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Litter is scattered across the floor. Small piles of litter are showing up several feet from the box. In some homes, even urine ends up outside the litter pan.
These problems often happen because the sides of the litter box are simply too low.
Cats that dig energetically can kick litter over the edge while covering their waste. Some cats also stand while urinating, which can cause urine to spill over the side of a shallow box.
A high sided litter box helps solve these problems by adding taller walls that keep litter and urine contained inside the box.
The extra height helps control mess while still giving cats the open space they prefer.
Below are some of the best high sided litter boxes designed for messy diggers, high sprayers, and larger cats that need a little more containment around the litter area.
High sided litter boxes help keep litter contained inside the box and reduce mess around the litter area.
Quick Picks: Best High Sided Litter Boxes
If you’re short on time, here are the top picks from this guide.
- Best Overall: IRIS USA Large Open Top Cat Litter Box
- Best Stainless Steel: WolfieGo Enclosed Stainless Steel Litter Box
- Best for Large Cats: AIPERRO Extra Large Stainless Steel Litter Box
- Best Budget Option: Amazon Basics High Sided Litter Box
- Best Top Entry Design: IRIS USA Top Entry Litter Box
- Best Extra Deep Box: Paulmele XXXL Stainless Steel Litter Box
- Best for Multi-Cat Homes: TownTime Extra Large High Sided Litter Box
Best High Sided Litter Boxes Compared
| Litter Box | Best For | Material | Size Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRIS USA Open Top | Overall litter scatter control | Plastic | Large |
| WolfieGo Stainless Steel | Odor control | Stainless Steel | XL |
| AIPERRO Extra Large | Large cats | Stainless Steel | XL |
| Amazon Basics High Sides | Budget option | Plastic | Large |
| IRIS USA Top Entry | Reducing litter tracking | Plastic | Large |
| Paulmele XXXL | High sprayers | Stainless Steel | XXXL |
| TownTime Extra Large | Multi-cat homes | Plastic | Jumbo |
How High Sided Litter Boxes Help Contain the Mess
Standard litter boxes usually have walls around four to eight inches tall. That works for calm cats that dig gently and squat low when they urinate.
The problem appears when a cat digs energetically or urinates close to the edge of the box.
Low sided litter boxes can allow litter to be kicked onto the floor when cats dig and cover their waste.
Some cats kick litter backward when covering waste. With a shallow litter box, that litter easily clears the edge and ends up on the surrounding floor.
Other cats stand slightly while urinating, which can send urine against the wall of the box and over the side.
A high sided litter box adds extra wall height, usually between eight and sixteen inches. The taller sides help keep both litter and urine contained inside the box.
This simple design change can dramatically reduce the amount of mess that ends up around the litter area.
What to Look for in a High Sided Litter Box
Not all high sided litter boxes solve the same problems. Some are designed mainly to contain litter scatter, while others are built to handle cats that spray high or need more room to move.
A few features make a noticeable difference.
Wall Height
High sided litter boxes use taller walls to help keep litter contained inside the box.
The most important feature is the height of the walls.
Standard litter boxes usually have sides around four to eight inches tall. A true high sided litter box typically has walls between eight and sixteen inches high.
Cats that kick litter aggressively or stand while urinating usually benefit from taller sides that keep the mess contained.
At the same time, the entrance should still be easy for the cat to step into.
Many high sided litter boxes include a lower front entry so the cat can walk in comfortably while the back and sides stay tall.
Box Size
Cats should be able to turn around easily inside the litter box.
A box that is too small forces the cat to stand close to the edge, which increases the chance of litter being kicked out or urine going over the side.
A good rule is to choose a litter box that is about one and a half times the length of the cat’s body.
Large cats especially benefit from extra space inside the box. If you’re choosing a litter box for a bigger breed, our guide to the best extra large litter boxes for big cats covers several oversized options designed for larger cats.
Entry Style
High sided litter boxes come in several different entry styles.
Low front entry boxes allow easy access while keeping the back and sides tall.
Top entry litter boxes require the cat to enter from an opening in the lid. These can help reduce litter tracking but may not be ideal for kittens or senior cats.
Side entry designs place the doorway on the side wall, which can help contain litter kicked forward.
Material
Most high sided litter boxes are made from plastic.
Plastic boxes are lightweight and affordable, but scratches can eventually hold odor.
Some models are made from stainless steel instead. A high sided stainless steel litter box has a smooth, non-porous surface that resists odor and is often easier to clean.
Ease of Cleaning
Simple designs are usually easier to maintain.
Look for boxes with smooth surfaces and rounded interior corners. These are much easier to wash during litter changes.
Open top designs also make daily scooping faster and more convenient.
Our Picks for the Best High Sided Litter Boxes
The litter boxes below were selected based on wall height, interior size, ease of cleaning, and customer feedback. Each one is designed to help reduce litter scatter while giving cats enough space to use the box comfortably.
1. IRIS USA Large Open Top Cat Litter Box with High Sided Walls
Quick summary: A large open litter box with tall side walls that helps contain litter scatter while still giving cats easy access.
Best Overall High Sided Litter Box
The IRIS USA Large Open Top Cat Litter Box is one of the most popular high sided litter boxes available, and it’s easy to see why.
The design uses tall side and back walls to help contain litter scatter while still keeping a lower entrance in the front. Cats can step into the box comfortably, but the higher sides help prevent litter from being kicked out when they dig and cover waste.
The interior space is large enough for most cats to turn around and dig normally, which helps reduce accidents that happen when a litter box feels cramped.
Because the box is made from durable plastic with a simple open design, it’s also very easy to scoop and clean during regular litter changes.
With thousands of positive reviews and a design focused on controlling litter scatter, this model works well in many homes dealing with messy diggers.
Why it stands out
The tall walls do an excellent job of containing litter kicked during digging, which helps keep the surrounding floor cleaner.
Possible downsides
Very high sprayers may still benefit from an even taller design or a partially enclosed box.
Best for
Cats that kick litter everywhere while digging.
2. WolfieGo Enclosed Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box with Lid
Quick summary: A stainless steel litter box with tall sides and enclosed walls designed to control odor and prevent litter scatter.
Best Stainless Steel High Sided Litter Box
The WolfieGo enclosed stainless steel cat litter box combines a large metal litter pan with tall surrounding walls that help contain litter scatter and urine spray.
Stainless steel litter boxes have become increasingly popular because they resist odor and are more durable than plastic. The smooth, non-porous surface is easy to clean and does not absorb smells the way scratched plastic can.
This model adds an enclosed design around the steel pan, which helps contain litter kicked during digging and provides extra protection for cats that urinate higher than normal.
The interior is spacious enough for most cats to turn and dig comfortably, while the open entry area still allows easy access for daily use.
Because stainless steel does not scratch as easily as plastic, the surface stays smoother and more hygienic even after long-term use.
Why it stands out
The stainless steel pan resists odor buildup and is easier to clean than traditional plastic litter boxes.
Possible downsides
The enclosed design takes up slightly more space than a simple open litter pan.
Best for
Cats that urinate high or situations where plastic litter boxes begin to hold odor.
3. AIPERRO Extra Large Stainless Steel Litter Box for Big Cats
Quick summary: An oversized stainless steel litter box designed to give large cats more space while keeping litter and spray contained.
Best High Sided Litter Box for Large Cats
Large cats often struggle with standard litter boxes that feel cramped or shallow. When a box is too small, cats tend to stand close to the edge, which can lead to litter being kicked out or urine going over the side.
The AIPERRO extra large stainless steel litter box provides significantly more interior space than typical litter pans. The oversized design allows big cats to turn around comfortably and dig without feeling restricted.
Tall surrounding walls help keep litter contained when cats dig aggressively, while the stainless steel base adds durability and makes the box easier to clean.
Because stainless steel resists scratching and does not absorb odor the way plastic can, the surface stays smoother and more hygienic even after long-term use.
Why it stands out
The oversized interior gives large cats enough space to move naturally without pushing litter over the edge.
Possible downsides
The larger footprint requires more floor space than a standard litter box.
Best for
Large cats or multi-cat homes that need a bigger litter box with higher sides.
4. Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides and Lid
Quick summary: A simple and affordable high sided litter box with enclosed lid that helps reduce litter scatter while remaining easy for cats to enter.
Best Budget High Sided Litter Box
High sided litter boxes with lids don’t have to be expensive to work well. The Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides is a simple, affordable option that still does a good job of containing litter scatter.
The design uses tall back and side walls to help keep litter inside the box when cats dig and cover their waste. A lowered front entry allows cats to step into the box easily without needing to jump over the taller sides.
At 23 x 20 inches, the interior provides enough space for most cats to turn around comfortably while still keeping the footprint compact enough for smaller litter areas.
Why it stands out
An affordable high sided litter box with enclosed lid with thousands of reviews and a simple design that helps contain litter scatter.
Possible downsides
Like most plastic litter boxes, the surface may eventually develop scratches after long-term use.
Best for
Anyone looking for a simple, inexpensive litter box with higher sides to reduce litter mess.
5. IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Lid
Quick summary: A top entry litter box designed to reduce litter tracking and keep kicked litter contained inside the box.
