March 6, 2023, 5:02 am | Read time: 11 minutes

In this comparison, we present eight recommended litter boxes. PETBOOK has reviewed a selection of different models and reveals the types available, what matters in a litter box, and the criteria you should consider when purchasing.

These Different Types of Litter Boxes

Litter boxes can generally be divided into two types: closed litter boxes and open trays. Covered boxes are certainly the more pleasant option for cat owners, as the smell is less likely to spread. Additionally, little litter is scattered when the cat scratches after doing its business. Many cats feel protected and secure in covered boxes. However, other cats feel confined and prefer a litter box without a lid. For these cats, an open tray is recommended.

If you want to try a closed litter box, you should pay special attention to hygiene to ensure your cat doesn’t refuse to use it. Cats are much more sensitive to smells than humans. Odors can accumulate under the lid, making your cat uncomfortable in its box. You can remedy this by cleaning the box regularly and supporting air circulation, such as by removing or keeping the door open.

What to Consider When Buying

To ensure your cat accepts and enjoys using its litter box, it’s important to take your time when choosing. Don’t buy the cheapest or first product you find; instead, adequately inform yourself about what matters when purchasing. Consider the following criteria when buying.

The Right Size for the Litter Box – Not Too Big, Not Too Small

Is your cat small and delicate or rather robust? You should ask yourself this question before buying your litter box, as it must fit your cat’s body size. If it’s too small, your cat might look for an alternative. How big should the box be at a minimum? As a rule of thumb, your cat should be able to turn around effortlessly without bumping into anything. This ensures it can cover its waste afterward. On the other hand, the litter box shouldn’t be too large, as it might intimidate your cat, especially if it’s very young.

Entering a too-large box can be difficult for cats. It’s easiest for your cat to use the box if it’s not covered or has a high entry. The dimensions of the litter box are also important for its location. If you place it behind a door, ensure the door can still open and close—the litter box shouldn’t be a hindrance in your daily life. Your cat should also have easy access to the box. Remember, cats need peace when doing their business.

Easy Cleaning

A litter box should not only fit the room but also be easy to clean. To ensure your cat feels comfortable in its box, you should regularly remove all residues. Materials like water-repellent plastic are ideal for this. For surface dirt, it’s often enough to rinse the tray briefly with water. Even more convenient is a self-cleaning litter box. This type of box has a built-in sieve that can be manually removed, allowing all waste to be disposed of. There are also intelligent, self-cleaning models that automatically transfer all waste into a separate container after use, effectively preventing unpleasant odors.

Stable Stand

A cat’s toilet must withstand some stress. This is especially true if your cat is rather robust or tends to stand on the edge of the box. The edges should also be stable to prevent damage when your cat enters.

Design Can Also Be Important

Those who value interior design often want the box to match the rest of the decor. After all, the litter box will be used for a long time and remain a part of the household. You’re safest choosing a box in a classic color. Most boxes are available in classic shades like gray, brown, black, or white. If you want a real eye-catcher, opt for bright, intense colors like pink, red, or yellow.

Material Matters

A high-quality litter box should be made of well-tolerated materials. Otherwise, allergic reactions may occur. Most litter boxes are made of plastic, which is easy to clean. Be cautious when choosing colors—ask for relevant certificates if in doubt.

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8 Recommended Litter Boxes in Comparison

In our litter box comparison, we evaluate boxes based on their stability, workmanship, and safety. Litter boxes should have no sharp edges or corners and be easy to handle: An uncomplicated, residue-free cleaning is just as important as whether the box integrates seamlessly into the household. The price should be proportional to the product and quality. Speaking of price: A litter box is a long-term investment, so it shouldn’t be the deciding factor.

Rotho “Biala”

Is your cat sensitive and easily disturbed? Then the Rotho toilet is ideal. The container is extra high, allowing your cat to shield itself discreetly while using the box. The Rotho litter box is easy to clean due to its simple, clean shape; a little water and soap are enough. The litter box also features non-slip feet that don’t easily wobble. Despite its many advantages, the Rotho litter box is relatively affordable.

Visually, the litter box is unobtrusive and impresses with a “clean” design available in several colors—Aqua, Black, Dark Blue, and Green, each with a white lid.

Material Information and Features

• Size of 51 × 44.3 × 39.5 centimeters (cm)
• Available in Aqua, Black, Dark Blue, and Green
• Non-slip feet for more stability
• Top opening
• With activated carbon filter against unpleasant odors

Noby “Nestor”

A litter box particularly suitable for bargain hunters is the “Nestor” litter box from Nobby. Besides the price, the box impresses with very easy handling, as not only the lid but the entire top part can be lifted, and the door can be opened. This allows for convenient cleaning and flexibility if the cat prefers an open litter box. In that case, you don’t need to buy a new product.

