A litter box is a part of a cat’s life. But choosing the right cat litter box can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. Don’t worry though. We’ve got you covered with this guide to litter boxes, plus ten of the most popular options in 2025, along with their pros and cons.
What to Consider When Choosing a Litter Box?
Before we dive into the top picks, here are a few things to consider when shopping for a litter box:
Size: Make sure the box is large enough for your cat to easily turn around and dig in. A cramped box will make your cat uncomfortable.
Type: Covered or uncovered? Self-cleaning or manual? Top-loading or low-entry? Each has its pros and cons, depending on your cat’s preferences and lifestyle.
Ease of cleaning: Some boxes are easier to clean than others. Consider your tolerance for daily scooping versus automatic cleaning systems.
Aesthetics: If the litter box is in a visible area, you may want something that blends in with your home’s decor.
Price: Litter boxes range from affordable to high-tech wasteful. Set a budget and weigh the features you’re getting for the price.
Can I put my cat’s food bowl in the litter box?
No, it’s best not to put the cat’s food bowl in the litter box.
The litter box is where the cat urinates and defecates and can contain bacteria and unpleasant odors that can contaminate the cat’s food.
Try to place the cat’s food bowl in a location away from the litter box, preferably in a separate room or a clean corner of the house where the cat feels comfortable.
10 Popular Cat Litter Box Models of 2025
1. Litter-Robot 4
This high-tech litter box is designed to make life easier for cat owners by automating the cleaning process. Here’s a more detailed explanation of the pros, cons, and why it’s so popular:
Pros
Fully automated: The box cleans itself automatically after your cat uses it, saving you the hassle of scooping the litter manually. This means less time spent on maintenance and more time enjoying your pet.
Self-cleaning: The mechanism typically involves a rake or conveyor system that scoops waste into a sealed compartment, keeping the litter fresh and odor-free.
App-connected for monitoring: Some models have smartphone apps that allow you to monitor your cat’s usage, track their health, and receive alerts when the box needs attention or maintenance.
Odor control: These boxes often feature advanced odor control systems, like carbon filters or sealed compartments, which trap bad smells and keep them from spreading throughout your home.
Cons
Expensive: These automated litter boxes can be pricey compared to traditional ones. The technology and features come with a premium price tag.
Large footprint: Many of these self-cleaning boxes are larger than regular litter boxes, so they may take up more space in your home. This could be a problem if you have limited space.
Requires electricity: To power the cleaning mechanism, some models need to be plugged in. If you don’t have an easily accessible power source near the litter box, this could be inconvenient.
Why It’s Popular?
This litter box is popular with busy cat owners or those who want to make litter box maintenance as hassle-free as possible. App connectivity adds a level of convenience and control, allowing owners to monitor their cat’s behavior remotely. Plus, odor control ensures your home stays fresh and pleasant, even with a litter box inside.
2. Petmate Giant Litter Pan
This traditional, budget-friendly litter box offers a simple yet effective solution for cat owners looking for a reliable and spacious option.
Pros
Spacious: The large size makes it ideal for bigger cats or households with multiple cats. Cats often appreciate having plenty of room to move around when using the litter box, which can reduce accidents and encourage proper use.
Durable: Typically made from sturdy plastic, these litter boxes are built to last. They can withstand regular use and cleaning without cracking or wearing down easily, making them a good long-term investment.
Affordable: Compared to more high-tech or specialized litter boxes, this option is very budget-friendly. It provides a practical solution without breaking the bank, making it a great choice for cat owners who need something functional but affordable.
Cons
No lid: Without a lid, the litter box is open, which can be a problem if you’re trying to contain litter scatter or prevent your cat from kicking litter out of the box. This might also be an issue for households where cats prefer more privacy when using the litter box.
Might not contain odors well: Without a lid or advanced odor control features, this type of litter box might not do a great job of keeping smells contained. Odor could escape into the surrounding area, especially in multi-cat households where there’s more waste.
Why It’s Popular?
This litter box remains popular due to its simplicity and practicality. Additionally, its affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of cat owners, especially those on a budget. It lacks some of the advanced features of more expensive models.
3. IRIS Top Entry Litter Box
This litter box combines both style and practicality, offering a sleek and modern design that blends seamlessly into home décor.
Pros
Modern design: With its contemporary look, this litter box is more visually appealing than traditional boxes. It can easily complement your home’s decor, making it less of an eyesore in your living space.
Prevents litter tracking: Many of these boxes feature designs that help trap excess litter as your cat exits, preventing litter from being scattered around your home.
Lid doubles as a perch: The lid of the litter box often has a flat surface that can serve as a perch or resting place for your cat.
