The best cat litter boxes

The best cat litter boxes come in many designs, from basic high-sided plastic or stainless steel pans to high-tech, self-cleaning models. Choosing the right one means balancing your cat's preferences with what works best for your home. The ideal litter box will be comfortable for your cat to use and easy for you to maintain.

To find the best options, Insider Reviews reporters tested 43 litter boxes and consulted veterinarians and cat behaviorists about the features that matter most for cats of different ages, sizes, and lifestyles, including seniors, large breeds, and multicat households. Whatever litter box you choose, it should measure at least 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to base of tail, says Molly DeVoss, certified cat behavior specialist. That's a size many traditional boxes fall short of.

My top pick is the Frisco High Sided Extra Large Cat Litter Box, which our reporters tested in two homes with four different cats. Its roomy size comfortably accommodates many cats, and its 10-inch sides do a great job of containing litter. For larger cats, those with limited mobility, or homes with specific needs, I also recommend several alternatives that strike a good balance between your cat's comfort and your household's needs.

Our top picks for the best cat litter boxes

Best overall: Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box, Extra Large - $24 at Chewy

Best low-entry for seniors and kittens: Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Large Litter Box - $50 at Chewy

Best stainless steel: Frisco Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box - $46 at Chewy

Best for large cats: Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter Box - $75 at Chewy

Best automatic: Whisker Litter-Robot 4 - $699 at Chewy

Best disposable: Chewy Made High-Sided Disposable Cat Litter Box, Jumbo (2 count) - $12 at Chewy

Best covered: Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box - $34 at Chewy

Best portable: Petisfam Portable Travel Litter Box - $37 at Amazon

Best DIY: Sterilite Storage Bin, 41 Quart Clear Plastic Storage Container - $10 at Walmart

Best top-entry: Modkat XL Litter Box - $194 at Chewy

Best overall

Best for: Aggressive diggers and high sprayers, cat guardians looking for budget-friendly box

Skip this if: Your cat is very large or needs a lower entry point and you don't want to cut it yourself

The Frisco High Sided Extra Large Litter Box gives most cats the roomy footprint and lower entry they need for comfortable use. House cats vary in size, but standard litter boxes often fail to provide enough space for natural behaviors like circling and digging. Measuring 24 by 18 inches with a 5.6-inch entrance, this box offers ample room for them to do their business comfortably.

The tall 10-inch-high sides do a great job of containing messes. Former associate home editor Kinsley Searles appreciates that the high walls significantly reduce litter scatter. Since litter can still stick to a cat's paws when entering and exiting the box, pairing it with a litter mat is still a good idea.

Its simple design makes routine scooping and deep cleaning easy. With few crevices, there are also few places for urine and odors to build up, which means there's less scrubbing for you to do. That's important, says Dr. Elena Shirley, lead veterinarian and partner at CityVet in Charlotte Uptown, who recommends replacing the litter weekly and thoroughly cleaning the box with soap and water every four to six weeks. The box is made from smooth, BPA-free, recyclable plastic that resists sticking, which makes daily scooping and deep cleaning quick and easy.

This box doesn't come with a cover, and that's another benefit. "Most cats prefer litter boxes that are uncovered," says Samantha Bell, a cat enrichment expert at Best Friends Animal Society. Covers trap ammonia odors, making the box unpleasant for cats. Open boxes also help cats feel more secure with better visibility and easy escape routes.

The 5.6-inch entrance might be too high for kittens, senior cats, or cats with mobility issues. Searles didn't run into this issue with her cat. "I have a petite cat, but she's never had issues entering the Frisco litter box," she says. If your cat requires more litter box accessibility, you can add a ramp or cut a lower entrance and cover the edges with duct tape to accommodate them.

