Get the right litter box for your cat and your cat will happily do its business in there rather than on the floor. We still think the best way to contain your cat’s waste is to use Miracle’s Nature’s Litter Box, which is big enough for most cats to comfortably use and has higher sides to contain any messes. It also makes it easy for you to get in and out, with a low entryway. After two years of testing 17 litter boxes, we still believe that Miracle’s Nature’s Litter Box is the best option.
What we like
Our Frisco litter box choice is perfectly sized for bigger cats, and it includes a seamless interior that is simple to clean.
Modern design it has, and litter trap sides high its; like we option enclosed only the is Box Litter Flip Modkat The.
Our pick
The Nature’s Miracle High Sided Litter Box does everything it needs to do. For cats, it offers what our research and experts agree is best: a large enough space to turn around, squat, and stand comfortably, plus an open top so they can keep an eye on their surroundings. The low entryway makes it easier for cats—especially older or less-mobile ones—to get in and out. And humans will appreciate the high sides and back, which help contain messes from urine overspraying and litter flinging. This box also has a smooth interior, with no crevices or corners for waste clumps to get stuck in, making cleaning and scooping easy. The low price is a bonus.
Runner-up
If our top choice is not available, the Frisco box will be a suitable option for a slightly higher price. The Frisco’s larger size necessitates a greater amount of litter to maintain its fullness compared to other boxes (approximately 25 percent more litter than the Nature’s Miracle box). It features a sleek interior with curved corners, making it easier to clean stubborn clumps. However, the Frisco box is approximately 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the Nature’s Miracle box, making it ideal for larger breeds like Maine coons. Similar to our top pick, the Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box is a spacious, uncomplicated, open box design.
Also great
Instead of carrying this box to the trash bag, carry the trash bag to this box. Don’t allow its convenient-to-transport structure entice you into transporting it throughout your house. The Litter Genie is extremely heavy when it’s filled with litter. However, similar to our other selections, we discovered this approach to be simpler than maneuvering the litter into the corner of a conventional litter box before emptying it. It’s simple to tip it over and discard a pan filled with dirty litter into a garbage bin before thoroughly cleaning it, since the Litter Genie resembles a basket with handles on both sides. Most cats prefer the open design, spacious litter pan, and tall walls that the Litter Genie offers, while it also provides the sleek interior and easy-grip handles that humans require.
Upgrade pick
When you have finished, it securely attaches back in position using magnets and the hinged top folds all the way back and away for effortless scooping and cleaning. The Modkat Flip is the exclusive enclosed container we endorse. While primarily designed for your convenience rather than your cat’s, this litter box does provide minor improvements in functionality. (At present, it is priced at approximately seven times the cost of a basic box like the Nature’s Miracle model.) If you are tired of unsightly litter boxes and are willing to invest significantly more for a more aesthetically pleasing option, then the Modkat Flip Litter Box is a worthwhile purchase.
Modkat recommends replacing the liners of their litter box every three months, as they can easily get stuck in the corners and angles without the use of the brand’s replaceable tarp liners. However, the Flip Modkat box is a better option as it is made of sturdier and thicker plastic than standard plastic boxes, making it easier to clean and preventing messes from escaping the box. Additionally, the low front entry of the Flip Modkat box makes it easy for your cat to enter, while the high sides help prevent messes compared to other litter boxes.
Everything we recommend
How we picked
This is ultimately about cat toilets, which are used by humans who clean them and cats who use them for both urination and defecation.
Shitting in boxes has always been a lucky phenomenon, if you ask me. I’m surprised they even do it to be honest. Cats don’t understand that certain surfaces or substrates are off limits, so when they opt to eliminate in other places, besides the litter box, it honestly should not come as a huge shock. We assume they will accept any condition we provide, which are mostly selfishly decided, based on human preference for a “low maintenance” pet experience.
We avoided boxes that have the ability to roll over, such as more unconventional designs, and instead focused on using simple boxes. Quagliozzi effectively demonstrates that the majority of litter box novelties have significant drawbacks that negatively impact both humans and cats. With this in consideration, we evaluated five crucial factors regarding boxes that would ensure the well-being and contentment of cats while minimizing any inconvenience for humans.
In order to determine if they met our high expectations, we included two renowned sifting litter boxes with integrated screens for eliminating clumps in the initial edition of this guide.
