Best Sifting Litter Box for Pine Pellets (+ Sifting Trays)

Hands up if you hate cleaning out your cat’s litter tray… Yes, me too!

As a cat owner, cleaning your cat’s litter tray is by far the worst part of having a furry feline friend, albeit worth it for all the good times with your pet.

If you use wood pellets such as a pine pellet litter, cleaning your cat’s litter tray is even more time consuming and frustrating. It takes forever to scoop up waste as when pine pellets are urinated on, they crumble to sawdust. Sifting the entire tray of litter to get all of the sawdust out is exhausting! But, what if I told you that you could make your life easier by opting for a sifting litter tray?

Sifting litter boxes provide the ideal solution and make for rapid and quick disposal. You can sift the entire litter tray in one, so the sawdust falls out the bottom and the clean pine pellets are left behind for reuse. However, sifting litter boxes were originally designed to separate clumping litter from clumps of waste and feces, and so often the holes are too large for effective use with pellet litter.

Thankfully, I have done the hard work for you and searched far and wide for the best sifting litter box for pine pellets so that you can have more time back in your day and make scooping litter simple!

My Top Pick

Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Hooded Litter Box

Without a shadow of a doubt, the best sifting litter box for pellets is the Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Hooded Litter Box.

Rather than using a sifting tray and three nesting trays, it uses a sifting tray and draw for super easy disposal! The pellets can last much longer without needing to be replaced, and there is essentially no nasty odors leaking from this litter box because of how effectively the sifting tray works. The hooded design also means less mess ends up on the floor around your litter tray.

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I understand this may not be everyone’s favorite, so I’ve also reviewed some of my other top products so that whatever your needs or budget, you’ll find a sifting litter box for pine pellets that you love. As sifting litter trays were not designed originally for use with wood pellets, there are only a few sifting litter trays that work. Therefore, I have also reviewed some sifting litter boxes that will work with other litter types too.

Best Sifting Litter Box for Pine Pellets

Before I run through the reviews for all my favorite sifting cat litter box products, I want to talk through all the factors I considered when searching for the perfect product. These different features are key for the sifting litter box to work as it should.

• Size of Holes: Finding a litter box for pellet litter is difficult as sifting litter boxes were originally designed to work with clumping litter. Therefore, I needed a litter box that was specifically designed for pine pellet litter, otherwise, the litter box wouldn’t be able to separate the pellets from the sawdust.
• Ease of Cleaning: Although sifting litter boxes are designed to make daily scooping of your cat’s waste easier, I also wanted a litter box that was made of an easy to clean material and with no hard to reach corners, so that when I emptied the whole tray, it was just as straightforward.
• Durability: As well as being an easy to clean material, I wanted to source a durable litter box so that I wouldn’t need to replace it regularly. Otherwise, this could end up costing me more long-term.
• Odor Control: A common problem when it comes to litter boxes is that they smell unpleasant. Therefore, when finding a pine pellet litter box, I wanted one that helped keep odors to a minimum so that my house smelt fresh.
• Size of Box: On top of this, size is also a key consideration. If a cat’s litter box is too small, they may not like going to the bathroom in it and have several toilet accidents around your home! As all cats are different sizes, I have put a range of different sized litter boxes on this list, so no matter whether you have a kitten or a fully grown Maine Coon, there should be able to find a fantastic sifting cat litter box.

With all things considered, here are the best sifting litter boxes for pine pellets or any other wood pellet cat litter.

1. Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Hooded Litter Box (Best All-Rounder)

The best sifting litter box for pellets is the Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Hooded Litter Box. I have been using this litter box for months now and will never go back to using another product.

Firstly, I love how simple this sifting cat litter box is to use. Instead of having two stackable nesting trays and a sifting tray to go on top, this litter box simply has a grated base to separate the sawdust from the wood pellets and a draw to catch the waste. This is so much easier to use and doesn’t require a constant stacking and restacking of different trays.

This litter box also comes with Breeze litter pellets which are made of silica gel. If using these pellets, the urine will simply fall through the holes in the sifting layer and be absorbed by a disposable cat pad that you place in the draw below. However, it also works wonderfully with pine pellets which my cats prefer as they aren’t so hard on their feet. The sawdust and any urine not absorbed simply falls into the drawer which can easily be emptied.

