The Best Litter Boxes for Large Cats
How to Find the Best Litter Box for Your Large, Loveable Friend
There are a few things more frustrating as a cat parent than when your large feline friend refuses to use their litter box. Sometimes their reasons for not using a litter box can be medical; other times, it can be a size issue. Choosing a litter box that can accommodate your large furry buddy will make them more comfortable and make your life easier.
Here is a list of the five best litter boxes for large cats that are worth considering.
1. Best Overall Choice: Nature’s Miracle High Sided Litter Box
Comes with high sides to prevent litter scatter and a nonstick surface for easier cleaning.
For a very simple, yet large cat litter box, look at Nature’s Miracle High Sided Litter Box. Measurements on this litter box come in at 23.4″ x18.25″ with 11″ high sides. It’s large enough to accommodate even the biggest feline or just those that think they are big.
This litter box also has a lowered entryway for easier access, and that serves as a handy pour spout when it’s time to dump the dirty litter from the box. It has a nonstick surface to help prevent that cement-like crud left over from clumping litters. It’s also inexpensive enough to purchase several should you need them.
For kitties that like to throw litter, the lower entry side could prove to be a problem. The opening is only about 3″ off of the ground, meaning that it’s easier to get into but won’t hold the litter in as well on that side. It also can mean more litter being tracked around your house.
Pros
- Large enough for bigger kitties
- High sides keep what should stay in, in
- Inexpensive
Cons
- The lowered side may be too low to hold litter in
- Not covered, so odors may be a problem
2. Best Covered Box: Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Litter Box
Can also well with multiple cat families, as two average sized cats can fit inside simultaneously.
If you or your large cat prefers a covered litter box for added privacy or odor control, make sure it’s a big one like the Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Litter Box. This litter box measures 24.8″ x 20″ with 7.8″ sides. The sides are still high enough to keep litter inside but without being so high that your cat has trouble getting in.
The cover on this litter box can be quickly removed for easy cleaning. The door opening is large, and it doesn’t have a gate to hinder those more scaredy cats from getting in or out. It also comes in multiple different colors and has a nonstick finish to further aid you in cleaning.
The removable sides and top of this cover are clear, which can make some kitties uncomfortable since it may defeat the purpose of adding privacy. The seam between the top cover and the bottom box isn’t water, or urine, proof. If your cat is the “spray all over the place” type, there is a chance urine will leak out onto your floor.
Pros
- Large enough for two cats at once
- Covered for added privacy and odor control
- Easily cleaned
Cons
- The seam between top and bottom isn’t urine proof
- Clear plastic cover might not provide enough privacy
3. Best Automatic Option: PetSafe Scoop Free Ultra Automatic Self Cleaning Litter Box
The crystal litter is also 99% dust free and low-tracking to keep your house clean.
If scooping cat litter isn’t your thing, an automatic, self-cleaning litter box might be more your style. And if you have a larger kitty, you’re going to want that self-cleaning litter box to be larger. The PetSafe Scoop Free Ultra Automatic Self-Cleaning litter box is just that. It measures 28.5″ x 20.5″ x 11.5″ high. This is a covered box, offering your cat privacy and providing some odor control.
This litter box uses crystal cat litter, which is virtually dust free and has low trackability meaning a cleaner house for you. Your large kitty will enjoy a fresh litter box every time with minimal work from you. All you have to do is empty the tray every few weeks. This box is big enough to feel roomie even with larger cats. It also comes in top entry or front entry styles and multiple colors.
Automatic self-cleaning cat litter boxes use a motor to power a rake to remove soiled litter. While you can set the automatic timer to start cleaning way after your cat leaves the box, it can still be scary. They may wait around to see what the noise is and then choose not to go back in again. This litter box is also more expensive outright, and the crystal litter replacements are more expensive than most clay or other types of cat litter.
Pros
- Self-cleaning, no scooping required
- Covered for privacy and odor
Cons
- More expensive
- Noise may scare your cat
4. Best Non-Plastic Option: iPrimio Ultimate Stainless Steel XL Litter Pan
This stainless steel pan doesn't absorb odors and is 6 inches deep, which is great for cats who like to dig deep.
Plastic litter boxes can absorb odor, harbor bacteria, and endure scratches that make the surface rough and more likely to stick.
Stainless steel litter pans don’t do any of those things. For a simple litter box for large cats that is stainless steel rather than plastic, look into the iPrimio Ultimate Stainless Steel XL Litter Pan. It measures 23.5″ x 15.5″ x 6 inches high. It won’t rust or stain.
With sides that are 6″ high, this litter box features a deeper depth than most regular litter boxes, but without being so high that a kitty will have trouble getting inside. That makes the lower access spot unnecessary to help keep all litter where it should be. The stainless steel is easy to clean and keep sanitary. It also has rubber feet on the bottom to secure the litter box in one spot.
