The best litter box for large cats is one in which the cat can navigate freely and not step on their own waste. As a rule of thumb, cats prefer large litter boxes. The litter box should be one and a half times the size of the cat when the cat is measured from the top of his head to the base of his tail.
Should the box be uncovered or covered?
Is one better than the other?
From the cat’s point of view an uncovered litter box allows him to see who or what may be approaching the litter box. He can then escape if he feels threatened.
In contrast, apartment living or shared accommodation often means that space is a premium and a covered box may be a necessity to suit the living arrangements.
There is more information here about choosing an uncovered or covered litter box that will help you make a decision if you are unsure.
In the meantime…
Reviews of Covered, Uncovered and Top Entry Litterboxes for large cats
Read detailed reviews in the following articles about types of different litterboxes to help you make a choice.
- Covered Litter Boxes For Large Cats
- Uncovered Litter Boxes For Large Cats
- Top Entry Boxes (not all for large cats).
uncovered litter box For large cats
Van Ness Large Uncovered Litter Box
Van Ness large Open top cat litter box is perfect for cats who like to dig. The high polished finish is odor and stain resistant, making it easy to clean.
The high sides reduce messes, making it ideal for cats who urinate “high”.
This box literally ticks all the boxes are far as popularity and price. It is excellent value for money. It also fits all the design features that are preferable in an uncovered litter box.
An uncovered cat litter box is a basic litter box usually rectangular in shape. If not rectangular the shape may be triangular to fit into a corner.
Design features – uncovered litter box
High sides which help to contain the spread of litter
High sides with a low front entry for kittens or cats that have loss of mobility
The rims of the box may be rounded to make picking up the box easier
The box may have a treated surface to help stop litter clumps from sticking to the bottom of the box
The box may have angular corners or the corners may be slightly rounded.
covered litter box For Large cats
Van Ness Extra Giant Covered Litter Box
The Van Ness Extra Giant Covered Litter Box is the perfect solution for homes with multiple cats or large cats.
This extra-large litter box features a high-polished finish that is odor and stain resistant, making it easy to clean.
It provides leading odor control by enclosing litter and providing the added benefits of an odor door & replaceable Zeolite air filter.
It also eliminates litter scatter, making it ideal for households with multiple cats or large cats.
This giant covered litter box has a detachable upper half.
This is an extra Giant size and measures – 21.5″ x 17.5″ x 18″.
Design features – Covered litter box
A covered box will have a doorway to enable the cat to enter the box. The doorway may be a flap that swings backwards and forwards or the door may remain in an open position by flipping and sitting on the top of the box
The detachable upper half is for the ease of cleaning and also emptying and refilling the litter.
A covered box may be better at containing odor than an uncovered box.
A Top Entry Litter Box For Large Cats
A top entry litter box for large cats needs to have the dimensions to suit the size of your cat. If you already have a rough approximation of the size you need it will be easier when you start looking.
The Modkat XL Top Or Front Entry Litter Box
This is an outstanding litter box. It is more pricey than many other boxes. It is good value and has some outstanding features, such as the reusable liners made from tarpaulin.
This box measures 21″L x 16.3″W x 17″H. It can be configured as a top entry or front entry. I have written a detailed article about the tarpaulin liners here.
If your budget is smaller there are plenty of other top entry litter boxes that are very good.
Design features – Top Entry litter box
A reusable litter liner in the Modkat range of litter boxes.
Check the measurements of the box and the entry on the top of the box. It needs to be large enough for you cat to easily enter and exit.
Some boxes have a grate or textured finish on top to trap litter on paws.
Some boxes have a side hinge enabling the lid to open for easy cleaning.
How To Choose The Best Litter Box For Large cats
- First of all, decide whether you want a covered, uncovered or top entry litter box.
- Measurements – This is super important because there’s what we think of as a large cat and then there are cats that are really large like the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat.
Large takes on a different meaning. You will need the approximate measurements of your cat (length) and the measurements of the box that is under consideration. - Where will the box be located? Consider the size of the room where the box will be located.
A jumbo litter box designed to fit into a corner is perfect if you are low on space but have a large cat.
If space is tight the box measurements are important. Avoid the scenario of having the box arrive only to discover that it doesn’t fit into the space you had allocated. - Cleaning the box. Will it be easy to scoop? Does the box have handles? Are the handles built in to the box? Built in handles are desirable in our opinion, one less thing to break.
If there are no handles will the box be easy to pick up when needed to empty the litter? - The age of your cat. Our cat is elderly and jumping into a box with high sides is not an option although sometimes he surprises us.
Never underestimate a determined kitty. Climbing a stairway entry is more his style as in the Petmate Litter Dome.
About Measuring – Cat? Box? location?
Yes, you do need to measure the cat and the box and the intended location of the box.
I don’t know about you but it can be hard to visualize measurements especially once you have read through several lists of different measurements. My mind goes into measurements block out. I need to have a visual.
It is a quick and simple matter to measure which just takes a few minutes.
Mark out the measurements of the box on some newspaper or even with a stick in the sand, to get a good visual of how big the box really is.
It is worth spending those few minutes measuring particularly if the intended space for the box is somewhat limited or restricted by other fixtures.
Even taking the measurements into account, it is difficult to say 100% that the box will be suitable for your large cat.
The dimensions may be okay but cats assume different positions when doing their business so there is no one size fits all.
I never believed any of that one size fits all nonsense. Just like people cats come in lots of different sizes.
Research also suggests that bigger is better. One of the findings from this study indicated that larger litter boxes were preferable for all size cats not just large cats.
| Image | Title | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Van Ness CP2HS Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan - Warm Gray | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box, Extra Large, Teal | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | PetFusion BetterBox Non-Stick Large Litter Box. Pet Safe Non-Stick Coating for Easier Cleaning & Superior Hygiene. Open Top Box Promotes Healthy Usage. Litter Pans Made of Stronger ABS Plastic | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box 3 Colors, Brushed Nickel | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | IRIS Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box with Litter Scoop, Gray | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | Clean Pet Cat Kitty Open Top Large Cats Litter Box with Shield and Scoop New! by "IRIS USA, Inc." | Prime | Check Price |
 | Van Ness Corner Enclosed Cat Pan, Silver, Large | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | iPrimio Enclosed Sides Stainless Steel Cat XL Litter Box - Never Absorbs Odor, Stains, or Rusts - Designed by Cat Owners - Patented | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | Catit Cat Litter Pan, Gray, | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | Nature's Miracle High-Sided Litter Box, 23 x 18.5 x 11 inches | Prime | Check Price |
 | Nature’s Miracle Hooded Flip Top Litter Box, Oval, With Odor Control,Silver/Grey | Prime | Check Price |
 | Pet Mate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan | Prime | Check Price |
 | Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box, Large | Prime | Check Price |
 | Richell PAW TRAX High Wall Cat Litter Box, High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Brown | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
Is Your Large Cat Also A Digger And Flinger?
If your cat is large and a digger and flinger you will need to be thinking large box with high sides to stop litter being flung around like a snow storm.
All of the boxes on this page, fit that criteria. Just don’t be telling the cat about the flinging part. There’s no need to set off some bad habits.
