The OdorKlenz Pet Litter Additive is a simple powder additive that you can mix into your cat's litter box to help control bad scents from cat urine or cat excrement.
Product Name:
OdorKlenz Pet Litter Additive
Product Type:
Cat Litter Scent Control Additive
Summary:
With this simple additive you can help minimize the more pungent smells that might come rolling out of your cat's litter box from time to time. Whether it is a sustained smell or a temporarily smell immediately after use, OdorKlenz will help minimize it by simply dropping a scoop inside and mixing it into the litter.
It is super easy to use, each package comes with an ample supply for an extended period of time, and you'll immediately notice a decline in foul smells coming from your cat's litter box upon adding it.
Do you dread scooping your cat's litter box because it stinks to high heaven? Or do you need to keep it in a room nobody else will go in because every time one of your cats goes to the bathroom nobody can go in the room for 30 minutes until it airs out?
If any of this sound familiar then you've come to the right place. OdorKlenz is specifically designed to help handle exactly this type of situation. It is super simple to use and it'll make an immediate impact on any smells coming from your litter box.
How Does It Work?
It is pretty simple to be honest, you add it to your cat's litter box and it attacks any odors right at the source and neutralizes them immediately.
This means the smell never even gets a chance to leave the litter box once your kitty starts kicking his or her litter around to cover up their business.
Do keep in mind this isn't a masking agent. It isn't a stronger scent to cover up the scent from your cat's urine or feces. When I open the container and take a huge whiff right at the top I don't notice any scent at all.
This is important because it means the product isn't simply covering up the previous scent and smell. It is instead removing it.
On top of this the lack of scent also makes it far less likely to cause any trouble with your feline friends.
Does It Bother the Cats At All?
My cats didn't even notice it was there. I haven't noticed even a slight change in their behavior from the moment I dumped it in the litter box to the two full weeks of use before writing this review.
On top of this if I leave the canister open and set it on the floor both of my cats will happily come up and smell the product. They don't bolt or run away when it is around. They don't seem to mind it at all.
This is very important for anything going in the litter box as most cats don't particularly like scented litter. It tends to cause litter box usage issues. This product hasn't caused a single issue and neither of my cats seem to mind it in the slights.
On the other hand my wife and I absolutely love the effect it has had so far on eliminating nasty odors from the room we keep our litter box in.
What's In It?
While the specific formula is proprietary, there are only a couple of ingredients at work. All of them are listed right on the outside of the bottle:
Soda Ash
Magnesium Oxide
Zinc Oxide
Titanium Dioxide
Sodium Carbonate
Is It Dangerous?
As long as you keep it out of eyes and mouth it shouldn't pose any threat to you or your cats.
If you do happen to get it in your eyes you'll need to flush them immediately.
If you happen to ingest it you'll want to drink a large glass of water and call a poison control center just in case.
It should definitely be kept out of the reach of children.
Does It Have Any Other Uses?
The core use is absolutely in the litter box as shown below, but you can also use OdorKlenz to help clean up urine accidents around the house or outside of the litter box.
To clean up an accident outside of the litter box simply dump the OdorKlenz right on top of the urine puddle (as you might with sawdust for a spill) then sweep it into a dust pan. Simple and easy.
It should make the actual liquid spill cleanup a breeze and it should also help out with ensuring the scent is eliminated as well!
Watch the Video Review Here
OdorKlenz Pet Litter Additive
All in all this has proven to be a great product to add to our arsenal of items around the house to minimize the impact our cats have on our lives.
4.5
The Good Stuff:
Helps Control Odors
Super Easy to Use
Cats Aren't Bothered
Perfume and Fragrance Free
The Bad Stuff:
Using it for accidents outside the litter box would be expensive
The directions don't indicate how much to add to your litter box so you have to guess
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Updated August 2026 — several of the original picks on this list had gone out of stock, so this post has been refreshed with current, in-stock replacements.
If you’ve arrived here you’re looking for a way to cover up the typically not very good looking litter box that your cats use on a daily basis. Most litter boxes are designed to be functional at best and some of them don’t even do that very well.
Those that are functionally effective still tend to leave a lot lacking from an aesthetics standpoint which can be frustrating, especially if you have a home with limited space where you can’t hide the litter box off in a corner or in a closet.
Enter cat litter box furniture to the scene. Recently there have been several companies that have developed pieces of furniture that are geared toward giving you an aesthetically pleasing piece for your home that is dual designed to house a litter box for your cat.
They come in all shapes and sizes and a bunch of different colors and designs. It really depends on what you’re looking for and the type of decor you are trying to match in your household.
So let’s take a look at the best pieces of litter box furniture out there! Below are the 10 best pieces of litter box furniture.
This one earns "Best for XL Litter Boxes" because it's built with real room to spare. The interior measures a genuinely large 28.5" x 18.5" x 27.6", designed to fit oversized litter boxes without cramping your cat.
It's styled as a modern side cabinet rather than an obvious box cover. That means it holds its own as real furniture in a living room or hallway. A height-adjustable, three-level shelf divider lets you configure the interior around your specific box. It comes out entirely if you're using a top-entry design.
Extra-large 28.5" x 18.5" x 27.6" interior fits oversized litter boxes without cramping your cat, a real fit if you've already upgraded to a bigger box.
Height-adjustable three-level shelf divider configures around your box, and removes entirely for a top-entry design.
Side-entry cat door installs on either side, with a rear ventilation grille built in for odor control.
Upper shelf doubles as hidden storage for a scoop and spare litter, while the top surface is rated to hold up to 150 lbs.
Reviewers consistently praise how well it hides the litter box from guests, along with its matte-finish appearance and roughly 50-minute assembly.
Merry Products earns "Best in Size & Space" because this bench is built to fit just about anything you own. That includes small pans, large pans, even an XL automatic box. It's a multifunctional cover that conceals the litter box while adding real storage space on the side, not just a lid over a box.
A removable center partition frees up extra room for litter and supplies, or even a second box if you need one. The entry door can be installed on either end, so you can orient it to fit your room instead of the other way around.
Magnetized doors swing wide open for full access, and the removable partition wall gives you real storage space alongside the box.
Rated for an 80-pound weight capacity, with a pre-cut hole in the back for an automatic litter box's power cord.
Fits everything from a small pan to an XL automatic box, so it's a safe bet even if you upgrade your litter box down the road.
Entry door installs on either side of the unit, letting you fit it into the room instead of building around it.
Some owners report damage to the bottom piece and chipping paint over time. It's worth lining the interior if your cat tends to dig or scratch a lot before settling in.
This one earns "Best Nightstand Style" because it's built and styled to actually double as a nightstand or side table. It's not just a box with a lid. It's finished in classic white or black, with a wide top for a lamp, books, or a plant. That lets it blend into a bedroom, hallway, bathroom, or laundry room without looking out of place.
The engineered-board construction gets a powder-coated, scratch- and water-resistant finish. Reviewers consistently describe it as easy to assemble, with all hardware included. The interior fits a standard-size litter box, so it's a good fit if you're not working with an oversized pan.
Styled as a genuine nightstand or side table in white or black, with a wide top rated to hold up to 66 lbs for a lamp, books, or plants.
Decorative cat-hole entrance keeps the look clean. A wide opening door makes it easy to insert a bed or reach in for cleaning.
Nine pre-cut rear panel holes provide airflow, and the powder-coated finish resists scratches and water.
