Whether they’re a plus-size breed or obese, large cats need to be comfortable when doing their business. Investing in an extra large litter box is the way to go, as it provides your kitty with enough space to be comfortable.
Having the right amount of space is important so the cat has full evacuations, and isn’t cramped when using the box.
As you’ll learn in this article, there’s plenty of litter boxes designed specifically for large cats, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about each style so you can make an informed purchase.
Top Picks For The Best Extra Large Litter Box
Not all cats are built the same, and large felines have special requirements that their owners need to account for.
Best Overall (Recommended)
- Petphabet Cat Litter Box ideal for...
- Removable & Clear Top Cover. high back...
- No Exploding Cat.Safe for cats to move...
Best On A Budget
- Provides privacy whilst retaining the...
- Large hood lifts up for easy access for...
- The built in bag anchor helps keep the...
Best For Durability
- Why stainless Steel litter box? -...
- Never absorbs any odor, stain and rust...
- Extra Large size & ergonomic design –...
Best For High Spraying Cats
- The Modkat Litter Tray is ideal for cats...
- Nine inches tall base keeps litter in...
- Splash guard is great for high pee-ers!
Best Open Tray
- OPEN-TOP KITTY LITTER BOX: This large...
- KEEPS LITTER CONTAINED: The durable...
- PET CLEAN UP: Swiftly clean up after...
Best Portable Litter Box
- 【PORTABLE FOLDING】The covered litter...
- 【DRAWER STRUCTURE & EASY TO...
- 【SPECIAL DESIGN】The litter box...
What Is An Extra Large Litter Box?
An extra large litter box is designed with large size cats in mind. It’s a plastic, open-top box that holds cat litter. The cat climbs into the box and relieves itself on the litter, localizing the waste so it’s easy to clean up. Small and moderately-sized cats can get away with using a medium litter box, but big cats need more room.
A cat’s large size is mainly due to its breed, although some cats have a weight issue due to being overfed and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
Whatever the reason for your large cat, an extra large litter box will be beneficial for them so they have enough room to move around while inside the box.
Many cats will cover their waste before exiting the box. For this reason, the afforded room in an extra large box can allow them to easily do this.
The Different Types Of Extra Large Litter Boxs’
Extra large litter boxes come in a few different styles to suit your cat’s needs/temperament.
Hooded Litter Box
A hooded litter box has two components, a bottom half (which is the traditional litter box), and a top half that acts as a cover/lid.
The lid has an opening on it for cats to walk through, which may or may not include a swinging door/flap. This style of the box gives cats privacy and also helps keep any offending odors contained.
Petphabet Covered Jumbo Hooded Litter Box
- Petphabet Cat Litter Box ideal for...
- Removable & Clear Top Cover. high back...
- No Exploding Cat.Safe for cats to move...
This plus-sized box measures 24.8″ long x 20″ wide x 16.5″ high, providing even the largest of cats with plenty of room to do their business.
It comes in various colors and is designed with a high back to reduce spillover. The doorless cover is also transparent to provide light for your cat, and it locks into place to reduce the chance of it falling off if kitty bumps into it.
IRIS USA Large Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box
- MADE IN USA with global materials - The...
- ENCLOSED - The hood of the cat litter...
- TIDY - The entry grate helps to catch...
This navy blue box comes with a translucent cover as well as its own scoop. The cover is designed with a door and works with an entrance grate to help remove any litter that might be stuck on your cat’s paws as they exit.
A polished interior makes the plastic on this 19″ L x 15” W x 15.06″ H enclosure easy to clean, and it has sturdy feet and side rims for added stability.
Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome
- KEEP LITTER IN THE BOX, NOT ON THE...
- MINIMIZE ODOR: A charcoal filter...
- MADE WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS: Petmate is...
This futuristic-looking litter box is like having a small apartment for your cat to do its business in. Measuring 21” x 21”, its circular design has an open doorway with a short ramp leading them to the litter. This ramp also helps catch a lot of litter that might be dragged out upon exit.
The box’s cover is fully opaque which gives your cat privacy while hiding any litter from view, and it comes in 3 different colors.
Nature’s Miracle High Sided Litter Box
- Built in odor neutralizers continuously...
- Easy-to-use snap latches and flip top...
- Enclosed hood helps prevent litter...
This covered box has a doorless entry making it easy for large cats to climb inside. High walls are present along the sides and back of the box, and it comes complete with a charcoal filter on top to reduce odors from wafting into the home.
The cover is designed to snap to the box, keeping it in place, and you can flip up the entire front section of the lid to make scooping easier.
Sfozstra Cat Litter Box
- Large Top entryway for easy entry and...
- Rounded shape edges and included litter...
- This kitty litter box is the perfect way...
This square box is designed as a full enclosure with two entry/exit points, one on the front, and one on top. Cats will enter via the front entry, and when it’s finished it can hop out the top of the box.
The top of the box is designed with holes so that the litter on kitties paws can be returned to the box, instead of ending up on your floors. A cool design, but perhaps not the best choice if your cat has mobility issues.
Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan
- Provides privacy whilst retaining the...
- Large hood lifts up for easy access for...
