5 Best High-Sided Litter Boxes for Messy Cats (original) (raw)
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Having tried countless solutions to prevent urine spray from staining my floors, I’ve come to appreciate the convenience of high-sided litter boxes. The higher the sides, the better they contain the mess. But not all of these litter boxes are created equal.
The best high-sided cat litter boxes keep litter box mess where it belongs but they’re also durable and easy to scoop and clean. In this guide, we offer our top recommendations and what to look for when shopping for a high-sided cat litter box.
At a Glance: Best High-Sided Cat Litter Boxes
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Overall Best
10.0
Picked by 31 people today!
Modkat XL Litter Box
- Top- or front-entry configurable
- Reusable liner and custom scoop
- Helps contain litter scatter and urine spray
Budget Pick
9.8
Picked by 31 people today!
Frisco High-Sided Cat Litter Box
- Tall 10-inch sides contain litter box mess
- Modestly priced around $20
- Sturdy base and reinforced rim
Premium Pick
9.5
Picked by 25 people today!
iPrimio Stainless-Steel Litter Box
- Durable stainless-steel construction
- Resists rust, stains, scratches, and odor
- Removable rim adds 6 inches of height
Best For Tight Spaces
9.4
Picked by 21 people today!
SmartCat Corner Litter Box
- Triangular shape conserves floor space
- Affordably priced under $20
- Durable plastic resin construction
Best Self-Cleaning
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!
Litter-Robot 4
- Fully automatic, self-cleaning model
- Strong reputation for effective performance
- Controls odor and litter scatter well
Why Should You Trust Us?
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
With three cats at home, I’m always cleaning up the litter box area. I don’t mind sweeping up scattered litter but sticky, smelly urine is another matter. Having owned cats for over a decade, I’ve come to prefer high-sided litter boxes and I’ve tested dozens of different models.
To write this roundup, I drew on my personal experience and consulted veterinarians and cat behavior experts. I also conducted in-depth market research to identify products with a strong reputation then ordered them and tested them at home with my cats, Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit.
Over several weeks of testing, I observed how well these litter boxes contained litter and urine spray. I noted how easy they were to scoop and clean and took cues from my cats about which designs they liked best.
Our Veterinary Advisors
With both litter scatterers and urine sprayers in my household, the Modkat XL litter box is a long-standing favorite of mine. The dual-entry configuration prevents my three cats from using it as a territorial stronghold and the reusable liner makes it easy to clean.
But the Modkat XL isn’t the ideal choice for every household. Whether you’re looking for something a little more affordable or a litter box that does the scooping for you, one of my other recommendations might be more appropriate. Consider your cat’s preferences as well as your own to narrow down the options.
What to Look for in a High-Sided Cat Litter Box
Before shopping for a new litter box, consider the problem you’re trying to solve and factor in your cat’s unique needs and preferences. If litter scatter is the issue, a high-sided litter box might do the trick. For messier issues like urine spray, however, an enclosed litter box or top-entry model might be a better option.
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a high-sided litter box:
- Dimensions – A litter box should be spacious, especially when it has tall sides that might make it feel more enclosed than a standard pan.
- Wall Height – To contain litter scatter and urine spray, look for a litter pan with walls at least 10 inches tall.
- Accessibility – Make sure the litter box has a low enough entry that your cat can easily step into and out of it. Kittens and senior cats may need a lower entry than healthy adult cats.
- Durability – Sturdy materials are a must to ensure the litter box stands up to daily scooping and is strong enough that it won’t buckle if you carry it while it’s full.
- Convenience – The litter box should be easy for you to scoop and may have additional features like a nonstick lining to help prevent litter from sticking to the sides.
A great high-sided litter box offers many of the same features as a standard litter pan, just with higher walls. To learn more about what to look for when shopping for a litter box, check out our guide to the best cat litter boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep cat litter from scattering?
A little bit of litter scatter is all but inevitable. High-sided litter boxes help contain litter scatter that results from digging, but your cat may still track litter when they exit the litter box. Consider placing a litter mat under the entry to the litter box to catch loose litter.
How high should litter box sides be?
Generally speaking, the taller the sides of your litter box, the more effective it will be in containing litter scatter and urine spray. Standard litter pans range in height from 4 to 8 inches while high-sided models may offer an additional 4 to 8 inches of height. Just be sure the entry point is low enough for your cat to comfortably access the litter box.
Why does my cat keep peeing on the edge of the litter box?
If you’re considering a high-sided litter box because your cat is peeing outside or on the edge of the litter box, it may not be a problem with the litter box itself. Health problems like urinary tract infections, diabetes, and kidney disease can cause cats to pee outside the litter box. Talk to your veterinarian if your cat exhibits this behavior.
How do you stop cats from spraying urine outside the litter box?
Urine spraying is a natural territorial behavior for cats, though it can also be a sign of stress or a medical issue. If it’s a new behavior for your cat, talk to your vet to rule out underlying health issues. In some cases, switching to a high-sided or enclosed litter box may help contain the mess.