Material Information and Features

• Size of 38.74 x 55.88 x 38.1 cm
• Available in Gray
• Durable even for heavy cats
• With removable top and door that can be opened

Ferplast Toilet “Gatos Dama”

The “Gatos Dama” litter box from Ferplast is an uncovered toilet that integrates seamlessly into any household. With its straightforward design and classic color, it is very adaptable. The matte black color and rounded corners give the litter box a simple elegance. With its relatively small size, the open litter box fits into any corner. However, it should be noted that the open box is only suitable for cats that don’t require peace while doing their business. Another advantage of this product is the ergonomic design with an extra-high edge, allowing the cat to enter the box comfortably without it wobbling.

Material Information and Features

• Size of 38.74 x 55.88 x 38.1 cm
• Available in Black
• Open design
• Space-saving
• Good value for money

Petkit “Pura X”

A dream for all lazy cat owners is the self-cleaning litter box from Petkit. It regularly removes waste as if by magic. The cleaning function is not the only intelligent tool the model offers. Another feature records how often your cat uses the box and draws conclusions about its health. Petkit also has intelligent odor removal, automatically eliminating unpleasant smells and ensuring good air quality.

The Petkit litter box is quite large at 64.6 × 53.2 × 50.4 cm (length x width x height), making it suitable for very large cats. A ramp makes it easier for your pet to enter. The model is available in White and Gray. The rather unobtrusive design integrates well into any household. However, it should be noted that the product is relatively expensive, which is justified by the numerous features.

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Material Information and Features

• Self-cleaning litter box for high comfort
• Size of 64.6 × 53.3 × 50.4 cm
• Available in gray-white
• Modern design
• Also suitable for large cats

Trixie “Berto 40152”

This product impresses with a very good price-performance ratio and user-friendly design. The toilet consists of three parts—two trays and a sieve insert—that are easy to assemble. The transitions can be closed using so-called Easy-Click closures. The assembly function also benefits cleaning the litter box. The toilet is very light, making it easy to lift and transport. Also recommended is the double edge of the toilet, which prevents litter or cat urine from escaping. For its price, this litter box is a solid product without many extras.

Material Information and Features

• Size of 39 × 22 × 59 cm
• Available in Blue, Dark Blue, Granite
• Modern design
• Double edge prevents litter or urine from spilling over the edge
• Tray with double edge profile prevents litter and urine from escaping

Europet “Bernina”

For large cats: This toilet is very spacious with dimensions of 56 × 70 × 56 cm. Your pet can move around freely and scratch if needed. In principle, Europet also offers enough space for multiple animals simultaneously. Another advantage of the size is that the toilet can hold about ten kilograms of litter, which minimizes odor development. The downside is that the toilet is relatively heavy, making it difficult to transport.

Europet “Bernina” is very stable due to its weight and only wobbles under extreme conditions. Thus, the toilet is also a safe choice for overweight cats.

Material Information and Features

• Size of 56 × 70 × 46 cm
• Blue-white
• Modern design
• Stable construction
• Carbon filter against odor development
• Base with non-slip feet

Peewee “Ecominor”

This open litter box is ideal for larger cats. Its double bottom makes the box very durable and able to withstand higher weights. Peewee’s system is characterized by a special functionality: When your cat urinates, up to 90 percent of the urine passes through the grid of the upper tray into the lower tray. The remaining liquid is absorbed by the upper litter, which then turns into sawdust. The resulting sawdust falls into the lower part of the box. This unique approach keeps the upper tray clean and dry. The cat’s paws also stay dry, and less dirt is spread overall.

Another advantage is odor neutrality: When using Peewee, you can only notice a pleasant pine scent, not a stench. The model is suitable for all types of litter except wood. The box is also very economical in consumption; a 14-liter bag lasts up to four months.

Material Information and Features

• Size of 51 × 39 × 39 cm
• Open litter box
• Includes scoop and wood litter
• Double bottom for more stability
• Gray design
• Stable construction

Curver Litter Box

This litter box has several special features. The high-quality weave made from recycled rattan ensures the box integrates effortlessly into any room while looking great. The box features a drawer system for easy access. Thanks to the integrated activated carbon filter, no unpleasant odors escape from the box, and a paw-stripping grid ensures the litter stays inside. Cleaning is also easy: The top of the box can be removed effortlessly. Overall, a solid litter box that not only looks good but also has a lot to offer.

Material Information and Features

• Size of 51 × 39 × 39 cm
• Closed litter box with drawer system
• Includes scoop
• Double bottom for more stability
• Rattan design, made from 95 percent recycled plastic, 100 percent recyclable
• Stable construction

Conclusion

As a cat owner, you have a wide range of litter boxes to choose from today. Before deciding on a product, you should clarify your cat’s needs: Is your cat rather shy and needs peace? Or does it not mind being watched while doing its business? Once you know your cat’s needs, you just need to find a box that meets these requirements.

It’s also important that the box integrates well into your living space and doesn’t become a disruptive factor. There are various designs that don’t need to hide visually. Which product you choose also depends on your time and preferences: Do you have the time and desire to clean your litter box regularly? Does the product fit your idea of cleanliness? It might make more sense to spend a little more to save yourself unnecessary effort rather than going solely by price.