The 12 Best Cat Litter Boxes, Tested by Real Cats

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo: People/Kaya Abrahamson

Your cat might think they’re the center of the universe, but they still need you to clean out their litter box. If you’re a devoted cat parent, you’ll want to find a cat litter box that’s easy for your favorite felines to do their businessandeasy for you to clean.It might be a bit of trial and error when it comes to finding the best litter box for your feline’s needs, says Dr. Bryce Zietz, DVM, and Team Veterinarian at Fuzzy, a digital pet care company. He suggests setting up a range of options in box styles, sizes, andlitter typesfor two weeks. “Think of it as a litter box buffet,” he says.Need some assistance in creating your own litter box buffet at home? Our PEOPLE Tested team has done a lot of the leg work for you. We tested 43 litter boxes to find the best cat litter box that’s purr-fect (we had to say it) for your pet. We looked at ease of assembly and cleaning, box design, odor control, and overall value to pinpoint the best cat litter boxes.Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALECatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan at Amazon$54$40Jump to ReviewBest Value:iPrimio Cat XL Litter Box at Amazon$63Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Arm & Hammer Sifting Litter Box at Amazon$20Jump to ReviewBest for Senior Cats:Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Automatic :SALEPetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Litterbox at Amazon$200$170Jump to ReviewBest Large:Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest for Odor Control:Frisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box at Chewy$70Jump to ReviewBest with High Sides:Smart Paws Cat Litter Box with High Sides at Amazon$59Jump to ReviewBest Hooded:Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box at Chewy$33Jump to ReviewEasiest to Clean:Litter Genie Cat Litter Box at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Your cat might think they’re the center of the universe, but they still need you to clean out their litter box. If you’re a devoted cat parent, you’ll want to find a cat litter box that’s easy for your favorite felines to do their businessandeasy for you to clean.

It might be a bit of trial and error when it comes to finding the best litter box for your feline’s needs, says Dr. Bryce Zietz, DVM, and Team Veterinarian at Fuzzy, a digital pet care company. He suggests setting up a range of options in box styles, sizes, andlitter typesfor two weeks. “Think of it as a litter box buffet,” he says.

Need some assistance in creating your own litter box buffet at home? Our PEOPLE Tested team has done a lot of the leg work for you. We tested 43 litter boxes to find the best cat litter box that’s purr-fect (we had to say it) for your pet. We looked at ease of assembly and cleaning, box design, odor control, and overall value to pinpoint the best cat litter boxes.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALECatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan at Amazon$54$40Jump to ReviewBest Value:iPrimio Cat XL Litter Box at Amazon$63Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Arm & Hammer Sifting Litter Box at Amazon$20Jump to ReviewBest for Senior Cats:Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Automatic :SALEPetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Litterbox at Amazon$200$170Jump to ReviewBest Large:Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest for Odor Control:Frisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box at Chewy$70Jump to ReviewBest with High Sides:Smart Paws Cat Litter Box with High Sides at Amazon$59Jump to ReviewBest Hooded:Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box at Chewy$33Jump to ReviewEasiest to Clean:Litter Genie Cat Litter Box at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALECatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan at Amazon$54$40Jump to ReviewBest Value:iPrimio Cat XL Litter Box at Amazon$63Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Arm & Hammer Sifting Litter Box at Amazon$20Jump to ReviewBest for Senior Cats:Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Automatic :SALEPetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Litterbox at Amazon$200$170Jump to ReviewBest Large:Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest for Odor Control:Frisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box at Chewy$70Jump to ReviewBest with High Sides:Smart Paws Cat Litter Box with High Sides at Amazon$59Jump to ReviewBest Hooded:Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box at Chewy$33Jump to ReviewEasiest to Clean:Litter Genie Cat Litter Box at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALECatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan at Amazon$54$40Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALECatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan at Amazon$54$40

Best Overall:

SALE

Best Value:iPrimio Cat XL Litter Box at Amazon$63Jump to Review

Best Value:iPrimio Cat XL Litter Box at Amazon$63

Best Value:

Best Budget:Arm & Hammer Sifting Litter Box at Amazon$20Jump to Review

Best Budget:Arm & Hammer Sifting Litter Box at Amazon$20

Best Budget:

Best for Senior Cats:Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan at Amazon$45Jump to Review

Best for Senior Cats:Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan at Amazon$45

Best for Senior Cats:

Best Automatic :SALEPetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Litterbox at Amazon$200$170Jump to Review

Best Automatic :SALEPetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Litterbox at Amazon$200$170

Best Automatic :

Best Large:Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box at Amazon$60Jump to Review

Best Large:Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box at Amazon$60

Best Large:

Best for Odor Control:Frisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box at Chewy$70Jump to Review

Best for Odor Control:Frisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box at Chewy$70

Best for Odor Control:

Best with High Sides:Smart Paws Cat Litter Box with High Sides at Amazon$59Jump to Review

