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Finding the perfect litter box for your cat can be a challenge! And if you don’t manage to get it right, it can have some nasty and smelly surprises that come with it.
For larger cats, finding the perfect litter box is even more of a struggle. They need one they can comfortably sit in to do their business in peace. As a general rule, we are talking about a litter box at least 1.5x the length of your cat, but the bigger, the better.
I have a Maine Coon mix that is as big as domesticated cats can get.
So, I set myself a mission to find the best extra large litter box for big cats. In my opinion, this was the Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome, but in this article, I’ll also walk you through some of my other favorite finds. I will also cover what factors I weighed up in my search and how you can find the perfect litter box for your plus-size furry friend.
Keep in mind that large litter boxes aren’t solely for bigger cat breeds. You might also find this article useful if you have a multi-cat household or an arthritic cat.
Whatever your reason for needing an oversized litter box, here are the best options on the market today!
My Top Pick
Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome
My favorite large cat litter box is the Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome. Not only is this litter box 50% bigger than usual litter pans, making it ideal for larger breeds, but it also has a ramp, so it is great for older cats that need a bigger place to go.
It comes in several colors, helps minimize odors, and easily fits my Maine Coon mix.
Just in case this isn’t the litter box for you, keep reading for all my other top oversized litter boxes for cats. There is bound to be one that you and your pet will love!
Best Extra Large Litter Boxes for Big Cats
When looking for a litter box for my large cat, there were a few factors I took into consideration when trying them out. These were:
- Large Size: An obvious one, but if the litter box wasn’t big, it simply didn’t make the cut. I wanted a spacious litter box so that my cat could do her business in comfort.
- Minimizing Odors: As with all litter boxes, I want one that will reduce as many odors as possible so that my house is left smelling nice.
- Reducing Mess: My cat absolutely loves to kick litter out of her tray when she’s going to the bathroom. Does she do it just to annoy me? Probably! But I wanted a tray that helped keep mess to a minimum.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody enjoys cleaning out a litter tray, so why add any unnecessary hassle? I wanted a tray that was easy to clean so that this chore was as stress-free as possible.
- Aesthetics: Lastly, a litter box that was pleasing on the eye was important to me.
So, without any further ado, here are the top large litter boxes designed especially for bigger breeds, multi-cat households, or fussy felines who will only do their business if they have loads of space.
1. Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome (Best Overall Product)
The litter box that came up top in every category was the Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome. Firstly, this covered litter box is big. Really big! In fact, it is 50% larger than regular litter trays making it perfect for big breeds or multi-cat households.
The only downside is that I would not suggest buying this litter box if you have a small dog – my friend brought his chihuahuas with him when visiting, and they loved climbing in and out of it. Heaps of fun for them, but not ideal for my kitty, who has just had strangers digging up her bathroom, or for me!
Other than size, the dome shape of the litter box also helps keep nasty odors inside, further aided by the built-in charcoal filter, all while providing my large cat with some privacy while she does her thing. The high sides also kept mess to a minimum, and the ramp inside helped reduce the litter tracked around my home.
For large elderly cats, this box is also ideal as the ramp provides an easy way for them to enter the litter tray without having to jump inside. So, if you have a large elderly cat, this is the ideal box.
What’s more, I love how easy this cat litter box is to clean. The circular shape means there are no nooks and crannies that are difficult to get into, and the top half easily unclips in one so I can empty the tray. Plastic wipes clean it easily, and the design comes in three different colors, ideal for any home.
Pros
- 50% bigger than most cat litter trays
- Large enough for the biggest cat breeds
- Ramp entrance makes it ideal for senior or arthritic cats
- Dome shape and charcoal filter minimize smells
- Shape reduces mess from overflowing litter
- Ramp helps minimize litter tracking
Cons
- Large enough that small dogs can get inside
2. Sfozstra Cat Litter Box (Best for Messy Cats)
Next up, we have the Sfozstra Cat Litter Box. Before my Maine Coon mix got too old, this was her litter box for years, so I’d highly recommend this product to anyone whose cat doesn’t need an XXL litter box.
