How to Choose the Best Cat Litter Box for Your Cat

Choosing the right litter box is essential to your cat’s comfort, hygiene, and overall well-being. A thoughtfully selected box can reduce odours, minimise mess, and support healthy toileting habits—while the wrong choice may result in stress, accidents, or avoidance. This guide explores the different types of litter boxes, how to select the ideal size and features, and what to look for based on your cat’s behaviour, age, and your home setup.

Types of Cat Litter Boxes

There are four main categories of litter boxes, each with distinct advantages:

• Covered vs. uncovered: Covered boxes offer privacy and odour control, while uncovered boxes provide better ventilation and easier access—especially for kittens or elderly cats.

• Top-entry: These reduce litter tracking and are ideal for tidy households but may be difficult for cats with mobility challenges.

• Self-cleaning/automatic: These high-tech options use sensors and mechanisms to remove waste after use. They’re convenient for busy owners but require maintenance and cost more upfront.

The best type depends on your cat’s preferences, mobility, and your household routine.

Covered vs. Uncovered Litter Boxes

Tip: If your cat avoids using a covered box, it may prefer more open surroundings.

Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

Self-cleaning boxes automatically remove waste via rotating scoops or rakes, often depositing it into a sealed compartment with odour filters. Benefits include:

• Reduced daily scooping

• Improved odour control

• Great for multi-cat households

However, they require occasional manual emptying and filter replacements. Not all cats are comfortable with the noise or motion, so a slow introduction is recommended.

Top-Entry Litter Boxes

Top-entry designs help contain litter scatter and can deter dogs or children from accessing the box. They are best suited for agile, healthy adult cats. Avoid these for:

• Older cats with arthritis or mobility issues

• Kittens that may struggle to climb in

Always observe your cat’s comfort level with any new setup.

Choosing the Right Size Litter Box

A good litter box should be at least 1.5 times your cat’s length from nose to tail. This allows space for turning and digging.

If your cat perches on the edge or eliminates outside the box, it may be too small.

Hygiene and Odour Control Features

Choose a litter box with smooth, non-porous surfaces that are easy to clean and resist stains. Optional features to consider:

• Carbon filters (for odour control)

• Antimicrobial coating (for hygiene)

• Removable trays (for easy cleaning)

Odour control also depends heavily on maintenance and litter type, not just the box.

Easy-to-Clean Design

Cleaning ease encourages consistent maintenance. Look for:

• Smooth interior surfaces

• Minimal corners and seams

• Removable lids or trays

Avoid textured plastic or hard-to-reach angles that can trap bacteria and odours.

Matching the Box to Your Cat’s Behaviour

Understanding your cat’s litter habits helps you choose a suitable box:

• Scratches vigorously: Choose a deeper or larger box

• Avoids covered spaces: Opt for an uncovered box

• Elderly or hesitant: Select low-entry boxes and introduce slowly

Observe your cat’s elimination preferences and adjust accordingly.

Multi-Cat Households: Do You Need More Boxes?

Yes. A good rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Place boxes in different quiet locations to prevent territorial disputes and promote usage.

Budget vs. Premium Litter Boxes

If you want to save time and reduce odour, a premium box can be a worthwhile investment.

Maintenance and Cleaning Best Practices

• Scoop daily to keep waste and odours under control

• Wash the box weekly using a mild, pet-safe cleaner (like diluted vinegar)

• Rinse thoroughly and let it dry before refilling

• Replace the litter completely each week

Replace the entire litter box every 12–24 months or sooner if it becomes scratched or cracked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a box that’s too small

• Placing it in a noisy or high-traffic area

• Neglecting regular cleaning

• Ignoring your cat’s preferences

These issues can result in litter box avoidance and household accidents.

Final Thoughts

The right litter box supports your cat’s natural habits while simplifying your cleaning routine. By prioritising comfort, size, ease of use, and hygiene, you create a positive toilet experience for your cat—and a cleaner, fresher home for yourself.

Whether you're working with a tight budget or investing in a self-cleaning system, the most important factor is aligning your choice with your cat’s needs. Regular observation and small adjustments go a long way in creating a stress-free litter routine for both of you.

Want more info on cat ownership and the ins and outs? Refer to our Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Cat Ownership in Australia: From Kitten Prep to Litter Box Bliss