Best with High Sides:Smart Paws Cat Litter Box with High Sides at Amazon$59

Best with High Sides:

Best Hooded:Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box at Chewy$33Jump to Review

Best Hooded:Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box at Chewy$33

Best Hooded:

Easiest to Clean:Litter Genie Cat Litter Box at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Easiest to Clean:Litter Genie Cat Litter Box at Amazon$30

Easiest to Clean:

Best OverallCatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter PanPHOTO: Chewy$54$40 at AmazonView on Chewy$40 at PETCOStar QualitiesPrivacy door to keep cats comfortableHandle for easy carryingBuilt-in bag anchor makes cleaning easyRed FlagsCats may need to adjust to doorPricier than others we testedOverall, the Catit Hooded Cat Pan litter box received top scores across the board during our testing due to its high quality, great value, and privacy features. A hood and a door work wonders to give your cat privacy on the inside and hide interior contents from the outside. It’s also a cinch to clean, has a built-in bag anchor for easily depositing scooped waste, and sports a carbon-filter option for added odor control.One of our tester kitties took a bit of time to get used to having an entry door to go through, but they eventually worked it out. Trust us, the front door does an excellent job of keeping litter in the box and not on your floors. We also loved how easy the litter box was to pick up and move around thanks to its carry handle.Type:Covered pan |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:22.44 x 19.69 x 18.31 inches |Weight:1.7 poundsPeople / Maddy Newton

Best OverallCatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter PanPHOTO: Chewy$54$40 at AmazonView on Chewy$40 at PETCO

Best OverallCatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan

Best Overall

Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan

PHOTO: Chewy

$54$40 at AmazonView on Chewy$40 at PETCO

Star QualitiesPrivacy door to keep cats comfortableHandle for easy carryingBuilt-in bag anchor makes cleaning easyRed FlagsCats may need to adjust to doorPricier than others we tested

Star QualitiesPrivacy door to keep cats comfortableHandle for easy carryingBuilt-in bag anchor makes cleaning easy

Privacy door to keep cats comfortable

Handle for easy carrying

Built-in bag anchor makes cleaning easy

Red FlagsCats may need to adjust to doorPricier than others we tested

Cats may need to adjust to door

Pricier than others we tested

Overall, the Catit Hooded Cat Pan litter box received top scores across the board during our testing due to its high quality, great value, and privacy features. A hood and a door work wonders to give your cat privacy on the inside and hide interior contents from the outside. It’s also a cinch to clean, has a built-in bag anchor for easily depositing scooped waste, and sports a carbon-filter option for added odor control.

One of our tester kitties took a bit of time to get used to having an entry door to go through, but they eventually worked it out. Trust us, the front door does an excellent job of keeping litter in the box and not on your floors. We also loved how easy the litter box was to pick up and move around thanks to its carry handle.

Type:Covered pan |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:22.44 x 19.69 x 18.31 inches |Weight:1.7 pounds

People / Maddy Newton

Best ValueiPrimio Cat XL Litter BoxPHOTO: Amazon$63 at Amazon

Best ValueiPrimio Cat XL Litter Box

Best Value

iPrimio Cat XL Litter Box

PHOTO: Amazon

$63 at Amazon

Star QualitiesIntuitive design with quick setupControls odors and reduces litter trackingRemovable rim and large pan for easy scooping and changingClean, sleek appearance isn’t an eyesore

Intuitive design with quick setup

Controls odors and reduces litter tracking

Removable rim and large pan for easy scooping and changing

Clean, sleek appearance isn’t an eyesore

No place to hang scoop

Setting the iPrimio Enclosed XL Litter Box up was seamless, thanks to its clear instructions and intuitive design. Plus, it has a clean, sleek appearance with high walls that reduce litter tracking.

This litter box really stood out for odor control, masking the unpleasant scent of cat waste in the home. Seeing as it’s big enough for multiple cats, low maintenance for pet owners, and quite functional, the value is undeniable.

Type:High-sided pan |Material:Plastic, stainless steel |Dimensions:23.5 x 15.5 x 6 inches |Weight:6 pounds

PHOTO: People / Tracy AllisonPHOTO: People / Tracy AllisonPHOTO: People / Tracy AllisonPHOTO: People / Tracy AllisonPHOTO: People / Tracy Allison

Best BudgetArm & Hammer Sifting Litter BoxPHOTO: Amazon$20 at Amazon$30$27 at Walmart$25 at WayfairStar QualitiesSifting pan for easy cleaningMade from recycled materialsExcellent value for multi-cat householdsRed FlagsLearning curve for sifting panLower walls could results in scattered litterWe love that this Arm & Hammer sifting pan allows you to skip the manual scooping. Instead, this litter box uses its tri-level pan design to sift out waste. We were surprised at how easy it was to clean this box and we did not experience any clogs in the sifting tray (pro tip: you must use clumping sand litter for the system to work properly). However, one feline tester did seem to kick out more litter than usual after jumping out of the box.There’s a bit of a learning curve if you’re not used to sifting or having this many pans, but overall, we found it to be functional and a good value. The whole system is made from recycled materials, so this is an eco-friendly option for cat owners. It has Microban protection to prevent bacteria from forming and causing odors, so it’s a win for your household, too.Type:Sifting |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:19 x 15 x 8 inches |Weight:Not listedPHOTO: People / Katie BegleyPHOTO: People / Katie Begley