If you’re looking for a top-entry litter box for large cats, this would be my go-to. Finding a top-opening litter box with an entrance hole big enough for large breeds can be a challenge, but this litter tray does it perfectly. The tray itself is also jumbo-size, which gave my cat enough space to comfortably do her business in privacy.
This litter box is entirely enclosed, meaning mess and unpleasant smells are kept to a minimum. There is also a textured lid designed to help wipe your cat’s paws free from litter particles and reduce the mess that gets trodden around your home. Any litter box that keeps my house looking and smelling fresh while requiring minimal effort receives a yes from me.
I also love the design of this litter box and think it looks sleek and stylish. Because the design is entirely contained, you almost wouldn’t realize it was a litter box.
The main downside of this box is the scoop. I thought it was too flimsy and made picking up my cat’s mess more difficult than it needed to be. However, pick up another scoop for a couple of bucks, and you’ve got an incredible, extra large, odorless, mess-reducing litter box. Win-win!
Pros
- Large enough litter box and entrance for big breeds
- Removable lid makes it easy to clean
- Stylish design and neutral colors
- Prevents litter scattering and keeps smells contained
- Lid helps prevent litter tracking
Cons
- Scoop is flimsy, so you’ll have to purchase a separate one
- Not suitable for large senior cats
3. Nature’s Miracle Advanced High Sided Corner Cat Litter Box (Best Budget Buy)
If you are looking to grab a bargain, Nature’s Miracle Advanced High Sided Corner Cat Litter Box is the tray for you!
While researching some more expensive products, I trialed out this large litter box because of its great value for money. While I only used this before choosing another model, if you’re on a budget, this tray does a nice job of providing a large toilet for your feline while keeping mess to a minimum.
Firstly, this is an extra large litter box with high sides. I found the sides to be a lot higher than other “high-sided” products, and the litter scattering from my messy kitty was much better than usual. Litter tracking was still a problem, but you can overcome this by purchasing a litter mat.
This litter box is also 26″ by 23″, meaning it is spacious enough for large breeds or multiple cats. Arthritic cats also need a larger space so that their legs don’t touch the sides of the pan and cause discomfort, and this tray can be used as the entrance is low to the floor for easy access.
If you have a large cat but a small home, this could also be your solution for space-saving. The litter box is corner-shaped, so it can easily slot into the corner of any room without taking up too much space. Whereas people who are short of space may struggle to find room for a large enough litter box, this tray is both big for your cat and convenient for you.
The surface is non-stick, so cleaning is a breeze. Oh, and there is also an antimicrobial coating to prevent the build-up of bacteria! This makes my job easier and gives my cat a cleaner toilet which she prefers.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Huge tray, so great for large cat breeds
- High sides keep mess to a minimum
- Corner design, so ideal for smaller homes
- Low entry point, so suitable for senior felines
- Non-stick surface and antimicrobial coating
Cons
- Does not minimize odors
- Has to go in the corner of a room
4. iPrimio Enclosed Sides Stainless Steel XL Cat Litter Box (Best Stainless Steel Litter Box)
If you are looking for a litter box that will last a lifetime, try this XL Cat Litter Box by iPrimio.
This is the litter box that my best friend uses, and throughout the many years I have known her, she has only ever used this litter tray. Unlike the other litter trays on this list that are made from plastic, this product is made from stainless steel and stands the test of time without rusting.
The stainless steel material is also great for several other reasons. Firstly, it doesn’t hold onto odors or stains, so minimal nasty smells escape from the tray despite it not having a closed top. I also found it easy to clean as you can wipe dirt off with minimal effort.
The high sides of this tray are also ideal for containing the mess from litter scattering or spraying, and the tray is 12″ deep, a lot deeper than other pans. However, whereas the tray is large and is perfectly big enough for most cat breeds (23.5″ by 15.5″), if you need a large litter box for Maine Coon cat breeds, you may wish to opt for a larger product.