- The built in bag anchor helps keep the...
This jumbo-sized box is available in white or gray and comes with a lockable lid and flap door. For some cats, the door may be too stiff, but that can be solved by removing the door altogether.
A carbon filter on top helps neutralize any odors, and the front doorway opens wide for cleaning the box. A lip is designed to attach a bag to it during scooping, making clean up simple and mess-free.
Open Litter Tray
Open tray litter boxes are the traditional style, designed to hold litter and make it easy for cats to easily climb in and out of.
Many cats prefer this style because they feel safer when they have a 100% view of their surroundings. It also gives your cat very easy access and very closely resembles the outdoors.
This instinct goes back to their ancestors who had to be on guard 24/7 to identify threats and quickly escape. Open tray boxes are also the least expensive type of box for your cat, as it’s basically just a big bin.
Petmate Giant Litter Tray
- OPEN-TOP KITTY LITTER BOX: This large...
- KEEPS LITTER CONTAINED: The durable...
- PET CLEAN UP: Swiftly clean up after...
The Petmate Giant tray measures 25.56” long x 18.3” wide x 10.02” high, to accommodate the largest of felines.
It has a sloped design that caters to both older cats as well as kittens, making it easier for both to get in and out of the box when nature calls. Its wide base also works to keep as much litter as it can inside the box.
IPrimio Ultimate Stainless Steel Cat XL Litter Box
- Why stainless Steel litter box? -...
- Never absorbs any odor, stain and rust...
- Extra Large size & ergonomic design –...
Unlike most litter boxes, this one is made of steel, which helps eliminate odors from leaching, which is a problem some plastic ones have.
This also makes it highly durable, as it’s both stain and rust free. At 23.5” L x 15.5” W x 6” H, there’s more than enough room for your large cat to feel comfortable, and it might be the last litter box you’ll ever have to buy.
Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan
- Ideal for cats who like to dig
- High polished finish that is odor and...
- Ideal for cats who urinate “high”;...
The Van Ness tray is designed with high sides for cats who have trouble keeping everything in the box. While it’s a decent size at 17.5” L x 15” W, it’s the taller-than-normal 8.5” height that will help out the most.
Cleaning the box is also easy to do as it has a high polish finish, which also helps reduce odors from locking into the plastic.
Designed For High Spraying Cats
With some cats being so large, their size can sometimes affect their aim. Some cats are simply terrible at aiming, while others think that because they’re in their box the waste landed in it as well.
Of course, there are also cats that don’t really care as you’re the one that has to deal with the clean up. For these “high sprayers”, you have options to keep the mess to a minimum.
Modkat Litter Tray
- The Modkat Litter Tray is ideal for cats...
- Nine inches tall base keeps litter in...
- Splash guard is great for high pee-ers!
The Modkat tray is designed with 9” high walls and provides a splash guard that gives an additional 6 inches of protection.
This model also comes with a reusable liner made of tarpaulin that fits perfectly over the edges of the box. A small platform locks onto the front of the box to keep the liner in place while providing the kitty a step when climbing in and out.
GENENIC Large Foldable Cat Litter Box
- 【PORTABLE FOLDING】The covered litter...
- 【DRAWER STRUCTURE & EASY TO...
- 【SPECIAL DESIGN】The litter box...
This square box from Genenic looks more like a miniature cat fortress than a litter box and comes in three colors. It has a one-way entry flap door and an open top for your cat to exit, keeping as much litter in the box as possible.
However, the real selling point is the litter tray, located at the base of the unit. After they use the box, simply open the drawer, scoop out the waste, and you’re done.
MEEXPAWS Extra Large Stainless Steel Litter Box for Cats
- OVERALL ... 23.6”×15.7”×5.9”...
- NON STICK / ODOR CONTROL ... Stainless...
- METAL CAT LITTER SCOOP ... Large and...
This extra large box from Meexpaws comes with a splash guard as well as a mat to catch any litter that kitty might drag out when they’re finished.
The box itself is made from stainless steel and stands 23.6” L x 15.7” W x 5.9” H. The mat overlaps the size of the box, and the splash guard can be installed around the perimeter to eliminate any accidents from getting on walls and floors.
Should You Buy An Extra Large Litter Box?
Does your cat really need an extra large box? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
Pros:
- They’re comfortable: This is probably the most important reason why you’d buy an extra large litter box. Cats, like humans, need to feel comfortable while they’re doing their business. A large box gives an ample amount of room to move around in, and also makes entry and exit a lot easier for hefty kitties.
- They have a large surface area: More surface area is needed to accommodate large cats, otherwise your little friend will be crouching and struggling to make sure the waste is deposited in the right place. Some extra large litter boxes also include splash guards and mats to increase the surface area in case of accidents.
- Multiple cats can use them: Owners of more than one cat can get use out of an extra large box. Some normal sized cats actually prefer using it with their friend, which is when a big box would come in handy.
Cons:
- They’re big: Big boxes require a lot of space, and if you decide to go for one with a cover it’s going to take up even more. This can be an issue if you’re short on living space.
