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The Petmate Giant Litter Box is the best extra large litter box for me and my Maine Coon’s needs. My cat is comfortable when she uses it, with room to spread out, and the jumbo size and high sides prevent most litter from scattering out.
- Among the largest litter boxes on the market
- 25.56in L x 18.3in W x 10.02in H
- Hard, durable plastic and base
- Affordable
- Curved rim makes carrying the heavy box easy
Regular size litter boxes resulted in having to sweep excessive litter after every time my 15 pound Maine Coon used it. Now I can scoop, dump the clumps in a bag, and be done with the chore in less than 20 seconds without sweeping.
So I did hours of research, learned all I could, and bought a few models. But the best for us may not be the best for your cat. Maybe they’re old or high peeing.
That’s why we also look at a couple other great models that solve other litter box issues. At the end, a buyer’s guide.
There are the litter boxes we will be reviewing in this post (not all shown):
- Type: Covered
- Plastic Construction
- 22.44" L x 16.93" W x 18.11" H
PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- Type: Automatic
- Plastic Construction
- 27.6" L x 19.1" W x 6" H
Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box
- Type: Hidden
- Polypropylene Construction
- 9" Diameter x 20"H (64" circumference)
- Type: Top Entry
- Plastic Construction
- 20.75"L x 16.13"W x 14.63"H (Lrg)
- Type: Low Entry, Open
- Plastic Construction
- 23" L x 18.5" W x 11" H
- Best Overall Extra Large Litter Box
- Runner Up Extra Large Litter Box
- Best Extra Large Litter Box with High Sides
- Best Extra Large Litter Box with Lid
- Best Self Cleaning Extra Large Litter Box
- Looking for Extra Large Litter Box Enclosure?
- About Extra Large Litter Box Liners
- The Best Extra Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box
- Another Great High Sided Litter Box for Senior Cats
- Check Out This Budget Giant Litter Box
- What to Look for in the Best Extra Large Litter Box
- How About a Litter Box for Maine Coon Cat?
- How About a Large Cat Litter Box with a Lid?
- FAQ
Best Overall Extra Large Litter Box
- Perfect size for Maine Coons
- 25.56in L x 18.3in W x 10.02in H
- Hard, durable plastic
- Affordable
- Angled design prevents litter spray
- Curved rim makes carrying the heavy box easy
Let me get this out of the way. This is a huge jumbo cat litter box. It’s super wide and super tall, so no cat claustrophobia here. And that’s awesome.
This is the clear winner for the 14-20 pound cat. Why?
Saves Time
As cat owners, if we spend 10 minutes a day doing litter box management, that is 3650 minutes, or 60.8 hours per year. If we spend 61 hours annually doing something, wouldn’t we want it to be time spent wisely and without inducing frustration?
And sometimes we do it in sub-optimal conditions. Like late for work, or washing the dishes – hands filled with suds.
And you hear the scratching. Followed by a silence and more scratching. No worries, just grab the scoop, sift through the litter, and dump the waste in a plastic bag – done.
I can do it so fast because we have the best litter box for my large Maine Coon cat – this Petmate Giant Litter Pan.
I don’t need to clean outside the box, the most time consuming part. I’m extremely tidy, and can’t stand litter on my floors. This box is so long, wide, and the walls so high, that it stops litter from scattering out.
I know not everybody sweeps after each time your cat goes, but for those that do… this giant litter box is perfect.
A Good Extra Large Cat Litter Box for Multiple Cats
I always suggest more than 1 litter box per cat, but if you are in a multiple cat situation and confined to one box, this is the extra large and extra long litter box for them.
It’s so big, your cats can do their business in different zip codes, essentially.
Another concern of the past is are cats stepping in their own waste while maneuvering, rotating, covering it with litter, and that whole dance.
Drawbacks
The only con I can think of is the space needed. But if you’ve got the real estate and want the best open top extra large litter box, get this one.
Rating Breakdown:
- Size: 10/10
- Performance: 10/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Price: 9/10
- Overall Score: 9.25
What We Liked:
- Big size for large cats
- The price
- Classic open pan design
- High back prevents rear litter spray
- Durable
What We Didn’t Like:
- May be too large for some houses
- Requires more litter, heavy
Runner Up Extra Large Litter Box
- Large size
- Good price
- Easy access from lowered front
- High sided on 3 sides
My runner up pick, Frisco Extra Large High Sided Litter Box has slightly footprint than our Overall Winner, but is very similar size-wise with the same great features.
A Jumbo Cat Litter Box Similar to Our Overall Winner
This litter box is similar to the overall winner, but differs in 3 areas.