I also don’t mind the style of this tray. Yes, it’s basic, but it is also sleek and modern, and being smell-free is a big plus for me.
Pros
- Made from stainless steel so lasts a lifetime
- High 12” sides reduce any mess from litter scattering and spraying
- Material does not absorb odors or stains
- Easy to clean
- Large enough for most big breeds to use comfortably
Cons
- Not as big as other XL models, so not ideal for Maine Coons
5. Whisker World Designer Plastic Extra Large Litter Box (Best for Stylish Owners)
If style is top of the agenda, try Whisker World’s Designer Plastic Extra Large Litter Box.
This litter box is made to look great in your home. In fact, you’ll want to show it off! Not only is the clear design attractive, but I also found it helps when cleaning. You can easily spot where your cat has urinated or pooped and clean it up quickly, helping to keep smells at bay.
This litter box is also great for most large breeds, but despite being called “Extra Large,” this box is closer to a large size. Therefore, if you have a Maine Coon like me, I’d suggest you go with one of my XXL cat litter box recommendations instead.
If you have tried your cat with a top entry or hooded cat litter box with no success, this could be the perfect litter box for you. Some cats simply don’t get along with flaps and small entrances. The design of this box means your cat can easily jump in from the top, making your life easier as there are fewer missed toilet accidents.
The high-sided design also keeps litter in the pan where it belongs and not on your floor!
Pros
- Super cute design for cats with style
- Top entrance, so easy for most cats to access
- Large enough for most breeds
- Clear sides and floor aids in spotting waste
- High sides and back for minimal mess
Cons
- Smaller than other XL litter boxes
6. MEEXPAWS Extra Large Stainless Steel Litter Box for Cats (Best for Spraying Cats)
Is your feline a high-spraying cat? If so, you may like the MEEXPAWS Extra Large Stainless Steel Litter Box for Cats.
For one, this is a stainless steel cat litter tray. Metal litter trays are superior to plastic trays as they are extremely durable and long-lasting. They also won’t absorb any nasty odors over time, nor will they retain any stains or rust. So if you want your cat’s litter box to last a lifetime, stainless steel is the way to go. And this litter box is the largest stainless steel litter box currently available on the market!
Alongside this perk, this XL litter box comes with a splash guard and a litter mat to help contain any mess. This will make your life easier, and thanks to the non-stick coating, this litter box for large cats is also easy to clean.
I think the main downside of this product is that the splash guard only covers two sides of the litter box, leaving two open and vulnerable to spills. However, the litter box is 5.9” tall, which will do its bit to help contain the mess. Plus, the additional parts that come with the litter box are extremely useful.
Pros
- Largest stainless steel cat litter box on the market
- Won’t absorb any odors or smells
- 100% rust-free and designed to last
- Much more durable than plastic litter trays
- Comes with a spray guard and litter mat to help contain any mess
- Non-stick coating for easy cleaning
Cons
- Splash guard only covers two sides of the tray, allowing for some spills
7. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan (Best Hooded Design)
For any owner who is mainly concerned about the smell of their cat’s litter box, try the Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan.
As the name suggests, this is a hooded design. I love enclosed cat litter boxes like this as they contain all messes, while also helping to stop nasty odors. This litter box is also available with a carbon filter to further keep litter odors to a minimum. They work by absorbing and eliminating the smells rather than just trapping and concentrating them.
Unlike the other hooded cat litter box on this list, this large enclosed cat litter box has a door. This could deter some timid cats from using the tray, but most will be comfortable with it. The door also does a great job at taking litter particles off your cat’s paws and helping to reduce litter tracking around your home, meaning less mess for you!
Furthermore, the clever design ensures that the door won’t be in your way when it comes to scooping. You can lift the entire door, making your life much easier! Besides, the tray is very easy to disassemble as you can unclip it into two halves, meaning weekly cleaning is also straightforward.