Best low-entry for seniors and kittens

Best for: Senior cats, kittens, or any cat with mobility issues or underlying joint pain

Skip this if: Your cat prefers deep litter or is an aggressive digger or high sprayer

The Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Large Litter Box has a 3-inch-tall entry that makes entering and exiting easier. A lower entry is ideal for senior cats, kittens, or any cat with mobility issues or underlying joint pain. Known medical conditions can influence your litter box choice, but Shirley says preventative care is just as important. Feline osteoarthritis (OA) affects 90% of cats over age 10, though research suggests it's surprisingly common in middle-aged cats. Arthritis often goes undiagnosed because cats are good at hiding pain, which is why I began using this box well before my cats showed signs of slowing down. DeVoss adds that a low-entry box can better protect your cat's joints than ramps or stairs.

Its wide entrance and low-rimmed sides help prevent overexertion when your cat enters and exits. Even with an accessible front entry, some cats — like mine — still hop over the sides. "Cats are masters at hiding their pain," says Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. They may also not recognize their own limitations. That's why I appreciate the short 5-inch rim on this litter box. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see Lyra gingerly step out through the entrance, perhaps because the low entry is a generous 11 inches wide.

Most cats have ample room to circle, dig, and go to the bathroom. The box is large, measuring 24 by 20 inches. DeVoss also says there's no such thing as a litter box that's too big, making this model a great choice for itty-bitty kittens as well.

It's easy to scoop. Both liquid and solid waste lifted from the box with ease, and I didn't have any issues with litter spilling out of the low entry. That said, its large size makes deep cleaning a bit more challenging. It doesn't fit in my utility sink, so I use the bathtub instead. You could also hose it off outside.

Its low entry limits the litter depth. Some cats prefer digging in a few inches, but the fill line on this box sits at about an inch. I filled it just slightly above the line, and while litter reached the edge of the entry after my cats used it, none actually tumbled out. An aggressive digger will likely cause some litter to spill from the entryway. To help manage litter scatter, I recommend pairing the box with a litter mat, such as the Gorilla Grip Cat Litter Trapping Mat. Shallow litter depth also means less clean litter is available for your cat after they eliminate, so you should scoop the box more frequently.

Best stainless steel litter box

Best for: Small to medium-sized cats; guardians looking for a durable, easy-to-clean litter box that won't absorb odors over time

Skip this if: Your cat is large or needs a low-entry box for mobility issues; you or your cat are sensitive to scratching and scraping sounds

The durable Frisco Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box resists the scratches that plastic boxes accumulate over time. Scratches on plastic litter boxes can harbor bacteria and unpleasant odors, even when the box is cleaned regularly. A plastic box may only last a few months before that first scratch shows up. "Once you see scratches on the bottom of the box, it is time to replace it," DeVoss says. She recommends stainless steel litter boxes that can withstand a cat's claws.

This litter box is easier to keep clean and sanitize than plastic. Its nonporous surface wipes down without absorbing odors or moisture, and waste doesn't stick to the smooth metal. Unlike plastic, which accumulates scratches over time, stainless steel stays smooth and odor-free.

A nonskid base keeps this box firmly in place. Metal can easily slip and slide on hard flooring, and a box that shifts mid-jump can startle a cat or throw off their landing. Many mornings, Lyra uses this litter box and then immediately zooms out of it, races up the stairs, and bursts through her catio door. Even with these quick exits, the box doesn't budge.

This box may not be a fit for cats with mobility issues or larger breeds that need extra room. My cats often leap in and out of this box, but it may be tough for senior cats, kittens, or pets with mobility limitations to get in and out of this box comfortably since it lacks a tapered, low entry. The interior also offers less square footage than most of our other picks, which may feel cramped for larger cats.

The box can amplify noise from scooping or when cats dig in it. I don't mind scooping this box, and I've found I can reduce metal-on-metal sound by using a plastic scoop. I do find the sound of my cats' claws on the metal off-putting, though. I've placed this box in the basement and kept other boxes in areas I frequent more often, since experts say to offer multiple boxes in locations cats prefer to spend time.

