Litter Box Types Compared: Open, Covered, Top-Entry and Self-Cleaning

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Picking a litter box seems simple until you face a pet store aisle of domes, towers, robots and sifting trays. The best box is the one your cat uses reliably. Understanding how cats think about toileting makes the choice easier and helps prevent accidents.

What cats want

Cats are fastidious. They want a box that is:

• Large enough to turn around, dig and scratch
• Clean, with little odor
• Easy to enter and exit
• Placed in a quiet, safe spot
• Filled with litter they like. See how to choose cat litter.

Inappropriate urination is often a litter box problem. See why is my cat peeing outside the litter box, and rule out medical causes with your vet.

Open boxes

The simplest design is a plain, open tray.

Pros: Cats can see around them and escape, there is room to move, odor can disperse and it is easy to scoop and clean. It is usually the cheapest.

Cons: Litter can scatter, and some cats feel exposed. Odor may be noticeable.

Most vets and behaviorists suggest an open box as the first choice.

High-sided boxes

These open boxes have taller walls to keep litter and urine in.

Pros: Less mess for cats that spray or dig vigorously.

Cons: Hard for kittens, seniors and cats with arthritis to climb into. Use a low entry cutout if needed. See the senior cat care guide.

Covered or hooded boxes

A dome or hood gives privacy and contains litter.

Pros: Reduces scatter and hides the box from view. Some shy cats like the privacy.

Cons: Traps odor and ammonia, which cats dislike. It can make the box feel like a trap, particularly in multi-cat homes. It also hides signs of problems, such as unusual urine or stool, and owners may clean less often. Many cats do not use covered boxes.

If you try one, remove the flap, ensure it is large and keep it spotless.

Top-entry boxes

The cat jumps in through a hole in the lid.

Pros: Minimizes litter tracking and keeps dogs out.

Cons: Not suitable for kittens, seniors, overweight or arthritic cats. Cats cannot see out, and it can be awkward for large breeds such as the Maine Coon.

Self-cleaning boxes

Automatic boxes rake or sift waste into a container.

Pros: Cuts down scooping, and some track usage, which can reveal changes in frequency.

Cons: Expensive, noisy and a source of fear for some cats. Sensors may not detect small cats, and mechanical failures can frighten a cat away from the box. Waste still needs emptying, and the whole unit needs regular washing.

Introduce one slowly, with the machine off at first, and keep a regular box available.

Sifting and disposable boxes

Sifting trays have a bottom layer for waste, making cleaning easier. Disposable cardboard boxes suit travel and short-term use. See moving house with a cat.

Size and shape

• Choose a box about one and a half times the cat's length.
• Use a large storage bin with a lowered side as an inexpensive, roomy option.
• Provide low entry for kittens and seniors.
• Larger cats need larger boxes. Many commercial boxes are too small.

How many boxes?

Keep one box per cat plus one extra, in different places, not lined up side by side. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat.

Cleaning

Scoop at least once daily and wash the box regularly with mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or strong scents. See how often to clean a litter box. Replace plastic boxes when scratched, since they hold odor.

Changing boxes

Cats dislike sudden changes. Place the new box beside the old one and let your cat choose. Move gradually, and keep the old box until the cat uses the new one consistently.

Matching the box to the cat

Kittens and seniors need low entry. Large breeds need extra length. Shy cats may like a hooded box with the flap removed, while confident cats prefer open trays. Cats that dig hard or spray may need high sides. If you are unsure, offer two designs side by side for a week and see which one is used. The cat's choice is the best guide, and it costs little to find out.

Cost over time

Cheap open boxes cost little but may need replacing as scratches hold odor. Automatic boxes cost more upfront and need parts and cleaning. Whatever you buy, budget for litter, scoops and bags, which add up over the cat's life.

Health signs

Changes in box use can signal illness. Straining, frequent trips or crying can mean a urinary problem. See signs of a urinary blockage in cats and the emergency warning signs guide. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.