Litter Boxes

Litterboxes from PetShip

Getting a quality litterbox is essential as a cat owner because it gives your kitty a comfortable place to do their business rather than them going on the floor or somewhere worse. This aspect of cat parenthood is probably the least appealing considering its purpose, and while you’ll be keeping the litter box out of sight and out of mind until the time comes to empty and clean it, you should still take some time to pick out the best one. You may not be giving it much thought, but your feline friend will. Cats need a place that’s big enough to comfortably use with high sides to contain messes and a low entryway that makes it easy for them to go in and out, otherwise they won’t use it. As you may have learned the hard way, not every litterbox will work for every cat, but thanks to our selection of the best litterboxes, you’ll be able to find one that your cat will like.

How to choose the right litterbox

The most obvious thing to keep in mind when choosing a litterbox is the size. You need a litterbox that’s large enough for your cat to not feel cramped in but still small enough for you to store somewhere that isn’t right out in the open or obvious in your living space. This gives your cat a nice place to take care of their business in private and you the satisfaction of knowing it won’t stick out like a sore thumb or be too obvious in your living spaces. We recommend identifying a few areas in your home where you would be ok with putting a litterbox and measuring the space. Generally, it’s an area that’s quiet and calm that you and others don’t frequent often. The space should also be well lit so your cat can see what they’re doing, open enough for them to not feel closed in, and away from food and water. Once you have the measurements, then you should go looking for a litterbox that will fit. This can get a little tricky if you have multiple cats, as they can be territorial and don’t want to share a litterbox with their feline housemates. If you get each cat their own litterbox, be sure to put them in separate locations so your cats don’t have to be forced to do their business right next to one another.

What should you put in a litterbox?

Some people like putting liners in their cat’s litterbox, and while this is not necessarily wrong, it’s not something you have to do either. Liners do help make cleanup easier, but most litterboxes are easy enough to clean with just soap and water. When it comes to the litter itself, most cats will prefer fine particle litters rather than large pellets. We recommend you avoid scented litters, as these can turn cats away. Also, make sure the litter you use is low dust to avoid irritating both you and your cat’s nose and lungs. The right amount of litter depends on your cat’s preferences and digging habits, but we recommend starting with two to two and a half inches of litter and seeing how you and your kitty likes it.