Cat owners’ lives changed forever when Ed Lowe invented kitty litter in 1947. Pets could remain indoors, vastly improving their quality of life. It also made people’s lives easier by replacing sand or ash as the usual material. The litter box played on the animal’s instinct to cover their waste in a confined area to make cleaning more manageable.

The industry has come a long way since the first products litter boxes hit the shelves. Manufacturers have made them easier for the cats to use and for owners to clean. Some even take on the task for pet owners with self-cleaning boxes. Our guide includes everything you need to know about buying a litter box. We’ve also included detailed reviews of our favorite products to help you make an informed choice.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2026

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box	Large size Easy to clean High sides to prevent tracking	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan	Value-priced USA-made Covered design reduces odors	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box	Self-cleaning Suitable for multiple cats Health insights with the app	CHECK PRICE
Best for Kittens		Petmate Litter Pan	Odor-resistant USA-made Affordable	CHECK PRICE
		Catit AiRSiFT Litter Pan	Bag anchors Sturdy Locking lid	CHECK PRICE

The 9 Best Cat Litter Boxes

1. Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box – Best Overall

The Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box is an excellent choice if you want a barebones product for a low-traffic room. The size is huge, giving any cat breed enough room to maneuver. It’s also lightweight, making it manageable to empty the box occasionally without being cumbersome to lift. It comes in two neutral colors and is made from recyclable materials.

We like the high sides to keep the litter contained. It’s not the most attractive item, but it is functional. The large size may make it hard to find liners to fit it if you use them. Nevertheless, it’s easy to clean, which can negate that con. However, with all of this in mind, it makes it our pick for the best overall cat litter box.

2. Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan – Best Value

The Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan is an incredible value given its size and type. It’s an eco-friendly choice, made partly of recycled materials. The enclosed design cuts down on odors, but the replaceable filter also helps. It’s a decent size and USA-made. Of course, you can’t beat the price, making it our pick for the best cat litter box for the money.

It has a cover and a door. You can remove the latter if your cat doesn’t like it. Still, it’s easy to clean, although it feels flimsy. We recommend using a lightweight litter with this product to make its use more manageable. We’re not fans of the limited color choices, either.

3. Litter-Robot 4 Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Premium Choice

The Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. The design is something you’ll either love or hate. It doesn’t blend in with the décor, either. On the positive side, it is self-cleaning and can accommodate multiple cats. Those are two solid points in its favor, even if it’s quite expensive for the convenience.

The litter box is relatively large, but the app makes maintenance a breeze. You can even monitor your pet’s usage and health. It even has a step to reduce tracking. Our concern is whether a cat would use it. The manufacturer offers suggestions to make the transition smoother, but not every cat is comfortable going to the bathroom in an enclosed space.

4. Petmate Litter Pan – Best for Kittens

The Petmate Litter Pan is an affordable product that is practical for kittens. The sides are relatively short, which is good for juveniles but not for the reduction of litter scatter. The design is barebones, which is suitable for its use. However, the colors are random when you order one, which is a downside if you want to choose a certain one. The plastic contains Microban, which reduces odors. However, you should replace it annually.

The box comes in large or jumbo. Either one is amply sized for kittens and adult cats, although it might be too small for larger pets.

5. Catit AiRSiFT Litter Pan

The Catit AiRSiFT Litter Pan is a different riff on the covered box. The design is streamlined and large enough for most cats. It’s attractive for the most part and blends in with any decor. It has a filter to reduce odors, which it does well. Overall, it’s easy to use. You can put liner bags inside it using the anchors to hold them in place. The door is removable, which is helpful if your pet doesn’t like it.

The litter box is suitable for multi-cat households, although it is somewhat pricey. The product is relatively heavy, which adds stability.

6. IRIS USA Open Top Litter Box with Scatter Shield

The IRIS USA Open Top Litter Box with Scatter Shield is an excellent solution for litter scatter with a removable shield. We like this feature because it makes it easy to clean. The box is a decent size, with tall sides that keep the litter inside it. It’s also USA-made and sells for an affordable price. It’s even lightweight without feeling flimsy. The shield is removable yet is secure when in place as well.

While big enough for most cats, it’s a bit small for larger felines. Our other gripe is the bottom of the pan with its groove around the perimeter. Urine may collect in this area, making it harder to clean.