Because of the sifting design, there are next to no nasty smells escaping from the litter box either, as long as you scoop up your cat’s poop regularly. However, the hooded design also helps to keep odors contained if you haven’t had a chance to scoop up your cat’s waste yet, as well as helping prevent any mess from kicking litter over the sides of the tray.

Lastly, this litter tray is so easy to clean. You simply pull the drawer out of the bottom, tip the sawdust away, and wipe it clean before reinserting it. The hood also completely detaches so when the pellets do need replacing, you can easily do so.

The only downside of this tray is that the litter scoop doesn’t work well for pine pellets and the holes are too small, meaning the pellets get stuck on the scoop. Nevertheless, this can easily be resolved by using a different litter scoop. If you use pine pellets already, the litter scoop you have at home is likely to do the job perfectly.

Pros

Cons

2. PetSafe Deluxe Cat Litter Box (Absorbs All Urine)

Coming in second is another litter box that is designed for use with crystal litter, but that also works great for use with pine pellets. It’s the PetSafe Deluxe Cat Litter Box.

Similar to my number 1 recommendation, this litter box has vents in the bottom and a pull-out drawer with an absorbent pad underneath. This means that all the sawdust from the pine pellets can fall into the draw for easy removal. Any urine that did not get absorbed drops into the drawer too, where it gets soaked up by the pee pad.

Because of this efficient urine absorption, odors are kept to a bare minimum, which is a huge perk. This is also a high sided sifting litter box which helps to keep the mess contained. You’ll also find an anti-tracking grid along the front which is designed to catch any dust from your pet’s feet, helping to reduce litter tracking and makes cleaning a breeze.

The only downside of this litter box is that it is not big, measuring 14” by 18”. If you have a large cat or a bigger breed, this litter box won’t be suitable.

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3. Luuup Litter Box Sifting Tray (Triple Sifting Tray Design)

The Luuup Litter Box Sifting Tray is another great product for anyone that uses pine pellet litter. Although initially intended for use with clumping litter, the sifting layer does a good job at separating sawdust from the wood pellets.

What I love most about this product is its unique triple sifting tray design. When any two trays are stacked together, they form a solid base. Therefore, when you want to sift the litter you simply lift the top tray and shake. This is much easier than pouring the entire contents of the litter box from one pan to another so that the trays are in the right order and means that you can clean your cat’s litter tray in seconds!

All of the trays that make up this product are identical and are coated in an antimicrobial non-stick coating. Not only does this help to keep bad bacteria at bay, but means cleaning is even easier. Besides, there is a handy spill guard that clips on the top to further help contain mess and avoid spills.

The only downside of this product is that it is intended for clumping litters rather than wood pellets. For this reason, its effectiveness will depend on the size of pellets you use. Many reviews tell stories of success but opt for larger pine pellets where possible – if the pellets are too small they won’t be separated effectively. 

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4. SiftEase Litter Box Cleaner Litter Sifter (Best for Multi-Cat Households)

Another sifter for pine pellets is the SiftEase Litter Box Cleaner Litter Sifter. Rather than being a litter box, this is a giant sifter that you can use alongside your regular litter box. This is a great alternative to finding an entirely new litter tray and means your cat won’t have to adapt to a sudden change to their toilet.

To use, all you need to do is pour the contents of the litter tray into the sifter and shake to separate the sawdust from the pine pellets. Thanks to the small sifting holes, you can effectively separate the two. You can then tip the sawdust away while pouring the intact wood pellets from the basket back into the litter tray to be reused.

Litter box sifters like this are great for owners who have more than one cat. More cats mean more litter boxes! If changing to pine litter, you will need to purchase a sifting litter box for all your felines, which can be extremely expensive. However, by purchasing a litter sifter you online need to purchase one new product.

You can also tip the contents of all the litter boxes into the sifter and clean them all at once, saving you time and making life easier. All in all, daily cleaning only takes around a minute, meaning you’ve more time to spend having fun with your kitty.

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5. Frisco Corner Sifting Cat Litter Box with Rim (Best for Small Spaces)

Small apartment? No problem! The Frisco Corner Sifting Cat Litter Box with Rim is corner-shaped and so can easily slot into the spare corner or any room in your home. This makes it arguably the best option for owners that are short of space.

