10 Best Cat Litter Boxes of 2024 (So Far)

Finding your ideal litter box usually means combing through reviews and/or a trip to your local big box pet store to compare a large selection of undifferentiated options. But it doesn't have to be that way! If you know where to look there are excellent litter boxes out there, and we're here to show them to you.

Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with features that are most important to cats, like litter box size, covered vs uncovered, and automatic vs manual. To compile this list, we consulted a veterinarian, cat behaviorist, and product designer to determine which ten litter boxes provide the best overall performance for cats and cat parents. 

Tip: If you're looking for the a non-messy litter to fill your litter box with, check out our lists of the best non-tracking cat litters and the best dust-free cat litters. 

Cheat Sheet: The Best Litter Boxes

Best Overall	tuft + paw Cove Litter Box
Best Budget	IKEA Lurvig Litter Tray
Best Modern	tuft + paw Haven Litter Box Enclosure
Best on Amazon	Kichwit Stainless Steel Litter Box
Best Automatic	Litter Robot 3

What to Look for in a Cat Litter Box

Cats need to feel safe while using their litter box. Look for litter boxes that are designed to offer comfort and security to cats as they do their business. Other important features for humans and cats include:

Build Quality

Cats use their litter boxes every day and some can be tough on their litter box. That's why we recommend choosing a sturdy box right from the start. This is especially important for large litter boxes, because they will be holding greater amounts of litter and heavier cats. Look for high-quality materials like sturdy anti-stick plastic or stainless steel. Investing in a durable box ensures you won't have to worry about frequent replacements. 

Visibility + Ventilation for Cats

Cats prefer a box with a view to make sure no one's sneaking up on them while they do their business. This is especially important in a multi-cat household. To ensure the comfort of every household member, look for litter boxes with high walls that can limit mess but still provide plenty of visibility.

Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a comfortable litter box environment for your cat. Open-top litter boxes are much better than covered ones in this department, allowing for optimal airflow to prevent the buildup of moisture and unpleasant smells. This also incentivizes cat parents to clean the litter box every day, which is always the best odor control. 

Easy Maintenance

Look for litter box designs that provide easy access for daily cleaning, and are made of durable materials that can stand up to daily use. To avoid urine and litter from landing outside the box, look for a design with high walls. The additional purchase of a silicone mat and a low-tracking litter can help prevent litter from being tracked onto the floor.

@tuftandpaw Replying to @✨Gee✨ Think your classic litter box, but elevated! Cove comes with a custom scoop, dustpand and hand brush. They are all nice and compact for all your spaces! #catlitterbox #bestlitterbox #bestlitter #highqualitycatlitter #lowtrackingcatlitter #bestcatproducts #tofucatlitterbenefits #bestlitterbox2023 #litterbox ♬ ladyfingers - ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍chop

 

Appropriate Size

A great litter box should offer plenty of space for your cat to move comfortably and turn around—the rule of thumb is at least 1.5x the length of your cat from nose to base of tail. When first

Abundance

To prevent accidents and squabbling, we recommend one litter box for every cat in the house, plus one extra. (So if you have two cats, three is the magic number of litter boxes). There also needs to be at least one box on each floor of the home.

Are Open or Covered Litter Boxes Better for Cats?

An age old debate for cat parents is whether to choose an open-top or enclosed litter box for their cat. Each type has its pros and cons, but generally we recommend open top litter boxes because they prioritize feline needs over human wants. Of course, the final decision is up to you and your cat.  

Covered litter boxes (a.k.a. hooded litter boxes) are great for containing odors, but they force cats to brave the smell inside every time they use the box. Furthermore, covered litter boxes make it easy to ignore or forget about cleaning the litter box, which makes the odors even worse for your poor cat. 

The takeaway is that covered litter boxes require extra diligent cleaning from cat parents.

Deep Dive: The 10 Best Litter Boxes

Best Overall: tuft + paw Cove Litter Box

Price: $149-$199
Rating: 4.8/5 with 427 reviews
Materials: Double-walled thick matte plastic, rubber base

Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own litter box here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other litter boxes on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other litter box on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.