Cons
Not suitable for older cats or those with mobility issues: Due to its design, especially if the entrance is raised or has a smaller opening, it may not be the best option for older cats or those with mobility issues.
Why It’s Popular?
This litter box is popular for its stylish and functional features. Its modern design makes it more aesthetically pleasing than standard litter boxes, fitting into home spaces without drawing attention.
4. Nature’s Miracle Hooded Litter Box
This covered litter box is a classic choice for many cat owners who prioritize privacy and odor control.
Pros
Covered for privacy: One of the biggest advantages of this litter box is that it provides your cat with a sense of privacy while using it. Some cats prefer enclosed spaces, and the cover can make them feel more secure, reducing stress or discomfort while doing their business.
Odor control with carbon filters: These litter boxes often come with carbon filters that help neutralize odors. The filters trap and absorb bad smells, preventing them from escaping and making your home smell fresh and clean.
Affordable: Compared to more advanced, self-cleaning litter boxes, this covered option is much more budget-friendly. It offers privacy and odor control at a lower cost, making it accessible for most cat owners.
Cons
Can be bulky: The covered design tends to make the box larger and bulkier than an open one. This can take up more space in your home, which might be a concern if you’re limited on space or need to place the litter box in a more compact area.
Filters need replacing: To maintain effective odor control, regularly replace the carbon filters. Depending on how often you use the box, you might need to replace filters every few weeks or months, which increases the ongoing cost and maintenance.
Why It’s Popular?
This covered litter box is widely popular for cat owners who want to give their pets some extra privacy while also maintaining a clean, odor-free home.
5. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
This spacious, covered litter box with a built-in door flap offers a practical solution for cats who need extra space and privacy.
Pros
Spacious: The large size of this litter box makes it ideal for big cats or multi-cat households. Cats often prefer having ample room to move around when using their litter box, and a larger space reduces the chances of accidents or litter spills. It’s also great for multi-cat homes where more room is necessary to accommodate the needs of more than one feline.
Covered: The cover provides your cat with some privacy while using the litter box, which can make them feel more secure and comfortable. Many cats appreciate a bit of seclusion while doing their business, and the cover helps create that environment.
Built-in door flap: The door flap adds an extra level of privacy and helps keep the litter contained inside the box. It can also act as a barrier to prevent litter from being kicked out when your cat exits the box, helping to keep the surrounding area cleaner.
Cons
Not fully sealed for odors: While the cover and door flap can help contain odors, the box is not fully sealed, meaning it may not be as effective at controlling smells compared to fully enclosed or high-tech models with advanced odor control systems.
Requires manual cleaning: Unlike self-cleaning litter boxes, this model requires manual scooping and cleaning. This can be time-consuming and may not appeal to cat owners who prefer a more hands-off solution.
Why It’s Popular?
The spacious design of this cat box allows cats to feel comfortable and move around freely, while the covered structure and door opening offer a level of privacy that many cats appreciate.
6. Van Ness Corner Enclosed Litter Pan
This corner litter box is a popular choice for cat owners who need a space-saving solution without sacrificing functionality.
Pros
Space-saving design: The most notable feature of this litter box is its corner shape, which allows it to fit snugly into tight spaces like corners of a room, bathrooms, or small apartments.
Odor control: Many corner litter boxes are designed with odor control in mind. They often have features like higher sides or built-in filters that help trap and neutralize odors, keeping your home smelling fresh even with a litter box nearby.
Affordable: Corner litter boxes tend to be more budget-friendly compared to larger, more complex options. They offer a practical, cost-effective solution for those who need a cat box but don’t want to spend a lot of money.
Cons
Smaller size might not work for larger cats: While this litter box is great for smaller spaces, its compact size may not be suitable for larger cats. Cats that are bigger or have more space needs might find it cramped or uncomfortable, which could lead to accidents or refusal to use the box.
Why It’s Popular?
This litter box is especially popular in small apartments or homes where space is limited. While it’s not the best option for larger cats, its practicality and ability to conserve space make it a great option for those with smaller cats or living in tight quarters.
7. Purina Tidy Cats Breeze System
This litter box uses a unique pellet system that stands out from traditional litter options, offering cat owners a fresh approach to managing their cat’s waste.
Pros
Unique pellet system reduces tracking: Unlike traditional clay or clumping litter, this system uses special pellets that are less likely to stick to your cat’s paws. This is especially helpful for keeping floors cleaner and minimizing the mess created by scattered litter.
Excellent odor control: The unique design of the pellets also provides superior odor control. The pellets absorb moisture effectively, locking in odors and preventing them from escaping into the air. This helps keep your home smelling fresh and clean, even with a litter box inside.