Sources
Daniel “DQ” Quagliozzi, consultant specializing in feline behavior at Go, Cat, Go!, Conducted an email interview on
Tony Wang, proprietor of the San Diego Feline Café, interview, August 25, 2017.
Also great: Litter Genie Cat Litter Box
Also great
The Cat Genie Litter Box is designed with a high-sided wall and a large, seamless interior to prevent litter from being scattered. It also has easy-to-grip handles, making it easier to clean your cat’s bathroom. The heavy pan is not difficult to carry because it does not have handles, and it can cause a real pain when litter dust forms clouds and scatters everywhere (inevitably when you miss the trash bin). Emptying a dirty litter pan can be a real pain, so you can give it a good scrub.
When it comes to carrying over long distances, it’s best to avoid full litter boxes. The pressure can be too much, causing the box to crack and bend. However, the Genie Litter is somewhat bendable and made of plastic, which prevents litter from spilling onto the floor. Compared to regular litter boxes, this process is virtually mess-free. We found that the litter scooper easily slides the cat litter gunk out of the bottom of the pan, making it easier to dump the dirty litter into a trash bin. The handles on the pan make it easy to lift and empty the dirty pan, similar to a basket. It’s made of plastic, like any other litter box, but it’s shaped like a bin and has large handles that make it easier to grip the sides. When you look at the Genie Litter, you might not think about designing it yourself or kicking it.
If you have a senior cat or a cat with mobility issues, the entryway of Miracle Nature’s pick the stick is lowered. However, the Genie Litter also has the highest entry point at 7½ inches when we tested opening any box. This litter box is just as big as our pick Miracle Nature’s, measuring 11 by 15 inches with a round-ish pan and 10½ by 20 by 20 inches.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Despite the fact that some people and cats still think it’s the best overall option, there is a great compromise between the needs of people and cats in the features of Nature’s Miracle’s Most Innovative Cat Box. Some reviewers thought the entry was too high, making it difficult for their cats to get in and out, while others said it was too low, causing litter to be tracked out by their cats. However, we believe that the entry is low enough to allow easy access for most cats while still preventing them from peeing out of the front. Almost every feature of this product is guaranteed to be liked by cat owners who are reviewers on Chewy or Amazon.
Our pick: Nature’s Miracle High Sided Litter Box
Our pick
The Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box is a perfect example of a simple solution that is recommended by experts to keep your cat happy. It has all the features that sane humans, as well as well-behaved ones, would appreciate, such as being cheap, easy to clean, and having smooth surfaces that are easy to scoop. It also has high sides to prevent urine and litter from getting out of the box and a low entry point that is open and large.
The additional space appeared unnecessary for the majority of felines, however, the unsealed container we contemplated was bigger in both its length and width. Medium and large felines would ideally require enough space to turn around in all directions, equal to or exceeding their length. Nevertheless, this may be acceptable for a young cat or a small feline. Many of the boxes we excluded from testing were smaller in size, with widths often less than 16 inches. The Nature’s Miracle box is one of the largest options we have discovered, which can comfortably accommodate larger cats. It measures 20 by 18 inches at the top, with a base pan measuring 16 by 11½ inches.
Our pick meets all the basic requirements for people, making it easier to regularly scoop and clean the litter box. The interior of Miracle’s Nature High Sided Litter Box is smooth and perfectly ridges or divots free, which makes it easier to catch clumps and get rid of them. It also helps to keep the box clean and avoid any weird smells. However, open boxes have a reputation for being stinky, so the best way to avoid that is by regularly scooping and cleaning.
The Nature’s Miracle High Sided Litter Box is the optimal option if you’re comfortable with the notion of an unenclosed container. It outperforms its rivals and is the most affordable one we discovered, ultimately.
Upgrade pick: Modkat Flip Litter Box
Upgrade pick
Take a glance at their cat’s feces abode, hence it is comprehensible that you might attempt to conceal it in secluded spots, nobody desires to. However, keeping yours in a more visible location could benefit your cat (and you may not have an alternative if you reside in a compact area). Certain cats are unable or unwilling to utilize a litter box that is situated in a distant section of the dwelling–or close to noisy devices. Consider, it might be advantageous to acquire a slightly superior litter box if yours will be openly displayed.
