30-09-25

Best litter box for cats: comfort & hygiene tips

Cat sitting next to toilet paper

Living with a cat means extra focus on the litter area. Choose well and you avoid litter box refusal, mess, and stress. 

Many people search for the best litter box, but the answer is simple: pick a box that fits your cat, place it well, and keep it clean. 

In this guide you get clear comfort and hygiene tips plus smart design ideas. You will learn how to size the box, set a cleaning routine, and choose features that make daily life easier.

Comfort: make your cat feel safe

Cats use the box more when it feels right. Too small, too noisy, or hard to enter means problems.

Comfort tips 

  • Pick a size your cat can fully turn in. 
  • Test open vs covered. Some cats like privacy, others want a wide view. 
  • Choose a low entry for kittens, seniors, or cats with joint pain. 
  • Go for smooth plastic and rounded edges inside the box. No sharp rims.
Kitten sitting in bluestone open litter tray in laundry room

Hygiene tips: litter box care

A clean box is the best odour control. Set a simple routine and stick to it.

  • Daily 

    •  Scoop clumps and solids
  • Weekly to fortnightly 

    • Wash the box with mild, unscented soap
    • Dry well before refilling. 
    • For light use, washing every 2–4 weeks can be fine. Increase if you notice smell
  • Placement rules 

    • Put the box in a quiet, low‑traffic, ventilated space. 
    • Keep it away from food and water
    • Use the 1 box per cat + 1 extra rule. For one cat, two boxes work best.
Scooping cat litter with Sift Buddy Scoop out of Aseo Jumbo litter tray

Design & practical features: easy clean, low odour

A good design helps you clean faster and keeps litter inside the tray. It should also look fine in your home.

What to look for:

  • Front‑opening hood or removable lid for fast scooping (hooded models only)
  • Tight hood and carbon filter slot to reduce smells for people (hooded models only)
  • High sides or anti‑spill rim to keep litter in. 
  • Smooth interior so waste does not stick. 
  • Sturdy handle to move the box when empty (hooded models only)
  • Optional liners or sieves if you prefer an easy clean litter box.

Note: It depends on what you want. Open trays do not have a handle or front opening and have no hood or filter, but they are simple and quick to scoop.

Why size matters? 

Big cats need extra space to dig and turn. A cramped tray can cause accidents and stress.

Product pick: Nestor Giant

Need room, privacy, and simple upkeep in one? Choose the Nestor Giant. It is a spacious hooded model with a front opening for quick scooping and a filter for odour control. It is especially suitable for large breeds, such as the Maine Coon, or multi‑cat homes.

Giant litter box in white and grey, Nestor Giant placed in living room

FAQ: best litter box for cats

 

How many litter boxes does one cat need?

Use one per cat plus one extra. For one cat, two boxes cut stress and queuing.

Where should I place the litter box?

A quiet, easy‑to‑reach spot, away from food and water. If your home has two floors, place a box on each.

How big should the litter box be?

Pick a tray your cat can turn in without touching the sides. Larger is often better.

Do cats prefer covered boxes?

There is no single rule. Some like privacy, others avoid flaps. Try both and see what your cat uses more.

When should I replace the litter box itself?

Replace the box when the plastic is scratched, holds odour, or is hard to clean. Deep scratches trap dirt.

The best litter box for cats balances space, routine cleaning, and smart features. 

Scoop daily, wash with unscented soap, and replace litter when needed. 

Place boxes in quiet spots and test open vs covered to match your cat. 

Follow these comfort and hygiene tips and your home will stay fresh. 

Ready for a practical upgrade? Discover the Nestor Giant for comfort, easy cleaning, and reliable odour control.

Open flexilble litter tray Flex-a-loo with cat in living room