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This guide compares 10 practical picks, including seven models described in current Cats.com and Catster roundups and three design-based options for situations where a specific model’s measurements were not established. Dimensions and limitations below reflect those roundups; confirm current manufacturer specifications, opening sizes and price before buying.
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Choose the box by the type of mess
Digging scatter
If your cat flings litter over the sides while covering waste, start with an open pan with tall walls. Open access lets most cats enter naturally, while a high rear and side shield intercepts material thrown during digging. A lowered front is useful for entry but remains the most likely escape route for litter.
Urine spray or aiming over the rim
Spray direction matters. A high-sided pan can contain urine aimed at the back or sides, but a low entrance can still allow spray onto the floor or wall. Covered and top-entry boxes add a roof or enclosed perimeter that may improve containment for some cats. They are not universally accepted, so introduce one gradually and keep an open option available during the transition.
#1 Best Overall
- EXTRA LARGE SIZE FOR COMFORT: This extra large cat litter box measures 22.83" x 14.96" x 10.2" with a roomy 36L capacity, giving cats more space to turn, dig, and stretch comfortably.
- QUICK CLEANING, LESS MESS: The stainless steel litter box features a smooth non-stick surface that helps prevent litter and waste from sticking, making daily scooping and cleaning easier.
- INWARD-SLOPING DESIGN: Curved geometry guides litter inward, matching your cat's digging. It redirects particles back into the pan, minimizing tracking and keeping floors spotless for easy cleaning.
- FRESHER THAN PLASTIC: Unlike plastic cat litter boxes, this metal litter box resists stains and odors, helping keep your cat’s litter area cleaner and smelling fresher longer.
- OPEN TOP WITH USEFUL EXTRAS: The open top litter box design improves airflow and visibility. Includes a matching litter scoop and 4 anti-slip pads for a more stable setup.
Paw tracking after the cat exits
Tracking is different from scatter. A box may keep litter inside while granules still cling to paws. Put a litter mat directly under the exit; textured or perforated lids on some top-entry designs can also catch particles as the cat climbs out. A mat cannot compensate for an undersized or hard-to-access box.
Elimination outside the box
A sudden change in toileting is not evidence of spite. The Feline Veterinary Medical Association’s summary of the AAFP/ISFM house-soiling guideline says unwanted behavior occurs when a cat’s physical, social or medical needs are not being met. Have a veterinarian assess persistent or abrupt changes while you improve box size, access, cleanliness and placement.
Our 10 picks at a glance
| Pick | Best use | Dimensions or wall height | Entry and opening | Material or cleaning notes | Tracking or containment features | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Modkat XL | Overall choice for owners wanting configurable access | 21.3 × 17.3 × 16.5 in (Cats.com) | Configurable front or top entry | Reusable liners; scoop included (Cats.com) | Tracking-control features described by Cats.com | Price and interior size may not suit very large cats |
| 2. Frisco High-Sided | Budget open pan for digging scatter | 10-in sides; lowered entrance 5.6 in above floor (Cats.com) | Open top with lowered front | Recyclable BPA-free plastic; large footprint | Tall perimeter blocks side scatter | 5.6-in entry may still challenge older or mobility-limited cats |
| 3. iPrimio stainless-steel box with topper | Premium, wipeable base with extra wall height | 23.5 × 15.5 in base; 7.5-in sides; topper adds 6 in to three sides (Cats.com) | Open front; topper raises three walls | Steel resists stains, rust and odor (Cats.com); Catster describes plastic walls | Added topper height helps contain spray and scatter | Entry remains 7.5 in high; Catster notes a potentially loose-fitting topper |
| 4. IRIS Open Top | Open access with a lowered front | Not stated in cited roundups | Open top and lowered front (Catster) | Material and cleaning details not stated in cited roundups | Raised sides contain some digging scatter | Lowered front can remain a spray and scatter path |
| 5. Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan | High-sided containment when spray direction favors the back or sides | 21.25 × 17.75 × 9 in (Catster) | Open pan; exact entry height not stated | Material and liner details not stated in cited roundups | 9-in side walls | Effectiveness depends on where the cat aims; front access can still leak mess |
| 6. Kitangle Slope Style | Owners seeking a sloped, corner-oriented shape | Not stated in cited roundups | Slope-style configuration; opening dimensions not stated | Material and cleaning details not stated | Shape is intended to direct mess inward | Check usable floor area and entry height for your cat before purchase |
| 7. Petmate Top Entry | Containing scatter from cats that accept top entry | Not stated in cited roundups | Top entry; textured lid (Catster) | Material and cleaning details not stated | Textured lid can catch litter from paws as the cat exits | Top entry can be unsuitable for kittens, seniors or cats that dislike enclosed access |
| 8. Extra-large open high-sided pan | Very large cats that need more floor space | Choose a pan about 1.5 times nose-to-tail-base length; model dimensions not stated | Open front selected for the cat’s mobility | Choose a smooth, washable surface | High rear and sides reduce digging scatter | Wall height must not make entry difficult; no named model is established by the cited roundups |
| 9. Covered box with a large interior | Some high sprayers that tolerate an enclosure | Model dimensions not stated | Front door or oversized opening; verify interior dimensions | Removable lid makes scooping and washing easier | Roof and walls can contain spray; some lids provide a litter-catching surface | Many cats prefer open boxes, and a cramped interior can cause avoidance |
| 10. Low-entry box for kittens, seniors or mobility-limited cats | Reliable access when jumping or climbing is difficult | Model dimensions not stated; floor area should still be about 1.5 times cat length | Low threshold with enough surrounding wall to contain waste | Choose a non-porous surface that can be washed frequently | Pair with a mat for tracking | Low walls provide less spray and scatter protection |
The final three are design choices rather than named models because the cited product roundups did not establish a specific model, measurement or price for them. Treat the dimensions in the table as selection criteria, not as a performance guarantee.
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1. Modkat XL: best configurable setup
Cats.com lists the Modkat XL as its overall pick. Its 21.3 × 17.3 × 16.5-inch format can be configured for front or top entry, allowing you to start with the access style your cat accepts and change it if tracking or spray remains a problem. Reusable liners and an included scoop simplify routine maintenance, while the roundup describes tracking-control features.
The trade-off is fit. Cats.com flags the price and possible smallness for very large cats. Measure your cat from nose to the base of the tail and compare that length with the usable interior, not the outside shell. A tall enclosure is not useful if the cat cannot turn around comfortably.
2. Frisco High-Sided: best budget open pan
The Frisco model described by Cats.com has 10-inch sides, a large footprint and a lowered entrance 5.6 inches above the floor. Recyclable BPA-free plastic keeps the construction straightforward to wash. This is a strong starting point for cats that dig vigorously but prefer an uncovered tray.
The lowered front is also the weak point. Cats.com warns that 5.6 inches may still be high for an older cat or one with mobility limits. If urine is aimed toward the opening, add a washable mat and wall protection, or choose a design with a different entry arrangement.
3. iPrimio stainless-steel box with high-sided topper: best premium cleanability
Cats.com describes a 23.5 × 15.5-inch steel base with 7.5-inch sides and a removable topper that adds six inches to three sides. The steel is described as resisting stains, rust and odor, making it appealing when plastic retains smells or becomes difficult to scrub.
Access requires attention: the entry remains 7.5 inches above the floor. Catster describes the base as steel and the tall walls as plastic, and notes that the topper may fit loosely. Check the topper after assembly and inspect the front edge for gaps where spray or litter could escape.
4. IRIS Open Top: best for cats that reject lids
Catster describes the IRIS as an open-top box with a lowered front. It preserves an unobstructed view and easy entry while giving more side height than a shallow tray. That combination suits cats that become reluctant in enclosed boxes but still kick litter during digging.
Because the front is lowered, place it on a mat and orient the back toward the wall only if the cat still has a quiet, unblocked approach. The cited roundup does not establish dimensions or material, so verify the interior floor and cleaning instructions before ordering.
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5. Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan: best when spray hits the back or sides
Catster gives the Van Ness dimensions as 21.25 × 17.75 × 9 inches. Nine-inch walls provide more perimeter protection than a standard shallow pan, especially when the cat turns away from the entrance to urinate.
Containment depends on spray direction. If your cat backs toward the doorway, a high rear wall will not stop leakage through the front. The cited roundup does not state the exact entry height, material or liner system, so confirm those details and make sure the opening is suitable for your cat’s age and mobility.
6. Kitangle Slope Style: best for a corner-oriented layout
Catster includes the Kitangle Slope Style in its high-spray discussion. Its sloped configuration is intended to direct mess inward and can suit a corner placement where a rectangular box wastes space.
No dimensions or opening measurements are established in the cited material. Measure the usable floor area and verify that your cat can turn around without pressing against the slope. A corner box still needs a clear, quiet approach and should not trap the cat between a wall and another obstacle.
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7. Petmate Top Entry: best for cats comfortable climbing in
Catster describes the Petmate as a top-entry box with a textured lid. The lid can catch some litter from paws as the cat exits, addressing tracking rather than digging scatter.
Top entry is a behavioral choice, not a universal upgrade. Kittens, senior cats and cats with painful joints may struggle with the climb, while some adults simply refuse enclosed access. Introduce it alongside the cat’s familiar open box and remove the alternative only after consistent use.
Rank #2
- MADE IN USA with global materials - The IRIS USA open top kitty litter tray offers a functional and comfortable solution to your cat's bathroom needs. With the open air kitty litter pan, getting in and out of the tray has never been easier for your cat and the tall walls keep any litter or spraying inside the tray.
- PRIVATE - This open air cat litter tray offers privacy for your cat with tall walls that form the scatter shield, offering the privacy of a hooded cat litter box with the easy access and cleaning of an open air kitty litter pan.
- OPEN TOP - The open top makes it easy for you to monitor your cat's habits and health and stay on top of when it's time to clean.
- TIDY - The cat litter pan is designed with tall walls to keep litter scattering and spraying outside the box to a minimum, meaning less clean up for you and less waste of your litter or pellets.
