How to Choose Cat Litter and a Litter Box: Size, Type, Placement and Cleanup

This guide is for cat owners setting up a litter box for the first time, adding a cat to the home, or trying to fix tracking, odor or a cat that has started going outside the box. It covers how many boxes you need, how big they should be, where to put them, how the main litter types differ (clumping clay, plant-based, pine pellets and silica crystals), and the extras that make daily cleanup easier: scoops, mats and disposal pails.

The short answer: Get one box per cat plus one extra, choose boxes that are large and easy to step into, and put them in quiet spots away from food and water. Start with an unscented, fine-grained clumping litter, since that is what most cats prefer, and scoop at least once a day. If you change anything, change it gradually and keep the old setup available until your cat uses the new one reliably.

How we chose: picks are based on brand specs, the product listing and public reviews from named outlets linked on each product page. We have not tested these products ourselves.

How to choose a litter box and litter

How many boxes you need

The common rule from shelters and feline vets is one box per cat, plus one. The Cornell Feline Health Center gives that number and suggests placing multiple boxes in different areas of the house (Cornell Feline Health Center). The ASPCA gives the same advice, so a three-cat home would have four boxes (ASPCA). Spreading boxes out matters as much as the count: two boxes side by side can work like one big box, and a cat that is blocked from one area by another cat still has a choice. In a home with more than one floor, Humane World for Animals suggests at least one box on each floor (Humane World for Animals).

Size: bigger than you think

Many boxes sold as standard are small for an adult cat. International Cat Care suggests a tray about one and a half times the length of your cat, measured from nose to the base of the tail, and recommends rectangular trays over corner or oval shapes (International Cat Care). Humane World for Animals puts it simply: the cat should be able to turn around comfortably inside. Measure your cat, then compare that number with the inside length of the box, not the outside dimensions on the listing. Cornell notes that overweight and large cats need bigger boxes, while young kittens and elderly cats need boxes with low sides.

Open, high-sided, covered, top-entry or self-cleaning

Most cats lean toward open boxes. Cornell says most cats prefer an uncovered box that lets odors escape and gives a 360-degree view, and International Cat Care notes that covered trays can make some cats feel vulnerable and can trap odor inside. That does not mean a hood never works, but it is the style most likely to be refused. Here is how the main types compare:

• Open, standard height: easiest to enter and the safest first choice, but litter can get kicked over the edge.
• Open, high-sided: tall walls catch scatter and spraying while the top stays open. Check that the entry height suits your cat.
• Covered, front entry: more privacy and containment for you, but odor stays inside with the cat, so daily scooping matters more.
• Top entry: very good at stopping tracking and at keeping dogs out, but your cat has to jump in and climb out. Not a fit for kittens, seniors, overweight or arthritic cats.
• Self-cleaning or self-sifting: cuts down on scooping. Humane World for Animals notes that automated boxes can frighten some cats, so introduce one slowly and keep a regular box available.

Where to put the box

Location causes many litter box problems. Cornell describes the ideal spot as quiet, private, separate from the feeding area and accessible 24 hours a day. The ASPCA adds that cats do not like to feel cornered: they want to see people or other animals coming and have more than one way out. That rules out a lot of tucked-away closets and the spot right next to a washing machine that can start up mid-visit. Keep boxes away from food and water bowls, and do not move a box your cat already uses unless you have to.

Litter types

The ASPCA says most cats prefer clumping, unscented litter, and that a cat may prefer the type it used as a kitten. Cornell likewise says most cats prefer unscented, finer-textured litter, and International Cat Care points to fine, sand-like clumping litter as the closest match to what cats choose naturally. The main options:

• Clumping clay: forms hard clumps you scoop out, leaving clean litter behind. Heavy, and not flushable. A common default for multi-cat homes.
• Plant-based clumping (corn, wheat, grass and similar): lighter than clay, and some brands say they are flushable. Check local rules and your plumbing before flushing any litter.
• Pine pellets: non-clumping pellets that break down into sawdust when wet. Low dust and light, but the texture is very different from sand, so many cats need a slow switch.
• Silica crystals: absorb urine rather than clumping. You scoop solids, stir, and replace the whole box on a schedule. Light to carry, but the texture is coarse.

