The 12 Best Litter Boxes for Senior Cats

If you have a senior cat that, despite being well trained for its whole life, has started doing its business on the floor, chances are you need to change your litter tray.

It can be confusing and frustrating when your cat starts behaving badly. I know when my first cat started peeing on the floor, I had no idea why! When she began pooping there too, I knew something had to change! So, I did a lot of research and discovered my cat was not suddenly misbehaving or acting out on purpose – she was simply old, incontinent, and couldn’t climb into her litter box.

I did some more digging and trialed a few different litter boxes for senior cats. In my opinion, the Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome was the best option out there, but I’ve also found many other products for you to pick from. So, if you’re having problems with your elderly cat’s toilet routine, try one of these litter box solutions for older cats. You’ll be surprised how successful they are in making life easier for you and your pet!

My Top Pick

The Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome

Having tried a few different litter boxes, this is the one that came out on top. The Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome has a grooved step into the litter box so my elderly cat could easily access the tray to go to the bathroom without needing to jump inside. I also loved how the domed shape gave her privacy while preventing nasty odors from spreading around my home. It comes in three different colors and looks pretty fancy for a litter box.

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If your cat doesn’t get along with this product, I have the next top contenders so that you can find the perfect litter box for your senior feline.

Best Litter Boxes for Senior Cats

Before I get into the top products, I want to let you know what factors I considered when finding the best litter box for older cats.

These were:

• Ease of Entry: First and foremost, the litter box needs to be easy for my senior cat to get in and out of. This could be solved by buying a low sided litter box for older cats or one with a ramp – as long as my cat could get into the tray with minimal effort I was happy with the product.
• Minimal Mess: When purchasing a litter box, it is frustrating when litter gets scattered out onto the floor. I wanted a litter box that made minimal mess so that my house was kept as clean and tidy as possible.
• Reduced Odors: When my cats were younger and more agile, I preferred to use a top-entry litter box to contain the smell of litter and urine from spreading into my home. Therefore, when swapping to a litter box for senior cats I wanted to try to keep as must odor from escaping as possible.
• Aesthetic Appearance: I wanted a litter box that looked good in my home.
• Ease of Cleaning: Cleaning a litter box is not an enjoyable job for anyone, so I want a litter tray that is easy to clean.

Alongside these considerations, it is also essential to consider the size of your cat. If you have a larger breed, the litter box you buy needs to be easy for your cat to climb into and big enough for them to comfortably turn around in the tray.

Cats with arthritis can experience additional discomfort from touching the sides of a litter tray that is too small for them. Therefore, I’ve made a note of the size of each litter box so you can determine whether it is big enough for your kitty.

1. Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome (Best All-Rounder)

In my opinion, the best litter box for senior cats is the Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome. This litter box was great for my elderly cat; she took to it straight away, meaning no more bathroom accidents on my kitchen floor!

To access the litter box, there is a shallow ramp that your cat can easily walk up to get into the litter box dome. This ramp also doubles up as a cleaning mat and helps take any litter particles off their paws when they exit, which reduces litter tracking around your home.

The dome shape of the litter box also stops my cat from accidentally kicking out any litter onto the floor while providing her with privacy while she does her business. If you have a multi-pet household, this will also help prevent dogs from digging up the litter. What’s more, it is also effective at trapping odors inside, helped even further by the in-build charcoal filter, so my house was kept smelling fresh.

The shape of this litter box is perfect. Its round edges and plastic material make it super easy to clean, and there are no annoying corners to dig into. It is also large in size at 21” by 21”, so it is great for all cat breeds, both large and small. The only downside is small dogs can get inside!

Lastly, it comes in three different colors and looks pretty fancy for a litter box. This really is a litter box that ticks all the boxes for me. Not only does this box work at keeping my home clean, but my beloved kitty seems miles happier and in less pain! Win-win!

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2. Nature’s Miracle Advanced High Sided Corner Cat Litter Box (Best for Small Homes)

It is a tough one to top, but before purchasing the Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome, I also tried Nature’s Miracle Advanced High Sided Corner Cat Litter Box for a month. It is super affordable, and for that price, definitely worth trying!

This litter box has a low entry point which was great for my senior cat to easily climb in and out of the tray. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one also has high walls, helping to reduce the mess from spraying and overflowing litter. This high-sided, low-entry litter box gives us the best of both worlds!

The litter box is also huge, coming in at 26” by 23”, so it is even suitable for big breeds or multi-cat households. Furthermore, the design is made to fit inside the corner of the room, making it ideal for smaller homes. Although this litter tray looks basic, the black design is sleek and can work well in any home while looking neat and tidy.

