How to Choose the Best Litter Box for Your Cat

Most commercial litter boxes are shockingly small. A cat needs enough room to comfortably step inside, turn around entirely, and scratch without touching the sides. As a general rule, the box should be at least one-and-a-half times the length of your cat (from nose to the base of the tail). If you have a large breed like a Maine Coon, you may need to use a large plastic storage tote with a doorway cut out.

The golden mathematical rule of veterinary behaviorists is "N+1," where N is the number of cats you own. If you have one cat, you need two boxes. If you have two cats, you need three. Cats are deeply territorial about their waste; forcing them to share a single, heavily soiled box is a fast track to them finding a clean laundry basket to use instead.

If you are managing a dog with a "scavenging" problem or have toddlers roaming the house, a top-entry litter box is a lifesaver. These boxes require the cat to jump onto the lid and descend inside, putting the soiled litter completely out of reach of canine snouts and little grasping hands. The grooved lids also force the cat's paws to splay upon exiting, dropping loose litter back into the box.

While humans prefer hooded boxes because they hide the mess, cats generally hate them. Cats are both predators and prey. When they eliminate, they are in a highly vulnerable state. An open pan allows them uninterrupted 360-degree vision to watch for "threats" (like the family dog) and provides multiple escape routes. A covered box can feel like a terrifying trap.

Never place a litter box near your cat’s food and water bowls; cats naturally instinctually separate their eating and elimination areas. Furthermore, avoid loud, high-traffic zones like next to a spin-cycle washing machine or a busy hallway. Choose a quiet, low-traffic corner that is still easily accessible and well-lit.