I know so much now about the best litter box for kittens that I didn’t know before I raised an outdoor cat and my Maine Coon to be healthy adult cats. For us, the best kitten litter box is the Lucky Champ Litter Pan.
- Low front entry
- High back wall kept the house clean
- Easy to clean and move around
- Attractive design
- Grows with your cat
- Great price for the design
However, I know that everything from price to lifestyle can impact what makes a product good for your household. That’s why I’ve rounded up a complete list for a variety of categories.
At the end, I’m also giving you a full buying guide with everything you need to know to buy your cat the best litter box.
Here are the products we review in this article:
- Made in the USA with quality materials
- Keeps a low profile in your home
- Low entry point is perfect for kittens
- Decent price
- Nonstick antimicrobial coating ups the hygiene factor
- Easy to clean
- High sides keep things neat and tidy
- Very durable, Resistant to bending, cracking, and scratching
Tidy Cats Breeze Hooded Litter Box System
- Made in the USA with durable plastic
- Rounded cover is excellent
- Tray system makes maintaining a fresh box easy
- Has a spot to hang your scooper
Van Ness Pets Framed Litter Box (CP4)
- Made in the USA using high-quality, BPA-free plastic
- High sides keep things tidy
- So affordable
- Smooth texture makes cleaning easy
Frisco Extra Large High Sided Cat Litter Box
- Higher sides and slightly higher entry keep litter in
- Made of sturdy, easy-to-clean plastic
- Higher sides are still very sturdy and resistant to bending
- Collapsible design is perfect for training
- Ideal for any time a cat suffers from mobility issues
- Non-skid bottom is great
- Scooper hooks to any part of the lip
- Overall Best Litter Box for Kittens
- Runner Up Litter Box for Kittens
- Premium Pick Litter Tray for Kittens
- Best Kitten Litter Box With Lid
- Best Budget Kitten Litter Box
- Best Litter Box for Messy Kittens
- Flexible Litter Box for Kittens
- My Guide to Finding the Best Litter Box for Kittens
- What Litter Boxes to Avoid
- Litter Box Types
- What Is the Best Litter for Kittens?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overall Best Litter Box for Kittens
- Low front entry
- High back wall kept the house clean
- Easy to clean and move around
- Attractive design
- Grows with your cat
- Great price for the design
I’m obsessed with the sleek design of this great alternative to the standard “boxy” box. My Maine Coon instantly took to this box in a way that I haven’t seen with any of the other options we’ve tried in the past.
Why do I love this litter box enough to call it the best litter box for kittens? It’s the high back that does it for me. This design has a tall back “wall” that keeps litter and rogue sprays from hitting the floor or wall in your home.
However, the low front entryway ensures that cats can easily jump in and out.
While the low entry is ideal for kittens, this box can “age” with your cat because the low front is also ideal for older cats with mobility issues. The box is also large enough for cats and kittens of all sizes.
The nonporous plastic construction of this box makes it so easy to clean. On the “human” end, rubberized side grips create sturdy handling for moving the box around.
This litter box’s dimensions are 25 x 16.75 x 9 (inches).
What We Liked:
- Low front entry
- High back wall kept the house clean
- Easy to clean and move around
- Attractive design
- Grows with your cat
- Great price for the design
What We Didn’t Like:
- The low front allows for some litter scattering
- Toys and cleaning supplies can get lost under the box’s front portion
Runner Up Litter Box for Kittens
- Made in the USA with quality materials
- Keeps a low profile in your home
- Low entry point is perfect for kittens
- Decent price
This box wins if you’re looking for a simplistic option that doesn’t force you to resort to the “plain rectangle” boxes sold at most pet retail stores. With a 3-inch entry height, your kitten can easily step in without jumping.
In fact, this box is so easy to use that some of my “rabbit” friends use it to train their bunnies.
As a pan-style litter box, this model doesn’t provide a high back wall that protects your home from scattering and sprays. However, the lower entry combined with a standard overall height will probably be fine if you don’t have a messy cat.
