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When it comes to Maine Coons, there are no bigger domesticated cats.
You may be thinking about getting a Maine Coon and are wondering if there are any special considerations for getting such a large breed.
Litter boxes are definitely something you need to consider properly if opting for a larger cat.
If cats’ litter trays are too small, they often have bathroom accidents around your home, leading to frustration and the constating picking up of poop off your floor which is far from ideal!
Therefore, if you have a Maine Coon, you’ll need to purchase an extra large litter box. This will help with their aim and reduce the accidents your feline has.
I have a Maine Coon myself, and so have trialed a few different litter trays, and to be honest, finding the perfect one can be a challenge. But, after a long search to find a litter tray that my 18lb Maine Coon could comfortably do her business in, I found some amazing products.
In this article, I’ll reveal my favorite litter box for Maine Coon cats, as well as the other top contenders so that you can too find the ideal litter box for your big fluffy friend.
My Top Pick
PetFusion Large Litter Box
From all my trial and error, I found that the best litter box for my Maine Coon was the PetFusion Large Litter Box. This litter tray is outstanding value for money, has high sided walls to help contain mess, and is jumbo in size, offering my cat plenty of room to do her business. It also has a low entry point, so it is great for senior cats who struggle to climb in and out of their litter trays.
In case this isn’t the litter box for you and your kitty, I have also reviewed the other top extra-large litter boxes to suit all budgets and requirements. Keep reading for all the best litter boxes for Maine Coons on the market today.
Best Large Litter Boxes for Maine Coon Cats
Before I get into the nitty-gritty, I want to let you know how I came up with this list of recommended products.
Size is obviously a hugely important consideration when finding the perfect litter box for your Maine Coon, but there are several other factors that I also considered. The litter box that was the best all-around product made it top – simple!
Here are the different features I took into consideration:
- Large Size: An obvious one but undoubtedly the most important. Maine Coons need space, so finding a large litter tray was essential.
- Minimal Mess: Buying a large litter tray that is suitable for the correct breed is essential for encouraging them to go to the bathroom in their tray and not on your floor, but a litter box that doesn’t contain mess still has me cleaning up after my cat. I wanted a litter tray that helped contain litter to reduce the mess made.
- Reduce Odors: Litter boxes are notoriously smelly and there is no avoiding that, but I wanted a litter box that helped to reduce or contain odors so my house was free from smells.
- Ease of Cleaning: No one enjoys cleaning out their cat’s litter box, so on my search, finding a litter tray that was easy to clean was a top priority.
- Stylish Design: Litter boxes are never going to be a sought-after home accessory, but finding a product that looked as aesthetically pleasing as possible was important to me.
With all of these factors considered, here are the best litter boxes for Maine Coon cats.
1. PetFusion Large Litter Box (Best All-Rounder)
The best large litter box for Main Coon cats is, in my opinion, the PetFusion Large Litter Box.
Firstly, this is an extra wide litter box measuring 22.6” by 18.1” which is plenty of room for large cat breeds. Since purchasing this tray, my kitty always goes to the bathroom inside the pan and her behavior has improved dramatically, so obviously I am going to love this product!
The litter tray also has high sides which help to reduce the mess made from litter scattering or spraying. However, the tray does have a low entry point, so if your Maine Coon loves to dig up their litter, this box may not be ideal. That being said, the low entry point is perfect for older cats as they can comfortably climb inside without unnecessary pain and pressure on their joints.
When it comes to cleaning, this tray is the best by far. The surface is non-stick and helps reduce the amount of litter stuck to the bottom of the pan by 70%. I used to always have the problem of soaked litter getting stuck to the base and becoming a nuisance to clean. With this litter tray, this problem is totally avoided! There are also no sharp corners which again makes cleaning hassle-free.
Additionally, I always usually opt for hooded litter trays as they help to contain odors, but because of the non-stick and antimicrobial surface, despite this being an open tray, smells are kept to a minimum.
