Wondering about the right size for your cat’s litter box? This topic worries many cat owners who intuitively realize that the box they’re using may be too small for Kitty.
Here’s the bottom line –
Where it comes to your cat’s litter box, bigger is better.
We’re going to show you why cats prefer larger litter boxes and offer scientific evidence that supports the claim. Then we’re going to talk about sizes of actual models currently on the market.
We checked all popular models available at amazon.com for exact sizes and bring you the list of the 15 largest cat litter boxes, along with pros and cons for each one, so you can make the best choice for you and your cat.
Why Cats Prefer a Larger Litter Box
Many cat owners have found that their furry friend loves a large litter box, but why is that? We’ve gathered a few possible reasons for you, along with an interesting scientific study done on the subject.
In a nutshell, the reasons cats prefer a larger litter box are –
It reminds them of the great outdoors There’s more room to turn around Larger box = more clean areas Keeping solids separate from liquidLet’s explain each of these reasons in more detail.
A large box is more like the Great Outdoors
Consider where a cat goes to the bathroom in the wild. They certainly don’t have a little 8-by-10-inch square filled with sand that they’re limited to. Instead, they can go pretty much wherever they want.
Although they do prefer to go in the same general area, they also like to have the ability to go in new spots when their old spots start to get full. With a large litter box, they get back some of that feeling of being in the great outdoors.
A larger box offers more room for turning around
Cats need to be able to turn around when they’re using their litter box. Part of it is because they need to find the perfect spot, and the other part is they need to be able to bury their waste when they’re finished.
If a litter box is too small, then your cat may not have enough room to properly turn around. This is especially true when it comes to top-entry litter boxes and others with high sides.
Nobody likes to encounter moisture when using the bathroom, and cats are no different. They don’t want to stick their paw in something they left in the box yesterday, so they always look for a clean space to go in.
The larger the box – the more clean surface area there is
With larger litter boxes, your cat has a much better chance of finding a clean spot, especially if you don’t clean it out as often as you should (which we’re all guilty of sometimes).
Provides Room for Separating Waste
For whatever reason, some cats like to urinate in one part of the litter box and defecate in another. However, a small litter box just doesn’t give them the opportunity to do this.
If you have a cat that regularly uses the litter box to urinate but defecates elsewhere or vice versa, it’s possible your cat just wants a bigger litter box so they can do both but in different parts of the box.
What science has to say about the size of the litter box
A recent study looked at a total of 74 cats over a period of 4 weeks to find out if they preferred a larger or regular-sized litter box. For the larger box, they used one that was 33 inches (86 cm) in length, much bigger than any pan you can buy at the pet store.
Not surprisingly, the cats chose to use the giant litter box far more often than the smaller one.
During the 4 weeks of the study, the big box was used 5,031 times while the smaller one was used 3,239 times. The difference might have been even bigger if they hadn’t switched the locations of the boxes halfway through the study.
For two days following the switch, many cats showed a location preference and continued going where the big litter box was before going to the other side of the room to use the large box once again. This proves that while cats are creatures of habit, they will change that habit to use a bigger litter box.
Why cat owners should want a larger litter box too
No, we don’t mean that! Feel free to use your own toilets (whatever size they come in). We’re talking about what’s best for your budget as a cat owner – in the long run.
Although you obviously want to make your cat happy, there are a few reasons that you also benefit greatly from having a larger litter box for your cat. Here are a couple of the ones we’ve come up with.
Some cats are meticulous about using the litter box, so much so that they will hold their bladders and bowels if the box isn’t clean enough for them. This can lead to bladder infections or constipation, both of which are not good for your cat.
A bigger litter box means your cat has more space in which to go, so there’s no need for them to hold it, reducing the chance that they’ll have one of these issues. This not only helps give you more peace of mind about the overall health of your cat, but it can also save you money on vet bills. Bonus!
Sometimes, a larger box can solve litter box avoidance issues!
With over 740,000 cats across the United States eliminating outside of the litter box, you’re certainly not alone in your struggle. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to impossible to figure out what the problem is if it’s not an obvious medical issue.
Sometimes, the problem may be as simple as the litter box being too small or else the sides being too short. For that reason, a large litter box is recommended as it could end up solving your kitty’s problem. It may simply be that they just need a bit more room in the box to feel comfortable.
Since cats need to turn around while they’re digging, eliminating, and then burying their waste, they need to have plenty of room in which to do that. If they don’t feel like they can do that in the litter box, they may find somewhere else to take care of business.
Having said that, keep in mind that one of the most common reasons for litter box avoidance is a background health problem. If Kitty goes outside the box, your veterinarian is the person to talk to first. Only once you rule out – or treat – health problems can you work on the behavior aspects of litter box avoidance.
