The best litter box for elderly cats is an uncovered litter box with a low entry point. An uncovered box is preferable because the cat can see what is going on and not get any frights. Low entry is essential to make it easy to enter and exit the box.
Some Of The Best Litterboxes For Elderly Cats Are …
| 1. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box – Best Overall Height approx 5 inches to front opening |
| 2. Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Litter Box – Large Box Low Entry Height approx 3 inches to front opening |
| 3. Modkat XL – Senior Cats Use The Front Entry – High End Box Height approx 6.25 inches to front opening |
| 4. Petco – So Phresh Litter Box – For Dogs and Cats Height approx 3 1/8 inches to front opening |
| 5. Petmate Corner Litter Box High Sides Low Entry – Budget Height approx 4 inches to front opening |
| 6. Kitty Go Here – Two Litter Pans – Buy Two At Once Height approx 3 inches to front opening |
| 7. Wild Card: Marshall High Back Ferret Litter Box Height approx 2 inches to front opening |
| HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LITTER BOX FOR ELDERLY CATS |
Reviews – Litter Boxes For Elderly Cats
Some litter boxes are designed specifically for aging cats or suit aging cats even if not specifically designed for that purpose. Having a low front entry is the non – negotiable for senior cats.
Included in our review is a ferret litter pan which could be suitable for your elderly cat. The ferret pan isn’t as large as a normal litter box so this would only be suitable for a very small senior cat.
1. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
The measurements state that the height of the box is 11 inches high, however the actual entrance is approximately five inches high. This makes it perfect for elderly cats to step into. If five inches is still to high, placing a small ramp in front of the box would work. At the same time, it is still great for those high pee-ers.
Are you worried about the cat peeing out of the low front entrance? Most cats when they enter a litter box, turn around so mostly this should be okay. For a senior cat, this box is ideal.
A low front makes it easy to enter for your cat with arthritis or stiff joints.
It has a non stick surface, always a good point when cleaning a litter box. The handle at the side is built in making it easy to pick up the whole unit. The shaped and built in pour spout also makes it easier to dispose of the litter.
The box is black.
This is the perfect box for a senior cat or even a kitten and will be equally fine for younger cats. This box caters for all age cats.
What about the litter? Often we just keep buying the same old things because we are used to them. There’s nothing wrong with that but it does us all good to have a bit of a shake up from time to time. Don’t waste money buying expensive cat litter if there is a cheaper alternative that works just as well.
Pros
Low entry and high sides – this is the perfect box for a senior cat.
Cons
Some cats may choose to pee out of the low entrance.
Specifications
The measurements are 23 x 18.5 x 11 inches. The front opening which is approximately 5 inches high from the floor to the lowest part of the opening. The litter box is black. The litter box is made form Polyproplene.
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2. Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Litter Box
This is a litter box is specifically designed for elderly cats.
There are two box sizes and the larger box size is definitely better for an elderly cat. The cat has more room to turn around without being in a confined space. The measurements of both sizes are in the Specifications below.
Cats with arthritis or joint pain can find it very difficult to move around so the extra five inches, of the larger box, will give the cat more space to move his body around. This can be a slow process for older cats.
The sides are not high, 5 inches and the front opening is low, 3 inches to suit senior cats. Even if your cat exits the the box at the side it is still a reasonable height all the way around.
This is an outstanding litter box for a senior cat.
Pros
A very low front entry at 3 inches is ideal for cats with arthrtitis.
Cons
The sides of the box are 5 inches high. If your elderly cat is a digger and flinger but also has arthritis a box with higher sides would be advisable.
Specifications
The measurements for the larger box are 24″x 20″x 5″and the height of the front opening for the cat to enter the box is 3 inches. A smaller size is available which measures 20 x 15 x 5 inches. This color is Beach Sand. Other colors available are Apple Green, Gray and Storybook Lavender. The box is made in the US. The litter box is made form Polypropylene.
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3. Modkat XL Litter Box, Top or Front-Entry
The Modkat box has a reasonably low front opening at 6.5 inches. This box can be used as a front entry or a top entry and both at the same time. This could be useful if you have more than one cat. The senior cat uses the front entry whereas other cats may prefer the top entry.
The Modkat is significantly more expensive than the other litter boxes on this page. It does have a liner which is reusable tarpaulin that can used continuously for approximately three months. The liners are tough. The liners hook up inside the box so there is no chance of the liners moving. This hugely assists with keeping the litter box clean, thus saving time and the expense of buying liners.
Pros
This litter box will suit any décor and for spaces where the box will be on display is idea.
Cons
The upfront cost is more that the other litter boxes reviewed on this page. This is a long term investment.
Specifications
The measurements are 17.32 x 21.26 x 16.54 inches. The reusable liner and litter scoop are included.
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4. Petco – So phresh
This is a dog litter tray used as for indoor training. It is ideal for elderly cats. The box is a decent size measuring 19.5 inches x 23.5 inches x 5 inches with the lowest entry point being 3 inches. As the sides are only 5 inches high, don’t add too much litter as diggers and flingers are going to fling some litter over the edge of the box. The sides will be high enough for some geriatric cats. It is the low front entry that is the big plus with this box.
One savvy user used a large cardboard box to add height to the sides. To replicate this idea, remove one side of the box. The box now has three closed sides and one open side. Slide the box under the litter box. Simple and effective idea.
Pros
This box is large enough to easily accommodate a 13lb cat and perhaps even larger cats.