- First, this giant box is approximately 0.5 inches less in length and 0.3 inches less in width. The height are the same.
- Second, this one is high sided all around, vs high sided in the rear and sloping down toward the front as in the Petmate Giant.
- Third, the plastic used on the Frisco feels a bit thinner
Giant Litter Capacity
This Frisco Extra Large High Sided Cat Litter Box box holds over 30 pounds of litter and it’s great for busy cat owners.
Just fill it up and spend less time on changing litter, and spend more time playing with your cat.
It’s truly high sided all the way around except for the front entrance. This stops litter scatter in any direction. If your cat walks straight into box and just goes, without turning around, then this box is perfect for that too.
Extra Large and Extra Long Litter Box
This litter box is for owners that demand a jumbo, well-constructed, high performing open litter box, and if the Petmate Giant is sold out.
What We Liked:
- Large size
- Good price
- Easy access from lowered front
- High sided on 3 sides
Rating Breakdown:
- Size: 9/10
- Performance: 9/10
- Durability: 7/10
- Price: 9/10
- Overall Score: 8.5
What We Didn’t Like:
- Large footprint and heavy when full
- Litter can scatter from front easily
Best Extra Large Litter Box with High Sides
- Type: Open
- ABS Plastic Construction
- 22.6" L x 18.1" W x 8" H
The next best open extra large litter box is this upgraded item. Sometimes, you got to spend a bit more money for a quality product that was designed and produced with details in mind.
This PetFusion Betterbox is that litter box. Match the cost of the litter box to the cost of your large cat!
An Jumbo Litter Box with High Sides
First off, it’s sufficiently large cat sized and features those high sides I love, since my Maine Coon goes at it like a prisoner digging his way out of jail!
The front of the box, designated as an entrance, is much lower so even older big cats or those with mobility issues can enter easily.
Premium Quality
Second… from the moment you remove it from its box, you note the thick plastic construction, and thoughtful curves to facilitate scooping in corners. It’s pretty attractive, for a litter box!
Antimicrobial Non-Stick Coating
Third, it featured a non-stick antimicrobial coating preventing odors and stains. This coating is a game changer.
If you are someone used to spending $10 a few times a year on random boxes from the local pet store. And using it makes you think in frustration, “Why do I even own a cat?” Then this is the box for you.
It makes the chore a lot less arduous. In fact, it almost makes scooping somewhat neat.
Imagine a nice non-stick frying pan and an egg. You move your wrist and the egg slides around effortlessly. This box feels like that, only with clumped litter. The 70% non-stick surface means clumps are super simple to clean up.
We’ve all had those instances where your cat uses a corner or very bottom of the box, so you can’t find it the clumps. And next thing you know, you scoop right into it, breaking it apart.
So frustrating… but a thing of the past with the BetterBox. Just grab the sides of the box and sift a bit, and the clumps become apparent.
And the coated surface means it’s very easy to wipe down with a towel.
The Takeaway
This box does every thing just right and is perfect for large cat owners who live in a smaller apartment or studio, and willing to pay a bit more for a premium litter box experience.
Rating Breakdown:
- Size: 7/10
- Performance: 10/10
- Durability: 10/10
- Price: 6/10
- Overall Score: 8.25
What We Liked:
- ABS plastic construction
- Open box design
- Non-stick properties
- Low front entry
- Curved form factor to fit into smaller spaces
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
- Litter can scatter from the front
Best Extra Large Litter Box with Lid
- Type: Covered
- Plastic Construction
- 22.44" L x 16.93" W x 18.11" H
Covered extra large cat litter boxes stop litter scatter and dust even more than high walls, and are easier to place in a room, so the pan is out of sight.
That being said, one downside is because they’re out of sight, the boxes are not cleaned as often. And some cats simply will not use a covered box, as it may be claustrophobic or trap odors.
With all that being said… the Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan addresses those shortcomings, and provides a sense of privacy for demanding big cats.
Jumbo Cat Litter Box
The size is definitely big enough for Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, Ragdolls, Siberians, and large breeds with ample room to enter, rotate, dig, and exit.
Odor Prevention
On the odor prevention front, it’s got a replaceable carbon filter that traps smells.
Ease of Cleaning
Now what’s in it for you, as clean up crew?
- First – the large hood on the cover can be flipped open to easily access the litter, no need to remove the cover and set it down elsewhere.
- Second – no more juggling the poop bag in one hand, scoop with waste in the other! Because there’s a handy anchor to mount the bag, a great feature for those balancing act times!
Takeaway
The Catit Jumbo Hooded Litter Box is the only covered box I recommend. And this must-buy if you and your cat agree to go this route with a lid.