Pros
- Large litter tray dimensions and wide entry point
- Enclosed to help contain any mess and reduce odors
- Simple to disassemble and clean
- The door helps to limit litter tracking around your home
- Comes with a carbon filter to neutralize odors
Cons
- The door can put off some timid cats
8. GENENIC Large Foldable Cat Litter Box (Best for Travelers)
Do you travel a lot? For anyone that does, transporting a litter box from place to place was a nightmare, that is, until the GENENIC Large Foldable Cat Litter Box came to the market. This litter box can be folded, transported, and assembled easily, which is great for travelers.
This litter box also has a unique one-way design – cats can enter through the front and exit through the top. Although this is a little different, you and your cat might grow to love it. Plus, it is also an XL litter box, ideal for most large cats and big breeds, measuring 20” at its widest. Both the front entrance and top exit are also wide, even allowing fat cats to climb in and out with ease.
The special design also helps to limit the mess made around the litter box and throughout your home. I loved that the box is enclosed, which prevents kicked litter or spraying from ending up on your floor. Plus, the lid of the tray is textured to help remove litter particles from your cat’s paws and prevent litter tracking.
Daily scooping has also never been easier. The entire base of the tray acts as a door, and you can simply pull it out and scoop up any waste, sliding the clean litter back in.
If you travel frequently with your cat, you can also take a look at our “Cat Carriers With Litter Box” reviews.
Pros
- Foldable and portable design
- Special one-way system designed to reduce litter tracking
- XL in size with wide entry and exit points
- Pull-out drawer for easy cleaning
Cons
- The one-way system takes longer for cats to understand
- Overly complicated if you don’t travel often
9. KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box (Best for Senior Cats)
The KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box is a great option for any owner with a large elderly cat.
As well as measuring an impressive 20” long by 24” wide, this XL litter tray is only 3” high at the entry point. This is designed especially with senior cats in mind who may experience pain and discomfort when using a litter tray that is hard to climb in and out of.
However, the shallow design does have some limitations, most notably being poor at containing any mess around the litter tray, such as litter particles or urine from high spraying cats. Nevertheless, if you need a litter tray to give your large elderly cat comfort, this is the one.
You also have four different colors to choose from, which is great! You can select the one you like best, that most suits your home, or is best suited for your kitty. Thanks to the straightforward design, I also found that cleaning is easy. There’s lots of room for you to move around when scooping, and no disassembly is required when cleaning the entire tray.
That being said, the inside of the tray is slightly textured, which means litter and dirt can get stuck here, but this is nothing regular cleaning can’t fix.
Pros
- XL litter tray great for big cats
- A shallow entry point to aid senior cats
- Super simple design makes cleaning easy
- Range of colors to choose from
Cons
- Textured surface can collect dirt if not cleaned regularly
- Low sides mean it won’t contain mess very well
10. Petmate Giant Litter Tray (Best Uncovered Litter Box)
Another option for your large cat is the Petmate Giant Litter Tray. With an open-top design, this is a great choice for any cat that doesn’t like enclosed spaces. However, measuring 10-inches high at its tallest point, this litter tray still does a good job of containing any mess.
I also rate that the front of the litter box is slightly lower than the back. This makes it easier for small kittens or senior cats to comfortably climb in and out. Yet, by not having an extremely low entry point, it is again much better at keeping litter inside the tray than other litter boxes designed for kittens and elderly cats.
I found the downside of this design is that, with no cover or lid, any smells from your litter box will escape into your home. However, this is nothing that regular cleaning can’t solve. Many owners actually find that having the litter and waste on show makes them more inclined to clean the litter box, so this could even be seen as a benefit!
Pet clean-up is also easy when using this tray. The open design means you can easily perform daily scooping with minimal effort. The reinforced and durable plastic also makes lifting and moving the tray easy, further aided by the rimmed sides for better grip.
Most importantly, though, this litter tray is large! It measures 22.5 inches by 18.3 inches, which should provide the majority of big breeds with enough space to do their business in comfort.
