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9 Best Litter Boxes for Messy Cats in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

tabby cat in a covered cat litter box

9 Best Litter Boxes for Messy Cats in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

tabby cat in a covered cat litter box

If you have a cat that tracks litter around its bathroom area after using the litter box, you know how messy cats can be. If your cat seems to be even messier and leaves litter all over the floor and throughout the house, it can be a big nuisance.

Fortunately, we have solutions for you. We’ve rounded up the nine best litter boxes for messy cats, based on top reviews. Take a look at these litter boxes to see which works best for your needs.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box
  • Antimicrobial coating
  • Hooded box for cleanliness
  • Replaceable charcoal filter for odor control
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box
  • Easy cleaning
  • Durable plastic
  • High sides and back for litter containment
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Whisker Litter-Robot Essentials Bundle Whisker Litter-Robot Essentials Bundle
  • Self-cleaning
  • Steps and ramps for entry
  • Waste drawer liners included
  • Best for Kittens
    Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box
  • Removable cover
  • Large and regular sizes
  • Patented easy-cleaning system
  • Clevercat Top-Entry Litter Box Clevercat Top-Entry Litter Box
  • Innovative top-entry design
  • Partial cover keeps dogs out
  • Eliminates tracking and spills
  • The 9 Best Litter Boxes for Messy Cats

    1. Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box – Best Overall

    Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box

    Dimensions: 23” x 26” x 11”
    Type: Hooded
    Lifestage : Adult

    The Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box is the best overall litter box for messy cats. The litter box cover keeps the litter contained, no matter how much your cat tosses it around, and the convenient corner design helps to maximize your home space. Another helpful feature is the non-stick antimicrobial surface, which reduces buildup and caking for quick cleanup. The litter box also has a charcoal filter with odor-block technology that lasts up to 3 months.

    According to reviews, many cat owners love this litter box and it works well for large breeds and multiple-cat households. The only downside is that the product labels are difficult to remove, marring the look of the litter box.

    Pros
    • Hooded box for cleanliness
    • Convenient corner design
    • Replaceable charcoal filter for odor control
    • Antimicrobial coating
    Cons
    • Hard-to-remove product label

    2. Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box – Best Value

    Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box

    Dimensions: 24” x 18” x 10”
    Type: Uncovered
    Lifestage : Adult

    We think that the Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box is the best litter box for messy cats for the money. This affordable litter box has high sides to keep the litter contained but features a deep front step-in that allows cats to get in and out easily. The high sides also help to contain spray and keep it in the litter and not on your floor. The box is constructed of high-quality plastic that’s BPA-free, so cats can dig around without you worrying about them damaging the box itself.

    With its open design, this litter box is easy to clean. The litter box comes in warm gray or navy colors and also in an extra-large size, perfect for multiple-cat households or large breeds. If your cat is really messy, however, a box without a cover may not be the best choice.

    Pros
    • High sides and back for litter containment
    • Easy cleaning
    • Durable plastic
    Cons
    • No cover

    3. Whisker Litter-Robot Essentials Bundle – Premium Choice

    Whisker Litter-Robot Essentials Bundle

    Dimensions: 24.25” x 27” x 29.5”
    Type: Automatic
    Lifestage : Adult

    The Whisker Litter-Robot Essentials Bundle is the premium choice for a clean, hassle-free litter box. This all-in-one bundle offers the Litter-Robot 3 Connect self-cleaning litter box, which automatically sifts through your cat’s waste and cleans the pan each time. There’s also a fence to help your cat enter the box, which also keeps the tracked litter contained. If you have an older cat or a small cat, the ramp is easy for them to use to get into the box.

    Each litter box comes with 100 waste drawer liners and three carbon filters for odor control. They’re custom-fitted, so you won’t have pungent smells emanating from the litter box. This litter box for messy cats does it all, but its only downside is that it’s expensive.

    Pros
    • Self-cleaning
    • Steps and ramps for entry
    • Waste drawer liners included
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box – Best for Kittens

    Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box

    Dimensions: 23” x 20” x 19”
    Type: Covered
    Lifestage : Adult, kitten

    The Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box has a patented grill system that scoops out the clumped waste and deposits it into a pull-out tray. You can clean the litter box easily by rolling it onto its top and rolling it back to the upright position, then removing the tray for disposal.

    The litter box comes in both regular and large sizes. The large size is perfect for big cats and multiple-cat households, while the regular is suitable for kittens and smaller cats. The top removes, so you can litter box train a kitten or formerly feral cat without worrying about them feeling confined. For best results, use hard-clumping litter. If the litter used doesn’t dry or sticks, the box doesn’t function as intended.

    Pros
    • Patented easy-cleaning system
    • Large and regular sizes
    • Removable cover
    Cons
    • Requires hard-clumping litter
    • Doesn’t work with certain litter

    5. Clevercat Top-Entry Litter Box

    Clevercat Top-Entry Litter Box

    Dimensions: 20.25” x 15.25” x 15”
    Type: Top entry, covered
    Lifestage : Adult

    The Clevercat Top-Entry Litter box is an innovative choice for keeping your litter box area clean. The top-entry design makes tracking litter virtually impossible, prevents spills, and reduces odor. If your cat likes to dig and kick, the litter won’t end up all over the floor. The litter box design also helps to keep your dogs out of the litter, which can be hazardous to their health.

    Most cats and kittens adapt to the design quickly and enjoy the added privacy. The top-entry design isn’t ideal for disabled, elderly, or large cats, however, because it may be difficult for them to access safely.

    Pros
    • Innovative top-entry design
    • Eliminates tracking and spills
    • Partial cover keeps dogs out
    Cons
    • Not suitable for older or disabled cats

    6. Catit Magic Blue Cat Litter Box

    Catit Magic Blue Cat Litter Box

    Dimensions: 22.4” x 18.3” x 19.7”
    Type: Hooded
    Lifestage : Adult

    The Catit Magic Blue Cat Litter Box is one of the best options for a messy cat. The litter box features optimal air filtration to reduce odors and ammonia gases for your cat, while also allowing privacy. The hood also has filter pads to absorb and neutralize gases. The opening at the top is big, making cleanup quick and convenient.

    You can choose to use the door, which is safe for your cats, or remove the door to allow for easier entry and exit. Even with the door removed, the odors don’t leave the litter box. Though many owners enjoyed the box, some complained that the locks on the side are difficult to undo.

    Pros
    • Large opening and front door
    • Magic Blue filters for odor control
    Cons
    • Difficult to assemble and disassemble

    7. Catit Cat Pan with Rim

    Catit Cat Pan with Rim

    Dimensions: 22.4” x 15.3” x 12”
    Type: Pan
    Lifestage : Adult

    The Catit Cat Pan with Rim is a good choice for messy cats that prefer open litter boxes. The high sides and rim prevent litter and spray from going on the floor, even if you have a very messy cat. The pan is large enough for big cats and multi-cat households. To help with cleanup, the pan has an attached litter bag anchor that keeps the liner open and in place. The company also offers its own biodegradable cat pan liners that are specifically designed for the pan.

    If you have an older or disabled cat, the litter box design with a low front and high back keeps litter and mess in but doesn’t make it difficult for your cat to enter. This litter box for messy cats is a great choice for felines that like to dig or spray. Some reviewers said that the box is flimsy and prone to cracking during cleaning.

    Pros
    • Low front and high back
    • Rim to keep litter inside
    • Easy for older or disabled cats to use
    Cons
    • Flimsy plastic construction

    8. Frisco Leaf High-Sided Cat Litter Box

    Frisco Leaf High-Sided Cat Litter Box

    Dimensions: 21.41” x 17.3” x 15.95”
    Type: Pan
    Lifestage : Adult

    The Frisco Leaf High-Sided Cat Litter Box has high walls for privacy and cleanliness, but a large opening that’s low to the ground for cats to enter and exit safely. The high sides prevent spray and litter from going on the floor. The boa is constructed of BPA-free plastic that’s flexible, so you can tuck it into tight spaces. When it’s time for a full cleaning, the litter box can bend into a spout to empty litter easily.