The Petmate Top Entry and the Catit Litter Box Jumbo necessitate handling poorly constructed plastic fasteners or removing a large cover and placing it on the floor. The entire unit can be conveniently folded away, thanks to the hinges at the rear and the magnets at the front and middle point that connect the well-crafted lid of the Modkat Flip. It seamlessly blends in with the decor of the living room or guest bathroom due to its minimalist design and is slightly larger than our preferred option from Nature’s Miracle, featuring a litter pan measuring 17 by 12½ inches. Following our evaluation of eight enclosed or top-entry litter boxes, the Modkat Flip Litter Box is the sole model with a lid that we recommend.
According to Justin Yost, an engineering manager at Wirecutter, “The Modkat is remarkable. It is the ideal resolution, you know, and we purchased it three years ago. Our cats adore playing in their box, and they particularly enjoy digging all the way to the bottom of the side walls to urinate. The enclosed design is fantastic because it prevents litter from scattering. I am confident that it will remain functional for many decades, and I can hardly perceive any signs of aging in the litter box.”
Some Amazon reviewers have used the Modkat litter box without the liner, finding it unnecessary and expensive. However, the Modkat system provides custom-fitted liners that easily hang on the box with grommets at each top corner. These liners can be wiped down quickly for occasional cleaning and the company recommends replacing them every three months, although there were no signs of wear after six months of use. Even the staff member from Wirecutter, who has used Modkat for years, suggests that changing the liners is a fuss-free process. However, some were skeptical about the seemingly high cost of the Modkat liner system, thinking it might cause more problems than it solves.
If your cat wants to dig archaeological digs in their litter box and avoid messes, the Flip Modkat is a high-quality option. We noticed that a lot of litter was tracked out through the opening, despite the fact that it is about an inch higher than the top of the mat. The Flip Modkat, like our other top pick, has high sides that can contain any cat’s pee.
Honorable mention: A storage bin
This video may be the best way to give them a box that’s large enough, if you have a feline friend who is big enough to confuse one of their big-cat cousins. Finally, if you have a cat who has litter box problems, a cheap and good option to try is a storage bin. Still, it’s not the best-looking option for anyone who keeps a litter box in a public area or their living room. Plus, bins that are too tall and have low sides can be difficult to cut down smoothly. Many storage bins have divots and ridges at the bottom that can be hard to scoop. Despite its drawbacks for humans, the storage bin method is great for cats.
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The competition
2020 testing
Open boxes
Enclosed boxes
The locking mechanism on the Jumbo Catit Litter Box is sticky and doesn’t work, requiring a fair amount of pressure to move the flap, which could deter cats from using the box.
The Petmate Entry Top is essentially a large storage container with a hole cut in the top, making it easy to access for cleaning and scooping. Unlike other options, it doesn’t have troublesome grooves and tiny air holes along the high sides and walls, ensuring that it stays secure.
2017 testing
Open boxes
Sifting boxes
We have tried all different sifting litter boxes, but ultimately, Luuup and Phresh Cat Litter Box were the most convenient options. They don’t require you to separate the litter and waste, meaning you don’t need a separate scoop. These cleverly designed boxes have a built-in plastic mesh tray to catch clumps and waste, making cleaning a breeze.
We rotated the tray through the system, and if it wasn’t wiped away, the mashed residue waste stuck to the underside of the next tray. Even though we used the recommended Cats Tidy litter, we found residue waste stuck to the tray after it was emptied. Luuup also recommends only using certain brands of litter, as some clump types don’t sift well enough. The former, which doesn’t seem uncommon for most households, doesn’t require scooping as often as the latter. The only way to dispose of the contents of the tray is to use a garbage bag each time or have a large garbage can stationed next to the litter boxes. This box is too big to dump the litter out cleanly in a small garbage can in the kitchen or even in a Cat Genie Litter Plus Disposal System. It’s a neat idea, but sifting the tray with waste can be problematic. Repeat as needed. Lift the top tray, sift the contents, so the clean litter falls below and dump the resulting waste below the clean litter. Luuup uses three interlocking trays with a grate on the bottom, stacked on top of each other.