Pros
- Large litter tray that’s great for big cats
- Sloped style is great for kittens and senior cats
- Super simple design makes cleaning easy
- High sides to help contain messes
- Easy to remember to clean thanks to the open design
- Great for cats that don’t like enclosed litter boxes
Cons
- No hood or lid, so the litter is visible
- If not cleaned regularly, odors can escape
11. Van Ness Large Cat Litter Pan (Best for Litter Diggers)
For any cat that loves to dig, finding a litter tray that contains this mess is a must. Yet, if your cat is timid and doesn’t get along well with enclosed litter boxes, this can be a challenge. Thankfully, the Van Ness Large Cat Litter Pan is here to help!
This is another open litter box, but it has high sides the entire way around. This makes it perfect for messy cats or felines that spray. The litter box itself is also easy to clean thanks to its high polish finish that simply wipes clean. The plastic used is also odor- and stain-resistant, helping to keep it in good shape even long-term.
The main downside of this litter box is its size. While considered a large cat litter pan and bigger than the average box, it only measures 17.5 inches by 15 inches. Therefore, XL breeds like my Maine Coon are not well-suited.
Besides, while the high entry point is beneficial in containing mess, small kittens or older cats with mobility issues may struggle to access the tray. However, as long as you consider the wants and needs of your specific feline, this litter box could be a perfect and extremely affordable option.
Pros
- High-sided litter box perfect for digging and spraying cats
- Super simple design means cleaning is easy
- High-polish plastic that easily wipes clean
- Made from an odor- and stain-resistant material
- An open design which many cats prefer
Cons
- Not as large as some other litter trays
- High entry point makes it unsuitable for kittens and senior cats
12. Modkat Litter Tray (Best Innovative Design)
If you are looking for a litter box that has it all, try the Modkat Litter Tray. This litter tray has a modern design that targets multiple common litter box problems at once – this includes digging, spraying, refusal to use the tray, and difficulty with the cleanup.
To target the digging and spraying issue that many owners face, Modkat has designed their litter tray to have high 9-inch sides. On top of this, there is also a splash guard with an additional 6-inches of height. The manufacturers have ensured this guard is curl-proof and doesn’t bend when wet, making it perfect for sprayers.
In terms of keeping the litter tray clean, I think Modkat has also gone above and beyond. With every purchase, they include a reusable liner and scoop that you’ll need for easy cleaning. The walk-off platform on the front of the tray also keeps litter tracking to a minimum.
This is not the only benefit of this platform, though, as it also helps your kitty to climb in and out of her tray. The easier your cat finds it to use their litter tray, the more likely they will do so. Besides, cats are also more inclined to use this tray thanks to its open design and large size of 20 by 14 inches.
The only downside is that the open-top means your cat’s waste is displayed for the world to see. Otherwise, this product is fantastic.
Pros
- XL litter tray great for big cats
- High sides and splash guard to contain all mess
- Comes with a reusable liner to aid in cleaning
- Litter scoop also included
- A walk-off platform for easy entry and exit
- The platform helps to prevent litter tracking
- Open design is preferred by many cats
Cons
- High entry point, so not ideal for kittens or seniors
- Open top means the litter box contents are on display
13. PETKIT Semi-Enclosed Cat Litter Box (Best Dog-Proof Litter Box)
The PETKIT Semi-Enclosed Cat Litter Box provides the perfect compromise for you and your cat. Rather than having a hooded or top-entry design, this litter box has a door that covers half of the entrance. It acts as a long, curved entryway for your pet.
By doing this, your cat has privacy and security when they go to the toilet without having to awkwardly access their litter tray through a doorway or hole at the top. It also means their litter is hidden from sight, which I find much more aesthetically pleasing. Plus, large dogs cannot climb inside and make a mess, making it a perfect option for multi-pet households.
The semi-enclosed design also helps to contain all mess while keeping the litter box well-ventilated. Moreover, any litter that gets stuck to your cat’s paws will be removed as they walk over the grate on their exit. This greatly reduces litter tracking and limits the mess made outside the tray.
