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Last updated on October 2, 2026
A high sided litter box is the simplest fix when litter keeps ending up across the floor. Litter scattered several feet from the box, piles by the entrance, a box that never seems to keep the mess inside: these usually happen because the sides are too low.
A high sided litter box adds taller walls, usually between 8 and 16 inches, so litter stays inside the box instead of on the floor.
Cats that dig aggressively can easily kick litter out of shallow litter boxes.
Quick Picks
Best Open Plastic: IRIS USA Open Top High Sided
Best Open Stainless Steel: Kirecoo XXL Stainless
Best for Heavy Kickers: IRIS USA Large Top Entry
What Is a High Sided Litter Box?
High sided litter boxes use taller walls to keep litter and urine contained.
A high sided litter box is a litter pan with taller walls than a standard litter box.
Most regular litter pans have sides around 4 to 8 inches tall. High sided designs raise the walls so litter stays contained inside the box, and many include a lower entry section so the cat can step in comfortably.
Some covered and top entry boxes technically have tall walls too. But when people search for this term, they usually mean an open litter box with taller sides that still allows airflow and lets the cat see out.
Why Regular Litter Boxes Create So Much Mess
Cats that dig aggressively can easily kick litter out of shallow litter boxes.
Low sided litter boxes work well for calm cats that dig gently.
The problem appears when a cat has more energetic bathroom habits.
Aggressive digging
Some cats dig with enthusiasm when covering waste. Litter gets kicked backward and easily clears the edge of a shallow pan.
Large cats and cramped boxes
Bigger cats often end up standing close to the edge simply because they need more room. When the sides are short, even normal digging sends litter over.
If urine is going over the edge rather than litter, our high wall litter box guide compares open boxes by wall and entry height.
When a High Sided Litter Box Might Not Be the Best Fit
High sided litter boxes work well for many cats, but there are situations where the design needs a little adjustment.
Entry height
Very tall walls can be difficult for kittens, older cats, or cats with joint problems.
Look for a box with a lower entrance cutout so the cat can step inside comfortably.
Interior space
If the litter box footprint is too small, tall walls can make the interior feel cramped.
Cats should still have enough space to turn around and dig normally. Choosing a larger litter box usually solves this issue.
High Sided vs Covered vs Standard Litter Boxes
| Type | Mess Control | Cat Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Standard litter box | Low containment | Very open and accessible |
| High sided litter box | Good containment for kicked litter | Open top with added privacy |
| Covered litter box | Strong containment | Some cats dislike the enclosed space |
A high sided litter box often works well as a middle option. It provides more containment than a shallow pan while staying more open and ventilated than a covered litter box.
How to Choose the Right High Sided Litter Box
Size and interior space
The litter box should allow the cat to turn around easily. A common guideline is a box about one and a half times the length of the cat’s body, and large cats especially benefit from oversized boxes.
Entry design
Common entry styles include low front entry, side entry, and top entry. Most households do best with a low front entrance, since it keeps the tall walls while staying easy for cats to step into.
Material
Most high sided litter boxes are plastic. Plastic works well, but scratches can eventually hold odor.
A high sided stainless steel litter box avoids that issue and is usually easier to clean.
Seams and cleaning
Look for smooth interior surfaces and rounded corners. Boxes without complicated seams or ridges are easier to wash during litter changes.
High Sided Litter Box Picks at a Glance
One good option for each main type. For full comparisons, see our best high sided litter boxes for cats that kick litter, or our high wall litter box guide for cats that pee over the edge.
Open plastic: IRIS USA Open Top High Sided
The IRIS USA open top litter box is the classic design: tall side panels to contain scatter, with a lower front entrance for easy access.
Open stainless steel: Kirecoo XXL
The Kirecoo XXL is an all-metal open pan that one owner says fully contains litter from two large kickers. Its 7.68-inch walls suit moderate diggers rather than cats that pee standing up.
Top entry for heavy kickers: IRIS USA Large Top Entry
Not a traditional high sided pan, but the IRIS USA Large Top Entry has walls on every side and a lid on top, so there’s almost nowhere for kicked litter to go. It suits cats that can climb in comfortably.
Catching What Still Gets Out
Placing a litter mat outside the entrance catches litter that sticks to your cat’s paws when leaving the box. If that’s a constant problem, this guide on litter tracking problems and solutions can help.
If your cat is spraying on walls or vertical surfaces rather than aiming downward, a high sided box alone may not solve it. Our guide to litter boxes for cats that spray covers setups designed for that.
FAQ
Are high sided litter boxes good for cats?
Yes. They help contain litter scatter while still letting cats use an open box.
How high should the sides be on a high sided litter box?
Most range from about 8 to 16 inches tall, with a lower entry area so cats can step inside easily.
Do high sided litter boxes stop litter tracking?
They reduce scatter a lot, but some litter will still stick to your cat’s paws. A litter mat outside the box catches the rest.
Are high sided litter boxes good for large cats?
Yes. Larger high sided boxes give big cats more room to move while keeping litter inside.