Best for large cats

Best for: Cats of any size who prefer ample room to do their business; large cat breeds, including Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest Cats, and Savannahs; senior cats, kittens, or cats with mobility issues or underlying joint pain

Skip this if: You have a giant breed like a Maine Coon who requires a large, custom setup; your cat is an aggressive digger; you're shopping for an inexpensive litter box

The Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter Box gives many larger cats room to comfortably turn around, dig, and cover their waste. If you have a large cat, you need an even larger litter box. When a box is too small, your cat might perch on the edge, be smooshed against the sides, unable to turn around, dig outside the box, or worse, go somewhere else, says DeVoss. She recommends the Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter Box, which measures more than 1.5 times the length of an 18-inch cat and is our top pick among the best large litter boxes.

It features relatively high ramped sides to reduce litter scatter from the sides. However, you may want to pair this box with one of the best cat litter mats to catch any stray litter that tumbles from the low entryway, especially if you have an aggressive digger. You can also install the included gate to reduce litter scatter, but it does increase the entry height from 3.5 to 4.5 inches. Without the gate, we collected 2 tablespoons of scattered litter over three days, and only 1.5 tablespoons with the gate installed.

It's easy to clean. The pan itself is made from durable, easy-to-clean plastic and features an oversized rim that makes lifting and carrying easier.

It may not be large enough for the biggest cat breeds. "Cats are indeed different sizes, so you'll need to measure," DeVoss says. Large cat breeds like Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest Cats, and Savannahs are larger than the average kitty, but often still fit comfortably in an extra-large box like this one. For jumbo cats like the Maine Coon, I recommend a larger DIY box, like the Sterilite 41-Quart Storage Bin in this guide.

Best automatic

Best for: Multi-cat homes; busy households; pet parents with mobility or medical needs; people who want to track their cat's bathroom habits, litter levels, and waste drawer status

Skip this if: You're on a budget; your cat has mobility issues; your cat won't use enclosed boxes

The Litter-Robot 4 automatically runs a cleaning cycle so you don't need to scoop. The cycle begins a few minutes after a cat leaves the box. With the LitterHopper attached (sold separately), I also get automated litter replenishment that keeps the globe at maximum fill without me lifting a finger. Even in my multi-cat household, my cats always have a clean, freshly filled litter box waiting for them.

It has multiple safety features. Thanks to internal weight sensors, the globe won't rotate while your cat is inside. Meanwhile, pinch sensors detect potential blockages to stop and reverse the globe's movement, while external laser sensors instantly froze the cycle when my cat approached mid-rotation or when I waved my hand over the entrance.

It helps track your cat's bathroom habits. Built-in weight sensors also identify individual pets, so you can assign profiles, monitor bathroom frequency, and receive up to 11 custom app notifications. However, weight monitoring is only accurate when the machine is placed on a hard floor or a Litter-Robot Carpet Tray (sold separately).

It offers accessibility for guardians who are physically unable to scoop or have been medically advised not to. Rachel Geller, founder of All Cats All the Time, frequently recommends automated boxes to pregnant, immunocompromised, or mobility-impaired clients. Litter-Robot is the first automatic box eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement with a letter of medical necessity — though even with reimbursement, the price is high.

The waste drawer and globe still require upkeep. You'll get an alert when it's time to refill litter or clear the drawer, which typically needs emptying once or twice a week. Even if the waste bin isn't full, emptying it proactively is recommended because cats have a heightened sense of smell. The drawer sensors occasionally triggered early "full" alerts, but gently shaking the tray to level out waste resets the sensor. An "empty" cycle effectively removes all the litter when it needs replacing, though a manual wipe-down may be needed and a deep clean is recommended every one to three months.

Accessibility add-ons push the price even higher. If your cat is small or has mobility issues, you can add an attachable ramp. However, the ramp still has a 5-inch rise from the floor to the first step, so it won't work for every cat.

To learn more, read our Whisker Litter-Robot 4 review and our guide to the best automatic litter boxes.