Pros
- Large in size so perfect for Maine Coon cats
- High sided tray which minimizes mess from litter scattering
- Low entry point so suitable for older Maine Coon cats
- Non-stick coating to prevent odors from escaping and make cleaning easier
- Curved sides so easy to clean
Cons
- Low entry point lets litter out so not ideal for diggers
2. Petmate Booda Dome Cat Litter Box (Odor Reducing)
Next on the list, we have the Petmate Booda Dome Cat Litter Box.
This litter box is 50% larger than most standard litter boxes, measuring 21″ by 21″, ideal for Maine Coons. I tried this litter box for a few weeks and my cat loved it, but unfortunately so did my pug! The tray is so large that small dogs and other animals can get inside, so I wouldn’t recommend it for multi-pet households.
They being said if it wasn’t for that, this litter tray is perfect. Firstly, the dome shape means there is absolutely zero chance of litter being kicked outside of the tray, so diggers and sprayers can have all their fun without making a mess in your home.
There is also a ramp entrance for the tray. This is great for two reasons – older or arthritic cats can easily access their litter tray without pain, and the ramp acts to reduce litter tracking, making your home even cleaner. I also found the dome shape contained odors inside, thereby reducing the smells spreading around my home. This is further helped by the in-built charcoal filter which acts to neutralize odors.
Lastly, this product comes in three different colors so you can easily find a style that suits your home. I liked the charcoal grey, but it’s down to your personal preference. Also, I preferred the dome design over open litter boxes as you cannot actually see the litter, so it looks more pleasing to the eye.
Pros
- Dome shape and charcoal filter minimize smells
- Shape reduces mess from overflowing litter and spraying
- Ramp helps minimize litter tracking
- 50% bigger than most cat litter trays
- Large enough for Maine Coon cats
- Ramp entrance make it ideal for senior or arthritic cats
Cons
- Not suitable for multi-pet households as small dogs can get inside
3. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan (Huge Hooded Litter Tray)
If you are struggling to find a hooded litter tray with a large enough entrance for Maine Coon cats, this box is your savior.
My cat personally doesn’t get on with hooded designs, but my sister as this litter tray for her cats and I can assure you, it’s huge! It measures 22.4″ by 18.8″ and the entrance door is also large enough for big cat breeds to comfortably fit through.
Hooded litter boxes are also great as they help to contain the mess from litter scattering and spraying while helping to contain odors inside. This hooded litter box also has a carbon filter which acts to neutralize bad smells and leaves your house smelling clean and fresh.
When it comes to cleaning, you can easily scoop up your cat’s poop by lifting the door which makes your life so much easier. If you want to clear out the entire tray and add new litter, the top half of the box simply clips off, so it is easy to take apart and clean. Plus, the door also helps to minimize litter tracking, reducing the mess made around your home.
Pros
- Large tray and entrance
- Hooded design helps to contain mess and odors
- Entrance door minimizes litter tracking
- Carbon filter neutralizes bad odors
- Can pick up poop without unclipping the entire lid
- Easy to take apart to clean
Cons
- Some cats do not like using litter boxes with doors
4. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box (Best Value for Money)
Looking for an extra large litter box for big cats that is great value for money? Try Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box.
This is a basic litter tray, but it is big enough for Maine Coon cats and does its job perfectly without the flashy extras. The dimensions of the litter pan are 23.4″ by 18.25″ which is large enough for big cat breeds like Maine Coons. The sides are also 11″ high so help to contain any litter that is usually scattered around the tray.
If you have a senior Maine Coon, this litter tray also has a low entrance point so they can easily climb in and out. However, this does mean cats can kick litter outside of the low entry point. The toilet habits of your kitty will determine whether this will be a problem or not.
This large litter tray also is easy to scoop and clean due to its simplistic design, and there is a non-stick surface for easy cleaning. Unfortunately, the open design does mean odors are free to spread around your home, and there is no filter or system in place to keep smells to a minimum.
However, this is still a great value, extra large litter tray that will be far big enough for your Maine Coon.
