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Choosing the right cat litter box isn’t just a boring chore—it’s one of the biggest factors that affects your cat’s comfort, your home’s cleanliness, and how much time you spend scooping. Get it wrong and you’ll face avoidance, accidents, or a chronically smelly living room. Get it right and your cat will happily use the box, odors stay under control, and you’ll save hours of frustration. I’ll walk you through types, sizes, smart features, and the best places in the US to shop so you can match the box to your cat’s personality and your lifestyle.
If you’re shopping for a litter box, you’ve got choices. Big-box retailers, pet specialists, and online marketplaces all stock a wide range—from budget pans to app-controlled self-cleaning units. Below I highlight popular retailers where you’ll find strong selections and different price points, with tips on what to look for at each one.
Walmart is a go-to if you want affordable options and lots of variety in one place. You can find simple open trays, covered boxes, and even automatic self-cleaning units. Walmart often carries brands that bring features like odor filters, liners, and enclosed designs for privacy. If you want to test a style without a huge commitment, Walmart’s mix of budget and mid-range picks makes it easy. Look for product specs like capacity in pounds, dimensions in inches, and safety features for self-cleaning models before you buy.
Amazon is unbeatable if you want the broadest selection and customer reviews that help you compare models. You’ll find everything from disposable tray systems to premium automatic boxes that weigh your cat and sync to an app. The trade-off is sifting through options—so use filters for size, number-of-cats rated, and features like “app-enabled” or “odor-control” to narrow down choices. Prime shipping can get you replacement liners or specialized litter in a day or two.
Chewy has a pet-first focus and carries many popular brands of litter boxes plus the refill supplies you’ll need—liners, filters, and litter. One big perk is the subscription option for consumables so you don’t run out of litter or odor filters. Customer service at Chewy is known for helpful advice, and their product pages often include user photos that reveal real-world size and fit—handy when you’re replacing an old box.
If you want to see a box in person before buying, PetSmart and Petco let you inspect sizes and materials in-store. Staff can demonstrate how hooded boxes open or how an automatic unit cycles. These stores also carry vet-recommended brands and have a decent selection of litter accessories and odor-control products. It’s great for hands-on shoppers who want to feel the quality and test lid hinges or scoop storage before committing.
Target and some home improvement chains carry well-designed basics and novelty boxes that blend with home decor. Specialty retailers and boutique pet shops often carry designer litter boxes or quiet, compact options for apartments. If your home has unique space constraints—say a narrow bathroom or closet—these retailers sometimes offer slim or stackable solutions that big-box stores don’t.
Not all litter boxes are built the same. Your cat’s preferences, your cleaning tolerance, and the number of cats will influence what style fits best. Below are the common types and why you might choose each.
Open trays are the basic, low-cost solution. They’re easy to clean and let your cat see its surroundings, which some shy cats prefer. They’re also lighter and stackable for storage. The downside is less privacy and more tracked litter, but if you’re on a budget or have a confident cat, an open box 24 to 30 inches long and 16 to 20 inches wide often works well.
Covered boxes give privacy and help contain litter scatter and odors. They’re a good fit for busy households or if the box shares space with family areas. However, some cats dislike the enclosed feeling. Choose an enclosed box with an entrance height that suits your cat—generally 8 to 12 inches for adult cats—and consider models with carbon filters to fight smells.
Top-entry boxes reduce litter tracking because cats jump in and out through the top. They’re clever for small apartments and households with dogs who like to sample cat litter. Keep in mind elderly or very young cats may struggle with the top entry; and the box dimensions should allow comfortable turning—aim for around 16 to 20 inches diameter for medium cats.
Self-cleaning units can dramatically reduce scooping and help control odor, especially in multi-cat homes. They range from rake-and-tray designs to rotating barrels and robot-style sifting units. Look for safety sensors, quiet motors, and easy-to-change waste compartments. If you travel a lot or despise daily scooping, this category is worth the higher cost. Just budget for replacement parts and liners in pounds and inches—many models list bin capacity in pounds or the size of the replacement trays in inches.
Disposable tray systems are useful for travel, fosters, or temporary setups. They’re convenient and hygienic for short-term use but can be costly over time. Keep these for specific situations rather than primary use unless you’re running a short-term rescue or boarding setup.
