Do you have a messy cat? Messy, as in when they use their litter box, they like to sling and fling the litter everywhere. Perhaps they have the habit of "using it" on the sides of the box instead of in the litter. Messy cats present some special challenges when trying to figure out the best litter box for them to use.
Messy cats can be loads of fun but accommodating some of their less-than-desirable habits can be a real hassle. Thankfully, there is a solution. The best litter box for messy cats is one that will help contain the mess and make cleanup easier. So if you're looking for a way to make your life easier, keep reading!
We know that finding the best litter box can be tough, so we have created this review for five of the best boxes on the market today, with an eye toward handling our messy cat friends.
We hope you enjoy the following product reviews. All products we evaluate are carefully chosen from among the best currently available. We may, in some cases, receive samples for hands-on evaluation - but all opinions noted in this article are ours alone. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made by our readers. Thank you for visiting us today!
How We Pick the Best Litter Box for Messy Cats
It's hard to know which litter box is the best for your messy cat. Going to a pet store, or researching online, you will be presented with many choices. Some will look great but perhaps not so good in actual use.
Between all of the different shapes, sizes, and materials used in litter boxes today, figuring out the best combination of features for your particular cat is definitely challenging.
We've done the research for you. Not only have we read through thousands of reviews, but we've also conducted our own hands-on tests in some cases to find the best possible value for you. Here we go...
Spacious Litter Box Great For Large Cats
Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome
What We Like About It
Looking for a litter box that will keep your floors clean and your cat happy? Look no further than the Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome. This unique, patented litter box features a clean step entrance that captures litter embedded in your cat's paws, and the enclosed design keeps the litter inside where it belongs.
The dome shape is 50% larger than the average cat box, giving your cat plenty of room to move around. This one is great for larger cats. And the built-in handle makes it easy to clean and move, so you can keep your home looking neat and tidy.
One Minute Pet Tips
Petmate seems to be a company with a focus on providing the best pet products while considering the environmental impact as well. They offer a range of products made in the USA with 95% recycled materials.
Petmate offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of its products. If environmental responsibility is important to you, we encourage you to take a closer look at this company's products.
Automated Scooping Keeps Litter Box Fresh & Clean
PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
What We Like About It
If you're looking for a litter box that will make your life easier, look no further than the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box. This amazing litter box automatically removes waste, so you don't have to do any scooping, cleaning, or refilling. Plus, it contains odor efficiently, so your home will stay smelling fresh and clean. You can purchase a hood for this box, which we highly recommend.
It works with a disposable tray filled with crystal litter (NOT clumping litter). About 20 minutes after the cat uses the tray, a timer will advance a rake that removes the now-dehydrated waste into a covered area. This leaves the box fresh and clean for the next use.
Your cat will love the added privacy of the enclosed design, and you'll love the hassle-free operation.
One Minute Pet Tips
Traditional clumping litter can be a pain to deal with. Not only do they not always control odors as well as they claim, but they also leave behind big clumps that you have to scoop out.
Crystal litter, on the other hand, provides five times better odor control than traditional clumping litter. It absorbs liquid waste and dehydrates solid waste in minutes, leaving behind no clumps.
As a result, it's much easier to keep your litter box clean and free of odor. Plus, it's more economical in the long run because you don't have to keep buying new bags of traditional clumping litter. If you're looking for a low-maintenance solution to your litter box problems, crystal litter is the way to go.
NOTE: our staff has personally tested this particular Petsafe litter box. We use the hooded cat litter box option, which covers the tray nicely and eliminates scratching litter out on the surrounding flooring. We find that it does what it says it does, for the most part. The product literature says the crystal litter trays will last for weeks. Our experience, with one fairly large 13-pound cat, is a maximum tray life of 2-3 weeks (about 35-40 uses) before it starts to get nasty and smell.