Best Top Entry High Sided Litter Box
The IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Lid is designed to reduce litter scatter and tracking by using a top-entry design instead of a traditional front opening.
Cats enter through the opening on the lid and step down into the litter area. The tall enclosed sides help contain litter kicked during digging, while the textured lid helps remove loose litter from a cat’s paws as they climb out.
Because most cats exit through the top, loose litter tends to fall back into the box rather than being tracked across the floor.
This makes top-entry litter boxes especially helpful in homes where litter tends to spread around the room.
Why it stands out
The top-entry design helps prevent litter from being kicked out of the box while the textured lid helps catch loose litter before it reaches the floor.
The enclosed design also helps keep curious dogs from reaching the litter area.
Possible downsides
Top-entry litter boxes may not be ideal for kittens, senior cats, or cats that have mobility issues since they require a small jump to enter and exit.
Best for
Cats that track litter around the house or households looking for a cleaner litter area with less mess on the surrounding floor.
6. Paulmele XXXL Stainless Steel High Sided Litter Box
Quick summary: An extra deep stainless steel litter box with very tall sides designed for messy diggers and cats that urinate high.
Best Extra Deep High Sided Litter Box
Some cats dig aggressively or urinate higher than the walls of a standard litter box. The Paulmele XXXL Stainless Steel High Sided Litter Box is designed specifically to handle those situations.
This model uses extra-tall sides reaching up to 16 inches, combined with a deep stainless steel litter pan that helps contain both litter scatter and urine spray.
The stainless steel base is smooth, non-porous, and much more resistant to odor absorption than plastic litter boxes.
Why it stands out
The 16-inch high sides and deep interior provide exceptional containment for litter scatter and high sprayers.
Possible downsides
The larger size may require more floor space than smaller litter boxes.
Best for
Large cats, aggressive diggers, or cats that tend to urinate higher than the walls of standard litter boxes.
7. TownTime Extra Large High Sided Litter Box
Quick summary: A jumbo high sided litter box that provides plenty of space for large cats or multi-cat households.
Best Jumbo High Sided Litter Box for Multi-Cat Homes
Homes with multiple cats often need a litter box that offers more space and better containment. The TownTime Extra Large High Sided Litter Box is designed with a roomy interior and tall surrounding walls that help keep litter inside the box.
With dimensions of 24.6″ L × 16.9″ W × 12.9″ H, this jumbo litter box gives cats plenty of room to turn around, dig, and cover their waste comfortably.
The durable polypropylene plastic construction keeps the box lightweight and easy to move when cleaning or changing litter.
Why it stands out
The oversized interior gives cats significantly more room than standard litter boxes while the tall walls help contain litter scatter.
Possible downsides
The larger footprint requires more floor space than a typical litter box.
Best for
Multi-cat homes or large cats that need extra room inside the litter box.
How to Choose the Best High Sided Litter Box
Not every high sided cat litter box solves the same problem. The right choice often depends on your cat’s behavior, the size of the cat, and how much litter scatter you’re dealing with.
A few key factors can make a big difference when choosing the right design.
Wall Height
The most important feature of a high sided litter box is the height of the walls.
Standard litter boxes usually have sides around 4 to 6 inches high, which doesn’t do much to stop litter scatter or urine spray.
High sided litter boxes typically range from 8 to 16 inches tall, depending on the design.
Cats that dig aggressively or urinate higher than normal benefit from the taller wall height.
However, it’s still important that the box has a lower entry area so cats can step inside comfortably.
Interior Size
Cats prefer litter boxes that give them enough room to turn around and dig.
A common guideline is that the litter box should be about one and a half times the length of the cat’s body from nose to tail base.
Larger cats especially benefit from oversized litter boxes, since cramped spaces can lead to positioning near the edge of the box and more mess outside it.
Plastic vs Stainless Steel
Plastic litter boxes are lightweight and affordable, but over time they can develop scratches that trap odor.
Stainless steel litter boxes are more durable and resist odor absorption because the surface is non-porous. They are often easier to clean and can last much longer than plastic boxes.
Both options work well, but stainless steel has become increasingly popular among cat owners looking for a more hygienic solution.
Final Thoughts
A high sided litter box can make a noticeable difference if your cat regularly kicks litter out of the box or urinates higher than the sides of a standard pan.
The taller walls help contain litter scatter and reduce the mess that often ends up on the floor around the litter area.
Whether you choose a simple open litter box, a stainless steel model, or a top entry design, the key is finding a box that gives your cat enough space while keeping litter and urine contained.
For cats that dig energetically or stand while urinating, switching to a high sided litter box can dramatically reduce litter scatter and make daily cleanup much easier.
