As a vet and lifelong cat lover, I’ve had my fair share of puzzling consults, but one question that pops up more often than you’d think is: Why is my cat eating litter? It’s certainly not the most appetizing snack, but there are several reasons why cats may show interest in consuming the best cat litter – and many of them may need to be addressed promptly.

In some cases, litter eating can be a harmless exploratory behavior, especially in kittens. But for adult cats, it’s more likely to point to a nutritional deficiency, stress, or even an underlying medical condition like anemia or gastrointestinal disease. It's important for pet parents to understand the “why” behind this odd behavior – and know when it’s time to call the vet.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common causes, potential health risks, and practical ways to stop your feline from snacking on something they really shouldn’t be.

Why is my cat eating litter?

If your cat is eating litter, there are several possible explanations. Some are relatively harmless, while others can be a red flag for something more serious. Here’s what might be going on:

1. Curiosity or exploratory behavior: Kittens, in particular, use their mouths to explore the world, much like human babies. It’s not uncommon for them to nibble at their litter as part of this phase. Usually, they grow out of it once they understand it’s not food.

2. Anemia: One of the more serious causes of litter eating is anemia. When a cat has low levels of red blood cells, they can display unusual behaviors, including eating non-food items – a condition known as pica. If your cat is lethargic, has pale gums, and is showing a sudden interest in eating litter, get them checked out promptly.

3. Nutritional deficiencies: Cats who are missing essential nutrients in their diet, especially minerals like iron, may turn to litter in an attempt to compensate. This is more likely if your cat is on a poorly balanced homemade diet or a low-quality commercial food.

4. Stress or anxiety: Behavioral issues can also be a cause. Stress and anxiety from a recent move, new pets in the home, or changes to their routine may cause some cats to develop compulsive behaviors, including eating litter. Environmental enrichment and routine are key here.

5. Underlying medical conditions: Sometimes, cats with gastrointestinal disorders, chronic kidney disease, or even diabetes may start exhibiting unusual eating habits. It’s important to rule out any medical causes, especially if this is new behavior in an adult cat.

6. Inappropriate litter type: Some types of cat litter are made from materials that actually smell or taste vaguely edible, such as corn, wheat, or walnut-based litters. While these are often marketed as eco-friendly, some cats may mistake them for food.

What happens if my cat eats litter?

Whether your cat eats litter once or repeatedly, there may be health consequences, and some are serious. Clumping clay litter is particularly risky, as it can expand and cause blockages in the intestines, leading to vomiting, constipation, or even life-threatening obstruction. Silica-based litters can cause irritation or dehydration, while natural litters may ferment in the gut.

Even small amounts ingested over time can build up and cause chronic GI issues. If you see your cat eating litter regularly or showing signs like vomiting, lethargy, not eating, or changes in bowel movements, it’s time to visit your vet. A simple blood test can rule out anemia, and your vet may recommend diet changes or imaging to check for blockages.

How do you stop your cat from eating cat litter?

Here are some practical steps you can take to help stop your cat from eating their litter:

1. Rule out medical issues first: Always start with a vet check to exclude anemia, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying illnesses.
2. Switch to a safer litter: Consider changing to a non-clumping, unscented, or paper-based litter that won’t cause harm if ingested.
3. Improve your cat’s diet: Make sure your cat is eating a complete and balanced diet suitable for their life stage. Your vet can help with this, and there is a lot of information available on the best cat foods to choose.
4. Provide enrichment: Offer plenty of toys, puzzles, and playtime to reduce boredom and redirect oral behaviors.
5. Address stress: Learn how to identify the signs of stress in cats and how to help them. You can use feline pheromone diffusers, make sure you provide safe hiding spots, and stick to a predictable routine to help them out.
6. Clean the litter box regularly: Keep the tray clean and fresh so your cat isn’t put off using it properly – a clean environment reduces behavioral stress. We have a helpful guide on how (and how often) to clean a litter box,

So, why is your cat eating litter? The answer could range from innocent kitten curiosity to a more serious medical condition. While the behavior can be alarming, staying calm and proactive is key. Always start by consulting your vet, rule out health concerns, and make practical changes to your cat’s litter and environment.

With the right care and a little detective work, you can help your cat kick the habit –and keep their litter tray strictly for business, not snacks.

Read next: How to get a cat use to a litter box and whether you can use sand as cat litter

Edited by Megan Milstead.

Ever found yourself asking 'can I use cat litter for dogs?' If you have a feline friend in your life, you likely swear by having a litter box in your home – after all, they're a real lifesaver when it comes to preventing accidents. But can you kill two birds with one stone and have your dog use your cat's litter as well?

The good news is, you can absolutely do this. Although the best cat litter is marketed at cat owners, there are plenty of brands that have products that are safe for dogs to use to.

We consulted expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan to find out whether there are any particular types of cat litter that are better for dogs and if any need to be avoided – she shared her thoughts below.

Can I use cat litter for dogs?

The simple answer is yes, your dog can absolutely use cat litter. While cat litter is generally used for our feline friends, if incontinence in dogs is affecting your pup you may find it helpful to have a litter tray in your home for them to use when they feel the urge to go. It could also prove convenient, especially during the night as your dog will be able to toilet when they need to rather than you having to wake up to take them outside.

"You can use cat litter for dogs," Dr MacMillan confirms, "but you may need to take care if your dog has a habit of eating things they shouldn’t. Clumping cat litter could cause serious problems like bowel obstruction, especially if your dog ingests large amounts relative to their size. Dog-specific litter is available, and it usually comes in the form of wood or paper pellets, but there are cat versions that are very similar."

While non-clumping wood or paper litter are good choices for dogs, Dr MacMillan goes on to add they may not take as kindly to using litter as cats do.

"It’s important to note that cats seem instinctively keen to use a sandy substrate which allows them to dig and bury their droppings," she explains. "However, dogs tend to prefer a firmer surface or grass to eliminate on. So, this means some dogs will get on better with puppy pads (like this eco-friendly one from Amazon) or fake grass, rather than litter."

Is there a difference between dog litter and cat litter?

There are lots of different types of cat litter and you may find that these vary from the types of dog litter that are on sale.

"Cat litter comes in all sorts of varieties including clay, wood pellets, and paper-based litters," says Dr MacMillan. "Less types of dog-specific litter seem to exist, and the ones that do are usually paper based. Dogs don’t need to dig and scratch around when going to the bathroom like cats, so they don’t need a fine substrate."

If you're wanting to stop your dog peeing in the house, Dr MacMillan says that using litter may be unnecessary.

"Dogs can be trained to just use a dog litter box with a plastic grate on it, a puppy pad, or fake grass."

Because of this, you'll find there isn't the same market or demand for dog litter.

Signs your dog needs a litter box

You may be wondering if there are any particular signs you should be on the lookout for that indicate your pup would benefit from a litter box. Well, according to Dr MacMillan there aren't too many situations that warrant this.

"Taking your dog outside to toilet whenever possible is always recommended, so there are not that many situations when a dog litter box is indicated," she says. However, there are a few exceptions.

"Dogs with mobility issues that struggle to get outside might be an example of a litter box candidate, as well as those that are recovering from illness or injury," Dr MacMillan states. "Dogs that live in high-rise apartment blocks and can’t easily get outside, or those that live in locations prone to extreme weather might also be suitable."

So, what about those days when you're out of the house for several hours at a time and your dog is on their own? Dr MacMillan says in these sorts of situations, you should consider using a pet sitter or dog walker, rather than a litter box.

"This will meet your dog’s social and exercise needs, as well as their toileting needs," she explains. "Litter boxes should not be a reason to leave your dog alone for hours on end."

However, if you do decide to invest in a doggy litter box, Dr MacMillan says it's worth noting that these are really only practical for small breeds of dogs.

"Large dogs will void large amounts of urine, and they are more likely to miss the tray altogether, especially males who like to cock their leg."

Read next: How long does it take to potty train a dog

Edited by Megan Milstead.

This page was last updated in July 2025 by Kathryn Williams.

Are you wondering how do self-cleaning litter boxes work? The best automatic cat litter boxes have become an increasingly popular option for cat owners looking to reduce the hassle of daily scooping and control litter box odors more effectively.

Lots of owners come across self-cleaning litter boxes when searching for the best option for their furry friend, but are they as good as they claim to be?

I am a practicing vet with more than 13 years of experience working with cats and advising pet owners on litter box hygiene. I understand how important it is to provide a clean and stress-free toileting environment to ensure your cat is healthy and happy.

This article will explain how automatic cat litter boxes work and whether they are a good idea. We will explore how these automated systems function, discuss their pros and cons, and help you decide whether they’re a good choice for your feline companion.

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at self-cleaning litter boxes to determine if they live up to the hype.

How do self-cleaning litter boxes work?

Self-cleaning litter boxes are designed to automatically remove waste after your cat has used them, supposedly eliminating the need for daily scooping.

These systems typically function through sensors that detect when a cat has entered and exited the litter box. After a certain amount of time, the mechanism activates to sift or rake through the litter, separating waste from clean litter and depositing it into a sealed waste compartment.

There are several types of self-cleaning litter boxes available:

• Raking mechanisms: A metal or plastic rake moves through the litter to collect waste, pushing it into a separate compartment.
• Rotating systems: The entire litter chamber rotates, sifting out clean litter while directing waste into a separate compartment.
• Flushing systems: Some high-end models connect to plumbing and flush waste away automatically, similar to a toilet.

Most self-cleaning litter boxes require clumping litter, as the automation process relies on the waste forming solid clumps. Depending on the model, waste collection compartments may need emptying every few days to a week, and full litter replacements are usually recommended every month.

Self-cleaning litter boxes are designed to help reduce odors from urine and feces. Whether the smell can still be detected will depend on several factors, including the type of litter used, the cleaning mechanism in place, and how well the unit is maintained.

Advantages of automatic litter boxes

Many cat owners appreciate self-cleaning litter boxes for their convenience, but they also offer several other advantages:

• Reduces odors: By promptly removing waste, self-cleaning litter boxes help control odors more effectively than traditional litter boxes.
• Lower maintenance: These systems minimize the need for daily scooping, making them ideal for busy cat owners.
• Improved hygiene: Keeping the litter box consistently clean reduces bacterial buildup and may decrease the risk of urinary tract infections in cats. It will also reduce the spread of bacteria from cats stepping in the soiled litter and walking around the home afterward.
• Better for multi-cat households: In homes with multiple cats, a self-cleaning litter box can keep the litter box fresher for longer. Lots of cats will not use a soiled litter tray if another cat has been in there before them.
• Encourages litter box use: Some cats may be more inclined to use a cleaner litter box, helping prevent inappropriate elimination outside the box.

Disadvantages of automatic litter boxes

While self-cleaning litter boxes offer many benefits, they also have some drawbacks that cat owners need to consider:

• Expensive initial cost: These units tend to be significantly more expensive than traditional litter boxes.
• Ongoing maintenance costs: There are some extra costs involved including special waste receptacles, liners, or specific types of litter for certain makes and models. This can add to long-term costs.
• Noise and movement: The mechanical noise and movement can be startling to some cats, potentially discouraging them from using the box.
• Not ideal for all cats: Kittens, elderly cats, or those with mobility issues may struggle with the size or entry height of some models.
• Potential for malfunctions: Sensors and mechanical components may fail over time, requiring repairs or replacement parts.
• Can be harder to clean than a traditional litter box: Some litter boxes can end up being more difficult to empty and clean out compared to a standard litter box.
• Harder to detect signs of health problems: Self-cleaning litter boxes can make it harder to detect certain health problems experienced by cats because they remove the waste products automatically. This reduces the opportunity for owners to spot important changes in their cat’s urine or feces.

Do vets recommend automatic litter boxes?

Vets generally agree that a clean litter box is essential for a cat’s health and wellbeing. However, opinions on self-cleaning litter boxes are mixed.

Some vets recommend them for households where maintaining a consistent cleaning routine is difficult, as they help prevent litter box aversion and hygiene-related health issues. However, they may not be suitable for every cat.

Some vets voice concerns that self-cleaning litter boxes can make it more difficult to monitor a cat’s health. Changes in motions, such as increased urination, diarrhea, constipation, or blood in cat stool, are often the first signs of illness.

Due to the fact self-cleaning boxes dispose of waste quickly, owners may miss these crucial warning signs. Additionally, some cats may dislike the movement and noise. This may result in them refusing to use the litter box and going elsewhere in the house.

Vets don’t universally discourage the use of self-cleaning litter boxes, but they do stress the importance of continued health monitoring. While these litter boxes can be a convenient tool for cat owners, they should never replace direct observation of a cat’s elimination habits.

How to introduce your cat to a self-cleaning litter box

If using an automatic litter box, responsible pet owners should take extra steps to ensure their cat’s well-being and be vigilant about any potential health concerns.

To ensure a smooth transition to a self-cleaning litter box, follow these vet-approved tips:

• Gradual introduction: Place the new litter box next to the old one and allow your cat to explore it before activating the cleaning mechanism.
• Monitor your cat’s behavior: If your cat seems hesitant or stressed by the automatic feature, consider switching to a quieter model or turning off the cleaning function initially.
• Choose the right model: Look for a box that suits your cat’s size and mobility needs, ensuring they have easy access.
• Keep a backup box: Some cats prefer having a secondary, non-automatic litter box available.

Read next: How often to clean a cat litter box and our favorite cat litter hacks to make your life easier. Or, check out the best cat litter, recommended by real pet parents, and one writer's review of the PetPivot Autoscooper 11.

Edited by Megan Milstead.

This page was last updated in April 2025 by Emma Chandley.

Everyone hates scooping cat poop, we get it. That's why we were thrilled to see that the Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box is on sale right now!

We love this self-cleaning litter box so much that we've included it in our roundup of the best automatic cat litter boxes. We've also tested this product and can tell you that it's easy to set up and is super quiet, which means it won't wake you at night!

The open-top design makes it easy for cats to climb into, and this box can also be used in multi-cat households.

If you've had your eye on a self-cleaning litter box but don't want to shell out so much money for one, we get it – they're expensive. That's why this is the perfect time to grab yours while it's over $200 off.

This box has a sleek design that can easily fit into any section of your house without being too bulky. The open-top design means it takes up less space while still offering your cat a cozy and private area to do their business. It even comes with a kitten mode to ensure that even tiny fur friends can use this box.

This automatic litter box comes with an accompanying app, which is really handy. The app helps you track your cat's bathroom habits, which can give you good insight into their health. You can also track litter levels, so you always know when to add more litter to your cat's box.

This box also comes with a soft mat to keep in front to stop your cat from tracking litter all over the place.

The Amazon sale ends on Monday (March 31st, 2025) but there’s no guarantee how long each individual saving will stick around for.

For more expert-picked savings, read: Shark’s Air Purifier is $130 off in the Amazon Big Spring Sale and our top-rated cat tower is 40% off right now

If you hate scooping your cat's poop, now is the time to invest in one of the best automatic cat litter boxes that will do this dreaded job for you.

As someone who tests pet products for a living, I know these devices can get super expensive (we're talking up to $1,000!). So, when I saw that the PetPivot Autoscooper 11 is 29% off in the Amazon Spring Deals sale, I couldn't be more excited about it.

It's very hard to find an automatic box for under $200, but right now, you can grab this one for just $169 – by far the best deal I've seen in a long time.

I've been testing this gadget out for the past couple of weeks, and let me tell you, it's already been a total life-changer. The box features a self-cleaning function that can be set to automatic or manual, so if you think your kitty might be hesitant to use it, you can just press the manual clean button when they're not in the room.

During the cycle, your cat's poop falls into the waste container below, which can hold up to 10L of litter and only needs changing every 10 days. You'll get a roll of bin liners included, which are easy to tie up and throw out when it's time to refresh.

My favorite part? The way it contains bad smells. If you're a cat parent, you’ll know there’s nothing worse than the smell of their poo, and since I keep my cats' litter boxes in my bathroom, it was becoming a bit of a nightmare.

I'm not sure if it's the Autoscooper or the new cat litter – probably a combination of the two – but the smells have gone from 100 to zero – and I couldn't be happier about it!

Speaking of cat litter, you'll be able to use most clumping litters, including bentonite, mineral, mixed, and cassava, but I highly recommend the Croci Eco Clean Litter, which is compostable and flushable.

One of my cats can be very nervous around new things, so I was skeptical that they'd even want to use it. However, to my delight, both of them have started using the Autoscooper more than their traditional boxes.

I will say that there has been quite a lot of litter tracking with this box (I suspect it's when they jump down), but thankfully, it comes with a special mat to help prevent this – I just hadn't got around to putting it down yet.

It might not have any flashy features, like the more expensive boxes do, but for under $200, I think it's a total steal. It also makes the setup much easier – I had this up and running in under 10 minutes!

However, if those things are important to you, I'd recommend the Neakasa M1, which features a similar open-top design but with more advanced features, like app control. Or, opt for the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 which has a hooded design, waste level alerts, and health monitoring.

Looking for something simpler? Check out our round-up of the best cat litter boxes

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about Whisker's Litter-Robot by now. If you haven't, it's a self-cleaning litter box that scoops your cat's poop for you, saving you from the dreaded task every pet parent hates.

It's one of the best automatic cat litter boxes on the market, featuring odor control, health monitoring, litter trapping, a bathroom dashboard, and more – ranging between $499 and $699.

As someone who tests pet products for a living, I often get asked whether the Litter-Robot 3 Connect or Litter-Robot 4 is the better choice. My answer? It all depends on the size of your cat, how many you have, and your personal preferences. To help you decide which one is right for you, we put both of them to the test, comparing everything from the specs and set-up to the odor control and user experience.

Here's our full breakdown of the Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs. Litter-Robot 4:

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Specs

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Setup

Both devices are quite similar in terms of setup and arrive fully assembled – all you need to do is plug them in. Before getting started, there are a few pre-checks: remove the cardboard and tape, check the bonnet tabs, and secure the key at the rear of the device. Then, place it on a flat, dry surface, preferably where your cat’s old litter box used to be.

The devices shouldn’t be pushed against a wall or into a corner – they need to be at least two to three inches away – and should be positioned near a plug socket.

Once it’s plugged in, add some clumping litter, turn it on, and run an initial cleaning cycle. Whisker advises against using litter that is absorbent, non-clumping, loosely clumping, or made from newspaper or wood-based pellets. Finally, turn it off while your cats get accustomed to it and gradually introduce them.

🏆 Winner (Setup): Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Both models are easy to set up, so we would opt for the Litter-Robot 3 Connect to save money. While our tester said the large size is hard to move around, the difference between the two is a matter of a couple of inches, so it's not worth spending extra for this alone.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Odor control

Both models have the following features to minimize odors:

• Sifts within minutes of being used
• Carbon filter
• OdorTrap pack can be bought separately
• Enclosed waste drawer

According to Whisker's website, the Litter-Robot 4's waste drawer has a larger capacity and is tightly sealed, which helps to prevent bad smells. However, our tester, Philip, says he didn't notice any odors with the 3 Connect.

🏆 Winner (Odor control): Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Philip was super impressed with how the Litter-Robot 3 Connect contained bad smells, so it's not worth spending more for the 4.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Litter tracking

One of the worst things about traditional litter boxes is that your cat often drops a trail of litter behind them (which feels impossible to keep on top of!) Both Litter-Robots feature a globe-shaped design and an integrated step that helps prevent this mess from getting outside.

You can also purchase the LitterTrap Mat and ramp to help even further. While both models do a good job at containing litter, the 4 includes a fence to go one step further, but you'll need to buy this separately with the 3 Connect.

🏆 Winner (Tracking): Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Both of our testers rated this feature five stars, so there's no need to upgrade to the Litter-Robot 4.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Size

Both devices are similar in footprint size, with the Litter-Robot 3 Connect measuring 24.25’’ x 27’’ and the Litter-Robot 4 measuring 22’’ x 27’’. Our tester, Philip, was surprised at how large it looked in his home, so it's definitely worth measuring your space before committing to the purchase – especially since it can't be placed flat against a wall.

The Litter-Robot 4 has a larger entryway, measuring 15.75’’ x 15.75’’, making it a better choice for large cats and easier for them to climb into. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect measures 10.25’’ x 15.25’’, but our tester's cats didn’t have any problems getting inside – so it’s down to your preference.

However, it's worth bearing in mind that if you have cats under 3lbs, the automatic cleaning won’t work on the Litter-Robot 3 – but it will on the 4.

