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The litter box is the most important piece of cat gear you’ll buy, and most commercial boxes are too small for an adult cat. A cramped, dirty or badly placed box is one of the most common reasons cats start going elsewhere. The best cat litter box is big enough for your cat to turn around and dig comfortably, easy to scoop, and suited to how your cat uses it. We compared five popular boxes on Amazon, based on manufacturer specs and hands-on reviews.
Best Cat Litter Boxes Compared
| Litter Box | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Petmate XL Litter Box | Open, extra large | Best overall, large cats |
| Petmate Hi-Back Litter Pan | Open, high back | Cats that spray or kick high |
| IRIS USA Top Entry Litter Box | Top-entry | Litter tracking, homes with dogs |
| Petmate StayFresh Jumbo Hooded Pan | Covered | Privacy, odor containment |
| Modkat Top-Entry Litter Box | Top-entry, premium | Design-conscious homes, easy cleaning |
1. Petmate XL Litter Box — Best Overall
Cat behavior experts often recommend a simple, large, open box, and this Petmate XL pan fits the bill. Its high-capacity, deep tray gives large cats room to turn and dig, and the open design means no trapped odors or feeling cornered. It’s inexpensive, durable and easy to scrub. It’s made in the USA.
- Extra large, deep tray
- Open design most cats accept
- Easy to clean
- Inexpensive and durable
Worth knowing: open boxes don’t contain scatter as well as covered or high-sided ones, so pair it with a litter mat.
2. Petmate Hi-Back Litter Pan — Best High-Sided
Some cats stand up to pee or kick litter hard, sending it over the edge. A high-back pan raises the walls at the back and sides while keeping a lower entry at the front, so cats can still step in easily. It’s a simple, affordable fix for messy cats.
- High back contains spraying and kicking
- Low front entry
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
Worth knowing: check the size against your cat; very large cats may prefer the XL pan.
3. IRIS USA Top Entry Litter Box — Best Top-Entry
Top-entry boxes have cats hop in through a hole in the lid and step out onto a grooved top that brushes litter off their paws, which dramatically cuts litter tracking. The enclosed design also keeps dogs and toddlers out. The IRIS box is a large, affordable take on the design.
- Cuts litter tracking
- Keeps dogs and toddlers out
- Contains scatter completely
- Grooved lid cleans paws
Worth knowing: jumping in and out isn’t ideal for kittens, seniors or cats with stiff joints.
4. Petmate StayFresh Jumbo Hooded Pan — Best Covered
A hooded box gives cats privacy and keeps litter and smells more contained. The Petmate StayFresh Jumbo is a large, covered pan that suits bigger cats and cats that prefer a more enclosed space.
- Jumbo size for large cats
- Hood contains scatter
- Privacy for shy cats
- Affordable
Worth knowing: covered boxes can trap odors inside for your cat, so scoop daily. Some cats, especially in multi-cat homes, dislike covered boxes.
5. Modkat Top-Entry Litter Box — Best Premium
Modkat is the design-led option, with a clean look that fits modern homes. It’s top-entry, with a seamless, leak-proof base and a reusable liner that makes emptying and cleaning faster. A scoop is included.
- Modern design
- Leak-proof, seamless base
- Reusable liner makes cleaning easy
- Top-entry reduces tracking
Worth knowing: it costs much more than a basic pan, and like all top-entry boxes it’s not ideal for kittens or senior cats.
How We Chose These Boxes
We compared size, entry design, wall height, ease of cleaning and value, and checked hands-on reviews and owner feedback for boxes that were too small, leaked, cracked or were rejected by cats. We weighted our picks toward larger boxes, because size is the most common mistake owners make.
Litter Box Types Compared
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open pan | Cats generally accept it, easy to scoop, cheap | More scatter | Most cats |
| High-sided | Contains kicking and spraying | Taller to step over (except low-entry fronts) | Messy cats |
| Covered / hooded | Privacy, contains scatter and some smell | Traps odor inside, some cats dislike | Shy cats, single-cat homes |
| Top-entry | Cuts tracking, dog-proof | Hard for kittens and seniors | Healthy adult cats, homes with dogs |
| Automatic | Self-cleaning | Expensive, some cats reject | Busy owners (see our automatic guide) |
How Big Should a Litter Box Be?
A common guideline is that the box should be at least one and a half times as long as your cat, measured from nose to the base of the tail, and bigger is better. Many cats, especially large breeds like Maine Coons, are happier with an extra-large pan or even a large storage bin with an entry cut into one side.
Where to Put the Litter Box
- Quiet and private: away from noisy appliances and busy walkways.
- Away from food and water: cats don’t like to eliminate near where they eat.
- Easy to reach: not behind a closed door, and on every floor in multi-level homes.
- Multiple locations: in multi-cat homes, spread boxes around so no cat can block another from using one.
Litter Box Cleaning Routine
Scoop at least once a day. Keep about 2 to 3 inches of litter and top it up as needed. Every few weeks, empty the box completely, wash it with warm water and mild, unscented soap, dry it and refill with fresh litter. Avoid strong-smelling cleaners, which can put cats off the box. Not sure which litter to use? See our cat litter guide.
If your cat suddenly stops using the box, strains, or goes more often than usual, contact your vet, as these can be signs of a medical problem.
Our Verdict
The Petmate XL Litter Box is the best cat litter box for most cats: big, open and easy to clean. Choose the Petmate Hi-Back Pan for cats that kick or spray, the IRIS Top Entry to cut tracking or keep dogs out, the Petmate StayFresh Jumbo for a covered box, and the Modkat if you want a premium design.
Related Guides
- Best Cat Litter in 2026: 5 Picks and Every Litter Type Explained
- 5 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes in 2026: Compared for Odor, Noise and Big Cats
- 4 Best Cat Litter Mats in 2026 to Stop Litter Tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats prefer covered or open litter boxes?
It depends on the cat. Many cats have no strong preference, but some dislike covered boxes, especially in multi-cat homes. If you’re unsure, offer both and see which your cat uses.
How many litter boxes do I need?
One per cat plus one extra is the usual guideline, in different locations.
How often should I change cat litter?
Scoop daily and fully replace clumping litter every few weeks, more often with several cats.
Are top-entry litter boxes good?
They’re excellent for reducing tracking and keeping dogs out, but they aren’t suitable for kittens, seniors or cats with mobility issues.
What size litter box for a large cat?
At least one and a half times your cat’s body length. An XL open pan is a good starting point for large breeds.