Best BudgetArm & Hammer Sifting Litter BoxPHOTO: Amazon$20 at Amazon$30$27 at Walmart$25 at Wayfair

Best BudgetArm & Hammer Sifting Litter Box

Best Budget

Arm & Hammer Sifting Litter Box

$20 at Amazon$30$27 at Walmart$25 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesSifting pan for easy cleaningMade from recycled materialsExcellent value for multi-cat householdsRed FlagsLearning curve for sifting panLower walls could results in scattered litter

Star QualitiesSifting pan for easy cleaningMade from recycled materialsExcellent value for multi-cat households

Sifting pan for easy cleaning

Made from recycled materials

Excellent value for multi-cat households

Red FlagsLearning curve for sifting panLower walls could results in scattered litter

Learning curve for sifting pan

Lower walls could results in scattered litter

We love that this Arm & Hammer sifting pan allows you to skip the manual scooping. Instead, this litter box uses its tri-level pan design to sift out waste. We were surprised at how easy it was to clean this box and we did not experience any clogs in the sifting tray (pro tip: you must use clumping sand litter for the system to work properly). However, one feline tester did seem to kick out more litter than usual after jumping out of the box.

There’s a bit of a learning curve if you’re not used to sifting or having this many pans, but overall, we found it to be functional and a good value. The whole system is made from recycled materials, so this is an eco-friendly option for cat owners. It has Microban protection to prevent bacteria from forming and causing odors, so it’s a win for your household, too.

Type:Sifting |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:19 x 15 x 8 inches |Weight:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Katie BegleyPHOTO: People / Katie Begley

Best for Senior CatsLucky Champ Cat Litter PanPHOTO: Amazon$45 at AmazonStar QualitiesLow entry good for cats with limited mobilityRubber grips make lifting and carrying easyBack high enough to contain litter with minimal kickbackRed FlagsNo cover; not as discreet as othersThis low-entry cat litter pan is a particularly good choice for cats with limited mobility or smaller cats. The easy entry and exit space was ideal for our tester’s senior cat, but it was also perfect for their younger cat. We liked how the front is low enough for your cat to step into the box rather than needing to jump, but the walls remained high enough to contain the litter when kicked.The pan is large and easy-to-clean, and rubber grips on the side make it easy to move the box when needed. There’s no lid for this cat litter box, and the tester did note with some dismay that the plastic is shiny, so it might not work if you’re looking for something more discreet.Type:Pan |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:25 x 16.75 x 9 inches |Weight:3.31 poundsPHOTO: People / Lesly BernalPHOTO: People / Lesly Bernal

Best for Senior CatsLucky Champ Cat Litter PanPHOTO: Amazon$45 at Amazon

Best for Senior CatsLucky Champ Cat Litter Pan

Best for Senior Cats

Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan

$45 at Amazon

Star QualitiesLow entry good for cats with limited mobilityRubber grips make lifting and carrying easyBack high enough to contain litter with minimal kickbackRed FlagsNo cover; not as discreet as others

Star QualitiesLow entry good for cats with limited mobilityRubber grips make lifting and carrying easyBack high enough to contain litter with minimal kickback

Low entry good for cats with limited mobility

Rubber grips make lifting and carrying easy

Back high enough to contain litter with minimal kickback

Red FlagsNo cover; not as discreet as others

No cover; not as discreet as others

This low-entry cat litter pan is a particularly good choice for cats with limited mobility or smaller cats. The easy entry and exit space was ideal for our tester’s senior cat, but it was also perfect for their younger cat. We liked how the front is low enough for your cat to step into the box rather than needing to jump, but the walls remained high enough to contain the litter when kicked.

The pan is large and easy-to-clean, and rubber grips on the side make it easy to move the box when needed. There’s no lid for this cat litter box, and the tester did note with some dismay that the plastic is shiny, so it might not work if you’re looking for something more discreet.