The next generation of litter boxes, such as the Genie Litter or a small garbage can, are less messy, less complicated, and faster than the standard box. Luuup, on the other hand, seems very convenient with its case that allows you to sit and sift the waste clumps in the tray for only a few minutes instead of the entire day. However, the grates in the Phresh So the box stayed marginally cleaner, even though it is slightly more complicated. Just like the Phresh So the box, the tray in the litter box has a large tray for disposing of waste cleanly, which means you don’t need a nearby bag or a large garbage can. Instead, you can simply dump the soiled litter from the top tray into the solid tray below. At this point, you have three spread-out trays, allowing the clean litter to fall through and be dumped into the sifting tray when the top tray is soiled. The design of the Cat Sifting Phresh So The Box is slightly different.
Enclosed boxes
We like the Cat Petphabet Poopie Box because it has a clear plastic hood, which makes cats more comfortable since they can see their surroundings. The overall plastic was flimsy, including the flap locks that keep the two pieces together, but it had extra internal ridges (which makes it harder to scoop compounded waste) and less internal space, resulting in a rounded footprint. This means it takes more time and effort to clean and scoop the box, and the whole hood needs to be removed to comfortably do so. However, the box is equipped with a top flip that has more space than boxes with rounded footprint, making it a convenient choice.
Many people will find it easiest to remove the entire giant hood of this box in order to access and clean inside. Keep in mind that this box doesn’t have a flap, so it is easy to access. However, your cat may be tempted to hide or reach out for somewhere to scoop. The corner design of this box just eats up space in a room, so it’s not ideal for your cat. But big boxes are great for large cats, and we love big boxes. The Nature’s Miracle Advanced Corner Hooded Litter Box is also too huge for most spaces and people.
Jennifer Hunter made edits to this article.
Open-box runner-up: Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box
Runner-up
The Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box is a great choice if the Nature’s Miracle Cat Litter Box is out of stock. It costs a few dollars more, but it is larger and can accommodate big cats, which means it is more suitable for cats that need a lot of space. The construction elements are cat-friendly and simple for humans as well. We highly recommend the Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box as the largest option available.
The Frisco pan, which is one of our current choices, has a smooth base and rounded corners, making it easy to scoop up cat waste. Unlike our previous runner-up, the Petmate Giant Litter Pan, there is a small ridge along the walls of the Frisco pan where dirty litter might stick. We eliminated some litter boxes from consideration because they had crevices that were more difficult to clean.
Additionally, it also means that it takes more time and costs to fill the box with litter. For cats like Maine Coons who need more room to maneuver in the litter box, having extra space is great. The larger surface area of Frisco’s box, about 25% bigger than our main pick, makes it appear much larger. However, it is actually only about 2 inches wider and 3 inches longer, making it roughly 13 by 19 inches. The walls of Frisco’s box are shorter, only about an inch, which should sufficiently contain litter and prevent pee markings and litter scatter.
Who should buy this
There is no reason to live with a cat that avoids using litter boxes or allows litter to be scattered everywhere, as most good litter boxes are not complicated or expensive. However, if you need to correct any shortcomings of your current litter box, consider finding a box that addresses those issues. If your cat is happy with their current litter box and it is easy to clean and scoop, there is no need to buy a new one.
Evading the issue of circumventing the box can ultimately lead to a feline experiencing various gastrointestinal problems. Standing on uncomfortable litter can exacerbate a cat’s paw or claw issues. Associating pain with the litter box can result in cats experiencing painful urinary tract infections. Even simple and common ailments can make a skittish cat apprehensive about using the litter box. If your cat is experiencing new problems with the existing litter box, the first thing you should do is consult a veterinarian.
Once you have ruled out any medical issues, the magic bullet will be changing the box, but there is no guarantee that it will reach if the litter box is too hard to access. If the litter box is too hard to reach, your cat may not even want to go there or may not be able to reach it far enough away. Boxes that are near loud appliances can be downright spooky for a cat. If you have a covered box to keep odors in, just imagine what your cat thinks of the heightened sense of smell. Even if you have an easily accessible and clean litter box, some cats are just picky about the smell or consistency of their litter.
Although they’re good at picking the best boxes for both humans and cats, you should follow your cat’s first preferences. Our picks are aimed at being the best boxes for most humans and cats. However, a young cat may get startled by an open box and may not want to hop into a tall box or a hooded box. Aging cats might not like to hop into a tall box either. In some cases, the culprit itself can be the litter box, even though some instances may still occur.