🏆 Winner (Size): Litter-Robot 4

The Litter-Robot 4 wins this round, as it’s suitable for both larger cats and smaller kittens.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: User experience

Lots of pet parents have concerns about whether their cat would actually use an automatic litter box, but both of our testers say their cats are happy to use these boxes and have adjusted well.

The Litter-Robot 4 features a SmartScale that can identify multiple cats using the box. You can set up profiles for them on the app and monitor their toilet habits, which is very helpful for spotting health conditions early.

For both versions, you can view the waste drawer levels in the app and be alerted when it's time to change, but with the 4, you can also see real-time litter and waste levels.

For safety purposes, both boxes have anti-pinch technology and weight-activated sensors, but the 4 has advanced sensor technology and greater accuracy, which stops cleaning when it detects motion or resistance inside.

Noise is another common question. While both testers were happy with the noise level, the Litter-Robot 4 has QuietSift technology, which makes less noise during cleaning.

Here's a comparison of the two for reference:

🏆 Winner (Sound): Litter-Robot 4

If you have a skittish cat or find noises really bothersome, we recommend going for the Litter-Robot 4, which is quieter during cleaning. It's also a better choice for multi-cat households as you can monitor individual pets.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Appearance

Both Litter-Robots feature a modern design that looks (and smells) ten times better than any traditional box. While they do take up a fair bit of space, our testers were happy with the overall appearance of both.

While the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is available in beige or black, the Litter-Robot 4 comes in a range of colors (white, black, lilac, fuchsia, mint, marble, wood grain, grey stone) – something to keep in mind if décor is important to you. The 4 is slightly smaller as well, but it's not enough of a difference to warrant spending more for this reason.

🏆 Winner (Appearance): Litter-Robot 4

The Litter-Robot 4 comes in eight different colors, making it easier to find a style that fits your home. However, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect does come in neutral colors, so we don’t think it’s a total dealbreaker if you want to save money.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Verdict

We recommend the Litter-Robot 4 if...

• You have a particularly large cat who needs a bigger entry way
• You have a kitten who weighs under 5lbs
• You want more color options
• You want a quieter cleaning cycle
• You want to monitor multiple cats' health on the app

If these things don't matter to you and you'd prefer to save $150, then the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is still an excellent choice that we approve of.

Our review panel

If you're wondering who's behind this review, meet our testers below:

For more information, read our page on how we test.

Other automatic cat litter boxes to consider

Still feeling unsure of what to buy? Read our review on the Litter-Robot 3 and PetPivot Autoscooper 11. Or check out the best cat litter boxes.

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.

Imagine if there were cat litter hacks that could make cleaning up after your cat less of a full-time job. Well, you’re in luck! Over my 13 years as a small animal vet working with cats, I’ve picked up quite a few tips and tricks.

Below, I've shared some things you can try to make life with a litter box (or three) less of an ordeal – from using a high-sided tray to mounting a poo bag dispenser on the wall.

Before we start, it’s worth getting familiar with some of the best cat litter boxes and best automatic cat litter boxes so that you can make sure that yours meets the needs of you and your cat.

The best cat litter hacks

Here are some tips and tricks to make cleaning your cat’s litter box (and the surrounding area) much easier!

1. Keep a diaper bin nearby
Cleaning your cat’s litter box is much quicker if you don’t have to take the contaminated litter or poop to an outside bin. However, putting the poop in your household trash will cause a smell.

To save you from popping outside every time, scoop the poop or dirty litter into a specialist diaper pail (like this one on Amazon), then twist the lid so that the smell doesn’t escape. This will mean you only need to empty the bin every few days but don’t leave it too long as if it’s too heavy the bag could break.

2. Keep everything you need nearby
We’ve all been there. You pass your cat’s litter box to find it dirty, so you go to grab the scoop from outside but get distracted by another household task. Then when you remember what you were doing, you return with the scoop but realize you don’t have any poop bags. And so on.

This can slow down the process of cleaning up your cat's litter tray. Instead, make sure you keep everything you need at the litter box station, including fresh bags of the best cat litter, poop bags, a bin, the poop scoop, and some pet-friendly disinfectant spray.

3. Use clumping cat litter
Clumping cat litter can make it much easier to remove all of the contaminated litter because it sticks together and is easy to scoop. This means you can preserve the clean litter and don’t need to remove all of the litter every time. However, every cat is different and your cat may prefer a particular texture of litter, so it’s worth trying it first before committing to a large bag.

To learn more about the different types of cat litter, check out our expert guide.

4. Use a poo bag dispenser on the wall
Poo bag dispensers aren’t just for dog owners to clip on their leads; these handy rolls are perfect for creating a litter box station. Just hang or mount the dispenser (like this one on Amazon) to the wall in easy reach and you’ll be able to grab a bag whenever you need to.

5. Use a litter box with high sides
It’s frustrating when you have to clean up litter that your cat has kicked all over the floor while burying their urine or feces. Using a covered litter box or one with high sides can help to keep the litter inside the box not all over the floor! However, bear in mind that not every cat will like a litter box of this style, and elderly cats especially might struggle to step into it.

6. Use a cat litter mat
Cat litter mats can also really help to keep cat litter off the floor and inside the box. The litter mats (like this one on Amazon) catch and trap the litter that’s stuck on your cat’s paws, stopping them from depositing it around the house!

7. Stack up the litter box liners
Doing a full change of your cat’s litter box can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you stack litter box liners (like these from Amazon) inside the tray, you can simply lift the top one, tie it, and throw it away, then add fresh litter to the one below. Of course, this will only work if the top liner is intact, so always check for leaks, but it’s a great way to save time.

8. Spot-clean the litter box daily
That’s right, you haven’t read it wrong! Spot-cleaning your cat’s litter box daily can actually help to reduce the overall cleanup time in the long run.

This is because cats are often put off by a dirty litter box, and may spend more time digging around trying to find a clean spot, spraying cat litter everywhere in the process. They might even abandon using the litter box altogether and just find an alternative spot behind the television or in the bathtub!

How often should you clean your cat’s litter box?

How often should you clean out your cat's litter box? The frequency that your cat’s litter box needs cleaning and how often you need to change the cat litter will vary, but if you’re spot-cleaning it every day and using clumping cat litter, you might find that they don’t need a full cat litter change and litter box clean more often than weekly. Of course, you’ll probably need to top it up with fresh cat litter in the meantime if it’s getting a little low.

However, it’s important to remember that if your cat has diarrhea, cystitis, or a urine infection, more of the cat litter will be contaminated, and they'll make more of a mess, so more frequent cleaning would be required.

As a general rule, the cat litter should be changed and the litter box cleaned with pet-friendly disinfectant once a week, or more often if the cat litter or box itself looks visibly dirty or wet.

If you’re a cat parent, you probably don't enjoy the unpleasant and time-consuming chore of cleaning their litter box. But why not give our cat litter hacks a try – they could save you time and make the job a little less unpleasant.

You might also want to read: How to get a cat to use a litter box and Is cat litter flushable? Or learn how self-cleaning litter boxes work and can dogs use cat litter?

Cat litter smells can be a major issue for both house cats and their owners. Persistent odors from a litter box can make maintaining a pleasant home environment challenging.

Thankfully, there are simple and effective solutions to tackle this problem. Reducing cat litter smells is not only essential for keeping your home fresh but also ensures your feline friend feels comfortable and happy.

I'm a vet with over 13 years of experience, and have shared my expert tips to help cat owners eliminate unpleasant odors. From choosing the right litter box to establishing a consistent cleaning routine, these practical steps are easy to implement and highly effective.

If you’re considering upgrading your litter box setup, don’t miss our guides to the best cat litter boxes or best automatic cat litter boxes to find the perfect option for your pet. Read on to learn how to banish cat litter smells for good!

How do I stop my cat litter smells?

1. Use a high-quality clumping litter

High-quality clumping litter traps moisture and odors effectively, reducing unpleasant smells. Look for litters designed to clump tightly and absorb odors. Clumping litter also makes daily scooping easier, preventing odors from building up. If you're unsure on what to buy, read our helpful guide to the best cat litter options.

2. Scoop the litter box daily

Scooping the litter box daily is the most effective way to reduce smells. Urine and feces release strong odors which linger if not removed promptly. By scooping regularly, you prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and maintain a cleaner environment.

3. Change the litter regularly

Even the best clumping litter needs to be replaced periodically. Empty the entire box and replace the litter every one to two weeks, or more often if you have multiple cats. This prevents moisture buildup and bacterial growth, which are major contributors to bad smells. You might want to read our guide on how often to change cat litter.

4. Choose a litter with odor-neutralizing properties

Many litters include odor-neutralizing ingredients like baking soda, charcoal, or activated carbon. These additives effectively absorb and neutralize unpleasant smells, keeping the box fresher for longer.

5. Place the litter box in a well-ventilated area

Proper airflow helps minimize odors. Avoid placing the litter box in small, enclosed spaces like closets or bathrooms, where smells can become trapped. Instead, choose a well-ventilated location, such as near an open window.

6. Use a litter box with a cover or hood

Covered litter boxes help contain odors while providing your cat with privacy. However, be sure to clean them regularly, as trapped moisture can lead to bacterial growth.

7. Add baking soda to the litter

Sprinkling a small amount of baking soda at the bottom of the litter box before adding fresh litter can help neutralize smells. Be cautious not to use too much, as it may irritate your cat’s paws.

8. Keep the litter box in a quiet area

Cats prefer a peaceful environment when using their litter box. Stress can lead to inappropriate urination, which increases odors. Place the litter box in a low-traffic area to encourage regular use and minimize smells. If you're stuck for ideas, read our guide on ways to hide the litter box.

9. Consider adding a second litter box

If you have multiple cats, ensure you have enough litter boxes. The golden rule is one box per cat, plus an extra. For example, three cats should have four litter boxes. This prevents overcrowding and reduces odors.

10. Try a self-cleaning litter box
Self-cleaning litter boxes are a convenient option for busy cat owners. Many models even connect to your smartphone, making maintenance effortless.

You might also want to read our guide to cat litter hacks.

Litter box mistakes to avoid

A sudden change in the smell of your cat’s litter may indicate an underlying health issue. Strong-smelling urine or feces could point to problems with their digestive system or urinary tract. Increased frequency of litter box visits can also signal a medical concern. If you notice these changes, consult your vet for advice.

Selecting the right litter box is crucial for both odor control and your cat’s comfort. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Choosing a box that’s too small: Cats need space to move around comfortably.
• Skipping regular cleaning: Even the best litter box won’t stay fresh without routine maintenance.
• Ignoring your cat’s preferences: Some cats prefer open boxes, while others like covered ones.

How often should I change my cat's litter?

Like many pet parents, you might be questioning how often to clean a litter box. The frequency of litter changes depends on the type of cat litter you use and how many cats you have. As a general rule, replace all the litter weekly to prevent odor buildup and maintain a clean environment.

• Daily scooping is essential to remove waste and keep the box fresh.
• Larger litter boxes may require less frequent full changes but still need daily maintenance.
• Some cats are very particular and may avoid using a box that isn’t spotless, so adjust cleaning frequency to meet their needs.
• For households with multiple cats, more frequent changes are necessary. Overcrowded boxes can lead to territorial disputes and unclean conditions.

Neglecting to replace litter regularly allows waste to accumulate, creating strong odors that may deter your cat from using the box. Dirty litter can also harbor bacteria and parasites, posing a risk to your cat’s health.

Managing cat litter smells doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these simple tips— such as using high-quality clumping litter, maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule, and ensuring proper ventilation—you can keep your home fresh and odor-free. A clean litter box not only benefits you but also ensures your cat feels comfortable and content.

Read next: How to keep cat litter off the floor and Can I use sand as cat litter? Or discover how self-cleaning litter boxes work.

Can I use sand as cat litter? This is a question many cat owners ask, particularly when searching for affordable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional litter. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine what works best for your feline friend.

I'm a vet with over 13 years of experience and have explained the pros and cons of using sand in the best cat litter box, a comparison to other cat litter alternatives, and practical tips for making the switch below.

Read on to discover whether sand is the right choice for your cat!

Can I use sand as cat litter?

Using sand as cat litter is a viable option, however, there are advantages and disadvantages that need careful consideration...

Pros:

1. Natural and environmentally-friendly:
Sand is a natural resource that’s readily available and more sustainable than some commercial litters, helping to reduce your cat’s environmental footprint.

2. Soft on paws
The fine texture of sand makes it gentle on your cat’s paws, which can be particularly beneficial for sensitive cats.

3. It clumps well
Wet sand clumps effectively, making it easier to scoop out soiled areas.

Cons:

1. Limited absorbency
Sand is not as absorbent as the best cat litter, which can lead to excess moisture in the litter box.

2. Poor odor control
Sand does little to neutralize odors, meaning regular cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene.

3. Messiness
Sand tends to track outside the litter box, requiring more frequent cleaning around the area.

4. Hygiene concerns
Without proper maintenance, sand can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, posing risks to both feline and human health.

Overall, while sand can be used as a temporary or emergency solution, it’s not ideal for long-term use. If you do choose sand, be prepared to clean the litter box frequently and replace the sand often to maintain a healthy environment for both you and your cat.

Can you use normal sand for cat litter?

Many cat owners wonder if they can use regular sand, such as the kind found in playgrounds or construction sites, as cat litter. Technically, normal sand can be used, but it comes with two important considerations:

1. Bacteria and parasites
Sand from outdoor environments may contain harmful bacteria, parasites, or other contaminants that could harm your cat’s health.

2. Sharp particles
Some types of sand, like builder’s sand, may have coarse or sharp particles that can irritate your cat’s paws.

To ensure your cat’s safety, opt for sterilized play sand or sand specifically marketed for pet use. These options are typically free from harmful contaminants.

Avoid builder’s sand or sand from unknown outdoor sources, as they can pose health risks. Always store sand in a clean, dry place to prevent contamination before use.

Other cat litter alternatives

If sand doesn’t seem like the right choice, here are some other cat litter alternatives worth considering:

• Wood pellets: Made from compressed sawdust, wood pellets are eco-friendly and biodegradable. They absorb moisture well and control odors, but their coarse texture may not appeal to all cats.
• Paper litter: Created from recycled paper, this litter is soft, lightweight, and dust-free, making it ideal for cats with respiratory issues or those recovering from surgery.
• Corn or wheat-based litter: These natural alternatives are clumping, biodegradable, and effective at odor control. However, they may attract pests if not stored properly and require frequent cleaning.
• Silica gel litter: Made from silica crystals, this litter is lightweight, highly absorbent, and excellent at controlling odors. It requires less frequent changes but can be more expensive.
• Coconut or grass-based litter: These sustainable options are lightweight, biodegradable, and offer decent odor control. They’re growing in popularity among eco-conscious pet owners.

Each alternative has its pros and cons, so consider your cat’s preferences and any health concerns when choosing the right litter. For personalized advice, don’t hesitate to consult your vet. You might also want to consider the best cat litter subscriptions.

How to transition your cat onto a new litter

Switching your cat to a new litter type, whether it’s sand or another alternative, requires patience and a gradual approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your cat adapt comfortably:

1. Introduce gradually
Mix a small amount of the new litter with the current litter. Gradually increase the new litter’s proportion over seven to 10 days until it fully replaces the old one.

2. Monitor behavior
Keep an eye on your cat’s body language and behavior. If they show discomfort or stress, slow down the transition process.

3. Offer options
Provide multiple litter boxes—one with the old litter and one with the new litter. This allows your cat to choose and adjust more easily.

4. Maintain cleanliness
Cats prefer a clean litter box. Scoop waste daily and change the litter as often as needed to keep it fresh.

5. Positive reinforcement
Reward them with the best cat treats or praise when they successfully use the new litter. Positive associations can ease the transition.

While sand can be used as cat litter, it has significant drawbacks, including poor odor control and hygiene concerns. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, alternatives like wood pellets, paper litter, or silica gel offer better performance and cat comfort.

It is important to choose a litter that prioritizes your cat’s health and preferences while ensuring the litter box remains clean and inviting. With the right preparation and a gradual transition, you can find the litter solution that works best for both your household and your feline friend.

Explore your options and keep your cat happy, healthy, and comfortable!

You might also want to read about the types of cat litter and the best automatic litter boxes.

Raise your hand if you hate cleaning up your cat's poop. I see you and I feel your pain! This is a job that every indoor cat owner dreads, but thankfully, it's something that can be fixed with the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes.

These time-saving devices do the dirty work for you, and you'll only need to change the Neakasa M1 Open-Top Litter Box every two weeks. You heard that right - every two weeks! The effortless 'pull and wrap' waste disposal is super hygienic and you won't have to come in contact with any litter.

I know that self-cleaning litter boxes can be really expensive, which is why I'm so excited to share that this one is $200 off in the Amazon Prime Day sale (and it's a good one, too). So, if the price was the only thing holding you back, now is the perfect time to get your hands on it! This is one of the best Amazon Prime Day cat deals I've seen in a long time.

Since Chilli and Nala are outdoor cats, I gave this to our trusty tester Henry, who has three moggies at home. He says the Neakasa M1 litter box saves him so much time and effort and does a good job of trapping unpleasant odors.

I don't know about you. but the idea of setting one of these up looks pretty complicated, but Henry reassures me that it was easy to install and the instructions were super clear. I also imagine them to be noisy, but Henry says the box is quiet and it didn't wake him up in the night (even when it's placed outside his bedroom door!)

The Neakasa M1 has some really cool features, like the app which helps you keep an eye on your cat's toilet habits. This might not seem like the most interesting thing to track, but the data can tell you a lot about your cat's health and can come in handy for vet visits if something else is wrong with them.

Some litter boxes can be an eye-sore, but Henry says this design is sleek, stylish, and looks good in his home. Bonus: it comes with a soft mat to prevent litter from being treaded across your floor.

Want more Prime Day discounts? Check out the best Amazon Prime Day dog deals and Amazon Prime Day pet deals.

Choosing the best litter for rabbits may not sound like the most exciting of tasks but getting it right will make life much easier and comfortable for both you and your bunny. The aim is to provide a clean and inviting space for a rabbit to pee and poop while also ensuring it doesn’t have an adverse impact in your home. To that end, you need to consider the material used, its absorbency and its ability to control odor.

With the rise in popularity of the best indoor rabbit hutches, you also need to think about dust. If you use a lot of litter, then you certainly don’t want particles spreading around your home and, just as importantly, getting into your rabbits lungs. One thing’s for sure, you need to avoid the best cat litters, too. “Don’t be tempted to use clumping cat litter because if your rabbit ingests this it could cause blockages in their digestive system,” says expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan.

Instead, use material that will encourage your bunny to make use of the litter since figuring out how to litter box train a rabbit will be easier if you provide an ideal environment, which includes one of the best rabbit litter boxes. Indeed, as we’re about to see, there’s plenty of great products on offer so let’s check the best litter for rabbits and explore the different materials you can buy.

The best litter for rabbits 2026

How we compared the best litter for rabbits

Safety was a primary concern when shopping around for the best litter for rabbits. Given a bunny is going to be using litter often, we needed to be sure that the litter was soft and that it would be as dust-free as possible to avoid respiratory issues and would be sharp. We also considered:

Smells: We looked for litter that would control odors. No-one wants a stinky home.

Cleanliness: It’s important that spoiled litter can be easily and quickly cleaned.

The environment: Throwing litter into the bin seems wasteful so we were on the lookout for any litter that could be recycled or composted.

What do vets recommend as the best litter for rabbits?

There are other specific factors to consider when looking for the best litter, all of which take into consideration the health of your rabbit. According to expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan, the best litter to use in a rabbit’s enclosure and litter box is an unscented paper-based product.

“There are different types of paper-based litter available, including pulped, shredded, and pellets,” she says. “These all carry the same advantage of being low in dust, to reduce triggering respiratory issues. Paper-based products tend to be pretty absorbent too.”

If you do opt for paper, however, then you may need to supplement it.

“When choosing your litter, you may also want to consider the comfort of the product for your rabbit so if you choose paper pellets then you may want to put a layer of dust-extracted straw over the top to make them softer and more comfortable,” Dr MacMillan adds. She also advises you to avoid any shredded paper that has ink on it as some types of ink can cause issues if ingested.

What litter for rabbits should be avoided?

Just as there are litters best suited for rabbits, so there are litters that you really need to steer clear of and Dr Rebecca MacMillan says sawdust and wood shavings should be top of the list.