While I like the “sand” color, this box actually comes in playful green and lavender. I tried out the pan with dimensions of 20 x 15 x 5 (inches). You can also select options that go from as small as 14 x 15 to as big as 20 x 20.
As a result, this is another case where this litter box can grow with your kitten.
Something I’ve learned as a cat owner is that some cats are shy about their litter boxes. They much prefer boxes that give them privacy and coverage over something like this high-exposure pan-style litter box. This makes this one of those love-hate boxes based on your cat’s personality.
What We Liked:
- Made in the USA with quality materials
- Keeps a low profile in your home
- Colors are fun
- Low entry point is perfect for kittens
- Decent price
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low sides make it easy for your cat to kick out sand
- Shy cats won’t like the exposure of this box
Premium Pick Litter Tray for Kittens
- Nonstick antimicrobial coating ups the hygiene factor
- Easy to clean
- High sides keep things neat and tidy
- Very durable, Resistant to bending, cracking, and scratching
This box is a great pick if you want a slight upgrade. While it doesn’t look fancy at first glance, PetFusion’s BetterBox is fancy because it has a nonstick antimicrobial top coating that makes cleaning a breeze! My experience with this type of box is that it helps with hygiene and odor.
I also like that this box is made of durable, nonporous ABS plastic that isn’t subject to the bending and warping that I’ve experienced with so many of the boxes that I’ve tried.
While this is very much an open-top box, I do like that the slightly higher sides provide the privacy that my cat tends to prefer.
Next, I’ll sprinkle in the good with the bad. The high sides on this box are excellent for keeping messes contained. While you do get that nice dip at the front lip, my issue is that a cat still needs to do some kind of leap or climbing motion to access the inside of the box.
While most kittens are going to do just fine with getting inside, clumsier kittens could definitely struggle.
While I don’t usually mention weight when reviewing litter boxes, I feel the need to state that this box weighs 6 pounds. Weight is usually unimportant because the other boxes on my list are between 1 pound and 2 pounds. Just keep the heavier weight in mind with this one because moving it to clean around the box area while it’s full of litter could be a task for some people!
The dimensions on this box are 22.6 x 18.1 x 8 (inches).
What We Liked:
- Nonstick antimicrobial coating brings the hygiene factor to the next level
- Easy to clean
- High sides keep things neat and tidy
- Very durable
- Resistant to bending, cracking, and scratching
What We Didn’t Like:
- The front entry is just a tad high
- Box is on the heavier side
- A little pricey for what it is
Best Kitten Litter Box With Lid
- Made in the USA with durable plastic
- Rounded cover is excellent
- Tray system makes maintaining a fresh box easy
- Has a spot to hang your scooper
This is such an exciting find if you want a closed litter box. I know that my cat has definitely gone through phases where she would go on box “strike” if she felt like everyone was watching her.
I want to explain a little bit about how this litter box works before giving my opinion on its features and performance.
This design places a traditional litter box over a “catch” area that uses disposable pads to keep wetness and odors controlled. It’s intended to be used with dust-free pellets. The entire system is made of plastic.
The part that you’ll be interacting with the most is the slide-out drawer on the underside of the design. This is where pads go. Each pad is intended to provide seven days of freshness.
Your cat will be using a litter box that’s covered by a nice bulbous plastic dome. When it’s time to change the actual litter instead of just swapping out pads, you’ll just open the hinged door to do that.
This box made a few different impressions on me. First, I love the way that it conceals odors. However, I did notice that the odor is pretty concentrated within the dome if you stick your head in there to check things out. It made me wonder how much my cat appreciated stepping into a “stink dome.”
While you are supposed to get seven days out of each pad, I think it’s closer to four to five days if you have a cat that happens to urinate a lot. It could even be closer to three days if you have more than one cat.
While I appreciated how fresh those pads kept everything, I’ll admit that using disposable pads did feel a little wasteful for me because I’m someone who tries to be as green as possible in my lifestyle. It’s not as big of a deal if you’re getting the full seven days from each pad.