Pros
- High sides to reduce litter scattering
- Great value for money
- Very large perfect for Maine Coons
- Non-stick surface for easy cleaning
- Low entrance which is great for less mobile cats
Cons
- Nothing to help reduce odors
- Litter can be kicked out of the low entrance
5. Sfozstra Cat Litter Box (Great Top-Entry Design)
Next on my list is the Sfozstra Cat Litter Box, a top-entry litter box that is big enough for large breeds.
I love this litter tray as finding a top entry litter box for large cats is usually a challenge, but the Sfozstra Cat Litter Box is ideal. Both the box itself and the entrance hole are huge, making for easy access to your cat’s bathroom.
Top entry litter boxes are ideal as their enclosed design helps keep all mess and smells contained. This litter box does exactly that, minimizing the mess made in your home and making your life simpler. The lid of this extra large litter box also has grooves and small holes to reduce litter tracking.
I also love the style of this litter box. It provides cats with privacy while they do their business while hiding the litter from view. You can purchase the litter box in a variety of colors to find one that perfectly suits the interior of your home.
The curved corners and removable lid also make it easy to clean this litter tray. However, the litter scoop is flimsy so you are better off purchasing a sturdier and more durable one separately.
Pros
- Reduces litter scattering and keeps smells contained
- Lid helps prevent litter tracking
- Large enough litter box and entrance for Maine Coon
- Lid can be removed for easy cleaning
- Stylish design and neutral colors
Cons
- Flimsy scoop so need to buy a separate one
6. PetSafe Scoop-Free Ultra Automatic Self Cleaning Litter Box (Self-Cleaning)
If you can afford to splash out on a litter tray, try the PetSafe Scoop-Free Ultra Automatic Self Cleaning Litter Box. This is the best self-cleaning Maine Coon litter box as often these are too small for larger breeds, yet this one is big enough measuring 28.5″ by 20″.
The perks of a self-cleaning litter box speak for themselves: no more scooping up poop! The litter tray has sensors that detect when your kitty uses the tray, and then cleans up the mess 5, 10, or 20 minutes afterward. This saves you time and frees you of your least favorite chore. You can also leave the litter tray for weeks without having to empty it, and when you do need to change the litter you can simply replace the entire disposable tray with a new one.
This litter tray does come with PetSafe Crystal Litter which has 5x better odor control than usual clumping types. The self-cleaning also helps to minimize smells as all excrement is cleaned up within 20 minutes. It is also 99% dust-free which helps to reduce the litter tracking around your home.
Other than the cost, the only downside of this litter tray is that it needs to be plugged into a power source to work, which limits the places you can put the tray in your home.
Pros
- Self-cleaning so no more scooping poop
- Crystal litter is 5x better at eliminating odors
- 99% dust-free so no litter tracking
- Can be left for 30 days until the litter needs replacing
Cons
- Must be connected to a power supply to function
- Expensive compared to other products
7. Frisco Top Entry Cat Litter Box (Great at Containing Mess)
This litter tray is 23″ wide and so it is ideal for Maine Coons who want some privacy when doing their business.
Due to the enclosed design, smells are mess are kept contained, and small dogs and other animals cannot sneak inside the tray. The shape of the litter box also makes it easy to clean as there are no hard-to-reach places where dirty litter can build-up and start to smell.
The lid of this litter tray also helps to reduce dust from the litter being trodden around your home as it has a grooved surface. Unfortunately, there are no holes in the lid for the litter to then fall back down into the tray, which is a design flaw as you have to then sweep the lid clean every time you wish to open the box. However, as far as preventing litter tracking goes it does a good job.
The only other complaint I have with this product is that it does not come with a litter scoop. Whereas you can pick up a new litter scoop for cheap, if you don’t realize there is not one included, it can be frustrating. That being said, if you want a top entry litter box for large cats, this one is perfect due to its roomy design and spacious entrance.