Best disposable

Best for: Temporary quarantine or medical crate rest; people who want a zero-maintenance disposable option for travel

Skip this if: You're looking for a long-term, regular-use litter box

The Chewy Made High-Sided Disposable Cat Litter Box (Jumbo) offers an easy, hygienic solution for travel, short-term stays, or temporary medical isolation. In clinical settings, veterinarians frequently rely on small, disposable trays to manage cats in tight spaces because the trays can be easily tossed and replaced as needed. Veterinarian Dr. Jo Myers says the same approach works well for travel. However, a cat and a litter box should not be placed together in a large crate when in a moving car. "For car travel, it's generally safer and more practical for cats to stay in a secure carrier without loose items shifting around," Myers says.

It's one of the largest cardboard litter boxes. A cramped box makes cats more likely to go over the sides or seek out other spots to relieve themselves, and that's especially problematic when you're traveling. In testing this larger 20-inch version, Lyra and Atlas took to it immediately — even rolling around inside — and had no trouble turning around or covering their waste.

It's more durable than makeshift options. When Lyra was on crate rest for a displaced knee, I tried using a shallow cardboard tray from a cat food case, but it didn't hold up. Myers confirms that cardboard boxes absorb moisture and only last a soiling or two. This box is made from water-resistant recycled cardboard, and I tested its durability over two weeks, placing one box in our bedroom and another in a humid bathroom. Neither one absorbed moisture or broke down. I scooped waste cleanly without any sticking, and aside from a few minor claw scratches on the basin, the box easily lasted the full two weeks.

The tall 8-inch walls are great for containing litter scatter, but I recommend a quick DIY modification. Those high sides kept tracking down to a minimal 1 to 1.5 teaspoons over a week of use, a benefit when staying in hotels or in temporary rentals. My cats cleared the 8-inch height without issue, but I still cut an entry approximately 8 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall with household scissors to test it out. The modification made the box easier to step into without sacrificing structural integrity or noticeably increasing tracking. If needed, you could likely cut the entry another inch or two lower.

Best covered

Best for: Cats already accustomed to covered boxes; high-spraying cats or enthusiastic diggers who need tall walls to contain mess; homes with dogs or curious toddlers who try to dig into the litter

Skip this if: Your cat doesn't already use a covered box; you have a multi-cat household

The spacious Frisco Extra-Large Hooded Box offers the size and flexibility needed to keep cats comfortable. It features a larger interior compared to other covered boxes, giving cats room to turn around. The removable hood allows you to transition your cat gradually or take the lid off entirely. With the cover in place, a built-in charcoal filter provides extra odor control between cleanings. Without the cover, the high sides help contain messes, which is especially useful for cats who tend to "elevator pee."

With the hood on, this box keeps waste out of view and out of reach. A covered hood helps to keep my toddler's hands out of the cats' litter box. It can also prevent a dog from grabbing a "snack". If your cat has always used a covered box without showing signs of aversion, replacing your old box with this one can work.

Keep in mind that the perks of a covered box often don't outweigh the downsides for felines. "Cats dislike covered boxes because this blocks the visual field," Geller explains. In multi-cat homes and ones with dogs, it's even more important for cats to have a clear view of their surroundings. Plus, the trapped odors inside a covered box can quickly turn it into a place cats avoid.

The box includes a semi-opaque plastic flap door, but I recommend removing it before use. Intended to help prevent odors from escaping, fumes become locked inside the litter box. "Trapped odors inside a covered box can quickly turn it into a place cats avoid," Geller says. Removing the door creates a clear, inviting opening that significantly improves ventilation and line of sight.

Best portable

Best for: People who need a reusable box for multi-day trips or hotel stays; caregivers who want a mess-free way to transport a filled litter box

Skip this if: Your cat has mobility issues and may struggle with a higher entry; you prefer minimal maintenance, since fabric boxes require deep cleaning between uses

The Petisfam Portable Travel Litter Box offers a convenient, mess-free travel solution. Myers recommends offering cats bathroom breaks every few hours during long car trips, and this zippered litter box makes that easier. I purchased this setup for my mom's two-day drive from Ohio to Florida. She pulled the box out at rest stops, offered it to her cat, and zipped it back up for clean, spill-free transport in the car. Instead of tossing a disposable box after her hotel stay, she zipped it up again the next morning to use for the remainder of the trip.