This litter pan is shorter sided than the others on this list. While it’s still deeper than regular litter pans, you may have trouble with the kitties that prefer to spray or perch on the side of the litter box while doing their business. There have also been some issues with either the shipping process or even the manufacturing process of these boxes. Some people have been known to receive stained or even rusty boxes.
Pros
- Won’t harbor odor, bacteria, or stains
- Large enough for bigger cats
- Simple design that won’t leak
Cons
- Cats can pee over the side
- Inconsistency with product arriving rusty or scratched
5. Best “Out of the Box” Design: Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box
The steps at the entrance help to wipe litter off of your cats paws to prevent litter from getting everywhere.
This litter box is a little different than most for your larger kitty. This round box features a 21″ diameter with a covered, walk-out design that will contain odors and help keep litter from tracking all while giving your cat total privacy. The litter box sides are rounded, so there are no corners that will need extra digging to remove litter. The steps also remove the litter from your cat’s feet before they can track it around.
The circular shape of this litter box makes it completely enclosed for those kitties that like total privacy. It also helps trap the majority of odors and has a carbon filter insert to neutralize them. You may appreciate the sleek design and disguise of this litter box as it doesn’t look like any that you might have seen before.
Like other covered litter boxes, the top cover and the bottom pan separate in the middle for easier cleaning. This seam isn’t urine proof, and if your kitty sprays pee on the walls, it can make for a messy cleanup.
Pros
- Circular shape allows larger kitties enough wiggle room
- No corners to clean
- Carbon filter helps trap odors
Cons
- Leaks at the seam
- Complete enclosure may make some cats nervous
Best Litter Box For Large Cats Buying Guide
Litter boxes are not created equal. It may surprise you how many different options there are for a relatively straightforward and simple product. While many of the differences in litter box options may just be bells and whistles, you have to opt for the correct size for your cat or cats. A litter box that is too small may have your kitty peeing on the floor simply because they can’t fit inside or because they don’t possess that aim to make it into a small space.
Smaller litter boxes also don’t hold as much litter, making those picky kitties that like their litter at a certain depth to search for alternative resources. Also, smaller litter boxes have to be cleaned more frequently.
How to Choose the Correct Size Litter Box For Your Cat
You may have heard the golden rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats you. This allows kitties to have their choice of bathroom spots should one litter box be occupied or dirty.
As far as the litter box’s size goes, the golden rule here is to have a litter box about 1 ½ times the length of your cat, minus the tail. The width will then be based on the length to make a nice rectangular shape.
You can measure your cat from the base of their neck to the base of their tail for a more accurate fit.
If you choose to go with a covered litter box, add a couple more inches to accommodate for the sides, and make sure that it is at least 1 ½ times their height.
For some of those Maine Coon types, this can be a very large litter box, and that’s ok. You’re going to want that extra size so they will have plenty of room to turn around, squat or sit, dig, and comfortably get all of the waste within the box.
Another word of advice is to choose one with higher sides. This will help decrease the amount of waste that escapes over the top should you still have a kitty with trouble aiming or one that gets a little out of control when digging. If your cat is older or has difficulty getting into a high sided box, choose one with a lower entry point.
Other Litter Box Options for Larger Cats
Once you have the correct size of the litter box nailed down, you can look into other features that will make your cat’s potty breaks easier on them and even you.
1. Covered vs. Open
Some other features that you might want to check out in litter boxes for larger cats would be whether you want to be covered. Covered litter boxes offer some privacy for cats that don’t want to do their business where everyone can see. It also provides some odor control as it will keep those odors better locked inside the litter box rather than lingering out into your home. Be aware that some cats might not appreciate the stronger odor smells inside the litter box, so frequent cleaning is a must.
2. Self-Cleaning vs. Manual
There are many different options for self-cleaning litter boxes. Some plumb into your water and sewer so that you never have to touch it, while others automatically comb through the litter after each use. While self-cleaning litter boxes may be more convenient for you, they can be downright scary to your cat. After all, there will be noise and movement involved, sometimes enough to keep your kitty out of the box.
3. Miscellaneous
After that, you can look into different styles that suit your décor. There are litter boxes that look like end tables, are triangular to fit in corners, or have different colors or covers. You can also look at ones with antimicrobial coatings to help with odor and bacteria buildup, and then, of course, there is a vast variation in the prices.
Conclusion
Your large kitty has lots of room in their heart, so make sure that their litter box has lots of room too. Choose a litter box for your larger cat based on size above all else, and then look at other features that might be nice additions. Again, it’s essential to choose a box that is at least 1 ½ times the length of your cat minus their tail, and at least 1 ½ times their height if you choose to go with a covered style. You’ll keep your larger cat comfortable and your floors cleaner if you do.
Dr. Chyrle Bonk has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2010. She lives in Idaho with her husband and two sons, where they spend their free time exploring the great outdoors that is right in their backyard.