“Sawdust can irritate the respiratory tract and the skin, due to the oils/phenols contained in the wood as well as all of the fine particles of dust.”

She also says you need to avoid clumping cat litter just in case your rabbit decides to have a nibble only to find it causes a very unpleasant blockage.

“You should also steer clear of any products that are scented,” she says.

What household items could be used as litter?

What if you’re in a bit of a jam and you either don’t have any litter left or your waiting for your litter order to arrive. Is there a material that may be knocking around your home that you could use temporarily? Dr Rebecca MacMillan suggests using newspapers – and we’re talking the actual printed products here, of course: those rarities which you may have seen in a store.

Joking aside, newspapers are actually great. “If you are in a fix, you could use newspaper to line your rabbit’s cage but ideally cover this with a layer of dust-extracted straw to reduce the chances of your rabbit nibbling on it,” Dr MacMillan says.

“It is safer to use plain, non-glossy newspapers that are printed with non-toxic ink [most are these days]. If you are not sure, rub your finger over the print. Safe soy-based inks won’t smudge, whereas petroleum-based ink will.”

How often does litter for rabbits need to be changed?

Litter will get soiled. It’s what it’s there for but you can’t just leave your rabbit to live with it for days on end. It needs cleaning otherwise it could become harmful to your pet. How often cleaning your rabbit’s enclosure needs to happen depends largely on the type of litter you use but daily maintenance and removal of poops is essential.

“Rabbit litter should be changed frequently to keep your rabbit clean and to avoid the build-up of ammonia in the environment,” says Dr MacMillan. “Spot-checks to remove small amounts of soiled litter should be performed daily, but a full change of the litter needs to happen once a week.”

You might think you’re doing everything right with your cat’s litter boxes, but then maybe you realize that your kitty has gone to the toilet elsewhere. Or perhaps you have two or three cats, and you’ve noticed some tension between them around the litter box – even if you’ve got the best cat litter box on the market. 

It’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to managing your kitty’s litter boxes. But fortunately, they’re easy to rectify too. Molly Kelsey, AKA  The Cat Counsellor, has outlined five common mistakes that cat parents often make with litter boxes, and how to avoid them, in a recent Instagram post – some of them hadn’t even occurred to us!

1. There’s not enough of them: Can cats share a litter box? As Kelsey explains, not having enough litter boxes can cause house soiling and stress-related behaviors too. These might include marking, overgrooming, and furniture scratching. So, it’s a good idea to have one litter box per cat, and then an extra one. 

2. Not keeping the litter box clean: “Cats by nature are clean animals and will find being forced to use a dirty litter box an unpleasant experience, or they may refuse to use it altogether,” says Kelsey.

“Scoop waste as soon as possible and dispose of it away from the litter box. Ensure that the box is cleaned and litter is replaced regularly i.e. weekly.”

3. The size and shape of the litter box aren’t suited to your cat: Several factors, including your cat’s size, physical capabilities, and simply their personal preferences, will influence the sort of litter box they like. 

While all cats are different, as a general rule it’s a good idea to go for litter boxes at least 1.5x the size of your cat. Meanwhile, for older or disabled cats, it makes sense to choose a low-sided box. 

4. Wrong type of litter substrate: Kelsey explains, “Many litters on the market are made to cater to us, rather than the cats who use it. Fragrances and odor-control powders are common additives, which can irritate a cat’s airways and sense of smell.”

There are many different types of cat litter, but it’s best to choose litter that’s low-dust and non-fragranced, and that’s made from small pellets or a sand-like substance, so that it clumps together and better absorbs liquid.

5. Unsuitable location for toileting: “While a litter box isn't the most aesthetic item in the home,” says Kelsey, “Where they are located goes a long way in being appealing to your cats for daily use.”

Go for quiet and private locations, if you can, and try to make sure that other important resources – including other litter boxes as well as things like food and water bowls – are away from each litter box.

If you’ve taken on board these steps, but you’re still dealing with issues like soiling in the house, it’s a good idea to consult your vet. There may be a medical reason for your kitty’s behavior – or at the very least, you can rule serious health concerns out. 

Find more cat content as we answer; can cats find their way home?

Your cat peeing outside the litter box can be frustrating, and that’s totally understandable. It’s an unexpected mess you need to clean up, and it might seem totally out of character for your feline friend. 

However, as annoying as it might be, it may not be a case of your cat simply deciding to be awkward and turning their nose up at even the best cat litter. There could be an underlying issue causing them to pee outside the litter box, and while it may not be anything sinister, it could be a sign of something more serious. 

Fortunately, certified cat behavior psychologist Saba Sayyed, who goes by the name A Cat Psychologist, has produced an invaluable checklist for cat parents to go through should their cat pee outside the litter box, so if you want to know how to stop your cat peeing on the carpet, you’re in the right place. 

It’s important to rule out any medical conditions first – it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, Sayyed recommends a vet checkup, as your kitty might have a urinary tract infection or a kidney infection. Then, if you’ve not done so yet, it’s a good idea to get them neutered or spayed.

“Add scent soakers … all over the house where they can put their scent on,” is the next tip in Sayyed’s list. These are things your cat can put their scent on, like beds, blankets, and scratchers. She recommends putting at least one in each room. 

Her next advice is to keep an eye out for outdoor cats, and look for ways to deter them, and then to clean the cat pee using natural and unscented cleaners, like vinegar and baking soda. 

Another thing she advises is to “add an additional easy-to-access litter box with a different kind of litter and place it in a new open space at home”, in case your cat had a negative experience in the previous litter box. 

Your cat might be peeing outside the litter box because she’s stressed, so it’s also a good idea to bring down stress levels in the home. You could try using things like cat calming sprays, keeping the noise down, and bonding with your cat through things like slow eye blinks. 

If your cat’s pee is making an unpleasant smell, too, here’s how to get rid of cat pee smell around the home. But, first and foremost, remember to ensure that your cat isn’t dealing with any health problems that might cause them to pee away from their litter box. 

If you're like a lot of feline pet parents, you may currently be asking yourself 'why is my cat peeing outside the litter box?'

While it's not a pleasant thing to experience, it's a common problem and identifying the underlying cause can help you get your cat's toileting habits back on track.

Even if you've invested in the best cat litter box, the team at Tuft and Paw says your kitty may choose to go elsewhere for a variety of reasons.

To find out what the most common causes are that drive this behavior, you can check out Tuft and Paw's handy TikTok video below, or keep reading for a summary of the main points...

1. They're stressed out and don't have enough enrichment: "Indoor cats need outlets to express their natural instincts," explain the team at Tuft and Paw. Not having enough enrichment in the form of cat toys and scratching posts can cause them to expel this energy in unwanted ways, like going outside the litter box.

Check out our guide to how to entertain indoor cats for some simple ways to add more enrichment to your feline friend's day. 

2. Medical issues: "If your cat starts to go outside their litter box frequently, then it's a good idea to let your vet know because there's a few medical issues that could be at play. Whether it's a UTI or arthritis, there are a ton of potential causes that you'll want to rule out."

3. There's a problem with their litter box: The team at Tufts and Paws says it's important to ask yourself the following questions...

• Is the litter box clean?
• Are there enough litter boxes around the home?
• Is the litter box the right size for my cat?
• Is it in a comfortable space?
• Could the cat litter be the problem?

"One simple change might be enough to get your cat's bathroom habits back on track."

If you're at all concerned about your cat's toileting habits (or any other aspect of their health and wellbeing) we recommend speaking with your vet who will be able to give your kitty a thorough check up. 

Cats defecating and urinating outside of their litter box is a common problem faced by many feline pet parents, and we understand what an unpleasant issue it is to be dealing with. 

A cat peeing outside the litter box (or worse, pooping!) may seem like a deliberate behavior designed to upset you, but rest assured your kitty isn't trying to be difficult.

Arthritis in cats, as well as stress, anxiety, and medical issues like cystitis, can all cause a cat to do their business in places other than their litter box. 

"Behavior issues are complex," explains registered vet technician and certified cat behavior consultant, Tabitha Kucera, "But just like cats need enrichment, water, and food, they also need an appropriate litter box setup from the start! ⁣This can help to prevent many issues and decrease stress for cats. "

Once you've ruled out an underlying health condition that could be driving your cat to pee and defecate outside their litter box, the next step is to ensure you have the right litter box setup. To help you do that, Kucera has put together what she calls her ABC's of litterboxes:

A = Accessible: The first thing Kucera recommends is making sure that the litter boxes you choose are easy for your cat to access. A good rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat plus an extra one. So, if you have one cat, that means two litter boxes, if you have two cats, that means three litter boxes. Place them throughout your home, including all levels of a multilevel home.

"Many cats prefer to urinate in one box and defecate in another," explains Kucera. "Also, older cats and cats with medical issues that cause them to go to the bathroom frequently require easy access to a litter box."

B = Big: "Make sure the litter boxes are big enough to comfortably accommodate your cat," Kucera advises. "Litter boxes should be 1.5 times the length of your cat and your cat should be able to turn around in it - you wouldn't want to use an airplane sized bathroom all the time and neither does your cat." Check out our guide to the best cat litter box to help you find the perfect bathroom for your kitty.

C = Clean: Kucera says it's important that you clean your cat's litter box regularly and scoop it daily. "Dump and wash the litter boxes with a mild soap every 4-6 weeks and avoid strong, aversive cleaning agents, like bleach." Kucera recommends clumping clay litter as most cats prefer this over other types of cat litter and unscented and dust-free is also preferable. However, be led by your feline friend as to which litter to use. "Let your cat choose which litter they prefer. If your cat prefers a specific litter, don't change it."

If you have any concerns about your cat's toileting habits, or notice any other changes in behavior that have you worried, we recommend speaking with your vet who will be able to give your cat a full health check. 

There’s no doubt that the thought of tofu cat litter sounds a little, well, unconventional to say the least. Are we really expected to sit our cats in a tray of large bean curd? Won’t that just be a tad uncomfortable? 

After a good read of the packaging of some products and a hefty bit of research, however, we started to feel persuaded. Maybe this off-beat sounding substance for cats to poop and urinate in will work wonders. Teamed up with the best cat litter box, perhaps it will even prove to be a winning combination.

Cue Nova, our lovely, willing “volunteer”, a moggy who is well-loved and knows a good thing when he sees it. If anyone would be able to give us a good assessment of whether tofu cat litter is going to work, it will be him. So it was time to try it out and see if tofu cat litter really is something worth considering.

What is tofu cat litter?

Now this is a very valid question. After all, tofu cat litter sounds as if it’s something you may even want to eat – it’s certainly an appetizing foodstuff for millions of vegans and vegetarians. In truth, though, this isn’t going to form a delicious protein-packed meal. Instead, the cat litter is made from food-grade soybean fiber residue that would otherwise be thrown away. It’s mixed with cornstarch, guar gum and pea fiber among other natural ingredients.

The whole point of tofu cat litter is that it’s an eco-friendly cat litter alternative. Aside from the environmental benefits, it's pretty much dust-free. It also barely sticks to a cat's paws which means you're far less likely to see little bits of litter strewn around your home. Since it's great at absorbing waste, it's also odor-free which is a big plus in our book. What's more, it's soft and inviting, making it sound as if Nova is going to take to it well.

Is tofu cat litter good for cats?

Safety is a big concern. No-one is ever going to want to use a product that is even a teeny, weeny bit harmful. And the good news is that you don’t need to worry. Tofu cat litter will cause very few problems for your feline friends so long as you treat it well by scooping it daily.

How long does tofu last in cat litter?

Knowing how often to change cat litter is important. Not only do you want to ensure a hygienic environment for your kitty, you also want to make sure your cat is encouraged to use it. In general, how often you change tofu cat litter depends on how you’re storing it. The litter’s granules can easily develop mold if they're not being kept in a dry, cool and well-ventilated space. In the correct conditions, however, you'll find tofu cat litter lasts a good while – as long as a month in some instances although it could depend on the time of the year. It’s also worth learning how to clean a litter box for maximum efficiency.

Does tofu litter clump urine?

There are various types of cat litter and their suitability often comes down to whether it clumps urine or not. Tofu cat litter does clump – and it does so quickly. Experiments with Nova show it can absorb much more moisture than clay, for example, which goes a long way toward making it odor-free. And get this: tofu litter is flushable cat litter so down the loo it goes. Unless that is, your home has dodgy plumbing, in which case, you may just want to compost it. 

We tested some leading tofu cat litter - here’s what we found

If you can get past the cost of this cat litter (and it's fair to say that many people will wince at the price), then you and your kitty are in for a treat! Pouring the cat litter into the tray was dust-free, as expected, and while we felt there was an ever-so slightly odd yet not unpleasant smell, it proved very effective when being used, preventing the odor of urine well. In that sense, it did its job, with the urine clumping quickly and poop being easy to scoop. Very convenient and impressive.

It seems a little strange to take a tofu cat litter – which is supposed to have odor-free properties as “standard” – and then add green tea extract for odor control. But it works so who are we to argue, giving the immediate area a pleasant fragrance that got the thumbs-up in our household. Once again, it clumps quickly and hard and it's pleasing to note there was no dust when tipping it into the litter tray. Nova ate a little of this one but didn't have any adverse effects.

This product proudly states that it's toilet flushable. That, however, is the case for all tofu litter so it's not particularly special in that sense. In our test, we placed a small amount into the loo (our plumbing isn't the best so we didn't want to do much more) and, lo and behold, it went down well. As with the other products on test, this also proved a great choice. Odor was controlled, there was no dust and it eliminated tracking. It's also very reasonably priced.

Does tofu cat litter actually work?

Quick answer? Yes, tofu cat litter works. Some users have claimed it's a game-changer and it certainly does have a heap of advantages. Our only concern is the price but if you can afford it and want to tap into the benefits, there should be very little else to hold you back.

Your search for the best cat litter box is over; we've rounded them up all in one place. Whether you're looking for a hooded option to minimize mess or want one with lower sides to accommodate your cat's mobility challenges, we've curated this guide with every need in mind.

As a cat mom of two, I understand that litter boxes aren't the most exciting part of pet parenthood and are something you'd rather not dwell on for too long. That's why I've done the hard work for you, spending hours researching and comparing different models on the market to bring you my top picks. I also consulted our in-house vet, Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, to find out what the best styles are.

Below, you'll find a list of the best cat litter boxes of 2026 and why we think they’re worth the money. With a variety of price points, designs, and styles, you're sure to find the perfect fit for you and your feline friend. If you can’t think of anything worse than changing your cat’s litter box, I recommend checking out my guide to the best automatic cat litter boxes.

The best cat litter boxes 2026

Photos from testing

Other cat litter boxes to consider

Georgia has also tested a Pets at Home open-top litter box, but her cat Annie made "such a mess" when using it. Instead, she prefers a hooded-style box (like this one on Amazon) to keep everything contained and reduce odors.

If you're fed up with cleaning your cat's poop, you might consider investing in one of the best automatic litter boxes, which will do the job for you.

We've tested nine different models and found the Neakasa M1 Litter Box to be sleek, quiet, and easy to use.

Our tester, Henry, noted that it prevents bad odors from escaping into his home, and all three of his cats were happy to use it. Operating at a 50dB sound level (similar to a refrigerator), it's so quiet you can barely notice it. However, these devices can be quite pricey, so if you're not looking to splurge, one of the basic models in this guide might be a better option.

How we tested the best cat litter boxes

To curate this guide, we spent hours researching and comparing a wide range of litter boxes. We narrowed them down into six categories (hooded, open-top, stainless steel, dome-shaped, low-entry point, and high-sided) and selected just one model for each of these. Any products we tested but didn’t make the cut are listed in the 'Others to Consider' section.

We asked our testers the following questions:

Litter retention: Does the box keep litter inside? Does it prevent litter trailing?

Cleaning: How easy is it to clean the box? Does litter or poop stick to the sides?

Odor control: How well does the box prevent bad smells from escaping?

Accessibility: Is the box suitable for cats of all ages, heights, and abilities?

Comfort: Is the box large enough for cats to sit in comfortably?

Value for money: Is it worth the money based on quality and what’s included?

Here's more information on how we test.

How to choose the best cat litter box

All the options included in this guide do a good job, but it's very much a matter of what suits your needs. If you don’t want to spend a huge amount on a cat litter box, a simple open tray is a good choice. If you have a large cat or a cat that likes to spray their litter around, you will need taller sides to prevent mess being made.

If you’re happy to spend a little more, try a covered cat litter box which gives your cat some privacy and helps keep things tidy. You can also try an automatic, self-cleaning litter box, but these are expensive and effectively do the same job, but you won't have to do as much cleaning.

For senior cats or cats with mobility issues, you'll want to ensure the sides are low enough for them to climb inside, or even consider models that have steps.

It is essential that you get the right size litter box for your cat. You don’t want your fur friend having to step outside their tray or squeeze into a tight small space that makes them uncomfortable. As a general rule, a litter box should have enough room for your pet to move around in and a little bit extra. Bigger is typically better.

What is the best type of litter box for a cat?

There are many types of cat litter boxes (and types of cat litter!) on the market, from hooded and open-top designs to stainless steel and plastic options, but which one is the best? Dr. MacMillan explains that there’s no single product that suits every pet – it ultimately depends on what works for both the cat and the owner.

She says: "Research shows that most cats prefer a box that gives them plenty of space to move around. Ideally, it should be one and a half times the length of your cat (nose to tail) which can make for a pretty large box in some cases. It is also proven that cats prefer a decent amount of kitty litter, ideally a 3cm depth. So, this means choosing a box that is also deep enough to hold that amount of litter.

"Don’t forget that some cats may struggle to climb into a high-sided box, especially if they have mobility issues or are very young. In this case, you may need a shallower tray or one that has a step to allow easy access."

Do cats prefer open or hooded litter boxes?

If you’re torn between an open-top or hooded litter box, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each design.

Dr. MacMillan says: "Most cats like to keep an eye on their surroundings, whether they are eating, drinking, resting, or toileting. This means that the majority will prefer an open litter box so that they can see what’s going on around them.

"Many cats will adapt to a hooded litter box, but there will also be some that refuse to use them. Hooded boxes may be more for our benefit than theirs, with many pet owners choosing them because they hide any unsightly messes and trap odors. There are always exceptions to this rule, however, and some shy or cautious cats may prefer to hide while toileting. It can be trial and error."

Whichever option you choose, be sure to provide your cat with multiple litter boxes around the house, placing them in quiet, undisturbed areas. You should have one litter box per cat and at least one extra, according to vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey.

If your cat does not seem keen, here are our tips on how to get a cat to use a litter box.

Chosen your new litter box? Now check out our guide to the best cat litter to make this job even easier! You might also want to read our cat litter hacks. Or discover how self-cleaning litter boxes work.

No one wants to come home to find their cat pooping outside the litter box, but unfortunately for some cat owners this can become a regular occurrence. A cat can start pooping outside the litter box for many reasons, some behavioral and others due to underlying medical issues.

If you’re dealing with a cat pooping outside the litter box, there are some steps you can take to get your cat back to the using the litter box. First, you’ll need to troubleshoot your litter box management and see what may be causing your cat’s sudden litter box aversion. You’ll also need to consider whether your cat’s inappropriate elimination could be due to a medical problem, and consult your vet for further advice.

Why do cats poop outside the litter box? 

There are many reasons why a cat may start pooping outside the litter box, and it can be difficult to ascertain why your cat has started this new behavior. Some of the common reasons for pooping outside the litter box include:

• Dirty litter box
• Not using the best cat litter for your cat
• Pain
• Parasites
• Cat onstipation
• Diarrhea in cats
• Arthritis
• Inter-cat aggression in a multi-cat household
• Incontinence
• Territorial marking
• Gastrointestinal problems

How to stop a cat from pooping outside the litter box 

If your cat is frequently pooping outside their litter box, the good news is there a few things you can try to resolve the behavior. A visit to your vet will rule out any medical issues but good litter box management is also essential.

1. Consult your vet

To get to the bottom of what’s making your cat poop outside the litter box, the first step is a visit to your vet. They will perform a full head to tail physical examination, and may recommend some additional diagnostic testing such as radiographs (X-rays) or evaluation of a fecal sample.

These tests will help your veterinarian rule out common causes for pooping outside the litter box and, hopefully, achieve a diagnosis for your cat.

2. Keep their routine consistent

One of the most common reasons cats poop outside the litter box is an aversion to the litter box itself. Cats can be extremely picky about their litter boxes and even minor changes can cause them to stop using the box.