It's larger than most other travel boxes options. It expands into a sturdy 19-by-15-inch basin that holds its shape during use, yet it folds down to a compact 9 by 7 inches. I also tested the Travel Cat "The Porta-Pawty" Travel Litter Box, which was small enough to fit entirely inside the Petisfam. My cats had no trouble stepping over the Petisfam's 5.1-inch walls, turning around, or covering their waste. I filled the box with about 2 inches of litter, and the walls held their shape well without collapsing inward as my cats used the box.

There was some litter scatter. With the lower walls, I saw more scatter compared to my testing of the high-sided disposable box. I measured approximately 1.5 tablespoons of litter tracking up to 5 feet away.

It can absorb odors. During testing, some waste stuck to the bottom lining when scooping. I washed the box with mild soap and water, then let it air-dry in the sun. Even with regular washing, nylon can trap odors over time, Myers says. Frequent travelers should plan to replace a fabric box roughly every six months or sooner, depending on how often it's used. If you're torn between a reusable fabric box and a disposable cardboard one, Myers says the choice comes down to personal preference. "If a client asked me which one to choose, my answer would be simple: pick what's easiest for you to manage," she says.

Best DIY

Best for: Cats of all sizes, particularly extra-large cats or breeds like Maine Coons who need more room; multi-cat households; budget-conscious caregivers

Skip this if: Your cat has severe mobility limitations, since a lower entry requires wire cutters or power tools to cut through the reinforced lip

The Sterilite 41-Quart Storage Bin is the largest litter box option at a budget price. A wide, flat plastic storage container makes an ideal, cost-effective DIY litter box. Sung and cat behaviorist Daniel "DQ" Quagliozzi often recommend their clients consider this DIY version since many traditional litter boxes are frequently too small for cats to comfortably use multiple times a day. While it features a slightly narrower footprint than the Kitty Go Here Jumbo Box, the Sterilite 41-Quart Storage Box offers extra length at a fraction of the price.

It's big enough for extra-large breeds like Maine Coons. In side-by-side testing against the Kitty Go Here box using the same litter, Lyra and Atlas took to the Sterilite bin immediately, choosing to use this option slightly more often. At roughly 18 inches long, both cats had plenty of room to spare. This extra space meant that if I didn't get a chance to scoop between uses, there was still plenty of clean real estate available for the next visit.

It's easy to scoop and deep clean. The smooth, crevice-free interior makes daily scooping and deep cleaning simple. Filled to a 2.5-inch depth during testing, waste lifted cleanly without sticking, even when my cats peed along the sides. Just 1.5 teaspoons of litter tracked onto the surrounding mat over two weeks. It only took a few minutes to wash the seamless plastic bin with soap and water, though you may need to use a tub or hose instead of a standard sink for cleaning.

You can cut a lower entry if the walls are too high for your cat. Some cats prefer a deeper bed of litter for digging, and the 6-inch walls help keep that extra litter contained. While higher walls can be challenging for cats with mobility issues, the entry height didn't cause any accessibility problems for Lyra, who has a luxating patella in each knee. You can cut a lower entry, but you'll need wire cutters or power tools to get through the thick, reinforced lip.

Best top-entry

Best for: Reducing litter scatter, cats already accustomed to top-entry boxes, homes with curious dogs or toddlers

Skip this if: You are on a tight budget; your cat has mobility limitations

With a top opening and a front entrance, the Modkat XL Litter Box gives your cat a choice of how they enter and exit. Sung and Quagliozzi say cats need choices to feel secure, which includes having at least two litter box areas per cat in your home. Having more than one way in and out of a box can also make a big difference.