Cons
Requires specific pellets: One downside is that this system typically requires specialized pellets designed for use with the box. This means you can’t just use any type of litter you find; you’ll need to purchase the specific pellets that are compatible with the system. This could be a bit inconvenient if you’re used to buying regular litter.
Pricier ongoing costs: While the initial cost of the box itself might not be too high, the ongoing costs of purchasing the specific pellets can add up. Depending on how often the box is used, you may need to replace the pellets more frequently than traditional litter, which can make this system more expensive in the long run.
Why It’s Popular?
This litter box appeals especially to cat owners tired of the traditional litter mess. The pellet system addresses one of the most common complaints about traditional litter: tracking.
8. Frisco High-Sided Litter Box
This straightforward, no-frills litter box tackles some of the most common issues with traditional litter boxes while keeping the price budget-friendly.
Pros
Simple design: This litter box is easy to use and maintain. It’s a basic, no-frills design that gets the job done without any extra features or complicated settings.
Prevents litter scatter: One of the standout features of this box is its high sides. These taller walls help contain the litter inside the box, preventing it from being kicked or scattered around the room by active or messy diggers.
Budget-friendly: This cat box is a great option for cat owners on a budget. It offers practical features at an affordable price point, making it accessible for those looking for a simple and effective solution without spending too much.
Cons
No lid: While the high sides prevent litter scatter, this box doesn’t have a lid, meaning it doesn’t offer the same level of privacy or odor control that some covered boxes provide.
Doesn’t contain odors well: Since this box doesn’t have a lid or advanced odor control features, it may not do a good job of keeping odors in check in multi-cat households or for cats with strong-smelling litters.
Why It’s Popular?
This cat box is especially popular among cat owners looking for a simple, affordable solution that still addresses some of the common litter box problems. The high sides are a great feature for messy diggers, as they help contain litter and prevent it from scattering all over the floor.
9. Pet Safe Scoop Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box
This self-cleaning litter box features disposable trays, catering to cat owners who prefer a more hands-off approach to maintaining their litter boxes.
Pros
Hands-off cleaning: One of the main selling points of this litter box is its self-cleaning mechanism. After your cat uses the box, the system automatically scoops out waste, saving you from having to manually scoop the litter every day. This makes it an excellent choice for busy cat owners who don’t have time for daily cleaning.
Disposable trays for easy maintenance: The box uses disposable trays that can be easily replaced when they become soiled. This makes maintenance incredibly simple. you just swap out the tray, and the box is ready to go again. It reduces the need for washing or deep cleaning the box itself, making it a convenient and hygienic option.
Cons
Requires special crystal litter: This litter box works best with specialized crystal litter, which may not be as readily available as traditional clay or clumping litter. It also means that cat owners will need to continually purchase this specific litter, which could be an inconvenience and may increase the cost of maintaining the box over time.
Upfront cost: While the box is convenient and self-cleaning, it typically comes with a higher initial price tag compared to standard litter boxes. This can be a significant investment, especially for those who are on a tighter budget. Additionally, the ongoing costs for disposable trays and specialized litter can add up over time.
Why It’s Popular?
This self-cleaning cat box is incredibly popular among cat owners who want a low-maintenance solution. The hands-off cleaning feature makes it perfect for people who are busy, whether due to work, travel, or other commitments. The disposable trays ensure easy maintenance.
10. Modkat Flip Litter Box
This cat box combines modern design with functionality, making it a great choice for cat owners who want both style and convenience.
Pros:
Sleek design: One of the standout features of this cat box is its sleek, modern design. It looks stylish and fits well with contemporary home decor. Many cat owners appreciate the aesthetic appeal of this box, as it doesn’t look out of place in a modern living space.
Top or front entry: This litter box offers flexibility with entry options. You can choose to place the entry at the top or front, depending on your cat’s preferences and your home’s layout. The top entry may be a good option for cats who tend to kick litter out.
Reusable liners: The use of reusable liners is another practical feature of this litter box. The liners make it easy to clean and reduce the need to buy disposable bags or liners regularly, making it more eco-friendly and cost-effective over time.
Cons
Expensive: Compared to traditional litter boxes, this model tends to be on the more expensive side. The design, functionality, and features contribute to the higher price, which might be a turn-off for budget-conscious cat owners.
Smaller size: This litter box is often smaller than other models, which may not be ideal for larger cats or multi-cat households. Cats who need more room to move around might find the size restrictive, which could lead to accidents or a reluctance to use the box.
Why It’s Popular?
This cat box is popular among stylish cat owners who want a modern and functional solution.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cat box for both you and your cat is very important. When choosing, consider your cat’s preferences, cleaning habits, and the layout of your home. The key is to make sure your cat is comfortable and uses it without hesitation.
