One way to stop cats pooping in the garden is to give them their very own outdoor cat litter box. A cat litter box provides your little Leo with an alternative garden throne. It allows them to satisfy their natural instincts without scrapping in the vegetable patch. Even if it's raining, a hooded litter tray can be used, so it helps minimise accidents indoors. An outdoor loo can also reduce the odour and mess that comes with an indoor tray – now, that's got to be a pawsitive.
If you love your garden and tire of cats treating it like a personal excavation site, an outdoor cat litter box could put an end to manicured flower beds getting mangled. These al fresco feline facilities take the form of a hooded all-in-one litter tray or a wooden box with a tray inside. Typically, they are waterproof and spacious. They minimise the odour of faeces in the garden and provide a private sanctuary for skittish kitties to do their business.
Best outdoor cat litter box at a glance:
When it comes to positioning the cat litter box, place it away from your cat's food and water. In Vicky Halls' article on cat litter trays for Cats Protection, she advises: "They should be in discreet corners or adjacent to walls so that the cat has full view of approaching danger but is protected from behind." Other than that, treat an outdoor cat litter box with the same cleaning routine as you would an indoor box; unfortunately, the self-cleaning cat litter box for the outdoors has yet to be invented.
If you're conscious of finding the best eco cat litter trays, several cat litter boxes in this guide are made from sustainable wood sources. Aesthetically, a wooden box will blend in with the garden more so than a plastic model. But do bear in mind that wood will need treating over time. For a guide on litter tray best practices, scroll to our frequently asked questions section below.
Best outdoor cat litter box
Best overall outdoor cat litter box
woodhi/Ebaywww.ebay.co.uk
One way to stop cats messing in your garden is to install an outdoor cat litter box. This Outdoor Cat Litter House With Large Tray is a robust and leak-proof solution. It's raised off the ground and has a quality waterproof roof, so it can be kept outdoors all year round. The large entrance allows your cat to climb through and there's extra floor space so stray litter can be dispersed there rather than all over your patio.
Reviews praise it for arriving well-packaged and with a good wood stain, although you might want to add your own coat of paint. One review praises the cat house for being lightweight for easy moving. In addition, customers appreciate the litter tray included and will buy from the seller again.
Pros
- Eco-friendly material
- Strong and durable
- Leak-proof
- Quality product
Cons
- Wood will occasionally need treating to preserve it
| Dimensions: | H53 x W74 x D43cm (Tray 47cm x 38cm x 13cm) |
| Material: | Wood |
Best weatherproof outdoor litter box
DingoGB/Etsywww.etsy.com
This Cat Litter House Special Design For Outdoor Use is made from wood and comes with a convenient, easy-to-clean plastic tray. This fully assembled house features a unique design and has been treated with a water-based preservative for 100 per cent pet safety. The removable tray simplifies cleaning and litter changes.
The fully enclosed structure offers your cat privacy and it has air holes for freshness. A small corridor minimises litter tracking and it also includes a flap for effortless access. Quality roof felt provides weather protection, and the hinged roof allows easy access to all areas. Plus, it comes with a starter pack including one-liner bag.
Pros
- Comes with an easy to clean tray
- Large
- Handmade
Cons
- Wood will need treating from time-to-time to prevent it from rotting
| Dimensions: | H60 x W75 x D43cm |
| Material: | Natural, organic wood |
Best plastic outdoor litter box
Cat Centre/AmazonThe CAT CENTRE Grey Large Hooded Litter Tray Box offers a safe and convenient solution for your feline friend. It's made from pet-safe materials and has a removable roof and flap for easy cleaning. It's designed for your cat's privacy whilst also minimising odours. It has an elegant curved design and is available in Grey or Beige.
Customer reviews comment that it's a strong and sturdy tray. It's been purchased for stray and feral cats as a form of shelter. For its durability and weatherproof construction, it's a great choice. However, some reviews comment that it's a bit too small for larger cats.
Pros
- Can be used as a cat house or litter box
- Easy to clean
- Neat design
Cons
- Some reviews comment that the flap is problematic
| Dimensions: | H36 x W27 x L47cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
Best outdoor litter box for large cats
Ferplast/AmazonThe Ferplast Outdoor Cat Litter Tray is designed for outdoor use. It's waterproof and sheltered by a hood against rain. Its generous opening accommodates large cats comfortably, while its deeper tray allows for natural burying behaviour.
Customer reviews praise the size of this closed cat litter box. It's waterproof, and it keeps odours contained. However, some reviews comment that it's not very sturdy, for example, the roof can dislodge in a strong wind.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Extra large entry
- Suitable for large breed cats
Cons
- Lid can blow off
| Dimensions: | H41 x W 73.5 x L43.5cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
Best outdoor litter box for senior cats
Cat Centrewww.ebay.co.uk
The CAT CENTRE Hooded Outdoor Cat Litter Tray is made from BPA-free plastic so it provides safe and durable long-lasting use. Designed to be discreet in your outdoor area, it gives your cat a clean and private environment to do their business. The accessible tunnel entrance is ideal for older cats and allows them to use this litter box in any weather. Additionally, secure side clips keep the hood in place.
Customers praise this outdoor litter box for being sturdy and waterproof, with one review commenting that it " remains dry inside despite heavy rain." It has received lots of positive feedback, albeit there is a bit of mixed opinion about clipping the hood on, with some users finding it a bit tricky.