Type:Pan |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:25 x 16.75 x 9 inches |Weight:3.31 pounds

PHOTO: People / Lesly BernalPHOTO: People / Lesly Bernal

Best AutomaticPetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus LitterboxPHOTO: Amazon$200$170 at AmazonView on ChewyView on PETCOStar QualitiesAutomatically scoops litter with full-length combRemained entirely odor-free throughout testing periodPerformance rivals more expensive optionsRed FlagsTricky to take box apart for monthly cleaningThe PetSafe ScoopFree Smart Covered litter box is a game changer — if you thought you had to spend big to find a decentautomatic litter box, then this fairly-priced model might change your mind. Our tester cat quickly felt comfortable using the automatic box, even in the presence of the low hum the box emitted. And, best of all, our sensitive human noses detected zerosmell.An automatic scooping comb takes care of the usually disgusting daily task of scooping litter. It senses when your cat is using the box and cleans up once they’ve finished and safely exited. Keep in mind that It will only work withcrystal litter(but any kind of crystal litter), and the monthly cleaning process is somewhat of a hassle — you may spill a bit of used litter.Type:Automatic |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:20.38 x 7.13 x 28 inches |Weight:16 poundsPeople / Vicky Wasik

Best AutomaticPetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus LitterboxPHOTO: Amazon$200$170 at AmazonView on ChewyView on PETCO

Best AutomaticPetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Litterbox

Best Automatic

PetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Litterbox

$200$170 at AmazonView on ChewyView on PETCO

Star QualitiesAutomatically scoops litter with full-length combRemained entirely odor-free throughout testing periodPerformance rivals more expensive optionsRed FlagsTricky to take box apart for monthly cleaning

Star QualitiesAutomatically scoops litter with full-length combRemained entirely odor-free throughout testing periodPerformance rivals more expensive options

Automatically scoops litter with full-length comb

Remained entirely odor-free throughout testing period

Performance rivals more expensive options

Red FlagsTricky to take box apart for monthly cleaning

Tricky to take box apart for monthly cleaning

The PetSafe ScoopFree Smart Covered litter box is a game changer — if you thought you had to spend big to find a decentautomatic litter box, then this fairly-priced model might change your mind. Our tester cat quickly felt comfortable using the automatic box, even in the presence of the low hum the box emitted. And, best of all, our sensitive human noses detected zerosmell.

An automatic scooping comb takes care of the usually disgusting daily task of scooping litter. It senses when your cat is using the box and cleans up once they’ve finished and safely exited. Keep in mind that It will only work withcrystal litter(but any kind of crystal litter), and the monthly cleaning process is somewhat of a hassle — you may spill a bit of used litter.

Type:Automatic |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:20.38 x 7.13 x 28 inches |Weight:16 pounds

People / Vicky Wasik

Best LargePetphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter BoxPHOTO: Amazon$60$55 at AmazonStar QualitiesSpacious enough for big cats to use comfortablyKeeps litter contained in boxEasy to clean with soap and waterRed FlagsClear lid; could be more discreetThe Petphabet litter box does a great job at containing the litter, and the spacious jumbo size makes it a good choice for larger cats because they’ve got plenty of room to move around. Plus, it’s easy to clean this Petphabet cat litter box with soap and water once you remove the lid from the base of the box.This litter box comes in bright colors like teal and purple or a more subtle light gray, all with clear plastic lids. Depending on how much your cat likes his or her privacy and how much you want to keep your litter box hidden, the clear lid might not work for you. At the end of the day, this is really just a large plastic box with a clear lid, so it might be a bit pricey unless your cat is super picky.Type:Covered |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:25 x 19 x 17 inches |Weight:3.12 poundsPeople / Alicia Long

Best LargePetphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter BoxPHOTO: Amazon$60$55 at Amazon

Best LargePetphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box

Best Large

Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box

$60$55 at Amazon

Star QualitiesSpacious enough for big cats to use comfortablyKeeps litter contained in boxEasy to clean with soap and waterRed FlagsClear lid; could be more discreet

Star QualitiesSpacious enough for big cats to use comfortablyKeeps litter contained in boxEasy to clean with soap and water

Spacious enough for big cats to use comfortably

Keeps litter contained in box

Easy to clean with soap and water

Red FlagsClear lid; could be more discreet

Clear lid; could be more discreet

The Petphabet litter box does a great job at containing the litter, and the spacious jumbo size makes it a good choice for larger cats because they’ve got plenty of room to move around. Plus, it’s easy to clean this Petphabet cat litter box with soap and water once you remove the lid from the base of the box.

This litter box comes in bright colors like teal and purple or a more subtle light gray, all with clear plastic lids. Depending on how much your cat likes his or her privacy and how much you want to keep your litter box hidden, the clear lid might not work for you. At the end of the day, this is really just a large plastic box with a clear lid, so it might be a bit pricey unless your cat is super picky.

