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Cleaning your cat’s litter box can be a really messy, toxic and dangerous jog. Cat litter contains strong, sometimes offensive odors, fecal matter that’s full of germs, etc. So, when purchasing a cat litter box, you have to consider which type is best for your kitty, you and your home: a normal cat pan, an automated cat box or a flushable box.
What to consider when buying a litter box?
1. Size: most litter boxes are designed to take up just a little space in your home but when buying one, make sure that it’s the right size for your cat. In fact, cats like space and your cat may prefer a bigger box that it can play around in. Larger boxes can also hold more litter, making your cat feel comfortable with enough litter to cover her waste.
2. Design of the box: cats are known to bury their waste, so when purchasing a litter box, go for one that is deep enough and can hold a lot of cat litter5 to accommodate your cats’ mess.
3. Cleaning: consider litter boxes that are automated and self-cleaning. These make cleaning a breeze and you can find one to fit your budget.
4. Cover: cats love privacy when doing their thing. Litter boxes with a hood give your cat her much-needed privacy. It also helps to keep the urine, litter, other waste from escaping outside the box. In addition, most litter boxes come with a filter system that entraps all odors, making it odor-free and clean for your cat and your home.
5. Odor control: some litter boxes come with odor control material while others don’t. Either way, if the litter box does not have an odor control system, then get a scented litter or an odor-destroying spray that is not harmful to the cat or find litter that uses natural methods such as baking soda and essential oils, green tea leaves, and vinegar among others.
6. Color: it might not make any difference what color your litter box is, but bear in mind that cats love cool and bright colors. You can also choose one based on your interior decor if litter box will be out in the open. Otherwise just get one for the purpose it serves.
With the above, be sure you have a good idea what kind of box your kitty will prefer; however, remember that cats can be finicky and make refuse to use a new litter box. You’ll need patience to teach your fur baby to use the new box and keep training her to use it until she becomes comfortable with the new litter box.
Our Selection of Top Cat Litter Boxes
1. The Roll ‘N’ Clean Cat Litter Box by Omega Paw
Description
If you’re looking for a self-cleaning cat litter box that doesn’t require electricity, the Roll ‘N’ Clean Cat Litter Box by Omega Paw may be a good fit. This cat box comes with a grill rack that is used to scoop out the litter in a very easy manner. Just roll the litter box’s top and roll it back again to the right position; this motion separates the litter from the litter material, trapping in the special litter tray. Open the box; remove the litter tray and dispose of all the dirt.
Features
- The patented grill trays scoop out waste faster and easily.
- Does not require electricity to function.
- Comes with a self-cleaning property that controls dust and odor.
- Best for large cats or homes with multiple cats, as it is very spacious.
- The clean litter is reusable.
Pros
- It’s durable and does not break.
- It won’t emit any odor during cleaning because of it excellent odor absorbent filter.
- It is inexpensive, compared to some electric self-cleaning litter boxes.
- It is easy to use and comes with a complete instruction manual.
Cons
- It is not convenient for a small apartment due to its larger size
2. The ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box by PetSafe
Description
As the name suggests, the ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is self-cleaning, and it comes with its own disposable litter tray. The automated system includes a built-in plastic tray and rake that gathers up all the litter about 20 minutes after your cat uses the litter box. You’ll also find this box uses a blue crystal cat litter, with clumping action, that takes the moisture from your cat’s waste. This helps to not only control odor, but also dries up any liquid waste in the litter box. The litter is gathered together in the storage bin until you dispose of it. This self-cleaning litter box also includes a privacy hood, so your cat will feel safe and comfortable as she goes potty.
Features
- Blue crystal litter for quick absorption and odor control.
- Self-cleaning automated machine that can run for about 4 weeks in between litter disposal.
- Built- in usage counter that allows you to monitor the waste.
- Comes with a cover over the cat litter trap, to avoid spilling the messy contents when disposing the waste.
- The entire litter box is leak-proof, including the disposable plastic tray.
Pros
- Fully automated—runs on electricity.
- Come with a lid to give the cat privacy.
- Excellent odor control mechanism that means your home won’t smell of cat litter.
- No touch easy to clean mechanism.