Full disclosure--this is our own product, but what can we say? We're proud of the products we make! The Cove litter box is our pick for best overall litter box. Not only is this box big (slightly bigger than most you'll find in pet stores based on cat behaviorist recommendations), but it is also a beautiful modern design--it looks even more beautiful and high quality in person than it does in photos. No need to hide away in a closet! Arguably the best feature is the add-on shelter which keeps the mess inside the litter box. If paired with low-dust pellets like our Really Great Cat Litter, you can almost completely  eliminate litter tracking and scatter. The cherry on top? It comes complete with a handy scoop, brush, and dustpan, each as thoughtfully designed as the Cove itself. 

Pros	Cons
Large Size: Can comfortably fit almost any sized cat.	Price: High quality materials and thoughtful design come with a higher price tag.
Integrated Tools: Includes an integrated scoop, brush, and dustpan.	Space: A larger litter box takes up more floor space.
Modern Design: The Cove is a beautiful litter box that still puts cat comfort first.

@tuftandpaw Find out why everyone on Tiktok is buying this litter box. From its built-in cleaning tools, removable scatter shield, durable materials, anti-stick plastic, and of course modern look, it's the upgrade your litter box setup needs. #modernlitterbox #covelitterbox #bestlitterboxever #catlitterbox #litterboxforcats #litterboxmakeover #bestlitterbox #litterboxsetup #litterbox ♬ She's Not Yours - Foxtide

Runner Up: tuft + paw Cubby Litter Box

Price: $69
Rating: N/A
Size: 21.2"L x 15.2"W x 6"H (+8" with scatter shield)
Materials: thick matte anti-stick plastic

Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own litter box here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other litter boxes on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other litter box on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.

The tuft + paw Cubby Litter Box shares many strengths with the Cove, but we removed some bells and whistles to make it more affordable. It's made out of the same durable anti-stick plastic which doesn't absorb odors and makes scooping a breeze. The removable scatter shield does a great job of reducing litter mess and features a cut-out corner so that less mobile cats can still easily access the litter box. Its sleek modern design also helps cat parents resist the urge to stash the litter box in an obscure corner of the house. When the litter box looks this good, there's no need to hide it! 

Note: While not included with the Cubby, the litter scoop and/or full cleaning tool set are available on their own if needed.

Pros	Cons
Large Size: Can comfortably fit almost any sized cat.	Price: High quality materials and thoughtful design come with a higher price tag.
Modern Design: The Cove is a beautiful litter box that still puts cat comfort first.
High Walls: The Cubby excels at reducing litter tracking.

@tuftandpaw Introducing the Cubby litter box 👋 Constructed from durable, odor-resistant plastic that's made to last (it won't absorb the smell of urine!) High walls help keep messes where they should be – INSIDE the litter box. Plus, they're semi-transparent so your cat to comfortably watch their surroundings while doing their business. #modernlitterbox #cubbylitterbox #litterboxsetup #catlitterbox #catproducts #catparentsoftiktok #LitterBox #LitterBoxTips #newlitterbox ♬ original sound - Ian Asher

Honorable Mention: iPrimio Stainless Steel XL Litter Box

Credit: Amazon

Price: $92
Rating: 4.6/5 with 9,260 Amazon reviews
Materials: Stainless steel and plastic

This stainless steel litter box is virtually indestructible and provides most features you could want. It's roomy enough to fit almost any sized cat (Maine Coons rejoice!), it'll be easier to clean than cheap plastic boxes, and it has a high-walled, optional scatter shield. That being said, some cat parents may not want to pay $92 for such a bare bones product. 

Pros	Cons
XL Size: Can comfortably fit almost any sized cat.	Price: Though cheaper than our top pick, $92 is still not cheap for a litter box
Materials: Stainless steel is super durable and easy to clean.	Heavy: Stainless steel is sturdy but much heavier than plastic.
Scatter Shield: Optional shield to keep the mess inside	Space: A larger litter box takes up more floor space.