Type:Covered |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:25 x 19 x 17 inches |Weight:3.12 pounds

People / Alicia Long

Best for Odor ControlFrisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter BoxPHOTO: Chewy$70 at ChewyStar QualitiesContains spray well; drastically reduces litter trackingLidded design contains odorEasy to remove lid and change out litterLow entry point accommodates cats of all sizesRed FlagsLikely not large enough for multiple catsAt first glance, the Frisco Multi-Function litter box might appear to be just a standard box-shaped litter box with a lid, but it’s actually a sneakily genius product that reduces the amount of litter trackingandlimits odor. Inside the litter box is a litter tray and an exit area that helps to catch the litter stuck on a cat’s paws before they exit the box. During testing, this proved to be a game changer when it came to keeping the space around the litter box clean. We also appreciated the thoughtful design included a scoop and scoop holder.Plus, stepping into and out of the low-entry box was no problem for our large cat. Our only gripe with the box is that the litter tray isn’t super big, so while it works well for one large cat, it probably wouldn’t be suitable for multiple felines.Type:Covered |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:29.7 x 17.5 x 17.6 inches |Weight:8.28 poundsPHOTO: People / Ashe PurscellPHOTO: People / Ashe Purscell

Best for Odor ControlFrisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter BoxPHOTO: Chewy$70 at Chewy

Best for Odor ControlFrisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box

Best for Odor Control

Frisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box

$70 at Chewy

Star QualitiesContains spray well; drastically reduces litter trackingLidded design contains odorEasy to remove lid and change out litterLow entry point accommodates cats of all sizesRed FlagsLikely not large enough for multiple cats

Star QualitiesContains spray well; drastically reduces litter trackingLidded design contains odorEasy to remove lid and change out litterLow entry point accommodates cats of all sizes

Contains spray well; drastically reduces litter tracking

Lidded design contains odor

Easy to remove lid and change out litter

Low entry point accommodates cats of all sizes

Red FlagsLikely not large enough for multiple cats

Likely not large enough for multiple cats

At first glance, the Frisco Multi-Function litter box might appear to be just a standard box-shaped litter box with a lid, but it’s actually a sneakily genius product that reduces the amount of litter trackingandlimits odor. Inside the litter box is a litter tray and an exit area that helps to catch the litter stuck on a cat’s paws before they exit the box. During testing, this proved to be a game changer when it came to keeping the space around the litter box clean. We also appreciated the thoughtful design included a scoop and scoop holder.

Plus, stepping into and out of the low-entry box was no problem for our large cat. Our only gripe with the box is that the litter tray isn’t super big, so while it works well for one large cat, it probably wouldn’t be suitable for multiple felines.

Type:Covered |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:29.7 x 17.5 x 17.6 inches |Weight:8.28 pounds

PHOTO: People / Ashe PurscellPHOTO: People / Ashe Purscell

Best with High SidesSmart Paws Cat Litter Box with High SidesPHOTO: Amazon$59$51 at Amazon

Best with High SidesSmart Paws Cat Litter Box with High Sides

Best with High Sides

Smart Paws Cat Litter Box with High Sides

$59$51 at Amazon

Star QualitiesTall walls prevent tracking without obstructing cleaning accessCan easily reach in to scoop and empty litterSingle-piece design requires no setupRed FlagsDoesn’t eliminate odorsBasic design with no special features

Star QualitiesTall walls prevent tracking without obstructing cleaning accessCan easily reach in to scoop and empty litterSingle-piece design requires no setup

Tall walls prevent tracking without obstructing cleaning access

Can easily reach in to scoop and empty litter

Single-piece design requires no setup

Red FlagsDoesn’t eliminate odorsBasic design with no special features

Doesn’t eliminate odors

Basic design with no special features

The lidless design makes changing and scooping the litter a fuss-free process. We also like that the box is ready to go right out of the packaging and appreciate the relatively compact design and rectangular shape which can fit almost anywhere. This litter box seems durable, too. If high sides are your top priority, we think this one’s worth buying.

Type:Open pan |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:25.2 x 16.3 x 13 inches |Weight:3.2 pounds

PHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry Yung

Best HoodedFrisco Hooded Cat Litter BoxPHOTO: Chewy$33 at ChewyStar QualitiesHooded and swinging door help contain odorPrivacy for cats helps them feel more comfortable using boxLarge enough to comfortably fit 13-pound catRed FlagsDoesn’t completely prevent litter-trackingHooded litter boxes can help contain cat odor and also give your pet a sense of privacy (yes, even cats want privacy when they do their business!). That’s why we love the Frisco Hooded litter box, with a flap door that helps to contain any smells or litter spray.This hooded litter box performed exactly as we hoped it would, and our large tester cat was able to get in and out of the swinging door design easily. We were surprised with just how large the box is (comfortable enough for a 13-pound cat), and the swinging cover can also be removed if your cat prefers a box without a door. Our only gripe with this box is that our cat tracked litter out of the box after using it, but that’s not unusual, even among the best litter boxes. Overall, the Frisco Hooded cat litter box is an incredible value and works for cats of all sizes.Type:Covered |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:26 x 18.1 x 19.3 inches |Weight:Not listedPHOTO: People / Emily WoodruffPHOTO: People / Emily WoodruffPHOTO: People / Emily Woodruff