Interior measures 16.54" x 18.5" x 17.72", sized to fit a standard litter box.
Reviewers consistently call it easy to assemble and "cute." They also say it does a good job hiding the box while giving your cat some privacy.
Sturdiness and size feedback run mixed — some owners find it plenty roomy and solid, others say it's smaller or less sturdy than expected. Measure your box against the interior dimensions before you order.
The Litter Loo keeps its "Most Durable" title because it's built from ecoFlex, a moisture- and odor-resistant recycled wood-polymer composite. That's a step up from the particle board most of this furniture uses. If your cat tends to miss the box, accidents wipe away instead of soaking in.
It sets up with tool-free assembly that owners consistently describe as genuinely easy, and the discreet flip-down front door keeps it looking like a real end table rather than a litter box cover.
Moisture- and odor-resistant ecoFlex construction means accidents wipe away instead of soaking into the material.
Tool-free assembly, widely praised as actually easy rather than just advertised that way.
Discreet flip-down front door for cleaning access, and the Jumbo size adds a bonus storage shelf.
Comes in four finishes and two sizes, backed by a 10-year warranty.
Sturdy enough that owners have set heavy items, like a table lamp, on top without issue.
Size feedback is mixed. Some owners find it plenty roomy, others say it runs small for a bigger cat, so check the interior dimensions against your current box first.
This one earns "Best for Large Cats" because the interior is genuinely sized to fit a big litter box, not just a standard one. It offers 27.2" x 18.7" x 18" of usable space. The listing does note it won't fit a PetSafe ScoopFree box specifically. It's styled as a nightstand with a wide top for organizing remotes, magazines, or supplies, so it earns its keep as real furniture too.
Magnetic-touch doors swing wide open for easy cleaning access. The entrance side is interchangeable too, so you can orient it to whichever side makes sense for your room. It's a solid pick if your current litter box already runs on the larger side and you want furniture built around that.
Interior measures 27.2" x 18.7" x 18", sized to fit most standard litter boxes for larger cats. Note that the listing specifies it does not fit a PetSafe ScoopFree box.
Styled as a nightstand with a wide top for organizing remotes, magazines, or litter supplies.
Three rear ventilation holes help with airflow, and reviewers say it works well even in small apartments.
Magnetic-touch doors open wide for easy cleaning access, and the entrance side installs on either side to match your room.
Assembly is widely described as easy, with clear instructions and generally positive sturdiness feedback.
Add a waterproof liner if your cat tends to pee over the side, since the listing warns urine can break down the wood over time. Size feedback is also mixed — some owners say it's roomy enough for large cats, others find it runs smaller than expected.
The Snughome earns "Best Natural, Woven Look" because of its handwoven rattan exterior. That's a warmer, more natural look than the MDF or particle-board cabinets that make up most of this list.
It comes with a cat litter mat included, so that's one less thing to shop for separately. It's still a full enclosure, hiding the litter pan from view while reading as an actual piece of furniture rather than a box with a lid.
Handwoven rattan styling gives it a warmer, more natural look than the typical wood-composite cabinet.
Includes a cat litter mat, so you're not shopping for one separately right out of the box.
Full enclosure design hides the litter pan from view while still looking like real furniture.
Comes in 4 different color patterns so you can find one that will match most decor or design concepts.
If you want a hooded litter pan to go inside that fits the look, the Nature's Miracle Hooded Flip Top Litter Box pairs nicely and includes its own built-in charcoal odor-control filter.
The open-weave rattan exterior is a different material than the sealed wood-composite options elsewhere on this list. Line the interior with a waterproof mat, since rattan isn't sealed the way MDF or particle board is.
This one earns its label because it's the only enclosure on this list that bundles in a scratching pad. Cats get somewhere to dig besides the furniture next to the box.
It's a fully enclosed cabinet built with a scratch-resistant surface finish to help protect it from your cat's claws, and it doubles as a side table or stand for household items. It's also offered in black (ASIN B0C7VPBF11) if the white finish doesn't suit your space.
Built-in scratch pad at the entrance gives your cat somewhere to dig besides the furniture next to it.
Scratch-resistant surface finish helps protect the cabinet itself, and the top is rated for a 120 lb load.
Interior fits most standard litter boxes, and the whole unit ships with all tools and hardware needed for assembly.
Reviewers consistently describe it as easy to assemble (about 20 minutes) and good value, and say it hides the box and contains odor effectively.
Door hinges are a recurring complaint — some owners describe them as thin or cheap and say the doors are hard to keep aligned. A handful also found it too small to fit an XL litter box.
The Refined Feline keeps its "Most Luxurious" title because it's built from oak veneer over solid wood and ply. That's a real step up from the MDF and particle board used on most of this list.
Rear ventilation slots double as mounts for universal carbon filters, so odor control is built into the design rather than bolted on after the fact. It also includes an internal corrugated plastic liner for faster cleanup and a sliding drawer for your scoop and supplies.
Built from oak veneer over solid wood and ply, rather than the MDF and particle board used elsewhere on this list.
Rear ventilation slots double as mounts for universal carbon filters, so odor control is designed in, not added on.
Internal corrugated plastic liner catches stray litter, and a sliding drawer keeps your scoop and supplies close at hand.
Offered in Large and X-Large sizes, with the X-Large built to fit electric litter boxes like the LitterMaid Elite or ScoopFree.
Entry panel flips left or right, so you aren't locked into one layout.
Build-quality feedback is mixed. Some owners call it sturdy and well-made, others describe it as flimsy for a piece this size — so take your time and follow the assembly instructions closely.
This one keeps its "Easiest Human Use" title because it's genuinely simple to live with. There's no assembly puzzle — just a planter-shaped box with a removable top.
It's made in the USA from reinforced plastic, and disguised as a decorative planter in faux palm or philodendron styles, so it actually reads as a houseplant rather than a hidden litter box. A built-in carbon filter manages odor while still letting the box breathe.
Disguised as a decorative faux palm or philodendron planter, so it genuinely looks like a houseplant.
Built-in carbon filter manages odor while still allowing airflow through the unit.
Removable top makes scooping and cleaning simple, and the design works for multi-cat households, not just one cat.
Praised for its compact footprint, a good option if you're working with a small apartment or a tight corner.
Made in the USA from reinforced plastic, with an improved locking fit between the top and base.
Opinions split on durability. Some owners say it holds up fine, others describe the top piece as flimsy, so handle it gently when you remove it to scoop.
This one earns "Best Dual Use" because the interior is roomy enough to fit both a litter box and a pet bed. That works if you want your cat's whole setup in one spot. It's styled as an espresso-stained nightstand or side table, so it works as real furniture even in a room with no bed nearby.
The wide tabletop doubles as a place for a lamp or books, and a hinged door keeps cleaning access straightforward.
Styled as an espresso-stained nightstand or side table, so it works as furniture on its own, not just a box cover.
Interior fits both a litter box and a pet bed, if you want your cat's whole setup contained in one place.
Wide tabletop doubles as a spot for a lamp, books, or anything else you'd put on an end table.
Decorative cat-hole entrance and a hinged door make cleaning access simple.
Fit and sturdiness feedback is mixed. Some owners say it comfortably fits a standard litter box and holds up well, others say it runs snug and can feel flimsy over time — so measure your box first.
