Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteMost cats that scratch the sides of the litter box are doing a version of normal digging: they may be looking for a place to go or trying to cover what they have left behind, and their paw reaches the box wall instead of the litter. If this is a longstanding habit and your cat otherwise uses the box normally, side scratching alone does not show that anything is wrong. A new or unusually persistent pattern—especially with changes in urination or defecation—deserves closer attention.
Why cats scratch the box before or after going
Before eliminating
A cat may pace, paw, or scratch while choosing and arranging a spot. The side of the pan can become the target when the cat reaches the edge while trying to move litter.
After eliminating
Cats often dig as they attempt to cover their waste. If a pawing motion extends beyond the litter, the cat may scratch the wall or rim instead. Some cats also scratch near the box as part of the same routine.
These behaviors are not, by themselves, proof that your cat is ill, unhappy, or rejecting the box. What matters is whether the pattern is new, prolonged, or accompanied by other changes.
#1 Best Overall
- ENCLOSED DESIGN: The cat litter box with top cover is designed to prevent litter scatter and provide a private space for your furry friends. The cat litter box is made of high-quality stainless steel, which is long-lasting, rust-proof, and easy to clean. The sturdy construction ensures that the box can withstand the weight of your cats and provide long-term use.
- EXCLUSIVE DESIGN PATENT：The 30° angled litter filter plate in the AIPERRO litter box provides a specific advantage in preventing cats from easily taking litter out of the box. This can be particularly beneficial in keeping the surrounding area clean and reducing the need for constant cleanup.
- XL SIZE: The stainless steel cat litter box is extra large, measuring 23 x 15 x 11 inches. It is suitable for cats of all sizes, including large and giant breeds. The high sides prevent litter from spilling out, making it easy to clean and maintain.
- ANTI-URINE LEAKAGE: The cat litter box is designed with a leak-proof design, including a sealed bottom and a curved shape. Superior sealing - ensures liquids are contained within the stainless steel cat litter box, keeps your home clean and no odor.
- PERFECT COMBINATION: Stainless steel litter box comes with a cat litter mat, which provides a comfortable surface for your cats to step on. It also includes an all-metal litter scoop, making it easy to clean the litter box thoroughly.
When prolonged or new scratching calls for a closer look
Long digging or a change in bathroom habits can have several possible explanations; side scratching alone cannot identify the cause. Review the box and its surroundings, and consider whether your cat is comfortable getting in, turning around, digging, and leaving. Box or litter aversion can involve the box, litter, location, access, an unpleasant experience, fear, or conflict with other cats, as described by Cornell Feline Health Center and the Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Cleanliness: Check whether the box needs scooping or cleaning.
- Room and litter: Make sure there is enough usable space to enter, turn, dig, and leave, and consider whether the amount or type of litter suits your cat.
- Box style and access: A high side, cover, or entry may be uncomfortable, especially for a kitten, an older cat, or a cat with joint or mobility problems.
- Surroundings: Consider whether the location, access, a recent unpleasant experience, or tension with another cat could be affecting box use.
These are things to check, not conclusions: any one of them may or may not explain the behavior.
Rank #2
- 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.
Bathroom changes that warrant veterinary advice
Medical conditions can make urination or defecation painful or urgent, and age-related or mobility problems can make reaching the box harder. A cat that scratches the sides cannot be diagnosed from that behavior. Contact a veterinarian if the scratching starts suddenly or comes with straining, more frequent trips, crying, eliminating outside the box, or another unusual change in bathroom behavior. As Cornell puts it, “The solution to your cat’s problem will depend on the underlying causes of their behavior.”
What to try at home
- Observe the pattern. Note whether scratching happens before or after elimination, how long it lasts, whether your cat actually urinates or defecates, and whether the behavior is new. A short video and notes may help your veterinarian understand an unusual pattern; they are not a diagnostic test.
- Make the current box easy to use. Keep it clean and check that your cat can enter, turn, dig, and leave comfortably.
- Change litter gradually if needed. Cornell notes that most cats prefer unscented litter and recommends mixing in a new litter gradually rather than switching abruptly.
- Match the box to your cat. Larger cats need more room; kittens and cats with joint pain may need low sides. With multiple cats, Cornell recommends one box per cat plus one, placed in multiple locations.
- Avoid punishment. Punishing a cat for scratching or elimination problems is not recommended and can make the problem worse, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Would a different litter box or mat help?
If prolonged digging is kicking litter out or the current box seems uncomfortable, a roomy, high-sided box with a low entry may be worth considering as a setup experiment, not as a guaranteed cure. Compare usable floor area, side height, entry height, cleaning ease, and fit for your cat’s age, size, and mobility. Taller sides may contain scattered litter, but the entry still needs to be manageable. Top-entry and covered styles may not suit cats with arthritis, senior cats, or some overweight cats, as PetMD notes; Cornell also advises low sides for kittens and cats with joint pain.
Rank #3
- 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
If you change litter, favor your cat’s preference and transition gradually. A litter-trapping mat can catch some litter tracked outside the box, but it is a housekeeping measure, not a treatment for scratching. A cat with an ordinary, comfortable digging routine does not need a purchase to make the behavior acceptable.
Quick Recap
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.
