Any cat can benefit from a large litter box, but for bigger kitties, it’s essential. In fact, many commercial litter boxes are too small, even for average-sized cats. The best large litter box for your cat will be at least 1.5 times the length of their body, measured from nose to tail base. That gives your cat enough space to comfortably turn around, dig, and bury their waste without stepping in it. If your cat is perching on the edge, peeing or pooping over the sides, stepping out of the box to cover their waste, or even doing their business elsewhere, the box may be too small.
I consulted cat behaviorists and a veterinarian and researched the largest litter boxes for cats of varying ages and needs. My top pick, the KittyGoHere Jumbo Litter Box, is a generous 28 inches long and 22 inches wide, and it has an accommodating 3-inch-high entry. My other recommendations range from do-it-yourself boxes to high-end designs guaranteed to last a lifetime. If you want even more options, you can check out our guide to the overall best cat litter boxes.
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Our top picks for the best large litter boxes for cats
Best overall:Â KittyGoHere Jumbo Litter Box – See at Amazon
Best with high sides: Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box, Extra Large – See at Chewy
Best covered: Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box, Extra Large – See at Chewy
Best DIY: Sterilite Storage Bin, 41 Quart Clear Plastic Storage Container – See at Walmart
Best metal: iPrimio Stainless Steel Cat XL Litter Box with Sides – See at Amazon
Best top-entry: Modkat XL Top-Entry Litter Box – See at Amazon
Best overall
Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter Box
At 28 by 22 inches, this spacious litter pan provides big cats plenty of room to stretch out. It is recommended by one of our experts and is suitable for cats of all ages and needs.
According to Molly DeVoss, a certified cat behavior specialist and founder of Cat Behavior Solutions, a litter box should be so large that your cat can comfortably crouch, stand, and turn around without their body touching the sides. It’s also important that all cats who use the box can access it easily and that it’s easy to clean.
The KittyGoHere Jumbo Litter Box fits the bill. DeVoss’s cats, including a large 17-inch long tabby, use this box, which she likes for its simplicity and large interior. Many cats favor a large litter box that feels natural to use, and a simplistic open design means no latches, hoods, or drawers to fuss with when cleaning the box.
This is the best of the extra-large litter boxes for big cats because even cats the size of Maine Coons can enter it comfortably. The design includes a low entry, making it a great option for senior cats and those of any age with mobility issues or arthritis. Many cats over 10 years old have arthritis, so providing a box with a low entry that doesn’t require a step up is really important, DeVoss says. The extra-tall walls also reduce the chances of an aggressive digger kicking litter out of the box. But I recommend pairing this box with a litter mat to catch rogue litter.
If your kitten or senior cat doesn’t need quite so large of a box, another great option is Shirley K’s Senior Cat Litter Box, which is 25 inches long and wide. It also has 9-inch sides and an entry just 3 inches high to accommodate cats with limited mobility.
Best with high sides
Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box, Extra Large
This no-frills litter box delivers exactly what your cat needs — a comfortably sized interior and lower entry — without any unnecessary extras that can make cleaning harder or turn cats away.
Your cat’s box should be filled with enough litter to quickly soak up their urine — something smaller boxes often can’t accommodate. What’s more, the box should hold enough litter that your cat can bury their waste the next time they use it. When choosing the right litter box for your cat, their underlying health conditions matter. Conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can increase urine output. In addition to getting veterinary care for your cat, you’ll also want to make sure there’s always enough litter in the pan to quickly soak up the urine so it doesn’t pool.
The “Goldilocks box,” then, may be one that has high sides, a deep base for holding litter, and an entry low and wide enough for many cats to enter and exit comfortably. For many cats, the extra-large Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box is the perfect fit. I especially like that the 10-inch walls shield the spray of “high shooters” who aim a little higher or stand when they pee.
The sturdy lip around the edge makes it easy to grip and lift the box when it’s time for a deep clean. That’s a big plus because litter boxes should be deep-cleaned every few weeks. If you’ve got a high shooter, though, you may find yourself wiping down the sides more often.
The box’s entry height will work for many cats, but it may not be ideal for cats with mobility challenges or kittens.
