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Last updated on October 7, 2026
The best cat litter box is the type that fits your cat, then a box that does that type well. A tall open pan, a low-entry tray and a top-entry box each solve a different problem.
Start with the type. A roomy open box is a useful default. High sides add containment, low entry reduces the step at the front, covered and top-entry boxes change how your cat enters the box, and a stainless steel pan gives you a different surface from plastic. Then size the box to your cat.
Below is one example of each type, and the guide to read next if that type fits your situation.
Quick Picks
Open High-Sided: IRIS USA XXL Open Top
Low Entry: BOHESI Extra Large
Covered: Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded
Top Entry: IRIS USA Top-Entry Square
Stainless Steel: Tevila High-Sided
Find Your Guide
Big cat: best extra large litter box for big cats or Maine Coon cats
More than one cat: best litter box for multiple cats
Need a lower entrance: senior cats, arthritic cats or low entry litter boxes
Pee over the edge: best litter box for cats that pee over the edge
Long fur or tracking: best litter box for long-haired cats
Tight space: best litter box for small bathrooms
Want a lid: covered litter boxes or top entry litter boxes
Less scooping: best automatic litter box
Litter Box Types Compared
| Type | Example | Listed Size | Entry | What It Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open high-sided | IRIS USA XXL Open Top | 30 x 20 x 14 in | 6.5 in curved side | More containment around a big open pan |
| Low entry | BOHESI Extra Large | 23.23 x 16.54 x 4.33 in | Front ramp, about 2.6 in per BOHESI | A smaller step at the front |
| Covered | Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded | 21 x 16 x 15 in (Standard) | Front, swinging door | A hood over the pan |
| Top entry | IRIS USA Top-Entry Square | 17.25 in square outside; 14.13 in inside | Top | Cats exit across a grooved lid |
| Stainless steel | Tevila High-Sided | 22.95 x 14.96 x 10.14 in | Open | A steel pan instead of plastic |
Open High-Sided: IRIS USA XXL Open Top
Why It Stands Out
At about 30 x 20 inches, it gives substantially more floor space than many standard litter boxes, while the 14-inch sides add containment. Cats step in through a 6.5-inch curved side entrance. Reviewers in several countries say it contains urine and scatter.
Possible Downsides
It needs a lot of floor space and a lot of litter to fill.
Best For
Homes that want a large open pan with high sides. Next read: best extra large litter box for big cats.
Low Entry: BOHESI Extra Large Litter Box
Why It Stands Out
BOHESI measures 23.23 x 16.54 inches and uses a low front ramp, which the maker puts at about 2.6 inches, rather than a tall entry wall. The ABS tray is open and simple to wipe. Many reviewers describe it as roomy and sturdy.
Possible Downsides
At only 4.33 inches high overall, it gives up much of the containment of a high-sided box.
Best For
Cats that step in rather than hop. Next read: low entry litter box.
Covered: Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded
Why It Stands Out
It’s a conventional front-entry covered box, with a swinging door and a lid that opens along the top for scooping.
Possible Downsides
A hood reduces usable interior space, so check the inside fit rather than relying on the outside dimensions.
Best For
Cats that already accept a covered box. Next read: best covered litter box.
Top Entry: IRIS USA Top-Entry Square
Why It Stands Out
Cats climb in through the top and leave across a grooved lid that catches litter from paws. At 17.25 inches square, it fits small spaces, with 14.13 inches square inside.
Possible Downsides
Your cat has to climb in and out, and the inside suits average-size cats, not big ones.
Best For
Cats that readily use top-entry boxes, especially where the grooved exit lid is useful for paw tracking. Next read: best top entry cat litter box.
Stainless Steel: Tevila High-Sided Litter Box
Why It Stands Out
It pairs a stainless steel pan with high ABS sides, at 22.95 x 14.96 x 10.14 inches. Stainless steel resists scratching better than plastic and is less likely to retain lingering odor. Reviewers also report that waste and litter release readily from the pan. It comes with a scoop and non-slip pads.
Possible Downsides
The high sides are ABS rather than stainless steel, so this isn’t an all-metal box.
Best For
Owners who want an open box with a steel pan. Next read: stainless steel litter box vs plastic.
What About Automatic Litter Boxes?
Automatic litter boxes are a separate category because the cleaning mechanism, opening and compatible litter vary by machine. See our best automatic litter box guide for the boxes themselves and best cat litter for automatic litter boxes for litter compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of litter box do most cats prefer?
A large, uncovered box is a good starting point. AAHA notes that cats generally prefer shallow, uncovered boxes, although individual preferences vary. If your cat already uses another style reliably, there’s no reason to change just for the sake of it.
What size litter box should I get?
Go by your cat’s length, not the size label. Our extra large litter box guide walks through the sizing method.
Why won’t my cat use its litter box?
Size, location, cleanliness and box style are common reasons, and a sudden change is worth a vet visit. Our guide on why a cat stops using the litter box covers it.
Should I buy a self-cleaning box?
Only if your cat is comfortable with one. Our automatic litter box guide compares designs.
