 23.3 inches long and 15.5 inches wide, the pan provides plenty of space at an affordable price — about $60. The box has a nonskid base that ensures it stays securely in place, even during enthusiastic digging sessions or post-bathroom zoomies. However, it doesn't have a tapered entry, which may make it challenging for seniors and kittens to access the 6.1-inch-tall box. –Janelle Leeson

Pros: Sturdy material, seamless design without cracks for urine to seep into, can be covered or uncovered 

Cons: Pricey, no ventilation holes, may not be suitable for large cats 

Don't dismiss your awkward corner space as a waste of space just yet. Designed to fit perfectly into unused corners with its triangular shape, the Kitangle corner litter box is ideal for discreet spots and tight spaces. This may be a preferred placement for some cats. "Some cats are very confident, and will use a litter box anywhere, while others are more insecure and prefer a litter box that is secluded," Freeman says. 

The Kitangle box comes in a few styles, including top entry, front entry, and sloped front entry. Among these options, the front-entry box stands out for its simple design and more affordable price compared to the sloped front-entry option. Our experts don't recommend top-entry litter boxes for senior or mobility-impaired cats. 

Made from durable polypropylene plastic, the Kitangle corner litter box has a leak-proof design and removable lid for easy scooping. Custom liners are available for purchase, but the brand says they're not necessary as long as you regularly deep clean your box with soap and water. 

The box measures 17.75 inches in length, 25 inches in width, and 16.5 inches in height. It comes in black, gray, and white and weighs approximately 9 pounds. –Janelle Leeson

Pros: Customizable options, can add storage space, comes with carbon filter and scoop

Cons: Requires assembly, only comes in white

Finding a box that fits your space and decor while meeting the needs of your cat can prove somewhat challenging. "Because each cat is an individual, they can have individual needs and preferences," says Freeman. "There is not a one-size-fits-all litter box setup."

Omlet offers pet parents the convenience of customization with just a few clicks on its website. This allows you to tailor a litter box to everyone's needs. The range of customization options includes the entry location, height of the box and/or cabinet, and door color — or no door at all.

Our ideal customization is Omlet's Enclosed Cat Litter Box with Storage. It's a 37-inch top-entry cabinet with storage and an anti-tracking platform that folds back when it's time to scoop. Each Omlet litter box comes with a reusable litter liner, a folding litter box scoop, and an activated carbon filter designed to absorb and trap offensive odors. –Janelle Leeson

The best litter box for cats is spacious, easy for a cat to access and designed to fit their preferences, and simple for guardians to maintain.

Size: Sung explained that cats need a space at least 1.5 times their length to scratch at the litter and bury their waste. Many litter pans advertised as "large" or "jumbo" have far smaller dimensions than our top picks. You can determine whether a box is big enough by measuring the length of your cat from their nose to the base of their tail and comparing it to the dimensions of the box.

Accessibility: Not every cat is agile or motivated enough to jump up into a litter box. Make sure to consider your cat's mobility needs. Kittens, senior cats, and other cats with mobility limitations may need a box with a lower entry. 

Design: Quagliozzi explained that cats prefer a box that doesn't distract them from their business or require them to contort their body into unnatural positions. Look for boxes that offer easy entry and allow a cat to stand flat on all four paws rather than curved or angled boxes. An open-topped litter pan is the most universally accepted by cats of all types. Some cats may be intimidated by hooded or covered litter boxes, especially if the top is low enough that the cat must crouch to do their business. 

Ease of cleaning: In general, the more simple the design of a box, the easier it will be to clean. If having a cover over your litter pan makes you forget to scoop it daily, then a litter box without a hood is a more hygienic option. If you struggle to scoop your litter box daily, an automatic or smart litter box may be the best option. According to our experts, you'll also need to deep clean your litter boxes every four to six weeks.

Material: In this guide, we included both metal and plastic litter box options. Plastic litter boxes have a lower upfront cost, but our experts recommend replacing them every six months or at the first sign of scratch marks. DeVoss explains that scratch marks accumulate bacteria and, therefore, odors, no matter how well the box is cleaned. On the other hand, stainless steel and metal litter boxes may have a higher initial cost, but they offer a longer lifespan compared to plastic options.

We identified the best cat litter boxes available at major retailers based on criteria established by our experts. Some of our recommendations have not been personally tested. However, they align with our experts' criteria or were recommended by our experts, and come from reputable brands. Boxes that were tested were used for at least one month and underwent the tests described below. Unless a box required a specific litter to operate effectively, all the litter boxes were filled with our budget pick for the best cat litters, Dr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Strength Cat Litter, except the Litter-Robot 4. We filled the machines with either Meijer's Triple Power Cat Litter or World's Best Cat Litter, our budget pick for the best natural cat litter.

Ease of entry test: We measured the sides of each box and the height of any openings and watched to see whether our cats appeared to have difficulty accessing the boxes. We also observed how our cats responded to each box, noting which they preferred to use more frequently.

Tracking test: For each box, we collected the litter tracked onto the floor over three days, then compared the quantity of litter between boxes. 

