Cats can be rather particular and fussy at the best of times, whether it be with food, toys, or grooming, and their bathroom habits are no different. Even the slightest change in the texture or color can quickly put them off, so finding a litter box that works can be a real challenge. Kittens are still learning about their environment and their unique likes and dislikes, so this is an important time to find the right litter box.
Litter boxes need to comfortable, convenient, and easy to access for your kitten and easy to empty and clean for their owner. You’ll be emptying and cleaning their litter box on a daily basis, and the process should be as simple and clean as possible. Also, you should always have an extra box laying around, even if you only have one cat or kitten.
It can be difficult to find a litter box that checks all these boxes, so we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorites with in-depth reviews to help you find the best litter box for your kitten.
A litter box may seem like a simple concept, but the Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter System has an advanced technique of odor control and waste management. This litter box is truly unique in that it uses a specially designed litter box suspended over absorbent litter pads that separate liquid and solid waste. The litter box floor is filled with pellets that dehydrate solid waste and is grated to allow moisture to seep down onto the absorbent pads. This makes it almost odor-free and a breeze to clean. This litter box also comes with a month’s supply of pellets and pads and a litter scoop.
While this system is highly convenient, replacing the pellets and pads is expensive, especially if you have more than one cat.
Pros
Unique, suspended design
Odorless and easy to clean
Separates solid and liquid waste
A month’s supply of pellets and pads included
Cons
Replacing pads and pellets can quickly become expensive
The Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan is the best litter box for kittens for the money. It is as simple as it gets, with a low entry point for kittens to gain access and an interior that is roomy enough for adult cats. The high back and sides will prevent litter from being thrown out of the box, and it is constructed from non-porous plastic for easy cleaning and impeccable hygiene. The box also has rubberized handgrips so you can move it easily, and it will last your kitten’s lifetime — at 25 x 16.5 x 9 inches, it is big enough for large cats and kittens alike.
Unfortunately, the low entry side is great for kittens but a bit too low for adults, and adult cats will easily scratch litter out onto the floor, resulting in a mess. This keeps this litter box from the top spot on this list.
If you are looking for a premium quality litter box to last a lifetime, look no further than the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Cat Litter Box. This self-cleaning litter box can be left alone for days at a time and offers hands-free convenience and great control of odors. It has an automatic rake system that sweeps waste into the covered compartment 20 minutes after your cat uses it, with a unique crystal litter that is five times more effective at concealing odors than traditional litter. This litter box is also extremely efficient and uses five to 10 times less litter than traditional boxes.
Unfortunately, this litter box needs to be plugged in, so you’ll need to place it close to an outlet. Also, if you have more than one cat, the waste compartment will fill up quickly, typically within a day. This box is also expensive, keeping it from the top two positions on this list
This Jumbo Hooded cat pan from Catit gives your cat privacy and helps reduce smells in your home. The hooded design is removable for easy cleaning, with built-in locks for transportation, and a built-in anchor bag will keep the litter in place. The box has a disposable carbon filter to help remove odors and a removable clear door for easy access. The floor is flat and free from nooks and crannies to make cleaning a breeze.
The entry door is fairly flimsy and can easily get stuck when your cat enters or exits. The construction material is not of great quality, and some customers report that it cracks easily if large cats jump on top of it.
Pros
Private and concealed
Carbon filter to remove odors
Easily removable hood
Removable clear door
Easy to clean
Cons
The door sticks easily
Flimsy construction
5. Good Pet Stuff Hidden Cat Litter Box For Kittens
The Good Stuff Hidden Cat Litter box is cleverly disguised as a house plant with a two-piece durable polypropylene bottom that looks just like a real clay pot. It features a small cut-out for your cat to enter and exit, and the plant is realistic looking, but there is no need for soil or watering. The pot has a large capacity and is suitable for larger breeds and multiple cats and has filtered vents to help reduce odors.
Due to the pot design and large size, this litter box is difficult to clean, and some customers report it takes two people to attach the lid properly. The lid is also flimsy and comes off easily.