It's roomy inside and has a generously sized top opening. While open litter boxes remain ideal for feline comfort, generous openings help improve airflow, visibility, and ease of access. The top entrance spans 10.25 inches across, though the front door measures 8.3 by 9.8 inches. For reference, Atlas measures 8 inches whisker-to-whisker (which correlates to her body width), giving her an extra few inches of clearance when entering and exiting from the top but a tighter squeeze from the front. Inside, the box offers 17 inches of headroom and enough surface area for many cats to comfortably turn around and dig.

A clever folding lid simplifies daily maintenance and controls scatter. The lid folds back for easy cleaning, and litter tracked onto the roof returns to the pan through perforations. The box comes with two reusable plastic liners and a scoop. However, Bell advises against using litter box liners. "Cats often get their claws stuck in the liner, tearing a hole in it, which causes them to dislike the box," she says. If you'd prefer your cat not use the front entry, you can close the built-in sliding door, though our experts don't recommend it.

A downside of the Modkat XL is its price, typically $190. It's one of the roomiest top-entry models available, but if you're looking for a larger box, a traditional open-top pan is your best bet.

Our top picks compared

What to look for in a cat litter box

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

Size: Sung says 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 your cat's length from its nose to the base of its 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, and top-entry boxes can be especially challenging for some cats to access. When selecting a box, consider your cat's mobility needs. Kittens, senior cats, and those with injuries or mobility limitations may benefit from a box with an entry height of about 3 inches or less. If choosing a box with a high entry and sides, look for one made of a material that you can safely modify to create a lower entry that better suits your cat's needs.

Design: Quagliozzi says 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, boxes with simpler designs are easier to clean. Litter boxes should be scooped at least once a day, though more frequent scooping is ideal. Geller says healthy adult cats typically use the litter box two to five times a day for both peeing and pooping. However, factors like age and health can influence this. Senior cats may urinate more often due to conditions like kidney disease, while kittens usually urinate after each feeding and may poop up to three times a day. 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, though even self-cleaning litter boxes still require deep cleaning. Our experts say you'll also need to deep-clean your litter boxes every four to six weeks using water and unscented dish soap.

Material: I included metal and plastic options in this guide to the best cat litter boxes. 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 says that no matter how well the box is cleaned, scratch marks accumulate bacteria and, therefore, odors. 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. However, noise-averse people and cats alike may dislike the sound of cat claws on metal.

How we tested the best cat litter boxes

Over the past five years, we've researched popular litter boxes from major online retailers, selecting models to test based on criteria provided by the experts we consulted. Freelance reporter Shoshi Parks conducted the initial reporting for this guide and tested litter boxes with her two cats. Since then, freelance reporter Janelle Leeson and three Insider Reviews editors and reporters have tested additional boxes with six more cats.

Each litter box we tested was used for at least one month and evaluated using the methods described below. Unless a box required a specific type of litter to operate effectively, testers used their preferred substrates, including some of the best cat litters and best natural cat litters. Learn more about how our rigorous testing and research protocols.

Ease of entry test: We measured the sides of each box and the height of any openings, and observed 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 litter box we tested, we collected the litter tracked onto the floor over three days and then compared the quantity of litter between boxes.

Cleaning test: We cleaned each litter box twice daily, observing 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.

Meet the experts behind this guide

Janelle Leeson, cats reporter and product tester: Janelle Leeson is a cat mom of two, former foster cat parent, and experienced Portland cat sitter who has seen — and scooped — just about every litter box configuration imaginable. Though her own house currently has more litter boxes than she's ever seen in any client's home, her hands-on experience has taught her that giving cats the power of choice is the key to a happy, accident-free household.

Shoshi Parks, freelance pets reporter, and I also interviewed seven experts about feline litter box habits and the qualities to look for in a good litter box.

Dr. Liza Cahn is a veterinarian and consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance. She is also a freelance veterinary writer.

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.

Dr. Mark Freeman is a specialist veterinarian who is board-certified in canine/feline practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman's academic and research interests include feline and canine behavior.

