We Reviewed the Best High-Sided Litter Boxes

If you are a cat owner, chances are you know the challenge of keeping your litter box clean. While it would be great to have a designated space or room for this necessary chore, most pet parents have to create a small area for their cat to do their business. Having a high-sided litter box can help keep the mess and the waste contained in the box and off of your floor and walls.

Cats cover their waste in the litter box to keep it clean. While litter everywhere doesn’t make us pet owners think of cleanliness, it is actually one of the most important things to our cats. Covering their waste with litter keeps it from smelling, a way that their wild ancestors kept out of the reach of predators who may have wanted to track their scent.

Some cats are particularly enthusiastic when it comes to covering number one or number two. These cats can get litter in the most unlikely places, even when provided a sizable litter box and a mat to wipe their paws. A litter box with high sides can make sure that any litter that does get swatted around as they cover their waste stays in the box where it is supposed to be.

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for High-Sided Litter Boxes

#1 Overall Best: Nature’s Miracle Advanced High-Sided Cat Litter Box

In our review, the best high-sided litter box is Nature’s Miracle Advanced High-Sided Cat Litter Box.

This litter box is simple, affordable, and provides the high-sided coverage that cat owners love. Almost all cats will happily use this litter box, even those who are very picky about their environment. The sides extend up 11 inches with an opening on one side to make it easy for cats to climb in and out. Because the sides are so high, it is unlikely that cats will jump over the sides when the entrance is so convenient. This reduces the potential for litter to scatter all over the floor, especially when you use a litter trapping mat as well.

This is a simple litter box that doesn’t have any extra features. If you want something that is covered or designed to look nice in your home, this utilitarian option may not be the right one for you. However, for most pet owners whose top priority is keeping their cat’s litter area clean, it is the perfect solution. The interior is non-stick and can be spot cleaned as needed.

The only drawback to this product is the low entrance lip which means that cats can still scatter litter out of the box if they are enthusiastic diggers.

Pros and Cons of Nature’s Miracle Advanced High Sided Cat Litter Box

Overall Best

Nature's Miracle Advanced High Sided Cat Litter Box

• Simple, clean design
• Affordable option
• Interior is non-stick
• Very easy to clean

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2. Best Sifting: Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Litter Box

If you have a cat that is particularly enthusiastic about digging in their litter box then the Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Litter Box is a great choice as it massively cuts down on the amount of litter that gets kicked out.

This large enclosed litter box offers plenty of space for cats to take care of their business while also helping keep odors contained. An additional layer of odor protection is even included with the removable door by the entryway. It also has a Zeolite air filter to help eliminate odors for 60 to 90 days. Replacement filters are available too, so you don’t need to worry about it getting stinky!

In addition to keeping odors at bay, the covered design also helps to reduce messes and cut back on litter tracking since more litter stays in the box. When you’re ready to scoop your cat’s litter, simply remove the cover to lift the sifting tray and discard the waste.

This litter box is made from durable BPA-free plastic. The plastic has a high-polish finish which makes it stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Unfortunately, some customers have found that the door comes off quite easily, even when pets are going in and out of it. They also found that the sifter doesn’t work very well with wood pellets which just drop through the holes.

Pros and Cons of the Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Litter Box

Best Sifting

Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Litter Box

• Extra-large size for large or multiple cats
• Zeolite air filter helps to eliminate odors for 60-90 days (replaceable filters available)
• Durable high polish design is odor and stain resistant
• Removable enclosed top to sift; 3-pan system

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3. Best Covered Litter Box: Nature’s Miracle Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box

The best covered option, aside from the sifting option above, is Nature’s Miracle Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box.

When we saw that our #1 pick from Nature’s Miracle also had a corner litter box option, we hoped it would be just as great. Fortunately, reviewers raved about this specialty-shaped option just as much. It has the same high sides at 11 inches and is triangular for the perfect corner setup. They do have an option that is sold without the top. But for just a few dollars more, we recommend opting for the hooded box so that you have that option in the future. If you or your cat decide that you prefer it uncovered, just remove the hood.