Pros
- Successfully prevents spills and reduces odors
- Grooved lid to help minimize litter tracking
- Convenient handles so can easily be moved around
- Spacious enough for Maine Coon cats
Cons
- Does not come with a litter scoop
- Need to sweep excess litter off the top before cleaning
8. iPrimio Ultimate Stainless Steel Cat XL Litter Box (Best Metal Litter Box)
The best stainless steel litter box is the iPrimio Ultimate Stainless Steel Cat XL Litter Box. Being extra-large in size and measuring 15.5” by 23.5”, this litter tray is the perfect size for Maine Coons.
Its best feature though is that it is made from stainless steel. This is a superior litter box material as it is much more durable than plastic and won’t become scratched over time. It also won’t absorb any odors or stains, is 100% rust-free, and has a non-stick coating on its surface for super easy cleaning.
This large litter box also has high sides. The litter pan itself is 6” tall and it comes with a detachable 6” enclosure to add further height, helping to contain all mess from kicking litter or spraying. This drastically reduces the amount of time you’ll be spending cleaning up after your cat!
The only downside is that the 6” high entry point can make it challenging for senior Maine Coons to enter, so you’re better off selecting a box with easier access if your feline has any joint or motility issues.
Pros
- Made from stainless steel, making it durable
- Does not absorb odors and 100% rust-free
- Non-stick coating for easy cleaning
- High sided enclosed to contain mess
Cons
- Not suitable for senior cats
- More expensive than other products
9. KittyGoHere Litter Box (Best for Senior Cats)
If you do have a senior cat, try using the KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box.
This litter box is specifically designed for felines that have joint problems or arthritis and will struggle to climb in and out of a standard litter tray. Therefore, the entrance point is only 3” tall, perfect for your elderly cat to use with comfort.
This is an extra large litter box too, measuring 20” by 24”. This is again ideal for senior cats who could experience pain when pressing against the sides of a smaller litter box, but its huge size also makes it a perfect litter box for big cats.
While the low entry point and sides are great, the litter box does not do well at containing mess, allowing for occasional litter and urination outside the litter box. So, if you have a messy cat, opt for a covered litter box or one with high sides instead to keep the time you spend cleaning to a minimum.
I also love that you have four different colors to choose from, so you can select the one you like best. Also, thanks to the super simple design, this litter box is relatively easy to clean. However, there is a textured surface on the inside that can hold onto a little more dirt than is wanted.
Pros
- Low entrance point
- Measures 20” by 24” to give large breeds lots of space
- Simple design available in four colors
Cons
- Low sides means mess is not contained well
- Textured plastic can make it slightly more difficult to clean
10. Whisker World Designer Plastic Large Cat Litter Box (Very Stylish)
If you’re looking for a stylish litter box, Whisker World’s Designer Plastic Large Cat Litter Box may be what you’re searching for.
Although not as large as the other litter boxes I have recommended on this list and measuring 21” by 16”, it will still comfortably fit most Maine Coons. I also love that this product has walls that are 8” high which will help to keep mess contained.
This litter box also has a top entrance, meaning most cats will use the litter box with ease. For example, some cats won’t use top-entry or hooded designs. This open top also helps to keep the litter box ventilated which can help to prevent odors from building up inside.
What is amazing and really unique about this litter box though is that it is totally transparent. This is hugely beneficial when it comes to spotting waste, as you can spot it easily. This, in turn, means you can clean it up quickly, further helping your house to keep its fresh smell. Plus, it makes for a really stylish design.
Pros
- Extremely stylish and unique design
- Top entrance, providing easy access for most cats
- Large enough for Maine Coon cats
- High back and sides to help contain mess
- Clear design to help spot all urine and feces
Cons
- Not as large as the other litter boxes on this list
11. Petphabet Covered Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box (Best Hooded Design for Timid Cats)
Last but not least, we have the Petphabet Covered Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box, which is extra large and measures 25” at its widest point.
I love hooded cat litter boxes as they help to contain mess from litter scattering and spraying, while also helping to stop odors from spreading around your home. However, they do somewhat block your cat off from the outside world when they go to the bathroom. If you have a shy and anxious cat, you may struggle to train them to use a hooded litter box.
