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Last updated on October 2, 2026
The best extra large litter box for big cats is long enough for your cat to turn around and dig without standing on the edge. Many standard litter boxes are smaller than recommended for larger cats, which can contribute to awkward positioning, edge misses and litter scatter.
This guide shows how to work out the size your cat needs, then compares five extra large boxes by footprint, from biggest to smallest.
The best extra large litter box for a big cat is about 1.5 times your cat’s length from nose to the base of the tail, following current FelineVMA/iCatCare guidance. Measure your cat first, then compare that number with the available box sizes.
Quick Picks
Biggest Footprint: IRIS USA XXL Open Top
Best Stainless Steel XXL: ICYAIR XXL with Lid
Best Open Stainless Pan: EGMEHOAD XXXL Stainless
Best Mid-Size Stainless: Pematar XXL with Lid
Best for Tighter Spaces: TownTime Extra Large High Sided
How Big a Litter Box Does a Big Cat Need?
The 2025 FelineVMA/iCatCare guidance recommends a litter box about 1.5 times your cat’s length from nose to the base of the tail. Measure your cat, then multiply by 1.5.
A cat that’s 18 inches long needs a box about 27 inches long. A 20-inch cat needs about 30 inches. Many standard litter boxes fall short of that, so big cats often need an XL or XXL box.
Extra Large Litter Boxes by Footprint
The dimensions below are the manufacturers’ listed overall dimensions. Usable interior space can be smaller, especially in boxes with curved or sloped sides.
| Box | Overall Footprint | Wall Height | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRIS USA XXL Open Top | 30 x 20 in | 14 in | Open, plastic |
| ICYAIR XXL with Lid | 28 x 20 in | 12 in | Lidded, stainless pan |
| EGMEHOAD XXXL | 28 x 20 in | 6 in | Open stainless pan |
| Pematar XXL with Lid | 26 x 18 in | 12 in | Lidded, stainless |
| TownTime Extra Large | 24.6 x 16.9 in | 13 in | Open, plastic |
IRIS USA Extra Large XXL Open Top Litter Box
Why It Stands Out
At 30 by 20 inches, it’s the biggest box here, with 14-inch walls and a 6.5-inch curved entrance. Reviewers in several countries confirm it contains urine and scatter, and one owner says it fully contains accidents from her 18-year-old cat.
Possible Downsides
It needs a lot of floor space and a lot of litter to fill.
Best For
The biggest cats, in homes with the space to spare.
ICYAIR XXL Stainless Steel Litter Box with Lid
Why It Stands Out
A 28 by 20 inch stainless box with 12-inch walls. It fits a 16 lb adult cat, and reviewers credit it with containing an aggressive digger and a cat that stands to pee. A footboard at the entry catches tracked litter.
Possible Downsides
It’s lidded, so it won’t suit cats that avoid covered boxes. Measure your space first.
Best For
Big cats in homes that want stainless steel and a lid.
EGMEHOAD XXXL Stainless Steel Litter Box
Why It Stands Out
A 28 by 20 inch open stainless pan. Reviewers confirm it works for multi-cat homes and very large cats, including a 28-pound Maine Coon.
Possible Downsides
The 6-inch walls are much lower than the taller boxes here, so choose this one for floor space rather than urine containment.
Best For
Very large cats that need room to turn and refuse covered boxes.
Pematar XXL Stainless Steel Litter Box with Lid
Why It Stands Out
At 26 by 18 inches with 12-inch sides, it’s confirmed to fit a 20 lb cat. One owner credits the lid’s inner guard with stopping urine from seeping out at the joint.
Possible Downsides
Stainless steel can sound louder than plastic under digging, and some owners notice the ringing at first.
Best For
Big cats in homes where odor builds up in plastic boxes.
TownTime Extra Large High Sided Litter Box
Why It Stands Out
At 24.6 by 16.9 inches, it’s the smallest box here, but it still has nearly 13-inch walls. It fits spaces where the 30-inch IRIS won’t.
Possible Downsides
It’s sold as a tool-free assembly, so it isn’t one piece. Check the joints if your cat pees against the walls.
Best For
Big cats in bathrooms or laundry rooms without room for an XXL box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an extra large litter box enough for multiple cats?
A bigger box helps, but it’s still one box in one location. For multiple cats, see how many litter boxes per cat.
What’s the best litter box for a Maine Coon?
See our best litter box for Maine Coon cats guide, which covers the breed specifically.
Do big cats need higher walls?
Not necessarily. Floor size and wall height solve different problems. A large cat needs enough room to turn and position comfortably, while taller walls matter when litter or urine is actually going over the edge. Our high wall litter box guide compares wall heights.