- Very hygienic.
Cons
- Very expensive.
- Critics warn that the crystal litter might not efficiently absorb urine.
3. LitterMaid Classic Series automatic self-cleaning Cat litter Box
Description
The LitterMaid litter box is another automated cat litter box that might be a good choice. This litter box allows you to clean the box without touching the litter. This box contains a sensor. When your cat’s inside the box, the senor’s blocked. When kitty leaves the litter box, then sensor becomes unblocked, which signals the cleaning mechanism to begin.
The cleaning mechanism waits for about 10 minutes before starting, in order to give kitty enough time to leave the box. After this, the automatic rake moves the litter into the scoop, which then moves the clumped litter into the waste receptacle. The waste is stored and odors are contained until it’s time to dump out the waste and change the litter. This litter box is powered by electricity and plugs into any household wall outlet but also comes with 8 AA batteries, although these are not included in the pack.
Features
- It is durable and strong.
- It has a good height to prevent litter from spilling over.
- Has a safety bar and a motion sensor that signals you when you cat enters or leaves the litter box.
- The design is attractive.
- Made for cats that weight 15 lbs. or less.
Pros
- Easy to set up, use and operate
- The mechanical rake is easy to remove for cleaning
- It works with electricity
Cons
- Can’t use outdoors, in a wet environment or under direct sunlight.
- Receptacles are not included in the pack, but are purchased separately
- The rake can become caught in the mechanism at times.
- Not suitable for large cats, but works well for multiple smaller cats.
4. The CatGenie Fully Automated Cat Litter Box
Description
The CatGenie litter box is the definition of automation when it comes to your cat’s waste. This cat box does everything – scoops the litter and flushes it, washes and sanitizes itself, and dries itself. This is the truly the ultimate in cat litter boxes.
Here is how the CatGenie works: the self-flushing cat box is an electric box that contains washable granules that are attached to your water line as you would a regular toilet in the bathroom. When your cat uses the bowl and leaves it, the litter box gets activated, scoops out the litter, liquefies the waste, scrubs the bowl and flushes it all down the drain while the granules are left to dry, all ready for the next use.
Features
- Self-cleans, flushes, sanitize, and dries.
- Comes with a Sanisolution cartridge and a box of washable granules.
- Beautiful design and innovative technology for a cat litter box.
Pros
- The whimsical design is convenient for any cat to use.
- Works like a real toilet.
- No touching of cat litter—no worry about cleaning up messy spills when cleaning the litter box.
Cons
- Takes a long time to clean.
- The cat’s litter occasionally gets stuck in the crevices.
- It is more expensive than other types of litter boxes.
5. PetSafe Simply Clean Automatic Litter Box
Description
The simple clean cat litter box is another type of automated litter box that cleans continuously by spinning quietly around to remove the litter. Your cat’s waste is then remove—it goes up the conveyor belt and is then deposited in the litter bin at the back of the box, which is a removable bin for easy disposal. This self-cleaning litter box uses clumping litter, which is continuously cleaned, without disturbing your cat. Your cat’s waste is stored in the bin, which works to control odors and keep kitty’s waste out of sight.
Feature
- Comes with a one-year warranty.
- Not suitable for cats over 15 lbs.
- The power cord is 6 feet long.
- Easy to operate and maintain.
Pros
- Very easy to use and operate.
- Clean after every two weeks.
Cons
- Not suitable for heavier cats.
- The power cord may be too short for certain homes.
- It comes without a cover, and some odors may escape from the bin.
6. Nature’s Miracle Advanced Corner Hooded Cat Litter Box
Description
Do you have a small home with only limited space for a litter box? Then this litter box may be just the right choice for your kitty and your home. Nature’s Miracle Advanced Corner Hooded keeps the litter in the litter box, while the hood provides privacy for your cat as she does her business. You can easily find a corner for this cat box, where it can stay out of the way, even on walkways. The box is simple and easy to clean and comes with a replaceable charcoal filter that removes odor very well and lasts up to three months.
Feature
- Hooded cover for your fur baby’s privacy.
- Convenient and easy to clean, made of non-stick material.
- Uses charcoal filters that block odor for up to 3 months.