Dr. Jo Myers is a veterinarian at Vetster with over 30 years of experience. Myers is dedicated to helping improve pet parent access to trustworthy, evidence-based pet health care information.

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. Karen Sueda is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist who was practicing at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital when Parks interviewed her. She is also the founder of Karen Sueda Veterinary Behavior Inc., where she uses positive, pet-friendly behavior modification techniques to help pet owners work with their pets.

Dr. Wailani Sung is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist who was the director of behavior and welfare programs at the San Francisco SPCA Veterinary Hospital when Parks interviewed her. She writes on animal behavior for Vetstreet, PetMD, and Healthy Pet magazine.

Cat litter box FAQs

What type of litter box do vets recommend?

There isn't a single best litter box for every cat. Our experts say that most cats prefer open-top litter boxes that provide good airflow, easy entry and exit, unobstructed sightlines, and plenty of room to circle and dig. However, some cats may favor enclosed litter boxes that offer more privacy. Regardless of the style, the litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat from their nose to the base of the tail. Offering multiple types of litter boxes on different floors of your home and in various rooms gives your cat the opportunity to choose their preferred design and location. Ease of access is also important. "Make sure the sides aren't too high for your cat," says Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief medical officer at Small Door Veterinary in New York City. Boxes with tall sides and ones that are fully enclosed or top-entry can make some cats feel trapped, which may cause them to avoid the box altogether.

Do cats prefer open or hooded litter boxes?

Open-topped litter pans are the most widely accepted boxes by all types of cats. Some cats may feel trapped and be afraid to enter hooded or covered litter boxes, particularly if the interior height is so limited that they need to crouch while eliminating. "If your cat feels vulnerable and unsafe in the litter box, she may not take the time to bury her waste after elimination because she wants to get out of there quickly and prevent being ambushed in the box," Geller says. In some cases, this may lead your cat to avoid the box altogether. Additionally, Bell says covered boxes trap odors, intensifying the smell for cats, which can make them reluctant to use the box. Doors on litter box entrances, especially opaque or swinging ones, can make both matters worse.

What type of cat litter do vets recommend?

According to Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian and consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, most cats do best with litter that's unscented, clumping, and made of fine grains, such as clay litter. This type of litter closely resembles sand or dirt, which cats might choose to use in the wild.

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."

How many litter boxes do I need?

Sung says a good general rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat plus an extra. Dr. Karen Sueda, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, notes that some multi-cat households can get by with fewer boxes if they're extra large and scooped at least twice a day. You should also place boxes in different areas throughout your home.

Where should I put my cat's litter box?

Litter boxes should be placed in multiple locations throughout your home, including on each level, and kept away from noisy appliances like washers or dryers that could startle your cat. While you'll want to avoid busy, high-traffic areas, the box should still be close to where your cat likes to spend time with you. Geller says that a cat's field of vision also matters. Rather than placing a litter box tightly in a corner, setting it about 12 inches away from walls can improve your cat's view of their surroundings and help them feel more secure. Richardson also notes that litter boxes should be separated from the feeding areas. "Cats typically don't like to go where they eat," she says.

How often should I clean the litter box?

To keep a cat happily using their litter boxes, our experts recommend scooping them at least once a day, if not several times. In addition to daily maintenance, the litter box should be cleaned with unscented dish soap and water every four to six weeks.

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 at least once a day will help you monitor for medical or behavioral changes that may indicate a health problem, such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box?

"If your cat is urinating or defecating outside of the litter box, see your vet to rule out medical issues, such as urinary tract infection, cystitis, or arthritis," Cahn says. If your cat gets a clean bill of health, she recommends taking a closer look at your litter box setup: Do you have the recommended number of boxes placed in different areas — one per cat, plus one extra? Are the boxes spread throughout your home in easily accessible locations? Do you scoop them daily? Cahn also recommends thoroughly cleaning any soiled areas, offering a variety of litter types (both clumping and non-clumping), reducing stressors, increasing enrichment, and finally, consulting a veterinary behaviorist if needed.

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