The only real problem I had with this box is that the entry point does force a kitten to jump in and out. I noticed that some pellets came with my cat on the outward jump when we tried this box out for a while. Lastly, this box weighs 12 pounds.
Finally, I did see that many reviewers shared my thoughts that this box needs to be fully taken apart to be properly cleaned.
The dimensions on the Purina Tidy Cats Hooded Litter Box System are 16.5 x 20.5 x 16.75 (inches).
What We Liked:
- Made in the USA with durable plastic
- Rounded cover is excellent
- Tray system makes maintaining a fresh box easy
- Has a spot to hang your scooper
What We Didn’t Like:
- Crevices on the dome are a little tough to clean
- Cats need to jump a bit to get in and out
- Requires the use of disposable pads
- You have to commit to pellets
Best Budget Kitten Litter Box
- Made in the USA using high-quality, BPA-free plastic
- High sides keep things tidy
- So affordable
- Smooth texture makes cleaning easy
I’m excited to be able to recommend such an affordable pick for the best kitty litter box. For just a few dollars, this design provides a sturdy box made of BPA-free plastic. The smooth, high-polish finish on this box helps to make it resistant to odor and staining. It also wipes clean so easily!
My favorite part about this framed box is that it has higher sides that greatly reduce litter scattering and urine spray. It gets bonus points for having the perfect configuration for fitting optional litter liners.
My only complaint is that the front lip doesn’t have any kind of dip for the entry. Expect your kitten to have to leap to get in and out.
The dimensions on this litter box are 19 x 15.125 x 7.25 (inches).
What We Liked:
- Made in the USA using high-quality, BPA-free plastic
- High sides keep things tidy
- So affordable
- Smooth texture makes cleaning easy
What We Didn’t Like:
- Lightweight enough to be pushed around by larger cats
- Entry point is on the higher side
Best Litter Box for Messy Kittens
- Higher sides and slightly higher entry keep litter in
- Made of sturdy, easy-to-clean plastic
- Higher sides are still very sturdy and resistant to bending
I feel your pain if you’re looking for the best kitten litter box for messy ones. My Chelle was a champion litter kicker when she was first adjusting to using a litter box after I brought her home.
With this box, you’re giving up on the ease of a low entry point in order to keep litter fully gated.
The entry lip on this box is 5.6 inches to protect against rogue litter pieces. The sides are 10 inches high. While I can’t claim that climbing in and out is going to be easy for your cat, I can say that this box can help to prevent your new kitten from destroying your floors and tracking dirty litter everywhere.
Aside from the higher sides, there’s nothing “special” about this box. I do like that it’s made from BPA-free plastic that seems to clean very easily just soap and water.
What We Liked:
- Higher sides and slightly higher entry keep litter in
- Made of sturdy, easy-to-clean plastic
- Higher sides are still very sturdy and resistant to bending
What We Didn’t Like:
- While necessary for some kittens, the higher sides make entry and exit tougher
- Slightly pricey for what it is
Flexible Litter Box for Kittens
- Collapsible design is perfect for training
- Ideal for any time a cat suffers from mobility issues
- Non-skid bottom is great
- Scooper hooks to any part of the lip
I wish I had known about this box when my cat was a kitten because I think it’s a perfect training box. What makes this box different from any other litter box out there is that it has a collapsable design that allows you to adjust the height.
When your cat is a kitten, you can place it in walk-in mode. As time goes on, you can increase the height to resemble a traditional litter box.
What’s nice about keeping this box around even if you decide to transition to another style is that you can pull it out if your cat ever struggles to get into the box due to pregnancy, an injury, illness, arthritis, or age.
I like the way the rounded corners on this box protect kittens from sharp edges. The design also features easy handles for moving the box around. The bottom has an anti-skid ring that keeps the box in place on the floor.
The dimensions on this training-friendly kitten litter box are 21.5 x 17.5 x 7 (inches).