- They can be an eyesore: Like any litter box, no one wants to see it. If you don’t have a dedicated room for the cat’s box, it’s going to be out in the open and not very pleasant to look at.
- They usually cost more money: This is simply because large boxes require more materials, with the added cost then transferred to the consumer. A medium-sized open tray litter box is going to cost a lot less than an extra large, high-walled, covered box.
Buying Guide
There’s a few things you should take into account when shopping for the proper litter box for your cat.
Size of the Tray & Opening – Dimensions
Cats needs a box that’s the appropriate size for their body type. Small cats can use small boxes, but bigger cats require larger ones.
At a minimum, the box should be as long as your cat, and as wide. Extra large litter boxes add extra room so cats can move around easily inside the box.
This is also important if it hasn’t been cleaned, as cats will undoubtedly want to tip top around previous deposits. Dimensions for an extra large box are generally in the following range: 25” length, 16” – 20” width, and 6” – 10” height.
Cost Of The Litter Box
An extra large litter box is going to cost more than a small litter box, for the sole reason that more materials are needed to make it.
Open tray litter boxes will be the cheapest, starting at around $10 USD and going up to $25 USD. A hooded box that provides a lid will be more expensive and runs closer to the $50 USD range. A high-walled box is the most expensive, and can be anywhere from $60 USD and up.
High Sides
An extra large litter box with high sides means the box is designed with high walls. Some cats prefer to do their business in the corners, or along the walls of the box.
If the wall isn’t high enough, you’ll have a mess to clean up every time they use the box. High sided litter boxes usually give you at least 9 inches on the side and rear walls to contain everything.
Is Your Cat A High Sprayer
A high sided litter box also comes in handy if your cat is a high sprayer. Many cats will crouch when they go number 1, but some cats prefer to stand, which can lead to urine all over the place.
Some cats spray to mark their territory, and this can be another reason to get a box with a 9+ inch wall height. There are also some models that come with an attachable splash guard to give you an additional 5 or 6 inches of extra height for protection.
Medical Conditions
Some cats have medical conditions which should be taken into account when buying their litter box. Large cat breeds are less mobile than small breeds, so it’s important that they can easily climb in and out of the box.
If your cat has any kind of digestive issues or a urinary tract infection, you’ll need to ensure the box is easy for them to access and large enough to be comfortable in, so they don’t have an accident on the floor.
Low Entry
As they age, large breeds and obese cats tend to suffer from mobility issues. This usually comes in the form of spinal muscular atrophy and hip dysplasia.
For these reasons, a box with a low height entry may be needed. Some models are specifically designed for this, with an entry opening of under 3 inches so your cat doesn’t have to do much work to get into the box.
How To Know If You Need An Extra Large Litter Box?
If you already have a litter box for your cat, but you suspect you may need to upgrade to a larger model, here are some reasons to do so:
Large Cat Breeds
Some breeds are bigger than others, and therefore, require more room to feel comfortable. Three of the largest breeds that usually require this are Maine Coons, British shorthairs, and Chausies. Maine Coons can weigh between 15 and 25 lbs., and stand roughly 3 feet in length.
British shorthairs can grow to be 14 inches in height and 25 inches long, while Chausies are a similar height (15 inches) and tip the scales at 30 lbs.! What they all have in common is that they won’t be too thrilled using a litter box they can barely fit inside, so size it accordingly.
Signs Your Cat’s Litter Tray Is Too Small
If the tray isn’t the correct size for your cat, the signs will be there. For starters, you may begin to notice your cat doesn’t want to use its litter box anymore.
This can be due to the kitty feeling uncomfortable with it, and with large cats, it’s usually because they feel cramped while inside of it. If they feel it’s too small, they probably won’t fully enter the box, which can lead to their bathroom habits being partially deposited on your floor.
Don’t be afraid to upgrade the tray, as it can make a huge difference for your cat.
You Have More Than One Cat
An extra large litter box can be extremely useful if your household has more than one cat. Cats are territorial creatures and will spray whatever they feel like to claim ownership.
Spraying can take place in the litter box, and this is common when there’s more than one cat using it. An extra large box with high sides or a hood can keep the spray from going all over the place.
Best Overall Extra Large Litter Box
- Petphabet Cat Litter Box ideal for...
- Removable & Clear Top Cover. high back...
- No Exploding Cat.Safe for cats to move...
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bigger litter boxes better for cats?
This is largely dependent on the size of your cat, and at times, their temperament. Some cats are particular about the litter box they’ll use, but any large cat should have a big litter box to do their business in.
Can I use a large litter box for multiple cats?
You can. There’s actually a rule that some people swear by that states you should have 1 extra box for every cat in the house. So, 1 cat would require 2 boxes, 2 cats would require 3 boxes, etc. But if you only have room for 1 box, the comfortability from an extra large model will benefit any size cat(s).
How big should my cat’s litter box be?
The litter box should be at least one and a half times the size of your cat. This will let them move around easily, with extra space for them in front, behind, and on the sides.
Can a cat’s litter box be too big?
Most cats prefer a large, open tray style of litter box, so it would be an anomaly if they decided not to use it because it’s too big.
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 14:36 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API