Kittens are adorable, playful, and full of energy, but they can also be pretty messy when they do their business. Choosing the right kitten-friendly litter box is an essential part of instilling healthy litter box habits in your kitten and containing litter mess. A litter box that is too difficult to access can lead to accidents and frustration for both you and your new furry buddy. In this article, we will go over what to look for in a kitten-friendly litter box and give you our picks for the 5 best kitten litter boxes on the market.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. Over the last couple years, we've spent countless hours determining which litter box features are most important to cats and cat parents alike. To compile this list, we consulted a cat behaviorist, veterinarian, and hundreds of customer reviews to figure out which litter boxes are the most suitable for kittens.
Note: The litter boxes in this article are best for kittens 8 weeks and older, not for extremely young kittens. Cat parents who need to raise a kitten litter should consult their vet for guidance.
For more articles on kittens, check out how to raise a kitten and our new kitten checklist.
Cheat Sheet: The 5 Best Kitten Litter Boxes
1) tuft + paw Cove Litter Box
| Pros | excellent build quality, durable anti-stick materials, large size, easy to clean, accessible entry, well-ventilated, good visibility, stylish design, scoop, dustpan, and brush included |
| Cons | pricey |
| Materials | double-walled thick matte plastic, rubber base |
| Price | $149-$199 |
2) Lucky Champ Large Litter Pan
| Pros | affordable, very accessible entry, large size, easy to clean, well-ventilated, good visibility, fairly sturdy, rubber side grips |
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Cons
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lower quality materials, easily scratched, low front and side walls allow for litter scatter |
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Materials
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polypropylene plastic |
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Price
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$30 |
3) PetFusion BetterBox Non-Stick Large Litter Box
| Pros | anti-stick coating, very easy to clean, decent quality plastic, large size, accessible entry, well-ventilated, good visibility |
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Cons
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sides don’t contain litter mess |
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Materials
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ABS plastic |
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Price
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$44 |
4) IRIS USA Open Top Litter Tray
| Pros | very affordable, large size, high sides, accessible entry, well-ventilated, good visibility |
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Cons
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low quality materials, ridged pan makes cleaning harder |
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Materials
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Plastic |
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Price
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$19 |
5) Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Corner Litter Box
| Pros | high sides, affordable, large size, accessible entry, well-ventilated, good visibility |
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Cons
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sticker residue, lower quality plastic |
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Materials
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plastic |
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Price
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$25.50 |
What to Look for in a Kitten Litter Box
When choosing a litter box for your kitten, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure that they can use it comfortably and easily.
Easy Access
Kittens are pretty dang small and their litter box needs to accommodate their tiny size. Most kittens won’t be able to climb into a litter box with top-entry or wrap-around high sides. Look for a litter box with a low entry point and an easy-to-find opening that will allow your kitten to enter and exit without difficulty.
Build Quality
Kittens can be rough on their litter boxes, so it's important to choose a box that is durable and built to last. Look for a litter box made from high-quality materials (i.e. anti-stick plastic, stainless steel) that can withstand scratches and regular use. If you choose a well-built litter box suitable for both kittens and adult cats, your kitten can grow into their litter box and you won’t have to replace it in a couple years.
Cove Modern Litter Box by tuft + paw - Shop Here Credit: @abdulscats
High Sides
While a low entry point is the most important feature, it's also beneficial to choose a litter box with 2-3 high sides that can limit litter tracking and prevent accidents. This is especially important if your kitten is a passionate digger, has high aim, or likes to play in the litter box (which we recommend dissuading).
Litter Box Size
A comfortable litter box should be at least as long as your cat from nose to tail and provide enough space for them to turn around and dig. This is an easy criteria to meet when your kitten is tiny, but consider how much space they’ll need as an adult cat. Some kitten parents prefer to use a proportionally small litter box to prevent their kitten from using it as a playpen, but this isn’t a problem for every kitten. If your kitten likes to frolic in their litter box, keep an eye on them and remove them from the litter box when they do so. Reward them when they use the box correctly, and over time they should get the idea.
Credit: @eatsleepmeoww
What to Avoid in a Kitten Litter Box
While there are many great litter boxes on the market, there are also some that should be avoided when choosing a litter box for your kitten. We recommend keeping things simple and staying away from litter boxes with fancy features or unconventional designs at first. The litter box should be as easy to use as possible to develop healthy and reliable litter box habits.
Top-Entry Litter Boxes
Top-entry litter boxes are very difficult, and sometimes downright impossible, for kittens to use. Even if a kitten can access a top-entry litter box, they may not feel comfortable climbing in and out of them. This can lead to accidents, litter box avoidance, and frustration for both you and your kitten. Imagine if a human child had to potty train on an adult toilet—you’re not exactly setting them up for success.