Hey-brother Cat Tree Tower, Wooden Litter Box Enclosure and Condo
This one earns "Best Cat Tree + Litter Box Combo" because it's the only pick on this list built this way. It pairs a full climbing and scratching tower with a hidden litter cabinet at the base. The base cabinet is sized to hold a standard litter box (or, if you'd rather, a bed) for a private, enclosed nook.
Above it, the tower gives your cat a place to climb, scratch, and perch, so you're covering two furniture needs in one footprint. It comes in two heights — 48" and 61" — and in gray or walnut/brown finishes, so you can size and match it to your space.
All-in-one design combines a climbing and scratching cat tree with a hidden litter cabinet at the base. It covers your cat's enrichment and litter needs in one piece of furniture.
Waterproof, scratch-resistant surface throughout makes cleanup simple. A padded, removable top platform cushion gives your cat a comfortable place to perch.
Two hammocks are included, with one fixed at both ends for extra stability while your cat climbs on and off it.
A raised feeding shelf with bowl cutouts sits above a separate storage shelf, keeping food away from litter odor below.
Reviewers consistently describe it as good quality and sturdy, with an attractive finish. Assembly is generally manageable, though it takes some owners a while to finish.
The litter cubby and hammocks are sized more comfortably for smaller-to-average cats than larger ones, worth knowing if you've got a big cat at home. A few owners also note the cabinet door's hinge screws can eventually tear through the particle board over time.
Yes, for nearly everything on this list — the only piece here that works as a litter box on its own is the Good Pet Stuff planter (#9). Every other item is a piece of furniture that requires a separate litter box placed inside it, or one you already own that fits.
Before you buy, measure twice, maybe three times. If you're set on using a litter box you already have, check it against the interior dimensions listed for whichever piece you're considering.
You don't want to build a whole piece of furniture only to find out your litter box doesn't fit inside it. Check every dimension carefully before you click the buy button.
We'd also recommend an enclosed, high-sided litter box for the inside of any piece of furniture on this list. Most of it is built from wood composite, which absorbs and traps odor easily. That means if your cat sprays or misses the box occasionally, the furniture itself can start to smell fairly quickly.
What About High-Peeing Cats and Litter Box Furniture?
Most of these pieces are built from some kind of wood composite, like fiberboard or particle board — worth keeping in mind if you've got a high-peeing cat. Urine that sits on particle board gets absorbed, and it will start to smell. It can also cause the laminate on top to bubble and peel, and you don't want urine leaking onto your floor either.
A few things help with this:
Caulk the interior corners of any unit so urine can't leak out.
Use a waterproof litter mat, or line the interior yourself with a plastic covering.
Choose a high-sided or fully covered litter box for the inside of the furniture, to cut down on missed-pee accidents in the first place.
What About Scent Control in General?
This one's about general odor control, not just the high-peeing situation above. Most litter box furniture, including nearly every pick on this list, skips a door flap entirely — that means air, and odor, moves freely in and out of the unit.
Several pieces also build in ventilation slots for airflow and light, which look nice and can help your cat feel more comfortable inside, but they also give odor an easy way out.
A few ways to manage this:
Use an odor-controlling litter and scoop often — out of sight shouldn't mean out of mind.
Use a covered litter box inside the furniture itself; most covered boxes have their own built-in flap that helps trap odor.
Add your own flap to the interior doorway using pliable plastic or rubber, if the piece doesn't already have one.
Do Cats Have Trouble Using an Enclosed Litter Box Space?
Most cats adjust to litter box furniture without any trouble. That said, if your cat already dislikes an enclosed or covered litter box, furniture like the ones on this list will likely make that worse, not better. It's still an enclosed space from your cat's perspective, even if it looks nicer from yours.
One of our own cats developed a real litter box aversion over the years, and it turned out to be about the covered, enclosed style itself, not the location. Switching her to a fully open box, and moving it out of a tight, enclosed spot, is what actually solved it. If your cat is already avoiding a covered box, that's worth ruling out before you invest in furniture built around one.
To help your cat adjust smoothly if you do go this route:
Don't move everything into the new furniture on day one.
If you can, use a second litter box inside the new furniture at first, to minimize the amount that changes at once.
Leave the door or paneling open for the first few days so your cat can explore before committing.
Only remove the original box once your cat has clearly started using the litter box in its new home.
Why Do These Get Mixed Reviews on Durability Even When Everything Else Sounds Great?
It's a recurring pattern across this whole category, not just one or two of these picks. The Merry Products Bench (#2), the Refined Feline Cabinet (#8), the Good Pet Stuff planter (#9), and the Internet's Best Litter Hider (#10) all get some version of the same mixed feedback. Most owners are happy with the build, but a smaller share reports paint chipping, a flimsy top piece, or a bottom panel that doesn't hold up as well as the rest of the unit.
It seems to come down to the fact that most of this furniture is assembled at home rather than shipped fully built, so how carefully it goes together during assembly makes a real difference in how sturdy it feels day to day. Take your time on assembly, use every screw and connector the instructions call for, and you'll generally avoid the worst of these complaints.
Most people don’t particularly love displaying their litter box for everyone to see. Given this there are a few options you can pursue including putting it in a closet or finding a piece of furniture to hide it inside.
I’m fortunate that I’ve got an empty closet that allows me to keep my litter box for my two resident cats, but outside that a piece of furniture fits nicely in my guest room where I keep my foster cats.
If you do decide to go down the road of purchasing a piece of litter box furniture I’d highly recommend you make any changes with the litter box gradually.
Be sure to leave your original litter box in place while you transition your cats to the new location inside of a piece of furniture. And always keep in mind that some cats might not terribly like adjusting to going inside of a completely enclosed environment.
If you’ve never had a fully closed in litter box you might want to try that before you purchase a piece of litter box furniture. Check out my top 10 litter box recommendations here.
Which litter box furniture do you use? Do you have a favorite or a recommendation that I didn’t include in my list ? If you have any other ideas for please leave a comment below or send me an email at Craig@StuffCatsWant.com so I can update this article.
StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
We purchased this Sophresh litter box for our cats after a specific week of our cats kicking litter all over the darn place from our first traditional litter box with low sides. We were looking to help minimize litter tracking more than anything and this litter box really fit the bill. The litter box is made up of two completely separate pieces that can be purchased distinctly, but they combine to make a far better product than either piece alone. Kind of like Voltron, or perhaps the Power Rangers. Blue ranger anyone?
Anyhow, that aside, this litter box has been a total success for us on every front. It has done wonders to help us control our previous litter kicking and tracking issues. Both Lexi and Beast really like to scatter litter all over the place once they’re finished going. Sometimes they’ll stay in the litter box for 2 or 3 minutes just mucking around and making a mess. This being fully enclosed heavily reduces the amount of litter that gets booted out the sides.
On top of this, once in a while Lexi has a really bad smelling trip to the litter box and even though she covers it we used to have problems with it causing everyone in the room to vacate the premises for the next 10 to 15 minutes. This litter box does a heck of a lot better job containing the nasty odors that once in a while waft out of the litter box from our feline friends. It also does have a built in air vent on the top that comes with a filter, but I’ll freely admit I haven’t changed the filter for an extended period of time and I’ve noticed little to no difference in its ability to contain/control scent.
As for construction, pretty straight forward. It has two simple plastic clips attached to the top section of the litter box. You simply set the top right on top of the bottom section and snap them closed. Voila! You’ve got yourself a fully covered litter box that is ready to go. Both pieces have held up incredibly well to the wear and tear of two cats entering and exiting consistently. The swinging front door still works great.