What We Liked:
- Collapsible design is perfect for training
- Ideal for any time a cat suffers from mobility issues
- Non-skid bottom is great
- Scooper hooks to any part of the lip
What We Didn’t Like:
- Shallow design doesn’t hold as much litter
- Has some tough-to-clean crevices
- No lower entry point at full height
My Guide to Finding the Best Litter Box for Kittens
I remember how clueless I felt when it was time to buy a litter box after bringing my first kitten home.
I had no idea that this decision could have such a big impact on my cat’s health and happiness until I did my research. Let’s not forget that the best kitten litter box also needs to work for the person cleaning it!
I’ll cover everything you need to know before you shop below! I’ll bring you past the first impression with these tips for picking out a good litter box.
Size
The best size litter box for kittens is around 25 x 16.75 x 9 (inches). When you go too small, anything your cat kicks up is likely to end up on the outside of the box. Some cats actually feel panicked in confined boxes. You’ll see that I included the dimensions for all of the boxes I reviewed above.
Low Entry
Don’t choose a box that’s the same height the whole way around. You need a lowered entry to help your cat climb in and out without stress. Your kitten may never acclimate to using a box if she can’t get in without a struggle.
High Sides
While lower entry is great for allowing your kitten to get in and out of a box, that doesn’t mean lower is better throughout the entire box. High sides keep litter and sprays safely contained. When the sides are too low, you’re going to deal with messes that ruin your walls and floors.
In my experience, cats also appreciate the privacy provided by taller sides.
Open Pan Style
While I know this may be controversial, I’m on team “open top” when it comes to litter boxes. As someone who has tested lots of litter boxes, I’ve noticed that the airflow of an open box cuts down on odor and bacteria substantially.
Covered boxes tend to trap odor and bacteria. You also can’t keep an eye on your cat’s litter box habits when the box is concealed.
Material and Quality
Thick plastic is the ideal material for a kitten litter box. This helps you avoid a litter box that can easily crack or bend under the weight of a playful cat. I generally look for BPA-free plastic to create a safe, wholesome environment for my cat without fears of dangerous chemicals leaching into the box.
Ease of Cleaning
In my reviews above, I prioritized boxes that are easy to clean. Nonstick antimicrobial coatings are great for cutting down on odors and bacteria.
My other tip for finding a kitten litter box that’s easy to clean is to avoid designs that have tons of crevices. It’s so easy for litter granules and urine sprays to get caught in those crevices.
Price
This is personal to the cat owner. I did my best to select options under $50 when adding my recommendations above. Overall, you should be able to get a very decent box for around $30.
Aesthetics
Due to the fact that I tuck my litter box away to give my Chelle the privacy she likes, the look of a litter box isn’t a priority to me.
However, I know that a lot of you keep your litter boxes in the kitchen or family room to make life easy for your cat. You may also be putting the litter box in a bathroom that is used by everyone who visits your home.
My top overall pick for the best kitten litter box above also happens to be my pick for the most attractive litter box. I appreciate its sleek, modern design that doesn’t just look like a plain pan.
What Litter Boxes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve collected more than a few cautionary tales in my pursuit of the best cat products. Next, I’ll show some litter boxes that can quickly create nightmare scenarios.
Covered Litter Boxes
“A cat’s natural instinct is to avoid malodorous, over-saturated litter areas,” according to the vets at Newton Square Veterinary Hospital when making an argument against covered litter boxes. The vets point out that enclosed litter boxes create small, enclosed spaces with highly unpleasant odors.
My advice is to avoid covered litter boxes even if you think they will take the “ick” factor out of having a litter box on display at your home.
The truth is that you’re probably going to spend more than double the amount of time cleaning an interior that becomes packed with urine and caked-on litter.
I’ll make exceptions if you have a cat that absolutely hates using the litter box with an audience!
Top Entry Litter Boxes
Your cat isn’t a circus performer. Don’t make her jump through hoops just use the litter box. My overall opinion of these litter boxes is that they are gimmicky.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), not being able to easily access a litter area is one of the top reasons for litter box problems.