Covered Litter Boxes
Covered litter boxes may seem like a good idea to contain litter and reduce odors, but they can be uncomfortable and confining for kittens. While they do effectively trap odors inside, they force your kitten to brave intense litter box stink every time they do their business. They also make it more difficult to monitor your kitten's litter box usage, and can lead to reduced cleaning because of the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality the encourage.
Types of Kitten Litter Boxes
Open Top Litter Boxes
Open-top litter boxes are the most common type of litter box and are generally the best choice for kittens. They are easy to access, well-ventilated, and offer plenty of space for your kitten to move around and dig in the litter. We particularly recommend open top litter boxes that have 2-3 high sides, whether built-in or removable, to help minimize litter tracking and scatter.
Unlike covered litter boxes, an open top litter box clearly shows when it needs to be cleaned.
Disposable Litter Trays
Disposable litter trays are a convenient option for those who don't want to deal with the hassle of cleaning a traditional litter box. They are easy to use, affordable, and can be thrown away once they are full. The downside is they produce a lot of waste and are usually poor quality.
Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
Self-cleaning litter boxes use sensors and automatic mechanisms to clean the litter box for you. While they can be more expensive than traditional litter boxes, they can also save you time and effort in the long run. However, we don’t think they’re the best option for kittens because the noises may spook them and cause litter box avoidance. This varies from kitten to kitten, so it’s up to you to decide whether the reward is worth the risk.
How to Get Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box
Once you've chosen the right litter box for your kitten, it's important for them to use it consistently. See our guide on how to litter train a kitten for more details, but here are a few tips to help your kitten adjust to their new litter box:
- Place the litter box in a quiet location away from your kitten’s food and water.
- Show your kitten where the litter box is and demonstrate how to use it by digging in the litter with your hand.
- Use a litter that is kitten-safe. Avoid clumping clay litter due to the ingestion risk.
- Place your kitten in the litter box after every meal and nap until they start to use the litter box on their own.
- Praise and reward your kitten when they use the litter box correctly.
- Clean the litter box regularly to maintain a pleasant environment for your kitten.
Credit: @srotellax
What Litter is Best for Kittens?
Choosing the right litter is just as important as choosing the right litter box for your kitten. Here are a few things to consider when selecting litter for your kitten:
- Choose a litter that is unscented and low dust.
- Non-clumping litter is safest for kittens because it won’t clump if they ingest it (which they might try).
- Consider using a natural litter made from plant-based materials such as soybeans or corn. They are non-toxic, biodegradable, and the clumping versions are less dangerous than clay if ingested.
- Use a soft, fine grain litter that’s easy on the paws. Avoid using litter with large rough particles, as it can be uncomfortable for kittens to walk on.
When selecting litter for your kitten, it's important to keep in mind their preferences and needs. Some kittens may prefer a certain type of litter, while others may not be as picky. It may take some trial and error to find the right litter for your kitten, so be patient and keep an open mind.
Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Low-Tracking Litter Box
- Build quality — A good litter box should be sturdy and made from durable materials.
- Size — From a cat’s perspective, the bigger their litter box, the better. A good litter box should be as long as your cat from nose to tail and provide enough room for them to easily turn around.
- High sides — A litter box with high sides will catch litter scatter and reduce litter tracking. Just make sure there’s at least one low-sided opening for your kitten to access.
- Kitten-friendly design — This includes ventilation, visibility, and how accessible the litter box entryway is.
- Ease of cleaning — how easy it is to scoop, change the litter, and clean residue out of the box.
- Style — Kittens don't care much about aesthetics, but it sure is nice for cat parents! We love a litter box that does its job well and is easy on the eyes.
- Price point
Deep Dive: the 5 Best Cat Litter Boxes for Kittens
1) tuft + paw Cove Litter Box
Price: $149-$199
Rating: 4.8/5 with 445 reviews
Size: 26"L x 16"W x 6.5"H (+8" with scatter shield)
Materials: Double-walled thick matte plastic, rubber base
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own litter box here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other litter boxes on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other litter box on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
The Cove Litter Box is our pick for the best litter box for kittens. It has almost everything you need in a litter box, from its excellent build quality to the anti-stick basin. The removable scatter shield can be used right when your kitten starts litter training, or introduced after your kitten has become comfortable using the low-sided litter box. Importantly, the scatter shield has a cut-out corner so even an 8 week old kitten will have no problem entering the litter box. The integrated scoop, brush, and dustpan are super handy and help make cleaning as quick and easy as possible. The open top layout provides great visibility and ventilation, and of course, we have to mention how attractive the design is—it helps resist the “hide the litter box in the closet” impulse that many cat parents have (no judgment though!). The only real drawback is the price, which may be out of budget for some.