- GREAT SIZE - Dimensions: 19"L x 15"W x 11.75"H. Open top IRIS Cat Litter Box is designed to offer cats plenty of room and quick accessibility
8. Extra-large open high-sided pan: best when floor space is the real problem
Some “messy” behavior is a size mismatch. The FVMA’s 2024 client guidance recommends a box about 1.5 times the cat’s length from nose to the base of the tail and notes that bigger is generally better. For a large cat, prioritize a long, wide floor over extreme wall height. Select an open pan with a high rear and sides, then choose the lowest entry the cat can use comfortably.
Because the cited roundups do not establish a specific extra-large model here, compare the manufacturer’s interior measurements and return policy rather than relying on labels such as “jumbo.”
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute9. Covered box with a genuinely large interior: best for some high sprayers
A roof and enclosed walls can contain spray that would clear an open pan, and some lids include textured or perforated sections that catch litter. This option is most appropriate when the cat already tolerates covered spaces and the interior is large enough for a full turn.
Do not assume “covered” means odor-free or universally preferred. Scoop frequently, check ventilation and provide an open alternative during the trial. Verify both the doorway dimensions and the interior height; a large exterior shell can hide a cramped usable area.
10. Low-entry box with adequate floor area: best for kittens and mobility limits
International Cat Care’s 2024 kitten booklet cautions that adult-height sides can make entry difficult for kittens. The FVMA likewise says older cats need a low entry. Choose a shallow threshold but preserve enough wall height around the back and sides to contain waste. The floor should still follow the approximately 1.5-times-length rule.
For a low-entry design, a mat and washable floor protector are especially important because less wall height means more opportunity for scatter or spray to escape.
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Provide enough boxes
The FVMA’s 2024 guidance is one litter box per cat plus one extra. Place them in different locations rather than lining them up together; several boxes in one room function more like one station from a cat’s perspective.
Use quiet, accessible locations
Keep boxes away from food and water. Choose places where a cat cannot be cornered, blocked by another pet or surprised by a noisy appliance. In a multi-level home, put at least one box on every floor so the cat does not have to make a long trip.
Measure the cat, not just the room
Measure from the nose to the base of the tail, then look for roughly 1.5 times that length in usable interior space. Check turning room, not only the outside dimensions. Older cats and kittens need a low entry; a high wall that prevents access defeats its containment purpose.
Offer a litter your cat will accept
Many cats prefer soft, unscented clumping litter. The FVMA advises trying different litter types and depths when house-soiling occurs and notes that aromatic or dusty litter, deodorizers and liners can be off-putting. Change one variable at a time so you can identify what the cat accepts.
Scoop and wash on a schedule
Remove waste at least once daily and add litter as needed. Wash the box every one to four weeks with soap and hot water, avoiding strong chemicals and ammonia-based products. Replace or wash liners according to the manufacturer’s instructions; discard a liner if it traps odor or your cat avoids the box.
Control the area around the exit
Place a litter mat under the entry for tracked granules. For spray-prone cats, use a washable wall or floor protector behind the box while you observe the cat’s direction. Keep the approach clear so the cat does not have to step over clutter or squeeze past another pet.
How to test a new box without causing avoidance
- Keep the familiar box in place. Put the new box beside it or in the same quiet area so the cat can investigate without losing a reliable toilet.
- Match the familiar litter first. Use the same litter and a similar depth. After the cat uses the new box consistently, test another litter or depth if needed.
- Observe entry, turning and exit. Watch for hesitation, awkward climbing, perching on the rim or immediate retreat. Those signs indicate an access or comfort problem, not stubbornness.
- Measure the actual mess. Check whether scatter leaves through the front, whether spray reaches a wall and whether tracking stops at the mat. Adjust orientation and mat placement before replacing the box again.
- Retain an acceptable option. If the cat avoids the enclosed or top-entry model, return to the open box and address the specific mess with higher walls, a larger footprint, a mat or better placement.
What the evidence can—and cannot—tell you
Current Cats.com and Catster roundups describe construction, dimensions, entry styles and observed advantages or drawbacks, but they do not provide a controlled statistic showing what percentage of litter or spray each design prevents. Results vary with the cat’s size, digging style, spray direction, litter depth, cleaning routine and room layout. Treat “high-sided,” “covered” and “top-entry” as design clues, not guarantees.
The practical rules in this guide come from professional client guidance: the FVMA’s 2024 recommendation of one box per cat plus one extra and a box about 1.5 times the cat’s length, plus International Cat Care’s 2024 warning that adult-height sides can hinder kittens. These are rules of thumb for setup, not results from a named statistical trial.
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When a new litter box is not enough
Contact a veterinarian when a cat suddenly stops using the box, strains, urinates unusually often, produces blood, cries, or repeatedly eliminates outside the box. Even without obvious illness, persistent house-soiling deserves an assessment of medical, social and environmental factors. Improve the setup while seeking help; do not punish the cat or assume anger is the cause.
For a cat that uses the box but scatters litter, begin with a correctly sized open high-sided pan and a mat. For a cat that sprays over the rim, test higher rear and side walls or a covered design only if the cat accepts it. For tracking, prioritize a mat or textured exit surface. For kittens, seniors or mobility-limited cats, lower the entry before increasing wall height.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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