Aside from its space-saving efficiency, I also love the high sides of this litter box. Even the entrance to the litter tray is a great six inches tall. This helps to effectively contain litter as your kitty digs and covers their waste. It’s also a perfect litter box for spraying cats as any urine will run down the sides and back into the pan.

Like many other products on this list, this litter box consists of two regular pans and a sifting pan. The sifting pan sites between the two others, and you simply tip the contents of the top litter tray into the sieve to separate the sawdust from the pellets. Being located directly under the tray means pouring the used litter out is as simple as can be.

This is also a relatively large litter tray, measuring 22.5 inches as its widest point. You can also easily clean the litter tray with soap and water, and despite being corner-shaped there are no spots that are difficult to clean.

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6. Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Cat Litter Pan (Best for Messy Cats)

Next sifting litter box that I recommend is the Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Cat Litter Pan. If you have a messy cat that loves to kick its kitty litter out of the tray, this product could be your saving grace. Its hooded design means that all mess is nicely contained inside the litter box, so you’ll be spending less time cleaning up after your feline.

The hooded design also prevents any unwanted odors from escaping and traveling around your home. Plus, with a replaceable zeolite air filter absorbing any foul smells, you can also rest assured that bad odors won’t accumulate inside the tray and upset your cat.

This litter box also comes with all the benefits of a scoop-free litter box. By lifting the built-in sifting screen, all the sawdust will fall through the holes while the pine pellets left behind can be reused. However, be sure to choose your pine pellet litter carefully as the holes are larger than those of other sifting litter boxes. Choose pellets too small and they may also slip through the gaps.

Also, while its relatively large size makes it suitable for small and large breeds alike, the high entry point means it isn’t suited for kittens or senior felines. Kittens will be too small to climb in, whereas older cats are more prone to joint problems and could be in pain entering and exiting the tray. For cats in these stages of life, low entry litter boxes are a better option.

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7. Sroute Sifting Pan Litter Box (Best for Young Kittens)

If you are looking for a sifting tray for kittens, the Sroute Sifting Pan Litter Box might be just what you’re looking for. This product is only small so is not suitable for adult cats or large breeds. However, this small size is ideal for younger felines.

Like most other products on this list, this litter box consists of a litter pan that goes at the bottom and a sifting tray that sits over the top. Thanks to the holes in the top layer, you can easily separate the intact pine pellets from the sawdust that needs to be discarded, making cleaning easy.

However, the one drawback of this litter tray is that the holes are larger than those on other products. For this reason, it is only suitable for large pellets – smaller ones will simply fit through the holes and make the litter tray essentially useless! Therefore, check the size of your pellets before purchasing this product.

Aside from this drawback, the litter tray scores well in other areas. For one, I love the cute cat-shaped design which turns a boring litter tray into a more exciting one. Its simplistic design also makes it easy to clean with no tight corners or hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, it even has an antimicrobial coating to help keep bad bacteria at bay.

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Cons

Best Sifting Litter Trays for Clumping Litter

Currently, these are the only sifting cat litter trays I would advise using for pine pellets, or any other wood pellet litter.

All other litter trays I looked at had several reviews from owners saying the sifting tray’s holes were not small enough to separate the cat pellets from the sawdust.

Therefore, I have decided to review the next closest product: sifting litter trays for clumping litter. These litter trays will not be effective for use with pine pellets, but if you’re happy to switch up your litter and use traditional clumping style litter, you may well love these products too.

1. Frisco Sifting Cat Litter Box (Great for Large Breeds)

Often, sifting cat litter trays are smaller in size. I’m not sure why, but this just seems to be the case! That is why the first sifting litter box for clumping litter on my list is the Frisco Sifting Cat Litter Box. Thankfully, this litter tray solves the size issue, measuring in at 22 inches long. This is 3 inches larger than a regular cat litter tray and is ideal for larger breeds.

The large dimensions also do a good job at keeping the mess contained inside the tray, and there is an elevated frame to help prevent spills over the edge. However, the sides aren’t particularly high, so if you have a spraying cat, I suggest you opt for a different tray.

The material this litter box is made from is also recyclable plastic, which is great if you’re environmentally conscious like me. You can easily wipe the plastic clean with soapy water, and it is extremely durable and made to last a lifetime. Also, this litter box is BPA-free so completely safe for your cats.