Read more –
Litterbox Problems? Here’s Why You Should Call Your Vet
How To Solve Litterbox Problems In Cats: The Ultimate Guide
So, what are the largest litter boxes available
Before you start clearing your schedule to find the biggest litter box on the market, relax. We already did the leg work for you. In fact, we managed to find 15 of the largest litter boxes that you can buy today so you can take a look and pick one out that you feel would be best for your feline friend.
Before we get to it, though, here’s some insight into how we determined which litter boxes to include in our list.
We found the measurements for the inside of the litter box to calculate the surface area. The dimensions we used don’t include anything but the litter pan itself, so the numbers were adjusted for self-cleaning boxes to ensure only the usable area was considered.
As you may notice, there aren’t any round litter pans on our list. That’s because they tend to be the same width as some of the largest ones, but because they’re round, they end up offering less usable space than a rectangular box.
Now, without further ado, here the largest litter boxes for cats:
15. Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan
Although this is the smallest litter box on our list, it’s also got some huge upsides. It’s a sifting litter box, which means cleaning it out is as easy as dumping the litter from one pan into another. Since there’s no need to go digging for treasures, you can save time and avoid scooping.
Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan at a Glance:
Enclosed 21.5 x 17 x 19 inches (55 x 43 x 48 cm) Surface area: 365.5 sq. inches (2365 sq. cm) Volume: 7326 cubic inches (6945 cubic cm)Pros:
Swinging door keeps odors down Coated in a finish that prevents staining and odor buildup Works with any clumping litter Low maintenanceCons:
Multiple trays make it heavy even when empty Can get very messy if not used properlyThe Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan is the perfect solution for people who hate scooping. Be sure to keep the sifter in the empty tray rather than the one that’s in use to avoid clumps getting stuck to it and you’ll be golden!
14. So Phresh Open Cat Litter Box
This is the second smallest litter box on our list, but it’s still a great option if you’re looking for a large and simple litter pan for your cat. It has a reinforced bottom which will help it last longer. Its open design is ideal for most cats so they can feel safe while taking care of business.
So Phresh Open Cat Litter Box at a Glance:
Open with rimmed or hooded options 22 x 17 x 5 inches (56 x 43 x 13 cm) Surface area: 374 sq. inches (2408 sq. cm) Volume: 1870 cubic inches (31,304 cubic cm)Pros:
Inexpensive Familiar design to cats Works with any type of litter DurableCons:
Have to buy hood separately to convert to a covered litter box Not the largest litter box availableOverall, the So Phresh Open Cat Litter Box provides an inexpensive option for a large litterbox. To add onto it, you may also get the rim attachment or hood.
13. PetMate Jumbo Hooded Litter Pan
Only slightly bigger than the previous one on our list, this hooded litter pan has plenty of room to accommodate your cat. It’s made with Microban, a substance that helps eliminate the growth of bacteria and mold, providing a safer, cleaner, and more pleasant-smelling bathroom for your furry friend.
PetMade Jumbo Hooded Litter Pan at a Glance:
Enclosed 22 x 18 x 18.5 inches (56 x 46 x 47 cm) Surface area: 396 sq. inches (2576 sq. cm) Volume: 7326 cubic inches (121,072 cubic cm)Pros:
Provides privacy for shy cats Cover easy to remove for cleaning Large opening for easy access Carbon filter eliminates odorsCons:
No flap option for door Some cats may not like covered litter panThe Petmate Jumbo Hooded Litter Pan works well for owners that need to have it in a high-traffic area of their home but don’t want to see or smell the dirty litter box. It also comes in an assortment of colors to match your décor.
12. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan
With a large litter pan area and door opening, this litter box is perfect for larger cats or multiple-cat homes. It also has a built-in filter holder in which you can place carbon filters that trap odors to keep your home smelling great.
Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan at a Glance:
Enclosed 22 x 18 x 17 inches (56 x 46 x 43 cm) Surface area: 396 sq. inches (2576 sq. cm) Volume: 6732 cubic inches (110,768 cubic cm)Pros:
High sides keep litter inside Locking tabs keep box together but are easy to remove to clean Provide privacy for your cat Removable door flapCons:
Unprotected filter allows curious cats to get at it Does not work for cats that sprayWhen it comes to a well-designed litter box that’s easy to use for the cat and easy to clean for you, the Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan ranks high. If you want a really good deal, you can get this litter box kit that comes with a scoop.
11. PetFusion BetterBox
This large litter box has several features that make it a great choice for a multiple-cat home. It has a low entry so elderly cats and kittens alike can get in and out. For your sake, it has a non-stick surface so you don’t have to worry about scraping clumps off the bottom.