Best Budget: IKEA Lurvig Litter Tray

Credit: IKEA

Price: $10
Rating: 4.8/5 with 104 reviews
Materials: Plastic (polypropylene)

The Lurvig Litter Tray is a textbook example of IKEA's ethos: simple design and modern aesthetics at a great price. This litter tray's rounded shape and matte surface are surprisingly tasteful. Of course, for $10 it won't be great quality, but it's probably no worse than other entry-level litter boxes and it looks a lot nicer. 

Pros	Cons
Design: Definitely more aesthetically pleasing than most cheap litter boxes	Availablity: Only sold in select IKEAs.
Price: Hard to beat $10	Materials: Thin plastic walls aren't the sturdiest, may crack over time.

 

Runner Up: IRIS USA Open Top Litter Tray

Credit: Amazon

Price: $19
Rating: 4.3/5 with 27,017 Amazon reviews
Materials: Plastic

This IRIS USA Litter Tray is a great option for reducing tracking at an affordable price. The litter box itself has decently high walls and the optional scatter shield will contain mess from all but the most vigorous diggers. It also comes with a scoop. The thin plastic walls won't be very strong, but from a purely functional standpoint this litter box is good value. 

Pros	Cons
Price: A multi-component high-sided litter box for under $20.	Materials: Thin plastic walls aren't the sturdiest, may crack over time.
Scatter Shield: Optional shield to keep the mess inside	Style: As a budget pick, this box's design is purely functional
Scoop Included: Pretty handy!

  

Best Modern: tuft + paw Haven Litter Box Enclosure

Price: $699
Rating: 5/5 with 6 reviews
Materials: Premium plywood with ash veneer, metal, plastic, rubber

The Haven is for those who want to hide their litter box in plain sight. This sleek enclosure offers humans an attractive and intuitive design, while cats will appreciate its ample interior space, screened window, and fresh airflow. Aside from the enclosure itself, the Haven comes complete with a small litter box, scoop, dustpan, and handheld brush. Of course, the limitation of going this deluxe with a litter setup is the deluxe price tag. It's not in every cat parent's budget, but for those who want the ultimate litter box upgrade, the Haven's high-quality construction and refined design will not disappoint.

Note: Keep in mind that not every cat likes an enclosed litter box. If that sounds like your kitty, the open-topped Cove is probably a better modern litter box option. 

Pros	Cons
Modern Look: Stunning design allows you to hide your litter box in any space	Price: The Haven's price reflects that it's a high quality piece of furniture rather than just a litter box.
Storage area: Small area to keep your scoop and other litter box accessories	Covered: Not all cats like an enclosed litter box.
All-Inclusive: Comes with a small litter box, scoop, dustpan, and brush.

 

Runner Up: Modkat XL Litter Box with Top & Front Entry

Credit: Amazon

Price: $180
Rating: 4.6/5 with 233 Amazon reviews
Materials: plastic

The Modkat XL is a modern litter box with impressive versatility. It can be configured as a top entry or front entry and it comes with a scoop and two reusable nylon liners (one for top entry, one for front). The design is fairly sleek and it's plenty big for most cats. Being an enclosed litter box, its high walls are great for limiting tracking and any wayward urination. The main drawback is the $180 price tag. Furthermore, some reviewers found that the box's thinner pieces (like the top lip) were prone to breaking and that liner refills are often sold out. Still, the Modkat XL Litter Box is a good modern option for cat parents looking to graduate from the standard plastic pan. 

Note: Keep in mind that not every cat likes an enclosed litter box. If that sounds like your kitty, the open-topped Cove is probably a better modern litter box option.

Pros	Cons
High Walls: Keeps litter in the box and off your floor	Price: Nearly $200 for a litter box is definitely out of budget for some.
Versatile: Top & front entry	Covered: Not all cats like an enclosed litter box.
Liner & Scoop Included:	Durability: Some of the small plastic components are prone to breaking

 

Best on Amazon: Kichwit Stainless Steel Litterbox

Credit: Amazon

Price: $38-$43
Rating: 4.8/5 with 70 reviews
Materials: Stainless steel

Not much to it folks! Simple and clean, this stainless steel litter box has high walls and an open top. This is a great durable alternative to plastic litter boxes and is  easier to clean. 