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2) Lucky Champ Large Litter Pan
Credit: Chewy
Price: $30
Rating: 4.5/5 with 1900 Amazon reviews
Size: 25"L x 16.75"W x 9"H
Materials: Polypropylene plastic
The Lucky Champ Large Litter Pan is an excellent option if you want a kitten-friendly litter box that’s both affordable and decent quality. Its rubber side grips make it easy to handle and move, while the 4-inch tall stepped entryway makes it one of the most accessible litter boxes on the market. Its size and accessibility are appropriate for all ages, from tiny kittens to arthritic senior cats. The high back wall slightly helps with litter mess, but unfortunately the low side and front walls counteract that benefit. The construction is fairly sturdy for the price point, although some reviews complain that it's easily scratched.
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3) PetFusion BetterBox Non-Stick Large Litter Box
Credit: Chewy
Price: $44
Rating: 4.6/5 with 7000 Amazon reviews
Size: 22.6"L x 18.1"W x 8"H
Materials: ABS plastic
The PetFusion BetterBox is a solid mid-market option if you need an easily-cleaned kitten litter box. While it may not be the cheapest on our list, it’s made from ABS plastic which is anti-stick and more durable than polypropylene plastic (the standard litter box material). It's also available in packs of two ($63), which reduces the price significantly when compared to purchasing individually ($44). Our favorite feature is the smooth curved basin, which means there are no edges or corners to trap litter residue. The dropped entryway is easily accessible for small kittens, and the fill line on the interior walls indicates the recommended litter depth to avoid overfilling. The main drawback of the PetFusion BetterBox is its slightly lower sides, which don't do a great job of containing litter mess.
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4) IRIS USA Open Top Litter Tray
Credit: Amazon
Price: $19
Rating: 4.3/5 with 40,000 Amazon reviews
Size: 19"L x 15"W x 11.75"H (with scatter shield)
Materials: Plastic
The IRIS USA Open Top Litter Tray is a super affordable option for kitten parents who want to get a handle on litter tracking. This decently sized litter box comes with a scoop and removable scatter shield. Crucially, the scatter shield has a front cutout which keeps the box accessible for small kittens and senior cats alike. We like that the open top design of the litter box offers good visibility and airflow. Unfortunately, the plastic is not super durable—some users report problems with cracking, though this is to be expected for such an affordable litter box. The ridged litter pan can also be annoying to clean. Nonetheless, this litter box is a great option for kitten parents who want something functional that won’t break the bank.
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5) Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Corner Litter Box
Credit: Chewy
Price: $25.50
Rating: 4.6/5 with 3,200 Amazon reviews
Size: 26"L x 23"W x 10"H
Materials: Plastic
The Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Corner Litter Box is a good budget pick for kitten parents who want a modest step up from basic litter trays. The high sides prevent litter scatter while the lower entryway allows easy access for cats of all ages. Its corner shape is also convenient for saving space and providing sightlines to the rest of the room. The cheap plastic construction isn't the most durable, but it's still good value for its price point. The most common complaint is about the sticker placement in the center of the litter box basin, which leaves a sticky residue when removed and makes the litter box much harder to clean. We recommend using an adhesive remover to get the residue off.
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Conclusion: Your Kitten Knows Best
Choosing the right litter box for your kitten can feel like a high-stakes decision, so we hope this list has been helpful and given you some promising options. In our opinion, the best kitten litter box is the tuft + paw Cove Litter Box, but any of the others on this list will get the job done and provide some useful features. We always recommend a little trial and error to determine your kitten’s exact preferences, which will set them up for a comfortable litter routine as they grow. At the end of the day, it’s your kitten’s decision what kind of litter box they like best. Just remember to be patient and encouraging as your kitten adjusts. Good luck!
Kitten Litter Box FAQs
Can I use a regular litter box for my kitten, or do I need a specific type of litter box?
While you can technically use any regular litter box for your kitten, we recommend using one with a lower entryway and higher sides to make it easier for kittens to get in and out, while also reducing litter scatter.
How often should I clean my kitten's litter box?
We recommend cleaning your kitten's litter box at least once a day, preferably twice a day if possible. This helps to maintain good hygiene and prevent any unwanted odors or bacteria buildup.
What should I do if my kitten refuses to use the litter box?
If your kitten refuses to use the litter box, try changing the type of litter or litter box you're using, as they may have a preference for a different texture or shape. Make sure the litter box is in a quiet, private location and that it's always kept clean. If the issue persists, consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Can I train my kitten to use a covered litter box?
While some cats don't mind covered litter boxes, kittens may find them too confining or intimidating. It's best to start with an open-top litter box and gradually introduce a covered option once your kitten is comfortable using the litter box consistently.
How can I prevent litter tracking outside of the litter box?
One way to reduce litter tracking is to use a litter mat underneath the litter box, which can help catch any stray litter that gets stuck to your kitten's paws. Choosing a litter box with high sides or a built-in scatter shield can also help contain litter. You can also try out a low-tracking pellet litter (e.g. tofu or wood) and see if your kitten takes to it.
