As a cat owner, new and experienced, you will find that a litter box is another essential cat household requirement in order to maintain the cleanliness and sanity of both you and your feline companion.
Yet many cat owners will find that litter boxes will present an entirely new challenge to overcome when taking care of their cats. When most people think of litter boxes… they think of pungent, offensive odors that infiltrate up your nostrils.
This will definitely be the likely result if you never learned the right way to set up a litter box and how to maintain it. With proper litter box usage and placement, you will find that you could have up to a dozen cats in your house and no one would ever smell anything.
A litter box is absolutely needed as cats simply can not go to the bathroom without sand, dirt, or something else to cover else their urine and poop. Cat pee smells. A lot. Like wow… it is strong, it is horrible, and the smell will expand the entire room.
Cats know that their urine smells, and as such, they cover up their waste in order to hide their tracks. They do this in order to protect themselves and conceal their position from predators and other dangers.
And no. You can’t use a potty pad and you can’t take your cats out for walks. I mean, you can take them out for walks but they certainly won’t be going to the bathroom when on an outdoor adventure!
A cat will most likely just enjoy the walk as exercise and exploration. Cats need litter boxes and they need litter! We as their cat caretakers must enrich our cat’s lives and supply them with the things needed to be as close to nature as possible.
Best Cat Litter Box of 2019
Technology has advanced. Science is always improving. Your mobile phone is literally a million times more powerful than all of NASA’s computing power back when they first landed on the moon. That is a crazy thought! We hold such power in our hands!
The same could be said for litter boxes. Advancements in litter boxes have never been more profound and innovative! Nowadays, you can find litter boxes that come with special features and gizmos.
Litter boxes also come in all shapes and sizes that are really catered to both cats and humans alike. Let’s get right into the reviews and summaries of the different types of litter boxes.
Modkat Flip Litter Box
The first two litter boxes on this list are the ones developed by Modkat, who have designed some very nice looking litter boxes that fit into any household.
The Modkat Flip Litter Box is a very sleek and stylish cat litter box that is designed to help you minimize the messes that are associated with litter boxes. Sometimes, cats will have a hard time aiming and may spray over the top of shallow litter boxes.
The high walls of this litter box prevent any unnecessary sprays or excessive litter from leaving the litter box. Dimensions are 20.5 L x 15.8 W x 16.7 H inches and it weighs 7.05 pounds.
Cats pee in a variety of ways. Some cats squat, some cats lift a leg, and others just kinda sit on the rim of the litter box. All cats are different and that’s why we love them! Depending on how your cat likes to relieve herself, having a high wall for your litter box is a nice feature as it helps your cat’s urine to always go onto the litter, no matter how they pee.
The great thing about the Modkat Flip Litter Box is that not only does it come with this high wall, but it also comes with a reusable liner! This tarp liner helps it easy for humans to have an easy, mess-free solution as it ensures that litter and all cat waste matter are never leaked out.
The reusable liners are made specifically to fit nice and snug into this litter box and utilizes four hooks in order to secure it in place. These tarps are rip resistance so your cat can go ham on this if she wanted to and you wouldn’t have to worry. The liners are easy to clean and usually last up to three months.
The Modkat Flip Litter Box also has an innovative design and comes with… surprise! A flip cover! It’s a very simple design that really helps in a very profound way. This lid is capable of being in three different positions: fully closed, half open, or entirely open.
Depending on your cat, they may want the lid to be in different positions. Some cats like being in enclosed areas while others feel safer if they are able to scope out their environment.
Also, the lid makes it tremendously easy for us humans to clean after our cat masters than some of the other covered litter boxes out in the market.
Modkat Top Entry Litter Box
The next litter box is the Modkat Top Entry Litter Box, which is another well-designed litter box with its own interesting twist. This litter box is very much like a bucket that is intended to assist the humans with simple and quick clean up.
It incorporates high walls while your cat does her business in order to give your cat privacy with an entryway on top of the litter box to assist with minimizing litter tracking. Dimensions are 15.9 L x 15.9 W x 14.6 H inches and it weighs 5.29 pounds.
Modkat had one big focus when coming up with this design, and that was to prevent litter tracking! Let’s face it, litter will get everywhere. There’s simply no avoiding it. However, the Modkat Top Entry Litter Box will nearly eliminate litter tracking since your cat will have to climb up and out of it.
Most litter boxes allow the cat to come in and out from all sorts of angles, which also allows litter to get out in all sorts of angles. The locking lid is also filled with holes which further helps to keep the litter from escaping.
There will bound to be lingering litter on top of the lid as your cats will surely love this elegantly designed litter box and will use it quite frequently. Worry not as the locking lid swivels which easily allows you to drop any lingering litter back inside.