The sifting design works as a usual sifting litter box would, making for an easy clean-up without the need for litter scoops or liners. However, because the holes are larger than the size of pellets, it can only be used with clumping litters.

This litter box is also a bargain price, great for anyone on a budget.

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2. Petmate Simple Sifting Litter Pan (No Shaking Needed!)

Another fabulous product is the Petmate Simple Sifting Litter Pan.

This sifting litter pan is designed to be used slightly differently from others. With this product, the sifting pan sits between the two nesting pans, and the top one is filled with litter. When you need to clean the tray, simply lift the top pan off and pour the litter into the sifting pan. You can then lift the sifting pan up to separate the waste and all litter will fall straight through the holes without any need to shake.

It is the special curved-shaped holes in the sifting pan that allow for this easy use and it’s exactly why I love it. Sometimes, shaking the sifting pan to get all the clean litter through the grates can lead to a bit of a mess, yet this is never a problem with this litter tray. However, this pan is not suitable for pellets all they would all fall straight through.

Aside from the well-designed sifting pan, this litter tray is also made from durable plastic and has a reinforced bottom, perfect for lifting when filled with litter. The plastic material also makes it easy to clean.

The only downside is that I wish it came in a larger model, and the sides could be higher to help contain all litter in the tray.

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3. SpeedySift Cat Litter Box With Liners (No More Stuck Clumps!)

A common issue with clumping litter is that as well as sticking to each other to form clumps of litter, it can also stick to the litter box itself and needs to be scraped off when cleaning. If this sounds like a problem you’re fed up having, try the SpeedySift Cat Litter Box With Liners.

This litter box uses liners with holes in to help separate the waste and clumps from the clean litter. You can place up to 15 liners in the tray at one and clamp them down using the clever box design. This also stops cats from being able to pull the liners from outside the tray.

When two or more liners are together, the holes are misaligned so no litter can fall through, preventing any leakages or lost litter. However, lift the top liner off and the clean litter will fall into the liner below! You can then simply throw the soiled liner and the waste straight into the trash.

What’s more, this litter tray is designed to look like a cardboard box. This is a great design because as we all know, cats love cardboard boxes. However, don’t be fooled; this is not made from cardboard, it is made from 100% lightweight and durable plastic which is easy to clean. The base is also made from heavy-duty plastic, and the liners are strong and rarely rip when clawed. That being said, heavy diggers may shred the liners, so don’t opt for this litter tray if your cat loves to dig.

The shape also has high sides which minimize the mess around the litter tray and is a great alternative to a sifting litter box with a lid if your cat doesn’t like hooded or top-entry designs. Don’t fancy high sides? No problem! You can customize the wall and entrance height on request.

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4. Van Ness CP5 Sifting Cat Litter Box (Best Budget Option)

For anyone on a tighter budget, the Van Ness CP5 Sifting Cat Litter Box is a great option. This litter tray is not intended for pine pellets and is specifically intended for clumping litter.

To use, simply shake the sifting tray to separate the clumps of litter from the litter that can be reused. You can then throw the clumps away, stack the sifting tray back on top of one of the other pans, and pour the kitty litter back in before restacking. It takes so much time off your hands and cleaning is simple!

Aside from its effective sifting, I also love that this litter pan is framed with added height on the back and sides. This can help to contain any mess your cat might make when going to the bathroom. It’s also a great option for messy cats that don’t take to hooded or other enclosed designs.

Another benefit of this sifting litter box is the material. It is made from plastic that has a high polish finish. This makes cleaning easy and means that all mess and dirt can be wiped away in one swoop. This coating further helps to protect against stains and odors as well!

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5. Ferplast Briba Cat Litter Tray (Convenient Clips to Hold Trays Together)

Next, I have the Ferplast Briba Cat Litter Tray. As a typical sifting litter tray, this product consists of one sifting tray and two nesting trays. The sifting tray catches all waste and litter clumps, and the clean litter can fall into the tray below for reuse, making cleaning your cat’s litter tray simple, practical, and quick.

I also really love that the three trays conveniently clip together at the sides, which is great if you’re moving the entire litter box around as it keeps everything secure. The high sides and slightly curved edges also work a treat at keeping litter in the tray and preventing any accidental spills. Plus, this is another large litter tray, making it ideal for bigger breeds while simultaneously reducing mess.