Best HoodedFrisco Hooded Cat Litter BoxPHOTO: Chewy$33 at Chewy

Best HoodedFrisco Hooded Cat Litter Box

Best Hooded

Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box

$33 at Chewy

Star QualitiesHooded and swinging door help contain odorPrivacy for cats helps them feel more comfortable using boxLarge enough to comfortably fit 13-pound catRed FlagsDoesn’t completely prevent litter-tracking

Star QualitiesHooded and swinging door help contain odorPrivacy for cats helps them feel more comfortable using boxLarge enough to comfortably fit 13-pound cat

Hooded and swinging door help contain odor

Privacy for cats helps them feel more comfortable using box

Large enough to comfortably fit 13-pound cat

Red FlagsDoesn’t completely prevent litter-tracking

Doesn’t completely prevent litter-tracking

Hooded litter boxes can help contain cat odor and also give your pet a sense of privacy (yes, even cats want privacy when they do their business!). That’s why we love the Frisco Hooded litter box, with a flap door that helps to contain any smells or litter spray.

This hooded litter box performed exactly as we hoped it would, and our large tester cat was able to get in and out of the swinging door design easily. We were surprised with just how large the box is (comfortable enough for a 13-pound cat), and the swinging cover can also be removed if your cat prefers a box without a door. Our only gripe with this box is that our cat tracked litter out of the box after using it, but that’s not unusual, even among the best litter boxes. Overall, the Frisco Hooded cat litter box is an incredible value and works for cats of all sizes.

Type:Covered |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:26 x 18.1 x 19.3 inches |Weight:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Emily WoodruffPHOTO: People / Emily WoodruffPHOTO: People / Emily Woodruff

Easiest to CleanLitter Genie Cat Litter BoxPHOTO: Chewy$30$26 at AmazonView on ChewyStar QualitiesEasy to pour out used litter without spillingBucket-like design with handles for easy moving and transportSpacious enough for two large catsRed FlagsDoesn’t do anything to prevent litter trackingAt first glance, the Litter Genie looks more like a laundry basket than a place for your cat to do their business, but that unique design is what makes this lightweight litter box so effective and easy to clean. Two side handles slope down to a flexible curved base, making it easy to lift up and empty the box without spilling any of its contents.We also found the Litter Genie Cat Litter Box surprisingly easy to empty thanks to the box’s wide opening (which is also a plus for entry). By the end of our testing period, both of our cats preferred this litter box to any other that we had set up around the home. Unfortunately, because this is an open-air box, it doesn’t really prevent litter tracking. But, if you’re looking for a litter box that’s remarkably easy to lift and clean and will make your cat feel comfortable right away, then the Litter Genie is a great choice at a competitive price.Type:Open |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:22.3 x 17.6 x 16 inches |Weight:1.49 poundsPHOTO: People / Kelynn LanePHOTO: People / Kelynn LanePHOTO: People / Kelynn Lane

Easiest to CleanLitter Genie Cat Litter BoxPHOTO: Chewy$30$26 at AmazonView on Chewy

Easiest to CleanLitter Genie Cat Litter Box

Easiest to Clean

Litter Genie Cat Litter Box

$30$26 at AmazonView on Chewy

Star QualitiesEasy to pour out used litter without spillingBucket-like design with handles for easy moving and transportSpacious enough for two large catsRed FlagsDoesn’t do anything to prevent litter tracking

Star QualitiesEasy to pour out used litter without spillingBucket-like design with handles for easy moving and transportSpacious enough for two large cats

Easy to pour out used litter without spilling

Bucket-like design with handles for easy moving and transport

Spacious enough for two large cats

Red FlagsDoesn’t do anything to prevent litter tracking

Doesn’t do anything to prevent litter tracking

At first glance, the Litter Genie looks more like a laundry basket than a place for your cat to do their business, but that unique design is what makes this lightweight litter box so effective and easy to clean. Two side handles slope down to a flexible curved base, making it easy to lift up and empty the box without spilling any of its contents.

We also found the Litter Genie Cat Litter Box surprisingly easy to empty thanks to the box’s wide opening (which is also a plus for entry). By the end of our testing period, both of our cats preferred this litter box to any other that we had set up around the home. Unfortunately, because this is an open-air box, it doesn’t really prevent litter tracking. But, if you’re looking for a litter box that’s remarkably easy to lift and clean and will make your cat feel comfortable right away, then the Litter Genie is a great choice at a competitive price.