PetFusion BetterBox at a Glance:
Open 22.5 x 18 x 8 inches (57 x 46 x 20 cm) Surface area: 405 sq. inches (2622 sq. cm) Volume: 3240 cubic inches (52,440 cubic cm)Pros:
Curved sides are inviting to cat and make cleaning easier Open design feels more natural to cat High walls keep litter in Made of durable plasticCons:
Cats may fling litter from the low opening Slippery surface can prove difficult for elderly catsAll in all, the PetFusion BetterBox works for cats of all ages who don’t like covered boxes. If you do have a home with multiple cats, we recommend you order the set of two to make sure all of your cats have a place to go.
10. AmazonBasics Hooded Cat Litter Box
If you want a cat litter box with plenty of bells and whistles, you came to the right place. This pan has a door flap and carbon filter to keep the odors from infiltrating your house, and a large opening so that any cat can go in and out as they please.
AmazonBasics Hooded Cat Litter Box at a Glance:
Enclosed 23.5 x 18 x 16.5 inches (60 x 46 x 42 cm) Surface area: 423 sq. inches (2760 sq. cm) Volume: 6979 cubic inches (115,920 cubic cm)Pros:
Removable door in case your cat isn’t a fan Snaps are sturdy enough to keep it together but still easy to remove for cleaning Made with heavy-duty plastic so it lasts Works well with any type of litterCons:
Crevices on back wall can become clogged with waste Replacement filters difficult to findAltogether, the AmazonBasics Hooded Cat Litter Box has a lot of conveniences to offer a cat owner and is already well-loved by cats and owners as well.
9. So Phresh Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box
This is another example of a simple litter box that’s also effective. Your cats will love its large size and low entry point, and you’ll love its slick surface designed to be easy to clean. It also has high sides which help keep everything where it’s supposed to be.
So Phresh Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box at a Glance:
Open 24 x 18 x 10 inches (61 x 46 x 25 cm) Surface area: 432 sq. inches (2806 sq. cm) Volume: 4320 cubic inches (70,150 cubic cm)Pros:
Low entry point for kittens and older or arthritic cats Long-lasting Slick surface makes cleaning easy and reduces bacterial buildup Open design that reminds cats of being outsideCons:
Over-exuberant cats can toss litter out of low side Can’t be easily converted into a covered boxAll in all, the So Phresh Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box solves the problem that owners of large or multiple cats face with a simple yet effective solution.
8. Suncast Litter Pan
If you’ve got one of those cats that can’t seem to get the knack of the litter box and keeps dropping things over the edges, then you need a litter pan like this one. This has high sides so that even the biggest cats won’t miss the pan.
Suncast Litter Pan at a Glance:
Open 24 x 18 x 10 inches (61 x 46 x 25 cm) Surface area: 432 sq. inches (2806 sq. cm) Volume: 4320 cubic inches (70,150 cubic cm)Pros:
High sides that prevent messes Durable and long-lasting material Slick surface that makes cleaning a breeze Low entry pointCons:
Relatively expensive Low side may still allow for messes to occurThe Suncast Litter Pan is large enough for multiple-cat homes or larger breeds of cats and helps you out with slick surfaces that don’t allow anything to stick to it.
7. Petmate Open Litter Pan
For young, enthusiastic diggers, even a box with one low point can mean constantly having to clean up messes that just aren’t staying inside the box. That’s where this litter pan comes in, with all four sides being high so everything stays in.
Petmate Open Litter Pan at a Glance:
Open 25 x 18 x 10 inches (64 x 46 x 25 cm) Surface area: 450 sq. inches (2944 sq. cm) Volume: 4500 cubic inches (73,600 cubic cm)Pros:
Fits up to 30 pounds of litter, which means less frequent changes are needed Durable plastic saves you money on replacements Sloped area in front allows most cats to enter easily Keeps litter and other messes inside the boxCons:
High entry point makes it unsuitable for elderly cats and young kittens Extremely heavy when filled with litterIf you want to solve the problem of accidental spills and misses from big cats or those who need extra space in the litter box, the Petmate Open Litter Pan is the answer.
6. Petmate Giant Litter Pan
With this litter box, you can solve more than just the problem of having a large enough litter box for your big cat or multiple cats. You’ll also get a handy place to keep the scoop so you don’t have to leave it where it may touch other things.
Petmate Giant Litter Pan at a Glance:
Open
27 x 17 x 10 inches (69 x 43 x 25 cm)
Surface area: 459 sq. inches (2967 sq. cm)
Volume: 4590 cubic inches (74,175 cubic cm)
Pros:
Convenient compartments for storing scoop, etc.
Tall sides all around keep litter inside
Open design provides a natural feel for cats
Micro-ban plastic helps reduce bacteria and therefore odors
Cons:
Side compartments are off the ground, so if a cat steps on them, they could dump the litter
Curved area in front could lead to accidents
For an easy way to store your dirty litter scooper and a great way to give your cat plenty of room to take care of business, the Petmate Giant Litter Pan is what you’re looking for.
5. Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box
This is another litter box that streamlines the cleaning process so you don’t have to get up close and personal with your cat’s dirty litter. Instead, simply roll the entire box to the side, set it flat again, and pull out the tray filled with clumps.
Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box at a Glance:
Enclosed
20 x 23 x 19 inches (51 x 58 x 48 cm)
Surface area: 460 sq. inches (2958 sq. cm)
Volume: 8740 cubic inches (141,984 cubic cm)
Pros:
Incredibly simple and sanitary litter removal process
Covered design limits foul odors
High sides keep the litter inside
Comes with mat to prevent litter from being tracked throughout the house
Cons:
Only works with clumping litter
Can become a huge mess if things go wrong
The Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box offers owners a quick and painless way to clean their cat’s box and it gives cats a large, private area to do their business.
4. Petphabet Litter Box with Lid
If you needed a litter box that fits 2 cats at the same time, this is the one for you. What sets this one apart from other covered boxes is that the top cover is clear, so light easily penetrates the box, but odors are still kept inside.
Petphabet Litter Box with Lid at a Glance:
Enclosed 25 x 19 x 16.5 inches (64 x 48 x 42 cm) Surface area: 475 sq. inches (3072 sq. cm) Volume: 7837 cubic inches (129,024 cubic cm)Pros:
Made with durable materials Deep pan allows cats to dig and less frequent changes Clear cover gives cats privacy and light Non-stick sides that make scooping easyCons:
Hood fits loosely so it may come off easily Entire hood must be removed to clean boxWith high sides that keep litter where it belongs and an open design that allows cats to feel like they’re outside, the Petphabet Litter Box with Lid is a huge litter box that could work for you.
3. KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box
Designed with senior cats in mind, this massive litter box would work well for any large cat that has excellent aim or else kittens. Since the sides are so low, it may also be used for cats that are having trouble using the litter box as this feels very much like going in the great outdoors.
KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box at a Glance:
Open 24 x 20 x 5 inches (61 x 51 x 13 cm) Surface area: 480 sq. inches (3111 sq. cm) Volume: 2400 cubic inches (40,443 cubic cm)Pros:
Extremely low entry works for all cats Works with all types of litter Large size is great for multiple-cat homes Reminds cats of going outside which can solve some litter box issuesCons:
Low sides make accidents more likely Open design may lead to odorsWhether you have tiny kittens or elderly arthritic cats, the KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box will help ensure that they’re able to go exactly where they need to go.
2. PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Nobody likes scooping cat poop, and the less often you have to remove it, the better. Once you get this box set up, all you have to do is sit back and relax and let it do its job. After a couple of weeks, remove the litter and you’re ready for another few weeks of freedom!
PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box at a Glance:
Open or Enclosed 27.5 x 19 x 11.5 inches (70 x 48 x 29 cm) Surface area: 522.5 sq. inches (3360 sq. cm) Volume: 6009 cubic inches (97,440 cubic cm)Pros:
Minimal maintenance requirements Covered design helps keep litter inside Effective odor control Can help identify cat health problems early with its built-in health counterCons:
Clumps can get stuck in the raking mechanism Can only use clumping littersBy counting how often your cat goes, the PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box can help alert you to health problems, making it great for anyone who wants to monitor their cat’s health closely.
1. Kattails Kat Kave Litter Box
The largest litter box on our list and possibly even the market, this is also the heaviest non-motorized litter box at a whopping 16 pounds when empty. It’s massive size with high sides provides the ideal place for your large cat to go when they need to go.
Kattails Kat Kave Litter Box at a Glance:
Enclosed 29 x 19 x 20 inches (74 x 48 x 51 cm) Surface area: 551 sq. inches (3552 sq. cm) Volume: 11,020 cubic inches (181,152 cubic cm)Pros:
Heavy-duty plastic is extremely durable Seamless interior prevents litter from sticking Odor-eliminating design High, seamless sides stop even the tallest standing urinator from making a messCons:
Can be difficult to clean because of how deep it is High entry point can be difficult for older catsFor standers or squatters, the Kattails Kat Kave Litter Box will keep everything right where you want it. You’ll be sure to love its classy design and your kitty will love a new place to climb onto.
The Largest Cat Litter Box – More than just size
Now that we’ve looked at the largest litterboxes in the market, you may be wondering if you should be ordering the very largest one possible for your cat.
So is that your next step?
Changing an existing litter box can be a big decision. Before you get rid of a box that works, consider adding a second box. Buy the largest litter box you can afford and place it next to the current box your cat uses. Now, give Kitty a few weeks and see if there’s a preference.
Avoid sudden changes and don’t remove a box before you know for sure your cat prefers the new one. Especially if it differs from the original in aspects other than size.
And remember, if you’re not sure, you can always start a thread in the Cat Care Forum and let us know about your specific situation. Our members would be happy to share from their own experience and offer you advice and support.