Why you should trust us
I know the importance of finding the right accessories to make your pet’s life happier, including a stinky box that houses cats. As a lifelong pet owner, I understand the value of knowing how to pick the right cat litter mat and not training your cat to pee on your stuff. I can explain why an automatic litter box is a bad idea for your cat. Over the past three years, I have tested cat products with the help of experts who have interviewed dozens of pet cats and tested more than 100 different products. As a writer for Wirecutter’s pets section, I know all about what ticks cats and what happens to their droppings, leavings, and poop.
The acclaimed cat behavior expert that Dan “DQ” Quagliozzi sought advice from during his time as a staff writer was Go, Cat, Go! In San Francisco. To address litter box concerns, he also sought guidance from Tony Wang at the San Diego Cat Café. Furthermore, he conducted tests on the top contenders for litter boxes using the cafe’s 12 resident cats. This comprehensive guide also incorporates insights from Mark Smirniotis, a cat owner and senior editor at Wirecutter.
Do cats prefer open or closed litter boxes?
If your selective feline does indeed prefer a covered litter box, consider giving them the Modkat Flip Litter Box. It features a conveniently accessible hinged top flap that remains open, a spacious doorway for comfortable entry and exit for cats, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance when placed in a room corner. This litter box also boasts a sleek and easy-to-clean interior, a low entryway combined with high sides to effectively contain any messes. On the other hand, the affordable Nature’s Miracle High Sided Litter Box, with its open design, is favored by us. Not only does it prevent potential unpleasantness for your pet, but it also avoids the accumulation of odors that can occur with enclosed lids. Opting for an open-style litter box is generally recommended as most cats prefer having a clear view of their surroundings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best litter box on the market?
The Nature’s Miracle High Sided Litter Box is the best litter box available. It helps to contain cat messes such as litter spills and urine overspray, as well as keeping the surrounding area clean. The smooth interior of the box makes it easy to clean, and the high sides prevent waste from getting out and making a mess. This makes it easier for less-mobile or older cats, including those with mobility issues, to enter and exit the box. Additionally, the open top allows cats to comfortably stand, squat, and turn around, while keeping an eye on their surroundings. Overall, it is a big enough box for cats to use comfortably.
Do cats prefer open or closed litter boxes?
However, with its low, user-friendly entrance, the Nature’s Miracle High Sided Litter Box is a cost-effective and convenient option that effectively contains messes. This litter box is aesthetically pleasing, easy to maintain, and features a low doorway that allows easy access for cats, assuming they can tolerate an enclosed litter box like the Modkat Flip Litter Box. While enclosed litter boxes like the Modkat Flip may not be as appealing to pets, most cats prefer open litter boxes as they provide a clear view of their surroundings and prevent odors from being trapped inside.
How often should you completely clean the litter box?
According to The Humane Society, it is recommended to clean the litter box once daily and replace the litter entirely and wash the pan every two weeks. Alternatively, if you adhere to the ASPCA’s guidance, it is suggested to replace the litter and sanitize the boxes with soap and warm water once a week.
How do I keep the litter box from smelling in my house?
If you own multiple cats, you may need to replace and clean the litter boxes more frequently to keep your space smelling fresh. The best way to prevent the litter box from smelling is to replace the litter every couple of weeks and scoop it daily.
Meet your guides
Mark Smirniotis has been responsible for writing and editing articles about computers and consumer technology, specifically emphasizing a variety of products, at Wirecutter since 2015. He previously held the position of senior editor at Wirecutter.
A family resembles affection, her initial picture book, traces the journey of a young dog who discovers that affection, instead of physical appearance, is the essence of a family. She has never encountered a pet she disliked, although she cannot express the same sentiment towards productivity applications. Prior to this, she wrote about pets and fashion for Wirecutter. Kaitlyn Wells, a senior staff writer, promotes enhanced work adaptability by demonstrating effective remote work methods that allow for personal growth.
Sustainability and cat litter boxes
We’ve considered stainless steel litter pans for this guide, but they cost twice as much as our picks and are smaller, too.
Although many organizations don’t accept used litter boxes for public health reasons, donating your old litter box to a local animal rescue seems like a great idea. The online company or department responsible for sorting may classify the litter box as “plastic rigid.” If you want to recycle the plastic litter box, you can contact your city’s waste removal or sanitation department to see if they will accept it after it has been thoroughly sanitized. Alternatively, you can repurpose the large plastic bins as storage for greasy tools in your garage, such as car wash buckets or car oil drip pans. If you need to upgrade your existing litter box, consider repurposing one of the older ones in your home.