This swivel lid also makes it extremely easy to clean and maintain the litter box. Of course, the inside is also lined with a reusable tarp liner that further assists with preventing any messes from occurring. As mentioned before, these liners are rip resistant and will usually last up to three months before needing a replacement.
This beautifully designed litter box will style nicely in any household and is even award-winning for its modern and classic design. It helps to prevent litter tracking, it eliminates the possibility of leaks and sprays, and is easily accessible for your cats!
The holes on top also allow ventilation so the odors won’t strongly affect your feline friend. This cat litter box is highly recommended to anyone looking for an upgrade.
PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The next cat litter box on the list is the one developed by PetSafe which is known to be a scoop free experience for humans and cats alike. Get it? Cause cats don’t have to scoop after themselves! Haha!
Okay onto our review… the Petsafe self-cleaning litter box is a great choice for those who have a loaded schedule and are unable to attend to their cat’s litter box as needed, or perhaps you’re not fond of scooping the litter box yourself. Whatever your reason may be, the PetSafe ScoopFree Litter box is a worthy investment to any cat household. Dimensions are 28.5 L x 20.5 W x 11.5 H inches and it weighs 19.55 pounds.
All you have to do is “Load it, Leave it, Lose the tray!” This litter box is very innovative as it does all the work for you of maintaining your feline’s bathroom and all you have to do is throw out the disposable tray.
PetSafe guarantees that you can leave this device alone for up to weeks at a time, and it will still be clean and also odor-free, which is a must for both cats and humans. No one likes going into a smelly bathroom.
The PetSafe automatic litter box also utilizes these specialized crystals that work to absorb moisture and odors of your cats waste materials. After your cat uses the bathroom, a timer in the litter box will begin to count down.
During this time, these crystals will begin to do their job before a raking apparatus cleans the litter and moves all the waste material into a waste trap and securely locking away smelly odors.
Your cat may find the crystals very different from the litter they currently use, but with proper guidance and time, your cat will not mind the change in the litter at all. The crystal material will still satiate your cat’s need to cover up their urine and poop.
This litter box model also comes in an uncovered design to suit your cat’s preference. There are some cats who lift their legs to pee. The covered litter box will help these you prevent any leakages from occurring. Take some time to observe your cats bathroom behavior to help you come up with a decision.
CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Litter Box
The Cat Genie automatic self-washing and self-flushing litter box is another automated device catered to make life easier for you and your feline companions. This litter box isn’t really a litter box, but more of an actual toilet for cats! Look at the design, it even looks like a miniature toilet! Dimensions are 24.5 L x 19.2 W x 21 H inches and it weighs 26 pounds.
Rest assured, this fantastic litter box is more than just its good looks. It actually operated very much like our own human toilets! This automatic cat box flushes away your cat’s waste material and cleans itself, ensuring that it meets the sanitary expectations of both humans and cats alike.
This cat toilet uses litter-like washable granules that act as a substitute litter to satisfy your cats need to dig, poop, and cover. These granules are not disposable and are washed in order to maintain cleanliness, which totally saves you the trouble of throwing out the waste material yourself.
As the Cat Genie box acts like a toilet, it needs to be hooked up to cold water and an electrical outlet. This makes it both effective for use yet not as convenient as other typical litter boxes. You won’t have the luxury of placing this litter box in any location in your home.
The manufacturers actually recommend you hook the Cat Genie up in your bathroom or near your laundry machines. Like I mentioned before, you want to provide a quiet and peaceful place for a cat to relieve themselves.
Placing this litter box next to a washing machine is okay, but I recommend trying to find a spot in the bathroom if possible.
The Cat Genie will remove and liquify your cat’s solid wastes and flush them down your toilet or drain pipe along with your cat’s pee. This litter box also utilizes a SaniSolution cartridge that washes, scrubs and purifies your cat toilet.
Then the cat box will use its dryer to heat the granules and leave them ready for the next use. With its one-time installation, the Cat Genie is truly a passive way to manage your cat’s bathroom uses. It is well worth the investment!
Petmate Hi-Back Litter Box
At this point, you’re probably asking “Dude! I don’t need any special features! I just want a damn litter box!” Well, look no further! The Petmate Hi-Back Litter Box is here to fulfill all your dreams and desires! This litter box is timeless. It is a classic. Dimensions are 21.2 L x 17.3 W x 10.3 H inches and it weighs 0.32 ounces.
This is the litter box design that most people will probably start with. It is essentially a durable plastic pan that you place your cat’s preference of litter in. What I like about this design is the high back on the end.
This helps unwanted sprays and leaks from occurring and helps to minimize litter tracking. Since your cat can come into this litter box from all different directions… expect litter to fly out in all different directions.
You can find many different brands for this type of litter box and they are all equally good! You can’t really go wrong with the classic plastic litter box. I personally like Petmate’s litter box as it is made with Microban, which helps to prevent the growth of stain and odor-causing bacterias from your cat’s bathroom usage.