Rating Breakdown:
- Size: 8/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Price: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7.5
What We Liked:
- Large size
- Design stops odors, dust, and tracking
- Interior carbon filter
- Obscures litter from view
- Versatile entry
What We Didn’t Like:
- Extra part to clean
- Not all cats like the enclosed design
Best Self Cleaning Extra Large Litter Box
- Type: Automatic
- Plastic Construction
- 27.6" L x 19.1" W x 6" H
(December 2022 Update – PetSafe released a generation 2 of this popular system, and discontinued generation 1.
My feelings expressed below are still valid, but I need to note a fundamental change to the tray holding the crystal litter: it’s no longer plastic, but disposable cardboard. The idea is to simply toss and replace the entire tray when litter needs to be changed, rather than emptying, cleaning, and refilling.
A reusable plastic tray can still be purchased separately but the pricepoint is not cheap. Because of this nickel and dime-ing to achieve what was standard before, I feel like the system is not as good a value as prior. Performance-wise, the system still works!)
Anyone who learns of a self cleaning large cat litter box basically wants one right now to try out. An automatic litter cleaning robot… what a time we live in!
There are numerous machines out there on the market, from $500 futuristic monsters to sub-$100 teleportation pods. But…
This PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is the one that best delivers what’s promised, and at the most reasonable price point.
Basically, a sensor is triggered after Fluffy finishes his shift at the office, and a rake mechanism sifts through the litter. It then moves the material to a separate compartment. That’s the technology and it really works!
Magical Crystal Litter
This box is big cat sized with high sides, and you fill it with their “Crystal Litter” – silica gel particles that are quite magical.
Silica gel is a widely used desiccant – or moisture absorbing agent. Silica Crystal litter really drys up urine and waste material by dehydrating the heck out of it!
The next major benefit of the Crystal Litter is that it’s dustless – so no more holding your breath while you scoop… Or trying a new brand of litter from Costco and realizing, contrary to what the label says, that it is quite dusty.
Tidy Disposal
After 20 – 30 days of Crystal Litter use, you simply remove the litter tray, put on an included lid and throw the whole thing away. Replace with new tray.
Drawbacks
Cons of this system include a slightly higher initial cost for the machine, and then ongoing expense for the Crystal Litter trays.
And of course, the biggest factor is whether or not your cat will use it! You can facilitate the change process by gradually introducing more and more Crystal Litter.
The system is pretty quiet and the rake does not do its thing for 20 minutes after use… so it’s very non-disturbing to the cat.
(And you can always trigger a cleaning cycle anytime manually.)
This self cleaning system is the one we recommend because it is simple and effective, relatively affordable, and most unlikely to fail due to crazy technology.
Rating Breakdown:
- Size: 6/10
- Performance: 6/10
- Durability: 6/10
- Price: 2/10
- Overall Score: 5
What We Liked:
- Actually works without a fuss
- Affordable vs other automatic litter boxes
- Dustless crystal litter
What We Didn’t Like:
- Costs associated with replacing litter trays OR
- Extra cost for permanent litter tray
- Not every cat will use it
Looking for an Extra Large Litter Box Enclosure?
Extra large litter box enclosures help a big litter box blend into a space, by hiding it in plain sight. Walk into a living room and you do not imagine the shelves or potted black actually house a litter box!
I recommend the Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box:
- Looks great
- Effective at hiding the litter box
- Good size
- Great addition to living room
Rating Breakdown:
- Size: 9/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Durability: 6/10
- Price: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.5
What We Liked:
- Looks great
- Effective at hiding the litter box
- Good size
- Great addition to living room
What We Didn’t Like:
- Must remove top to scoop and clean
About Extra Large Litter Box Liners
JONNY CAT Heavy Duty Litter Box Liners in the Jumbo size is currently the most popular brand. They are inexpensive, easy to close with a drawstring, and durable.
Some buyers complained that they don’t fit all litter boxes. My advice is to do your own due diligence on the model before purchasing.
The Best Extra Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box
- Type: Top Entry
- Plastic Construction
- 20.75"L x 16.13"W x 14.63"H (Lrg)
I really like the IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box in their large size in this category.
It’s space efficient and is larger than most people expect. And it does a great job at containing odors and litter spray as top entry litter boxes should.
Rating Breakdown:
- Size: 10/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Price: 9/10
- Overall Score: 8.75/10
What We Liked:
- Large size and big top entry
- Oval design, multiple colors
- Grates on lid grab litter on paws
- Hook for scooper on box
- Easy to change litter
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not all cats will like top entry
Another Great High Sided Litter Box for Senior Cats
Is it your senior cat needing an extra large cat litter box? Let’s say they kick litter out the sides, but also have mobility issues that interfere with entry and exit of typical boxes.