Also, the price of the litter trays (as of this review) has skyrocketed. If you buy these individually, or in packs of three, the average cost per tray is around $23. This is expensive for something that lasts 3 weeks, but your experience may vary. Our cat may have more "output", shall we say, than the average cat. We do love the performance of the crystal litter, in any event.
High Sides For Cats Who Throw Litter Outside The Box
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box
What We Like About It
This litter box features high walls to prevent litter scattering and tossing, and a grooved lid with a large entryway to help remove litter particles from your cat's paws. This works well for keeping your cat's litter box space clean and tidy. Definitely helps keep the area clean when you have messy cats using it!
One Minute Pet Tips
If you're looking for a stylish, sleek litter box that will blend in with your home décor, this is one you might want to consider! We love the modern design of this litter box, and we think your cat will appreciate it too - once they realize that it's really a litter box!
You might have to do a little bit of convincing to get them to use it, but we think it's worth it. The high sides help to contain the litter, and the sloped front makes it easy for your cat to get in and out. Plus, the sleek design means that it won't be an eyesore in your home. So if you're looking for a litter box that looks great (we love it) and works well, this one may be your choice. It is one of the best top-entry litter boxes that we've evaluated.
Sleek Corner Design Keeps Box As Inconspicuous As One Can Be
Nature’s Miracle Hooded Corner Litter Box
What We Like About It
Every cat owner knows that finding the right litter box is essential. Not only do you want something that is the right size for your feline friend, but you also want something that will be easy to clean and won’t take up too much space.
This litter box has a sleek design that takes up less space than a traditional litter box, making it perfect for small homes or apartments. The hooded design helps to keep odors contained and makes it easy to scoop out when it’s time to clean. Plus, the corner design means it can be placed in a discreet location so you don’t have to worry about it being an eyesore in your home.
One Minute Pet Tips
If you have a large cat, you know that finding the right litter box can be a challenge. Many boxes are too small, with tiny entrances that your cat can barely fit through. Others are too shallow, leaving your cat feeling cramped and uncomfortable. But this litter box is different.
It's quite large, with an extra large entrance that's perfect for your big kitty. And some verified purchasers have commented on the fact that their larger cats are quite at home in this box. One commented that their 20-pound Maine Coon fit the box nicely. Just something to consider if your cat is on the larger side.
What We Like About It
This innovative litter box features a seamless, full-height base that prevents leaks and litter scatter. Perfect for cats who tend to pee on the sides of the box, the Modkat Flip Litter Box will help keep your home clean and stink-free. Plus, it's easy to use and clean - just lift the top to scoop out the waste.
One Minute Pet Tips
We like that this litter box features a reusable liner - the liner reminds us of a small tarp. It's strong and easy to rinse off each time you clean the box, which can be quite a time saver. It sure beats having to rinse and scrub the interior of the box because many litter boxes will have dried-up waste residue on the bottom and sides even if you are using clumping litter.
Litter Box FAQs
One of the most important things you can do for your cat is to provide them with a litter box that meets their needs.
But with so many different types of litter boxes on the market, how can you know which is the best litter box for messy cats, or any other cat for that matter?
Check out our list below of the most frequently asked questions about cat litter boxes. This will help you narrow down your choices and select the best bed for your furry friend.
How can I make my cat litter less messy?
There are a few things you can do to make your cat litter less messy. One is to use a litter that clumps together, so the mess is easier to clean up. Another is to stir the litter around every day or two to help it absorb moisture and enhance clumping. And finally, you can try using a covered litter box, which will help keep the litter from being scattered around the room. Another tip is to use a top-entry litter box with high sides to contain the litter.
Why is my cat so messy in the litter box?
There could be a few reasons why your cat is messy in the litter box. One reason could be that your cat doesn't like the type of litter you're using. If you're using clumping litter and your cat is kicking it all over the place, try switching to non-clumping litter.
Another possibility is that your cat might not be burying her waste properly. Try placing more litter in the box so she has more to scratch around in.
And finally, it's also possible that your cat is just naturally messy. Some cats are just more prone to making a mess than others. Some just kick litter like crazy and enjoy it.
