The Top 5 Litter Boxes
You need a litter box that your cat consistently uses. It needs to be large enough to accommodate your feline friend. A good rule of thumb is that the litter box should be at least as long as your cat, from whiskers to the tip of their extended tail. This way, they can comfortably use the box. As long as it's big enough for your cat, you can select from a variety of shapes and features for your litter box. To help you pick the one that's best for your household, here are five of the top litter boxes on the market.
Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box
Dome Shape for Privacy
Cats prefer to do their business in privacy, without everyone looking at them. This dome shaped litter box givers them that private space. It is enclosed on all sides. There are grooved steps at the entrance, which help brush any loose litter off your cat’s paws when they leave. This keeps your house cleaner. You’ll find a charcoal filter in the dome, that helps to absorb odor. This way you can use it anywhere in your home without worrying about the smell. Most larger breed cats will fit comfortably in this 21-inch by 21-inch litter box.You can select between three different colors for this litter box, brushed nickel, pearl white, and titanium.
Pros
- Enclosed on all sides for privacy
- Grooved steps to help clean paws
- Charcoal filter to absorb odor
Cons
- The dome lid doesn’t snap on – it is just resting on top so it’s easy for a dog or other animal to knock off
Purina Tidy Cats Litter Box System, Breeze System Starter Kit
An All in One Litter System
Do you get tired of maintaining your cat’s litter box? This litter box system makes maintenance and cleaning a breeze. It includes a specially designed litter box, a custom scoop, a bag of litter pellets, and a four pack of cat pads. You will need to purchase refills for the pellets and the cat pads. When your cat does its business, the urine passes down through the pellets into the absorbent pad at the bottom. If you have only one cat, you should be able to change this pad each week. The removable drawer allows you to dump the pad without touching it. When your cat poops, it will be in the litter pellets. You can scoop this part clean, and replace the litter every month. There are two different sizes available, so make sure you get the one that’s best for your cat.
Pros
- Simple to maintain
- No-touch design for replacing cat pad
- Comes in two sizes
Cons
- The litter doesn’t track much, but if it does and you step on a pellet, it hurts
PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Set It and Forget It for Weeks
Is life crazy busy in your household? Take cleaning the litter box off of your everyday to-do list with this self-cleaning cat litter box. Once you get it set up, you can let it go for weeks at a time without having a foul odor greet you. This litter box is designed to automatically remove the waste for you. It drops down to a disposable tray with a plastic liner. This litter box comes with a disposable litter tray and a long-lasting crystal litter. You simply pour the litter into the litter tray, and set this under the litter box. Then you plug in the litter box. About twenty minutes after your cat leaves the box, a sensor will automatically begin the cleaning process. Then when it’s time to replace it, you simply throw the whole tray away and replace it.
Pros
- Self-cleaning feature to simplify your cat care routine
- Long lasting crystal litter
- Plastic lining to prevent leaks
Cons
- Your cat may have a hard time adjusting to the crystal litter
Van Ness CP2HS Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan
Simple Litter Box
If you prefer a simple litter box for your cat, this is a great choice. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it will give your cat a place to use the bathroom. The high sides are perfect to contain the mess, especially if your cat pees high. If your cat likes to dig, the sides are perfect for that as well. You’ll easily be able to clean this litter box without removing a lid or anything else. You can just scoop and get on with your day. The polished finish helps prevent odor from soaking in, and is resistant to stains. It comes in an assorted color, so you may not get the exact color you prefer.
Pros
- Great price point
- High sides to contain litter
- Stain resistant
Cons
- You may notice more odor with an open top than you would with an enclosed litter box
Good Pet Stuff Plant Hidden Litter Box
You Can Put This Litter Box in Any Room
If you have a small house, you may need to put your cat’s litter box in the living room or in a bedroom. You don’t want an unsightly box in those spaces. But, this decorative litter box is another story. It looks like a large clay pot, and even features a fake plant and moss for the top. The plant and moss are nested between the top and bottom, so they won’t be getting dirty. It’s made from a durable polypropylene, which is easy to clean. There’s a filtered vent system to help keep your home smelling fresh. It’s a large capacity litter box, so it’s great for large cats or houses with more than one cat.
Pros
- Decorative design to look great in any room
- Filtered vent system to help control odor
- Comes with a decorative plant and moss
Cons
- The moss and leaves may be tempting to your cat, and might get torn to shreds within days
Frequently Asked Questions
How many litter boxes should I have in my home?
The number of litter boxes you needs depends on the number of cats you have, and the size of your home. You want to have enough litter boxes that each cat has one nearby, no matter where they are. In larger homes, you may need multiple litter boxes for a single cat. If you have multiple cats, you want to have at least one litter box for each cat. That way your cats will never have to wait for a turn to go to the bathroom.
Should I have a covered or uncovered litter box?
Each cat will have different preferences for the type of litter box they like best. Some cats prefer the privacy that a covered litter box provides. Other cats get scared having to be under a “hood.” If you aren’t sure what style your cat likes best, you may need to experiment by purchasing two different boxes. Or you can find one with a removable lid that you can get rid of if your cat doesn’t like it.
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