Getting the best cat litter boxes and trays to use indoors is an absolute must. If your pampered puss prefers to be indoors, getting the right litter box to be their throne can save any accidents around the home. To help get you started and inspired on your cat litter journey, we've listed the best cat litter boxes and trays that you can buy today to treat your feline friend.
All cats are perfectly unique in their own way, and they'll want different food, trees, and cat beds. When it comes to litter, you'll want to choose from the different litter boxes and trays to find the right one for them. If they prefer venturing into the great outdoors, training them to use the litter tray can save you from them doing their business in the garden or worse, on the neighbour's lawn.
Best cat litter boxes and trays at a glance:
• Best litter box with a lid: Curver Petlife Cat Litter Box – View on Amazon UK
• Best hooded litter tray: CAT CENTRE Hooded Cat Litter Tray – View on Amazon UK
• Best eco litter tray with a hood: Rosewood Eco Hooded Cat Toilet – View on Argos
Your first question may be: where should I put a cat litter box? Keeping your cat's litter tray away from where they eat and drink is a great place to start, along with being in a quiet part of the house. This is so their beloved cat food is not spoiled. Some cats prefer to have their own litter trays, whereas some don't mind sharing. Keep this in mind when looking through our list.
You should also consider placing their litter tray somewhere they usually go to the bathroom. This will encourage them to use it in place of their usual spot. With kittens, you can place them near to or in the tray in order to coax them into their new toilet habits. If at first, you don't succeed, simply try again. We've included the best cat litter boxes and trays, with eco-litter trays, accessories and answered FAQs, too.
Best cat litter boxes and trays
Best litter box with a lid
CurverAvailable in black, brown or white, this Curver Pet Litterbox is rather glamorous with its faux rattan lid design. It has an anti-slip rim and ventilation holes, so your cat will be comfortable using it, and there won't be an odour problem. It comes equipped with a drawer system and scooper for easy litter changing. Your cat will enjoy the privacy of the closed shape and swinging door.
This is a hugely popular pick on Amazon, with over 19,890 reviews for Curver, rating the brand 4.5 out of 5. Customers praise the cat litter box for being sturdy, with parts that fit together well. They love the design, praising it as a more aesthetic alternative to a conventional litter tray. It's a great option if you have a cat that likes to throw their litter around.
However, some customers commented that it was bulkier than they thought. A few customers have commented that their cat does its business against the wall of the smaller tray, resulting in pee dripping on the floor. But this doesn't necessarily mean all cats will do this.
Also, remember that it may be too small for medium and large-breed cats.
Pros
- Activated carbon filter and door to contain odour
- Drawer system and scooper to make cleaning easier
- Nicely designed compartment to store the scooper
Cons
- Bulkier than some customers expected
| Dimensions: | 54.3 x 45.1 x 40.5cm |
| Weight: | 0.3kg |
| Material: | Plastic |
Best hooded litter tray
Cat CentreIf your cat prefers a little privacy while they use the toilet, this CAT CENTRE Hooded Cat Litter Tray will provide a great hiding space to poop in peace. This jumbo box comes with a carbon filter, a choice of neutral colours to suit your home décor and an extra deep tray. It will prevent odours and mess from entering your home. It's portable, too, so it's super easy to move around or take on the road with you.
This is a best-selling cat litter box, with over 5,180 reviews rating the Cat Centre 4.3 out of 5. Positive reviews comment that it's stopped the issue of litter going all over the place. Also, it's effective in containing odour. Customers say it's spacious for their cat. However, several reviews comment that the side clips are flimsy, making it difficult to secure the lid to the tray.
Pros
- Portable so it's a great option if you're travelling with pets
- Enclosed sides for cleanliness
- Carbon filter to reduce odour
- Choose from various neutral colours
Cons
- Some customers had issues clipping the lid on
| Dimensions: | L53 x W41 x H40cm |
| Weight: | 350 Grams |
| Material: | Plastic |
Best eco litter tray with a hood
RosewoodIf your cat is constantly purring about sustainability, why not treat it to this Rosewood Eco Hooded Cat Toilet in Blue, made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles? It has a deep base and large cat flap with a replaceable carbon filter to control odour, and a carrying handle makes it easy to move. Sounds ideal. Plus, with the hood, your precious cat can be treated to the privacy it deserves. What more could you ask from a cat toilet?
Customer reviews praise its size and the effectiveness of the carbon filter. It's a whopper of a litter box, but that's what's needed if you have a larger cat. There are some quibbles about the clips that secure the lid to the tray, but overall, for its price point and eco-credentials, this is a top choice.
Pros
- Eco-friendly, made from recycled plastic bottles
- Comes with a replaceable carbon filter to reduce odour
- Large in size so it's spacious for bigger cats
Cons
- Larger than some customers expected
| Dimensions: | 41 x 38 x 57 cm |
| Weight: | Unspecified. |
| Material: | Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles |
Best self-cleaning litter box
PetSafeA busy lifestyle can sometimes put chores on the back burner, including cleaning your cat's litter box. With a top lid, cleaning out a litter box might get forgotten, with any mess being out of sight or out of mind. Meet you and your cat's new best friend: the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box. This highly reviewed premium litter box comes with disposable trays containing crystal litter. You and your cat will benefit from the low-odour that lasts for weeks and is easy to dispose of.
PetSafe is popular with customers on Amazon, with over 5,2500 reviews rating their products 4 out of 5. This ScoopFree tray has been a game-changer for some households, making poop removal much more civilised. However, some reviews comment that they noticed odour after ten or so days. Each tray of silica litter is supposed to last a month. Remember that the silica litter won't clump on the raking mechanism, so it's advised to stick with the recommended litter.
Pros
- Crystal litter for the best odour control
- Health monitor tracks how often your cat uses the tray
- Self-cleaning, scoop-free so you don't have to deal with their waste
Cons
- The automatic raking system spooks sensitive cats
| Dimensions: | 51.7 x 29.7 x 71.1cm |
| Weight: | 9kg |
| Material: | Plastic |
Best value cat litter tray
ModernaThis super affordable yet functional tray is made of premium-quality plastic for long-lasting use. The clever design prevents litter from scattering. While it's only available in grey, we think the Moderna Large Cat Litter Tray easily matches the décor in any room.
This tray, rated 4.6 out of 5 with over 2,080 reviews on Amazon, demonstrates that it's best to keep it simple. Customers praise its spaciousness and ability to accommodate a good depth of litter, which makes for happier cats. The durable plastic tray is easy to clean. If you're happy to remove waste regularly, it will keep the litter tray relatively odour-free.
We recommend this tray as it's much kinder to cats who don't necessarily enjoy feeling confined by hooded litter trays.
Pros
- A big, sturdy tray that can accommodate two cats
- Premium quality plastic for long-lasting use
- High sides to prevent flicking of litter
Cons
- Tricky to remove litter from corners
| Dimensions: | 49.3 x 37 x 11.2cm |
| Weight: | 0.4kg |
| Material: | Plastic |
Best cat litter tray with handle
Sharpleswww.viovet.co.uk
If you and your pet are on the go, this Sharples Hooded Loo is a top option with its strong handle – and for a bargain price. The charcoal filter and hood help to reduce odours while your cat has privacy. The Sharples Flip Cat Hooded Loo includes a litter scoop.
Reviews praise it as the preferred option for cats who like the privacy of a hooded loo. Plus, it keeps the litter contained, which is much better for cats enthusiastic about digging!
Note the dimensions; it's a 50cm box and may be too snug for large breed cats.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Easy to clean, durable plastic
- Comes with a carry handle, so it's ideal if you're travelling with a pet
Cons
- Some online reviews have commented that the flap can catch
| Dimensions: | 37.3 x 50 x 39cm |
| Weight: | Unspecified. |
| Material: | Recyclable Plastic |
Best for kittens
Cat CentreIntroducing your new kitten to using a litter tray? This Small Cat and Kitten Galaxy Hooded Litter Tray has a rounded ergonomic design that perfectly suits your fur baby. It comes hooded in case they're a little nervous, and the translucent flap door means you can keep an eye on them. The entrance is low enough for dinky cats but not so low that kitty litter can escape. However, you will want to size up when your cat is older.
It's available in Medium and Jumbo sizes, so choose the option that best suits your cat's breed. Pet owners have also used this hooded tray to shelter their rabbits and guinea pigs. Some reviews suggest that customers were unaware of its small size – this litter tray is strictly for fur babies.
Pros
- Cute and compact so it has a smaller footprint than full-size trays
- Provides privacy for the kitten
- Litter is contained by hood and flap
- It comes with a carbon filter to absorb odour
Cons
- Can't be carried with weight inside
| Dimensions: | 45 x 36 x 32cm |
| Weight: | Plastic |
| Material: | 0.8kg |
Best for larger cats
With a clip-on shield, you won't need to worry about your cat making a mess or litter being kicked outside the tray. The base of the Argos Large Cat Litter Tray is larger than others, making it an excellent option for bigger cats and leaving plenty of space for them to do their business.
Customer reviews comment that the shield is very effective at keeping litter inside the tray, plus it's roomy enough for cats to move around. The depth is also good, allowing for a good layer of litter. The tough plastic is easy to wash clean, so you can keep it hygienic.
