Litter boxes need to comfortable, convenient, and easy to access for your kitten and easy to empty and clean for their owner. You’ll be emptying and cleaning their litter box on a daily basis, and the process should be as simple and clean as possible. Also, you should always have an extra box laying around, even if you only have one cat or kitten.
It can be difficult to find a litter box that checks all these boxes, so we’ve rounded up 9 of our favorites with in-depth reviews to help you find the best litter box for your kitten.
In this article
A Quick Comparison of the Winners in 2026
| Image | Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
|
|
Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System |
|
CHECK PRICE |
Best Value
|
|
Petmate Basic Open Litter Pan |
|
CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice
|
|
PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Cat Litter Box |
|
CHECK PRICE |
|
Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
|
Good Pet Stuff Hidden Cat Litter |
|
CHECK PRICE |
The 9 Best Litter Boxes for Kittens
1. Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System — Best Overall
A litter box may seem like a simple concept, but the Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter System has an advanced technique of odor control and waste management. This litter box is truly unique in that it uses a specially designed litter box suspended over absorbent litter pads that separate liquid and solid waste. The litter box floor is filled with pellets that dehydrate solid waste and is grated to allow moisture to seep down onto the absorbent pads. This makes it almost odor-free and a breeze to clean. This litter box also comes with a month’s supply of pellets and pads and a litter scoop.
While this system is highly convenient, replacing the pellets and pads is expensive, especially if you have more than one cat.
- Unique, suspended design
- Odorless and easy to clean
- Separates solid and liquid waste
- A month’s supply of pellets and pads included
- Replacing pads and pellets can quickly become expensive
- Not ideal for more than one cat
2. Petmate Basic Open Litter Pan — Best Value
The Petmate Basic Open Litter Pan is the best litter box for kittens for the money and as straightforward as litter boxes come, and that simplicity is exactly what makes it a solid pick for kittens. The open-top design means there are no doors or hoods for a nervous kitten to navigate, and the very low sides make it easy for even the smallest cats to climb in and out without any trouble. The wide profile base is designed to prevent tipping and helps keep litter scatter contained, while the rimmed edges give you a comfortable grip when it’s time to move or clean the pan. It is made in the USA from eco-friendly pre-consumer recycled plastic and is available in four sizes, so you can start with the small for a young kitten and work your way up as they grow.
The open design does have its downsides. Because there are no walls to contain litter when a cat digs enthusiastically, older and more active cats can easily scatter litter onto the floor. The sides are also quite low, which may not be sufficient for cats that tend to urinate against the side of the box. There are no added features like carbon filters or odor control, so it won’t do much to keep smells at bay beyond regular cleaning.
- Very low entry point
- Easy to clean
- Available in four sizes
- Low sides cause litter scatter
3. PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Cat Litter Box — Premium Choice
If you are looking for a premium quality litter box to last a lifetime, look no further than the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Cat Litter Box. This self-cleaning litter box can be left alone for days at a time and offers hands-free convenience and great control of odors. It has an automatic rake system that sweeps waste into the covered compartment 20 minutes after your cat uses it, with a unique crystal litter that is five times more effective at concealing odors than traditional litter. This litter box is also extremely efficient and uses five to 10 times less litter than traditional boxes.
Unfortunately, this litter box needs to be plugged in, so you’ll need to place it close to an outlet. Also, if you have more than one cat, the waste compartment will fill up quickly, typically within a day. This box is also expensive, keeping it from the top two positions on this list
- Self-cleaning operation
- Odorless design
- An automatic rake cleaning system
- Uses five to 10 times less litter
- Needs to be plugged in
- Fills up quickly with multiple cats
- Expensive
4. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
This Jumbo Hooded cat pan from Catit gives your cat privacy and helps reduce smells in your home. The hooded design is removable for easy cleaning, with built-in locks for transportation, and a built-in anchor bag will keep the litter in place. The box has a disposable carbon filter to help remove odors and a removable clear door for easy access. The floor is flat and free from nooks and crannies to make cleaning a breeze.
The entry door is fairly flimsy and can easily get stuck when your cat enters or exits. The construction material is not of great quality, and some customers report that it cracks easily if large cats jump on top of it.
- Private and concealed
- Carbon filter to remove odors
- Easily removable hood
- Removable clear door
- Easy to clean
- The door sticks easily
- Flimsy construction
5. Good Pet Stuff Hidden Cat Litter Box For Kittens
The Good Stuff Hidden Cat Litter box is cleverly disguised as a house plant with a two-piece durable polypropylene bottom that looks just like a real clay pot. It features a small cut-out for your cat to enter and exit, and the plant is realistic looking, but there is no need for soil or watering. The pot has a large capacity and is suitable for larger breeds and multiple cats and has filtered vents to help reduce odors.
Due to the pot design and large size, this litter box is difficult to clean, and some customers report it takes two people to attach the lid properly. The lid is also flimsy and comes off easily.
- Unique “hidden” house plant design
- Realistic-looking plant and pot
- Large interior
- Filtered vents
- Flimsy design
- Difficult to clean
6. Frisco Flip Top Hooded Cat Litter Box
This Flip-Top Hooded litter box from Frisco is nice and private, and the hooded design helps reduce odor and mess. It has a two-way, translucent door that works on hinges and can be removed for easy entry and exit, and the top is easily flipped opened to make cleaning a breeze. With two locks on either side for transportation, moving this box around is no problem. The added charcoal filter helps further help control odors, and the box is made from BPA-free durable plastic.
The box is on the smaller side and may not be big enough for larger cats to turn around in. The pan is thin and may not last very long, and the low side makes spillage highly likely without the hood attached.
- Private, hooded design
- Charcoal filter for odor reduction
- Two-way translucent door
- Easy to clean
- Made from BPA-free plastic
- Small dimensions
- Thin and low bottom tray
7. IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box
The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box is created with a unique design to help keep your home clean and free from soiled litter and still give your feline privacy and space. Your cat enters from the top through a circular entrance with a built-in groove to brush their paws clean. The box has rubber feet to keep it upright, and it comes with an attached hook for the included scoop, and the top is removable for easy cleaning.
Due to its unique design, many customers report that their cats would not use this litter box, and if your cat does use it, you may need to train them at first — kittens may have a difficult time getting inside. While it will keep litter off your floor, the large size makes removing the litter difficult, and you’ll likely need a pair of extra hands.
- Unique design keeps your home litter-free
- Private
- Circular entrance with paw-cleaning grooves
- Grippy rubber feet
- Included scoop with hook attachment
- Cats may not use it without ample training
- Difficult for kittens to access
- Difficult to empty
8. Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box
The Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box is a private and contained hooded design with steps leading up to a raised litter box. The enclosed design will give your cat privacy, help stop odors, and contain their litter. The steep steps are textured to remove any litter caught on your cat’s paws, and the built-in handle on top of the removable hood makes moving and cleaning a breeze. The box also features a carbon filter to help remove odors.
Although it’s great for kittens, the inside of this litter box is too small for larger cats, and they likely won’t be able to turn around. It also has a flimsy design that makes connecting the hood after cleaning a challenge.
- Closed-in, hooded design
- Raised litter box
- Textured steps for paw cleaning
- Carbon filter to help odor reduction
- Small dimensions
- Flimsy construction
9. PetFusion BetterBox Non-Stick Cat Litter Box
The PetFusion BetterBox is as about as simple as it gets and is the ideal choice if you are looking for a no-frills litter box or one to keep as a spare. It is made from non-porous ABS plastic, which is stronger and more durable than polypropylene. It has a special non-stick coating that reduces up to 70% of sticking and is anti-microbial. It has a low entry point and high-sided walls to prevent spilling and measures 22.6 inches long and 18 inches wide.
Several users report that the litter box is non-stick at first, but after a few weeks of use, it sticks as normal boxes do. Also, the non-stick surface makes it easier for your cat to kick out the litter! The entrance is a little too high for young kittens, and due to the high, rounded sides, it may tip over easily if your cat tries to enter from the side.
- Made from non-porous ABS plastic
- Features a non-stick, antimicrobial coating
- High walls to prevent spilling
- Quickly loses its non-stick coating
- Litter slides out easily
- The entrance may be too high for kittens
- Easily tips over
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Litter Box for Kittens
When buying a litter box for your kitten, there are a few important points to consider. The box needs to be easily accessible for them, and ideally, they should be able to continue using it into adulthood. While a litter box may seem like a simple product, cats can be highly fussy at times and particular about the shape and size of their litter box. If your cat finds something that they don’t like about their box — be it size, design, or even color for some felines — they are likely to go and find somewhere else in your home to do their business.
Here are a few important points to consider before buying your new kitten a litter box.