The only downside of this litter tray is that the litter clumps can sometimes get stuck to the sieve which will need a scrape with the scoop to loosen them. However, it is still a great litter tray is it ensures all clumps of dirty litter will be cleared away each time, helping keep odors to a minimum and creating a nicer bathroom experience for your cat.

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6. Litter Spinner Cat Litter Box (Most Innovative Design)

Next up, I bring you the Litter Spinner Cat Litter Box. Now, this litter box won’t be for everyone due to its small size, and only comfortably fits cats weighing up to 10lbs. However, if you have a small kitty, this litter box may be just what you’re after.

As one of the most innovative designs on this list, keeping your cat’s litter tray clean has never been easier. Simply by spinning the drum, the built-in sieve with separate the clumps of soiled litter from the clean litter within seconds. The waste all collects in a drawer which can conveniently be removed, tossed out, and replaced.

This sifting litter tray is designed to be used with clay clumping litter. Usually, cleaning a litter tray that’s full of clay litter results in big clouds of dust being blown into the air as the litter is disturbed. However, this unique design means all the dust is contained and you can wait for it to settle before throwing out the clumps. This is fantastic news for anyone with allergies or respiratory issues.

Unfortunately, it is not all good news and the design does still need a little work. Some users have said that only large clumps are caught and small clumps or pieces of poop can fit through the grates. Therefore, a small amount of manual scooping may be needed. Others have said that clumps can get stuck to the built-in scoop and you need to bang lightly on the drum to get them loose.

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7. Trixie Berto Cat Litter Tray (Super Durable Design)

Finally, another good option for separating clumping litter is the Trixie Perto Cat Litter Tray. Like many other products in this section of the article, the holes in the sifting layer are too large to use with pine pellets that get stuck. However, it works perfectly with all different types of clumping litter.

Arguably the best thing about this sifting litter box is its durability. It is only made from plastic, but it is high-quality and extremely durable. This means the litter box won’t break easily or become disfigured in shape, even when you are shaking a full tray.

It also does a fairly good job at containing mess. The front of the tray is slightly lower, whereas the back and sides are slightly raised. There is also a lipped top to the tray which further diverts any flying litter back into the litter box. Clips on this top layer secure the three litter pans together to help conveniently keep everything as one.

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Sifting Litter Box for Pine Pellets Buying Guide

As you can see, there is a range of sifting cat litter boxes on the market, but finding one that works effectively with pine pellet litter is more challenging.

Nevertheless, depending on the litter type you use, a regular sifting litter box may be all you need.

Here are some factors you should consider before purchasing a product so that you can make sure you buy one that works.

Small Sifting Holes

When choosing a sifting cat litter box for pine pellets, the size of the holes is the most important factor to consider.

As sifting litter boxes were originally designed to catch poop and clumps of litter in the sifting tray and to allow the clean litter to fall through the holes, many of these litter trays will be ineffective when trying to separate pine pellets from sawdust. This is because the holes are too big so that both the pellets and the sawdust fall though, making the sifting litter tray completely useless.

To successfully separate wood pellet litter from sawdust, the holes must be smaller than the pellets themselves. This way, they will be caught in the sieve. To determine whether the holes are small enough or not, try reading online reviews to see if other cat owners have found the litter box to be effective.

If you are using a clumping litter, the size of the grates is less important. You’ll need holes that are large enough for the litter to fall through, but that still catch the litter clumps and waste for disposal.

Correct Price Range

Cost is also an important consideration when purchasing any product for your pet. Whereas purchasing a cheaper litter box may seem like a better option initially, it is important to check other factors like durability too. Otherwise, you could end up spending more money in the long run buying replacement litter boxes.

It is also key to remember that a more expensive litter box isn’t necessarily the best. Always check that the litter box fits the other specifications so that it works for your cat and the type of litter you use.

Suitable Size

The size of the litter box itself also plays a huge part in how well it works. Cats need a litter box that is at least 1.5 times their length, as this gives them enough space to comfortably move around. Get a litter box that is too small, and your cat may end up making a mess by kicking litter all over the floor or spraying over the edge of the tray.

Therefore, if you have a large breed such as a Maine Coon, you’ll probably best off purchasing a jumbo sifting litter box.

If you have a senior cat, this is an especially important consideration. Often, elderly cats have mobility issues and joint problems, and having a litter tray that is too small can cause them physical discomfort. This could lead to them refusing to use the litter box at all, so again, choose an extra-large sifting litter box.