Best covered
Like top-entry litter boxes, covered litter boxes provide more privacy for cats and help reduce wafting odors for sensitive cat parents. However, unlike most top-entry litter boxes, hooded or covered boxes offer user-friendly front entrances.
You can set up the Frisco Hooded Cat Litter Box however you and your cat prefer, including removing the door or using it covered or uncovered. I love this customizability because it offers the opportunity to explore your cat’s personal preferences on a budget. Most cats prefer an uncovered box because it offers more airflow, better visibility, and multiple exit routes.
If you use the cover on this box, I recommend removing the door. It can swing inward and bump your cat, block their view, or act as a barrier that some cats may not want to push through. “Keep track of what they like to do where and make adjustments accordingly,” says Denise Johnson, a Fear Free certified veterinarian and cat behavior consultant at IndeVets.
The litter box comes in three easy-to-assemble pieces: a high-sided pan, a hood that clips on, and a charcoal filter for absorbing odors.
Best DIYÂ
When shopping for a litter box, you might often feel you’re paying too much for a design that somehow falls short of what you want. If that’s the case, DeVoss says you can make a DIY litter box from plastic storage boxes. She prefers low-sided under-the-bed bins.
“Select one with a bottom smooth enough to clean easily,” Johnson says. And while online marketplaces can be a good place to score a cheap (or even free) storage tote, Johnson says not to purchase a used litter box.
You’ll want to follow the same size requirements: 1.5 times the length of your cat, but this container is long enough to accommodate even very long cats. You can cut an entry that’s low and wide enough for your cat to get in and out comfortably. Tape or smooth any sharp edges for safety.
Clear high-sided totes work well, too, especially for cats who tend to kick litter everywhere when digging, scatter litter when exiting, or those with mobility issues who stand while urinating because crouching is uncomfortable. While the experts I spoke to don’t recommend covered litter boxes, if you’d like to leave the lid on your high-sided DIY tote box, adding a second entrance and ventilation slots may make the box more ideal for your cat. Similar to lower storage bin box, the high-sided tote should be adapted to create a lower entry for your cat’s comfort.
Metal is known for its durability, which is crucial when scratch marks from cat nails can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Once you spot a scratch on the bottom of a plastic litter box, it’s time to replace the box, DeVoss says. As a rule of thumb, Johnson and DeVoss recommend replacing plastic boxes every six months. So, while they may cost more initially, metal litter boxes could make a better investment.
In addition to its durable material and fairly large size, this litter box has a versatile design. The iPrimio Stainless Steel Cat XL Litter Box comes with optional sides that extend the wall height from 6 inches to 12 inches. The wall extension locks securely into place, so even a 20-pound, 19.5-inch-long cat belonging to Will Fischer, Business Insider Reviews former senior content strategist, didn’t knock it off when using the box. Just keep in mind that although our tester cat regularly used the box, it’s significantly smaller than my top pick, the Kitty Go Here Jumbo Litter box, and 2.5 inches narrower than the high-sided Frisco pick. That said, this is the largest metal box we’ve tested that also features high sides to reduce litter scatter.
The high walls and entry reduced litter tracking by about half compared to Fischer’s original low-sided litter box. However, they also accumulated more dust buildup, which required a weekly wipe down. While the high sides and front entry make this box attractive to pet parents of enthusiastic diggers, the entry may be too tall for kittens or cats with mobility issues.
Best top-entry
Modkat XL Litter Box
The Modkat XL Litter Box gives cats choices with both a top and side entry, and the perforated folding lid helps capture loose litter and allows for easy cleaning.
When choosing among the best large litter boxes, you’ll want to select one that works for both you and your cat. The best top-entry litter boxes do a great job of minimizing litter tracking and concealing messes in the box. However, they can also block your cat’s view of their surroundings and trap odors when not cleaned frequently. Some cats may also have a harder time accessing a top-entry box. Because of these reasons, not all cats like them, says Stephen Quandt, certified cat behavior consultant.
The Modkat XL litter box tackles some of those issues with its design. First, as the name suggests, it has plenty of room. But what makes this design unlike other top-entry litter boxes is its optional second entry. Experts say this second entry point is important because cats feel more secure when they have multiple ways in and out, especially during vulnerable moments like using the litter box. The front entry also offers a more accessible entry to cats who can’t make it to the top. To scoop, you simply fold back the perforated folding top lid.