If your cat is pooping outside the litter box and you have recently made some changes – such as trying new types of cat litter or changing the location of the box – try reversing those changes first to see if this will encourage your cat to use the box again.

3. Litter box management

When dealing with inappropriate elimination, good litter box management is essential. First, make sure you have enough litter boxes – at least one box per cat in the household, plus one extra. This ensures there is always a box available when your cat needs one. Here’s our guide to the best cat litter boxes, should you need more.

The litter boxes must be cleaned at least once a day. Some cats who are extra fastidious may not use a dirty litter box at all, so you may need to clean the box even more frequently in these cases. It might help to have a refresher on how to clean a litter box, or look into the best automatic cat litter boxes to see if that suits your squeaky clean kitty.

Be sure to offer different sizes and types of litter boxes, so your cat can choose what he likes best. Use a clumping, unscented clay litter, because this is what most cats prefer.

The litter boxes should be located in different spots throughout the house so there is always one easily accessible. If your cat is pooping outside the litter box, putting a box where he most commonly poops may encourage him to use the box again.

4. Consider the location of litter box

Finally, take some time to consider the route your cat takes to reach the litter box. What obstacles does your cat encounter along the way? Does he have to cross the path of a scary dog, or does a bully cat stand in his way? Will he have to go up and down stairs, or jump over obstacles to reach his box? Is the litter box next to a noisy appliance or in a musty-smelling corner of the basement?

All of these factors can make your cat less inclined to make the journey to the litter box. Consider adding new boxes in more easily accessible areas of the house and this may resolve your cat’s inappropriate elimination issue.

If the problems persist...

How to discipline a cat for pooping outside the litter box

While inappropriate elimination may cause not only worry in cat owners, but frustration, it's important to understand that the resolution does not involve disciplining your cat.

A cat pooping outside the litter box isn’t doing so out of spite, and they aren’t being naughty. There is a problem that needs to be addressed – and you may need to look into how to retrain a cat to use a litter box. If the underlying issue is not treated, then inappropriate elimination will continue or worsen.

Why is my cat pooping on the floor with a clean litter box? 

If your litter boxes are well-managed and you stil see your cat pooping outside the litter box, it is definitely time to see your veterinarian to get to the bottom of the issue. Your veterinarian can help you further troubleshoot your litter box management, and can also assess your cat for medical problems such as pain and arthritis, which can commonly cause inappropriate elimination.

If your cat is painful it can be very difficult to get into and out of the litter box, especially if there are obstacles along the way such as stairs, which can be quite painful for an arthritic cat to navigate.

In many cases, treating the pain and providing a more easily accessible litter box can resolve the problem. Other causes of inappropriate defecation, such as parasites or cat constipation, can also be resolved with appropriate treatment.

When to be concerned about a cat pooping outside their litter box 

If your cat has pooped outside the litter box once or twice and then returned to using the litter box normally, this is likely not cause for concern. Your cat may have been blocked from reaching the litter box or may not have been able to get to the litter box quickly enough.

It’s always a good idea to periodically review your litter box management, so this is a great time to double check that you are following all of the recommendations above to give your cat a clean and welcoming litter box. If your cat does not poop outside the litter box again, then there’s likely no cause for concern.

If your cat continues to poop outside the litter box, then it’s best to see your veterinarian for an examination and diagnostic testing. Your cat may have an underlying medical issue contributing to the inappropriate defecation. Once an underlying cause for the inappropriate defecation is diagnosed, your veterinarian can prescribe appropriate treatment to help get your cat back on track.

Struggling with other feline behaviors? Read our guides to cat peeing outside the litter box and cat walking in circles. Or learn the risks between pregnant women and cat litter

It seems like a great deal: buy flushable cat litter and you won't have to worry about bagging up your kitty's poop, dropping it in the bin and eventually sending it to landfill. In that sense, it sounds like it's going to be the best cat litter money can buy – not only does it appear convenient but kind to the environment. After all, you flush your own poop down the toilet so why not do the same with your cat's waste too?

The reality is a little more complicated than that but there's no denying that there's a whole industry centered around making it easier for you to deal with cat litter. Companies compete to offer the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes, for instance, and you may ponder buying one of the best cat litter subscriptions. In such cases, you'll still need to consider how you're going to dispose of the trays or empty the bins but if you're looking to avoid the trashier of tasks, is cat litter flushable?

• 8 DIY cat litter box ideas
• Do you know how often to change cat litter?
• Types of cat litter: Which one is right for your feline?

Pros of using flushable cat litter

Traditional litter certainly isn't designed to be thrown down the toilet. It absorbs water and expands hugely so you can imagine the damage it's going to do to the pipes in your home if you try to flush it away. Plumbers may rub their hands at the thought of a bumper pay day if you dispose of normal litter in this way but flushable litter claims to be different. How so?

Flushable cat litter is made of natural, compostable materials such as wheat, newspaper, cassava, pine, wood shavings or corn. Since the material is biodegradable, it will be broken down by micro-organisms, fungi or bacteria over time, allowing it to blend back in with the earth. As such, manufacturers say it's fine to pop the soiled litter down the toilet, flush and send it on its merry way. 

Some of those materials – wood, corn and cassava, in particular – also naturally control odor (although (cats can be allergic to corn and wheat). Pine and cedar, for instance, add a fresh smell that hides the stench of feces but manufacturers will generally help mask odors in other ways, perhaps by adding baking soda. The major advantage of flushable cat litter is always going to be convenience, though. 

• How to keep cat litter off the floor
• 7 creative cat litter alternatives you can find around the home

Is Flushable cat litter really eco-friendly?

If you're comparing it to traditional cat litter then yes, it is. Resoundingly so. Clay is typically used for cat litter but it is strip mined which has environmental consequences. It causes air and water pollution, soil erosion and disturbs animal habitats. Clay isn't biodegradable either so it ends up filling landfill sites.

Once you've cracked how to get a cat to use a litter box, you'll have no such problems with flushable cat litter in and of itself. But the question is really whether or not you should actually flush it away. In all truth, no. It may seem crazy that a product which advertises itself as flushable shouldn't actually be sent through the pipes but there is very sound reasoning for that.

Your home's plumbing can still become clogged by flushable cat litter (and even hardened poop), particularly so if you are using a septic system. You could tip the litter away bit by bit and keep flushing but that's hardly eco-friendly even if it could resolve one problem (you may find having to flush even more if you have a water-saving toilet). 

Cat feces is also bad for the water system because it can contain a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii which causes toxoplasmosis. Most waste treatment plants can't get rid of it so it could end up in the water system or, just as bad, flushed out to sea. It's why it is banned in some American states such as California to protect fragile marine wildlife.

Should you buy flushable cat litter?

But should you still consider buying flushable cat litter if you can? Yes. Just because it is flushable doesn't actually mean you have to flush it. You could pop the litter in a paper bag and send it to landfill knowing that it will biodegrade. You may not benefit from a cat litter that clumps and it may go against its main advantage of offering convenience but you will at least go some way towards protecting the environment and that is hugely important too.

Top 5 Flushable Cat Litters

You might also want to read: How to reduce cat litter smells.

Making your own DIY cat litter box may sound like a lot of hard work, but as you’ll soon see, it’s nowhere near as complicated as you might think. In fact, some of the options below are so easy that your hardest job will be choosing the best cat litter to fill it with!

Whether you’re wanting a litter box that’s tucked away yet still visible or you’re looking for some ingenious ways to hide the litter box completely, the ideas in this guide have got you covered with a range of styles to suit both you and your feline friend.

Of course, unlike the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes, the one downside to these fantastic DIY options is that you’re going to have to take care of mopping up those messes without the help of the latest litter box technology. Still, when you see how stylish some of these creations are, we have a feeling that donning those gloves will seem well worth it.

1. DIY cat litter box for limited mobility and arthritis

One issue with many standard store-bought litter boxes is that the small size may make it difficult for some kitties to squat comfortably without their hips coming into contact with the sides. Thankfully, this mammoth litter box solves that problem beautifully.

Get a big storage tub from your local hardware store and use a jig saw to cut a large hole along one side. You’ll want it about 5-inches from the floor to make sure the litter doesn’t come out, but low enough so that your cat can enter easily. 

Make sure you sand the edges of the litter box entrance so that your cat doesn’t hurt themselves on any jagged pieces of plastic. There’s a great range of different types of cat litter to choose from, so select the one that best suits the needs of your feline and family. 

2. Outdoor cat litter box

We’re loving this gorgeous outdoor litter box and best of all, it’s a breeze to make. Just select a patch of your backyard or garden that you want to set the litter box into, dig a shallow trench, surround it with tall and long edging stones and then fill it with cat litter - job done!

This litter box is fantastic for keeping your kitty's toileting confined to the outdoors, but without having to worry that you'll be picking up their business in your garden or on your lawn. And as long as you have a rake, you'll find it's super easy to clean too. 

3. Litter box bench

Want a litter box that’s both fashionable and functional? Well, look no further than this great litter box bench. We’re pretty sure nobody will ever guess that it serves a double purpose!

This is a great way to save room and ensure that your cat's litter box blends in to your home, plus, it provides extra seating for when you have visitors and is good for small spaces, making it ideal for apartment living. 

4. Ikea litter box hack

If you’re a fan of all things IKEA, then you’re going to love this cheap and cheerful litter box that makes use of one of their popular wicker chests. Not only will it look great in any living space, but your cat will love how light and airy it is. 

We'd recommend an odor-eliminating litter for this design, particularly if you're going to have it in one of the main rooms in your home, this will ensure any unpleasant smells stay confined to the chest and don't seep out into your living area.

5. Wooden litter box enclosure

Uber stylish, this wooden litter box is another great outdoor option that would work well on your lawn or patio and it can also double up as an extra piece of furniture for those warmer nights when you’re having guests over.

6. Amazing DIY litter box enclosure

We know we’re not supposed to pick favorites, but we can’t lie, this litter box is quite possibly the coolest thing we’ve ever seen! Featuring an elaborate hallway for access, plenty of space for multiple litter boxes and stunning visual appeal, this litter box is sure to have your family and friends talking for all the right reasons.

Now, we're not going to lie, this is one time consuming project, but if you have the energy for it and are the proud pet parent to more than one feline furkid, this creative litter box set up really is worth all the hard work. 

7. Filing cabinet kitty litter box

One word - genius! With an easy pull-out design and compact structure, a filing cabinet can make a great litter box for your cat. A two-drawer filing cabinet is perfect for this project - simply remove the top drawer and furnish the bottom one with a kitty litter pan and you’re good to go. 

8. The work of art litter box

If you love getting stuck into a meaty project and have plenty of time on your hands, then you’re going to love whipping up this stunning litter box that will let you show off your carpentry skills and your artistic talents all at the same time. It may be a labor of love, but it’s one that will be well worth it. 

If you're wondering how often to change cat litter, you're not alone. It's a common question among pet parents – and there's a lot of conflicting advice online!

In short, you should thoroughly clean the best cat litter box once a week, with spot cleaning done daily. However, this is general advice and depends on the type of litter you’re using, how many cats you have, and their habits.

Below, expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan answers everything you need to know about how often to change your cat's litter – including whether cleaning it more frequently can improve their health, along with our top cat litter hacks to make life easier.

How often to change cat litter

Dr MacMillan explains that most litter boxes require a full change every week, but this can vary depending on the type of cat litter you use. Since clumping litter makes spot cleaning easier, you might find that a full change isn’t needed as often.

If you live with multiple cats, their litter box will probably need to be cleaned more regularly, around a few times a week.

So, what does a "full change" entail? The easiest method is to place a garbage bag over one side of the litter box and empty the entire contents into it. Scrape any leftover residue using a scoop, then wash the box with water and soap (but avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach). Once it's clean and the soap is rinsed away, dry the box with a clean towel and refill it with plenty of the best cat litter.

How often should a litter box be spot-cleaned?

Make sure you're spot cleaning your cat's litter box at least once a day, recommends Dr MacMillan. This involves removing all clumps of urine and feces to keep things fresh and clean.

She adds: "Cats are very clean animals and can be particular about their litter trays, so regular scooping is important."

Will I need to change the litter more often if I have multiple cats?

If your cats decide to use the same litter box, you'll need to deep clean it more frequently, potentially a few times per week if it's heavily soiled. However, if you have more than one cat, you should provide multiple litter trays.

Dr MacMillan says, "The rule of thumb is to have at least one litter tray per cat, plus an extra one."

Will my cats be healthier if I change the litter often?

Dirty litter can lead to medical problems – for both you and your cat. One of the biggest issues facing humans is inhaling too much ammonia from the feces and urine. But there is also a chance of developing a bacterial infection from the poop or coming down with toxoplasmosis, caused by a parasite found in the feces of infected cats.

Cats can get a fungal infection from a filthy litter box, but the main problem emerges in felines who decide to stay clear. If a cat starts to avoid a dirty litter box, then they may begin to hold their urine for longer, and this can cause a urinary tract infection and problems with their kidneys and bladder. Untreated, a cat can become very ill and could even die.

Dr. MacMillan says: "If you are already cleaning your cat’s litter box regularly, with daily scooping, then more frequent cleaning won’t necessarily make them any healthier.

“But if your routine is lacking and you often forget to keep on top of things, then an improvement on this could have a positive impact on your cat’s wellbeing. Cats prefer to use clean litter boxes. A dirty box could cause them anxiety and may lead to issues like toileting accidents around your home.

“Some cats can even develop stress-induced cystitis if they are feeling stressed out by a dirty litter box. This can cause signs like excessive straining, passing small amounts of urine at a time, and passing blood-tinged urine. Affected cats often require treatment from the vet to ease their symptoms."

Is there a way of reducing the hassle of cleaning cat litter?

• Spot-clean frequently to save time on full cleans
• Invest in flushable, clumping litter to speed up clean-ups
• Consider a cat litter subscription to secure the best price
• Keep everything you need in one place
• Buy a litter tracking mat (like this one from Amazon) to avoid a mess on your floor
• Choose a high-sided litter box to prevent spills (like this one from Amazon)

How do I know when to replace my litter box?

Wondering when you need to replace your litter box? Here are the signs, according to Dr MacMillan:

• Extensive scratches
• Scuffs
• An odor that doesn’t go (even after deep cleaning)
• Cracks in the plastic
• Stains or marks you can’t get rid of

You might also be wondering, 'Can I use sand as cat litter?' and 'how do self-cleaning litter boxes work?' Or discover how to hide the litter box

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.

If you live in a household with more than one feline family member, you might wonder whether your cats can share a litter box, or indeed how many litter boxes per cat is required, particularly if you feel like you spend most of your time cleaning up their kitty toilet.

It can also be frustrating if one of your cats is prone to peeing outside the litter box or seems to want to urinate in the bath or a particular corner of the living room. What if the litter box options you've provided for your cats are the reason why their toileting isn't going to plan? Can cats share a litter box? Or do they need one each?

This article will explore the best number of litter boxes to provide in your household, as well as answering common questions you may have about your cats' litter box habits.

Is it OK for cats to share a litter box? 

The most important thing to remember when it comes to cats is that you can't force them to do something they don't want to do! So, while some cats are comfortable sharing a litter box, others aren't keen at all. Cats are very clean animals, and they're also pretty fussy. So, even if they don't protest (and I mean dirty protest!) at being made to share their litter tray with another cat, they'll still want it to be spotlessly clean!

The truth is that although some cats will tolerate sharing litterboxes, nearly all prefer to have multiple litterboxes to choose from. This means they can inspect each tray and choose whichever suits their needs in terms of privacy, scent, and cleanliness.

How many litter boxes for one cat?  

The best guideline for the number of cat litter boxes to provide in your purry palace is to have one litter box per cat and at least one extra. So, you should provide at least two litterboxes for just one cat. This allows your puss to select the tray that gives them the most privacy and peace. It also means that if you're out and about and can't clean their tray immediately, they have another clean toilet ready to go.

What about 2 or 3 cats? How many litter boxes do they need then? 

Following the same rule, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes, and if you have three cats, you should have four litter boxes. This means that your felines can choose a preferred pooping place if they wish. However, they also have other options if their favourite is occupied or in a noisy part of the house. This can help reduce your cats' stress, improving their bonds with each other and keeping your household harmonious.

If you need to increase your number of litter boxes, check out our guide to the best cat litter boxes to find something suitable for your cats.

What’s the best way to use a litter box? 

Other factors are important, not just the number of litter boxes. Choosing the best type of cat litter for your cat can help. Cats will often prefer a particular style of litter box, perhaps one with a roof and a door or one with tall sides. Arthritic or less mobile cats might like a litter box with lower walls, though, and some cats are scared of a cat flap door. It's all about finding what works best for your kitty. Here’s our guide to the best cat litters to help you choose.

The location of the litter box is also important. Choosing a quiet part of the house, away from the footfall, usually works best. Keeping the litter box impeccably clean is really important but try to steer clear of strong-smelling cleaning products because many cats don't like the scent.

Here’s some more advice on how to get a cat to use a litter box.

How to stop territorial aggression in the litter box 

By providing more litter boxes than you have cats, you’ll be helping to alleviate or prevent territorial aggression, but there are more measures you can take:

1. Keep the litter boxes as clean as possible to stop them from smelling of any of your cats' individual scents. Many cats are put off by a litter box that smells of another cat. By keeping it smelling fresh, you'll also help prevent unwanted accidents.
2. Use calming and anti-stress diffusers near the litterboxes to keep your cats feeling chilled.
3. Try adding another litter box. Even if you're already using the 'number of cats plus one rule, your cats might still benefit from another tray.
4. Speak to your veterinarian if you are struggling to control your cats’ territorial aggression.

Frequently asked questions 

Can kittens share a litter box? 

Kittens are clever and tend to be pretty easy to litter train. Many kittens will share litter boxes while they are young. This is due to their sibling bond and because they are not yet sexually mature. Once they become more mature, their hormones will start to affect their behaviour and scent, and they'll desire their own space.

Can sibling cats share a litter box? 

You might assume that cats who are siblings will share a litter box, but it's very rare for adult cats to tolerate sharing a tray regardless of whether they are related. This is also the case with cats of the same gender — many assume that two females will share a litter box, but this is unlikely.

Why do my cats share a litter box? 

Occasionally, cats will choose to share a litter box. However, rather than wanting to share, it's more likely to mean that they have got into the habit of using a particular litter box and are now reluctant to change. As long as the litter box they are using is acceptably clean, they'll stay put. You should still provide a spare litter tray for your cats in case of emergencies.

My cat won't share a litter box; what do I do? 

It's crucial not to force your cats to share a litter box, as doing so can cause them to become aggressive. The best thing to do is to provide multiple litter boxes and ensure they are kept as clean and fresh as possible.

Conclusion

Keeping all your four-legged friends happy in a multi-cat household can be a bit of a juggling act! But solving litter box issues can really help the dynamic between your cats and save you from having to clean up so many accidents!

You’d think that choosing from amongst the various types of cat litter on the market would be fairly straightforward, right? After all, how many kinds of cat litter can there possibly be? Well, as it turns out, quite a lot!

The first battles for pet parents can be how to get a cat to use a litter box and how often to clean litter boxes, but once these hurdles are overcome, it’s time to choose a type of cat litter to suit your kitty.

While many brands claim to have the best cat litter, selecting the right one for your feline friend and your household is a little more complicated than simply purchasing the first bag you come across.

Not only do you have to decide between clumping and non-clumping litters and whether you want to opt for a scented or unscented variety, but you also need to consider the material you want your cat’s litter to be made from.

Some types of cat litter, like silica, are perfect if you have one of the best automatic cat litter boxes, while others, such as wood, are ideal if you’re looking for flushable cat litter and an eco-friendly option. But while all of this may sound overwhelming, we’re here to help make choosing between the various types of cat litter an absolute breeze.

So, whether you’ve been wondering how to keep cat litter off the floor and are looking for a low-tracking option to help you do just that, or you have allergies and are after a low-dust formula, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.

Clumping vs. non-clumping

One of the biggest decisions facing you as a pet parent when selecting litter is whether to go with a clumping or non-clumping formula. While clumping litter tends to be the more popular choice, both have their advantages.

Non-clumping cat litter is the cat litter that started it all and there's a good reason for that. This kind of litter is good at removing odors because it can absorb large amounts of urine, which can help keep your home smelling sweeter for longer. It also requires less daily maintenance, comes in more material choices, and is cheaper.