What’s more, this litter box also has a built-in LED light that automatically turns on when you open the front door for cleaning. It will then switch off automatically after 5 minutes. The light requires batteries that will need replacing, but it makes cleaning and scooping at all hours much easier.
The only downside of this litter box is that despite its large size (22 x 11 x 24 inches), it is only suitable for cats weighing 18lbs or less. Unfortunately, this is because the size of the opening is a little narrow for chunkier cats. However, I think it’s a great option for seniors, as they can easily walk in and out of the tray without putting too much pressure on their joints.
Pros
- Semi-enclosed design for the best of both worlds
- Suitable for seniors with mobility issues
- Enclosed sides contain all mess
- Grated floor prevents litter tracking around your home
- Built-in LED light to aid cleaning
- Open doorway still allows for airflow
Cons
- Not suitable for cats weighing over 18lbs
- Requires batteries for the light
14. Petphabet Covered Jumbo Hooded Litter Box (Best Hooded Litter Box for Timid Cats)
If you’re set on getting a large, hooded litter box but have a timid cat, try the Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box.
This litter box is best suited for timider cats for two reasons. (1) The top half of the tray is made from clear plastic. This means your cat can view the world around them as they do their business, helping them feel safer. And (2) there is no swinging door which can be offputting for some felines.
However, you still get all the benefits of a hooded litter tray, namely the perks of all mess being contained. The open door also provides ventilation and helps to prevent nasty odors from concentrating inside the tray. With fewer nasty smells, your cat will be even further encouraged to go to the toilet in their litter box.
Unfortunately, the design of the Petphabet Covered Jumbo Hooded Litter Box is slightly limited if you have a spraying cat. Some online reviews note that the point where the base and top connect is not leak-proof, so urine can seep out the small gap. With that being said, if it’s just stray litter you’re having an issue with containing, this litter box will do the job nicely.
You’ll also notice that this tray has rounded edges. This may seem like a minor design aspect, but it actually makes for easy cleaning. With no hard-to-reach corners and a wipe-clean finish, you can ensure the tray always stays clean and fresh.
Pros
- XL litter tray great for big cats
- Hooded design keeps any mess inside
- Rounded edges and polished finish for easy cleaning
- Range of different colors to choose from
- Provides privacy without darkness
- No door, so great for timid felines
- Ventilated to prevent odors accumulating inside
Cons
- Seal is not watertight, so urine could possibly escape
15. Litter Genie Cat Litter Box (Best for Small Spaces)
Finally, the last litter box I’d recommend is the Litter Genie Cat Litter Box. While not the largest product on this list, it still measures a respectable 22.3″ by 16″, big enough for XL cat breeds.
If you are taking care of a large cat in a small home, this is likely the best product you could choose! Why? Well, this litter box is made from a unique soft, and flexible material, making it extremely adaptable. This means you can easily fit it into small spaces that are too tight for larger trays.
This innovative design also ensures that cleaning is straightforward. There are two strong handles on the side so that you can easily carry the litter box. Then, simply hold the two handles together and pour the litter down the spout and into the bin.
Also, having a curved base means no litter gets stuck in the corners. The days of chiseling away at hard clumps of dried litter are long gone! Daily scooping is also straightforward, thanks to its open design and easy access.
When your cat is using their litter box, I also love that the high sides of this product help to ensure all mess is contained. There will be no litter scattering and no mess from spraying! However, with no low entry point, it is not advisable to use this litter box with senior cats or kittens under 3 months old.
Pros
- XL litter tray great for big cats
- Innovative, flexible design that adapts to small spaces
- Can easily pour soiled litter into the trash via the scoop
- High sides contain scattered litter and urine
- Integrated handles for easy transport
- Curved base for easy cleaning
Cons
- Not suitable for senior cats or kittens
Considerations for Buying an Extra Large Litter Box for Big Cats
I understand that these litter boxes for big cats may be great contenders for me, but that you may also like to shop around yourself.