Size matters. A box that’s too small makes a cat feel cramped and may lead to accidents. The rule of thumb for adult cats is a box length at least 1.5 times the cat’s body length, not including tail. Many mid-size adult cats do well in boxes roughly 24 to 30 inches long and 16 to 20 inches wide. In multi-cat homes, add one box per cat plus one extra; so for two cats aim for at least three appropriate boxes placed in separate areas.
When comparing models at Walmart, Chewy, Amazon, or in-store, look beyond the pretty photos. Prioritize features that match your needs—like odor control, ease of cleaning, safety, and footprint. Small differences in design add up and can save you time.
Odor control matters most in small spaces. Carbon filters, sealed waste compartments, and models designed to keep urine separate from scooped solids all help reduce smells. If you live in an apartment, aim for a model that advertises active odor filtration or a sealed waste drawer that removes odors rather than letting them escape into the room.
If you’re buying an automatic unit, check safety shutoffs and anti-pinch mechanisms so the cleaning cycle won’t start while your cat is inside. Noise level is also important—if the device beeps loudly or motors kick in at night, a nervous cat might avoid it. Some premium units include weight sensors to detect when the cat enters or leaves and health-monitoring features that log usage patterns.
Smart litter boxes can send app alerts when the bin fills, track how often your cat uses the box, and detect sudden changes that might indicate a health issue. These are great for multi-cat homes or for owners who want data. Remember smart features add cost and sometimes require subscriptions—factor that into your overall budget.
Many boxes rely on disposable liners, scoop-free trays, or replaceable cartridges. These make life easier but create recurring costs. Before you love a design, check the price and availability of consumables so you’re not surprised by a discontinued liner or an expensive cartridge that adds $10 to $20 per month to ownership costs.
Think about what will save you time or provide peace of mind. Splurge on a reliable self-cleaning unit if daily scooping stresses you out or you have multiple cats. Save on a basic open tray for a single, easygoing cat. A covered box with a good carbon filter strikes a balance for many households: it costs less than a robotic unit but offers odor control and privacy. If you’re unsure, try an affordable enclosed model first—many retailers like Walmart and Target make that easy.
Regular maintenance keeps the box usable and your home smelling pleasant. Scoop solids daily if you can, and do a full litter change and clean every one to two weeks, depending on box type and number of cats. For self-cleaning units, follow manufacturer guidance on changing bags and filters—most recommend replacing filters every few weeks and emptying waste bins when they hit a certain level (often specified in pounds or capacity percentage). Always unplug electric units before deep cleaning and inspect seals and sensors periodically for debris buildup.
Here are quick recommendations to match needs with what typical US retailers carry:
Look for large-capacity automatic or multi-compartment units that advertise handling multiple cats and list bin capacities in pounds. Retailers like Chewy and Amazon carry high-capacity self-cleaners and heavy-duty covered boxes rated for several cats. A larger manual box—around 30 inches long—paired with daily scooping also works if you want to avoid mechanical systems.
Top-entry or slim-profile covered boxes are ideal for small spaces. Target and specialty home retailers often stock compact designs that hide the box as furniture or fit into closets. Choose a model roughly 16 to 20 inches across to allow comfortable turning while keeping the footprint small.
Simple open trays and basic covered boxes from Walmart or Target deliver good value. Pair them with a high-quality clumping litter and a carbon filter to maximize odor control without breaking the bank. Expect to spend under $50 for a solid budget setup.
If you want health tracking and app control, check premium models on Amazon and Chewy. These often include weight detection, usage logs, and automatic scooping. They cost more up front—sometimes several hundred dollars—but if you want the convenience and insights, they’re worth considering.
Switching boxes requires patience. Start by placing the new box beside the old one and let your cat sniff it for a day or two. Then gradually move the new box to the desired location. If it’s a different type—say covered to uncovered—mix in some familiar litter from the old box to reduce stress. Reward exploration with praise or a treat and keep cleaning consistent so your cat learns the new spot is safe.
Buying the right litter box is a small investment that pays big dividends in cat comfort and home hygiene. Whether you favor Walmart for convenience and value, Amazon for selection, Chewy for pet-focused service, or in-store browsing at PetSmart or Petco, match the type and size of the box to your cat’s preferences and household needs. Prioritize odor control, easy maintenance, and safety—especially for automatic units—and don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs like liners or cartridges. With a little planning and the right retailer, you’ll find a solution that keeps both you and your cat happy.