But, there are downsides to non-clumping litter, mainly the fact that it doesn’t, well, clump! This can make cleaning your cat’s litter box a lot harder and locating their waste amongst all the litter can also be tricky, meaning you often have to throw the whole lot away, which is a real waste.

Then there’s clumping litter, which has become a real pet parent favorite and is it any wonder when it makes keeping your cat’s litter tray clean such a piece of cake? Because the litter forms nice solid clumps wherever there’s urine, it can be easy to identify your cat’s waste and scoop it out, allowing the litter box to stay clean and fresh.

Clumping litter doesn’t come up entirely smelling of roses however. It’s more expensive than its non-clumping counterpart and dust and tracking tends to be a lot higher, so it may not be the best choice if you suffer from allergies or like to keep a very clean home.

Scented vs. unscented

Once you’ve decided on whether you want to go with a clumping or non-clumping litter, the next debate awaiting your attention is the one concerning scented vs. unscented litter.

While you may be tempted to go by what you prefer, scent, or the lack thereof, may also play a part in your cat’s willingness to use their litter box, so that’s worth considering.

As you’ve probably guessed, unscented cat litter is made without any additional scent agents. While you’ll still get the smell of whatever it’s made out of (clay, wood etc.), you won’t get any artificial fragrances.

Scented cat litter contains perfumes to help mask the smell of urine and feces. You’ll find a wide selection available, including scents like lavender, pine fresh, and spring breeze.

In fact, small animal vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan warns against scented litter entirely. “I recommend that all pet owners avoid scented cat litter,” she says. “While the product may smell nice to us, our feline friends have much more sensitive noses. This means scented litter can be overwhelming, and even unpleasant for them. Instead of choosing scented litter, you can keep odors at bay by ensuring that your cat’s litter tray is regularly cleaned out.”

If you do decide to opt for a scented cat litter, monitor your cat to make sure they’re okay with the fragrance you’ve chosen. It’s worth noting that cats don’t tend to like citrus or floral scents, so steer clear of those.

Which type of cat litter should I choose?

Now that you know a little bit more about clumping vs. non-clumping and scented vs. unscented litters, let's take a closer look at the types of litter materials you can expect to find lining the shelves.

1. Clay

When it comes to the most popular type of cat litter, clay continues to scoop the gold medal with pet parents loving the sheer variety of options available, including low and no-dust formulas and scented and unscented options.

“Clay litter has several advantages over other litter types,” advises Dr MacMillan. “It is highly absorbent and forms clumps when soiled, which can make spot cleaning much easier. Many cats like the texture of clay litter, which is similar to soil or sand. This means that it is kind to their paws and easy to dig around in.

“Clay litter is also affordable and readily available, making it a very easy choice for most owners.”

On the flipside, she adds: “There are some disadvantages of clay litter, however. It is quite heavy making large bags quite tricky to transport and handle for some owners, when compared to other lightweight options. It is also prone to tracking across the house – the small pieces can easily get dragged or kicked out of the tray.

“Some clay litters can also create dust when used which can cause respiratory issues, however, many modern clay litters are now dust-free so always check the packaging. The clumping agents in clay could be harmful if your pet ingests the litter in large quantities.” If you notice your feline friend treating their litter tray like a snack bar, it’s best to learn how to stop your kitten eating litter and take action.

”Also, you should bear in mind that clay is not biodegradable unlike some other litters available on the market, making it a less environmentally friendly option than other more modern litter types.”

2. Silica

Gel crystals made from silica are another popular choice for the sheer fact that they’re so highly absorbable, trapping urine in the crystals so you don’t have to scoop out the litter.

“Silica cat litter is very long-lasting and easy to clean out,” explains Dr MacMillan. “This type of cat litter is extremely absorbent, drawing liquid into the small silica beads, as well as trapping unpleasant odors.”

This litter type is virtually trackless, too. “Silica cat litter is lightweight which can make handling and storage easier than some other cat litter, such as clay,” Dr MacMillan adds.

So, are there any downsides to this type of cat litter? “Silica is more expensive than some other cat litter types, but this needs to be weighed up against its long-lasting nature, so it may end up cost-neutral,” says Dr MacMillan.

“However, one of the main disadvantages is that silica can feel uncomfortable underfoot, so some cats don’t enjoy having it in their litter tray. Another disadvantage is that it is not biodegradable, so it is not an eco-friendly choice.”

3. Wood

Wood litter (usually made from pine) is a more environmentally friendly choice than the likes of clay, which is why more pet parents are starting to prefer it. “This product is made from natural ingredients, meaning it is degradable and can be composted,” says Dr MacMillan. “Some types are even flushable. Wood litter usually comes in pelleted form, which is light and easy to store.”

It’s good news for allergy sufferers, too. “Wood pellets are dust-free and highly absorbent making them a great cat litter choice. They are also very good at helping to control odor.“

One of the downsides of pellets is there aren’t any clumping options. “Wood pellets don’t clump, but instead, they crumble into sawdust when soiled,” explains Dr MacMillan. “So, they may not be quite as easy to spot clean as some other litter choices. Wood pellets can be a bit more expensive than other litter types and may not last as long which can be a disadvantage for many cat owners.”

4. Paper

If you’re looking for creative cat litter alternatives you can find around the home, it’s hard to beat paper, which is both affordable and plentiful. And of course, if you’re not feeling in the DIY spirit, you can also buy commercial paper pellet cat litters.

Like wood, paper is environmentally friendly because it is made from a sustainable source, and is biodegradable. “Paper litter is a great hypoallergenic choice because it is dust-free,” adds Dr MacMillan. “Paper litter is also very lightweight, making handling and storage easy. It’s usually sold in pelleted form, which makes it low-tracking. Paper pellets won’t get stuck to your cat's paws or end up being trailed around the house.”

Some paper pellets can feel a little uncomfortable for your pet to walk on, so the texture may not be suitable for all cats. “Paper-based litter is non-clumping so it can be trickier to clean soiled material out of the tray,” continues Dr MacMillan. “Its odor control ability is not great compared to other types of cat litter and you can’t use it in automatic/self-cleaning litter tray.”

Generally, paper litter is non-flushable, which you may want to bear in mind.

5. Walnut

Highly absorbent litter made from walnut shells is a great natural litter. “Walnut shells are a renewable resource, so walnut litter is an excellent eco-friendly product,” says Dr MacMillan. “This natural material is biodegradable so it can be composted, and many are flushable too, depending on your local regulations.

“It can be purchased in pelleted form or a finer texture, similar to clay,” she continues. “Many walnut cat litters naturally clump, making litter box cleaning easier. Walnut is also reasonable at odor neutralizing and is usually low in dust, which makes it a good option for cats and owners with respiratory issues. This product is lightweight so it makes handling and storage easier.”

The main disadvantage of walnut cat litter is that it can be more expensive and not as widely available as other cat litter types. What’s more, you may want to test out a few different brands. Some give off a small amount of red or brown dust, which you may not like if your cat is prone to making a mess. “In its finer form, it can also track more easily around the house than some other cat litter,” Dr MacMillan adds. “It has been reported that walnut is not as absorbent when compared to other types of cat litter, like clay. Its naturally dark brown color may also make spotting soiled areas trickier for some owners.”

6. Corn

Available in natural and scented varieties, corn is a good option if you’re looking for both a clumping and biodegradable litter all rolled into one. “Corn litter, also known as corn cob cat litter, is made from compressed dried corn,” explains Dr MacMillan. “This makes it another natural cat litter, giving it better eco-friendly credentials than clay or silica.

“It is a lightweight material making handling and storage easier than clay. Corn litter is usually low in dust, as well as being a safe and non-toxic material.”

The main disadvantage of corn litter is that it can spoil in warm and humid conditions. “This litter can go moldy and as such there are some concerns about aflatoxins,” warns Dr MacMillan. “Aflatoxins are toxic substances produced by certain mold types that can grow on corn crops. This is only a problem if your cat ingests their litter, however.

“Corn cat litter may be a bit more expensive than clay, and it only has average odor control. Some cat owners also report that the litter itself has a distinctive smell, which is not always appealing.”

7. Wheat

Wheat litter is made from whole wheat grain or wheat byproducts, such as husk or bran. “The starch found naturally in wheat makes it clump when soiled,” explains Dr MacMillan. “It is also low in dust and soft on your cats’ paws. Wheat litter is a natural product, made from a renewable resource, so it ticks the box on being eco-friendly. It weighs less than clay litter so is easy to handle.”

However, like corn, wheat is a food crop, and can spoil in warm and humid conditions. “Corn needs to be stored correctly and soiled litter needs to be removed from litter trays regularly,” advises Dr MacMillan. “Owners find that it is not as absorbent as clay or silica litter and may not control odors as well. Fine wheat litter will also be tracked around the house. If your cat tends to eat their cat litter and has a wheat allergy, then you should avoid this type.”

Read next about pregnant women and cat litter or can dogs use cat litter?

Can pregnant women change cat litter? While the decision is completely up to the individual (and some people choose to), there’s a small risk of it having harmful effects on the pregnancy.

Vet Dr MacMillan explains that pregnant women are more at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis – an infection transmitted from feces to mouth – which could result in miscarriage or severe complications in some cases.

If you want to learn more, Dr MacMillan has answered all your questions below – like whether it’s safe to be around cat litter when pregnant, if wearing a mask reduces the risk, and what to do if you’ve picked up toxoplasmosis.

Is it safe to be around cat litter when pregnant?

Changing a litter box can be risky for pregnant women, as they're more at risk of becoming infected with toxoplasmosis than the general population.

Dr MacMillan explains: "Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that can be shed by cats in their feces. However, infection occurs by the oral-fecal route, which means you would have to touch the infected material with your hands and then transfer it to your mouth.

"As most people are pretty good at not actually touching their cat’s feces, and washing their hands after scooping, the risks of anyone catching toxoplasmosis this way are very low.

"It is also worth noting that the parasite eggs don’t become infectious until 24 hours after your cat has passed feces. This means if you are proactive and clean the tray promptly there is again very little chance of being infected."

Changing the litter box isn't the only way you can become infected – it can also be caught by handling contaminated garden soil, coming into contact with pregnant sheep and lambs, or eating undercooked or raw meat and unwashed vegetables.

Dr MacMillan adds: "Some pregnant women decide not to take the risk at all and will get another family member to clean the litter box for them. You need to do what makes you feel comfortable during your pregnancy."

Can I get toxoplasmosis from smelling cat litter?

No, you can't get toxoplasmosis from smelling cat litter.

Can I clean a litter box while pregnant if I wear a mask?

Since it's unlikely you'll breathe in or swallow aerosolized toxoplasmosis, Dr MacMillan says there's usually no need to wear a mask when cleaning a litter box.

However, it's a good idea to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward – particularly if you're pregnant.

Do indoor cats carry toxoplasmosis?

Yes, indoor cats can carry toxoplasmosis, but the risk is much lower compared to an outdoor cat.

Dr MacMillan explains: "Indoor cats don’t hunt, which is one of the main ways for them to get the infection. But if your indoor cat regularly eats raw meat from another source, or they have recently come from a breeder or shelter, then they could be harboring the parasite.

"Most cats don’t show any symptoms of toxoplasmosis, and it is a self-limiting disease. If your cat has been infected, then they will stop shedding toxoplasma eggs after about a month."

What to do if you've contracted toxoplasmosis

For starters, don't panic. As we've mentioned, the number of pregnant women infected by toxoplasmosis is statistically tiny. But to be on the safe side, contact your doctor. They may give you blood tests to see if you've been infected, and if that does turn out to be the case then there may be more tests in order to figure out the risk of toxoplasmosis being passed on to your baby.

There are various ways that treatment – for both you and your baby – may progress depending on how far along you are with your pregnancy; this guide to toxoplasmosis and pregnancy from Tommy's will give you a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know.

The risks from toxoplasmosis for most non-pregnant people are pretty much negligible. The majority of people who become infected will exhibit no symptoms at all, while some people will get mild flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, tiredness, aching muscles and a sore throat.

These symptoms usually clear themselves within about six weeks, and whether you've had symptoms or not your immune system will kick in and you won't catch toxoplasmosis again. However for pregnant women the risks are higher.

Dr MacMillan says: "Blood tests can confirm whether you have had toxoplasmosis in the past, but most people simply don’t know, so it’s always best to be cautious if you are pregnant.

"If you have never had toxoplasmosis previously then you and your baby could be at risk if you catch it for the first time during your pregnancy. If you suspect you have encountered infected material while pregnant, then it is always best to contact your doctor or midwife for advice."

What is toxoplasmosis?

What is toxoplasmosis? In short it's a parasitic infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii microbe, and it's one that usually caught from contaminated food: eating raw or undercooked meat, or cured meats that haven't been cooked. You can also catch it from handling raw meat and not washing your hands afterwards, and from handling pregnant sheep or lambs.

However another way to catch toxoplasmosis is from your cat. If you have an outdoor cat that's a hunter, there's a chance that it carries the toxoplasmosis microbes, and that can become a problem when you clean its litter tray. Basically if you accidentally touch contaminated cat poo and subsequently touch your mouth or food without having washed your hands, you're at a risk of contracting toxoplasmosis.

How to prevent toxoplasmosis in pregnancy

While the numbers show that you're unlikely to catch toxoplasmosis from your cat's litter box, if you're pregnant then you won't want to do anything that could risk the health of your unborn child, no matter how long the odds may be. So, what can you do to keep yourself and your baby safe?

1. Get someone else to clean the litter box: That way, you can be sure you won't be coming into contact with contaminated cat poop, and as an added bonus you'll be spared the hassle of cleaning out a litter tray for a good few months; a double win!

2. Wear disposable gloves: Sadly that may not be an entirely practical approach for some, but that's okay because with a little care you can still minimize the risks by wearing disposable gloves whenever you clean out the litter box, and of course wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

3. Keep on top of the litter box: Another way to prevent toxoplasmosis infection is to go the extra mile in keeping the cat's litter tray clean. To ensure you're doing it properly, see our guide to how to clean litter boxes.

Other tips: If you're a keen gardener, wear gloves whenever you're working in your flowerbeds, because you can never be sure what you'll come across buried under the surface. And if you have kids and a sandpit, keep it covered up when it's not in use as the local cats might decide that it's a giant luxury litter box.

Toxoplasmosis is a very real danger for pregnant women, and while the chances of catching it from your cat's litter box are very small, you should still take precautions to minimize the risks to you and your baby.

By following the simple rules outlined above you'll be able to safeguard yourself against infection, but remember to contact your GP if you're at all worried that you may have contracted toxoplasmosis.

Read next: How often to change cat litter and is cat litter flushable?

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.

Although litter-training may seem like a relatively straightforward topic, it’s natural to have questions about how to get a cat to use a litter box. Instilling good litter box habits, as well as choosing the best cat litter and location for your feline, is essential to allowing you to form a positive bond with your cat, and there are a number of factors that can interfere with this most basic aspect of feline hygiene.

If you have questions about litter box usage, or you are facing litter box struggles, such as training an older cat to use a litter box, read on to learn more.

Do cats automatically use a litter box? 

Many people say that cats will use a litter box “automatically”. While there is some truth to this statement, litter box usage isn’t always quite as automatic as it seems. Cats instinctively want to expel their waste in dirt, sand, or dust, in an area where they can scratch around and then bury their urine or cat poop.

While a litter box certainly meets these criteria, potted plants and other similar surfaces can also serve as a natural outlet for your cat’s elimination habits. Therefore, it’s up to you to ensure that your cat’s litter box is the most appealing or “automatic” place for them to eliminate.

How to train a kitten to use a litter box 

In most cases, litter training a kitten simply involves introducing them to the box and ensuring that it is readily available. Your kitten’s litter box is designed to be an appealing spot for elimination, with soft, sandy litter that your kitten can scratch in and use for elimination.

1. Keep your kitten in close proximity to the litter box

When you bring home your new kitten, place them in their litter box immediately. This gives your kitten the opportunity to become familiar with the appearance, smell, and location of their litter box.

Keep your kitten within close proximity of the litter box, at least for their first few days in your home. Consider confining your new kitten to a small room with their litter box when unattended. Keeping your kitten close to their litter box, instead of giving them free rein of the house, can maximize your chances of success. It also reduces mess while you find out the best way to keep cat litter off the floor.

2. Consider the timing

After your kitten eats, drinks, or finishes a big play session, set them gently in the litter box. This will reinforce the location of the litter box and increase the likelihood of them urinating or defecating in the box.

Once your kitten has successfully used the litter box a few times, you can feel comfortable that your kitten is well on the way to being litter trained. At this point, you can begin increasing your cat’s ability to roam a bit further from the litter box. Keep in mind, though, that it probably isn’t reasonable to expect a young kitten to travel a long distance to their litter box!

How long does it take for a cat to get used to a litter box? 

Most kittens and adult cats will get used to their litter box rather quickly. If you show them their litter box and ensure that they have easy access to it, while blocking their access to other areas that they could mistake for an elimination spot, most cats will accept a litter box readily.

If you have had your cat or kitten for several days and they are not yet using their litter box normally, you may need to be proactive and make some changes.

Why won’t my cat use the litter box?

When a cat is avoiding the litter box, it’s important to first rule out medical causes. Urinary tract infection, feline lower urinary tract disease, intestinal parasites, or even cat constipation can all lead a cat to avoid the litter box.

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out medical conditions and ensure that this is strictly a behavioral issue.

Once your vet has ruled out medical conditions, consider the possible underlying motivations for your cat’s avoidance of the litter box. Cats are typically reluctant to use the litter box for one of two reasons: they dislike their litter box or they have found an alternative toilet location that they prefer.

There are a number of factors that may lead your cat to dislike their litter box. Consider the following factors:

• Litter material: Most cats prefer conventional, clumping types of cat litter. If you’re using an alternative cat litter (like crystals, wood pellets, or recycled paper), consider changing litter
• Litter box type: Most cats prefer a large litter box, with low sides and plenty of room to turn around. If you’re using a small, covered litter box, your cat may find the litter box unappealing. Here are our guides to the best cat litter boxes and best automatic cat litter boxes.
• Litter box location: Your cat’s litter box should be in a quiet location that is convenient to where your cat spends time, not located in next to a busy bathroom where you dispose of your flushable cat litter or shoved into a far-away corner of the basement
• Cleanliness: Ensure that your cat’s litter box is scooped daily. Even with high-quality clumping litter, you still should fully change your cat’s litter every few weeks and scrub the litter box with a mild soap
• Competition with other cats: In multi-cat homes, inter-cat conflict can discourage anxious cats from using the litter box. In order to help keep the peace in a multi-cat household, ensure you have one litter box for each cat, plus one spare.

If your cat has found another preferred area for elimination (for example, on a bathroom rug or on your dirty laundry piles), use an enzymatic cleaner (like this one on Amazon) to address odors and then block your cat’s access to that surface. Ensure that rugs and laundry are picked up and/or close doors as needed, so your cat cannot access their preferred elimination spot.

With time (and perhaps some guidance from your vet), you can work to make your cat’s litter box the most appealing location for them to eliminate and retrain your cat to use the litter box.

Read next: How to train an outdoor cat to use a litter box and Can I use sand as cat litter? Or, discover how self-cleaning litter boxes work and the risks of pregnant women and cat litter

Litter boxes aren't the nicest thing to look at (or smell!), and if you're looking for ways to hide one in your home, you've come to the right place. Below, we've shared 10 creative ways to keep it out of sight – from stylish plant pots to multi-functional cat houses.

There are plenty of other ways to help it go unnoticed, like using the best cat litter, changing it regularly, and placing a litter-tracking mat to stop debris from spreading across your floor. If you're sick of cleaning it altogether, you might even want to consider investing in one of the best automatic litter boxes that do the dirty work for you.

Before you decide to hide the litter box, vet Dr MacMillan advises making sure the spot has plenty of room for your cat to move around, allows them to watch for threats, and is easy enough for them to maneuver in and out of.

How do I hide the litter box?

1. Makeover a wicker chest 

There’s something oh-so chic about the country living look, and now you can bring a touch of it into your home with this stylish wicker chest hiding space, thanks to Nocturnal Knit’s idea.

This is a great project for DIY beginners because it’s so easy to create – just remove one side of the basket, line the bottom, and slot in the best cat litter box.

2. Use up those wine crates

If you’re a lover of all things vino-related, then chances are you might have the odd wine crate lying about that you’ve been wondering what to do with. Well, wonder no more because it turns out that wine crates are brilliant when it comes to concealing litter boxes.