As for scooping, super simple. You don’t even have to take the top off to scoop. The door is designed to flip up and stay in a “locked” position until you put it back down. This makes it a breeze to scoop quickly and then drop the door right back into place.
Cleaning has proven to be a really simple process as well. Given that the litter box top comes off so easily you can quickly remove it and take dump the litter then spray the whole thing down with a hose and a scrubbing brush with some strong bristles.
The only piece of the cleaning job that can be a bit of a hassle are the 4 little divets in the bottom section of the litter box. If your cat pees near this, which they inevitably will, the litter can get stuck in here pretty easily and cause a bit of a hassle. From looking at the newest model of this litter box it looks like their design team has removed these little spots which is a great choice as they were functionally useless anyway.
The Pros:
It does an excellent job of controlling litter tracking by enclosing all of the sides and the top.
The scent control is a significant upgrade over any open litter box.
Scooping is a breeze with the flip up and lock front door, it only takes a second and works great.
Durable construction that has lasted a ton of moves within the house and two cats constantly using it plus daily scooping.
It is super easy to construct, maintain, and clean when it needs a deep cleaning.
It is a very affordable litter box compared to a lot of the more advanced ones on the market.
The Cons:
It wouldn’t be ideal for large cats as it isn’t an extremely big litter box, my cat Lexi is 12 pounds and she does fine in it though.
The 4 little plastic divets in the bottom section are pointless functionally and are a hassle to clean when your cat pees in them.
Note: These look to have been removed from the newest model which is a great modification.
While it does have an easy to carry handle built in I wouldn’t recommend using it while it is filled with litter, it just seems like it would really strain the clips holding the pieces together.
Tips for Best Usage:
Keep about 2-3 inches of litter in this litter box at all times, I keep my litter pail nearby to top it off as necessary.
It isn’t a huge box so I’d highly recommend you scoop it every single day, especially if you have two cats.
Be sure to place it in a location where the front is easily accessible with your dominant hand for scooping purposes.
Give the litter box a deep clean by dumping all the litter and washing it with a hose/shower & soap every 2-3 weeks.
If you can keep it in an enclosed space with your litter mat(s) in place so your cats shake off the last of the litter while walking out. I keep mine in my closet with the doors mostly closed, I’ve opened them up for the picture to the right so you can see how mine is setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of the base ?
The base is about 15 inches wide X 20 inches long and about 5 inches tall.
What are the dimensions of the hood?
The hood is about 15 inches wide X 20 inches long and about 10.5 inches tall.
Is it easy to scoop, many covered boxes are a hassle?
This particular model was special designed to make it easy for you to scoop. The front flips up and out of the way and stays locked there until you manually move it back into place. The opening is easily large enough to fit any litter scoop inside to clean up.
Has the door ever gotten stuck closed?
I’ve never once had the door get stuck closed, my cats have never been locked out of or inside of the litter box.
Is a deep clean easy?
Yes, deep cleaning is very straight forward. Pop the top off, dump the remaining litter in the garbage and then you can easily hose it down outside or with a shower head. If there’s litter stuck to it be sure to scrub that off outside, it shouldn’t go down your drain.
Are there liners available for this model?
Yes, liners are available directly from Sophresh. You’ll want the 17 inches by 30 inches liners for this model. Keep in mind though with the hood on it would be a bit of a hassle to use the liners as you’d have to remove the hood each time.
Wrapping it Up on the Sophresh Litter Box – Flip Top Version
By this point in my cat care “career” I’ve gone through numerous litter boxes, from the simple rectangular tray to the top entry to the covered and hooded version. I will say this is by far one of the best litter boxes I have owned, especially given the fact that it comes in a heck of a lot cheaper than a lot of other litter boxes out there on the market.
The litter box does an excellent job on controlling litter tracking, which is by far the most important aspect from my personal point of view. On top of this it has added benefits of helping with odor control, but not making scooping a total pain in the neck like several other covered litter boxes I’ve used in the past.
The only real drawback I ever identified with this litter box was the design of the bottom piece being a little odd, but it looks like the newest versions of the product have remedied this particular issue. The only other considerations I’d take into account are if you have a very large cat or a cat that won’t used an enclosed litter box.
A special note, you do have to purchase the two pieces of the litter box as separate items from every vendor I’ve been able to find. Check out both links below to find the matching pieces.
Do you use a covered litter box or a flip top litter box of some sort? What has your experience been with the one you’re using? If you’ve used something else please tell us about it! Please leave a comment below or email me directly at Craig@StuffCatsWant.com if you have any thoughts to add to this article.
StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Updated August 2026: I rechecked every pick in this guide and swapped out anything that had gone out of stock, replacing it with a well-reviewed, currently available option in the same style. The original intro above still applies — picking the right litter box is still mostly about matching the box to your cat's specific quirks, not just grabbing whatever's cheapest.
Having litter tracking troubles at home, or perhaps a cat that simply won’t use the cat litter box you’ve purchased? This can be an incredibly frustrating experience, especially given it is likely just as frustrating for your cat!
Selecting the right litter box can be a difficult process, especially given the number of litter boxes on the market and the lack of clarity on what works and what doesn’t. Check out the quick guide to find tips on how to choose a litter box.
If you'd rather get right into it just check out the key highlights and choose from the best litter boxes of 2018.
The Catit Airsift Jumbo has been the covered pick on this list for a long time, and it earns that spot the honest way. It is genuinely roomy without turning into a chore to clean.
The paw-safe front door swings open wide enough that even a bigger cat isn't squeezing through. And because scooping happens right through that door, you never have to wrestle the whole hood off to clean.
The hood itself lifts for a deeper clean when you need one. And there's a built-in bag anchor that holds your trash bag open while you scoop. This is one of those small design touches you don't appreciate until you've used a box without it.
Add in the carbon-impregnated filter on top and this is a box that handles both the mess and the smell without asking much of you.
The wide paw-safe front door lets your cat come and go without kicking litter everywhere. And doubles as the scooping access point so you're never lifting the whole hood.
A carbon-impregnated odor filter sits right in the top door. And it's also compatible with Catit's Ammonia Buster refills if you want extra odor insurance.
The raised-back, overlapping construction is built specifically to catch spray and won't let urine seep out the back the way a flat-seamed box can.
Jumbo interior space gives even bigger cats room to turn around and dig without feeling boxed in.
BPA-free materials and a bag anchor built into the hood make cleanup faster and a little less gross.
IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy
Top-entry litter boxes solve one specific problem really well: your cat has to physically climb up and over to get in. This does a great job of knocking loose litter off their paws before they ever set foot back on your floor.
The IRIS USA Top Entry takes that same idea and adds high walls all the way around plus a grooved lid mat right at the exit. Any litter that's still clinging on gets caught before your cat hops down.
My cat Lexi has always liked to wait outside a top-entry box and pounce on Beast the second she climbs out. She doesn't bother Beast while she's actually using it though since the enclosed sides mean she can't even see her.
Made with smooth, rounded interior edges so litter doesn't cake onto the corners, this is a solid pick if tracking is your main complaint about your current box.
The grooved lid doubles as a litter-catching mat, so paws get brushed off right as your cat exits. No separate mat required underneath it.
Rounded, smooth interior edges keep clumping litter from sticking to the corners, which makes scooping faster and less messy.
