5 Litter Boxes Your Cat (Probably) Won’t Reject

Your cat has opinions – maybe even enough of them to leave unpleasant, non-verbal messages lying around to get your attention. We know, we’d all be relieved if we never had to think about our cats, er, relieving themselves. But our litter box preferences don’t always align with our cats’. Such is the feline condition. Because your sweet cat can quickly morph from somewhat miffed to a full-on weeing machine, it’s worth knowing what works for your cat and why.

How to choose the litter box that is right for you and your cat

What size cat litter box do I need for my cat?

When it comes to litter boxes, think like a cat. Both the size of your cat and the number of cats in your household matter.

Navigating life with a new pet? Head to littleKin!

littleKin™ is Kinship’s home just for puppy and kitten parents. Hop over to check out expert advice, new pet tools and special deals – all curated for your newest family member.

Get Free Advice

“The main rule of thumb for litter boxes is to have one more than the number of cats,” says certified animal behaviourist Ruby Leslie. “That means two boxes for one cat, three boxes for two cats, four boxes for three cats and so on. This helps decrease the potential for urinary problems and competition over resources.”

Your cat should also be able to move around and get comfortable inside the box without feeling cramped. A larger cat will need a wider, longer box, while a kitten may prefer a shallower tray that’s easy to step into. Consider your available space too – ideally, boxes should be spread out rather than clustered together, giving cats more options and privacy.

What type of cat litter box is best?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but your choice should match both your cat’s personality and your household needs.

• Open boxes are simple, affordable and offer excellent ventilation. Cats often prefer these because they can see their surroundings and avoid feeling trapped.

• Covered boxes can contain mess and odours more effectively, but they’re not always a hit with cats. “A litter box with a cover or lid can trap in smells, which could deter cats from using the box,” Leslie warns.

• Self-cleaning boxes might seem convenient, but they come with a catch: the sudden noise and movement can scare some cats off. “All cats are individuals, but it’s a pretty safe bet that the noise from an automatic scoop box will trigger their fight or flight instincts,” says Leslie. If you do choose a tech option, look for one with quiet operation and give your cat time to adjust.

• Traditional trays remain a reliable option: they’re easy to clean, cost-effective and let you monitor your cat’s health more easily.

How much does a good cat litter box cost?

Prices vary depending on size, features and design, but you don’t have to spend a fortune.

• Budget options (£5-£15): basic open trays, suitable for kittens or households with multiple boxes.

• Mid-range (£20-£50): sturdier designs with covers or higher sides to reduce scatter, plus better materials for easier cleaning.

• Premium (£60-£200+): large, stylish boxes with odour control features, built-in liners or self-cleaning mechanisms.

If you’re investing in a self-cleaning box, expect to pay at the higher end of the scale. Always factor in the cost of liners, filters or special litter types if required.

What safety features should I look for in a cat litter box?

Your cat’s health and comfort should come first. Look for boxes made from non-toxic, durable materials that won’t leach chemicals into the litter. Stability is also key: wobbly boxes can make cats nervous and lead to accidents outside the tray.

Easy cleaning is another essential safety feature. Smooth surfaces, removable lids or panels, and minimal nooks help prevent bacteria build-up. Remember that hygiene is crucial for cats – “They hate dirty toilets as much as we do, maybe more,” says Leslie. A clean box reduces the risk of urinary issues and ensures your cat will keep using it.

Do I need a covered or uncovered litter box?

This often comes down to your cat’s personality. Uncovered boxes offer excellent accessibility and ventilation, making them ideal for most cats – especially those that dislike confined spaces.

Covered boxes can give cats a sense of privacy and help contain mess, but the trapped odours can be a downside. Some cats love the privacy; others avoid them entirely.

If you opt for a covered box, choose one with a wide, easy-to-access entrance, and clean it regularly to prevent smells from building up. For multi-cat households, uncovered boxes placed in quiet, low-traffic areas are usually the safest bet.

The top 5 Kinship-reviewed cat litter boxes

Our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best overall

Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box

$41

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it
This jumbo hooded litter box blends security with practicality – a roomy, enclosed space that gives your cat privacy, while the integrated AirSift carbon filtration helps neutralise odours. The wide front door simplifies scooping, and its larger size is ideal for bigger breeds with minimal tracking.