We’re loving this clever version from the gang at Apartment Therapy, who show you how to upcycle old wine cases by attaching two crates with a hinge. Then, use a staple gun to add a plastic lining and make the cubby waterproof before popping your cat’s litter box inside.

3. Opt for a multi-functional cat house

If you’re like me and the thought of any kind of DIY makes you break out into a cold sweat, then why not purchase a multi-functional cat house that can be used as a litter box concealer?

5. Secret litter box bench

It might not be the easiest project for beginners, but this litter box bench is one of the best ideas we've seen for keeping it out of sight – and it gives your cat plenty of space to work with!

For some creative inspiration, check out this stunning example from Astin's Designs with step-by-step instructions that you can easily follow at home. Although a little word of warning – make this and we’re pretty confident that all your friends and family will want you to create one for them too, so proceed with caution!

6. Hide it under the sink

For people whose under-sink bathroom space isn’t cluttered with cleaning or toiletry products, this clever idea by Chelseadweller's Blog proves it's a great place to tuck away a litter box and keep it out of sight. It does mean losing some storage space, but if you don’t mind that, it’s an option well worth considering.

We wouldn’t recommend cutting into your vanity – after all, you might want the flexibility to convert it back to its original purpose – but if you remove the doors, you can easily fix a curtain in place and then pop the doors back on if you decide to move the litter box elsewhere down the line.

8. Get a litter box that looks like a houseplant

There are quite a few litter boxes that look like houseplants available on Amazon, like this one from Setvson, which features an artificial plant coming out of the top.

These pots open on one side, allowing your cat to access the litter box, but you can turn them around so they look like real plant pots while your feline sneaks in from the back.

10. Add curtains to a console table

Saws on Skates details a great way to turn a cabinet/console table into a hidden litter box spot. All you need to do is take a piece of furniture like an island or a console table – something that has a low shelf with open sides. If they have closed sides, you may be able to remove one side in order to tuck the litter box away in there.

Saws on Skates added doors to an open kitchen island, then hung curtains all along the inside and on the open side, tucking a litter box away behind the curtain. What's behind curtain number one? A secret kitty poo palace!

How to choose a litter box location

When it comes to where they poop, eat, and sleep, cats can be very particular. Dr MacMillan suggests placing your litter box in a "quiet, undisturbed" area of your home – away from busy places with lots of people, noisy appliances, or banging doors.

She adds: "If you have multiple cats, you will also need to make sure you have provided a litter box for each, plus one extra. These will all need to be in different areas of the house so that there is no conflict between your cats when they come to use them."

Risks of hiding a cat litter box

Hiding your cat's litter box might look better in your home, but are there any risks? We asked Dr MacMillan to find out:

1. They might feel unsafe if it's too confined: "Many cats like to be able to keep an eye on their surroundings while using their litter box. This helps them to feel safe because they can watch out for potential threats while they are doing their business. For this reason, some won’t use a box that is too confined."

2. Not enough space: "Cats also need plenty of space when going to the bathroom. They need to have a box that they can comfortably turn around in. This usually means a litter box that is at least one and a half times the length of your cat. It can be tricky to give your cat enough space in a hidden litter box, especially if you have a large breed."

3. Harder to clean: "Cleaning out a hidden litter box can be more challenging. Firstly, you may not immediately notice when it has been soiled, and secondly, it might be technically difficult to access the tray for scooping. Cats are very clean, and many won’t use a box that is soiled, which could lead to problems."

4. Harder to access: "Depending on the type of furniture that you are hiding your litter box in, some very young kittens or elderly cats with arthritis may struggle to easily enter. This can make things difficult for them and could result in toileting accidents."

Want more tips and tricks? Check out our favorite cat litter hacks and learn more about the types of cat litter you can choose from to make your life easier! Or, learn the risks of pregnant women and cat litter

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.

The PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box has got your fur baby's back, revolutionizing the way they do their business and making your life easier in the process.

The best self-cleaning cat litter boxes make cleaning up after your feline friend a breeze and this little beauty from PETKIT is no exception with its thermal and infrared sensors, remote alerts and accident protection system.

Normally a rather big investment, right now you can save $200 on the PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box, thanks to Amazon's Cyber Monday sale, netting you a cool 25% off this model that normally retails for $799.

Fitted with a whopping 12 high-precision sensors, including infrared, thermal, and weight detection, the PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box also has an accident protection system and odor removal system that uses a purifying liquid to remove unpleasant smells.

You'll have the choice of two cleaning modes, auto or scheduled, both of which can be controlled and changed via the app and you'll also have access to real time reports on your cat's business - just incase you're wanting to keep track of that kind of thing!

Measuring 9.84 x 20.94 x 25.42 inches, the entrance diameter measures 8.66 inches and the cylinder box has a 5L litter capacity with a waste collection bin that's capable of holding 7L. 

Suitable for cats up to 18lbs, this litter box is compatible with most types of litter with the exception of crystal litters. Overall, the PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is a superstar model that's well worth considering and with $200 off, now's the time to buy!

We know, sweet and litter box aren’t usually two words you’d put together but the PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box really is one sweet deal with $70 off in the Amazon Black Friday sale.

One of the best self cleaning cat litter boxes we’ve seen of late, this convenient model takes the hard work out of being a pet parent by scooping, cleaning and refilling your cat’s litter box for you - now that’s what we call a worthwhile investment!

The PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box doesn’t just offer convenience, but also superior odor control with a crystal litter that quickly absorbs urine and dehydrates solid waste. Low-tracking and 99% dust free, the litter is ideal if you have a kitty that suffers from allergies.

We also love what a breeze this litter box makes cleaning up, with disposable trays that can be easily removed and thrown away. Plus, each tray is fitted with a plastic lining which means you don’t have to worry about any leakage seeping through onto your floors.

Containing one litter box and a one litter tray and pack of litter crystals to get you started, with 41% off the PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box, there’s never been a better time to buy. 

Choosing the best cat litter is an important task, as it's something you'll be scooping every single day. It needs to be comfortable for your cat, control unpleasant odors, be easy to clean out of their box, and produce minimal dust for their health.

From corn and soy to quartz and clay, there are so many types of cat litter out there that picking the right one can feel like a challenge – not to mention all the terms like 'clumping' and 'tracking' that you may never have heard of before (but our glossary can help with!)

To save you time and money, I've rounded up my top picks of the best cat litter below – all of which have been tested by the PetsRadar review panel – with World’s Best Cat Litter crowned as the winner. You'll also find expert advice from Dr Rebecca MacMillan on what vets recommend (and what they advise you to avoid!).

The best cat litter

Photos from testing

Other cat litter to consider

Tigerino Crystals Silicate Cat Litter

Considering this cat litter is unscented, it does a brilliant job of locking in odors, and I barely ever catch a whiff of anything unpleasant. However, I often find the crystals scattered across my bathroom floor, and they're almost impossible to vacuum up due to their hard texture.

How we tested the best cat litter

To find the best cat litter, I researched Amazon, Chewy, and Petco for top-rated products and read what reviewers had to say about them. I also consulted fellow pet parents (friends, family, and colleagues) to see what they’re currently using and whether they would recommend it for the guide.

After taking their advice on board and selecting a range of litters, the PetsRadar review panel put them to the test, taking the following into consideration:

• Smell: Did the cat litter trap unpleasant odors?
• Ease of cleaning: How easy was the litter to clean? Did it have a clumping formula that made wet patches easier to spot?
• Litter tracking: Did litter get stuck on your cat’s paws and spread around your home?
• Affordability: Is the litter good value for money and worth the price? Does it come in a range of sizes that allow you to buy in bulk?
• Eco-friendly: Is the cat litter made from natural materials? Is it biodegradable or compostable?

For more information about our process, read our dedicated page on how we test.

Who tested the best cat litter?

How to choose the best cat litter

As pet parents it can be easy to focus our attention on the choices we feel are most important, things like food, beds and toys, but there’s a lot more to cat litter than meets the eye and finding the best fit for your kitty is key. Plus, cleaning out the litter tray isn’t a fun job – but it can be made a little more pleasant with a good choice of cat litter.

1. Smell
If you want your home to smell more citrus fresh and less cat mess, then an odor-eliminating litter is likely to be top of your list. You can choose from scented or unscented options, but keep in mind that many cats are sensitive to strong scents. In terms of ingredients, look for things like carbon, silica or naturally derived plant-extracts which do a great job of absorbing and neutralizing odors.

2. Clumping vs non-clumping
Clumping litter tends to be the most popular because it forms lumps when wet making it easy to scoop out your cat’s waste. If you’re environmentally conscious, though, and want a flushable or compostable litter then non-clumping litters are a better choice.

3. Materials
Experiment with different types and textures to see what your cat prefers. Clay-based litters are great for scooping and generally the most affordable, but they can produce a lot of dust, which isn’t great for cats with respiratory problems.

Litters that are biodegradable and made from things such as corn or wood are great for the environment, but they usually don’t clump, so cleaning your cats box or tray can be a messier job. Finally, crystals do a fantastic job when it comes to absorption and can last up to a month before they need changing but they can be more expensive than other options.

Still feeling unsure? Here's a round-up of the best cat litters mentioned in this guide:

*Average price across all sizes

Cat litter glossary

What cat litter to avoid?

Are there any cat litters you should avoid? Dr MacMillan says to steer clear of heavily fragranced cat litters, as the strong scent might deter your cat from using them. That’s why all the options in this guide are unscented.

She also warns against dusty cat litter, which can cause respiratory issues such as sneezing and coughing – always opt for low-dust or dust-free options. While wood pellet litter is less likely to be tracked around your home and absorbs well, its coarse texture can be off-putting for some cats, so she wouldn’t recommend it in the first instance.

What cat litter do cats like best?

Dr MacMillan explains that since cats have an innate desire to dig and scratch when toileting, they usually prefer a fine cat litter that feels similar to sand or soil.

She says: "This means that they usually prefer a fine cat litter with a similar feel to sand or soil. Clay litter is good for this, but make sure to choose a low-dust or dust-free variety, as this will reduce the risk of them inhaling irritants while they dig. Cats also seem to prefer unscented litter.

"Cats do have individual preferences, however, which could be dependent on their past experience. Sometimes owners will need to experiment and try offering trays with different litter types to see which their cat prefers."

Want more recommendations? Read our round-up of the best cat litter subscriptions. Or, learn how often to change cat litter and the best cat litter hacks

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

There are a lot of brands giving you the option, but is cat litter flushable? Although technically these non-clay-based litters made of paper, corn, wheat or pine can be put down the toilet, there are some strong reasons why you shouldn't. So much so that some American states like Rhode Island have prohibited it, and California has asked flushable litter manufacturers to add a label to discourage people from disposing of it in the toilet. 

The convenience promised by cat litter that can be disposed of as easily as a quick toilet flush is an attractive one, and a seemingly sensible and eco-friendly alternative to bagging it up and sending it to sit in a landfill site, but sadly it isn't that simple. It can still cause problems for your plumbing and septic tank – and even if it can cope with it, there are still some quite dire health implications if cat waste enters the water system.

Which cat litter can be flushed – technically?

Cat litter advertised as flushable is any litter that is made of biodegradable materials that don't expand too much in contact with water. Clay-based litter is the cheaper and most common cat litter material, but this doesn't biodegrade and so can't be put in compost heaps or flushed. As it is so absorbent it can expand in your waste pipes and cause a blockage.

Flushable litter is made from natural, compostable materials. These include paper, corn, wheat, cavassa, and wood. It is advertised as a convenient and ecologically friendly way of getting rid of your cat's waste. Sounds like a win-win right? Sadly, that's not the full story.

Flushable cat litter – pros and cons

Pros

1. Flushable cat litter is environmentally friendly

Flushable cat litter is clearly better for the environment as it is designed to biodegrade. That's why the manufacturers can say it is safe to flush down the toilet. Clay-based litter doesn't rot and so all those bags of waste just end up filling landfill sites. Even the way the clay is sourced - through strip mining – is bad for the environment. Flushable cat litter is clearly better for the environment as it is compostable – it will still reduce in volume to nothing over time, even if it ends up in landfill.

2. Flushable cat litter is convenient

What could be simpler than flushing away your cat's waste into a toilet? The only thing easier would be if you trained your cat to go to the toilet themselves. Flushable cat litter is definitely convenient in the short-term, but as we'll soon see, it can cause you a lot of hassle in the longer term.

Cons

1. Flushable cat litter can clog pipes

Clay litters expand up to 15 times their original size when exposed to water, so they will easily clog waste pipes, so that's why flushable litters are advertised as safer for your toilet. However, the volume of waste when emptying a tray is a lot more than toilets (and their connecting pipes) are designed to deal with. Toilets, especially water saving toilets, will likely not even be able to flush away the amount of cat litter in the tray in one go. This means multiple flushes, which can waste water, so if the idea is to be environmentally friendly, flushing litter may not be the best way to go about it. Cat feces also becomes very solid when they dry, making it another potential clogging agent.

2. Septic tanks and waterer treatment systems aren't designed for cat flushable litter

Even if it gets through your pipes, your septic tank won't like it. Most aren't designed to break down materials like cat fecal matter and litter, so you will just be creating a problem for yourself down the line by clogging up your tank. Water treatment centres are only designed to deal with human waste, and cat excrement can cause all kinds of problems if left untreated, as we will see next.

3. Flushable cat litter causes health issues

Cat excrement is a very dangerous substance, and most water treatment plants can not make it safe. It is classed as a pollutant by the United States Environmental Protection Agency which states that the group of polluting materials it is included with "…can harm fish and wildlife populations, kill native vegetation, foul drinking water, and make recreational areas unsafe and unpleasant." 

It can also contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which won't be killed by water treatment centers or septic tanks. This means it will then continue into the water system or surrounding water table and infect other animals, including humans. Although typically dealt with by our immune systems, it can be deadly, especially for those with compromised immune systems. Marine and river life is already showing high levels of this kind of parasitic infection near waste outlets, and the likely cause is – yep – cat litter being flushed down the toilet.

What to do if you do flush cat litter

If you do want to try flushable cat litter, and think your plumbing system is up to it, here are a couple of tips on how to reduce the potential issues of this kind of litter disposable.

• Separate the cat waste from the litter and bin it separately, so the harmful fecal matter doesn't pollute the water ways or block your pipes.
• Don't flush the whole tray in one go. Flush it in smaller portions as most toilets, especially water-saving toilets, won't be able to deal with it in one flush.

How to dispose of cat litter safely

There are some good reasons to use 'flushable' cat litter, as the litter itself will biodegrade and so can be composted. Provided you separate the soiled litter and waste into the bin, you won't be polluting the environment, and you will reduce the amount of waste going to landfill considerably. To find the cat litter that's right for you, check out our guide to different types of cat litter or find the best cat litter choices on the market right now.

If you want to keep your cats healthy and happy, it’s important to understand how, and how often, to clean litter boxes. A dirty litter box can have a number of harmful effects on cats, from both a medical and behavioral standpoint. If you have multiple cats sharing a litter box, a dirty litter box increases the likelihood of disease spreading between your cats. Even if you only have a single cat, a dirty litter box can have negative impacts.

Many cats go out of their way to avoid using a dirty litter box. At best, this could mean that your cat begins peeing or pooping outside of the litter box, developing a house-soiling habit that could be difficult to break. A more serious consequence, however, is that your cat may begin to hold their urine and feces for an abnormal amount of time. Prolonged urine retention can result in feline lower urinary tract disease. Prolonged retention of feces can not only result in constipation, it can also stretch the colon to an unhealthy extent, resulting in a condition called megacolon. In order to prevent these problems, you want to ensure that your cat always has access to a clean and welcoming litter box.

How often should a litter box be scooped?

Conventional, clumping clay litter should be scooped once daily. Use a commercially-available litter scoop to remove all visible clumps of urine and feces from your cat’s litter box on a daily basis. This helps ensure that the litter box remains clean for your cat’s use, while also helping to control odors associated with urine and feces.

How often should you change your cat's litter?

Even if you are scooping daily, you also need to change your cat’s litter on a regular basis. Even the best litter does not clump perfectly, meaning that some amount of urine and feces is always left behind after you scoop your cat’s litter. Over time, this urine and feces contributes to odors within the litter box, which are unpleasant for your cat.

In general, you should completely change your cat’s litter every one to four weeks. If multiple cats are using your litter box, weekly changes may be necessary. In the case of a litter box that is located in a low-traffic area of the home and rarely used, monthly litter changes may be acceptable. Change your cat’s litter as soon as you notice that the litter is beginning to appear “dirty”, even after scooping.

Litter box cleaning hacks

The first step to cleaning a litter box is to empty out all of the old litter. In many cases, the easiest way to do this is to pull a trash bag over the entire litter box (or the lower portion of the litter box, if your box has a lid). Then, gradually lift the litter box out of the bag. This is often a less messy approach than attempting to pour litter into a trash can!

Next, you will need to thoroughly clean your cat’s litter box. Avoid using strong disinfectants or strong-smelling cleaners, because these may be unpleasant for your cat and decrease the chances of them using the litter box after cleaning. Your best option is to clean the litter box with water and gentle dish soap. After thoroughly scrubbing all surfaces of the litter box, set it outside in the sun to dry and “air out.”

Once the litter box is completely dry, you are ready to add new litter to the box. It’s important to know how much litter to put in the litter box. If you use a traditional clumping litter, you should add approximately three inches of litter to the bottom of your cat’s litter box. (If you use a non-clumping litter, you can instead add two inches of litter.) This provides a thick enough layer of litter for your cat to bury their eliminations, while also reducing the likelihood of urine soaking through to the bottom of the box.

Benefits and disadvantages of a self-cleaning litter box

Many owners attempt to avoid daily litter box maintenance by purchasing one of the best automatic litter boxes. There are a number of self-cleaning boxes on the market, including the Litter Robot, the Purina Tidy Cats Litter Breeze System, and the Cat Genie. Some of these litter boxes, like the Litter Robot, use conventional litter combined with an automated scooping feature. These litter boxes contain a reservoir that must be emptied regularly, and also require weekly or monthly cleaning (like a conventional litter box.) Other litter boxes, like the Breeze System, combine specialized pellets with absorbent pads to replace daily scooping, although you will still need to clean the litter box on a regular basis. Finally, systems like the Litter Genie utilize washable granular “litter” and connect to your home’s plumbing, in order to provide a true self-cleaning feature.

Self-cleaning litter boxes have their pros and cons. The pros are probably obvious. Most cat owners find daily litter scooping to be an unpleasant part of cat ownership; eliminating this chore is an appealing option! However, there are also potential drawbacks to these sorts of systems. Obviously, these systems are associated with a higher up-front cost than a conventional litter box. More importantly, however, some cats balk at self-cleaning litter boxes. Many cats prefer clay, clumping litter to pellets or washable granules, which may make them reluctant to use self-cleaning litter boxes that utilize these types of cat litter. Additionally, the scooping or cleaning feature of self-cleaning litter boxes can be noisy, leading cats to be concerned about using the litter box.

If you elect to use a self-cleaning litter box, make sure that your cat still has access to a conventional litter box, at least during the initial transition period. Providing access to a conventional box will reduce the chances of your cat having accidents or developing a medical condition as a result of holding their urine or feces for too long.

Part of responsible cat ownership is knowing how and how often to clean litter boxes. While it’s important to scoop your cat’s litter daily (or use a self-scooping litter box), don’t forget the importance of thoroughly changing the litter and scrubbing your cat’s litter box every few weeks. Keeping your cat’s litter box clean and inviting will reduce the likelihood of accidents and also reduce the likelihood of elimination-related medical issues.

Read next: How to get a cat to use a litter box, our top cat litter hacks and how self-cleaning litter boxes work.

If you’re at your wit’s end trying to figure out how to keep cat litter off the floor and stop your kitty from tracking it everywhere, you’ve come to the right place!

There are many benefits to cat ownership, and it’s likely that you love your feline friend a great deal. But there are some drawbacks that are less than desirable, and finding annoying bits of cat litter throughout your house is just one of those.

Even if you’ve purchased the best cat litter that money can buy, there’s still a chance that some of it will end up on your floor, especially if you have a kitty that loves to play about in it and dig up a storm, which some of them do.

In this piece we’ll be looking at some tips for dealing with the problem of litter tracking, giving you pointers to stop it altogether and have a happier (and litter-free) home for you and your kitty.

What causes cat litter tracking?