- Antimicrobial coating to prevent bacterial in the box
- Non-stick surface that makes cleaning easy without the hassle
Pros
- It is affordable at the price of $ 15.49.
- Convenient for large cats.
- Easy to find the perfect space for this litter box; does not take up space in your home.
Cons
- The sides are not high enough.
7. The Modkat Cat Litter Box
Description
This fashion-forward litter box is a beautiful addition to your home with its modern, over the top design. The litter box looks like a bucket with a lid and a cut-out as an opening. The box, itself, is square, with rounded corners—giving it very modern, clean design. The lid doubles as a walk-off mat, which allows your cat to wipe her paws after each use. You won’t have to worry about tracked litter all over. This litter box has no mechanical feature but works as efficient as any other litter box.
Features
- Light-weight and very easy to clean.
- Works well in any environment to keep your cat safe, while offering her privacy at the same time.
- Fit into any kind of space with its sleek, modern design.
- The inner lining can last 3 months before it needs to be changed.
Pros
- Prevents litter tracking and spraying.
- Easy access in and out of the litter box.
- Open top entry.
- Great for big and small cats.
- High walls that keep odor locked in.
Cons
- You have to scoop the poop yourself.
- The price is a bit pricey when you consider you have to clean the litter box yourself.
Now that we’ve taken a look at some different options—from litter boxes for challenging spaces to self-cleaning litter boxes, we’ll look at some more traditional cat litter boxes. If you don’t mind scooping your cats’ litter and are on a low budget, below you’ll find some good litter boxes that won’t break the bank.
8. The Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan with Frame
Description
This simple litter pan has a good height that prevents spraying and litter spilling all over. This design features two pans that nest together, with one pan actually a sifting pan. This little box requires you to use some type of clumping kitty litter. When the two pans are stacked together, the sifting screen pan sits inside the other pan. After kitty goes potty, you can lift up the sifting pan to sit the clean littler through the holes and into the bottom pan. Then throw away any remaining clumps. Replace the litter from the bottom pan back into the sifting pan to be reused. The box works well for cats that don’t like to be enclosed in a small space.
Feature
- Polished plastic finish that’s durable.
- Non-stick, stain resistant and easy to clean.
- The pan’s are eco-safe and made out of recycled material.
Pros
- The framed height reduces litter spill.
- The inner liners are in place for added security.
- Easy to clean and litter doesn’t stick to the cat’s feet.
Cons
- Clump litter works best as granules can’t be sifted.
9. The Hi-Back Litter Pan
Description
This Hi-Back affordable cat litter is an affordable litter box that works well with any sized cat. Also great for kitty’s who are a tad on the messy side. The high sides keep litter and waste in the box, not on the floor or the wall. The litter box holds a large litter bag that collects all the litter of the cat, making it fast and easy to clean. This cat box comes in a wide range of colors—so you’re sure to find just the color to match your home’s décor.
Feature
- High back plastic container.
- Easy to clean surface that is non-stick.
- Large enough for big cats and keeps all the mess in the box.
Pros
- Extra space for cats with messy bathroom habits.
- Has a low front side that allows for easy entry.
- The high frame stops litter from flying around.
- The product is made with antimicrobial material that blocks odor and inhibits bacteria growth.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- You have to remove the cat’s waste and litter when lifting the waste bag out of the box and/or cleaning the box.
10. Nature’s Miracle Disposable Litter Box for All Types of Litter
Description
This is an eco-friendly box for those worried about the environment. Nature’s Miracle Dispoable Litter Boxes are a single litter box for just one cat. They come in three sizes – small, medium, and large and a hassle-free way of clearing away your cat’s mess. These boxes use baking soda to entrap odors. In addition, the boxes will not shred or leak, yet they’re made from recycled paper and are landfill-safe. You can use all types of litter with these disposable cat boxes.
Features
- Made out of recycled paper material that won’t leak.
- Breathable designs allowing for air to pass through it.
- Has built-in baking soda that keeps odor and moisture away.
Pros
- These litter boxes are not only environmentally responsible, but are also inexpensive.
- You never have to touch cat poop again, just toss the entire box when litter becomes dirty.