If this sounds like you, this hooded large litter box may be your savior! The top half of the litter box is clear, meaning that your shy feline can feel safer when using their tray as they have a clear view of what’s going on around them. Additionally, there is also no door on this litter box, which can further help shy cats gain confidence when using their new box.
Because of this, you can get all the benefits of an enclosed cat litter tray, without your feline feeling anxious or refusing to use the litter box.
Cleaning is also a breeze with this litter tray. The entrance is wide, which is an important consideration if you have a Maine Coon. However, it also makes daily scooping straightforward. The clear lid also helps with spotting waste, so you can be sure to clean up immediately after your cat. Plus, the litter tray has no corners, meaning there are no hard to reach places when cleaning.
The only downside of this litter box is that some owners have reported leaks between the top and bottom halves of the tray. However, this is only an issue if you have a high spraying cat.
Pros
- Extra large dimensions and wide entrance point
- Hooded design to help contain mess and odors
- Clear cover to help reassure timid cats
- Available in a variety of different colors
- Curved design for easy cleaning
Cons
- Leaks can escape from where the top and bottom joints
Choosing a Litter Box for Maine Coon Cat
Despite these being my favorite Maine Coon litter box products, I understand that they may not be for everyone and that some people like to review products themselves. To help you do this, I have written a buying guide to help you know what factors to consider before making a purchase.
Here are the most important considerations that you need to make.
Cost of the Litter Box
The first thing you need to figure out is what your budget is. There is a huge variety in the cost of large litter boxes, ranging from just over 10 bucks to upwards of $150. Before you start looking at reviews and comparing products, you should narrow down your search based on price.
You can pick up a big litter box for a bargain, so don’t feel required to spend a lot. However, if you can afford a high-end self-cleaning litter tray then, by all means, give you and your cat the best! In this article, I have recommended litter trays of all budgets so that whether you are looking for a value product or are wanting to spend more, there is something to suit everyone.
Size of the Litter Box
Obviously, with Maine Coons being the largest domestic cat breed there is, size is a top priority. Ideally, litter boxes should be at least 1.5x the length of your cat, but as this breed is so large usually opting for the biggest litter box you can get is best.
For Maine Coons, you are looking for a litter box that is at least 20” by 18”, but as I said, when it comes to their litter trays big is best! If you are buying an enclosed litter tray then ensure that the entrance is also large enough so that your kitty can easily get in and out.
Minimal Mess
Half the reason you want to find the perfect litter box for your Maine Coon is so that they actually go to the toilet in their litter tray and not on your floor, right? In that case, how much mess your kitty can make around the litter tray should also be kept to a minimum. Otherwise, you’ll still be cleaning up after your cat whether they poop in the tray or elsewhere.
To help reduce mess, I suggest you always opt for a high sided litter tray. This helps contain the litter that can easily be kicked on the floor and protects against spraying. You can also opt for a domed, hooded, or top-entry litter box which better contains mess.
Some litter trays have ramps, doors, or lids to help remove the dust particles from the litter from their paws to reduce litter tracking around your home. However, if you decide to purchase a more basic litter tray, consider also buying a mat.
Reduce Odors
Litter trays do smell, so I also recommend buying a litter tray that acts to reduce odors. One way to do this is by purchasing an enclosed litter box, such as a hooded or top entry design. This traps odors inside the litter tray and prevents them from spreading around your home.
However, some cats do not get along with closed litter trays and prefer open-topped ones. If this is the case, try to get filters to neutralize bad smells or opt for non-stick trays for easy cleaning. The cleaner your litter tray, the less it will smell.
Other Factors
Alongside these things to consider, it is also important you look into other more personal factors.
Is your Maine Coon only a kitten? Are they a senior cat? Do they have any health conditions such as arthritis? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you’ll need to think about how easy it will be for your cat to get in and out of their litter tray and buy an appropriate litter tray for their needs.
If you have more than one cat, you’ll also need to look at purchasing multiple litter boxes. Whereas some cats can happily share large litter trays, as Maine Coons are so big they will need a tray to themselves.
Litter & Litter Box Placement for Maine Coon Cats
While choosing the correct litter tray for your cat is essential, there are other things you should consider as an owner.