- Type: Low Entry, Open
- Plastic Construction
- 23" L x 18.5" W x 11" H
Then the ideal pick would be the Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box, as it prevents litter spray, but also feature a low front so older cats can easily enter and exit.
With those 11″ sides and back walls, this tall litter box is about an inch higher than even our overall winner. And it’s still plenty big all around and offers cats tons of room.
Fun fact, this model is available in a triangular shape too. So you can place it directly in the corner of a room.
Rating Breakdown:
- Appropriate for Senior Cats: 8/10
- Size: 9/10
- Durability: 9/10
- Price: 9/10
- Overall Score: 8.75
What We Liked:
- Large size
- Super low front entry
- Really tall sides and back
What We Didn’t Like:
- May be sold out
Check Out This Budget Giant Litter Box
Maybe you don’t care about an extra jumbo cat litter box and cool non-stick technology. You just want an open air box that simply performs! Then the Van Ness Giant High-Sided Litter Box is for you!
- Good size
- Open box design
- Price
By height and width dimensions (21.25″ L x 17.625″ W x 9″ H) this box is similar to our runner up, the Petmate Giant, but is a couple of inches less in length. In general, this Van Ness Giant Litter Box is a great plus-sized litter box at a lower price point.
Rating Breakdown:
- Size: 8/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Durability: 7/10
- Price: 10/10
- Overall Score: 8.25/10
What We Liked:
- Good size
- Open box design
- Price
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plastic is kind of thin
What to Look for in the Best Extra Large Litter Box
Your large cat, like my Maine Coon, are special cats in numerous ways, requiring large cat trees and tough scratching posts. But their litter box needs are very basic.
Jumbo Size
The box must be large enough to fit your Maine coon, Persian, Wegie, Ragdoll, Siberian, or plain mixed domestic cat. The length of the box should be at least as long as the body your cat (or nose to base of tail)
Anyway, if the litter box is not large enough, they are standing in their own waste.
For a cat with thousands of smell receptors and is highly hygenic, so imagine how horrible that is!
Cats are Individuals
The perfect extra large cat litter box must address any problems or preferences that the specific animal has when doing their business.
For example, if your cat is older with joint or hip problems, a litter box with a low entry is advisable. Or, if they don’t like to feel closed in while doing their business, a covered box simply won’t do.
This is also where you might look at the different types of boxes: open pan, covered or hooded, and self cleaning.
Cats are individual here, so it depends. My girl was was trained with an open box from her breeder, so that’s the type I use.
For Cat Owners
But for you, the best litter boxes have a set of different review criteria. We know you care about ease of cleanup, materials, odor reducing, aesthetics, and so on. That’s why each review above touched on those points.
How About a Litter Box for Maine Coon Cats?
All products described above work as good litter boxes for Maine Coon cats, as the largest domestic cat breed in the world!
I really like the Petmate Giant with Microban, but realize it’s not for every cat or every home situation. My Maine Coon prefers the open box and won’t dare touch automatic boxes, and yours may prefer privacy with a covered model.
How About a Large Cat Litter Box with a Lid?
Also known as a hooded litter box, these extra large cat litter boxes with lids prevent odor and litter from being kicked out of the box during use. See the above Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan.
FAQ
What is the best large cat litter box?
The best litter boxes for large cats are based on its size and cleanliness. Whether you have a Maine Coon breed, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragdoll, or Siberian cat, the PetMate Giant Litter Pan with Microban is a great choice because of its size.
There are also self cleaning litter box systems like the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box. An affordable alternative is the Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box. Then it is up to the owner for daily cleaning and management of the litter box.
Are bigger litter boxes better?
As a general rule, litter boxes should be as long as a cat’s nose to the base of their tail. A litter box has so be big enough so that a cat can step into, turn around and dig, do their business.
Then maybe rotate a few times and find another spot to throw fresh litter onto their clumps. It’s a pretty tight dance, and cats are good at not stepping their own waste. Help them and use a large enough box to do all that. Or else… it’s more clean up and work for you as well.
Do cats prefer open or closed litter boxes?
This is a hot topic currently, with manufacturers or covered boxes saying one thing and makers of open pan boxes saying another. A scientific study with 28 felines in the sample concluded that 70% of cats showed no preference.
It really depends on the individual cat personality. Some cats want privacy and don’t mind odors, while others prefer an open pan with air circulation.
The real question is “do cat owners prefer open or closed litter boxes,” if you ask me. I don’t mind looking at litter because I am meticulous about cleaning up and have a good spot in the house for it. Your situation may differ.
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.