Pros

• Generous, jumbo dimensions – great for large cats.

• Hooded design offers privacy and containment.

• Built-in AirSift carbon filter helps manage smells.

• Wide front door makes scooping easier.

• Enclosed design reduces litter scatter and tracking.

Cons

• Should be cleaned regularly to prevent odours building up.

• The hood can trap smells or humidity if airflow is limited.

• May feel tight for very large or long-legged cats.

• Requires extra effort to remove the hood and clean interior.

$41 at Catit

Best budget

Ohm Stainless Steel Non-Stick Litter Box

$55

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it
If you’ve ever wondered when the stainless-steel revolution would hit the litter box world, the OhmBox has your answer. Made entirely of stainless steel, it resists odours, won’t scratch or rust and features a non-stick interior for effortless cleaning. And because it’s built to last, it’s kinder to both your home and the planet.

Pros

• Doesn’t absorb smells or stains – stays fresh longer.

• Smooth, non-stick surface makes scooping and wiping simple.

• Rust-proof and scratch-resistant: a more durable alternative to plastic.

• Generous interior size gives big cats more room.

• Comes with anti-slip rubber feet to protect floors.

Cons

• Pricier upfront than many plastic options.

• No hood or cover means less privacy or odour containment.

• Metal can feel cold or clinical to some cats.

• Heavier to move when full, and can dent if handled roughly.

$55 at Amazon

Best self-cleaning

Catit SmartSift Cat Litter Box

$99

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it
A clever, manual ‘no-scooping’ solution: pull a lever and the system quietly sifts waste into a hidden drawer, while recycling clean litter back into the tray. No motors, no sudden movements and a more cat-friendly way to manage litter day to day.

Pros

• Manual lever-based sifting – no scary motor noise or electronic parts.

• Suitable for all clumping litters.

• Integrated carbon filter helps control odours.

• Clear viewing window and maintenance door make monitoring and refilling easier.

• Sealed, dust-resistant design reduces litter tracking.

Cons

• Still requires periodic emptying and cleaning.

• Hefty footprint – needs a fair amount of floor space.

• Not ideal for non-clumping or large-grain litters (works best with fine, harder clumping formula).

• Consumables (liners, carbon filters) can add to ongoing cost.

$99 at Catit

Best for preventing mess

Modkat Flip Litter Box

$42.59

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it

Born from the personal needs of a cat-dad and his industrial designer partner, the Modkat Flip is where form meets feline function. Its signature three-position lid (closed, halfway, fully open) lets you adapt to your cat’s preference – top-entry or open – while the sleek design also blends into your space.

Pros

• Versatile lid options: closed, half, or full open to match your cat’s comfort.

• High walls reduce litter scatter and help contain messes.

• Removable liner system for faster cleaning and less contact with waste.

• Sturdy construction, easy to scoop and maintain.

• Stylish design that looks more like furniture than a litter box.

Cons

• Reusable liner system can become odorous or require replacement over time.

• Front entry might be too high for older or arthritic cats.

• No active filtering or carbon filter built in – less odour control compared to vented boxes.

• Some pet parents report that liners and parts can be pricey or harder to source.

$42.59 at ZooPlus

Best aesthetic

Unipaws Cat Washroom

$149.99

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why we love it

This isn’t a litter box itself – it’s a clever piece of furniture. The Unipaws Litter Enclosure lets you tuck an existing litter box behind a sleek white-wood facade, blending pet care with home decor. It also doubles as storage for litter, toys or accessories, keeping everything looking tidy and intentional.

Pros

• Designed to house most standard litter boxes, hiding them from view.

• Additional shelving or cabinet space for toys, litter bags, scoops.

• Clean, furniture-style look fits into living rooms or hallways.

• Keeps litter area discreet and reduces visual clutter.

• Easy to slide your box in and out for cleaning.

Cons

• Doesn’t offer built-in ventilation or odour control (you’ll need to manage airflow).

• Your box still needs to fit the internal dimensions – some larger boxes may not work.

• Adds bulk – you’ll need space for the enclosure itself.

• Removing the box for daily cleaning can be less convenient than a standalone unit.

$149.99 at Amazon