The Best Sifting Litter Boxes
Scooping litter is one of the worst parts of parenting cats, but sifting litter boxes can help with their built-in trays that do most of the work for you. Instead of finding the clumps yourself, you just lift the liner, dump it in the trash, and replace it. Many versions even come with extra stackable litter boxes, so you don't have to waste fresh litter when you remove the clumps. Read on to learn about the best versions on the market today.
What to Look For
Taking size, ease of use, and sanitary features into consideration, we researched and reviewed the best sifting litter boxes on the market today. From the start, Petmate’s Arm & Hammer box stood out due to its odor and bacteria-reducing Microban liner. We were also impressed by the Van Ness version for its high sides and affordable price. You can learn more about each of these awesome products, as well as our other top picks, in the list below.
Petmate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box
Stink no more
This sifting litter box makes cleanup a breeze while also helping to control the odor of your pet’s waste. There are two litter boxes, so you can easily set one up for next time without having to dump the clean litter into an extra container. The recycled plastic material is infused with Microban to reduce the potential for odor and bacteria buildup. Since the bins are larger than most, this product makes the perfect bathroom for big pets and multi-cat homes.
Pros:
- We love that the design of the sifter works well with all types of cat litter, clumping and non-clumping included.
- If you end up preferring the traditional scooping method, you can forgo the sifting liner and use the two litter boxes on their own.
Cons:
- Unlike a self-cleaning litter box, you will still need to see the clumps during the clean-up process.
Van Ness High-Sided Sifting Litter Box
Affordable function
If your cat likes to bury their waste, and consequently makes a litter mess all over the floor, this high-sided sifting litter box could be a good solution. It has two solid layers and a sifting tray for easy clump cleanup, as well as to make sure you’re not wasting fresh litter at every change. The high-sided lid not only protects your floors from flying litter but also locks the other layers into place for added stability. The well-polished finish is also stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Pros:
- This sifting litter box is much more affordable than other versions on the market today.
- The materials are all FDA-approved for your pet’s safety.
Cons:
- The high-sided top adds a little bit of extra work during your cleaning process.
Kitty Sift Disposable Sifting Litter Boxes
Use and toss
These innovative trays stand out for more than just their ability to sift clumps from cat litter. They are also disposable, so you can toss the whole tray in the trash with your pet’s waste when you’re cleaning up. They come in a set of 6 to keep you going for several weeks before you need to purchase more. They’re also made of 100% post-consumer waste recycled cardboard, so you don’t have to worry about adding to your carbon footprint when you throw them away.
Pros:
- We love that the trays are coated to prevent the buildup of ammonia and bacteria.
- It’s convenient that they can be used in almost any litter box, including hooded varieties.
Cons:
- Since these are disposable, there will be recurring costs if you want to keep using them in the future.
So Phresh Lift-to-Sift Sifting Litter Box
Room for two
This sifting litter box stands out because it’s durable and easy to clean. The separate layers lock together for complete stability while your pet relieves itself. High sides protect your floors from flying litter when your cat buries his waste. The extra-large size makes it a great choice for multi-cat homes, too.
Pros:
- This box has the versatile advantage of working with almost every type of cat litter.
- It comes with cleaning instructions, so you can be confident that you’re taking good care of the product and your pet when you wash it.
Cons:
- Due to the high-quality design, the price is higher than most sifting litter boxes.
SpeedySift V2 Lined Sifting Litter Box
Simple and sweet
This sifting litter box makes cleanup even easier with plastic sifting liners. Instead of sifting clumps and pet waste with a plastic tray, you’ll use a bag that can go straight into the trash can. The box itself has high, durable plastic sides to prevent litter messes around your home. The material is smooth and easy to clean as needed, too. At this price, it’s hard to beat this box’s convenience.
Pros:
- This box must be washed less often than other versions since it’s always covered with a plastic bag.
- 56 bags are included, so you won’t have to purchase more for quite some time.
Cons:
- The replacement bags do require future purchases, but they are reasonably affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sifting litter boxes sanitary?
As long as you clean your litter box regularly, these versions are no less sanitary than the traditional styles. The sifting pan should be cleaned as often as you normally clean your litter scoop since it’s doing the same job. Some products also have built-in bacteria protection if you want more peace of mind in this area.
How often do sifting litter boxes need to be cleaned?
With one cat, these boxes should be cleaned at least once per week. With multiple cats, you may need to empty them every few days. The nice part of sifting litter boxes is that you can still reuse the fresh litter, just like you can in a traditional box.
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