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Litter & Boxes

Clumping clay, lighter alternatives, covered vs open boxes, and self-cleaning systems when scooping is the failure mode. Rule of thumb: one box per cat, plus one — and place matters more than scent marketing.

Top 10 picks with pros and cons · budget tiers: $ budget · $$ mid-range · $$$ premium · View all

We research products from Amazon listing details, specs, and ratings; we have not tested them hands-on. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Our three picks

Chosen from the ranked list below. Budget tiers: $ budget · $$ mid-range · $$$ premium.

Top 10 Litter & Boxes

  1. #1Modkat litter box

    Modkat Litter Box (Open or Flip versions) $$$

    Higher walls and liners — when cheap trays explode litter across the bathroom

    Pros

    • Reduces scatter vs low trays
    • Looks less “garage”
    • Liner system on many versions

    Cons

    • Pricey vs basic boxes
    • Some cats dislike enclosed styles
  2. #2Fresh Step clumping cat litter

    Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter $$

    Clay clumping workhorse — buy what your cat already accepts before “upgrading”

    Pros

    • Easy to find
    • Familiar clumping behavior
    • Multiple scent/unscented options

    Cons

    • Heavy bags
    • Dust varies by formula
  3. #3PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Legacy self-cleaning litter box, uncovered

    PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Legacy Self-Cleaning Litter Box, Uncovered $$$

    Disposable crystal trays — less scooping, ongoing tray cost

    Pros

    • The rake handles daily scooping
    • Crystal litter absorbs urine and dries out waste
    • Covered versions available

    Cons

    • Tray subscription-like costs
    • Not every cat accepts automations
  4. #4PetSafe ScoopFree crystal litter tray refills

    PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Litter Tray Refills (Multi-Pack) $$$

    Crystal trays that keep ScoopFree running — budget for the subscription-like cost

    Pros

    • Keeps self-cleaning system stocked
    • Multi-pack value
    • Familiar ScoopFree scent options

    Cons

    • Ongoing cost
    • Crystal not for every cat
  5. #5Dr. Elsey's Ultra UnScented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40 lb. Bag product photo

    Dr. Elsey's Ultra UnScented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40 lb. Bag $$

    40 lb unscented bentonite clay litter, 99.9% dust-free

    Pros

    • 100% bentonite clay that forms hard clumps
    • Unscented and listed as 99.9% dust-free
    • 40 lb bag for multi-cat homes

    Cons

    • Heavy 40 lb bag
    • Clay litter isn't biodegradable
  6. #6KISENG Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box with Lid product photo

    KISENG Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box with Lid $$

    XL stainless steel litter box with high ABS sides

    Pros

    • Non-porous stainless steel resists odor
    • 22.83 x 14.57 x 10.24 inch size
    • High sides contain kicked litter

    Cons

    • Large footprint
    • Higher entry than a basic pan
  7. #7ARM & HAMMER Slide Platinum Easy Clean-Up Clumping Cat Litter product photo

    ARM & HAMMER Slide Platinum Easy Clean-Up Clumping Cat Litter $

    Clumping clay litter that slides off the pan, 99.9% dust-free

    Pros

    • Hard clumps that slide off the pan
    • Works in traditional and robotic boxes
    • Listed as 99.9% dust-free

    Cons

    • Scented formulas may not suit sensitive cats
    • Clay litter is heavy
  8. #8Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan product photo

    Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan $

    Simple open plastic litter pan with a rim on every side

    Pros

    • Low-cost open pan
    • Rim on all sides
    • Light at about 7 oz

    Cons

    • Small size suits kittens and small cats
    • No hood or high sides to contain scatter
  9. #9OneBug High-Sided Stainless Steel XL Cat Litter Box for Cats product photo

    OneBug High-Sided Stainless Steel XL Cat Litter Box for Cats $$

    XL stainless litter box with 10 inch walls

    Pros

    • 22.95 x 14.8 inch XL size
    • 10.04 inch walls limit scatter and spray
    • Stainless steel resists odors and stains

    Cons

    • Large footprint
    • High walls may be hard for seniors
  10. #10Cat's Pride Antibacterial Litter product photo

    Cat's Pride Antibacterial Litter $

    12 lb antibacterial scented clumping clay in a jug

    Pros

    • Antibacterial formula targets odor-causing bacteria
    • 12 lb jug is easy to pour and store
    • Firm, scoopable clumps

    Cons

    • Scented, which some cats avoid
    • Smaller supply than big bags

Best Overall

Modkat Litter Box (Open or Flip versions)

Check price on Amazon