Scent is for people, not cats. Cornell, the ASPCA, Humane World for Animals and International Cat Care all advise unscented litter. If you choose a scented product, watch closely for signs that your cat is avoiding the box.

Litter depth

Cornell and the ASPCA both say most cats prefer about one to two inches of litter, and International Cat Care suggests about 3 cm (just over an inch). Brands sometimes recommend more: some clumping litters suggest 3 to 4 inches so clumps do not stick to the bottom, and manual sifting boxes need a set depth to work. A reasonable approach is to start with the brand’s directions and adjust if your cat digs less, perches on the edge, or kicks litter out.

Cleaning and hygiene

Scoop at least once a day. The ASPCA recommends scooping daily and rinsing the box out completely with baking soda or unscented soap once a week. Cornell suggests scrubbing with a gentle detergent, drying it and refilling with clean litter, and advises against ammonia or vinegar based products when cleaning soiled areas. International Cat Care warns that disinfectants containing chloroxylenol are toxic to cats. Liners are optional: Cornell says a liner may help keep the box cleaner, but many cats do not like them.

Daily scooping also matters for people. Cornell’s toxoplasmosis page explains that Toxoplasma eggs in cat feces need at least 24 hours to become infective, so removing feces every day, wearing gloves and washing your hands afterward lowers the risk. It advises that pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should not clean the box (Cornell Feline Health Center).

When a litter box problem is a health problem

A cat that suddenly goes outside the box, strains, or makes many trips with little urine may be sick, not fussy. Cornell’s page on lower urinary tract disease says a cat with a urethral obstruction may strain, make frequent attempts and pass little or no urine, and calls it a true medical emergency that needs immediate veterinary care (Cornell Feline Health Center). Cornell notes that a fully blocked cat can die in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Check with your vet before blaming the box or the litter.

Our picks

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 40 lb

A good default for owners who want a plain, unscented clumping clay. The brand describes it as 99% dust-free, low tracking and hard clumping, and controls odor without perfumes or deodorants. It is made for multi-cat homes and sifting or mechanical boxes. The brand says to fill 3 to 4 inches deep, scoop twice a day and throw used litter in the trash, not the toilet.

ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, 37 lb

A scented clumping clay for multi-cat homes where odor is the main complaint. The listing describes hard clumps, baking soda odor eliminators and 14-day odor control, and calls it 99.9% dust free and low tracking. It is listed as working in traditional and robotic boxes. Because it is scented, switch slowly and watch that your cat keeps using the box.

World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Litter, 8 lb

For owners who want a lighter, plant-based clumping litter. It is made from whole-kernel corn, has no artificial perfumes and is listed as 99% dust free. The brand says it is flushable and septic safe, but check local rules and your plumbing first. The brand suggests 2 to 3 inches in the box, daily scooping and a gradual switch.

Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Pine Cat Litter, 7 lb

A non-clumping pine pellet litter made from reclaimed lumber shavings, with no synthetic perfumes. The brand says to use about 1 inch, scoop solids daily, shake the box so sawdust sifts down, and replace it when it is mostly sawdust. Pellets feel very different from sand, so plan a slow switch, and a sifting box makes it easier to manage.

Fresh Step Clean Care Crystal Cat Litter, 8 lb, 2 Pack

A silica gel crystal litter for owners who would rather do one full change a month than scoop clumps of urine. You fill at least 1.5 to 2 inches, scoop solids and stir daily, and dump and refill every 20 to 30 days. The brand says one 8 lb bag lasts about a month for one cat. It is lightly scented and not flushable.

IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box with Scatter Shield, Large

A simple open box with tall walls that keep kicked litter and spraying inside, so you get much of the containment of a hood while the top stays open. It measures 19 x 15 x 11.75 inches. The tall sides can be hard for kittens, seniors or arthritic cats to step over, so check the entry height before you buy.