Pros	Cons
High Walls: Keeps litter in the box and off your floor.	Heavy: Stainless steel is sturdy but much heavier than plastic.
Two Sizes: You can choose between a small or large size.	Industrial Style: This has a bit of an industrial feel to it that might not suit all homes.
Materials: Stainless steel is super durable and easy to clean.

Runner Up: Nature's Miracle High-Sided Litter Box 

Credit: Amazon

Price: $22
Rating: 4.6/5 with 13,580 Amazon reviews
Materials: Plastic

This high-sided litter box from Nature's Miracle is an affordable upgrade to the basic litter tray. The high sides help reduce tracking and scatter, while the lower entryway makes access easier for senior cats with limited mobility. The cheap plastic construction isn't the most durable, but performance-wise it's still good value. 

Pros	Cons
High Walls: Keeps litter in the box and off your floor.	Materials: Thin plastic walls aren't the sturdiest, may crack over time.
Price: An improvement on basic plastic litter boxes for under $25.	Style:  As a budget pick, this box's design is purely functional
Low Entry: Easier for old cats to enter.

Best Automatic: Litter Robot 3

Credit: Litter Robot

Price: $499
Rating: 4.05/5 with 2168 reviews
Materials: Plastic, metal

The Litter Robot is the original automatic litter box, and the king has yet to be dethroned. If you can afford it, the thousands of positive reviews are testament to how convenient this self-cleaning litter box is. We chose the older Litter Robot 3 over newer models because it's got the best reviews and doesn't have the added complication of an app. It seems that many negative reviews for newer models revolve around app malfunctions. There's also the fact that it can scare some cats with its mechanical noises and large size. It's a big investment for a single purpose machine, but it can be a game changer if your cat uses it. 

Note: Keep in mind that not every cat likes an enclosed litter box. If that sounds like your kitty, our runner up is probably a better automatic litter box option. 

Pros	Cons
Convenient: No more scooping!	Design & Size: It's big, bulky, and makes noises when cleaning, which can scare some cats.
Reputable: Lots of knock offs on the market, but litter robot has been around for a long time	Price: This litter box is a serious investment for a single purpose item.
	Tech Issues: Automatic litter boxes are prone to breaking down from time to time which could be a hassle.

 

Runner Up: PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box

 

Credit: PetSafe

Price: $170
Rating: 4.3/5 with 391 PetSafe reviews
Materials: Plastic, metal grate, 

The PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box is a good choice for cat parents who want an automatic litter box, but don't want a giant gadget taking up space. It comes with a bag of PetSafe's non-clumping crystal litter, which unfortunately is scented, but works well with the box's raking system. In a perfect world, cat parents only have to empty the waste tray occasionally and change out the litter once a month. However, some users have been found that the litter needs to be changed for frequently than expected, and large cats may not have enough room to comfortably do their business. 

Pros	Cons
Automatic: No more scooping!	Price: While much cheaper than the Litter Robot, it's still quite pricey.
Size: Much more discreet than the litter robot.	Can break: Automatic litter boxes are prone to breaking down from time to time which could be a hassle.
Litter Included: A bag of PetSafe's crystal litter is included.	Size: Might be too small for large cats.

Conclusion

That wraps up our list of 10 best litter boxes. We hope you found this article useful in your search for the perfect feline toilet (sounds glamorous, doesn't it?). Every cat has their own specific preferences, so make sure you pay attention to your cats bathroom habits before picking out a litter box. Once you've found the right match, you'll be amazed how much easier it is to clean up after your kitty. 

Check out some of our other educational cat content below. 

Suggested Reading

The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Cat Litter

The 5 Best Flushable Cat Litters

The 10 Best Scratching Posts

Why Is My Cat Going Outside the Litter Box? 

Everything You Need to Know About Tofu Litter

 

p.s. Have you tried Really Great Cat Litter? Our flushable formula is 99% dust-free, low tracking, ultra absorbent, clumping, and eliminates odor on the spot.