If you have a large cat (like a Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Savannah, or just a big domestic shorthair), you know that regular litter boxes are often too small. Your cat can’t turn around comfortably, they may hang over the edges, and they might even start going outside the box because it’s too cramped. A good litter box for a large cat needs to be spacious, easy to clean, and able to accommodate their size without feeling cramped.
I have two large cats (one is 15 pounds, the other is 18 pounds), and I’ve gone through my share of litter boxes over the years. I’ve had boxes that were too small, boxes that were hard to clean, and boxes that my cats refused to use. I’ve learned what to look for in a litter box for large cats, and here are my recommendations.
First, why is the right litter box important?
– **Prevents accidents outside the box:** If the litter box is too small or uncomfortable, your cat may start going outside the box. This is one of the most common reasons for litter box avoidance.
– **Reduces mess:** A spacious litter box with high sides can contain litter and prevent it from being kicked out onto the floor.
– **Easy to clean:** A litter box that’s easy to clean means you’ll clean it more often, which keeps your cat happy and your home smelling fresh.
– **Comfort:** A spacious, comfortable litter box is more pleasant for your cat to use, especially for large cats who need room to turn around and dig.
– **Health:** A clean, appropriately sized litter box is important for your cat’s urinary and digestive health. Cats are clean animals, and a dirty or uncomfortable litter box can cause stress and health issues.
The golden rule of litter boxes:
– **One box per cat, plus one extra.** If you have 2 cats, you should have 3 litter boxes. This gives each cat their own space and reduces competition.
– **Place boxes in different locations.** Don’t put all the boxes in one room or next to each other. Spread them out around the house so each cat has options.
– **Keep them clean.** Scoop at least once a day (twice is better), and completely change the litter and wash the box every 1-2 weeks.
What to look for in a litter box for large cats:
– **Size:** This is the most important feature. The litter box should be big enough for your cat to turn around comfortably and dig without feeling cramped. A good rule of thumb: the box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat (from nose to base of tail). For large cats (12+ pounds), look for boxes that are at least 20×15 inches, but 24×18 inches or larger is ideal. For very large cats (Maine Coons, Savannahs), look for boxes that are 28×20 inches or larger.
– **High sides:** High sides (at least 5-6 inches) help contain litter and prevent it from being kicked out. For large cats who dig aggressively, look for boxes with sides that are 8+ inches high.
– **Low entry:** While high sides are good for containing litter, the entry should be low enough for your cat to step in easily, especially for older cats or cats with arthritis. Look for boxes with a low front entry (3-4 inches) and higher sides in the back and on the sides.
– **Easy to clean:** Look for boxes with smooth surfaces and no hard-to-reach crevices. Rectangular or oval shapes are easier to clean than complex shapes. Some boxes have a non-stick coating that makes cleaning easier.
– **Durability:** Look for boxes made from thick, durable plastic that won’t crack or warp over time. Large cats are harder on litter boxes than small cats.
– **No hood (or optional hood):** Many large cats don’t like covered litter boxes because they feel cramped and can’t turn around. If you prefer a covered box, make sure it’s large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around comfortably. Some cats also dislike covered boxes because they trap odors.
– **Non-slip bottom:** The box should have a non-slip bottom or be heavy enough that it doesn’t slide around when your cat is digging.
What to avoid:
– **Boxes that are too small:** This is the #1 mistake for large cat owners. If the box is too small, your cat may start going outside the box. Measure your cat and size up if you’re unsure.
– **Covered boxes that are too small:** Covered boxes can feel cramped for large cats. If you use a covered box, make sure it’s large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around.
– **Boxes with low sides:** Low sides allow litter to be kicked out onto the floor, especially with large cats who dig aggressively.
– **Boxes with complex shapes:** Complex shapes (like triangles or odd curves) are harder to clean and may not be comfortable for large cats. Stick to simple rectangular or oval shapes.
– **Boxes made from thin, cheap plastic:** These crack and warp easily. Invest in a box made from thick, durable plastic.
– **Automatic litter boxes that are too small:** Many automatic litter boxes are designed for average-sized cats and may be too small for large cats. If you’re considering an automatic box, check the dimensions and weight capacity carefully.
My top picks for litter boxes for large cats:
**Best overall:** Petmate Giant Litter Pan
– Extra-large size (22.5×16.5×6.5 inches) for large cats
– High sides (6.5 inches) to contain litter
– Low front entry for easy access
– Smooth, non-stick surface for easy cleaning
– Made from durable, thick plastic
– Available in multiple colors
– Affordable (about $15-20)
– This is my go-to litter box for large cats. It’s spacious, durable, and easy to clean. The high sides contain litter well, and the low front entry makes it easy for cats to step in. My 18-pound cat fits comfortably and can turn around and dig without feeling cramped. It’s also very affordable, so you can buy multiple boxes without breaking the bank.
**Best high-sided:** Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
– Large size (23.5×18.5×11 inches) with very high sides (11 inches)
– The high sides are perfect for cats who kick litter out aggressively
– Low front entry (4 inches) for easy access
– Smooth, non-stick surface for easy cleaning
– Made from durable plastic
– About $20-30
– If your large cat is an aggressive digger who kicks litter everywhere, this is the box for you. The 11-inch high sides contain even the most enthusiastic digging. The low front entry makes it easy to step in, and the smooth surface is easy to clean. It’s a bit more expensive than the Petmate Giant, but the high sides are worth it if litter scatter is a problem.
**Best for easy cleaning:** So Phresh Scatter Shield Open Litter Box
– Large size (24x18x9 inches) with high sides
– The “scatter shield” is a raised rim that helps contain litter
– Smooth, non-stick surface
– Low front entry
– Made from durable plastic
– About $20-25
– This is another great option for large cats. The scatter shield rim helps contain litter, and the smooth surface is easy to wipe clean. The large size is comfortable for big cats, and the price is reasonable.