Top entry litter boxes force your cat to jump up to the top of an apparatus before climbing down into a tube-like design. Most kittens can’t make the leap without sliding down the side of the contraption.
For older or sick cats, this is a nightmare scenario that’s simply going to cause them to start going on the floor.
The reason why so many cat owners get talked into top entry litter boxes is because they reduce tracking. However, my recommendations above take care of that problem using a combination of higher sides with lower entry points.
Litter Box Types
Since this post is about kitten litter boxes, I’m going to do a little bit of litter box 101 for anyone who has never purchased a litter box before. It will also be helpful if you’ve simply had back luck when it comes to finding a box that works!
Open
This is my preferred style. Most open litter boxes are pan-style boxes. They feature an exposed top that allows your cat to go without feeling stifled. The other perk is that you’re able to easily monitor your cat’s litter box behavior.
Covered
While I’m not a fan of covered litter boxes, I did include one in my roundup above because shy cats will sometimes prefer them. A covered litter box usually has a removable dome that goes over a design that resembles a traditional pan-style litter box.
Covered boxes are intended to contain odors and litter. While they can be great for concealing a litter box, they force your cat to deal with a “porta-potty” effect.
Disposable
Disposable litter boxes are usually made of some type of stiff waterproof paper. They often have low entry points that can make them ideal for training.
However, I don’t recommend them as replacements for actual litter boxes unless you’re traveling due to the fact that they can leak if your cat uses one for too long.
You’ll also waste money by constantly buying disposable boxes instead of just committing to a plastic box.
Automatic or Self-cleaning
These boxes have sensors that sift or rake clumps out of the way after your cat uses the litter box. While they are called self-cleaning boxes, you will need to go in to dispose of the discarded clumps.
These litter boxes can be good for someone who doesn’t have time to scoop daily because they are simply too busy. However, they don’t necessarily get rid of odor.
In my experience, self-cleaning boxes can be too loud for kittens.
Homemade
Yes, you really can make your own kitten litter box. I’ll be honest about the fact that the low cost and ease of pan-style plastic boxes have always stopped me from thinking that this was something I needed to do.
However, I’ve seen some of my fellow cat owners create smart training boxes using just a cardboard box with a pee pad or cement mixing pan.
What Is the Best Litter for Kittens?
I personally like non-clumping natural litters. While clay and crystals are great mainstream options, going natural with litter derived from wheat, wood, corn, or pine can ease your mind about artificial chemicals.
I’ve noticed over the years that fine-grain litters made with soft materials tend to be the most inviting for kittens during training.
All About Litter Box Training for Kittens
Make the process easy for yourself by selecting a kitten-friendly litter box that can easily be used with a natural litter product.
Next, put the box in a calm, quiet area of your home to allow your cat to grow familiar with the box without becoming spooked.
In my experience, taking a kitten to the box as soon as she wakes up in the morning is a great way to establish good box habits. I also brought my kitten to the box right after she finished eating.
When first introducing your cat to a litter box, simply hold her paw in the litter to let her feel how soft it is. Always reward her with treats when she does successfully use the box!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of litter box is best for kittens?
The best kitty litter box is one with high sides and low entry. This is ideal because it allows your kitten to get in and out of the box easily. Avoid covered litter boxes or boxes with top entry that reduce accessibility for your kitten. Open litter boxes are best when training a kitten to use a litter box.
Do kittens need a smaller litter box?
Not necessarily! If you want to get a full-sized box to avoid the need to have to pay for two boxes, it’s perfectly fine to start with an adult box as long as you’re confident that the entry is low enough for a kitten.
“Boxes should be large enough for the cat to easily turn around in without touching the sides of the box, low enough that they can easily get in and out and placed in a quiet but accessible area of the home away from food and water bowls,” according to the Humane Society of the United States.
How tall should a kitten be in a litter box?
You should be fine as long as the walls are around 8 inches or 10 inches high. High sides are actually preferred with kittens because they prevent litter from escaping from the box. Of course, you need to make sure that your kitten can easily climb in and out of the box without the need to make a big leap.
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