The hood does have a ventilation portion on the top and comes with a charcoal filter. This can help keep litter box odors at bay. Having a corner litter box can be harder to clean. However, having a high-sided litter box with a hood is the best way to keep this area clean. Despite this, the main problem that owners have with this box is that it lacks a door or flap. This means that cats can still kick litter out through the entrance.

Pros and Cons of Nature’s Miracle Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box

Best Covered Litter Box

Nature's Miracle Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box

• Comes with a charcoal filter
• 11 inch high sides
• Perfect corner setup
• Hooded box

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4. Best Top Entry: IRIS Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box

Our selection as the best litter box with a top entry is the IRIS Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box.

This high-sided litter box makes it almost impossible for your cat to spray extra litter around the room. The only opening is a top entry point. Cats jump up to the top, something they love, then step into the enclosed litter box. Once they are done doing their business and covering it, they jump or step out. The grooves on the top of the box help clean their paws of extra litter before they jump down and resume their day.

The IRIS top entry litter box comes in a variety of colors and includes a coordinating litter scoop. The scoop can be stored on the side of the box, making it extra convenient for cleaning. If you have a particularly large cat, they may have some trouble getting through the opening. It measures 10.5 inches by nine inches. Both the entry space and the box itself are oval-shaped.

The main issue with this litter box is that some cats do not like the top entry design.

Pros and Cons of the IRIS Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box

Best Top Entry

IRIS Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box

• The only opening is on top
• Features grooves on top of box to clean cat's paws
• Comes in a variety of colors
• Sleek style

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

High-sided litter boxes can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and with extra features that make them easier to use or clean. Here are the things that you should consider and look for when picking a high-sided litter box for your cat.

Size

While they may not be as vocal about their preferences as dogs, cats are actually quite picky when it comes to their litter box setup. You should make sure that the box is large enough for your pet to use comfortably and that it can hold your pet’s waste without getting full for at least a day. If you have multiple cats, consider getting an extra-large litter box or multiple standard-sized litter boxes. This will keep them happy and your home cleaner.

Shape

Most litter boxes come in a rectangle but there are also other shapes that may work better for your available space or your cat’s preferences. Litter boxes designed for the corner can be a great option and are usually triangle-shaped. The biggest determining factor when deciding which is best for you is the placement in your room. If you want to put the litter box in the corner, having a box designed for this is the best use of the space.

Circular or oval litter boxes are less common but can be a good choice for cats who tend to scratch or dig at the corners of square or rectangular boxes. Because there are more places for litter to scatter outside of the box, especially when placed in a corner or against a wall, opting for a circular or oval-shaped box may result in more cleaning for you. These litter boxes are more likely to have a cover to help prevent this issue.

Special Features

Covered tops, self-cleaning, special entryways — who knew there were so many cool features that a cat litter box could have? These boxes are often more expensive but can be well worth the higher cost with the convenience that they bring to your life. Look for something that suits your needs and that your cat likes. Some cats dislike a covered litter box. Give them some time to adjust to this new setup.

The Different Types of High-Sided Litter Boxes: Pros and Cons Compared

When choosing the best high-sided litter box for your cat and home, you will most likely need to decide between a covered option and an uncovered option. Consider your cat’s preferences and the pros and cons listed here.

Covered litter box: Can keep the litter more contained. May be harder for large cats to get in and out, as well as for you to clean. Many have a removable cover so you can always convert it to an uncovered option.

Uncovered litter box: Open top makes it easy for the cat to use and for you to clean. Simple to pour fresh litter into the box. Some cats spray litter around the room more when using an uncovered box.

Our Criteria: How We Chose the Best

As a long-time cat owner, I know exactly how messy litter boxes can be. Whether cats are big diggers and sprayers or the box is simply too small, it doesn’t take much for litter to end up absolutely everywhere. High-sides can help solve a lot of these problems, creating a barrier to keep waste and litter contained and keeping the area around the box cleaner for longer.

Different cats have their own preferences and plenty will refuse to use boxes that are totally covered, with top entry, or with closing doors. But high-sides alone usually won’t intimidate a cat or discourage them from using the box, making it an easy transition for both you and your furry friend.

In addition to high sides, boxes that are easy to clean are a must. And litter boxes that look nice or can fit into discrete areas are a nice bonus, especially if you live in a smaller home.

Up Next…

• Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes — Hate cleaning the litter box? