When you become a new cat owner, cat supplies are one of the first things you will think about. Although a litter box is an essential purchase in most cases, few cat parents give it much thought.

You might suppose that each box is similar to the others based on their appearance. Yet, litter boxes vary greatly; specifically, cats don't consider them the same.

The different dimensions and other features of a cat's litter box, like the width and height, might be essential. And with good reason! Consider how you'd feel if the restroom at your home was tiny and tight.

This scenario doesn't appear to be enjoyable. If you want to avoid this, as well as the discomfort that incorrectly labeled boxes might cause your cat, make sure you're getting suitable boxes for your kitty.

Fortunately, all you have to do is follow these guidelines.

How Many Litters Box Do You Need?

Even if you only have one cat, your household shouldn’t be without multiple options when it comes to litter boxes.

After all, everyone enjoys alternatives, and it can't hurt your cat when it comes to where they urinate and defecate every day.

The "n+1 rule" states that the number of cats you have should be at least one digit lesser than the number of litter boxes in your house. For instance, two cats equal three litter boxes.

Types of Cat Litter Boxes

To help your search for the perfect litter boxes for your kittens, let's quickly look at the different kinds available:

• Open litter box
• Waterproof cat litter box
• Covered litter box
• Disposable cat litter box
• Self-cleaning litter boxes
• Sifting litter boxes
• Top-entry litter box
• Corner litter box
• High-side litter
• Designer litter box

Now, let's proceed to the finer details.

What's The Ideal Size of The Box?

Perhaps this factor is among the most crucial considerations you need to make when selecting a litter box for your cat. No one enjoys doing daily business in cramped spaces!

So ensure each litter you purchase is big enough for your cat to fit into comfortably with some extra room to spare.

It should be able to freely move and dig around in it without getting out of it. There's the need for enough room to avoid any leftovers from previous trips. Typically, the appropriate size of a litter is at least the entire length of your cat's body, from its tail to the nose (when fully extended). It also has to be of the same width, if not more.

What's The Ideal Height of The Litter Box?

Height is a factor you seriously need to assess, particularly when looking at the sides of the boxes. Generally speaking, what you choose will depend on your cat's personality and "stature."

• General Height For Most Litters - A box with walls roughly 5–7" high is normally ideal for cats who don't make a mess or who don't regularly push litter out of their boxes (mainly when the container is large).
• The Correct Height For Sprayers - If you have a 'sprayer' or 'kicker,' ideally, the height of the sides has to be so tall as to reduce the possibility of these unwanted behaviors; but, your cat must easily enter and leave its boxes quickly without any stress.

So search for boxes having three taller sides that can keep pee, excrement, and litter off your floor (typically wall heights ranging from 8–12" are okay), but this also means having a lower entry/exit side for easy access (this side should be around 5–6").

• Matching Box Height And Mobility - Suppose you have kittens or any cats dealing with mobility conditions like arthritis; you should get litters having at least a side that's lower than the others. A 2.5 to 3.5" entry/exit side is comfortable enough for most cats while still keeping litter intact in the box.

Choose Between Uncovered And Covered Boxes

There is no definitive solution to this question. Some cats lean towards an open box, while others prefer a closed one. Of course, it's impossible to foretell which options your cat will favor.

So, you can use your judgment here, or you can put it to the test by offering your feline a variety of litters to pick from. Just get ready to adjust if your furry friend begins to express a definite preference. However, if covered boxes are your thing, ensure the opening size is perfect and is adjustable to uncovered boxes if your cat develops asthma or arthritis.

Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

The number of self-cleaning boxes on the market these days keeps increasing. Naturally, you might want to use these and save yourself the time and trouble of cleaning the litter regularly. However, choosing this easier option also has disadvantages, especially when your cat gets spooked by the self-cleaning mechanism of these litters and refuses to enter it.

Also, remember that several of these automatic boxes use a special litter. Scooping your cat's waste daily with regular boxes provides a vital avenue to help spot any changes in your feline's pees and poos. This could help detect developing health issues in their early stages like urinary obstruction, kidney disease, or constipation.

The Best Litter to Choose

Surprisingly, the "best overall litter box" for general use isn't usually your average homemade litter box. Instead, you should shop durable litter boxes that’ll save you and your cat a lot of trouble.

Such litter boxes usually have sufficient room across their length and width and have the correct depth. Cats prefer to use these expertly designed litters since they feel at home, apart from the perfect size.

Those who are "sprayers or kickers," as previously said, often require litter having all sides tall enough to keep the mess within the box while also having an entrance with the correct dimension for easy access.

Final Words

Litter boxes aren't the most thrilling item to shop for, but they're one of the most critical investments cat parents have to make. Making a mistake isn't tricky, resulting in a messy situation. Considering your cat's individual requirements helps guarantee that you get the ideal litter box for the job. Getting the right size, shape, style, and number of litter boxes for your cats is only the beginning. You must also perform routine clean-up and position it correctly.