Easy to Clean

You’ll also want to find a product that is easy to clean. After all, you’ve opted for a sifting litter box so that it is easier to separate the clean pellets from your cat’s waste, so why then make your life more difficult again by opting for a sifting litter box that is hard to clean?

Litter boxes that are easy to clean are made from plastic with a special non-stick coating that means you can easily wipe off any dirt. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for a litter box that doesn’t have any sharp corners as dirt could get lodged there. Lastly, make sure that all parts of the litter box unclip so there are no nooks and crannies that you cannot reach into to clean thoroughly.

Odor Eliminating

Litter boxes can smell nasty, so try to purchase one with as much odor-eliminating power as possible. Sifting litter boxes already have less unpleasant smells than regular litter boxes as by easily separating the soiled litter from the pellets, no hidden waste is left to fester and produce a foul odor.

However, you can also look for other features that will further help to eliminate odors. An enclosed sifting litter box, such as a hooded or a top entry sifting litter box will help to contain odors so that they don’t escape and spread around your home. Similarly, things like an antimicrobial coating can keep bad and smelly bacteria at bay.

Sifting Litter Box vs Regular Litter Box

You now know how to find the best sifting litter box for pellets, but what are the benefits of using a sifting litter box over a regular one? Well, sifting litter boxes save you time, save you money, and makes cleaning your cat’s litter tray miles easier.

Saves You Time

Many cat owners prefer to use sifting litter boxes over regular ones as it saves them time.

If using pine pellet litter, a sifting cat litter box will undoubtedly save you time. As pine pellets turn to sawdust once they’ve been urinated on, to properly clean the litter tray, you’ll need to sift through its entire contents each time. Doing this with a litter scoop and a separate litter tray is extremely time-consuming, and can totally be avoided by using a sifting litter box.

Similarly, if you are using clumping litter, instead of having to scoop up each piece of waste individually, you can do it in one go. In this instance, the sifting tray is acting like a giant litter scoop. This saves a lot of time if you clean your litter box only once per day or if you have a lot of cats and you often have several pieces of solid waste or clumps to clean at once.

However, some cats demand that their litter trays are cleaned after every use. If this sounds like your cat, a sifting litter tray will likely not save you time as you would be required to sift and reassemble the pans multiple times per day. This will end up taking longer than if you just scooped up immediately after them.

Therefore, whether a sifting litter tray will save you time largely depends on what type of litter you use and how demanding your cat is when it comes to having a clean litter tray.

Saves You Money

I also love sifting litter boxes as they end up saving me money. Often we don’t have time to sift through our whole litter box, meaning that litter and pellets that are perfectly okay to be reused are ending up in the trash.

By using a sifting litter box, you can be sure that you only throw away the clumps of waste or soiled litter, and reuse as much of what is remaining as possible. You’ll find your cat litter lasts a lot longer and you’ll spend less money on it.

Also, reusing cat litter is fantastic for the environment as so is a huge perk for any eco-friendly cat owners out there.

Easier To Clean

As well as saving you time, sifting litter boxes are designed to make cleaning your cat’s litter tray easier. Whether you find using a sifting litter tray or a regular litter tray easier is largely down to personal preference. It may take some getting used to before you find it straightforward, or it might click with you straight away.

I undoubtedly find sifting litter boxes easier to use, especially if you use pine pellet litter. Before I used a sifting litter box, I used to take a scoop of the soiled litter one at a time and shake it over a bin like I was panning for gold, then tip what was left into another box. I had to repeat this until I had done the entire tray of litter, then tipped all the clean and reusable pellets back into the litter box.

It is easy to make a mess cleaning your litter box the way I used to, as you’re constantly transferring from the litter box to the bin, from the bint to another tub, and eventually from this tub back into the clean litter box. I used to end up with bits of dust and pellets all over the floor which then needed vacuuming up.

Having switched to a pine pellet litter box which has a litter box sifter tray, there were no more spillages or unnecessary mess!

How to Use a Sifting Cat Litter Box

You may be wondering how a sifting litter box for cats actually works. You’ll be pleased to know that it is extremely straightforward!

Sifting cat litter boxes generally come in three parts: two nesting trays and one sifting tray. All three stack exactly on top of one another with the sifting pan on the top which you can fill with whichever litter you like.