This Flip-Top Hooded litter box from Frisco is nice and private, and the hooded design helps reduce odor and mess. It has a two-way, translucent door that works on hinges and can be removed for easy entry and exit, and the top is easily flipped opened to make cleaning a breeze. With two locks on either side for transportation, moving this box around is no problem. The added charcoal filter helps further help control odors, and the box is made from BPA-free durable plastic.
The box is on the smaller side and may not be big enough for larger cats to turn around in. The pan is thin and may not last very long, and the low side makes spillage highly likely without the hood attached.
The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box is created with a unique design to help keep your home clean and free from soiled litter and still give your feline privacy and space. Your cat enters from the top through a circular entrance with a built-in groove to brush their paws clean. The box has rubber feet to keep it upright, and it comes with an attached hook for the included scoop, and the top is removable for easy cleaning.
Due to its unique design, many customers report that their cats would not use this litter box, and if your cat does use it, you may need to train them at first — kittens may have a difficult time getting inside. While it will keep litter off your floor, the large size makes removing the litter difficult, and you’ll likely need a pair of extra hands.
The Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box is a private and contained hooded design with steps leading up to a raised litter box. The enclosed design will give your cat privacy, help stop odors, and contain their litter. The steep steps are textured to remove any litter caught on your cat’s paws, and the built-in handle on top of the removable hood makes moving and cleaning a breeze. The box also features a carbon filter to help remove odors.
Although it’s great for kittens, the inside of this litter box is too small for larger cats, and they likely won’t be able to turn around. It also has a flimsy design that makes connecting the hood after cleaning a challenge.
This top-entry litter box from Clevercat will reduce spills, reduce bad odors, and reduce the tracking of litter through your house commonly associated with front-entry-style litter boxes. This design also gives them privacy, a feature that some cats seem to prefer. It is a large box, at 20 inches wide and 15 inches high, making it perfect for most breeds and ideal for kittens. The bottom of the box is perfectly flat, making cleaning and scooping a breeze, and can be used with or without liners.
Several customers report that the top is difficult to remove and replace, making cleaning a bit of a challenge. Also, many cats will just jump straight out of the opening and still track litter through your home. For its relative simplicity of design, it is rather expensive too.
Pros
Unique top-entry design
Private and concealed
Easy to clean
Cons
The top section is difficult to remove and replace
The PetFusion BetterBox is as about as simple as it gets and is the ideal choice if you are looking for a no-frills litter box or one to keep as a spare. It is made from non-porous ABS plastic, which is stronger and more durable than polypropylene. It has a special non-stick coating that reduces up to 70% of sticking and is anti-microbial. It has a low entry point and high-sided walls to prevent spilling and measures 22.6 inches long and 18 inches wide.
Several users report that the litter box is non-stick at first, but after a few weeks of use, it sticks as normal boxes do. Also, the non-stick surface makes it easier for your cat to kick out the litter! The entrance is a little too high for young kittens, and due to the high, rounded sides, it may tip over easily if your cat tries to enter from the side.
Pros
Made from non-porous ABS plastic
Features a non-stick, antimicrobial coating
High walls to prevent spilling
Cons
Quickly loses its non-stick coating
Litter slides out easily
The entrance may be too high for kittens
Easily tips over
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Litter Box for Kittens
When buying a litter box for your kitten, there are a few important points to consider. The box needs to be easily accessible for them, and ideally, they should be able to continue using it into adulthood. While a litter box may seem like a simple product, cats can be highly fussy at times and particular about the shape and size of their litter box. If your cat finds something that they don’t like about their box — be it size, design, or even color for some felines — they are likely to go and find somewhere else in your home to do their business.
Here are a few important points to consider before buying your new kitten a litter box.
Size
While a kitten may not need a large litter box, they will of course grow up, and you should take this into consideration when choosing a litter box for them. Additionally, if you have other cats, you’ll need a litter box big enough to cater to them too. A good rule of thumb is one extra litter box for the number of cats you own. So, even if you have just one cat, you’ll need two litter boxes, three cats mean four litter boxes, and so on. This will give your cat more options, and also make cleaning a less regular affair.
