Start with your cat, not the box
Most litter box advice comes down to one idea: the best box is the one your cat will actually use and that you will actually keep clean. Before you compare styles, think about your cat's size, age, and habits, how many cats share your home, and how much floor space you can spare.
This guide walks through the main types, how to size a box, the open versus enclosed decision, where to put it, and what to look for in materials and cleaning. Along the way we point to real boxes in the PetLavo catalog, using only what each listing says.
The main types of litter boxes
Open-top boxes
An open box is a simple tray with no lid. Cats can see around them, step in and out freely, and you can see at a glance when it needs scooping. The trade-off is that litter and smells are less contained, and some cats kick litter over the edge.
Examples from the catalog:
- Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, Large Open Top with High Sides & Anti-Tracking Pedal at $61.59. The listing describes a large open-top stainless steel box with high anti-splash sides and an anti-tracking pedal, made for big cats and multi-cat homes.
Enclosed and hooded boxes
Enclosed boxes have a lid or hood and an entrance. They give a cat more privacy and can help keep scatter inside the box. They also hold in the smell of the box itself, which means the inside needs regular attention, and some cats dislike a closed space.
Examples:
- Enclosed Cat Litter Box With Pull-Out Drawer at $103.99. The listing describes a front entry door, transparent panel, top opening, and a pull-out drawer.
- Fully Enclosed Cat Litter Box With 180° Flip Top And Scoop at $62.29. The listing mentions a 56cm interior, an easy-clean flip top, a detachable anti-tracking base, and an included scoop.
Top-entry boxes
Deep or high-sided boxes
If your cat digs vigorously or sprays litter out the sides, extra wall height can help. The listing for the 6" Deep Cat Litter Box with Filtering Foot Board at $174.99 describes a 6-inch base with 6.38-inch high sidewalls and a filtering foot board, aimed at keeping litter and urine from splashing out.
Furniture-style enclosures
Some people prefer the box out of sight. The Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Barn Door, 31.5" x 21" x 20", White at $229.99 is described as a table-style cabinet with a barn door and cat entry hole that hides the litter box inside. Note that this is a cabinet for a box, so check what box size fits inside.
How to pick the right size
A common rule of thumb is that a box should be about one and a half times the length of your cat, from nose to the base of the tail. Cats need room to turn around, dig, and squat without touching the walls. If you are between sizes, go bigger.
Size matters more than most buyers expect. A box that is too small can lead to cats perching on the edge or avoiding it. Kittens and senior cats may need a lower entry, while large breeds benefit from extra length and width.
Check the dimensions in each listing and measure your space. A few examples where the listing states a size:
- Fully Enclosed Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box For Large Cats at $121.09 is listed at 60x40x40cm and described as sized for large cats and multi-cat households.
- The 6" deep box above lists its base and wall heights.
- The barn door enclosure above lists its outer dimensions.
Enclosed vs open: which is better?
Neither is better for every cat. Here is a fair comparison.
Open boxes - Easy for cats to enter and exit - Simple to scoop and inspect - Less privacy, and litter can spill over the sides
Enclosed boxes - More privacy for the cat - Can help contain scatter, depending on the design - Need regular scooping and cleaning, since odor builds up inside - Some cats refuse to use them
If you are not sure, observe your cat. A cat that likes to hide may prefer a hooded box. A cat that is nervous about being cornered may prefer an open one. If you switch styles, move gradually: keep the old box available for a while so your cat can choose.
Where to put the litter box
Placement affects how often your cat uses the box.
- Quiet but reachable. Pick a low-traffic spot your cat can get to at any time, not a closet that gets shut.
- Away from food and water. Most cats prefer their bathroom separate from where they eat.
- Stable footing. Place it on a floor that is easy to wipe, and make sure the box does not slide.
- More than one spot in bigger homes. A common guideline is one box per cat plus one extra, in different locations.
- Think about the floor around it. A mat can help with litter that sticks to paws. The Double-Layer Cat Litter Mat at $89.99 is described as helping catch loose litter from your cat's paws.
Materials and cleaning
Plastic is common, light, and easy to move. Over time, scratches can hold odor, so replace a box that looks worn.
Stainless steel is often chosen because it is non-porous and wipes clean. It tends to be heavier and can cost more.
Features to look for: a removable tray or drawer, a wide opening on the lid for scooping, and an included scoop. Plan on daily scooping and a full wash on a regular schedule using mild, unscented soap.
For the daily job itself, the Mesh Cat Litter Scoop with Lengthened Handle at $20.99 is described as a black plastic mesh scoop with a long handle and a matching storage box.
Who these boxes may not be for
- Very small kittens or senior cats may struggle with a top entrance or a high wall. Look at the entry height before you buy.
- Cats that dislike enclosed spaces may not take to a hooded box. An open design could work better.
- Small apartments may not have room for a large box or a cabinet enclosure. Measure first.
- Anyone who wants zero maintenance. No box removes the need for regular scooping and cleaning.
FAQ
How big should a cat litter box be?
A general guideline is about one and a half times your cat's body length. Larger cats and multi-cat homes usually do better with a bigger box. Always compare the listed dimensions to your cat.
Is an enclosed litter box better than an open one?
It depends on your cat. Enclosed boxes offer privacy and may help contain scatter, while open boxes are easier to enter and check. Watch your cat's preferences and adjust.
Where is the best place to put a litter box?
Choose a quiet, easy-to-reach spot away from food and water. Avoid areas that get closed off or that have a lot of noise and foot traffic.
How many litter boxes do I need?
A common rule is one box per cat plus one extra, spread across different spots in your home.