Pros
- Accessible tunnel entrance is ideal for older cats
- Private and clean, it provides a secure space for cats
- Waterproof for all-weather use
- Spacious for cats to move around in
Cons
- Some reviews indicate that clipping the lid on is a bit tricky
| Dimensions: | H39 x W54.5 x L56cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
Best luxury outdoor cat litter box
Wayfairwww.wayfair.co.uk
The Bellatrix Cat House is a sturdy solid wood cat house for your feline friends. The transparent windows and doors allow them to survey their surroundings, while the openable top and removable middle board simplify litter box placement and cleaning. The asphalt roof, waterproof paint and raised floor ensure durability and weather resistance. Ventilation holes to maintain fresh air circulation and prevent odour build-up. Overall, this cat house offers a versatile and safe environment for your pets to enjoy.
Pros
- Stylish
- Multi-functional
- Waterproof
- Raised off the ground
Cons
- Needs to be positioned in a sheltered spot so strong winds don't catch it
| Dimensions: | H81.3 x W51 x D51cm |
| Material: | 100% Fir Wood |
Best travel cat litter box
Amazon/INUANIn need of a convenient convenience for your kitty on the go? The INUAN Travel Cat Litter Box is a portable potty solution that folds into a pocket-size square. Plus, you get cat liners, a travel scoop and a collapsible bowl too. Adventure in the great outdoors with your furry companion, with a no-fuss leak-proof and claw-proof fold-away litter box.
One customer review indicates that this travel cat litter box is highly convenient for travelling with a cat. They appreciate its compact and foldable design, which fits easily into their luggage. Set up is quick and effortless, taking only seconds to unfold and secure. They also noted that the high sides and sturdy construction effectively prevented spills or messes. Additionally, the durable material made cleaning simple, ensuring a hygienic environment. Overall, they highly recommended this litter box for anyone travelling with cats. The only drawback, as observed in a separate comment, is that it would benefit from having a storage pocket for the scoop, liners and bowl.
Pros
- Amazon's Choice recommended product
- Portable
- Folds down small
- Includes accessories
Cons
- Intended as a temporary solution, not for daily use
| Dimensions: | L39.9 x W32 x H12.5cm |
| Material: | Nylon, Polypropylene |
Best outdoor cat litter box for style
Savicwww.petsathome.com
The Savic Mira De Luxe Cat Toilet combines both practicality and style. With its elegant leather-effect appearance, decorative stitching and non-slip legs, it brings sophistication to any setting. Its enclosed structure and activated carbon filter combat odours. Additionally, it has a transparent swinging door for easy access and is made from durable, easy-to-clean plastic. Made by Savic, a trusted brand in pet accessories, this high-quality litter box is both practical and elegant.
Pros
- Stylish design with a leather-look finish that complements any interior
- High-sided inner tray prevents litter and urine spills
- Non-slip feet keeps the litter box stable and protects floors
- High-performance carbon filter reduces odours five times better than standard filters
- Easy to clean front panel opens for quick access
Cons
- Higher price-point than others
| Dimensions: | L55.5 x W44 x H49.5cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
How we chose the best outdoor cat litter box
All of these outdoor cat litter boxes 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 outdoor 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.
Outdoor cat litter box FAQs
What do I need to know about maintaining a clean cat litter box?
Best practice for managing a litter tray involves key steps to ensure cleanliness, odour control and the wellbeing of your cat:
Size: A litter tray should be large enough for your cat to comfortably turn around and dig. A general rule of thumb is one and half times the length of your cat.
Location: Place the litter tray in a quiet and accessible area where your cat feels safe. Avoid placing it near their food and water bowls.
Type of litter: Choose a litter that your cat prefers and that works well for odour control. Clumping litter is popular as it makes cleaning easier, but some cats prefer non-clumping litter. Experiment to find what works best for your cat.
Depth of litter: Maintain a depth of litter around 3–4cm. However, if your cat is peeing a lot, Vicky Halls advises: "The depth should be sufficient to soak up the larger than normal amount of liquid that is deposited at any one time."
Cleaning: Scoop the litter tray at least once a day to remove waste and clumps. Thoroughly clean the tray with mild soap and hot water on a regular basis, replacing the litter entirely every week. For more information, read our guide on how often should you change cat litter.
Number of trays: For households with multiple cats, provide one litter tray per cat plus an extra one to prevent competition and territorial disputes.
Vicky Halls advises, "When cats go to the toilet outdoors they generally prefer separate locations for urination and defecation. So if you were to simulate the ideal facilities indoors you would provide two trays for one cat."
Odour control: Consider using odour-absorbing litter to help neutralise smells. Regular cleaning and proper ventilation also help control odour.
What type of cat litter works best?
The best type of litter often depends on the preferences of both your cat and you. Here are some common types of litter and their characteristics:
Clumping clay litter forms clumps when it comes into contact with moisture, making it easy to scoop out waste. It's popular for its convenience and odour control.
Non-clumping litter: Unlike clumping litter, non-clumping litter absorbs urine but doesn't form tight clumps. It's generally less expensive but requires more frequent changes.
Silica gel crystals are small, absorbent crystals that lock in moisture and control odour effectively. It's low-dust and can last longer than traditional clay litter.
Eco-cat litter is made from natural materials. It's biodegradable and an eco-friendly option. They are often flushable and decompose naturally. However, some cats may take time to adjust to the texture and smell.
Pellet litter is made from compressed sawdust or recycled paper. It's absorbent and controls odour well, but some cats may not like the texture.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.