Cats like to dig in their litter boxes and need ample space to do so, plus space enough to turn around in. Again, while this is no issue for a small kitten, the box should be big enough for adults to do so too. The box should be at least as long as your cat with their tail extended as a general rule, but bigger is better, and at least as wide as your cat is long.
The height of the box’s sides is also important, both for cleanliness and comfort. For kittens, the box should at least have one side that is low enough for them to easily get inside. The sides should be high enough to avoid litter being kicked out, but not so high that your cat can topple the box over when attempting to enter from the side.
Covered or uncovered?
Covered boxes may give your cat privacy while doing their business, but some cats don’t enjoy the contained environment, and they may take some time to get accustomed to it. Most hooded or covered boxes have removable tops, so you can slowly train your cat to use it covered. If you do go with a covered box, make sure that the entrance opening is large enough to cater to not only your kitten but also adults.
Covered boxes can help reduce odors, and some have built-in carbon filters to further reduce odors. This is great if you live in an apartment or small home, and the litter boxes cannot be placed somewhere away from the rest of your home. If odor control is important to you, a covered box is the way to go.
Self-cleaning
Self-cleaning litter boxes have become popular nowadays for their convenience and odor reduction. They are typically automated to clean up waste with a rake into a closed storage area either via a motion detector or programmable system. While these are great time-savers and make cleaning convenient, they are expensive and need to stay plugged in. Also, many versions require specialized and expensive litter, which can quickly add up.
Many cats, kittens especially, can easily get frightened by these types of boxes and may get completely put off from using litter boxes altogether if not introduced to them properly and slowly.
Image Credit By: Lilia Solonari, shutterstock
Choosing the right cat litter
Just as cats can be fussy about their litter box, some types of litter may also deter your cat from using their litter box. There are many types of litter available, but they generally fall into two categories: clumping and non-clumping. Clumping litter quickly absorbs moisture, which then forms into easily removable clumps, making cleaning your cat’s litter box easier and saving on litter use. Non-clumping litter absorbs moisture slowly but is better for odor reduction. This type of litter will need to be changed more regularly.
Cat litter is made from a variety of different materials, all of which have different degrees of smell, biodegradability, absorption, and price.
These include:
Clay litter. One of the most absorbent varieties of litter, clay litter comes in both clumping and non-clumping varieties and is usually biodegradable and compostable. Clay litter is one of the most popular varieties, as it is inexpensive and easy to find. Unfortunately, clay-based litter can be dusty and not ideal for cats with respiratory issues.
Paper litter. Made from recycled, chemical-free paper, paper litter is highly absorbent, inexpensive, and easily compostable.
Crystal litter. Ideal for use in small spaces, crystal litter is made from silica crystals and is popular due to its long-lasting use and high absorbency, and it is non-toxic. Some cats do not enjoy the texture of crystal litter, though, so they may take some time to get accustomed to it.
Natural or “plant-based” litter. Made using mostly pine shavings but also corn and wheat, natural litter is highly absorbent and biodegradable. These litters are environmentally friendly, usually flushable, and are generally safer than other types if accidentally ingested. They can be pricey, though.
Final Verdict
To conclude, we think that the Tidy Cat’s Breeze Cat Litter System is the best litter box for kittens. It comes with an advanced odor control and waste management system. It is a unique litter box in that it separates liquids and solid waste, making it almost odor-free and a breeze to clean.
The best litter box for kittens for the money is the Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan. This simple litter box has a low entry point for kittens to gain access but is roomy enough for adult cats too, and it has high backs and sides and is constructed from non-porous plastic for easy cleaning.
It can be a challenge to choose the right litter box for your kitten with all the available options on the market today. Hopefully, our in-depth reviews have helped clear up some of that confusion and helped you choose the right kitten litter box to suit your unique needs.
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
