Choosing the Best Cat Litter and Litter Box for Indoor Cats

If you're looking to buy the best cat litter and cat litter boxes for your indoor cats you may be overwhelmed by all the choices on the market. Since not using the litter box is one of the primary concerns of cat owners, you will want to make the best choice to help ensure your cats develop and keep good litter box habits. I've done a lot of research in this area as well as some in-home preference testing with my cat, Cody. Although Cody is a faithful litter box user, he definitely showed a preference for certain litter and litter box style. My desire is to help you make the best decision the first time!

Litter Boxes

There are almost as many types of litter boxes on the market as there are breeds of cat, from the very basic box to complicated (and expensive!) self-cleaning or automated boxes. Prices run from about $5 to almost $300. The type of cat litter box you select will depend on on how much you want to spend, the size and age of your cat, and the type of space you have available. But the very good news is that a lot of cats have a preference for the common, less costly styles.

What to Look For:

Size. Most cats want a litter box that is roomy enough so they're not forced to step in their own business. Rubbermaid sells a a really nice, roomy box with raised sides for about $25.

Style. My cat showed a preference for a plain, open, uncovered litter box. Traditional hooded litter boxes trap odors inside the box, which could deter a cat from using the litter box. Remember, their noses are way more sensitive than ours. If you're using a covered litter box, it's critical you keep it very clean.

Simplicity. In general, steer clear of products that claim to eliminate odors or do the work for you. Just keep the box clean instead by scooping at least once if not twice per day.

Number of Boxes. Have one box per cat plus one to help ensure a peaceful, clean option for your cat. And if you're going to need to leave your cat for more than two days and do not have a reliable sitter-scooper, it might not be a bad idea to pick up a third box. Better safe than sorry!

Construction. Most cat litter boxes are made out of plastic. Kitty's Wonderbox makes disposable litter boxes from recycled paper which some people love. There are also stainless steel boxes, which I'd like to try but haven't so far. Stainless steel is easy to clean and, unlike plastic which scratches easily, won't harbor bacteria and odor.

Enclosures. To hide your litter box in plain view, there are a number of enclosure options available, such as benches, cabinets, side tables, and even potted plants! These may work well if you're limited on space, but keep in mind that they will trap odors so you'll want to be very vigilant about keeping them clean.

Proceed with Caution

Top Entry Boxes / CleverCat. I decided to buy a CleverCat for my cat after having read a ton of positive online reviews. And then I came across catinfo.org and Dr. Lisa Pierson. She strongly advises against this box. If you haven't seen it, it looks like a storage tub. The cat accesses the box via a large hole in the top. Dr. Pierson says that it is not healthy for a cat's tendons and joints to have to push off on a soft material to make the jump out of the box. Further, this type of litter box would not work for a large cat, an older cat, or a kitten. My cat, good little litter box user that he is, had no trouble adapting to or using CleverCat. However, when he had the option to use a large, open litter pan, his preference was clear: large, open box, paws down.

Self-Cleaning Boxes. Reviews are not convincing on these; although some people absolutely love them, it seems just as many hate them!. They are high-priced to buy and there are ongoing costs associated with keeping them operating. I've never used one and am skeptical that they work as well as just plain old scooping. I would also be concerned about a malfunction startling my cat while he's using the box.

Cat Litter

Clay. Most cats prefer unscented cat litter so it's best to go this route. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat is a terrific choice, and it seems to be Cody's favorite as well. ScoopAway's unscented formula is also quite good, but I found that Precious Cat clumps much better, which really helps to keep the box clean.

Corn/Flushable. It's also worth trying World's Best Cat Litter. This environmentally friendly litter is made from corn, clumps well, absorbs odor, and is flushable. It's lighter than clay litter, and so it may take some time for your cat to adapt to it. It is dusty though, and corn can induce allergies in cats, so it would be best to use this litter in an uncovered litter box. I had tried it in the CleverCat box, and within a week or so, Cody was getting congested. Even though he didn't seem to mind this litter, when given a choice, he went for clay.

Special Considerations. Note that if you're using a specialized litter box, such as a self-cleaning model, you may not be able to use clumping litter. Check the product instructions.

How Much to Use. General recommendations are two-three inches of depth in the box. You want to have enough litter in the box to minimize the amount of waste that goes all the way through to the bottom of the box, where it sticks, and so does the odor.

When to Change the Litter. The more vigilant you are about scooping, the longer your litter will last. I usually completely change out the litter about once per month, at which time I also clean the entire box. Note that I spot clean the bottom of the box with a damp paper towel and a tiny bit of dish soap in between changes. Just make sure to dry the spot you cleaned before you cover it back up with litter.

Scoop
I haven't found a particular brand to recommend, but the narrower the slots, the better. You'll want to catch all soiled litter, even the small chunks that break away from the clump. Another option is to buy a scoop without slots. You may go through more cat litter, but it will help to keep the litter you have nice and clean.

Litter Box Spray
The only reason I use this product is because it helps prevent the litter from sticking to the bottom of the pan, which helps to keep the box clean. I ordered Stink Free Instantly Litter Box spray from Drs. Foster and Smith, and my objection to it is that it's scented. My cat is not fussy about scent so it works for me, but not all cats are as laid back as Cody so I would not universally recommend this product.