Cons
The sides at 5 inches high, may result in some litter will be kicked over the edge.
Specifications
This box measures 19.5 x 23.5 x 5 inches. The lowest entry point is just over 3 inches. A smaller size is also available, measuring 19.5 x 14.5 inches. The color is mid gray.
5. Petmate Corner Litter Box High Sides Low Entry
This corner box is practical for elderly cats and larger cats, of any age. As can be seen in the image, it is designed to fit into a corner. The low front opening is four inches. That works well for an elderly cat.
It is a sifting litter box. Because the sifting component is separate, the box can be used as a normal litter box if the sifting action is not wanted. There is a choice to use the box either way. It is a 3 piece set, so if the sifter is not used, you essentially receive two corner litter boxes. That is a good deal.
This is how the sifter works:
1. Lift out the first box. Leave the sifter box on top. This means you are lifting the top two boxes.
2. Then, lift the sifter box and place it on top of the second (empty) box.
3. Put the litter from the first box into a bag or bucket ready for disposal.
4. Place the now empty box you are holding, underneath the box that now has the sifter on top.
The box is also a good choice if space is limited but you are still looking for a decent size box.
The low opening but roomy box makes it a versatile box. The litter mat is custom designed to suit this box but would work for any corner box.
Pros
Low front opening.
The box has a sifting component which can be used but doesn’t have to be used.
The corner design is a good option when space is limited.
Cons
You may not want to deal with the sifting part of the litter box.
Specifications
The dimensions are 26 x 11 x 19 inches and the front opening is approximately four inches. It is made in the USA. The color is Pearl Silver (which actually looks gray).
6. Kitty Go Here – Two Litter Pans
The manufacturer clearly states that the product is also recommended for senior cats that can’t cope with a traditional litter box.
The fact that they come in a set of two is very useful if you have more than one cat and want a litter box for each cat or if you need one for upstairs and one for downstairs.
These are the same measurements as the Kitty Go Here litter box. If you need two boxes this option would be more economical.
Pros
Comes in a set of two boxes. This is useful for older cats with limited mobility.
Specifications
These litter pans are gray. They measure 20 inches wide x 24 inches long.The height of the sides is 5 inches and the height of the entrance opening is 3 inches.
7. Wild Card: Marshall High Back Ferret Litter Box
This is a wild card but it might just suit your needs.
Clearly this litter box is for ferrets however we have included it here because it does have a very low opening at approximately 2 inches, which is an inch lower than the other two models reviewed on this page.
Sketch out the measurements on a paper and it will give you a better idea of the size.
This would suit a small, elderly cat who has arthritis or stiff joints. It would also work well for a kitten.
Pros
A very low front entrance with high sides.
Cons
The box will be too small for most cats.
Specifications
The measurements are 14 inches x 12 inches and the sides are 7 inches with a front opening of approximately two inches. There is no color choice. The box sent could be green or purple or blue.
Our Recommendation Is…
1. Nature’s Miracle – Low Entry High Sides
We love this box as it has the essential low entry. It also has higher sides, affording some privacy however the cat can still see what is happening around him.
The height of the front opening is approximately 5” and the Kitty Go Here is approximately 3″. The two inch height difference would make the Kitty Go Here a better choice if your cat is really struggling or if your cat is on the smaller side.
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| 1. Nature’s Miracle High Sides Low Entry – Best Overall |
| 2. Kitty Go Here Designed For Senior Cats – Large Box Low Entry |
| 3. Modkat XL – Senior Cats Use The Front Entry – High End Box |
| 4. Petco – So Phresh Litter Box – For Dogs and Cats Height approx 3 1/8 inches to front opening |
| 5. Petmate Corner Litter Box High Sides Low Entry – Budget |
| 6. Kitty Go Here Two Litter Pans Cheaper/Buy Two At Once |
| 7. WILD CARD Ferret Box Low Entry High Sides Lowest Entry |
How To Choose The Best Litter Box For Elderly Cats
1. Entering And Exiting The Box
The cat needs to be able to enter the litter box easily. If the box is not easily accessible, he may not use the box and pee or poop elsewhere.
Cats don’t do this on purpose. If your elderly cat is pooping outside the box it probably indicates that something is wrong.
Arthritic limbs make it difficult to climb over anything too high. The opening to the box needs to be low so that kitty can get in and out without being in pain.
This may mean that litter will be tramped in and out however this is part and parcel of looking after an aging cat. Put a litter mat at the entrance to help minimize this problem.
2. Size Of The Litter Box
The box needs to be large enough for your cat to turn easily, so larger is better.
Larger is actually better in relation to all litter boxes as mentioned in the study in this article.
3. Location Of The Litter Box
If possible leave the litter box in the same location. Elderly cats will have memory loss and perhaps dementia.
Make it easy for kitty by leaving the box in the same place. Another aspect to location is having a litter box upstairs and downstairs if this applies to your situation.
4. Litter May Escape The Box
This does happen anyway, elderly kitty or not. If the box is shallow and the front opening is lower than usual, it is going to stand to reason that there may be litter escaping the litter box.
The normal precautions can be taken for this, such as using a litter mat underneath the litter box so that most of the litter is trapped on the mat.
Puppy trainer pads underneath the box are a good solution to make cleaning easier if kitty is peeing outside the box.
Affiliate Product Headline
High back and sides on the box but a low entry point
This is a large litter box – 23.4 inches Length x 18.25 inches Width x 11 inches Height (not including front entry)
Non-stick surface for easy cleaning