**Best stainless steel:** iPrimio Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box
– Extra-large size (23.5×15.5×6 inches)
– Made from stainless steel (more hygienic than plastic—doesn’t absorb odors or stain)
– High sides (6 inches)
– Includes a plastic litter scoop that attaches to the side
– Non-slip rubber feet
– More expensive (about $40-50), but lasts forever
– If you’re willing to invest in a premium litter box, stainless steel is the way to go. It doesn’t absorb odors or stain like plastic, it’s easy to clean, and it lasts forever. The extra-large size is comfortable for large cats, and the non-slip feet keep it in place. It’s more expensive upfront, but it will outlast multiple plastic boxes.
**Best for kittens / older cats:** Petmate Open Cat Litter Box (Large)
– Large size (18.5x14x5 inches) with lower sides
– Lower sides make it easy for kittens, older cats, or cats with arthritis to step in
– Smooth surface for easy cleaning
– Affordable (about $10-15)
– If you have a large cat who is older or has arthritis and can’t step over high sides, this lower-sided box is a good option. It’s still large enough for most large cats, and the lower sides make it easy to access. You can also use a litter mat around it to catch any litter that gets kicked out.
**Best automatic (for large cats):** PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box (Second Generation)
– Large size (27.5x19x7 inches) with a hood
– Automatically rakes waste into a covered compartment after your cat uses it
– Uses disposable crystal litter trays (no scooping required)
– The large size is suitable for cats up to 15 pounds (may be too small for very large cats)
– Expensive (about $150-200 for the box, $10-15 per disposable tray)
– If you hate scooping litter and want an automatic box, this is a good option for average to large cats. The self-cleaning mechanism works well, and the crystal litter controls odor. However, it may be too small for very large cats (Maine Coons, Savannahs), and the ongoing cost of disposable trays adds up. If you have a very large cat, you may want to stick with a manual box.
Tips for using a litter box for large cats:
1. **Size up:** When in doubt, go bigger. A litter box that’s slightly too big is better than one that’s too small. Large cats need room to turn around and dig.
2. **Use the right amount of litter:** Fill the box with 2-3 inches of litter. Too little litter and your cat can’t dig properly; too much and it gets kicked out more easily.
3. **Scoop daily:** Scoop waste at least once a day (twice is better). Cats are clean animals and won’t use a dirty box.
4. **Change litter and wash the box regularly:** Completely change the litter and wash the box with mild soap and warm water every 1-2 weeks. Don’t use harsh chemicals or strong-smelling cleaners—they can deter your cat from using the box.
5. **Use a litter mat:** Place a litter mat (or a cheap rug) in front of the box to catch litter that gets stuck in your cat’s paws. This reduces the amount of litter tracked around the house.
6. **Place boxes in good locations:** Put boxes in quiet, accessible locations away from your cat’s food and water. Don’t put them in high-traffic areas or next to noisy appliances (like washing machines).
7. **Have multiple boxes:** Follow the golden rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. Place them in different locations around the house.
8. **Monitor your cat’s usage:** If your cat starts going outside the box, it could be a sign of a medical issue (like a urinary tract infection) or a litter box problem (too small, too dirty, wrong location). See your vet if the behavior persists.
Common mistakes:
– **Buying a box that’s too small:** This is the #1 mistake for large cat owners. Measure your cat and size up if you’re unsure. A box that’s too small can lead to accidents outside the box.
– **Not having enough boxes:** Follow the golden rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. Not having enough boxes can lead to competition and accidents.
– **Not cleaning often enough:** A dirty litter box is the #1 reason cats go outside the box. Scoop daily and change the litter and wash the box every 1-2 weeks.
– **Using a covered box that’s too small:** Covered boxes can feel cramped for large cats. If you use one, make sure it’s large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around.
– **Placing boxes in bad locations:** Don’t put boxes next to food, water, or noisy appliances. Put them in quiet, accessible locations.
– **Using harsh cleaners:** Strong-smelling cleaners can deter your cat from using the box. Use mild soap and warm water.
– **Not monitoring for changes:** If your cat starts going outside the box, it could be a medical issue. See your vet if the behavior persists.
My personal story: I once bought a “large” covered litter box for my 18-pound cat, and he hated it. He couldn’t turn around inside, and he would hang his rear end over the edge and go outside the box. I thought he was being difficult, but it turned out the box was just too small. I returned it and bought the Petmate Giant Litter Pan (open, extra-large), and he immediately started using it correctly. I also learned that high sides are important—my cats are aggressive diggers, and they would kick litter all over the floor with low-sided boxes. I switched to the Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box, and the litter scatter decreased significantly. The lesson: for large cats, size and design matter. An open, extra-large box with high sides and a low entry is usually the best choice. Don’t be swayed by fancy covered boxes—many large cats find them cramped and uncomfortable. And always follow the golden rule: one box per cat, plus one extra.
The bottom line: large cats need large, spacious litter boxes that can accommodate their size and digging habits. Look for a box that’s at least 22×16 inches (24×18 inches or larger is ideal), with high sides (6+ inches) to contain litter, a low front entry for easy access, a smooth non-stick surface for easy cleaning, and durable construction. The Petmate Giant Litter Pan is the best all-around option (spacious, durable, affordable), the Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box is great for aggressive diggers, and the iPrimio Stainless Steel Litter Box is a premium, long-lasting option. Follow the golden rule (one box per cat, plus one extra), scoop daily, change the litter and wash the box every 1-2 weeks, and place boxes in quiet, accessible locations. With the right litter boxes and proper maintenance, your large cat will have a clean, comfortable place to do their business, and you’ll have fewer accidents and less mess to clean up.