In terms of cleaning, this litter box makes this job a breeze. The bottom of the tray is flat which made it easier for me to scoop up excrement, and the low entrance point doubles as a spout for pouring. The non-stick surface and antimicrobial protection also make for hassle-free cleaning.

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3. Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan (Best for Seniors & Kittens)

Another go-to litter box for older cats is the Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan. I haven’t actually used this litter pan, but my friend raves about how good it is for her Persian cat, who has arthritis in his hips. The low entry point makes it ideal for older cats with reduced mobility. It is also great for kittens as they can easily climb into the tray.

Combined with the low entrance are high walls to help to keep litter in the tray and off your floor. This senior litter box is also simple to clean as the plastic wipes clean easily, and the corners are slightly curved inside to stop things from getting stuck.

The only thing I don’t like about this litter box is its aesthetic design. I personally think the tray looks like a potty and believe there are more stylish options out there. However, it does fully function as a litter tray for elderly cats and would definitely be a good option for less mobile kitties.

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4. KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box (Best Basic Design)

This is your typical shallow litter box for senior cats designed especially for older felines who need help getting into the tray.

The entry point for this litter pan is only 3”, which helps to reduce any pain your elderly feline may feel if they have poor health and joint problems – they can easily make this step with minimal discomfort.

However, the sides of the tray are only 5” tall, which somewhat prevents litter from spilling out, but depending on your cat’s bathroom habits, you may still end up with splashes or litter on your floor. I found this a bit annoying, but it does depend on your cat.

What I do love about this low-entry litter box is that it comes in three different colors and two different sizes. If you’re short on space in your house, the smaller size is ideal coming in at 20” by 15”. However, if you have a Maine Coon or another large breed, you can purchase a larger 24” by 20” tray so they can comfortably do their business.

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5. LitterMaid Self-Cleaning Litter Box (Best Self-Cleaning Option)

If you have a bit more money to spend, why not make your life easier and purchase a self-cleaning litter tray like the LitterMaid Self-Cleaning Litter Box? I love the look of this litter tray, but personally, I don’t have that much money to spend on the cat’s bathroom. However, if you can afford to pay more, I think this is a great solution for senior cats.

Firstly, there is a gentle ramp that your less-mobile kitty can walk up to give them easy and painless access to their litter tray. This ramp is also textured and helps to reduce litter tracking around your home – no more nasty dust pawprints everywhere! To also help reduce mess, the high sides of the litter tray keep everything contained.

What I think is the winning feature of this litter tray, though, is that it is self-cleaning. Motion sensors on the machine take note of when your cat uses the litter box. The built-in rake then cleans the litter box after use, so no scooping is required. If you’re crazy for cats but not crazy for their mess, this automatic litter box will do the dirty work for you. Cats also prefer clean litter trays!

Because any waste is scooped up almost immediately, this litter box also claims to help reduce nasty odors spreading around your home, further helped by the built-in carbon filters. The result? A clean and fresh-smelling house with minimal work on your behalf, and a happy kitty!

The only downside of this tray other than the cost is the size. Unfortunately, the litter tray can only support cats that weigh up to 15lbs, so it is not a good product for larger breeds. Also, the actual litter area is only 14” by 13”, which is a lot smaller than other designs.

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6. Frisco Open Top Cat Litter Box (Best Budget Buy)

If you’re after a bargain purchase that will still ensure your elderly feline can go to the bathroom in comfort, try the Frisco Open Top Cat Litter Box.

This is an open-top litter pan, which is much easier for elderly cats to use than top-entry or hooded designs. Also, there is a low entry point to further aid old cats with joint or mobility issues. They will be able to enter and exit their litter box without discomfort, meaning no bathroom accidents!

However, the entry point is slightly higher than other models suited for senior cats, so smaller cats with severe motility issues may be better suited to using a litter box with an even lower point of entry. That being said, most elderly cats will reap the benefits!

Also, despite the low entrance, the back and sides of this low litter box for older cats are still raised. These raised sides really help to contain as much mess from kicking litter and spraying inside the tray as possible. I love that this will not only help to keep your house cleaner and tidier but will also give you time back in your day that you’d usually be spending cleaning!

Made from BPA-free, recycled plastic and having a curved shape, this litter box is also easy to clean. There are no hard-to-reach corners, and I found that you can easily wipe the surface clean in one swoop.