Size
While a kitten may not need a large litter box, they will of course grow up, and you should consider this when choosing a litter box for them. Additionally, if you have other cats, you’ll need a litter box big enough to cater to them too. A good rule of thumb is one extra litter box for the number of cats you own. So, even if you have just one cat, you’ll need two litter boxes, three cats mean four litter boxes, and so on. This will give your cat more options, and also make cleaning a less regular affair.
Cats like to dig in their litter boxes and need ample space to do so, plus space enough to turn around in. Again, while this is no issue for a small kitten, the box should be big enough for adults to do so too. The box should be at least as long as your cat with their tail extended as a general rule, but bigger is better, and at least as wide as your cat is long.
The height of the box’s sides is also important, both for cleanliness and comfort. For kittens, the box should at least have one side that is low enough for them to easily get inside. The sides should be high enough to avoid litter being kicked out, but not so high that your cat can topple the box over when attempting to enter from the side.
Covered or uncovered?
Covered boxes may give your cat privacy while doing their business, but some cats don’t enjoy the contained environment, and they may take some time to get accustomed to it. Most hooded or covered boxes have removable tops, so you can slowly train your cat to use it covered. If you do go with a covered box, make sure that the entrance opening is large enough to cater to not only your kitten but also adults.
Covered boxes can help reduce odors, and some have built-in carbon filters to further reduce odors. This is great if you live in an apartment or small home, and the litter boxes cannot be placed somewhere away from the rest of your home. If odor control is important to you, a covered box is the way to go.
Self-cleaning
Self-cleaning litter boxes have become popular nowadays for their convenience and odor reduction. They are typically automated to clean up waste with a rake into a closed storage area either via a motion detector or programmable system. While these are great time-savers and make cleaning convenient, they are expensive and need to stay plugged in. Also, many versions require specialized and expensive litter, which can quickly add up.
Many cats, kittens especially, can easily get frightened by these types of boxes and may get completely put off from using litter boxes altogether if not introduced to them properly and slowly.
Choosing the right cat litter
Just as cats can be fussy about their litter box, some types of litter may also deter your cat from using their litter box. There are many types of litter available, but they generally fall into two categories: clumping and non-clumping. Clumping litter quickly absorbs moisture, which then forms into easily removable clumps, making cleaning your cat’s litter box easier and saving on litter use. Non-clumping litter absorbs moisture slowly but is better for odor reduction. This type of litter will need to be changed more regularly.
Cat litter is made from a variety of different materials, all of which have different degrees of smell, biodegradability, absorption, and price.
- Clay litter. One of the most absorbent varieties of litter, clay litter comes in both clumping and non-clumping varieties and is usually biodegradable and compostable. Clay litter is one of the most popular varieties, as it is inexpensive and easy to find. Unfortunately, clay-based litter can be dusty and not ideal for cats with respiratory issues.
- Paper litter. Made from recycled, chemical-free paper, paper litter is highly absorbent, inexpensive, and easily compostable.
- Crystal litter. Ideal for use in small spaces, crystal litter is made from silica crystals and is popular due to its long-lasting use and high absorbency, and it is non-toxic. Some cats do not enjoy the texture of crystal litter, though, so they may take some time to get accustomed to it.
- Natural or “plant-based” litter. Made using mostly pine shavings but also corn and wheat, natural litter is highly absorbent and biodegradable. These litters are environmentally friendly, usually flushable, and are generally safer than other types if accidentally ingested. They can be pricey, though.
How We Selected Our List of Litter Boxes for Kittens
Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the litter boxes. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with litter boxes. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!
Final Verdict
To conclude, we think that the Tidy Cat’s Breeze Cat Litter System is the best litter box for kittens. It comes with an advanced odor control and waste management system. It is a unique litter box in that it separates liquids and solid waste, making it almost odor-free and a breeze to clean.
The best litter box for kittens for the money is the Petmate Basic Open Litter Pan. This simple litter box has a low entry point for kittens to gain access but is roomy enough for adult cats too, and it has high backs and sides and is constructed from non-porous plastic for easy cleaning.
It can be a challenge to choose the right litter box for your kitten with all the available options on the market today. Hopefully, our in-depth reviews have helped clear up some of that confusion and helped you choose the right kitten litter box to suit your unique needs.
- Looking for an overall great litter? Try: 10 Best Cat Litters & Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: Andrey Khusnutdinov, Shutterstock