    Many reviewers with multi-cat households like this litter box, but it didn’t work for everyone. With the low-profile opening, several reviewers had their cats spray right out of the opening when they faced away.

    Pros
    • High sides for cleanliness and privacy
    • Low-profile opening
    Cons
    • Some cats spray out of the opening

    9. Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced High Sided Corner Cat Litter Box

    Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced High Sided Corner Cat Litter Box

    Dimensions: 23” x 26” x 11”
    Type: Pan
    Lifestage : Adult

    The Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced High Sided Corner Cat Litter Box is similar to the first entry on this list but without a hood. If you have cats that prefer open boxes or a multi-cat household, this box is a great choice. The high walls keep the litter contained within the box and reduce spray, but without the hood that makes some cats feel confined. Like the hooded version, this box also has a non-stick antimicrobial surface that reduces caking and buildup and a convenient corner design.

    Though this litter box helps with cleanliness, it’s not as effective as the hooded version. If your cat really kicks up a lot of litter, sprays high, or tends to track, having an open box is not ideal.

    Pros
    • High sides for cleanliness
    • Convenient corner design
    • Antimicrobial coating
    Cons
    • No hood

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Litter Boxes for Messy Cats

    Finding a litter box that helps your house stay clean with a cat that tracks, sprays, or kicks litter everywhere can be a challenge. Here are some things to keep in mind for your search:

    Size

    Size is a big consideration for a litter box, especially if you have a big cat or multiple cats. The litter box should be large enough for your cat to stand and turn around comfortably.

    cat walking out from a cat litter box

    Height

    If your cat kicks a lot of litter or sits high when it sprays, it’s important to find a litter box with high sides that will catch the mess. Ideally, a litter box for messy cats should be 8 to 12 inches high, but with a low enough entrance for cats to get in and out.

    Individual Cat Needs

    While some of the innovative entries on this list, like the automatic litter box and the top-entry litter box, have a lot of pros for convenience, they may not work for every cat. Before you buy, think about your cat’s quirks. Do you think an automatic, self-cleaning litter box making noises will scare your cat? Will your cat struggle with the top entry? Do you have multiple cats that may get into a fight in a hooded box? Pick the best box for your cat’s individual personality.

    Hoods and Coverings

    Naturally, hooded and covered litter boxes are superior at controlling litter and spray. These litter boxes have their downsides, however, such as leading a cat to feel trapped or containing ammonia gases and odors inside. If you’re searching for a hooded litter box, be sure to look for ones with options to control odor and noxious gases to keep your cat comfortable.

    Even the best cat litter can quickly start smelling bad. To avoid the expense and inconvenience of constantly replacing your litter, you can try a great litter additive like Hepper's Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer, a natural product that uses bio-enzymes to neutralize odors.

    Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder
    • Bio Enzymatic Cat Litter Freshener - Smart formulation uses natural ingredients eliminating cat...
    • Save Money - Stuff for cats isn’t the cheapest. With this litter box odor eliminator, you’ll...
    • Every Litter, Every Surface - Are you afraid this additive won’t work on your litter? Fear not!...

    This deodorizer works on all types of litter and won't disrupt your cat's litter box habits.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    3 cat divider

    Conclusion

    Messy cats can make cleanup a little challenging, but there are many litter boxes that can help. Our best overall pick for litter boxes for messy cats is the Nature’s Miracle Hooded Corner Litter Box, due to its space-saving design and high sides that catch litter and spray. For the best value, choose the Frisco High Sided Litter Box that’s sturdy with high walls to contain spray. If you want to splurge, go for the Litter-Robot 3 to make cleanup a breeze.


    Featured Photo Credit: Chewy

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