Type:Open |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:22.3 x 17.6 x 16 inches |Weight:1.49 pounds

PHOTO: People / Kelynn LanePHOTO: People / Kelynn LanePHOTO: People / Kelynn Lane

Best with PelletsPurina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter Box SystemPHOTO: Amazon$43 at Amazon$60 at Chewy$43 at PetSmartStar QualitiesLiner pads absorb liquids for simplified cleaningPellets trap waste without absorbing odor and create less kickback messWhole system is a game changer for cat litter odorRed FlagsOnly one of the three versions is coveredPrice of disposable liner pads will add upAfter thoroughly testing this cat litter system, we think it’s worth every dollar. While cleaning out your cat’s litter box might not be high on your list of favorite household tasks, this litter box is much easier to clean than others. We found that the litter box stays cleaner longer, and the pellets are great at preventing odor without absorbing it. And, though it’s easier to clean, you might find that you won’t have to clean it nearly as often, which is indeed a great value.This Purina system features a BREEZE System Starter Kit that comes with a litter box, litter pellets, and pads. The pads are disposable and lock in moisture well enough to last for up to a week per cat, so you’ll have to buy more when the included pack of four pads runs out. The litter pellets are anti-tracking, so you can expect to see far less dust and tracking around the box, which means less time dragging out thevacuum cleaner. It has a drawer that easily slides out so you can remove the pad. This system comes in three different versions — an open model, one with a hood, and a larger open model that has higher walls.Type:Open |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:16.5 x 21 x 10.5 inches |Weight:9.3 poundsPeople / Kaya Abrahamson

Best with PelletsPurina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter Box SystemPHOTO: Amazon$43 at Amazon$60 at Chewy$43 at PetSmart

Best with PelletsPurina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter Box System

Best with Pellets

Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter Box System

$43 at Amazon$60 at Chewy$43 at PetSmart

Star QualitiesLiner pads absorb liquids for simplified cleaningPellets trap waste without absorbing odor and create less kickback messWhole system is a game changer for cat litter odorRed FlagsOnly one of the three versions is coveredPrice of disposable liner pads will add up

Star QualitiesLiner pads absorb liquids for simplified cleaningPellets trap waste without absorbing odor and create less kickback messWhole system is a game changer for cat litter odor

Liner pads absorb liquids for simplified cleaning

Pellets trap waste without absorbing odor and create less kickback mess

Whole system is a game changer for cat litter odor

Red FlagsOnly one of the three versions is coveredPrice of disposable liner pads will add up

Only one of the three versions is covered

Price of disposable liner pads will add up

After thoroughly testing this cat litter system, we think it’s worth every dollar. While cleaning out your cat’s litter box might not be high on your list of favorite household tasks, this litter box is much easier to clean than others. We found that the litter box stays cleaner longer, and the pellets are great at preventing odor without absorbing it. And, though it’s easier to clean, you might find that you won’t have to clean it nearly as often, which is indeed a great value.

This Purina system features a BREEZE System Starter Kit that comes with a litter box, litter pellets, and pads. The pads are disposable and lock in moisture well enough to last for up to a week per cat, so you’ll have to buy more when the included pack of four pads runs out. The litter pellets are anti-tracking, so you can expect to see far less dust and tracking around the box, which means less time dragging out thevacuum cleaner. It has a drawer that easily slides out so you can remove the pad. This system comes in three different versions — an open model, one with a hood, and a larger open model that has higher walls.

Type:Open |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:16.5 x 21 x 10.5 inches |Weight:9.3 pounds

People / Kaya Abrahamson

Best InvestmentWhisker Litter-Robot 4PHOTO: Litter-Robot$799 at Amazon$700 at Target$699 at Litter-robot.com

Best InvestmentWhisker Litter-Robot 4

Best Investment

Whisker Litter-Robot 4

PHOTO: Litter-Robot

$799 at Amazon$700 at Target$699 at Litter-robot.com

Star QualitiesAutomatically scoops and empties into plastic bag-lined binSenses and records cat’s weight and sends to synced mobile appSaves pet owners time and energyRed FlagsAmong the most expensive on the marketSetup and user education takes an hour

Star QualitiesAutomatically scoops and empties into plastic bag-lined binSenses and records cat’s weight and sends to synced mobile appSaves pet owners time and energy

Automatically scoops and empties into plastic bag-lined bin

Senses and records cat’s weight and sends to synced mobile app

Saves pet owners time and energy

Red FlagsAmong the most expensive on the marketSetup and user education takes an hour

Among the most expensive on the market

Setup and user education takes an hour

The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 eliminates the need to manually scoop your cat’s litter box. This automatic system uses a motorized rotating chamber to filter out clumped litter and waste at a safe interval after your cat has exited the device. Waste is dropped into a plastic bag-lined chamber that’s easy to tie up and throw away (about once every three weeks). The smart components automatically senses when your cat enters and exits the box and also records your cat’s weight automatically and then sends the data to an app on your phone. It’s a great way to monitor your cat’s health.

PEOPLE shopping writerCai Cramerhas been using the Litter Robot 4 for months with multiple foster cats and says it has transformed the way she cares for her pets. Including the connected app and smart features, this litter box took about an hour to set up and get familiarized with. So, while the price might automatically inspire a healthy dose of sticker shock, there’s definite value inneverhaving to clean a litter box again and being able to keep an eye on your pet’s health.