High walls contain scatter far better than an open pan, and most owners report genuinely less litter tracked onto the floor.
A scoop hooks right onto the lid for storage, so you're not hunting for it every time you clean.
Ever wished your litter box could just disappear into the room instead of announcing itself the second guests walk in? The Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box Planter is exactly the trick you're looking for!
It's built to look like a genuine ceramic-style planter, complete with a faux plant on top. And the litter box entrance simply turns to face away from the room so all anyone sees is a nice piece of greenery.
This is the "New Generation" version. It is made in the USA with reinforced plastic, an improved locking fit between the top and base, and an upgraded carbon-infused filter for odor control.
The interior is genuinely spacious at 19 inches across. So even in a small apartment it earns its footprint by doing double duty as both a litter box and a piece of decor.
The furniture-style planter design genuinely disguises the box as home decor rather than an obvious litter box in the room.
A wide door opening leaves plenty of room to scoop from outside without needing to lift anything off.
The carbon-infused filter is built into the enclosed top, so it controls odor while still letting air move through.
The removable top makes a full clean-out simple when it's time to swap the litter completely.
Multiple owners report it holding up well in multi-cat households and being straightforward to put together.
Durability opinions are genuinely split. Some owners get years of solid use out of it, while others find the top piece feels flimsy compared to what they expected for a furniture-style box.
Disposable litter boxes earn their keep in very specific situations: travel, an unexpected move, a foster kitten who's only staying a couple weeks, etc. The Animaru Jumbo 4-Pack is built for exactly that kind of short-term convenience.
Made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard, it's plastic-free and fully compostable. So when you're done with it you just toss it rather than scrub it.
The low 3" entry is a nice bonus beyond the disposable convenience. It works well for kittens who aren't confident jumping yet or senior cats who'd rather not have to.
You get four in a pack, so you're covered for a while before you need to reorder, and Animaru recommends replacing each one every 2-3 weeks.
No scrubbing required — when a box is done, you fold it up and recycle or compost it rather than cleaning it.
100% post-consumer recycled cardboard construction is plastic-free and genuinely compostable, not just plastic dressed up as eco-friendly.
Water-resistant, leak-resistant design means it's built to hold up better than a plain cardboard box would.
The low 3" entry works especially well for kittens still learning the ropes or senior cats who need an easier step-in.
Can be used standalone or dropped inside another litter box as a disposable liner, giving you flexibility beyond just travel use.
Leak protection is a genuine point of disagreement among users. Plenty report zero issues, but others have seen leaking after a couple of days of heavy use. Worth keeping an eye on if you have a particularly heavy user.
Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan (Van Ness)
If your cat treats every trip to the litter box like an excavation project, a high-sided pan is ideal. The Pureness Giant is the fix — the walls are tall enough on the back and sides that digging and kicking mostly stays contained inside the pan instead of ending up on your floor.
Van Ness built this one specifically with large cats and multi-cat households in mind, and reviewers consistently say it holds up even for cats well over 15 pounds without feeling cramped. The high-polish finish resists staining and odor absorption over time, so it stays easier to keep clean than a duller plastic surface would.
It's a genuinely open design with no lid, which keeps it simple — no locking mechanisms or hoods to fuss with, just a big, tall pan that does its job.
Tall back and side walls contain digging and kicking far better than a standard pan, especially for enthusiastic diggers.
Comfortably fits large cats — owners specifically mention it working well even for cats above 15 pounds.
The high-polish surface resists odor absorption and staining, so it stays fresher-looking with regular cleaning.
Litter doesn't stick to the sides the way it can with a duller plastic finish, which makes scooping faster.
Widely considered a strong pick among high-sided pans for the space and durability you get.
KMNSUN XXXL Extra Large Stainless Steel Litter Box
The KMNSUN XXXL is genuinely one of the largest litter boxes we've come across. Built from premium 304 stainless steel with 14-inch walls that keep both litter and urine from spilling over the edges.
Reviewers specifically mention it comfortably fitting four medium-sized cats at once, or one large cat with plenty of room left over to turn around and dig. Because it's stainless steel rather than plastic, it won't absorb odors over time the way a plastic pan eventually will. Cleanup is a genuine wipe-down instead of a full scrub.
The 60-liter capacity also means you're not refilling litter as often as you would with a smaller box.
14-inch high walls are tall enough to stop both litter scatter and urine spray from making it over the top.
Stainless steel construction resists scratches and won't absorb odors the way plastic can over repeated use.
The non-stick bottom means cleanup is closer to a rinse-and-wipe than a scrub session.
A 60-liter capacity holds enough litter that you're not topping it off constantly, especially useful in multi-cat homes.
Sized to comfortably fit several medium cats at once or a single large cat with real room to spare.
Even stainless steel is only rated for about 3-5 years of regular use, so treat it as a durable upgrade. It probably won't last a lifetime. Not every owner agrees it's worth the investment at this size and material tier.
Corner placement solves a real space problem, but most rectangular litter boxes waste a chunk of that corner because they're not actually shaped to fit it. Nature's Miracle built this hooded corner box specifically to tuck flush into an actual corner. So you get a genuinely enclosed box without sacrificing as much floor space as a standard rectangle would demand.
The hood itself is tall enough to contain both dust and odor effectively, and it's paired with a built-in charcoal filter for scent control. The opening is wide enough to make scooping comfortable. And one reviewer specifically noted how effectively it keeps litter contained inside the box rather than tracked out onto the floor.
The corner-specific shape reclaims floor space a standard rectangular box would waste, without sacrificing interior room.
A built-in charcoal filter works alongside the tall hood to keep both odor and dust genuinely contained.
The non-stick interior surface resists litter caking, so scooping stays quick even with clumping litter.
A wide opening makes it comfortable to scoop without having to reach awkwardly around the hood.
Multiple reviewers confirm it holds up well for multi-cat households, not just a single cat.
The corner-specific shape is also its limitation. It won't sit flush against a flat wall the way a rectangular box would. So it's really only the right pick if you actually have a corner to dedicate to it.
The Amunrbrek enclosure is genuinely one of the larger litter box furniture pieces out there. Built with a full interior big enough to house most standard or high-sided boxes without cramming anything in.
It's designed as an actual piece of furniture first. A sideboard cabinet with a flat top surface rated to hold up to 150 pounds, so it can double as an accent table or TV stand instead of just hiding a litter box in the corner.
The side-entry design can be installed from either the left or right depending on your room layout. A rear ventilation grille helps keep air moving so odor doesn't just sit trapped inside.
One reviewer specifically mentioned the hidden upper storage compartment was roomy enough to fit a Litter Genie up there alongside their bags and scoop.
An adjustable 3-level shelf system lets you set the litter box compartment height to fit what you're actually using, and the divider can be removed entirely for a top-entry box.
The flat top surface supports up to 150 pounds, so it genuinely functions as furniture rather than just a box with a lid.
Hidden upper storage keeps bags, scoops, and even a Litter Genie out of sight but within easy reach.
A rear ventilation grille helps keep air circulating so odor doesn't just build up inside a sealed cabinet.
Surfaces wipe clean easily, which matters given how much surface area a piece this size actually has.
Assembly takes real time. Expect roughly 35 to 50 minutes to put it together. And with a shelf system involved, there are more pieces to line up correctly than with a basic enclosure.
Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome, Pearl White
Domes solve covered-litter-box privacy in a slightly different way than a hooded pan. The entrance stays open rather than swinging shut, but the Petmate Booda Clean Step makes up for that with a built-in stairwell that does real work knocking litter off your cat's paws on the way out.
It comes in this soft pearl white finish and is sized to comfortably accommodate two cats sharing one box. With a charcoal air filter built into the roof to help contain smell you'll notice visits less.
Several owners genuinely rave about this one, with more than a few calling it the best litter box they've used. The stepped exit is the real star here — it traps a meaningful amount of litter before it ever makes it back onto your floor.
The paw-cleaning steps at the exit genuinely reduce tracking by catching litter before your cat steps back onto your floor.
A charcoal air filter built into the dome's roof helps keep odor contained even with the entrance staying open.
Sized to comfortably accommodate two cats sharing the same box, which is handy in a multi-cat home.
The lid removes easily for scooping and cleaning without needing to disassemble the whole dome.
Its round, dome-style shape gives it a distinct look from a standard rectangular hooded box, if you're after something different.
The lid locking mechanism is a recurring pain point. Several owners report it not securing tightly to the base, worth double-checking the fit after assembly.
If you've got an older cat who's started avoiding the litter box, there's a good chance it's not behavioral — it's physical.
Climbing over even a moderate ledge gets harder as cats get older or develop arthritis. The KittyGoHere Senior Litter Box exists specifically to remove that obstacle. It's vet-recommended for seniors!
Built with a low, extra-wide 3-inch front entrance that lets a senior or mobility-limited cat walk straight in rather than jump. The open-top design is a nice secondary benefit too. It gives a clear view of the surroundings, which can help a cat who feels anxious in a fully enclosed space.
It comes in Small, Large, and Jumbo sizes to fit cats up to 20 pounds and beyond, plus a few different colorways if you want it to blend in a little better than a plain white pan.
The low, 3-inch front entrance means no climbing or jumping required. This is the main reason this box shows up on senior-cat and arthritis recommendations.
The open-top design gives a full view of the room, which can help cats who feel vulnerable or anxious in an enclosed box.
It's sized larger than most standard pans, giving an older or bigger cats more room to position.
Available in Small, Large, and Jumbo sizes to match cats from small breeds up through 20+ pounds.
A few different color options are available if you'd rather it not look like a stark white medical accessory.
Size feedback is mixed. Some owners find it exactly right for their cat, while others (especially with larger cats) find even the largest size runs smaller than expected. Measure your cat before choosing a size.
One final note: Some color options for this box are listed under the KittyGoHere companion product, PuppyGoHere. Yes, that's a large-breed dog litter box from the same maker. But it shares design and color variants and several folks use it successfully for cats.
Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box, Scoop-Free with Microban
If scooping by hand isn't your thing but you also don't want to deal with rolling a box across the floor, the Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box splits the difference with a simple lift-to-sift design.
You lift the inner sifting pan out and give it a shake. The clean litter falls back through while the waste stays behind. No scoop, no rolling motion required.
It comes with one sifting pan plus two regular pans, so you can rotate a clean one in immediately rather than waiting on anything to dry.
Built-in Microban antimicrobial protection works in the background to help keep odor down between cleanings. And the whole thing is made in the USA from recycled materials.
The lift-to-sift design separates clean litter from waste in one motion — no scooping and no rolling the whole box required.
Comes with two extra regular pans in addition to the sifting pan, so you always have a spare ready to swap in.
Built-in Microban antimicrobial protection works continuously to help inhibit odor between cleanings.
Multiple reviewers report it takes under a minute to empty once you get the motion down.
Works especially well with pellet litter, though it's compatible with pine, crystal, and clumping litter too.
iPrimio Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, XL Open Pan
Plastic litter boxes have a shelf life when it comes to odor. No matter how well you scrub them, they eventually start holding onto smell in a way that never fully goes away. The iPrimio XL Open Pan sidesteps that problem entirely by being stainless steel from top to bottom. Steel simply doesn't absorb odor or stain the way plastic does over time.
It's rust-resistant with a quick-clean nonstick surface, rounded edges, and enclosed sides that keep clumping litter contained without a lid. One reviewer specifically mentioned it held up against an unusually destructive cat, which says something about how sturdy the construction actually is.
Stainless steel construction won't absorb odor or stain the way a plastic pan eventually will, no matter how thoroughly you clean it.
A nonstick surface means clumped litter lifts out more easily than it tends to off plastic.
High, enclosed sides keep litter contained even though there's no lid, and clumping litter doesn't stick to the walls.
Rounded edges throughout mean there's nothing sharp for your cat to catch a paw or claw on.
Two corner holes are sized specifically for a custom scooper holder, keeping your scoop within reach instead of propped against the wall.
It's an open-top pan, so there's no lid to help trap odor the way a hooded box would. You're relying on the stainless material itself for scent control. Not every owner agrees a metal pan is worth switching to over a well-maintained plastic one.
Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame
The Van Ness Lift & Sift uses the same basic two-layer idea as other sifting boxes. One layer sifts, one layer catches. But the framed design adds real height around the pan specifically to cut down on litter and urine spilling over the sides.
Instead of scooping by hand, you lift the inner sifting layer out, give it a shake, and the clean litter drops back through while waste stays trapped on top.
It's built with a high-polish, stain-resistant finish and is designed primarily for clumping litters, so it's not the right match if you're using pellet or powder litter.
The framed design adds height around the pan specifically to keep litter and urine from spilling outside the box.
Lifting and shaking the sifting layer replaces scooping by hand entirely, which some owners find faster once they get the motion down.
Works particularly well with clumping litters, per owners who've compared it to traditional scooping.
A high-polish, stain-resistant finish helps it hold up to repeated cleaning without discoloring.
Sized a bit larger than some prior sifting models owners have used, giving more room inside the frame.
This video can give you a view of the box in action:
Cleaning is a genuine mixed bag. A real, recurring complaint is that clumped litter sticks to the underside of the sifting screen. This makes cleanup more of a chore for some owners even though others find it easy.
PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Legacy Self-Cleaning Litter Box, Uncovered
Automatic litter boxes promise to get you out of scooping entirely. The PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Legacy backs that up with a rake system paired with crystal litter that's built to go weeks between hands-on cleaning.
Litter tracking is minimal too, since the crystals themselves are marketed as 99% dust-free.
One of the more genuinely useful features here is the built-in health counter. It's a motion sensor that tracks how often your cat is actually using the box. This can flag a health issue (like a UTI causing more frequent visits) well before it becomes obvious another way.
The automatic rake and crystal litter system are built to run for weeks without you needing to scoop by hand.
Crystals absorb urine and dry out solid waste, with PetSafe marketing the setup as offering up to 5x better odor control than traditional clumping litter.
Disposable, leak-protected trays with lids make disposal simple — you pull the whole tray and drop in a fresh one.
Low-tracking, 99%-dust-free crystals cut down on the litter dust cloud some other litters kick up.
A built-in health counter uses motion sensors to log how often your cat visits the box, which can help catch developing health issues early.
BCHARYA Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box with App Control
For anyone who wants the most hands-off litter box option on this list. The BCHARYA app-controlled self-cleaning box runs its entire cleaning cycle through your phone rather than a manual button or a fixed timer.
It skips scooping and sifting entirely in favor of an automated cleaning mechanism. And it includes a dedicated aromatherapy compartment for extra odor control beyond just waste removal.