If you are using pellet litter, be sure that you choose a pine pellet litter box with small enough holes to separate the pellets from the waste. If you are using clumping litter, be sure to choose a litter with grains small enough to pass through holes on the sifting tray.

How you use the litter box does depend on whether you’re using clumping litter or pellet litter.

Using a Sifting Litter Box with Pellet Litter

To use a sifting litter box to separate pine pellets from sawdust, follow these steps:

1. Scoop the poop from the litter tray as usual and discard this.
2. Lift the sifting pan and shake gently over the top nesting pan so that all the sawdust falls through the holes and is caught in the pan below.
3. Place the sifting pan full of litter over the other empty nesting pan.
4. Tip the sawdust in the trash and reassemble the litter box by restacking the pans so you’re ready to repeat the cycle.

Using a Sifting Litter Box With Clumping Litter

If using non-pellet litter, such as a regular clumping litter, then you can use the sifting litter box a little differently by following these steps:

1. Lift the sifting pan and shake it gently over the nesting pan beneath it, making all the clean litter land in the tray below and the poop and litter clumps stay in the sifting pan.
2. Discard the waste caught by the sieve.
3. Restack the sifting pan on top of the empty nesting pan and pour the clean litter from the other pan on top.
4. Restack the second nesting pan underneath ready to repeat the cycle.

Wood Pellet Litter vs Clumping Litter

Some people may be wondering why I decide to use wood pellet litter such as pine pellets over clumping litter.

After all, finding a sifting litter tray that works for clumping litter is much easier as the size of the holes is not as important. Plus, you still need to scoop up the poop using pellet litter, whereas with clumping litter you don’t.

So, what’s the advantage?

Actually, there isn’t just one advantage of using wood pellet litter; there are many!

• Cost: Firstly, wood pellet litter is much cheaper than regular pet store litter, and is the cheapest cat litter you can buy. The pellets are also highly absorbent and can absorb up to 500 times their own weight in liquid! This means they will last twice as long as regular clay litter, again keeping costs down.
• Eco-Friendly: I also love that wood pellet litter is eco-friendly! It is better for the environment as it is made from pine or other types of wood which are natural, renewable, and biodegradable materials. This litter is also often made of waste from other industries, and so is a recycled product that helps to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills.
• Less Litter Tracking: Pine pellet litter also leads to significantly less litter tracking. The pellets are much larger than clumping litter pellets and so don’t get stuck to your cat’s feet as easily. Also, wood litter has less dust than other litter types, which would usually end up being trodden around your home.
• Less Dust: While having less dust is great for preventing litter tracking, having less dusty cat litter is also better for your cat’s respiratory health. The heavy dust in clumping litter can trigger asthma attacks in some cats.
• Chemical-Free: These pellets are also safer for cats and other pets as they have no additives or other chemicals. I have a dog that loves to chew on my cat’s litter, and so pure pine pellets are great as I know they won’t cause harm.
• Reduce Odors: Wood pellets are also better at reducing odors due to their high absorbency. The pine pellets quickly absorb any urine and turn into sawdust, which helps prevent smells from escaping around your home. What’s more, many owners enjoy the woody scent.

Having said this, some cats don’t get on well with wood pellet cat litter and prefer a different type. The most important consideration when deciding on which cat litter to use is whether or not your cat likes it. Otherwise, you could end up having several frustrating bathroom incidents!

No matter which type of litter you choose, ensure you buy an appropriate sifting litter pan to match.

DIY Sifting Litter Box For Pine Pellets

If you agree with me that using wood pellets and a sifting litter box is a great solution for an easy to clean, eco-friendly, minimal odor solution to litter boxes but you aren’t happy with the few products available on the market, you may which to make a DIY sifting litter box for your cat. This is also a great cheap alternative for anyone on a budget.

To make a sifting cat litter tray for pine pellets at home, follow these steps:

1. Purchase two stackable plastic heavy-duty storage tubs that are as close to the size of your cat’s current litter box as possible.
2. Turn one of the boxes upsidedown. On the base of this box, mark out a series of holes using a marker, ensuring you leave around half an inch between each so that the box maintains its strong structure.
3. Using an electric drill, punch through the hole markers to create a sifting tray. If the plastic doesn’t go the entire way through, turn the tub over and drill back through the holes in the opposite direction.
4. Once all the holes are made, stack the sifting tray you have just made on top of the other storage tub you purchased.