Type of Litter Used
The type of litter you use is the next big decision you need to make. There are several different types of litter:
- Clumping Litter: This litter is commonly used and clumps together when wet, making it easier to scoop up urine and increasing the time you can leave your litter tray before changing the litter entirely. However, it is also very dusty and can cause a lot of litter tracking around your home.
- Non-Clumping Litter: More affordable but does not clump together when wet, meaning you will have to change the tray more often
- Recycled Paper Litter: You can get recycled paper litter in a pelleted or granulated form. Both are biodegradable and have no dust which is great for reducing waste and minimizing litter tracking. The granulated variety clumps for easy scooping, whereas the pellets do not.
- Pine Litter: Smells of pine to help control odors but does not clump together well so can be more difficult to clean.
- Silicone Crystal Litter: This litter is highly absorbent and is 99% dust-free so effectively reduces odors while minimizing litter tracking around your home. It is the most expensive type of litter, but it generally lasts longer than other litter types.
Placement of Litter Box
The type of litter you use is the next big decision you need to make. There are several different types of litter:
As well as the litter box and its contents being important, where you place your litter box in the home is also key to your Maine Coon using their tray as they should. Even if you purchase the biggest litter box possible, if your cat does not have easy access to it then they will continue to have bathroom accidents.
You want to place your litter box in a central location so that wherever your cat is in the home it is never far for them to reach. This is especially true for elderly Maine Coons.
You could also help your cat by purchasing more than one litter box.
FAQs
Q: What is the best litter box for Maine Coon cats?
A: In my opinion, the best litter box for Maine Coon cats is the PetFusion Large Litter Box. I love this litter tray as it is huge, super easy to clean, and the high sides reduce the mess in my home.
Q: Will Maine Coon cats use litter boxes?
A: Maine Coon cats will use litter boxes as long as they are large enough for them to have enough space to comfortably go to the bathroom. You’ll also need to consider the age of your cat. If you have a senior cat you’ll need a tray that is easy to access, or kittens won’t be able to jump into top-entry trays. Size, however, is the most important consideration.
Q: Do Maine Coon cats prefer open or closed litter boxes?
A: The type of litter box your Maine Coon prefers is down to personal preference. Many will happily use closed litter boxes as long as the tray, opening, and enclosed space is spacious enough for them.
Q: My Main Coon cat won’t use their litter box – is it too small?
A: If your Maine Coon isn’t using their litter box, chances are they have outgrown it and they need a larger one. Try purchasing an extra-wide litter box and see if your cat has fewer bathroom accidents.
Q: How big should my cat’s litter box be?
A: Ideally, your cat’s litter box should be at least 1.5x the length of your cat. Maine Coons are the largest domesticated cats, so with this breed, it is advised that you buy the biggest litter tray possible.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
If you have a Maine Coon, or are thinking of getting one, you must purchase the right size litter tray so that your kitty has plenty of space to use their tray.
This will benefit you both; your cat will be able to go to the bathroom comfortably thus have fewer accidents, and you will have to spend less time cleaning up after your kitty. This makes for a happier you and a happier cat!
The extra large litter boxes for Maine Coon cats that I have mentioned in this article are my personal favorites, but feel free to shop around.
Just be sure the tray you choose is big enough for your Maine Coon and give your cat the comfort they deserve.
Marian Lamin says
My Maine Coon is over 20 lbs and tips over the side of his large plastic litter box.creating a mess. I need a heavy weight box. Haven’t tried covered box. Any suggestions on a low cost pan.
Thanks
Ann Montgomery says
I had to buy the large pan for cement mixing contacts. Very affordable at home depot. Curved edges an tall enough. Comes in various sizes.
Chris says
We have two Maine Coon cats. After buying several larger sized litter boxes, we read a tip to use the cement mixing trays at Home Depot/Lowes/Big Box stores. These are cheap and hold a full 18 lbs of litter. Our cats love them (we have 3 of them). Big Cats, Big Litter Boxes – but not big price!