When doing so, there are some considerations you need to take note of so that you choose the right large litter box. This way, you’ll end up with a box that both you and your cat love!
Cost of the Litter Box
There is a huge range in the cost of litter boxes. Some simple tray designs can be picked up for under $20, but more fancy models are upwards of $100. Therefore, before researching what litter box you should buy, you need to determine your budget.
There are some great value extra large litter boxes, so don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune. Alternatively, if you can afford the high-end products, it may be a worthwhile investment.
Size of the Tray & Opening
Once you have narrowed down your price range, the most important thing to consider is size. If you have a large cat, you need a large litter box!
All the litter boxes I have recommended are big enough for most breeds, but always check the dimensions of the product before purchasing, especially if you have a Maine Coon like me. These are the largest domesticated cats, and even some XL litter boxes are too small for them. These babies need the biggest litter boxes going so that they can do their business comfortably.
If you are buying a top entry litter box or a hooded litter box, always check the dimensions of the door as well to make sure your feline friend can easily access the litter tray.
High Sides
Another consideration is how much mess your cat will make when using the litter box.
Generally, the higher the sides of the litter tray, the better. This helps reduce the mess made from accidentally kicking litter out and from spraying, saving you time and effort that would usually be spent cleaning up after your cat.
As an alternative to high sides, you could also look at purchasing a top entry litter box or a litter box with a cover. On the other hand, if your cat is generally quite tidy when they do their business, having an enclosed litter box or one with high sides may not be a priority.
Other Considerations
Lastly, you need to think of any other considerations that need to be taken into account.
Are you purchasing an extra-large litter box for multiple cats to use? If so, how big are your cats? Do you have senior cats?
If you have two large breeds, you will need to buy two separate large litter boxes for them to use. If you have smaller breeds, one large litter box may be enough for them to share. However, it is recommended to have one litter box per cat, plus one. For example, if you have three cats, you’ll need four litter boxes. This may not always be feasible with space, but if you have the room to give your cat a litter tray each, then do so.
Moreover, senior cats prefer larger litter boxes, as touching the sides of the pan can cause them pain, especially if they have joint problems. If you need a large litter box for a senior cat, the ease of access into the litter tray is important to consider.
How to Know if Your Cat Needs an XL Litter Box
Big cats need big litter boxes.
If you have a large breed, you’re probably already pretty certain that your cat needs a bit of extra space to go to the bathroom. But what if your cat isn’t a big breed? What is even considered a large breed? And how do you know if their litter tray is too small?
Large Cat Breeds
Most domesticated cats weigh around 10lbs. Therefore, a large cat is one that weighs over 12lbs. However, some of the biggest cat breeds easily weigh upwards of 20lbs. Here are some of the biggest breeds of cats that we can have as pets. If you own any of them, it is guaranteed you will need an extra large cat litter box once they reach their adult size.
- Maine Coon: Typically weighing in at 15-25lbs, Maine Coons are huge felines. My Maine Coon mix is 22lbs, and she is a big girl, so she definitely needs a large litter box.
- British Shorthair: Another monster of a cat is the British Shorthair, who typically weighs up to 22lbs and will benefit from having a large litter tray.
- Ragdolls: Ragdoll cats are on the line between average and large cats when it comes to size. Females can be as light as 10lbs but can weigh up to 20lbs! If your Ragdoll is on the larger size, opt for a bigger litter tray.
Some standard-sized breeds can also be considered large cats if they are overweight or obese. Thankfully, most large litter boxes will also work for fat cats. However, if you think your cat is overweight, you should take them to the vet and ask for advice. There can be many health complications with overweight cats, such as diabetes or arthritis.
Signs Your Cat’s Litter Tray is too Small
Aside from the size and breed of your cat, there are other signs you can look out for that indicate their litter box is too small.
Your Cat Doesn’t Use Their Litter Box
The first and most obvious sign that your cat’s litter box is too small is that they don’t use it. Usually, cats are not making a mess on your floor to be annoying – they simply don’t like the litter box you’ve given them.