Modkat Flip Covered Litter Box, Front Entry, White

A covered front-entry box for messy cats or cats that spray high. The magnetic lid has three positions, including one that flips halfway so you can scoop without removing a hood. The entry is 8.25 inches wide, 9.5 inches high and 6.75 inches off the floor. It comes with a reusable liner, a hanging scoop and two charcoal filters.

IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Large, Beige/White

A top-entry box for homes where tracking or a curious dog is the problem. Grooves in the lid catch litter from paws as the cat climbs out, and the enclosed shape helps keep dogs out. It measures 20.75 x 16.125 x 14.625 inches with a 9 x 10.5 inch opening on top. Skip it for senior, overweight, arthritic or very young cats that struggle to jump.

Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean Self Cleaning Litter Box, Large

A non-electric self-sifting box: you roll it onto its top and back, and a grate drops clumps into a pull-out tray. It needs no power, liners or filters, and the Large size is meant for big cats or multi-cat homes. It works with about 2 inches of good clumping litter, and overfilling can cause spills when you roll it.

DuraScoop Premium Multicat Metal Cat Litter Scoop (Jumbo)

An all-metal aluminum scoop with a deep shovel and solid sides that help keep litter from spilling while you sift. The handle has a non-slip coating, and the scoop measures 12.7 x 5.9 x 2.6 inches. It is a sturdy upgrade from the small plastic scoops that come with many boxes, though it may feel big for small boxes.

Gorilla Grip Coiled Mesh Cat Litter Mat, 35 x 23 in, Gray

A coiled mesh mat that catches litter off your cat’s paws as it steps out of the box. The textured backing helps it stay put, and the water-resistant build keeps liquids from passing through. Collected litter can be tipped back into the box, shaken out or vacuumed. It comes in sizes from 17 x 11 to 47 x 35 inches, plus corner and half-circle shapes.

Litter Genie Standard Cat Litter Disposal Pail with 14 ft Standard Refill

A small lidded pail that sits by the box and seals scooped clumps in odor-barrier bags, so you take the trash out less often. The brand says it holds up to 14 days of waste for one cat and that a 14 ft refill lasts up to 2 months for one cat. Expect it to fill faster with several cats and clumping litter, and keep it closed and away from dogs.

Mistakes to avoid

• Having fewer boxes than cats, or lining all the boxes up in one room.
• Buying a box that is too short for your cat. Measure nose to base of tail first.
• Putting the box next to food and water, in a busy hallway or beside a noisy appliance.
• Switching litter type all at once instead of mixing it in over time.
• Using scented litter or air fresheners to cover up a box that needs scooping.
• Choosing a top-entry or high-sided box for a kitten, senior or arthritic cat.
• Cleaning the box with ammonia or harsh disinfectants.
• Assuming a cat going outside the box is being spiteful instead of calling your vet.

FAQ

How many litter boxes do I need for two cats?

Three. Cornell and the ASPCA both recommend one box per cat plus one extra, placed in different parts of the home.

How deep should cat litter be?

Most cats prefer about one to two inches, according to Cornell and the ASPCA. Some litters and sifting boxes call for more, so start with the brand’s directions and adjust to your cat.

Do cats prefer covered or open litter boxes?

Most prefer open boxes. Cornell says cats tend to like a box that lets odor escape and gives them a full view, though some cats use covered boxes without trouble.

How often should I clean the litter box?

Scoop at least once a day. The ASPCA suggests rinsing the whole box with unscented soap or baking soda once a week, and how often you replace all the litter depends on the type.

What is the best type of litter for most cats?

An unscented, fine-grained clumping litter is the safest starting point, since that is what the ASPCA and Cornell say most cats prefer. Pine, corn and crystal litters can work too, with a slow switch.

Can I flush cat litter?

Never flush clay or crystal litter. Some plant-based litters are labeled flushable, but check local rules and your plumbing first, and bag it for the trash if in doubt.

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