7. Richell PAW TRAX High Wall Cat Litter Box

The Richell PAW TRAX High Wall Cat Litter Box is a stark departure from the usual product because of its sleek, modern design. It also seems more practical without grooves and crannies where bacteria can hide. The high sides keep the litter in the box. It also has an anti-tracking plate to reduce the litter that gets outside the box.

The product comes with a scoop and a handy hook to store it when not in use. The shape is unique, so you can’t really use it with liners. The sides are higher than we usually see, which is a plus with cats that scratch a lot.

8. Omega Paw Easy Fill Roll ‘n Clean Cat Litter Box

The Omega Paw Easy Fill Roll ‘n Clean Cat litter Box is another great choice. Its extremely easy to fill, just pour the amount of litter you’d like into the chute and its ready to go. Cleaning is simple as well. Roll the litter box onto it’s top and back again and remove the tray with all of the litter mess.We love this because theres no scooping or power source required. Its also a very affordable option which is another perk!

9. Frisco Drop Down Door Bench Cat Litter Box Cover

The Frisco Drop Down Door Bench Cat Litter Box Cover is the perfect place to hide a litter box without being an eyesore. You’ll still need to add a pan to it, but at least it’s more attractive than a box sitting in the middle of the room. The design is attractive and functional. It can fit into any decor with its clean lines and shape.

It’s pricey for a litter box, but not necessarily for a cover. However, it’s not a bench you can sit on but just to hide the box.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Litter Box

Just like litter, you have many choices for a litter box. Many products fill various niches. You’ll find items that make the litter box more accessible for your cat to use and for you to maintain. Manufacturers have designed items to reduce the mess of scattered litter. They have also made products that are less obtrusive so that you can put one anywhere in your home without drawing attention to it.

Of course, odor control is another concern of pet owners. The manufacturers have responded with covered boxes and ones outfitted with charcoal filters. Some producers have even made litter boxes more aesthetically pleasing despite their purpose. Regardless, things to consider when shopping for a new litter box include:

Type

The plain litter pan is still a favorite. It’s easy to clean and is more accessible for cats, from kittens to arthritic pets. Covered boxes keep litter where it belongs and not on the floor. Some cats are overzealous when it comes to covering their waste scattering litter all over the place. These products are a decent solution. Some also have charcoal filters to reduce odors and encourage your kitty to use them.

You’ll see products in different shapes, such as corner boxes. They offer an excellent choice if you are short on space. You’ll find a broad spectrum, from disposable ones to high-tech, self-cleaning litter boxes. Some manufacturers even design utilitarian items like furniture.

Size

We suggest getting the biggest litter box that fits in your space. It’ll stay cleaner and odor-free for longer, assuming you’re scooping it daily. It should be large enough for your pet to turn around inside it. We also recommend checking the height. If you notice litter outside the box, a taller product may keep it inside and not on the floor.

You should also pay attention to the size of the opening. A shorter entry will make it easier for kittens and senior cats to use. They’re also an excellent choice for arthritic pets who may have trouble stepping into a tall box.

Material

Plastic is the overwhelming choice for these products. It is affordable and lightweight. It is also stain and odor-resistant—all points in its favor. The weight is a valid consideration, given the addition of litter. You’ll find products designed as furniture made of wood. Disposable products are often made of cardboard. Those are an excellent option for traveling.

Ease of Use

Ease of use applies to you and your pet. The best products make cleaning straightforward. They are also durable, especially if you’re handling them a lot to empty and fill them. That also applies to washing out the box. Nooks and crannies are places where bacteria can develop, which isn’t ideal.

Aesthetics

Many pet owners put the litter boxes in places out of sight of visitors. They may put them in the bathroom or a room seldom used. If you’re short on space, you might have to consider putting the box somewhere more visible. The manufacturers offer excellent compromises to this dilemma. Some products are attractively designed and will fit well in a den, bedroom, or living room.

Of course, the pleasing aesthetics come at a price. Wood products are also heavier and more cumbersome to move. Many are enclosed, making odor control an issue.

Our Cat Litter Boxes Selection Process

Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

Why Trust Catster?

Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about cat litter boxes. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.

Conclusion

After completing our reviews, the choice was obvious. The Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box is functional and large. The high sides are a plus to contain the litter spray. These reasons make it our best overall pick. The Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan is affordably priced for what it is. We don’t think you could find a product of this type any cheaper while still being practical, making it the best choice for the money. Regardless, everyone’s needs are different, so scroll through our list of reviews and pick the one that works best for your space.

• See also: Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Review: A Detailed Look

Featured Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock