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Once you have a cat, you realize that there are a lot of useful products that can help you and your cat. Litter boxes are one of the most talked about topics and for good reason. One reason is that you absolutely need a litter box if you have a cat. However, litter boxes come in many different shapes and sizes and variants. How do you choose the right one? What features help you? What features help your cat?
High sided litter boxes are the best next thing to self-cleaning litter boxes. I did a post on the best self-cleaning litter boxes, in my opinion, these are a fantastic option if you hate cleaning a litter box (as many of us do). However, some people can’t afford or don’t want to put that kind of money into a litter box.
Another option is a hooded box, but some cats don’t like the enclosed boxes. So, high sided boxes are the best bet for them.
Cats are a fickle bunch. Some cats like to pee on the side of a litter box or spray to mark their territory. As any cat owner will know this is not only annoying but the smell can be very strong. There are also some cats that can’t leave the litter box until half the litter is out on the floor from the task of covering their waste. This is where a high sided litter box comes in.
Do You Need a High Sided Litter Box?
If you have a cat that likes to pee on the side of the box or spray, if your cat flicks litter everywhere when covering their waste, or if you have a cat that hates the confines of a covered box then a high sided box is for you.
There are several styles of high sided litter boxes to choose from. Most are the rectangular kind like their lower sided cousins, but of course, they have higher sides. There are those that have an open cover which adds to the height, but leaves the box open so that your finicky cat that won’t use an enclosed cat box, will be more comfortable. There are corner options as well, shaped in a triangle they fit in corners, leaving a bit more space for you. One of the boxes reviewed below is made with no corners or odd angled space that catch and keep wet nasty litter that you can’t get out.
So, you have your choice of what will work the best for you and your cat.
#1 Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
Looking at some of the reviews of this product most people are rating it highly and say that it’s made from a good grade of plastic so it won’t crack or break easily as some litter boxes might. It comes with easy to carry handles on the side so you can move it around easily.
Most owners reported that this litter box helped contain the litter and stopped cats from peeing outside of the litter box. Overall a good solid litter box for the money.
Dimensions:
23 x 18.5 x 11 inches
Weight:
1.9lbs
Pros:
- High Sides to keep litter in
- Easy to Clean
Cons:
- Some cats can still throw litter out
#2 IRIS Open Top Cat Litter Box Kit with Shield and Scoop
The IRIS high sided litter box is another bestselling product that’s reviewed highly by customers.
The litter box is said to be built from high-grade plastic and quite strong and sturdy. The high sides provide enough privacy with some transparency, so your cat doesn’t feel like they’re in an enclosed space.
This high sided litter box also comes with a scoop which is a nice bonus to what is a good quality product.
Dimensions:
19.00″ L x 15.00″ W x 11.75″ H
Weight:
1.9lbs
Pros:
- Designed to offer cats room and quick accessibility.
- Matching scoop.
- High sides to keep litter in.
Cons:
- Not ideal for large cats – Jumbo size available from this company
- Some cats can still throw litter out
#3 Catit Cat Litter Pan with Rim
The Catit high sided litter pan comes with a rim around the edge to ensure that litter is contained within the box.
Built from shiny plastic that’s easy to clean the Catit high sided litter box is a well-built product.
Dimensions:
22.2 x 16.3 x 11.3 inches
Weight:
2.9lbs
Pros:
- Rim help prevent litter spills
- Suitable for all types of litter
- Easy cleanup
Cons:
- Plastic can crack
#4 Nature’s Miracle Advanced High Sided Corner Litter Box
If you need to save a little space this cat box will work well. It’s made in a triangular shape to fit corners, thus saving some space in your home.
This cat box has 10-inch walls to help contain litter and those pesky leaks when your cat has decided to spray rather than just pee. The plastic in this cat box is said to be non-stick and has technology that controls odors caused by bacteria and blocks odors from being absorbed. It’s extra-large, which makes it ideal for multi-cat households.
Dimensions:
10 x 23 x 26 inches
Weight:
2lbs
Pros:
- Odor Blocking
- Mold and mildew resistant
- Non-Stick Surface
- Eliminates litter caking
Cons:
- Larger cats can still kick litter out
- Possibility of urine accidents as well with large cats
#5 PetFusion Large Litter Box
Dimensions:
22.6 x 18.1 x 8.0
Weight:
1.8 lbs
Pros:
- Vet Recommended
- Easy to clean
- Anti-microbial
- Less odor
- Smooth design
- Large size
Cons:
- Non-stick coating can peel
Conclusion
A high sided litter box is a sound investment if you have a cat that likes to kick litter out of the litter box. Based on this alone you will spend less time sweeping up litter from the floor.
The other main benefit is the fact it should stop your cat peeing outside of the box if your furry friend likes to pee vertically as some cats do.
There is, of course, a hooded litter box which would cure most of these issues but some cats just don’t like to go inside of a hooded litter box and the lid often will keep the smells enclosed and when it comes to cleaning these out the smell is released which isn’t a pleasant experience.
Overall for the cost of a high sided litter box, it just makes sense to buy one over a low sided litter box. These are low cost alternatives to something like the Litter Robot Open Air III which is the best self-cleaning litter box in my opinion.
The tag at the top said “litter” so I thought it would be about best litter substrates for long-haired cats like Persians. I just got two fosters and am not happy with clay for them.
High-sided litter boxes have nothing particular to do with Persian cats.
Litter is the “general” category hence why litter boxes come under this tag. Unfortunately, I’ve not done a litter comparison post yet, however, it’s something I will looking into doing at somepoint when I can get hold of all the different litters and try them.