On the whole, cats are pretty clean creatures, and it’s great that they tend to keep their business to one location in your house – try training a dog to use what is effectively a toilet, that’s definitely not going to happen, so there’s a lot to be thankful for when it comes to cat ownership.

However, cat litter tracking, when your feline friend drags small bits of litter materials around your house, is not exactly pleasant, and can even be uncomfortable when you tread on it or if it ends up in your shoes.

It’s usually caused by pieces of litter getting stuck to your cat’s paws or fur after they’ve used the litter tray. You may also have a cat that likes to dig or scratch in the litter box to cover up their business – flicking bits of litter over the side of the box that gets easily walked around the house.

Litter tracking can be more common with some litters than others and it can also be more of an issue if the litter box is placed somewhere more prone to being a “high-traffic” area, or the type of surface you place your litter box on. Luckily there’s plenty of things you can do to alleviate the problem.

How to stop cat litter tracking 

There are a few basic things you can try in order to help stop or significantly reduce cat litter tracking.

It might also help to try a number of these in combination depending on how severe the problem is, or if you’re finding that one on its own doesn’t quite work as well as you might want it to.

We’ll expand more on this list in the next section but consider the following tips to stop cat litter tracking:

1. Think about the type of litter you use
2. Tidy in and around the litter box more often
3. Keep the litter tray confined and away from high-traffic areas
4. Invest in a high-sided or covered litter box
5. Use special litter mats to catch the litter from your cat’s paws

How to keep cat litter off the floor 

If you want to keep your cat’s litter in the place it’s supposed to be - aka the litter box, then here’s some more information about the above tips.

1. Type of litter

Many cats have a particular penchant for certain types of cat litter, and they simply won’t go if you don’t have the right type.

If you’ve had your cat for a while, then chances are you’ll have already figured out what they like. However, if litter tracking is becoming a problem for you - you might want to consider switching (carefully and slowly) to a brand that is specifically designed to reduce tracking.

Have a look at our guide to the best cat litters, as several of our recommendations are “low tracking” or are more likely to prevent it from happening than others. You might also want to consider these cat litter alternatives, too, some of which may be considerably less likely to track around the house.

2. Frequent cleaning

This is a bit of an obvious suggestion, but sometimes the simplest solutions need repeating.

Try to make sure that the area around the cat’s litter tray is as clear as possible, paying a visit a couple of times a day to remove any debris that might have made its way onto the floor.

It can be handy to keep a dustpan and brush near to the tray ready for a quick clean-up, or you might want to use a small handheld vacuum cleaner if you prefer.

Every week or so, sweep underneath the litter box to remove any pieces that have got trapped under there, too. When you completely change the litter, try placing the whole tray into a trash bag to dispose of the contents, then you’ll avoid stray drop-offs.

Here’s some more info about how to clean a cat litter box.

3. Confine the tray

Another way to prevent pieces of litter from escaping is to confine the litter tray in some way. That could be by placing it in another larger tray or box so that hopefully most of the litter debris will land in the larger tray and not end up on the floor.

You should also aim to place the litter tray away from so-called high-traffic areas in your house so that the litter isn’t spread by it being picked up on your or your family’s feet.

If you have somewhere such as a downstairs bathroom or even a basement that you can keep the litter tray, then those are ideal places for the litter tray to live - your cat will probably prefer the privacy too. If you have a shower cubicle downstairs, that can also be a handy place to keep it if you don’t use it all that frequently.

4. High-sided and self-cleaning litter boxes

High-sided litter boxes help to prevent tracking by forcing your cat to jump out of the litter box, not dragging the litter with her on her paws. Most high-sided litter boxes have a front entrance that the cat can’t get back out of, instead having a hole at the top that they can jump out from when they have done their business.

You could also consider the best automatic cat litter boxes, which tend to be more expensive than regular litter trays, but can save you a lot of hassle and time, and therefore can be a worthy investment.

5. Special litter mats

Another simple and easy way to prevent litter tracking is by using litter tray mats. These work by dislodging litter from your cat’s paws before they’ve had a chance to spread it around the house. The key here is to make sure the mat is large enough that the cat doesn’t jump straight over it, while it also needs to be rough enough to snag that litter away from the paw.

You can use standard rugs and mats, but mats designed specifically for this purpose tend to do a better job. You can even get mats that are double layered in order to catch the litter underneath for easy disposal.

Read next: How to get a cat to use a litter box and how to reduce cat litter smells. Or, learn how self-cleaning litter boxes work.

The best cat litter subscriptions make life easier. Rather than having to traipse to the shops for fresh litter or remembering to buy some when you're out, you can simply have it delivered on a regular basis straight to your door. In many ways, it's just like taking out the best cat subscription boxes – only the motivation here is convenience rather than any sense of excitement.

The good news is that you won't be compromising on quality if you do opt for a subscription. Companies offering cat litter subscriptions tend to promote very good products that cater to a wide range of wants and needs. There are clumping cat litters, for instance, designed so that poop and urine bind together making them easy to remove. You can also choose non-clumping varieties which are often better for the environment.

In that sense, there is not much difference between the types of cat litter being offered on a subscription basis and the best cat litter in general. What it tends to come down to are price, flexibility and the available options. Some subscriptions, for instance, will provide a total solution: delivering the litter in a recyclable box that doubles as the litter tray. Others will allow you to determine how often you need the litter and some will help determine the quantity.

In most cases, there is a risk-free guarantee, so if you find that kitty doesn't like the litter, you can stop the subscription and get a refund on the first delivery. Ease of cancellation is also important – no one wants to be stuck with a subscription that makes you jump through hoops to leave. To that end, all of the services we recommend are easy to get out of, usually by going into your account and bringing the subscription to an end. Let's take a look at what’s on offer.

• Best self-cleaning cat litter boxes

PetsRadar's pick of the best cat litter subscriptions

It's one thing receiving a bag of litter each month, quite another when you're having to clean out the litter tray and all of the horrid mess that has been deposited there. With Kitty Poo Club, however, you don't have to clean anything at all. The litter comes in a 100 percent recyclable cardboard box which doubles as the litter tray. It's also more than large enough at 19 inches long and 15 inches wide for your kitty to poop in comfort.

The idea is that you discard your used box once a new one arrives, with each box designed to last one month for a normal-sized cat (empty boxes can also be purchased). Simply choose from one of five odor-battling litter options – three of which are non-clumping (diatomite, silica and fine-grain silica) and two that are (clay and organic soy) – and you'll pay the exact same price of $22.99 each month. It's even possible to change your mind over the litter material month-by-month if you find your choice isn't working for you.

In each case, the litter is derived from natural 100 percent chemical-free material although only diatomite and organic soy are biodegradable and some give off more dust than others. If your cat eats large quantities of any of the litter, the manufacturer says the worst that would happen is they'll get a stomach ache. Kitty Poo Club also sells litter in bags for $18.99, a range of accessories, including a dome that can be placed over the litter tray for $7.99, and a scoop for a couple of dollars. What's more, there’s a no-risk guarantee: if you're unhappy with your first box, you can get a refund.

The online retailer, Chewy, has a service called Autoship which allows you to set up a recurring delivery on a wide range of products. The great thing about this is that you can choose how often you want to receive deliveries so if you need litter to be delivered every week rather than every month, that's entirely feasible.

Getting set up is a little more fiddly than dedicated litter subscription services. You need to click on a pet (in our case a cat), the category you want (Litter & Accessories), and then the product you need. You'll get a large choice of brands so it's worth checking out our guide to the best cat litter to help you decide. Once you've chosen, you have to add it to your cart and select Autoship at checkout where you can decide on the frequency and pay.

The first order gives you a 35 percent discount with subsequent orders knocking five percent off the price. As a bonus, you get free access to licensed veterinarians and it's possible to cancel at any time by visiting Manage Autoship and clicking Cancel – no messing around contacting customer services and the like.

If a natural option is high on your list then you don't need to look much further than Skoon. It will deliver a sufficient supply of litter for one, two or three cats (any more than that and you need to contact customer service). You can also choose to have deliveries sent monthly or every 12 weeks (saving a small amount of money in the process).

The litter is made from diatom pebbles. These are pH neutral and highly absorbent so you can be assured that they are not going to allow smells to escape into your home. When signing up for the subscription, you'll be able to choose between non-clumping pebbles or a fine grain. The latter is compatible with self-cleaning litter boxes and cats will find it feels more natural too.

If you choose the pebbles, then you have more options. For starters, you could opt for a standard or large disposable litter box that comes ready-made with unscented litter, meaning you don't need to use or own your own tray. Those selecting pebble bags can also have the litter scented with natural lavender or lemon at no extra cost.

Such options don't exist for the fine grain but they retain the same odor-absorbing powers as the pebbles. Again, whether you choose pebbles or fine grain, the cost is the same. You could, however, sign up for Skoon's email newsletter and save a further 15 percent if you're a new subscriber.

Cat litter serves a basic purpose, allowing kitties to relieve themselves of waste but that doesn't mean it can't do more. With PrettyLitter, you get an odor-trapping, super-absorbent silica gel substance that changes color when a cat passes urine. It allows you to instantly see if your feline friend has a health issue.

For example, if the litter turns a dark yellow or olive green, you can rest assured your cat is likely to be fine. But if it turns blue it's a potential indication of a urinary tract infection. Orange indicates possible metabolic acidosis or kidney tubular acidosis and red should alert you to kidney disease, bladder crystals, or feline lower urinary tract disorder.

It's a wonderful, low-effort way of keeping tabs on your tabby and, since it's non-clumping, the company says you'll only need to refill once a month. You can also input how many cats you have and the company will not only ensure you have enough litter to last the duration but let you save money on any extra bags you may need.

To that end, it's well worth considering. Although you may have a small amount of trouble transitioning your cat to the new litter (the manufacturer suggests using a poop and urine clump from old litter to get them used to the smell), we like that it's practically dust-free and will work with many automated self-cleaning litter boxes. There is also a 30-day risk-free guarantee.

Catalyst says it is “on a mission to overthrow the litter aisle” and it is doing so by making use of cat litter created out of upcycled wood waste. Not only does this make for a lightweight litter, but it is also highly permeable, able to block odors and offer strong clumping.

As such, it's an attractive option made all the better for being one of the cheapest subscriptions around with prices starting at just $20. There is also a choice of three products: go for multi-cat if you want enhanced clumping for easier litter tray cleaning, unscented if you don't desire a natural pine scent, or else just stick with the standard scented, normal-clumping variety. None of them use bark or needles and are totally safe.

Selecting these is as simple as clicking a button, clicking Subscribe and selecting Checkout once you've decided how many bags you want to place on an auto-renew subscription. You can then opt to pay using PayPal or a credit card.

Unfortunately, the site isn't the most pleasurable to navigate but the FAQ is comprehensive. It's also possible to pause, cancel or swap your subscription to a different formula at any time. Just be aware that you can't use the litter with self-cleaning boxes.

How to choose the best cat litter subscription

Cats may be clean pets but going to the toilet is as smelly a business for them as it is for all animals (humans included). It's always a good idea, then, to consider buying litter that claims to eliminate odors and, in most cases, you'll have a choice between scented and unscented options.

In such circumstances, consider how averse your cat is to strong scents. You want to encourage them to use the litter, after all. Naturally derived plant extracts tend to work well, as do materials such as carbon and silica.

One of the benefits of many subscriptions is the ability to easily swap to a different product, allowing you to experiment to some degree (if there is an option to buy a sample without signing up, then it's a good idea to choose that to begin with). Also, decide between clumping and non-clumping litter. Clumping makes cleaning easier.

Finally, consider the levels of dust emitted by some litters. Many will be effectively dust-free and those will be better for your home and the health of your cat, especially if they suffer from respiratory problems. Good subscription websites explain their products well, so do take care to read all the information on offer.

Read next: Can I use sand as cat litter?

If you're looking to transform your kitty's space on a tight budget then why not make your very own DIY hidden litter box? 

Every owner wants the best for their fur babies and, of course, we all know that every cat wants the very best for itself too. But buying all the latest pet must-haves can get expensive, and there’s always the risk your cat will turn its nose up at your offerings. 

Enter TikTok, with a fun craft that seriously upgrades your pet’s bathroom facilities without breaking the bank.

TikTok might be best known for its dance videos, but there’s also a huge pet community constantly sharing cute videos, funny stories and handy pet care tips.

Combine this with crafting TikTok and you get the hidden litter box trend, a DIY for cat lovers tired of their pets’ messy and unsightly litter boxes. 

If you’ve had enough of watching your kitty kick cat litter from an ugly beige tray onto the floor, keep reading – you’ll wonder why you never thought of this trick.  

The trend sees owners taking a trip to the store and picking up a three-drawer tower – the kind you might use in a home office or as a bedside table. 

How to make a DIY hidden litter box 

Using a sharp craft knife, carefully cut the bottom out of the top drawer to make some headspace.

Cutting the bottom and one side out of the middle drawer creates a neat little entrance that’s completely invisible from the front.

After taking a minute to feel for any sharp edges and sand them down, all that’s left to do is fill the bottom drawer with kitty litter and slot all the drawers into place. 

The result is a tidy hidden litter box that offers your cat some privacy, keeps the litter out of sight (and away from your nostrils) and contains all the mess. You can even use the top drawer for pet supplies.

 There’s no chance of litter spilling out onto the floor and when it’s time to empty the tray, simply pull out the bottom drawer. The real beauty of this DIY is that you can find drawers that match your home – who says pet supplies have to be all function and no form? 

And if you’re feeling fancy, or the drawers aren’t your style, it’s time to get creative. 

Crafty cat parents have hidden litter trays in wooden chests, chests of drawers and even plant pots; the possibilities are endless. 

There’s no two ways about it – the best automatic cat litter boxes make looking after your kitty hassle-free.

Many of the top self-cleaning options can do it all. They can trap bad odors, automatically sweep the litter, monitor health, and can do all of that so quietly, that you’d never even know they were there. Simply fill them up with the best cat litter and let them get to work, cleaning up after your furry friend.

To help you find the best option, we've asked the PetsRadar testing team to put the top-rated boxes through their paces, examining everything from how simple they are to set up, how easy their cat found it to use and what they liked and disliked about it.

So, if you dread cleaning up after your feline, travel often or just want a little help with the unpleasant chore of scooping up, keep scrolling. We’ve compiled an all-you-need-to-know guide on the eight best automatic cat litter boxes. Spoiler alert: Leo's Loo Too was crowned as the winner.

For more affordable options, check out our guide to the best cat litter boxes instead.

The quick list

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The best automatic cat litter boxes we recommend

The best automatic cat litter box overall

This self-cleaning litter box is perfect for tech-savvy pet parents who love a gadget. Not only can you track your feline’s health via the Smart Home app, but you can also program a EPA-certified UV light to reduce unpleasant odors.

The modern design comes in four colors (grey, blue, pink or green) and doesn’t make a loud noise when sifting (~30 dB). You can even pause the cycle while you sleep if you’re worried.

So, what did our tester Julie’s cats think of it? Before she’d even set it up, Max jumped straight in to test it out. She says that both of her cats have been getting on fine and seem comfortable using it. However, if you’ve got a senior cat on your hands, it might be worth buying a step to help them get into it (like this adjustable one from Amazon).

She says: “For me, the most valuable things about this product are the time savings and sanitary features. It’s nice not having to scoop the box all the time – I have two senior cats who drink more water, so traditional litterboxes tend to become wet pretty quickly. My female cat sometimes gets urinary tract infections, and I think this box will help with that, as the litter stays much drier.”

In terms of set-up, Julie said it took a bit of time to set up but after watching a video on Casa Leo’s website, it eventually came together.

She’s finding it easy to use now, but said that sometimes the bottom tray doesn’t slide in all of the way on the first time and she has to play with it a bit to get it back in. She also notes that there have been a few times when the unit didn’t seem to be rotating automatically after the cat used it, so she had to do it manually.

You might think a self-cleaning litter box would be rather noisy, but Julie says that this isn’t disruptive and doesn’t scare her cats at all. During the night, she has the cycle on pause which she describes as a “nice feature” to have.

When it comes to cleaning it out, she says: “I’ve just changed it a couple of times on an as-needed basis, or when the alerts tell me the tray is getting full. The balls of regular clumping litter drop into the tray at the bottom, and when it gets full, you pull out the provided plastic bag and throw it away. Pretty simple.”

For something with an easier set-up, try the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox or PetPivot Autoscooper 11 Open-top Self-cleaning Smart Cat Litter Box.

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The best automatic cat litter box runner-up

This automatic litter box does the dirty work for you; sifting away your cat's poop while minimizing unpleasant odors. You can use it with up to four cats and even monitor their activity via an app on your phone. While you might not be that interested in your feline’s toilet habits, it can tell you a lot about their health, which can be very useful.

Our tester Jo was pleasantly surprised at how quiet the clean cycle is and confirmed that it doesn’t scare her cats. She also says that set up was super easy as the Litter-Robot came pre-assembled, and the app talks you through the instructions.

She says: “I love that we were able to set up an account for both of our kitties. It was very cleverly was able to determine which girl was using it and take weight measurements.

"The app sends you a notification to let you know when one of the cats has used it and when it is performing a clean cycle. It also calculates how many clean cycles have been performed.”

When it comes to changing the waste, all you need to do is pull out the drawer, tie up the bag and dispose of it, and Jo says this was a quick and easy process. However, it's a little tricky to re-set the app once you clear out the box.

She says: “One of the things that's made me most happy since using the litter robot is the lack of litter droplets on the floor. Gone are the days of constantly having to sweep up after the cats and this is all down to the clever fence which just clips onto the front. It is fantastic and if you have the money, then go for it. You certainly won’t regret it.”

If you're stuck between the Litter-Robot 3 vs 4, we've tested both and have written a helpful comparison guide. For something more affordable with smart features, try the REDSASA Self Cleaning Litter Box instead.

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The best automatic cat litter box on a budget

If you're looking for an automatic cat litter box that won't break the bank (but still delivers on quality), the Autoscooper 11 is my top choice. It might not be as cheap as a standard box, but the self-cleaning features are a total game-changer and save me so much time.

The device was super simple to set up: simply attach the legs to the base, fill it up with litter, press the level button, and you're good to go. PetPivot offer a helpful video for you to follow along, and I had it up and running within 10 minutes. It also comes with a mat to prevent litter tracking and a roll of bin liners.

The infrared sensors detect when your cat is doing their business and once they've left the box, will sift into the waste container below. I love how the box offers a manual cleaning option too, which has been really helpful while my cats get used to it. I leave it unplugged throughout the day, then when I notice it's filled with poop, I'll plug it in and press the cleaning button.

You'll be able to use most clumping litters, including mineral, bentonite, cassava or mixed litter – providing it's smaller than a quarter of an inch. I've been using the CROCI Eco Clean Probiotic Cat Litter, which is compostable, flushable, and does a goodjob at reducing bad smells.

The Autoscooper might not have smart features like other options in this guide, but I think it's a great no-frills option if you're looking for something easy to use. It's worth bearing in mind that the cord is quite short and it uses a shaver plug head, but I've ordered an extension lead as an easy solution.

Alternatively, Neakasa's M1 Open-Top Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box has a similar design, but with additional high-tech features such as online health monitoring.

Read my full review of the PetPivot Autoscooper 11

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The best automatic cat litter box for simplicity

With the bold claim that you’ll never have to scoop litter again, we were excited to take this little beauty for a spin and see if it really would make our lives a whole lot easier.

Our pet parent tester, Alisa, put this litter box through its paces and while she personally couldn’t justify spending more than $200 on this sort of product, she did feel that it would be worth the money for anyone who hates having to scoop litter on a daily basis.

She says: “It traps odors reasonably well – I didn’t notice a smell most of the time – and it does work as promised for the most part. Sometimes it misses a clump or one gets stuck to the rake and stays on it, but it was relatively easy for my cat to use.”

PetSafe states that the litter box is easy to set up and clean, and on the whole, Alisa found this to be the case – although her little feline friend wasn’t quite so keen on the noise.

She says: “Setup was pretty easy. The one thing I didn’t like was having to run an extension cord from another room because the area where I keep the litter box has no outlets. I waited a day or two before turning it on because I have a skittish cat.

"It makes a noisy, mechanical humming noise when cleaning – audible from another room – and she’s scared of it. Luckily the fear doesn’t stop her from using it, but she is visibly concerned while it’s raking."

While the litter box isn’t the most attractive model on the market, Alisa found that its low profile means it can be tucked away behind things, which is great if you’re wanting to keep it out of view. It also sweeps the box clean 10 minutes after a cat has used it, a feature Alisa described as being very convenient.