This litter box is a perfect fit for any home! You really have no choice… cause your cat needs a litter box! Haha!
Nature’s Miracle Disposable Litter Box
Now maybe you’re in a position where you need a disposable litter box. Maybe you’re out on an adventure with your cat or maybe you’re camping with your cat. Or maybe you found a little kitten and decided to provide shelter until you could find her a home. Or maybe you just like disposable litter boxes over all other types. Whatever your reason may be, Nature’s Miracle Disposable Litter Box is perfect for you! Dimensions are 21 L x 15.2 W x 7.8 H inches and it weighs 2.75 pounds.
If possible, I do recommend that you try and get a plastic litter box to save yourself some money, but the choice is yours!
Although this disposable litter box is simple, it is effective at what it does and comes with its own perks! This litter box is made from recycled paper and will not shred or leak. Giving you comfort that this litter box will not soak through. This is a fantastic choice if you are in need of temporary litter boxes.
Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Just a note, the next litter box is not an automated litter box and will require manual cleaning. Although it is tremendously easier than scooping your run-of-the-mill litter box, it is not entirely “self-cleaning.”
However, the unique twist that Omega Paw incorporates is one worth noting amongst the various litter box products out on the market. Dimensions are 23 L x 19 W x 18.5 H inches and it weighs 6.5 pounds.
The Omega Paw Litter Box is a great choice if you are looking for a covered litter box that is also very easy to clean. Most covered litter boxes are just that: a plastic tray with a plastic cover. Instead, the Omega Paw litter box uses a “roll’n clean” method.
You load the litter box just like any other. The difference is that you securely place scooper on the side of the litter box and you roll the litter to one side as the litter box curvature allows.
Within the litter box, there is a grate on the side where the litter could go into but your cat’s waste material can not. This essentially keeps all the clean, unused litter within the grate while everything else that needs to be disposed of goes into the scoop. Roll it back, take the scooper out, and you have just cleaned your cat’s litter box effortlessly.
Just in case you have a hard time understanding my explanation, I’ve included the instructional video developed by Omega Paw themselves!
This unique feature makes the Omega Paw “Self’Cleaning” litter box a cut above many other covered litter boxes. If you are looking for an affordable litter box that is also easy to clean and maintain, you should definitely consider this litter box!
Good Pet Stuff Hidden Cat Litter Box
We are now going to look at the more aesthetically pleasing cat litter boxes that you are currently able to buy. One of the most intriguing and well-thought design is the litter box developed by Good Pet Stuff.
At first glance, it literally looks like a real clay pot housing with a plant growing out of it! In reality, it is actually a fake plant that you just stick in on the top of the litter box cover. Dimensions are 19 L x 19 W x 14 H inches and it weighs 5.9 pounds.
This cat litter box is made out of durable polypropylene and is specially designed for large cats and multi-cat households. There is also a filtered vented system on top of the litter box which helps to control the dust and odor of your cat’s bathroom usage.
The cover also allows your cat to use the litter box in privacy, but it really depends on your cat and their preference for uncovered or covered litter boxes.
What’s cool about this litter box is that it does not have to be used as a litter box at all! You could even put some blankets in the base with some other comfortable material to give your cat a nice place to snooze instead.
Whether you are looking for a litter box or a cool looking bed for your feline companion, this Good Pet Stuff product is right for you!
New Age Pet ecoFlex Litter Loo, Litter Box Cover/End Table
The final two cat litter box products on our list are not litter boxes, but rather the objects you can place the litter box in. These are essentially more furniture than litter boxes and are more geared towards to human need to look aesthetically pleasing and to hide cat litter boxes.
Like I mentioned before, if your cat had her way, she would like to use the bathroom where it is private and where she could scan her surroundings. However, indoor cats are not in any real danger so covered litter boxes are just as fine.
Just note that enclosed litter boxes could trap odors which could be offensive to both you and your cat. Remember to routinely clean your cat’s litter box to prevent messes and odors from building up!
Let’s start with the small version which is a beautifully crafted end table that also houses a cat litter box. The first thought that comes into your mind is probably “um… what if my cat misses? I’m not so sure this thing can prevent any leaking…” Worry not! New Age pet manufacturers already had an answer in mind to that concern when developing this fine product. Dimensions are 23.8 L x 18.5 W x 22 H inches and it weighs 24.3 pounds.
This fantastic litter box is constructed using ecoFlex, which is a non-toxic composite material that is made up of recycled plastic and reclaimed wood. This material will never absorb any moisture and is resistant to liquids, warping, cracking, and splitting! A stronghold of cat litter, if you may. Nothing will get out. Well, your cat will always track some litter… but I digress!