- It can be used to line another litter box to prevent odor and minimize moisture in the pan.
- No need for scrubbing or washing.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- The disposable pans must be changed after 4 weeks to keep your cat’s litter box clean.
Cons
- None for now
What types of cat litter are out there?
The days of sand, ash or sawdust being used in cat litter boxes are long gone. These days cat litter boxes can be used with various materials that make it easier to clean the litter box, while also eliminating the odor. Litter box materials range from clay, bentonite, silica gel crystal and even more eco-friendly litter boxes.
Silica gel crystal: this litter contains tiny silica gel similar to those found in shoes, bags or electronics that are used for preserving items by removing moisture from them. Litter made of these materials are super-absorbent – absorbing basically everything from moisture to odor. They come highly recommended and are expensive, but the silica gel is dangerous for the cat when ingested and cats don’t like getting the crystal gel in their paws and in between their toes.
Recycled paper: this eco-friendly cat litter is made out of recycled paper that turns the cat waste in to pellets and granules. They are highly absorbent, dust-free, and biodegradable. The paper forms into granules when the cat urinates on it.
Grass: this is a new biodegradable cat litter that’s trending in the cat world. It is made with prairie grass that’s transformed into fine grains, which are highly absorbent and good odor control with excellent clumping properties.
Clumping clay: this is made with bentonite clays that absorb the cat’s urine and forms solid clumps making it easy for you to clean your cat’s litter box. The con for this cat litter is that it is dusty, non-biodegradable and heavy when wet.
Non-clumping clay: this is the exact opposite of the clumping litter box. This litter doesn’t form clumps when the cat goes potty; it is cheaper and will smell with time.
Corn litter box: made out of corn parts and is an excellent cat litter material that absorbs odor, is biodegradable and absorbent. The corn litter is not the best for cats, as cats can’t digest corn–which is detrimental to their health.
Pine litter box (Our Favorite): this is made out of treated scraps of the pine cone to reduce the toxins, oils, and allergens from the wood. The litter comes in three forms – granules, roughly grated pine wood, and pellets. The pine scent controls the odor. The drawback of this litter material is that the pine wood gradually turns to dust with continuous use, which is not good for cats.
Wheat: this type of cat litter is made out of ground wheat. It has excellent clumping properties and good odor control, is biodegradable and has less dust; but just like corn, wheat does not digest well when ingested and as such this cat litter is not recommended for your kitty.
Walnut shells: this biodegradable has excellent clumping properties, is a highly absorbent cat litter and has good odor control ability. It’s also natural and environmentally friendly as it’s made from walnut shells.
The above are the types of cat litter that can be used in a cat’s litter box. Be sure to choose a type of litter that makes sense for your breed of cat. In addition to choosing the right litter for your cat, you should also consider the type of litter you prefer when searching for the right litter box for your kitty.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat To Do If My Cat Won’t Use the Litter Box?
Cats are generally clean animals that normally bury their waste. A mother cat will normally teach her kittens how to use the litter pan but in cases where the cat refuses, try the following:
- Change the location of the litter box, cats like privacy and a litter box in the open may not appeal to your cat.
- The litter box is not clean enough. Cats are clean animals and a dirty litter box is a definite no, so be sure to keep it clean on a regular basis.
- If your cats don’t like sharing with another cat, get another litter box for the other cat.
- When cats are sick, they suddenly stop using their litter boxes, if you notice anything strange with the behavior of your cat, please see a vet.
- Your cat simple hates the new box, then you may need to get another box, until you find one she likes.
A litter box is a better way to keep your cat’s mess in check for easy disposal. Litter boxes come in different forms and give you better ways to care for your cat’s waste in the most hygienic method possible, without the hassle and the mess. When buying a cat litter box, check customers’ reviews on the particular product; this will give you a real insight of the product. Don’t forget to read negative reviews, too, as these will help you learn about issues other pet owners and their cats have experienced with a particular litter box. If you opt for an automated cat litter box, thoroughly go through the manual before use. And make sure your cat’s comfortable with the type of litter required for a specific type of litter box. This will make kitty more comfortable and willing to use her new cat litter box!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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