Presence sensors are built in specifically so the cleaning cycle won't run while your cat is actually inside. The whole thing is designed to operate quietly rather than startling a nearby cat mid-cycle.
App control handles the entire cleaning cycle remotely, and the automated mechanism eliminates scooping and sifting.
A dedicated aromatherapy compartment adds a layer of odor control beyond the automatic cleaning cycle.
Presence sensors combined with a cleaning-cycle delay keep the mechanism from running while your cat is inside.
The unit is built to operate quietly so won't disturb your day when it runs.
Because everything runs through an app, setup and daily operation depend on your phone and a stable connection. This adds a layer of tech some owners may not want for a litter box.
There are a laundry list of different types of cat litter out there on the market. Which type you choose and the brand you select can't easily be decided without trying them.
The primary reason for this is that in general cats are likely to care more about the litter than you do. A lot of cats simply won't use certain kinds of litter due to the feeling on their paws, the smell associated, or any of 100 other things cats notice that we don't!
That being said, here's a quick rundown of the major types of litter out there.
Clay Clumping: This is the most common type of litter on the market and it is what most people use on a day to day basis. You'll find this available from most major brands and typically at a pretty cheap price for about a 40 pound bag of it.
Clay Non Clumping: While not as common as clumping litter, it still ranks pretty highly up there in the overall types of litter available and in use. The key difference is it does a much worse job of controlling odors and making it easy to scoop for your cat.
Crystals: As opposed to clumping up, crystals essentially absorb urine and control odor for a period of time. While crystals have benefits, you do have to completely replace them quite often (weekly or every two weeks) depending on the number of cats you have. This can get quite a bit more expensive than traditional litter.
Paper: Paper based litter is similar to crystals in that it is focused on absorbing urine and controlling the scent. It is normally easy to see which bits have been used based on color/size, but you can end up scooping out a lot of it that you don't mean to since it doesn't clump. This can get pricy longer term since you can end up wasting unused litter.
Pine: Pine litters in general are an alternative to clay, but based on all of the information I've seen to date they have similar tracking problems. If odor control is a higher priority you might consider this.
If you're looking for a specific recommendation on a litter then check out this article from Thriving Cats for the best litter out there. One thing I'd also keep in mind is that if you decide you're going to transition from your existing litter (that is working) to a new one, then you should definitely do this gradually. There are a couple of options available to you:
The most common is to mix the new and old litters together and slowly change the ratio. You can start with say 80/20 then every 2 or 3 days adjust it another 20% until you've fully switched things over.
The second most common option is to set down an additional litter box and put the new kind of litter in it to verify your cat(s) will use it. If they immediately make the switch without issue then you're likely good to simply transition to that litter in your existing litter box.
What type of litter box is best for my cat?
Every cat is different when it comes to their litter box. Some of them are far more lax when it comes to their litter box and some of them are extremely picky.
There are a few core factors you'll want to consider when selecting the litter box that's right for your home:
Size: If you get a litter box that's too small you're likely to run into problems with your cat using it. Always err on the side of getting a litter box that is a bit bigger as opposed to potentially too small for your cat.
Covered or Not: Cats are both predator and prey in the wild. Because of this they often prefer to see around them while using their litter box. Covered boxes control litter tracking and also help minimize nasty smells, but they may also cause your cat to simply not use the litter box. This isn't just theory in our house — my cat Lexi developed pretty serious separation anxiety a while back and started having accidents around the house instead of using her litter box, and one of the actual changes that genuinely helped was switching to fully open litter boxes and moving them out of tight, enclosed spots.
Top or Side Entry: Side/front entry is definitely the traditional format for a litter box, but there are all sorts of new formats out there today. Top entry litter boxes are great for helping to control litter tracking, but they can also be very tough on older cats or arthritic cats. Be sure to take this into account when you purchase.
Automatic or Not: Some cats are extremely finicky when it comes to using a litter box that is dirty. I guess I can't blame them, I hate using a dirty toilet too. That being said, if you have a cat that won't pee in a litter box that's been used once then you might need to consider an automatic litter box, especially if you work during the day. There's also the fact that some people just want nothing to do with scooping and thus choose an automatic scooping box.
Shape: Before you make a purchase you'll want to consider the location you plan to place the litter box. Purchasing a litter box of the correct shape will make it far easier for you to fit it in the appropriate location without creating a hassle for your cat to use it. There are two primary shapes, standard rectangles and corner boxes.
Number of Cats: See below for this question.
What if I have multiple cats?
There's a pretty simple rule of thumb out there for people with multiple cats. You should have at least one more litter box than the number of cats you have. As a few simple examples:
If you have 2 cats you should have 3 litter boxes.
If you have 5 cats you should have 6 litter boxes.
But let's be honest, most of us probably don't want this many litter boxes in the house and many of us probably don't even have the space to scatter this many litter boxes throughout the house. If you live in the city this is even more the case.
I have two cats and I only have one litter box in use right now. But when I first got my second cat we had 3 litter boxes throughout numerous areas in the house. You try numerous areas cause some cats are more prone to use a litter box in one area than another.
We started to realize that they were really only using 2 of the litter boxes so we removed one of them completely. After another few months they started to center on one litter box that was tucked away in our closet. Given this we slowly phased out access to the remaining extra litter box and we've had no problems.
That being said you should explore this gradually if you're introducing a new cat to your household. You don't want to just add a cat and leave your home with one litter box. This can result in all sorts of negative behavior that could result in accidents and messes throughout the house which nobody enjoys.
Where should I put the litter box?
Litter box placement is typically pretty straight forward, but sometimes it can be a little more complex if you have a cat that is picky. It really comes down to balancing two things:
Where the humans are willing to have the box
Where the cats are willing to use the box
Here are a couple key considerations from cats that might help you determine where to put your litter box. Cats generally like the following:
A place in the home that doesn't have a lot of foot traffic
Somewhere that random noises don't occur (avoid next to the furnace)
The ability to see all approaches to the litter box
Why isn't my cat using the litter box?
There are lot of different reasons that cats won't use a litter box, but they usually fall within one of the following three categories:
Smell / Scent: Did you try a new litter? If so, be sure to make it a gradual change by mixing the old and the new over time.
Location: As referenced above, be sure to try varying locations if you're having litter box issues. Finding the right spot for your cat(s) is key.
Cleanliness: Is the litter box being cleaned and scooped consistently? If not, try scooping more times a day so your kitty has a clean bathroom.
There are of course other reasons that a cat might stop using a litter box, especially if they were using it consistently in the past and suddenly stopped. Check out this article for more details on the topic. If you're unable to identify a root cause talk to your veterinarian or a cat behaviorist to find a resolution.
Why is my cat sleeping in the litter box?
If your cat is sleeping in the litter box then you've likely got a cat that hasn't taken well to a recent change in their life. Generally cats sleep in their litter box for a few key reasons, for example you:
May have recently moved to a new or unfamiliar space
Just got another new pet (cat or dog) and introduced it to your home
Have a new person living your home or staying with you
Have not realized your cat is sick and needs medical attention
Have a pregnant cat and she doesn't have a spot to give birth
Check out this article specifically on the topic for more detail and ways you can help get your cat out of the litter box.
Why won't my covered litter box's lid stay locked?
This turns out to be one of the more common complaints across hooded and dome-style boxes in general, not just one specific product. Several picks on this list, including the Catit Airsift, the IRIS USA Top Entry, and the Petmate Booda Dome, all have owners reporting the lid or latch loosening or not seating fully after some use.