The flip down door will give you easy access to clean the inside of this furniture. You can also place picture frames and other forms of decorations on top to really show off your home decor.
What’s best is that this product doesn’t even have to be a litter box container. It could also be a little resting area for your cat! just stuff it with blankets, pillows, or maybe a pet bed! This furniture is very versatile.
New Age Pet ecoFLEX Jumbo Litter Loo, Litter Box Cover/End Table
The next New Age Pet exoFlex litter loo is essentially the same thing, but bigger! This allows the human to even place the bulkier automated self-cleaning litter boxes in here with relative ease!
In fact, there is even a removable covered plug opening in the back to allow wires and cords to go through! Perhaps you could even leave one of those warming beds in here as well! Dimensions are 30 x 24 x 28.9 inches and it weighs 34 pounds.
This jumbo version has all the perks of the original size, but bigger! This cat end table is also made out of the same ecoFlex, so you can rest assure that no leaks and liquid abortions will occur. That means as long as you clean and maintain the litter box and area, there will be minimal amounts of odor.
Another thing to note about this product is that there is even a little shelf in the middle for you to put even more stuff it! If you like to decorate or maybe you just like to spoil your cat, I mean… who doesn’t? Then this litter box cover/end table is a great option for you!
The Rules Of The Litter Box
Rule one: don’t talk about the litter box. Rule two: don’t talk about the litter. Hahaha, just kidding!
To begin, cats are known to be notoriously clean. Just observe a cat throughout the day! Cats will spend literally a good chunk of their lives just cleaning themselves, licking and wiping off messes, and grooming themselves excessively.
Not only does it feel good but it helps the cat maintain their personal hygiene. This is part of the reasons why cats are so endearing! I mean, the Ancient Egyptians even built monuments and worshipped them!
Cats are no different when it comes to their bathroom behaviors. They like to maintain impeccable cleanliness and expect you to do the same. Let’s face it, if you were to go to the toilet only to find someone else’s waste products, it kinda puts you in a sour mood.
You ask yourself “why couldn’t they just flush!”
This is exactly what goes through your cat’s mind when her litter box is not cleaned properly or effectively. Cats can not flush their own poop and urine. That is why it is your duty to assist your feline overlord to the best of your abilities.
If you are able to maintain the litter box to your cat’s liking, you will find that you will never have to worry about any accidents outside of it. I personally recommend you scoop each litter box twice daily if possible, but definitely at least once a day.
Another thing to note is the placement of the litter box. Many unaware cat owners try to hide their litter box in order to contain the litter, smell, aesthetics, or for various other reasons. This is a no go. If your cat was out in the wild and had the choice, it would urinate everywhere and anywhere in order to mark her territory.
She would want to do it where she could scan her surroundings and ensure that she is not being preyed upon. Litter boxes should be spread out throughout the household and in areas where your cats would feel comfortable relieving themselves.
Some cat enthusiasts don’t seem to like the look of litter boxes out in the open and try to tuck them in out of sight places. If you place the litter box in the closet or basement or other areas where it is difficult for her to see her surroundings and assess the situation, your cat will most likely not use those litter boxes.
Cats are in a strange position where they are both predator and prey. As such, they do not like going to the bathroom where the feel like they could get ambushed or where they do not feel comfortable.
Cats like it best when their litter boxes are in places that are easily accessible and areas where they could see the entire room; a good litter box placement is out of the way, in places where a cat will have quiet, and where your cat has surveillance over their bathroom.
Placing your litter boxes next to loud objects, such as the laundry machine, is also a no go. It’s hard to use the bathroom when there’s deafening noise around you!
Cats also aren’t particularly fond of eating and pooping in the same area. Be sure to have your cat’s feeding areas a bit away from their litter boxes. Remember, cats are very clean animals and they aren’t fond of smelly smells while eating… aren’t you the same?
One last thing to note is that cats are very territorial creatures. This goes for the litter box as well. It is advised that you get one litter box for each cat, plus one extra to ensure that there is plenty of space and places for your cat to use the bathroom. This will also reduce any cat fights that may happen over their favorite bathroom spots.
Final Thoughts
You did it! You have reached the end! I hope that this article has helped you to learn more about cat bathroom behavior and how to manage the litter box. With a bit of attention and maintenance, you can guarantee that your cat will never have any accidents.
To quickly summarize, the three steps to ensure your cat always uses the litter box are:
- Maintenance and cleanliness of litter
- Proper litter box placement
- One litter box per cat, plus one more
Definitely take the time to observe your cat’s preferences and meet her halfway. Some cats like open bathrooms, while others like enclosed spaces. Whatever litter box you may use, and whatever litter you choose, I wish you all the best in everything you do! Best of luck to you and your feline friends!
You can learn more about cat bathroom behaviors and how to solve cat litter box problems in my post here!
Sincerely,
James Kim
