How to Choose the Perfect Litter Box for Your Cat
Most people don’t give too much thought to the litter box, unless it’s time to clean it out. Your cat thinks differently. Cats are notoriously particular, and if their litter box situation isn’t just right, everybody in the household pays the price.
Litter boxes that are too small and cramped, difficult to get in and out of, or overly complicated may be a huge turn-off for your cat, who will then find more ‘convenient’ places to use the bathroom. Like on your freshly washed laundry.
Here are 5 things to think about when choosing the perfect litter box so you can avoid any added stress on both you and your cat.
SIZE
Finding a litter box that is a comfortable fit for your cat is priority number one. Look for those that provide ample space with enough room to move and dig around in. Our Jumbo Hooded Litter Box is a great choice for oversized cats, with plenty of space and privacy.
If space is a little tight in your home, consider the corner model seen here – the unique triangular design fits neatly into any corner to take up less space in your home.
HEIGHT
Some cats may find it difficult to maneuver in and out of a litter box if they have mobility issues due to age or arthritis. A good rule-of-thumb is an entry no higher than 2.5 - 3.5” off the ground. This height is easily accessible for most cats while still keeping litter contained.
On the other hand, some cats have – shall we say – difficulty aiming, and may need a taller box. If your cat is a ‘sprayer’ or prone to kicking litter all over the place, look for a high-walled litter box that prevents any waste from escaping, like our litter box with shield.
PREFERENCE
Like any good feline, your cat will certainly have its own opinions and preferences. Some cats greatly prefer a covered box, which not only offers privacy for them but a more eye-pleasing design for you too. Win-win!
And speaking of winning, our top-entry cat litter box is a verified award winner – taking home the Global Innovation Award in 2019 –a proven crowd pleaser among cats and cat-owners worldwide.
AMOUNT
For multi-cat households, multiple litter boxes are a necessity. But how many exactly are needed? Most experts advise at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So, a household with two cats would need three litter boxes, and household with three cats would need four, and so on.
Where should you place multiple litter boxes? Definitely not next to each other. Cats will view this as a single litter box, which defeats the purpose entirely. Instead, spread them out through the home. This gives your cats the option of always having somewhere to ‘go,’ even if the other box is in use. Additionally, some cats prefer to do number 1 and number 2 in separate boxes, which is another reason for keeping multiple boxes in the home.
BUDGET
Of course, cost is a factor for most households, especially those needing multiple litter boxes.
Or, you may be tempted to blow your budget on a self-cleaning litter box. While it sounds great in theory, that can be more trouble than it’s worth. Not only do these models contain many breakable moving parts, they often require special (and more expensive) litter. Worst of all, the automatic cleaning operations may startle your cat into refusing to step foot inside ever again.
Keep your budget in check by keeping it simple. IRIS offers a wide variety of affordable options for getting the job done, from our basic line of rimmed litter box pans, to our newest Premium Top-Entry model. You’re sure to find the perfect litter box for your cat, your space, and your budget.
We hope this guide helps you narrow down your search for the best litter box for your cats. Visit IRIS USA to explore all our pet products and more.