What to look for in a large litter box for cats
Based on input from experts I interviewed, research, and personal experience, I recommend considering these essential features when shopping for the best large litter box for your cat.
Size: Because every cat is a different size, experts say there’s no standard litter box that suits every cat. Instead, opt for a box at least 1.5 times the length of your cat, measured from their nose to their tail. Keep in mind that kittens will need a low entry and a larger box as they grow.
Accessibility: If you have a senior cat, kitten, or feline with special mobility needs, you’ll want to choose litter boxes with low-to-the-ground entryways. The ideal entry height can vary from cat to cat, but aim for a box your cat can easily step into. To accommodate cats with mobility limitations, choose a box with a low entrance, one you can cut to make a low entry, or add your own accessibility step or ramp.
Design: The experts I spoke to recommend open litter boxes that provide cats with unobstructed views and quick escape routes. If you prefer a covered or top-entry box, opt for one with ventilation, odor control, and multiple entrances.
Material: The most common materials for at-home litter boxes include plastic and metal. While plastic litter boxes are readily available and cost-effective, you’ll want to replace them at the first sign of scratch marks — or about every six months, according to my experts. Metal litter boxes tend to cost more upfront but have a longer use life, as long as neither you nor your cat minds the sound of cat nails on metal.
Ease of cleaning: Experts say litter boxes should be scooped at least once a day and deep cleaned with unscented dish soap and water every four to six weeks. To come up with my recommendations for the best large litter boxes, I considered the ease of cleaning.
Price: My experts recommend having one litter box area per cat, plus one extra. Since buying multiple litter boxes can add up quickly, I included litter boxes at a range of price points, including a DIY option.
How we selected the best large litter boxes for cats
I consulted three experts to get more guidance on choosing the largest litter boxes that are best for cats. With the exception of my top pick, which DeVoss recommends, and the DIY option, Insider Reviews reporters have tested every box in this guide.
Dr. Denise Johnson is a Fear Free certified veterinarian at IndeVets and a cat behavior consultant (CCBC) with special interest in behavioral health and low-stress handling. Johnson helped us understand the role a cat’s age and health conditions play in choosing the most appropriate litter box.
Molly DeVoss is a certified feline training and behavior specialist (CFTBS), CCBC, and Fear Free certified trainer who specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats. She is the founder and owner of Cat Behavior Solutions. DeVoss helped us understand what features to look for in litter boxes, including the size, material, and design.
Stephen Quandt, CFTBS, founder and owner of Cat Behavior Help, has over 20 years of experience working with cats. His expertise lies in understanding feline behavior through the lens of a cat’s evolution and adaptation to life with humans. Quandt helped us understand what features make a litter box functional.
Large litter box FAQs
What size is an extra-large litter box?
According to our experts, no single extra-large litter box works for all cats, as each cat has a unique size. Instead, they suggest selecting a litter box that’s 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to tail.
Do cats need larger litter boxes?
“The larger the cat, the larger the box should be,” Quandt says. As a general rule of thumb, your cat should be able to enter the box and turn around without any body part touching the sides. If they can’t turn around comfortably inside the box, perch over the sides, or dig outside the box, it’s too small. A larger surface area also helps prevent cats from stepping in their own waste.
Why do cats need a large cat litter box?Â
Cats need a large litter box to avoid stepping on soiled spots and comfortably dig and bury their waste. As cats are both predator and prey, they have an instinct to hide their elimination from both potential prey and predators. Having a larger litter box with plenty of space between deposits allows them to bury their waste more effectively, Johnson says.
How do you know if a litter box is too small?Â
If your cat eliminates over the side of the litter box, perches on the walls of the box, or leaves the box to cover their waste, they may need a bigger box. When a litter box is too small, difficult to use, or dirty, a cat may choose to eliminate outside the litter box. According to Quandt, improper elimination (pooping and peeing outside the litter box) is a leading reason people surrender their cats to shelters or rehome them.
Can large cats use a top-entry litter box?
The ability to use a top-entry litter box depends on your cat’s age, preferences, and any underlying health conditions. Top-entry litter boxes can be difficult or impossible for some cats to access — and if your cat has difficulty accessing their box, they’re less likely to use it, Quandt says.