It's usually not a defect so much as a wear-and-tear reality of any lid that gets lifted and reseated for scooping every day. If you notice a lid isn't locking as tightly as it did when it arrived, check that nothing (a stray clump of litter, a bent tab) is blocking it from seating fully before assuming the part itself has failed.
Why does litter get stuck under my sifting litter box's screen?
This is a real, recurring complaint with sifting-style boxes specifically. Both the Arm & Hammer and the Van Ness have owners have this issue. It tends to happen more with clumping litters that are on the finer or stickier side. Pellet-style litters are less likely to have this issue. This is part of why some sifting boxes are specifically marketed toward pellet litter.
If this becomes a recurring headache, switching to a coarser or pellet-style litter with your sifting box. Avoid fine clumping litter.
How reliable are automatic self-cleaning litter boxes?
It varies more than the marketing usually suggests, and it's worth going in with realistic expectations rather than assuming "automatic" means "maintenance-free." The PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Legacy on this list, for example, has genuinely mixed durability reports.
Some owners get years of reliable use, others see it slow down or break around the six-month mark. A recurring complaint is that the rake doesn't always capture 100% of solid waste on every pass.
App-controlled boxes like the BCHARYA add another layer worth considering too. Since their day-to-day operation depends on you it can be more hassle.
None of this means automatic boxes aren't worth it. Plenty of owners are genuinely happy with them. Just budget for occasional troubleshooting rather than expecting to never think about the box again.
Is a furniture-style or stainless steel litter box actually worth the upgrade over a basic plastic one?
Opinions genuinely split on this across every higher-tier pick on this list. The KMNSUN stainless steel box, the Amunrbrek furniture, and the iPrimio stainless all have owners who love them.
Others who aren't convinced they do anything a well-maintained plastic box couldn't. What tends to separate the two camps is what you're actually optimizing for: odor resistance, durability, or blending the box into your decor.
These upgrades solve real problems a basic plastic pan doesn't. If your main goal is just "a working litter box," a good plastic option gets the job done. The higher-tier picks are about solving a specific frustration, not a universal upgrade everyone needs.
Given the wide variety of litter box types and the wide variety of models within each of those types it can be incredibly difficult to choose a litter box that will meet the needs of you and your cats.
Whatever you do be sure to make any changes with the litter box gradually. If your cats are currently using one litter box and you are going to switch it be sure to make the new one available side by side with the old one for a time.
This will ensure your cats can get used to the change before removing what they are used to. Big changes can often make cats very uncomfortable, they are creatures of habit after all.
Which litter box do you use? Do you have a favorite or a recommendation that I didn’t include in my list? If you have any other ideas for please leave a comment below or send me an email at Craig@StuffCatsWant.comso I can update this article.
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The Litter Genie is a great product dedicated to making the lives of cat owners easier. It does this in a couple of different ways. First and foremost it was designed to contain the smell that comes from scooped litter. It does this by using a great bagging system that essentially seals the used litter away. It is just like a Diaper Genie for those of you out there with kids!
The second major purpose was to minimize the number of trips you needed to make either with a garbage can to your litter box or from your litter box to your garbage can. The Litter Genie can easily hold about two weeks of used litter from a single cat and it is designed so that it can fit in a bunch of tight places to keep it within easy reach while not being in the way.
Scent Control: Since getting the litter genie we’ve had zero issue with scent from either of our two litter boxes.
Pricing: If Andrew Jackson owned cats, he would certainly endorse this product, especially at the cost of one of his bills.
Ease of Use: It doesn’t get much easier. You open the top, scoop the poop (and pee), close the top and pull the release to let the poop fall down into the sealed space. When it is time to empty it you use the built in bag cutter and toss it.
Quality: The base product itself has taken quite a beating over the past two years with constant trips all over the place as we’ve moved our litter boxes, moved ourselves, etc. The only part that didn’t stand up great is the side attachment for the scoop.
There is one additional bit that is in all of the materials, the plastic has added antimicrobial materials to inhibit odors caused by bacteria on the pail. While I of course can’t comment on whether it is killing microbes, I can confirm that the pale doesn’t smell!
How Was the Setup & Use?
The setup was extremely simple. Given the parts that come with it there really isn’t a ton to setup. You most just take the following actions:
Drop in the first bag refill that comes included in the box
Pull the bag through and tie a knot in the bottom of it to seal it off
Attach the litter scoop holder & drop the scoop into it and you’re done
Check out my video below for a full rundown on setup, use, and my general thoughts on the Litter Genie:
My General Take:
I give it a solid 4.5 stars, all in all it has made my life a heck of a lot easier as a cat owner. When I first got cats I was constantly dragging around a garbage can or using a boatload of shopping bags to get rid of litter and its associated smell ASAP. With the Litter Genie you get to leave all that behind.
You can leave the Litter Genie Cat Litter System right next to your litter box and easily scoop litter into it in seconds. Not only does it take care of the smell, but it saves you numerous trips to the outside garbage by successfully capturing and covering the scent up.
The Pros:
It minimizes the number of trips you have to take to the garbage or the number of bags you have to use.
It helps contain the smell from a litter box way better than anything else I tried, especially scented litter.
It holds a solid amount of used litter. With two cats mine gets emptied about once a week.
The included scoop has lasted me nearly two years and still seems solid and durable.
It is super easy to change the bags out when necessary, they even indicate when they are almost used up with a black plastic stripe built into the bag.
It is really easy to clean as well. Since it is all plastic you can just spray it out with the hose every few weeks.
Room for Improvement
The side attachment isn’t the most durable thing in the world. Mine had one of the two holding ‘hooks’ snap off after only a few months. Would love it if this was a bit more durable.
Refills do indeed get a little pricy over the long haul since with two cats each refill only lasts about 4-6 weeks. Buying them in bulk helps, but still pricy. I get it though, they are selling razors to sell blades.
1 Litter Genie Plus Cat Litter Disposal System with Odor Free Pail
1 Scoop Holder Attachment
1 Kitty Litter Scoop
1 Litter Genie Refill
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the opening at the top of the Litter Genie?
It’s about 4-5 inches across. While your preferred scoop (if you don’t use the included one) might not ‘fit in’ so to speak, it doesn’t need to fit in to be able to drop litter into the required area. The only real concern would be the scoop might not fit in the holder on the side.
How long does each cartridge last?
While this will vary depending on how often you change it mine normally last a little over a month. This is with weekly emptying and two cats in the household.
How much will it weigh when ‘full’ of poop?
I checked mine the last time (the genie itself + the bag) it was full and it weighed just over 10 pounds when full. Note that you don’t have to wait until it is full to empty it, you just might use the bags up a little faster by emptying it more often.
How sturdy are the bags?
The bags are very thick and solid. Even when full of litter there’s no chance the bag will rip or break if you tied the knot propertly.
If you have any other thoughts on the Litter Genie Plus Cat Litter Disposal System please leave a comment below or send me an email at Craig@StuffCatsWant.com so I can update this article.
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As for scooping, super simple. You don’t even have to take the top off to scoop. The door is designed to flip up and stay in a “locked” position until you put it back down. This makes it a breeze to scoop quickly and then drop the door right back into place.
It isn’t a huge box so I’d highly recommend you scoop it every single day, especially if you have two cats.
My General Take:
