Is your cat the king or queen of your house? You can say no, but we bet you'd be lying to yourself. Your feline friend deserves to feel like royalty, and every royal needs a throne. All cats are different and have unique habits, so it’s perfectly normal for them to need different types of litter trays or boxes.
What is a cat litter box?
It sounds obvious, but in case you're unsure, cat litter trays exist so that cats can go to the toilet inside without making a mess. They’re ideal if your cat prefers being indoors or you want to avoid accidents when they do come inside. It’s a little unglamorous, but they’re essential - and your cat is totally worth it.
Related: The best cat subscription boxes for the purrrfect pet
There’s a lot to consider when buying a new cat litter tray. Your cat’s size and behaviour are factors to take into account, plus where you'll put it in your home. If you’re not sure, it’s worth asking your vet or local pet shop for their recommendations. Whatever your cat needs, there's one out there, so we've put together a list of the best cat litter trays and boxes on the market.
The best cat litter boxes at a glance:
• Best value: Moderna Large Litter Tray
• Best hooded litter tray: Iris Ohyama Hooded Litter Tray
• Best for smaller cats: Lift to Sift Litter Tray
• Best for bigger cats: Argos Large Cat Litter Tray
• Best for kittens: Baby Bea Starter Litter Tray
• Best litter box with lid: Curver Pet Litter Box
• Best self-cleaning litter box: PetSafe Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The best cat litter boxes
1 of 7Moderna Large Litter Tray
Best value This simple but functional tray is made from quality plastic. The clever design prevents litter scatter, and cleaning it doesn't take much effort at all. The grey colour means it will match with any décor in any room.Dimensions: 49.3 x 37 x 11.2cmReview: "Very good size cat tray, enough room for puss to manoevre in. Extremely easy to clean. Can definitely recommend. Arrived in excellent packaging, and very quickly."
£10.99
2 of 7Iris Ohyama Hooded Litter Tray
Best hooded litter traySometimes cats like a hiding space to use the toilet, and this tray is ideal for that. This jumbo box comes with a scoop and will prevent nasty odours in your home. It's portable, too, so it's super easy to move around or take on the road with you. Dimensions: 53.3 x 45.7 x 43.1cmReview: "I never write reviews but this was really one of the best things I've ever got, wished I got one when I first got our cat. I would recommend to anyone to get this before a regular small sided car litter tray. If your cat does hate it the sides come off easy. My cat however instantly loved the new tray as soon as I put his litter in."
3 of 7Lift to Sift Litter Tray
Best for smaller catsThis tray is compact, but a lifesaver if your cat usually scatters litter by accident (or on purpose). It prevents scatter and any leakage, plus it's easy to clean. The self-cleaning sifting system is a simple but effective way to make your life a lot easier. It'll give you more time to play with your little pal. Dimensions: 22 x 38 x 50cmReview: "Holds mess well, easy enough to clean, much better then fully enclosed ones, worth the money with the extra tray you get with it as well. Best choice I've made."
4 of 7Argos Large Cat Litter Tray
Best for bigger catsWith a design that includes a litter shield, you won't need to worry about your cat making a mess. Its larger size means that no cat will be too big for it and they'll have lots of space to do their business.Dimensions: 15 x49 x 38cmReview: "This is a strong plastic litter box, it's large so very good for a big chungus cat like ours who needs space, no cat litter gets knocked on the floor due to the higher walls and protective top piece. Best litter box we've had over the years."
5 of 7Baby Bea Starter Litter Tray
Best for kittensIntroducing your new kitten to using a litter tray? This small cat litter tray has a rounded ergonomic design that will suit your fur baby perfectly. It comes with a scoop and it's made from non-toxic plastic. The sides are low enough for the smallest of cats to get into, but you will want to size up when your cat is older.Dimensions: 36.8 x 27.6 x 6.1cmReview: "Really good value, and perfect for a kitten, the sides are low enough for them to get in and out easily!"
6 of 7Curver Pet Litter Box
Best litter box with a lidThis beautifully designed litter box comes in three colours and is really lightweight. It's designed with an anti-slip rim and ventilation holes, so your cat will be comfortable using it and there won't be an odour problem. Litter trays rarely look as trendy as this one, and your cat will enjoy the privacy.Dimensions: 50.3 x 40.7 x 37.3cmReview: This is a really pretty cat litter box that blends into a room. It really does contain all odours and my cat seems to like it so I am happy! I haven't experienced any leaking problems unlike some other reviews, just make sure the tray is fully pushed back in possibly as it can get a little stuck. It is really well made and I would definitely recommend. Very pleased."
£50.55
- Rrp: £69.99
7 of 7PetSafe Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Best self-cleaning litter boxWhether you're a little forgetful (aren't we all?) or you live a hectic lifestyle, this plugin litter box will be your cat's new best friend. This really is a wonder product, as you can leave it for weeks and the automatic rake system with a timer will sort out your cat's litter. It even has safety sensors so you never have to worry. It's leak-proof and easy to clean when needed. Dimensions: 40.64 x 70.8 x 48.56cmReview: "Every night scooping cat litter out for my two cats was quite depressing and repetitive, however, since taking the plunge to get this automatic cat litter tray, life has been so much easier! I now want to scoop the poo out every now and then so it's fresh and clean... cats are more happier and not seen them walking around with cat litter on their paws."
Cat litter box FAQs
Can cats share litter boxes?
Most cats will happily share a litter box with their housemate, but it depends entirely on the cat. Some prefer to have their own space, so budget for one litter tray per cat.
How to get a cat to use a litter box?
According to PDSA, there are a few reasons your cat might not want to use its litter tray straight away.
Stress: If cats feel stressed, they're likely to have accidents around the house.
Illness: If your cat is vocal while they pee or seem to have problems going, they might have a UTI. In this case, you should seek medical attention from your vet immediately.
Age: Like babies, kittens need to be trained by their mothers to know what a litter tray is for. Similarly, older cats who are used to going outside may not pick up on it easily.
Location: Keeping your cat's litter tray away from where they eat and drink is a great place to start, along with being in a quiet part of the house.
Litter type: Cats have their own preferences when it comes to the type of litter they use. If they aren't using the tray currently, try a different type of litter.
Tray type: Cats can also be fussy about their litter tray, with some preferring higher sides or covered trays. Going to the bathroom is personal, after all.
Here are a few things to try if your cat isn't using its litter box:
• Experiment with different types of tray and litter to figure out which type your cat likes best.
• Keep the tray clean - you wouldn't like to use a dirty toilet, so why would your cat?
• Clean up any accidents straight away so the smell doesn't linger, and never punish your cat for going where they shouldn't do. It's a process.
• Finally, reward good behaviour with their favourite treats or toys. Reward-based training works for most animals, giving them lots of praise and fuss when they've gone to the loo in their new tray.
Related: Cat birthday party ideas (yes, really)
Where to put a cat litter box?
Put the tray somewhere they usually go to the bathroom, as this will encourage them to use the tray. With kittens, you can place them near to the tray or in it to coax them along. If they don't get it the first time, keep trying.
Related: The best gifts for pets
How to clean cat litter boxes?
You should aim to clean your cat's litter box at least once a week. Replace the entire contents of the litter tray, and wash it out with hot water and a mild detergent. Some detergents are toxic to cats, so make sure to do your research.
Want to elevate your tray or box set up? Here are some of the best products to do that.
Cat litter tray and box accessories
1 of 5Catsan Hygiene Cat Litter
Cat litter isn't the most glamorous of purchases but Catsan does it right. This lightweight, low-dust litter is made from natural lime and quartz sand that quickly absorbs liquid and controls bad odours.
2 of 5Dadabig Box Filters
These eco-friendly filters keep everything in hooded litter trays fresher for longer. They're also adjustable.
3 of 5CatCentre Large Scooper
If your tray or box doesn't come with one, this deeply designed scooper with reinforced plastic will be ideal for you. It comes in four colours so you can scoop in style.
4 of 5Lightweight Cat Litter
Developed by pet experts and coming in a variety of types, from ultra-clumping to antibacterial, this litter is amazing value for money.
5 of 5Bronx Pet Side Table
With a rustic oak effect, this trendy pet hideout will give your cat the privacy they want. Just pop the tray or box inside and make it a cosy nook for them.
More recommendations for you and your cat:
Eve Miller is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest with a love for writing, film, her dog, and beauty. She also writes for Yours.co.uk.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from Eve and the rest of the What’s The Best team.