This whole process shouldn’t take too long and is an excellent alternative to purchasing a sifting litter box. When you need to clean out your cat’s litter tray, pour the contents into the top tray and give it a good shake. The sawdust will fall through the holes, and you can put the reusable pellets back into your cat’s litter box.

If you do make a DIY sifting litter box, make sure the drill piece you use is the right size for the wood pellets you use. Remember, the pellets should not be able to fit through the holes you drill or the sifting tray won’t work.

This is also a great solution for cats that can be fussy with their litter trays, as it allows you to keep the litter tray you are currently using, rather than getting your feline used to using a new litter box.

FAQs

Q: Do sifting litter boxes work for pine pellets?

A: Yes, sifting litter boxes do work for pine pellets, but they need to have holes that are smaller than the size of the pellet to effectively separate the litter from the sawdust. Therefore, always check the size of the holes if you are using pellet litter rather than clumping litter.

Q: What is the best sifting litter box for pine pellets?

A: The best sifting litter box for pellet litter is, in my opinion, the Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Hooded Litter Box. This uses a convenient drawer instead of three trays which makes it super easy to use, plus the hooded design contains all mess and helps to reduce bad smells.

Q: Is pine pellet litter safe for cats?

A: Yes, pine pellet litter is safer than most other litter types as it is made from natural ingredients, can be chemical-free, and has a minimal amount of dust which is fantastic for cats with asthma, respiratory illnesses, or allergies.

Q: How does pine pellet cat litter work?

A: Pine pellet cat litter absorbs urine and turns into sawdust. This sawdust can then be removed from the tray and the remaining pellets can be reused and topped up as required.

Q: Are pine pellets better than clumping litter?

A: There are many advantages of using pine pellets, such as them being natural and eco-friendly, reducing litter tracking, and being less expensive and more long-lasting. However, they can be more difficult to clean up unless you have a sifting litter box for pine pellets. Also, some cats don’t like them. There is no right or wrong litter to use, it is just down to personal preference.

Q: How long does pine pellet cat litter last?

A: Pine pellet cat litter can last for up to 2 weeks if used by a single cat, and you will know when it is time to change the litter as all the pine pellets would have broken down into sawdust.

Q: What is the difference between wood pellet and pine pellet cat litter?

A: Pine pellets are a type of wood pellet cat litter. Some other types of wood that are commonly used to make cat litter include oak and cedar, but pine pellets are the most common.

Q: Are sifting litter boxes better than regular litter boxes?

A: Sifting litter boxes have many advantages including saving you time, saving you money, and making cleaning easier. However, this does largely depend on the type of litter you use, how often you clean your cat’s litter tray, and what you personally find easier.

Q: How often do you change a sifting litter box?

A: Sifting litter boxes are designed for daily cleaning to help control odor and reduce the growth of bad bacteria. You can change the litter box more often than this, but doing so much more frequently will reduce the time-saving perks. The litter will need completely replacing around once every two weeks.

Q: Do sifting litter boxes work with all types of cat litter?

A: No, sifting litter boxes will not work with all types of litter. If using a clumping litter, you need to choose a grain that is small enough to pass through the grates in the sifting tray. If using pine pellets or other wood pellets, you need to choose a pellet that is larger than the holes which will not pass through the sifting tray.

Q: How can I make a DIY sifting litter box for pine pellets?

A: You can make a DIY sifting litter box for pine pellets by getting two large stackable plastic tubs and drilling a series of small holes in the base of one. You can then stack this on top of the intact tub and use it to separate the pine pellets from the sawdust.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

No matter which type of cat litter you use, whether it is pine pellets or otherwise, a sifting litter box is a fantastic idea. For wood pellets, you can easily separate the sawdust from the clean pellets and take the hassle out of changing your cat’s litter. For clumping litter, by using a sifting litter tray you’ll never have to use a litter scoop again!

The most important thing to remember is that not all sifting litter boxes will work well with all types of litter. If you are using pellet cat litter, use my handy buying guide or purchase one of the products I have recommended to ensure you get a fantastic product that works.

Start saving yourself time and start using a sifting litter tray for simple, practical, and quick clean-up.