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7. WHISKER WORLD Designer Plastic Large Litter Box (Best for a Stylish Home)

Just because your cat is old, it doesn’t mean they need to compromise on style! The WHISKER WORLD Designer Plastic Large Litter Box is not only a great option for old or arthritic cats, but I also think it’s really stylish.

This product works perfectly as a low litter box for older cats as the entrance is only 4.5” tall. This is a comfortable level for nearly all cats to climb in and out of their litter tray. However, both the back and the sides are an impressive 8” tall which keeps all mess contained.

I also love that this large litter tray measures 21” wide, which is big enough for most cats to comfortably fit in. This is especially important for arthritic cats, as it means they have the space to move around without knocking the sides of the litter tray, which can cause avoidable pain and discomfort.

What you’ll notice straight away with this litter box, though, is that it is made from clear plastic, which is uncommon for litter boxes. So while the design is striking and unusual, it is also extremely convenient when it comes to cleaning. Thanks to the transparent base, you can spot all waste hiding at the bottom, helping you keep the litter box clean.

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8. PetFusion BetterBox Non-Stick Cat Litter Tray (Best for Easy Cleaning)

Another low-sided litter box for older cats is the PetFusion BetterBox Non-Stick Cat Litter Tray.

As with the other products on this list, this litter tray has a low entrance point, making access to the litter box easy for young and old cats alike. Even cats with arthritis or limited mobility will be able to climb into the litter box easily and with no pain.

It does have an open top which is not ideal when it comes to containing smells; however, the high 8” walls ensure no mess gets anywhere it shouldn’t. Plus, the dimensions are large, so your cat won’t be uncomfortably pressing against the sides of a litter box that is too small for them.

I personally think the best thing about this low-entry litter box is that it has a special non-stick coating that reduces up to 70% of sticking. This means cleaning just got 10 times easier! The coating is also antimicrobial, helping reduce odor and bacteria build-up. Win-win!

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9. Whisker Litter-Robot 3 Connect Clean Bundle (Best Wi-Fi Enabled Litter Box)

Are you into your technology? If so, the Whisker Litter-Robot 3 Connect Clean Bundle could be the product for you. This is a self-cleaning litter tray that automatically scoops out waste and excrement for you.

Doing so saves you from carrying out this nasty job and gives you time back into your day. It also helps to limit smells as the litter box removes the waste immediately and puts it into a carbon filter-lined waste tray. I found that these filters trapped all odors before they spread around my home.

What’s more, this product connects to Wi-Fi. Via an app, you can then keep tabs on the waste levels inside the waste drawer, so you know it needs emptying. This makes for super easy maintenance!

In terms of suitability for older felines, this litter box is perfect. It also comes with a detachable ramp. This improves the accessibility of the tray so even cats with arthritis and other mobility issues can use it with ease. The domed shape is also amazing at containing mess, while the ramp helps to prevent litter tracking.

Within this bundle, you don’t solely get the automatic litter box either. It also comes with three carbon filters, 100 liners for the waste drawer, cleaning wipes, and a litter mat. These items all help to keep your litter tray even cleaner! The only thing I would say is that all these perks do come with a large price tag.

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10. Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box (Best Stainless Steel Design)

Have you ever used a stainless-steel litter box? This material carries many great perks over traditional plastic litter trays. It doesn’t stain, won’t hold onto odors, and is designed to last much longer. The material is also scratch-resistant, so no bad bacteria gets trapped in tiny grooves you can’t clean.

Speaking of cleaning, this litter box has completely rounded edges. This means no pieces of litter get stuck in the corners. Plus, there are no sharp edges on the tray. I could carry it with ease without hurting my hands. You also won’t need to worry about your cat hurting itself on it.

This is a good litter box for senior cats as it has sides that only measure 6” high. Most adult cats will be able to climb in and out relatively easily. The total tray dimensions measure 23.5 x 15.5 inches, which is also large enough for most breeds. This will also up the comfort when your cat is inside the tray.

Unfortunately, the low sides aren’t great at containing the mess. Once the base of the tray is filled with litter, only a few inches keep the mess inside from your floor. If you know you have a spraying cat or one that loves to dig, another litter box might be better.

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11. Hartz Cat Litter Tray (Best Simple Design)

Litter trays don’t have to be fancy. Simplicity is clearly what Hartz had in mind when they designed this litter tray. It is as basic as it gets – a simple low-sided square litter box that does the job.

Because all the sides of this litter box only measure 4” tall, all senior cats can easily climb in and out with minimal discomfort. There are no high sides for your cat to bump their legs on either. This means they should be able to turn around in the tray and do their business without any difficulties.

