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Last updated on July 16, 2026
Litter is scattered across the floor. Urine splashed on the wall. A box that somehow never keeps the mess contained.
These problems usually happen when the sides of the litter box are simply too low.
A high sided litter box solves this by adding taller walls, usually between 8 and 16 inches high, which help keep litter and urine inside the box instead of on the floor.
For energetic diggers and cats that stand while peeing, that extra wall height can make a dramatic difference in how clean the litter area stays.
Cats that dig aggressively can easily kick litter out of shallow litter boxes.
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 increase the wall height so litter and urine stay contained inside the box.
Many models include a lower entry section so the cat can step inside comfortably.
You may also see these described as:
high sided cat litter box
litter box with high sides
high wall litter box
Some covered and top entry litter boxes technically have tall walls as well. However, when people search for this term they are usually looking for an open litter box with taller sides that still allows airflow and visibility, keeping a sense of privacy without the trapped feeling some cats get from a fully covered box.
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 and squat low when they urinate.
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.
Standing while urinating
Certain cats stand instead of squatting while they pee. When the wall of the box is too low, urine can hit the rim and run down the outside of the box.
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 urination can spill over the edge.
A high sided litter box addresses all three of these situations at once by increasing the wall height around the litter area, without the odor buildup or hesitation some cats show toward a fully covered box. For a look at specific models that work best, this guide to the best high-sided litter boxes covers the top options across different sizes and materials.
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 litter and urine | 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 to choose a box about one and a half times the length of the cat’s body, large cats especially benefit from oversized litter boxes.
Entry design and height
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 remaining easy for cats to enter, an entry height of about 2 to 5 inches works well for most cats, even with 8 to 16 inch walls around the rest of the box.
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.
Cleaning and maintenance
Look for designs with smooth interior surfaces and rounded corners.
Boxes without complicated seams or ridges are easier to wash during litter changes.
Types of High Sided Litter Boxes
High sided litter boxes come in several different designs. The right style depends on how your cat behaves around the litter box.
Open high sided litter boxes
This is the most common design.
The box has tall walls with a lower entry area in the front. Cats can easily step in while the taller sides help contain litter and urine.
These work well for cats that dig aggressively or stand while urinating.
One example is the IRIS USA open top litter box with high sided walls, which uses tall side panels to reduce litter scatter while keeping a lower front entrance for easy access.
High sided stainless steel litter boxes
Some high sided litter boxes are made from stainless steel instead of plastic.
Stainless steel does not absorb odor the way plastic can. It also resists scratching, which helps keep the surface easier to clean.
These models are often a good choice for homes dealing with persistent litter box odor. Pairing a stainless steel box with a strong odor-control litter makes the biggest combined difference — this guide to the best cat litter for odor control covers which litters work best in that kind of setup.
One example is the Tevila stainless steel litter box with high sides, which uses a metal litter pan combined with a removable splash guard. The guard raises the walls to help contain urine spray while the stainless steel base stays smooth and easy to wash.
The open top design also gives cats plenty of room to move while keeping the litter area well ventilated.
Top entry litter boxes
Top entry litter boxes also have tall walls, but the cat enters through an opening on the lid.
This design helps contain litter scatter because cats step out onto the lid before jumping down.
However, top entry boxes are not ideal for kittens or senior cats that have trouble climbing.
One example is the IRIS USA large top entry litter box, which uses a covered design with an opening in the lid. The textured lid helps remove litter from a cat’s paws as they step out, reducing tracking around the litter area.
The tall walls and enclosed sides also help keep kicked litter inside the box.
Maintenance Tips for High Sided Litter Boxes
A high sided litter box helps contain the mess, but regular cleaning still makes a big difference.
Scooping the box daily keeps the litter fresher and encourages cats to continue using it.
During full litter changes, washing the box with warm water and mild soap helps remove residue that can build up along the sides.
Placing a litter mat outside the entrance can also catch small amounts of litter that stick to a cat’s paws when leaving the box. If that is 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 fully solve the problem. In those cases, it helps to look at setups designed specifically for that behavior, like those covered in this guide to litter boxes for cats that spray.
FAQ
Are high sided litter boxes good for cats?
Yes. High sided litter boxes help contain litter scatter and urine spray while still allowing cats to use an open litter box.
How high should the sides be on a high sided litter box?
Most high sided litter boxes 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 litter scatter significantly, but some litter may still stick to a cat’s paws. A litter mat outside the box helps catch the remaining particles.
Are high sided litter boxes good for large cats?
Yes. Larger high sided litter boxes give big cats more space to move while helping keep litter and urine contained inside the box.
Do kittens or senior cats need a different type?
Kittens and older cats may need a lower entry point. Many high sided litter boxes include a front cutout that makes stepping into the box easier.