Type:Robotic |Material:Not listed |Dimensions:22 x 15.75 x 29.5 inches |Weight:24 pounds

PHOTO: People / Vicky WasikPHOTO: People / Taylor FoxPHOTO: People / Taylor FoxPHOTO: People / Taylor Fox

Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box: We’ve tested this simple-but-affordable litter box with several cats and kittens and noticed less litter outside the box than with most other boxes. We appreciated that the design presented higher-than-usual sides while keeping a low entry door that allowed our senior cat to move in and out without having to jump. The only area where this litter box underperformed was in the odor control department.

ModKat Flip Litter Box: This was one of the most expensive manual litter boxes we’ve tested. We were big fans of the discreet design that makes the litter box look more like a storage bin than a toilet. Both the high sides and the removable litter box liner make for a less messy experience, but this box’s non-traditional entry points may not vibe with some cats.

Tuft + Paw Cove Litter Box: This high-sided manual-scoop litter box impressed us most with its minimalist design aesthetics and how easy it was to clean out during litter changes. We liked how the high sides limited litter tossing and caught streams that might have otherwise gone outside the box, but the price was also high for your basic scoop-style plastic litter box.

Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with High Sides and Microban:This affordable, two-piece litter box took almost no time to assemble, though the construction seemed a bit flimsy. We like how the high sides offer privacy, but the low, wide entry point means litter can still be kicked out. And unfortunately, it’s too small for most adult cats, let alone two cats.

What to Know About Cat Litter Boxes

Type

There are a few types of litter boxes: open, hooded, and covered. Some also include doors or cut-outs for easy entry and exit. Cats like privacy, so hooded or covered litter boxes are a fan favorite, as long as they’re not too small — after all, your kitty does need room to turn around and comfortably do their business. Open litter boxes tend to be more affordable, but you may find yourself cleaning up litter from the surrounding floor. Many cat owners prefer a hood, like the one on theCatit Hooded Cat Pan, to keep their cat’s business discreet. However, your cat will ultimately call the shots with the type of litter box he or she prefers. The good news is that with a bit of practice — and some patience on your part — your cat can get acclimated to a new litter box.

Material

All of the litter boxes on our list are made of plastic, which is easiest to keep clean. Our testers found that soap and water were all it took to get these boxes clean and smelling fresh again. Some litter boxes, like theModKat Flip Litter Box, come with a liner to make cleanup even easier. TheArm & Hammer Sifting Cat Litter Pancomes with a sifting pan that can also make it easy to keep things clean on a daily basis.

Size and Shape

You’ll want a roomy enough box so that your cat won’t feel cramped when doing its business. It should be tall and wide enough so that it can easily get in and turn around. In general, you want one with high sides to contain litter, with a lower entry for ease of getting in and out. The size of thePetphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Boxshould be big enough for your cat’s liking. If your cat is smaller or has limited mobility and a litter box with a lower entry is required, try theLucky Champ Cat Litter Pan. You should also consider the size and shape of the box as it relates to how it fits in your home.

Our testers evaluated 46 of the best cat litter boxes on the market. They were scored based on ease of assembly, ease of cleaning, mess prevention, box design, scoop design (if one was included), and overall value.

Frequently Asked Questions“The general rule for box length is 1.5 times the length of the cat from tip of nose to tip of tail,” says Dr. Zietz. He adds that when in doubt, a wider box is usually better so that there’s room for your cat to turn around and bury things effectively. However, be careful if you’re choosing one that has high walls. “Some smaller cats, kittens, and even older cats with mobility problems will not be able to climb into the box easily if it is too tall,” he adds.“Most cats generally prefer larger open-type boxes,” says Dr. Zietz. “For some, they will be the better option if a cat tends to have increased anxiety when forced to go into a cornered space with only one exit point.”“The general rule for total number of boxes is the number of cats in the home plus one,” says Dr. Zietz. So if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes — and if you have one cat, it’s still a good idea to have two litter boxes on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

“The general rule for box length is 1.5 times the length of the cat from tip of nose to tip of tail,” says Dr. Zietz. He adds that when in doubt, a wider box is usually better so that there’s room for your cat to turn around and bury things effectively. However, be careful if you’re choosing one that has high walls. “Some smaller cats, kittens, and even older cats with mobility problems will not be able to climb into the box easily if it is too tall,” he adds.

“Most cats generally prefer larger open-type boxes,” says Dr. Zietz. “For some, they will be the better option if a cat tends to have increased anxiety when forced to go into a cornered space with only one exit point.”

“The general rule for total number of boxes is the number of cats in the home plus one,” says Dr. Zietz. So if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes — and if you have one cat, it’s still a good idea to have two litter boxes on hand.

Meet Our ExpertDr. Bryce Zietz, DVM is a team veterinarian atFuzzy, a digital pet care company.

Meet Our Expert

Dr. Bryce Zietz, DVM is a team veterinarian atFuzzy, a digital pet care company.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com