Sadly, the shallow design means any mess isn’t well contained. I recommend getting a litter mat if you do opt for this product. This can help at least contain the mess. However, if you have a messy cat or one that sprays up the side of their litter tray, don’t choose this option – the amount of cleaning time on your hands wouldn’t make it worth it.

This litter box is made from plastic which easily wipes clean. Plus, the simple design makes weekly cleaning super simple. Pour the dirty litter out, wipe the tray clean, and pour in new litter. Daily scooping is also straightforward. This use of plastic also means the tray is very lightweight and portable.

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12. Van Ness Cat Litter Pan (Best for Large Cats)

Last but not least, we have the Van Ness Cat Litter Pan. This is a great litter box for arthritic cats or older felines with mobility issues, as it not only has a low entrance point – it has low sides the entire way around.

While this is not good in terms of containing mess, it is great for your cat. It means they can easily enter the litter box from any side or direction without discomfort. If your elderly kitty never seems to make it to the litter box on time, this feature is hugely beneficial.

Additionally, this tray is also large enough for most breeds and big enough for old cats to use comfortably. They do also do an XL size if you have a big breed like a Maine Coon, or smaller sizes if you don’t think you need such a large litter tray.

Because of the simplicity of this design, it is also straightforward to clean. Nothing needs to be taken apart or put back together again – simply tip out the old litter and wipe or spray clean. The material the litter box is made from is also resistant to staining and it’s made from 20% recycled content. This is great news for any environmentally-conscious owners out there.

Lastly, the price is super affordable, so it’s well worth trying this box out to see if it helps improve your cat’s life.

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Choosing the Best Litter Box for Your Senior Cat

When buying a litter box for your elderly cat, there are some key features that you always need to look at. I have highlighted these features in the recommended products, but here are the considerations you should consider if shopping around for different products.

Ease of Entry

The reason your cat is suddenly not going to the bathroom in their litter tray is probably that they cannot get into the tray easily or without pain. This may be because the walls of the litter box are too high, and as your feline has gotten older, their joint mobility has deteriorated.

To help your cats go to the bathroom pain-free, look at open litter boxes for older cats with a low entrance point or ones with a ramp. Avoid a top-entry litter box or any pans that have a higher entry. This can be painful and challenging for senior cats to climb into.

High Sides

My cats love to dig up their litter and scatter it everywhere on the floor. If this is a problem you had before your cat stopped using the litter box, it could still be a problem now.

Even though the best litter boxes for senior cats need an easy entry point, they can still have high sides which helps reduce the mess your cats make. You can also buy domed litter boxes with a roof like my number 1 recommendation that prevents any litter from spilling out and contains nasty smells.

If you know your cat doesn’t get on with enclosed litter boxes, one without high sides will be better. There may be a mess surrounding the tray, but at least your cat is using it! A litter mat is a great idea to at least contain any pieces of litter in one area.

Cost of the Litter Box

Before reading up and researching any products, you must determine what your price range is. If you can afford a high-end product like a litter tray that automatically cleans up after your cat has done their business, I believe this is a worthwhile investment.

On the other hand, if you have a low budget, you can still purchase a great value litter tray that can give your cat added comfort and reduce the mess made in your home. Always shop around for the best prices to find a product that is right for you!

Size of the Litter Box

The size of the litter tray you select is also crucial. Too small, and your cat won’t be able to turn around inside very easily. This is not good for cats of any age but is even worse for seniors with mobility issues. If their legs bump into the sides, it can be extremely painful for their joints.

As a general rule, your cat’s litter box should be at least 1.5x the length of your cat. Measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, not the tip! Get the size right, and your cat will be much more likely to use their litter tray.

Why Senior Cats Don’t Use Their Litter Boxes

You may be wondering why your older cat is suddenly not using their litter box all. The most common reason for this is reduced mobility, but other factors can affect your kitty, causing them to start peeing on the floor.

Below I have given a detailed breakdown so you can better understand your cat’s behavior. The more you know, the more effective solution you’ll be able to find!

Pain Climbing In & Out

The number one reason cats stop using their litter boxes at an old age is that they are experiencing a lot of pain climbing in and out of the litter box. To avoid this, they will start going to the toilet elsewhere.

The most common cause of pain is arthritis, which affects up to 70% of senior cats. However, younger cats can also get bad joint health, so if your younger cat is avoiding the litter tray, head to the vet and see if this could be why.