Cleaning test: We cleaned each litter box twice daily, noting how easy it was to access and remove the waste and how much litter stuck to the bottom and sides of the pan. After a month of use, we thoroughly cleaned each box, disposing of the litter and wiping it out completely. We noted how challenging the boxes were to clean and approximately how long it took.

Size test: For this test, we measured the length of each of our cats when standing in a relaxed position from the nose to the base of the tail. We then measured the length of each of the litter box contenders and compared the numbers. We favored larger litter boxes over smaller ones.

We also interviewed five experts about feline litter box habits and the qualities to look for in a good litter box.

Daniel "DQ" Quagliozzi is a cat behavior consultant and owner of Go Cat Go! in San Francisco, California. For two decades, Quagliozzi has worked with cats at the San Francisco SPCA, San Francisco Animal Care and Control, and through his private practice, Go Cat Go!

Dr. Jamie Richardson is head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary in New York City. Richardson has worked with animals around the world, from South Africa to Hong Kong. At Small Door Veterinary, her primary interests besides general practice include preventative care, dentistry, and internal medicine. 

Dr. Wailani Sung is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and the director of behavior and welfare programs at the San Francisco SPCA Veterinary Hospital. She currently directs the San Francisco SPCA's Behavior Specialty Service and writes on animal behavior for Vetstreet, PetMD, and Healthy Pet magazine. 

Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman's academic and research interests include feline and canine behavior.

Molly DeVoss is a certified feline training and behavior specialist (CFTBS), certified cat behavior consultant, and fear-free certified trainer who specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats. She is the founder and owner of Cat Behavior Solutions. 

What kind of litter boxes do cats like best?

No single litter box is universally best for every cat. Most cats prefer open-top litter boxes with good airflow, clear visibility, and ample space to circle around and dig, according to our experts. However, some cats may prefer enclosed litter boxes that offer more privacy. Our experts say that no matter the design, choose a litter box that is 1.5 times the length of your cat from head to tail tip. Providing multiple types of the best cat litter boxes on different floors of your home and in various rooms allows your cat to choose their preferred design.

What is the best litter to use in an automatic litter box?

Some automatic litter boxes require a specific litter to operate effectively. For example, Petsafe recommends using their proprietary crystal litter in the Scoopfree self-cleaning litter box while the Litter-Robot 4 requires any clumping litter. If you're unsure which litter is required for proper use, contact the manufacturer. 

What is the most hygienic cat litter box?

The most hygienic cat litter box is the one that you're most likely to clean regularly. If having a cover over your litter pan makes you forget to clean it daily, for example, a litter box without a hood is a more hygienic option. If you struggle to clean your litter box daily, an automatic or smart litter box may be the best option. 

What is the best litter box for cats?

Richardson looks for three major qualities in a cat litter box: size, accessibility, and how easy it is for a cat to escape. The litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat so they can turn around comfortably and find a clean area to do their business, she explained. A good litter box should also be easy for your cat to enter and exit, and they should feel safe inside. "Make sure the sides aren't too high for your cat," says Richardson. Litter boxes with high sides and ones that are fully enclosed or top-entry may make some cats feel trapped, leading them to avoid it.

Can a litter box be too big?

No. "Most cats won't mind a box that is a bit larger than they need, provided you keep it very clean," Richardson says. "The main concern is with litter boxes being too small."

Where should I put my cat's litter box?

The best place to put your cat's litter box is in a quiet, secluded area away from household traffic, says Richardson. That way, your cat will feel safe and comfortable during use. She advised against placing a litter box at the end of a hallway, somewhere your cat may feel trapped, or in the area where they are fed. "Cats typically don't like to go where they eat," she says.

How frequently does a cat use their litter box?

The typical cat uses the litter box as many as half a dozen times a day, urinating two to four times and defecating once or twice. Some cats may go more or less frequently on average. Cleaning your litter boxes every day will help you monitor for behavioral changes that may indicate a health problem, such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

How many litter boxes do I need, and what size should they be?

A good general rule of thumb for litter boxes is to have one per cat plus an extra, Sung says. Each litter box should have enough space for a cat to comfortably dig and bury waste with dimensions at least 1.5 times the cat's size.

How often should I clean the litter box?

To keep a cat comfortable, our experts recommend scooping the litter box at least once, if not several times, daily. Every four to six weeks, clean the box with soap and water.

Do cats like open or closed litter boxes?

Some cats may be intimidated by hooded or covered litter boxes, especially if they are low enough that the cat must crouch to do their business. An open-topped litter pan is the most universally accepted box by cats of all types.

Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box?

There are various reasons why a cat may urinate outside of their litter box. If they dislike their litter box's size, design, or location, they may find another place to do their business, like a pile of clean laundry. Health issues such as FLUTD can also cause your cat to pee outside their box. To minimize the possibility of inappropriate elimination, make sure your litter box is in a location where your cat won't feel trapped or on display. Avoid spots that may cause your cat anxiety, such as next to a loud washing machine or the dog's bed.