Perhaps the best part about this litter box is just how long you can go without having to empty it (around five days) – ideal if you’re a busy cat owner who would rather spend the free time you have playing with your feline friend, as opposed to cleaning up after them! “We were able to go almost a week without emptying the waste bin,” Alisa told us.

However, while PetSafe claims that you can line the tray and waste bin with bags, it doesn’t lend itself well to that. “Bags can get in the way of the rake, and when we tried lining the inside of the waste bin the bag just got pushed out of the way by the incoming waste. Luckily, the waste bin is easy to pull out and empty,” Alisa explained.

Although the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box certainly has some drawbacks, if you have a confident kitty who’s not scared of the mechanical hum that many electrical products can make and you’re looking for a low-mess, no-fuss way of cleaning up after your fur friend, this litter box is well worth considering.

Think your cat would be scared of the noise? Opt for Whisker's Litter-Robot 4 or Casa Leo's Loo Too.

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The best open-top automatic cat litter box

With this self-cleaning litter box, you can monitor your cat’s toilet habits via a clever smartphone app. This can be really helpful for keeping an eye on their health as it tells you things like their weight and how often they’re toileting. You can also track the litter levels to ensure it’s ready for use.

It can hold 7.17L of litter and can last up to 14 days without being changed; making your life a lot easier! When you want to remove the waste, simply pull the strings on the back and pop it in the bin – the odor-blocking bag will stop any unpleasant smells from releasing in your home.

The box operates at a 50 dB sound level, so you won’t have to worry about it being noisy and invasive. However, other boxes in this guide (like Whisker's Litter-Robot 4 or Casa Leo's Loo Too) are quieter. The dark grey color looks sleek and discreet and the litter mat will ensure that no extra residue is spread on the floor.

Our tester Henry says: "It does a good job of trapping odors as the tray automatically cleans itself shortly after the cat finishes using it. We noticed a difference in house smell with the automatic litter tray – especially helpful for nighttime!

"The footprint is larger than for most litter trays and it isn’t fantastic for use on staircases/landings which is where we tend to keep our litter trays, but the design is sleek and stylish and looks good in the home.

"We have three cats and all were able to use it without issue. The only issue that I can think of is that the tray is raised quite high off the ground, so older cats or those with mobility issues may struggle to get in and out of it.

"Assembly was straightforward with clear instructions. There is some noise made when cleaning, but I wouldn’t describe it as loud (it didn’t wake us up in the night when placed on the landing outside our bedroom). While the tray is on the more expensive side, cat owners that can afford it will definitely value the time and effort it saves, so I do believe it’s good value."

If your cat struggles with mobility or you want something smaller, the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox is a better option for you.

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The best automatic cat litter box with large waste capacity

The Catlink Pro-X Luxury Version self-cleaning litter box doesn’t just do a brilliant job of cleaning up after your cat. It can also track the stats of your cat’s health and makes a report available to you every day, week and month.

Our tester Allie, who has two cats, said this feature provides a great way to keep on top of your cat’s health and wellbeing. She told us: “The health-factor really only comes in because you’re able to see which cats are using the litter box – which is actually more useful than you may think. If you have multiple cats this is a great way to monitor them.”

This box is has the largest waste capacity in the guide at 13L, but it doesn't take up too much room. “This one is relatively small and can be tucked away fairly easily, which is essential for our small apartment," Allie says. "It looks really good in the space we’ve chosen for it. I think this is probably the only automatic litter box that would make sense in our small apartment.”

Looks aside, Allie also praised the machine for how easy it was to set up. The only issue was connecting it to the app. “It took a couple of tries to get the litter box connected to our Wi-Fi properly.” But once done, Allie couldn’t believe how quiet the machine was.

Once your furry friend has visited the litter box, the self-cleaning gadget automatically sweeps five minutes after it senses a cat has used it. But, as Allie mentions, you can set your own time in the app. Plus, it will send you handy reminders when you need to change the litter, empty the tray and fully change the litter.

Emptying the tray was something Allie had to do every seven days and she mentioned it was very ‘easy’ to do – with no noticeable odors detected.

There were, however, a couple of downsides. “The litterbox will not properly register a cat’s weight if they weigh under 3.5 pounds, or if you have multiple cats that are within one pound of each other, which ours are,” Allie says.

Additionally, it didn’t work properly on Allie’s carpet. “Unfortunately, our entire apartment is carpeted,” she notes. To get around the issue, Allie placed a wood plank underneath it and it seems to be working just fine.

Would Allie recommend this to other cat parents? “To be honest, I’m not sure we would’ve paid $600 for this litter box not knowing how useful it would’ve been,” she says. “But boy, are we glad we have it! The amount of time and energy it’s saved us in not having to clean the litter box twice a day is amazing.”

If you're not ready for such a big purchase, we recommend the PetPivot Autoscooper 11 Open-top Self-cleaning Smart Cat Litter Box, which is suitable for cats weighing 3lbs and above.

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The best automatic cat litter box for design

The PetSnowy Self-Cleaning Litter Box is packed with some brilliant features. For starters, it’s fitted with a TIO2 Photocatalyst System that locks away odors. Then there’s its anti-tracking curved walkway that will help you say goodbye to litter tracking.

Next up is its auto-sealing waste feature, which means you don’t have to see, smell or touch waste for up to two weeks. While its smartphone app control means you can have insights into your four-legged friend’s health at your fingertips.

Cat owner, Amanda, tested out this product for us and said: “I’m incredibly happy with the litter box. It is pricy, but worth the money. It is life-changing!”

Amanda said the machine was "very easy" to set up and because it operates at 53 dB (which is the sound you might expect in a quiet office), when it’s cleaning you can "barely hear it".

“The bin automatically cleans five minutes after your cat visits the bin, but you can set it to a schedule,” she notes.

Amanda also praised the litter box for trapping odors immediately. “This keeps the whole area from smelling. There is an optional deodorizer you can use, but I have not found it necessary."

Another feature that stood out was the smartphone alerts. “I really like the alerts that let you know when your cat entered the bin,” she tells us. “It tells you how much they weigh and how long they spent in there. The alerts usually have a funny description too.”

So, aside from the high price point, were there any negatives? “I found that the weight readings vary a lot,” Amanda says. “So I don’t believe they are accurate. I have also had some trouble with clumps of litter sticking to the cylinder and not getting swept up. However, I can easily break them up with a scooper to allow it to be cleaned.”

If you're concerned about the varying weight measurements, you might want to opt for Whisker's Litter-Robot 4, which our tester, Jo, found to be accurate.

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The best smart automatic cat litter box on a budget

Let’s face it, the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes are worth their weight in gold as they give you the space to enjoy your fur friend without the chore of cleaning up after them. And the REDSASA Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is a brilliant example of this.

According to cat owner Kelly, who tested out this machine, the set up is easy and the instructions are clear but the hardest part is setting up the app that connects to the machine via Wi-Fi.

Overall, Kelly believes this self-cleaning gadget is ideal for anyone short on time or just dreads cleaning the litter box. “It is a good one-time investment and sturdy enough to last a long time if maintained well,” she says. “It does all the work for you. You just need to empty the tray and fill the litter.”

However, the litter box is quite large – especially for a small apartment – and isn't the best choice for larger cats. If that's a problem, we'd recommend the PetPivot Autoscooper 11 Open-top Self-cleaning Smart Cat Litter Box instead which has a more spacious interior.

Kelly says: “Our cats are both under 10lbs and it’s fine for them but some larger cats might not like how small the inside is.”

The box comes with a 10L waste collection bin which means you’ll only have to empty it every 15 days if you have one cat using it. And even then, when you’re ready to do so, all you have to do is open a drawer, pull the bag’s drawstring and dispose of the waste.

“It is very easy to maintain,” our tester Kelly says. “The app will also tell you when the tray is full and needs to be emptied.” If you purchase this product you’ll get 40 litter tray bags thrown in.

Odor-wise, this litter box is fitted with a five-second quick disassembly and it comes with a deodorizing design. Kelly seems to think it works very well. “It doesn’t have a spray, but it has a ventilation system built into it to make the smells go away.” Although she mentioned: “You do need to empty the tray completely to have no smell at all.”

For something smaller, consider the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox instead.

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Other automatic cat litter boxes we tested

We also tested the following litter boxes, which didn't make the cut for the top eight:

Litter-Robot 3 Connect

This self-cleaning litter box will scoop your cat's poop for you and comes highly recommended by our tester, Philip. You might be wondering how it differs from the Litter-Robot 4...

Well, the 4 has a larger entryway, making it a better choice for bigger cats, and is suitable for kittens under 3lbs (whereas the 3 Connect requires a minimum weight of 5lbs).

There are also more color options with the 4 model, as well as a quieter cleaning cycle and the ability the monitor multiple cats' health via the app.

However, Philip is very happy with the 3 Connect and says that his cats have adjusted well to it. Even after a week without changing the bag, he can't smell any nasty odors, and was impressed with how much time it saves him every day. You'll also notified when the drawer needs changing, which is a super handy feature so you don't forget.

PETKIT PuraX Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

PETKIT's PuraX cleans and deodorizes on an automatic, manual, or scheduled mode – saving you the unwanted job of clearing it out every day. Our tester, Norah, says that she only has to swap the waste bag out once a week which has saved her lots of time.

She says: “For someone who lives in a busy household, the litter box has completely alleviated an entire step in our list of to-dos. Not only that, it also works amazingly well and the app is extremely useful and convenient.”

This device was originally in our top six, but it's no longer stocked by the retailer. For something similar, we'd recommend the Litter-Robot 4 or Catlink Pro-X Luxury Version Self-Cleaning Litter Box.

How we tested the best automatic cat litter boxes

The PetsRadar testing team has tried and approved every single product in this guide. Our review panel is made up of real pet parents who work within Future Plc, and they all follow a strict criteria when it comes to testing.

To ensure accuracy, consistency and fairness, we asked them the same set of questions after they had tried it with their cats:

• Is the litter box good value for money based on the quality?
• Does it trap nasty odors effectively?
• How does the litter box look in your home?
• Is it suitable for any breed and size of cat?
• Does it work as promised?
• Is it easy for your cat to use?
• Is it easy to set up/assemble?
• Does it make a loud noise when cleaning?
• Does it have any interesting features?
• How often does it need changing?
• What type of litter and bags does it require?
• How is the waste removed and disposed of?

To learn more about our review process, read our dedicated page on how we test.

Meet our review panel

How to choose the best automatic cat litter box

Despite all of the delights that cats bring to your life, one of the not-so-glamorous sides of being a cat owner involves reaching for the pooper scooper. That’s where the best automatic cat litter boxes come in, doing all the dirty work for you!

When choosing the right option for you, it’s important to take into consideration the following factors:

• Size of the complete unit
• Whether it is suitable for multiple cats
• Whether it has a hood (if your feline loves to flick after visiting)
• How the waste is removed and disposed of
• The sound it makes during cleaning
• If it has the ability to reduce odor
• The type of litter and bags it required

Dr. MacMillan adds: "When choosing an automated litter box, stick to a reputable brand with a proven safety record. Safety sensors are essential, but you must also check your automated litter box regularly to ensure that it is working well. A sturdy, well-constructed box is also a must.

"The box needs to be large enough for your cat to use comfortably. A litter box should be at least one and a half times the length of your cat for them to dig and turn freely in. You will also need multiple litter trays in a multi-cat household.

"Remember to provide one tray per cat plus an extra one, don’t expect them all to use the same automated litter box. A cat’s sense of smell is much keener than ours and they will still be able to detect the waste stored in the tray underneath until you clean it all out."

Wondering which automatic litter box is best for your cat? Here's a re-cap of all the main specs:

What's the best way to get a cat used to an automatic litter box?

Like with every new gadget, make sure you introduce the automatic litter box to your cat gradually, building positive associations around it. Here's what expert vet Dr. MacMillan recommends:

1. Initial introduction
"Start by introducing your cat to the partially assembled box so they get used to its smell and look. Reward them if they interact with it."

2. Put the litter box in its new location
"After a few days, put the box together and find a suitable location. You should place your automated litter box in the location of the old litter box, ideally in an area of the house where your cat won’t be disturbed.

"Keep putting your old litter tray out though, as you don’t want your cat to feel stressed or have toileting issues when they are not fully trained in using their new box."

3. Wait a week to turn it on
"You must not turn your automatic litter box on immediately as it could frighten your cat. At least a week should be spent only turning it on to clean after your cat has exited and moved a safe distance away. This will allow them to get used to the sounds gradually."

4. Sprinkle old litter inside
"Encourage your cat by sprinkling some of their old litter in their new box, so that they have a familiar smell. You can also put some of the new litter from the automated box in your cat’s old box too, so they gradually get used to the new substrate.

"You can also make the old litter box less attractive by putting it in a suboptimal location and not cleaning it as frequently."

5. Praise your cat for using it
"If your cat is entering the new litter box then you can gently praise them for this, taking care not to disturb them when they are actively toileting."

Are automatic cat litter boxes safe?

One of the main concerns around automatic litter boxes is whether they're safe to use. We asked Dr. MacMillan for her thoughts...

She says: "Some modern automatic litter boxes have features designed to improve their safety. This includes ones with sensors to detect whether your cat is present or not. This means a cleaning cycle won’t take place while your pet is in the box which avoids scaring your cat with loud noises. It also stops limbs and tails from being caught in moving cleaning parts.

"Others have doors that close while a cleaning cycle is occurring. However, these mechanisms may not be foolproof if the sensor fails. There have been reports of cats being injured or killed due to malfunctions in technology.

"A downside of automatic litter boxes is that you may not spot any health problems right away. Changes in urine volume or blood in the urine can indicate underlying problems, which are easier to spot when you are regularly cleaning the tray yourself. This could be dangerous for male cats prone to urethral obstruction (‘blocked bladder’).

"Enclosed litter boxes can also make some cats feel trapped as they prefer keeping an eye on their surroundings when they toilet. This can lead to anxiety and things like stress-induced cystitis."

Found this helpful? You might also want to learn about the different types of cat litter and our vet's favorite cat litter hacks. Or, discover how self-cleaning litter boxes work.

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

The Modkat Flip Litter Box is a minimal but cool front-entry litter box with a versatile lid that can be adjusted for three different positions and easy cleaning access. Our guide to the best cat litter might also prove useful to those considering the purchase of a new box.

It has a seamless base that will prevent leaks and is perfect for cats who pee on the side of the box. It comes with a reusable liner that lasts up to three months, a hanging scoop, and even a box that converts into a cat toy. The Modkat Flip Litter Box comes in white and grey and is simple and low profile – the perfect addition to any modern, minimalist home.

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Modcat Flip Litter Box: Features

Unlike the top-entry Modkat Litter Box, the Modkat Flip Litter Box is front-entry only, which is much less daunting for nervous cats or smaller kittens. Thanks to the adjustability of the top, you can offer your picky feline three different lid positions to satisfy their preference – the top also lets you hinge it up for easy cleaning access.

That alone makes the Modkat Flip Litter Box a better option than many other high-sided or covered boxes that require you to either take the top off completely or reach back inside it in order to clean them. The adjustable top is a great solution for cats who are a bit nervous going into fully covered litter boxes, but the high sides and seamless base mean that even cats that pee highest won't make a mess all over your walls.

The durable tarpaulin liner that comes with the Modkat Flip Litter Box is easily installed via plastic hooks at all four corners, and is just as easily removed for cleaning or replacement – you can simply soap it up and rinse out. Considering it costs only $30 for a three-pack of flip liners that last three months each, you'll have a nice smelling litter box year-round for not that much extra cost.

The scooper that comes with the Modkat Flip Litter Box is made of a simple molded plastic, and while it works well with most litter types, the holes on the scooper aren't ideal for wood-based or other larger-form litter.

The Modkat Flip Litter Box also looks incredible, with a simple, seamless base that comes in flat-white or a medium gray and a top that folds neatly onto it. It's minimalist and one of the few good-looking litter boxes out there. You'd be hard-pressed to find another litter box that looks this good and works even better.

Modkat Flip Litter Box: Performance

As the owner of a picky cat who tends to pee incredibly high, the Modkat Flip Litter Box is the best purchase possible, even at the price.

The three-position lid made it a breeze to ease my cat comfortably into using it, and now each box can have the top flipped all the way down, she uses it without hesitation. The top is also sturdy, holding the weight of a 14lb cat who climbs on everything. The liners are installed incredibly easily and allow me to rinse out the interior of the litter box, which, considering the side peeing issue, is a dream.

As a two-cat household, keeping smells to a minimum and the litter box clean is often difficult, but that's not the case with the Modkat Flip Litter Box. Not only does it trap smells pretty well, but the adjustable flip top gives you easy access to the entire litter box, making cleaning simple. The hanging scooper also mounts to the side of the box for easy accessibility.

An adorable little extra that comes with the Modkat Flip Litter Box is a cardboard cat toy complete with a ping-pong ball. The box that holds a few of the box's elements is easily converted into a fun hide-and-seek game. Just pop out the pre-cut circles all around the box, drop in the included ping-pong ball, and you have a toy that will keep your cat busy for hours.

Should you buy the Modkat Flip Litter Box?

It might be a little pricey, but the Modkat Flip Litter Box is worth every penny. This is a must-have for cat owners who want a chic litter box alternative that looks great in every room, or for owners whose pet cat is a messy bathroom user. The reusable liners aren't too expensive to replace and make it easy to keep the litter box extra clean, along with the three-position lid.

The Modkat Flip Litter Box looks great, works even better, and comes with a free toy. How could you not want to buy this for your feline friend?

Thanks to the Litter-robot III Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box, looking after your cat has never been easier and now you’ll never have to reach for the pooper scooper ever again! 

This ergonomically designed self-cleaning litter tray works by rotation, sifting out waste just minutes after the cat has used it. The waste gets dropped into a receptacle drawer below, resulting in using up to 50% less litter and reducing spillage.

Its unique and futuristic shape also ensures that the cat litter (and the little packages that are left behind) aren’t flicked all over your floor or up your walls as your beloved pet attempts to cover it over before they leave. 

It’s the ultimate cat toilet!

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• The best wet cat food: From daily dishes to tasty treats

Features

The Litter-robot III Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box has a larger, upward-facing entry point compared to their previous models, which makes it a much more inviting and comfortable space, especially for larger cats.

It works with numerous types of litter such as clumping, scoopable clay litter as well as Little Pearls or Crystals, so there’s no need to buy the most expensive kind.

This fancy feline toilet uses a self-adjusting weight sensor to detect when a cat is inside as well as knowing when it has exited before it begins the self-cleaning rotational process. It also features an automatic night light to help cats find their way more easily during the night.

The waste drawer underneath this Litter-Robot is carbon-filtered (helping to reduce any potential lingering odors) and contains an easy-to-empty design that allows for the use of any bag. 

But that’s not all. This litter box comes with an app that notifies you when the litter tray needs emptying and also monitors usage, which is useful should your cat’s toilet habits change dramatically and require medical attention. 

User reviews

One of the most common things customers mentioned in their reviews is how it has significantly reduced the number of times the tray and litter need to be emptied and replaced. 

“My Litter-robot has changed my life. I have a disability, making changing the litter and scooping difficult. I know I can leave my cats in the house and they will always have clean litter every time they need to use the litter box”, one user explained. 

Another customer said: “I was making a bigger mess than the cat, scooping and cleaning the old litter box. Enter the litter robot - no more mess, no more scooping, buying way less litter, and most importantly, no more litter box smell. No one would ever guess you have a cat.”

However, not every customer has received the cat toilet of their dreams. With such a hefty price tag, it’s worth double-checking all of the measurements to ensure you aren’t greeted with an unwanted surprise when your not-so-little Litter-Robot arrives. 

“The machine itself is also GIGANTIC and takes up so much space. I wanted it to be out of sight as much as possible, so I put it in the bathroom in the finished lower level, but it's so big the bathroom door won't shut. So the options are to have it out in the open, or render the bathroom useless to humans,” explained one very unhappy user. 

Verdict: Should you buy the Litter-robot III Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box?

If you have this large amount of money burning a hole in your pocket and a furry feline in your life that you’d like to spoil, then why not? This space-age looking cat toilet was designed to make cat keeping a whole lot easier by reducing the amount of time owners need to spend clearing out the litter box. Plus, even if it is on a slightly larger than expected size, it would look really cool wherever you decide to keep it!