How often should you completely change cat litter?
Most experts recommend changing cat litter every week. However, some people say that it's okay to change it every two weeks if you're using good-quality litter. And others say that you can get away with changing it just once a month if your cat is litter box trained and doesn't mind the smell.
The bottom line is that you should change your cat's litter as often as necessary to keep it clean and smelling fresh. If your cat starts to get sick or exhibit signs of distress, then you should change the litter immediately. Otherwise, aim to change it at least once a week.
Do cats prefer open or closed litter boxes?
There is no definitive answer to this question because cats can be quite individualistic in their preferences. Some cats prefer open litter boxes because they like to be able to see what's going on around them, while others prefer an enclosed litter box because they feel more secure in a confined space. Ultimately, it's up to the individual cat to decide what type of litter box he or she prefers.
How do I keep the litter box from smelling in my house?
There are a few things you can do to help keep the litter box from smelling in your house. One is to try and scoop out the litter box as often as possible - ideally every time it's used. Another is to use a good quality litter that helps trap the smells. And finally, you can also try and place the litter box in a spot where it gets good ventilation, like near an open window or door.
How often should you scoop a litter box?
It depends on the size of the litter box and the number of cats using it. Generally, you should scoop a litter box every day.
If the litter box is small, you may need to scoop it twice a day. And if there is more than one cat using the litter box, you'll need to scoop it more often to keep up with their waste production.
Where should you keep a litter box?
There are a lot of opinions on where the best place to keep a litter box is. Some people think it should be in a closet, others believe it should be in a bathroom. The bottom line is that it doesn't really matter where you put the litter box as long as your cat feels comfortable using it. Regardless of where you put the box, we recommend using a litter mat underneath to catch any stray pieces that might get stuck in your cat's paws.
You might have to experiment with a few different places before you find the perfect spot for your kitty. Just make sure the area is relatively quiet and dark, and that there aren't any loud noises or distractions going on nearby. And don't put the litter box near where your cat eats or drinks, because she may not want to use it if her food and water are too close by.
Are litter box liners worth it?
There is no easy answer to this question because it depends on your specific circumstances. Litter box liners can be helpful if you have a cat that likes to dig and scatter litter all over the place. However, they can also be a waste of money if you have a cat that is good about using the litter box and doesn't make a mess.
Overall, we think litter box liners are worth it as long as you get a type that is easy to clean and doesn't tear easily. We've tried several different brands and types over the years, and our favorite ones are the ones made from paper that can be thrown away after use. They're not expensive, and they make cleaning up the litter box a breeze.
How does a self-cleaning cat litter box work?
A self-cleaning cat litter box works by using a sensor to detect when your cat has used it. Once the sensor detects that your cat has left, it will activate a motor to rotate the tray and dump the waste into a bin. The tray will then rotate back to its original position and be ready for your next cat visit! The PetSafe ScoopFree box we reviewed above is this type of litter box.
Some self-cleaning litter boxes also come with a sanitizing function that uses UV light to kill any bacteria or viruses in the waste. This helps keep your kitty's litter box clean and healthy!
Do cats like corner litter boxes?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every cat is different. However, many cats seem to prefer litter boxes that are placed in corners, as opposed to those that are placed in the open. This may be because cats feel more secure when they're in a corner, and they're less likely to be disturbed by people or other animals when they're using a litter box that's tucked away in a corner.
One Minute Recommendation
The best litter box for messy cats is the one that meets their specific needs.
Different cats have different needs, so it is important to find the right litter box for your individual cat. We’ve done the research for you and have evaluated five of the best litter boxes for messy cats on the market.
Each of these boxes has been evaluated based on consumer feedback from multiple sources, so you can be sure that our recommendations are accurate. The good news is that there are plenty of great options out there when it comes to choosing a litter box for messier cats.
We hope you enjoy the reviews, and if you have any questions or comments feel free to contact us.
