Three Things to Consider When Choosing a Litterbox

Cats are fussy creatures. They are particular about many things, and their litter boxes are no exception. Here are three things to consider when choosing a litter box for your furry friend.

Three Things to Consider When Choosing a Litter Box

Size

The size of the litter box matters, and it is probably the most important thing to consider. It’s no fun for kitty to have to do their business in cramped quarters, that's for sure. The box should be large enough for your cat to fit inside comfortably, with some extra room to spare so she can turn around. There are two rules of thumb with it comes to choosing the appropriate size:

• The box should be at least 1.5 times the length of the cat from the nose to the base of the tail. OR
• The box should be at least as long as your cat, from their nose to the tip of their tail (when extended), and its width should be at least as wide as your cat is long (with their tail not extended). 

Photo by KJ Garner via Flickr

Bigger is always better. You want to make sure there is ample space for them to dig and move around in while avoiding any earlier "deposits" that may not have been scooped yet.

The Petmate Open Litter Pan is big enough to easily accommodate large cats.

Type

There are many types of litterboxes to consider. Since our furry kids can’t tell us what their preference is, we need to be observant. If your cat has difficulty adapting to the type of box you chose, be ready to try another.

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If you decide to try a covered box, make sure the opening is large so your cat can enter and exit easily. Since the cover can trap odors inside, I recommend scooping regularly if you choose this option.

I use the Modkat Flip litterbox. The top flips back which leaves the box only half covered, and provides some extra room for Lola and Lexy to stand up.

The Amazon Basics Hooded Cat Litterbox has an opening that is 8” X 8.5” wide.

There are also top entry litterboxes. Your cat’s age and health should be considered carefully when considering this option. Senior cats may have difficulty jumping in and out, and cats with hip/joint problems or arthritis may have the same difficulty. 

Photo by Tom Thai via Flickr

Height

The height of the box you choose depends on your cat’s toileting habits; i.e., are they a “sprayer”, do they kick a lot of litter out of the box, do they have bad aim, etc. If so, look for a box with three sides that are high enough (around 8 to 12 inches) to prevent urine, feces and/or litter from getting on the floor and one side that is low enough (around 5 to 6 inches) so your cat can get in and out easily.

The Nature’s Miracle High Sided Litter Box is a good choice for a cat with these issues.

The Lucky Champ Litter Pan is another option.

If you have a cat that has mobility issues or arthritis (or if you have a kitten!), you’ll need a box that very low in the front (approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches high). The Kitty Go Here Litter Box for Senior Cats is perfect, with a super low opening for cats who are not able to jump into a box.

pic courtesy kittygohere.com

Whichever type of box you choose, remember to always scoop frequently to keep it clean and odor free.

What type of litter box do you use?
Dawn

Disclosure: Lola The Rescued Cat is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase through any of the links in this post, we will earn a small commission. This does not affect your purchase price in any way.