How To Choose A Litter Box

Litter boxes should be as long as your cat is from her nose to the tip of her tail. This allows your cat to move around in the box comfortably. For large breeds, this may mean a box that is 36" long. The litter box width should be the length of your cat from her nose to the base of her tail.

Most litter boxes are rectangular, but some are round or oval. The shape doesn't matter to your cat, but make sure to get one that has rounded corners for easy cleaning and your pet's safety.

Litter boxes between 5-7" high are sufficient for cats that do not kick litter around when using the box. However, higher walls between 8-12" are best for preventing litter from getting kicked onto the floor. Since these higher walls are hard for cats to climb in and out of, look for a box that has one wall lower than the others, or that has a small built-in door.

Kittens will struggle to get in and out of a litter box more than 5" high, but they also tend to kick litter around a lot. Look for a box with a low wall for entry and a wall or other protective barrier around the other sides. Initially, you may need to buy a smaller box and then swap it out for a larger one as your kitten grows.

Older cats with mobility issues may need an even lower box. Some litter boxes have entry openings as low as 3" high that allow less mobile cats to climb over the side easily.

• Plastic is the most common material for litter boxes. It's inexpensive, available in a variety of designs, and low maintenance.

• Stainless steel is a little more expensive and isn't available in as many designs. However, it is the best option for owners who want a box that is resistant to scratches and damage.

Self-cleaning litter boxes can be a good investment for busy cat owners. They filter out unclean litter regularly, allowing cats to have fresh litter daily. All owners have to do is take out the separated dirty litter and occasionally refill the clean litter. This can be especially helpful for older owners who don't want to bend down and clean a litter box daily.

Some self-cleaning boxes use a lever to pull a screen across the box, sifting out used litter. These boxes are less expensive than fully automatic boxes but still provide added convenience for owners.

In rare cases, cats can be startled by the noise and movement of an automatic self-cleaning box. Make sure to get an automatic box that is very quiet and has excellent motion sensors, so it doesn't clean while your cat is in or around the box.

• Flaps can help hide odors and increase cat privacy, but they trap ammonia and other harsh chemicals even more than boxes with regular covers. Make sure to clean boxes with flaps daily, even if you can't smell the dirty litter.
• Some automatic and manual self-cleaning boxes use disposable inserts. Owners need to buy disposable insert refills occasionally, but they the ideal low-maintenance option for busy cat owners.
• Attached or detachable ramps are excellent for cats with or without impaired mobility. Some even have textured steps that can help remove litter from cats' paws to keep you home clean.
• Storage compartments and hooks can help keep track of litter scoops and other supplies.

Some litter boxes are very large and designed for multi-cat homes. Although many cats are willing to share a litter box, one box is typically enough for a single cat home. Vets recommend you have enough litter boxes for every cat in your home plus an additional box for variety.

If you have a large house, it's wise to put litter boxes in separate locations and train the cats to know where they are. When adding a new litter box, take a small amount of used litter from the old box and put it in the new box so your cats will recognize it.

Owners who take overnight trips should invest in one extra litter box for the cats. While cat-sitters are necessary for trips of two nights or more, an extra litter box and serving of dry food should keep the cats happy during an overnight trip.