This could be for a variety of reasons, such as them preferring an open litter box to a covered one or them experiencing difficulties getting in and out of the box.
However, the litter box being too small is another common cause. Cats are fussy creatures and like having space to dig around and turn around in their litter tray. If their litter box is too small, they’ll just poop on your floor instead.
You Never Upgraded Their Tray
If you haven’t upgraded your cat’s litter box since they were a kitten, it’s probably time to buy a bigger one. Commonly, owners forget that when their cats grow, they need to upgrade their litter box with them.
Look at it this way – as an adult, you wouldn’t want to go to the toilet on the same potty you used as a child. The same goes for your cat. As they grow, they need more space.
There’s Mess on Your Floor
Some cats are a lot messier than others when doing their business. However, one tell-tale sign that your cat needs a larger litter box is if they are pooping on the floor right next to their tray. This indicates that, despite their best efforts, they can’t go in their tray.
Having a tray that is too small is the usual culprit – they might even be sitting in their tray with their backside unknowingly hanging off one end, obliviously going on your floor.
While some cats like to dig more than others, if there is an excessive amount of litter on the floor, they are probably kicking about in a tray that is too small for them. Save yourself this mess and invest in a larger litter tray for your big kitty!
FAQs
Q: Are bigger litter boxes better for cats?
A: Yes, cats will prefer going to the bathroom if they are given plenty of space. This is especially true for big breeds or multi-cat households who will need larger litter trays than most, but any cat who is being fussy with their litter tray may benefit from a larger one.
Q: Can I use a large litter box for multiple cats?
A: Yes, you can use a large litter box for multiple cats. However, if you have space, it’s always advised to have at least one litter box for each cat, plus a spare one. For example, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes in your home.
Q: How big should my cat’s litter box be?
A: The size of your litter box largely depends on the size of your cat. As a general rule, the litter tray should be at least 1.5x the length of your cat.
Q: What is the best extra large litter box for big cats?
A: In my opinion, the best litter box for extra large cats is the Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome. This litter box is big enough for even the largest breeds, suitable for elderly cats, and helps contain smells and mess. My Maine Coon mix loves this box, and so do I!
Q: Can a cat’s litter box be too big?
A: From all the litter boxes on the market today, you will not find one that is too large. Most cats, even smaller breeds, will enjoy having the additional space to dig around and go to the bathroom with plenty of room.
Q: My cat won’t use their litter box – is it too small?
A: Often, cats won’t use their litter boxes because they are too small. However, there are also other things to consider, such as whether your cat is having difficulty climbing in and out of the litter box or whether they have forgotten where the litter box is! You can often tell whether your litter box is too small just from looking – if your cat looks uncomfortable or cramped in there, then it’s time to upsize!
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
If you have a large cat, it is so important that you buy the right products for them and not products designed for other standard breeds that are a lot smaller. By purchasing the right litter tray, you will have to clean up fewer toilet accidents and reduce the mess your cat makes in your home. You will also have a much happier kitty!
For me, the best extra large litter box for big cats is the Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome. However, depending on your requirements, another of my favorites may be more suited to your kitty. Make sure to consider the cost of the cost, size, and height of the product before making your final decision.
I have a pet safe automatic self cleaning box. I love it except I have a Ragdoll, who now at 7 months almost seems to big for it. Is there any litter box that is automatic like that that is bigger?
I have a plain ole DSH. He’s a long lad and weighs around 6kg or 13lbs. Upgrading his litter box to an extra large helped with the issue where all four paws would be in the litter box but his bum would be hanging over the edge. We go through more litter but he really hated going on the floor. And I can’t say that I loved cleaning it up either.
Hi I’m looking for a litter box that is longer then 25’ long not deep
Hi, my cat is very long and I know that’s why she’s pooping on the floor I need help thank you.
Does anyone make non-tippable litter pans. I have a sweet girl who is long and weighs in at 15 pounds. She tends to perch on the regular litter pan, no matter how wide, and invariably dumps the litter in the floor. Help!