Some reviews suggest that the shield makes the tray a bit smaller, and their large-breed cats struggled to use the litter tray with it in place.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- A litter shield helps to keep litter inside
- Easy to wash clean and to keep hygienic
Cons
- Shield makes the tray feel smaller, so it may be better to remove it for larger cats
| Dimensions: | 15 x 49 x 38cm |
| Weight: | Unspecified. |
| Material: | Presumed Plastic |
Best wooden cat litter box
YaheetechIf you can spare space in a utility room, back porch or downstairs toilet, this Yaheetech is an attractive option made of engineered wood with a clean, white veneer. This enclosure can house a standard-size cat litter tray, keeping it out of sight but accessible for your cat via the archway entrance. It has ventilation holes on the rear of the box and a useful hanging rail on one side.
This is an Amazon's Choice recommended product rated by customers 4.5 out of 5. Customers love the elegant design of this cabinet, as it blends in with other furniture. However, its dimensions limit it from accommodating large litter trays. Overall, it's a novel and appealing litter box that gives cats their privacy without it being obvious that it's a privy.
Pros
- Ventilation holes and large porthole for cats to feel comfortable using it
- Easy to assemble, according to reviews
- Attractive design, just like a side cabinet
Cons
- Larger litter trays only just fit – measure up first!
| Dimensions: | 48.5x51x51.5 cm |
| Weight: | 9 kilograms |
| Material: | Engineered wood |
How we chose the best cat litter boxes and trays
All of these cat litter boxes and trays have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered the quality, features and value in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching cat litter boxes and trays to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
And, with pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by us and our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.
FAQs
What to look for in a cat litter box
When buying a new cat litter box or tray, there's a lot to consider:
Size: The larger your cat, the larger you'll need your litter tray to be
Location: Consider where you'll be putting your new cat litter box or tray in your home. If it's likely to be in an open space in clear sight, you may want to choose something more discreet like a tray with a hooded lid or a box. Tucked out of the way, a tray will cause less offence.
Behaviours: If your cat prefers to go to the toilet in private (we don't blame them!), a hooded tray or box will suit them better. If they go regularly, or your own routine makes you more forgetful to clean them out, you might want to consider a self-cleaning litter tray to stay on top of the housework.
Preference: Cats can be fussy eaters - and in every other aspect. So, ultimately you'll need to choose a litter tray or box that they like and will actually use. This might come with trial and error, or you might already have an inkling of what they would prefer based on their established toilet habits.
If you're still unsure or have any burning questions, speak to your vet or ask your local pet shop for their recommendations.
How can I get my cat to use a litter box?
If you're struggling to get your cat to use their new litter box, there are a few things you can try:
Your cat will have their own preferences, so experiment with different types of trays and litter to figure out which type they like best.
Keep the tray clean - you wouldn't like to use a dirty toilet, so your cat won't either!
Clean up any accidents that happen around the home straight away so the smell doesn't linger. Do not punish your cat for going where it shouldn't. The concept of going to the toilet in one place may be new to them, so this is just part of the learning process.
Make sure to reward them when they've gone to the loo in their new tray with their favourite treats or toys. Reward-based training works for most animals. Giving them lots of praise and fuss will encourage them to keep up the good behaviour.
Can cats share litter boxes?
In short, yes! Most cats will happily share with their housemate, but you should be prepared that this might not be the case for your cat. Some prefer to have their own space and are more territorial - budget for a tray for each cat just in case.
Why won't my cat use their litter box?
There are a number of reasons why your cat might be refusing to use the litter box. Outside of finding the right tray and litter preference for your puss, there are a few more factors that could come into play. According to the PDSA, these are:
Stress: If your cat feels stressed, they're likely to have accidents around the house. Place their box in a quiet location, and try to create a stress-free environment for them. Consider a calming plug-in to help.
Illness: If your cat is vocal while they pee or seem to have problems going, they might have a UTI. In this case, you should seek medical attention from your vet immediately.
Age: Like babies, kittens need to be trained by their mothers to know what a litter tray is for. Similarly, older cats who are used to going outside may not pick up on it quickly and prefer to keep to their lifelong habits instead. Don't forget their delicious kitten food.
How to clean cat litter boxes?
To clean your cat litter tray or box, replace the entire contents of the tray and wash it out with hot water and mild detergent. You should aim to do this at least once a week to remove the mess.
Please note: some detergents are toxic to cats, so make sure to do your research to find a safe option.
Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Take A Break Pets, specialising in small pets. Having been a pet-parent to bunnies and hamsters, she knows just how to care for these little fluffs as well as making sure pets of all sizes are happy and healthy.