Deterioration of Internal Muscles

Your cat may also have stopped using the litter box because their muscles are deteriorating, leading to incontinence. If your cat is incontinent, you will find that they leak on the floor accidentally rather than purposefully choosing to go to the bathroom all over your house.

To help this issue, you can try to move your litter box to a more central and accessible position in the home. This can shorten the time it takes your cat to work their way to the litter box. You could also try investing in cat diapers.

Cognitive Impairment

As cats age, their brain function also deteriorates and can cause cats to feel disorientated and act forgetful. In fact, cognitive impairment occurs in 80% of cats older than 16 and could be the cause for them not using their litter tray.

The reason for it? They simply forget where it is. If the litter tray is tucked away in a corner or a room they don’t often use, it will probably be forgotten. Try moving your litter tray into a more obvious and noticeable position so your cat can find it with ease.

Other Ways to Help Your Senior Cat

As well as upgrading your litter tray to a litter box for geriatric cats, there are several other ways that you can make it easier for your cat to go to the bathroom and make less mess in your home.

Type of Litter

The type of litter, as well as the litter tray itself, can help influence your cat’s bathroom habits. If you think your cat could have a cognitive impairment, switching up their litter could cause even greater confusion and result in even more accidents, so I don’t recommend this! However, if your cat has arthritis or is not using its litter tray because of mobility issues, using the right litter can have a significant impact.

Senior cats with reduced mobility often find it more difficult to groom themselves. When they use a litter tray, litter that is lightweight and very dusty can stick to your kitty, which they then struggle to clean off. Opting for heavier litter can help this problem.

However, don’t choose a litter that is too heavy. Your cat’s muscles aren’t as strong as they used to be, so they don’t have as much power to dig around. I’ve found that buying a heavy cat litter can make digging too difficult and painful, meaning your cat will be deterred from doing their business where they’re supposed to. A comfortable middle ground makes all the difference.

Move the Litter Box or Buy Two

Have you purchased an open litter box for older cats and found a great litter, yet still have problems with your cat going to the toilet on the floor? Then, it is time to move the litter box!

This works especially well with cats that have cognitive impairment as they may forget where their litter box is kept. Try moving the box to somewhere near their food or a favorite spot of theirs to curl up in. This way, it will be close by most of the time.

You should also do this if your cat has reduced mobility, meaning they can’t move quickly. If your litter box is kept far from where your cat likes to hang out, no matter how fast they try to get there, they may not make it in time. In the past, I have also found it very beneficial to have two or more litter boxes at the same time. This way, a toilet is never far from your feline’s reach.

Buy a Litter Mat

The main problem with litter boxes designed for senior cats is that the low entry point and shallow sides can mean a lot of mess on your floor. To help combat this, I suggest purchasing a litter mat. This will catch any litter that does overflow and will also help reduce litter tracking.

While this is great for your home, it also helps your cat stay clean. As cats prefer to go to the bathroom in an area where they will remain clean, this can make it more likely that your kitty will pee where they are supposed to!

Litter Boxes for Senior Cats FAQs

Q: Why does my older cat not use the litter box anymore?

A: Older cats stop using litter boxes either because it is painful to get in and out of, cognitive impairment makes them forget where the litter box is placed, or their bladder and bowel muscles aren’t as strong as they used to be, leading to incontinence.

Q: Can you litter box train an older cat?

A:  Yes, you can litter box train an older cat, but it is more challenging. You can make the process easier by opting for a litter box made for an elderly cat and training them as you would a kitten.

Q: Why would an older cat start pooping on the floor?

A: An older cat is probably pooping on the floor as they have arthritis or other joint problems that make climbing into their litter box painful and the journey to the litter box slow. They may also have forgotten where the litter box is!

Q: What is the best litter box for senior cats?

A: In my opinion, the best litter box for senior cats is the Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome. This has a ramp so my elderly cat can easily access her tray in comfort and the dome design prevents spillages and traps odors. I love this box and it’s really helped with my senior cat who stopped using her litter tray!

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

As cats age, it is so important that we adapt their surroundings in line with their needs to make their lives as easy as possible. Arthritis, incontinence, and cognitive impairments can all lead to your kitty going to the toilet elsewhere.

Thankfully, buying a litter box that is made specifically for geriatric cats will make older kitties much happier and reduce the pain they experience when going to the bathroom. I would also recommend investing in a litter mat and looking into changing the litter you use.

In this article, I have listed my favorite litter boxes for senior cats, but feel free to shop around. As long as you look for a low-entry litter box that is large enough for your feline to move around in, you’re sure to have a happy kitty and an easy life!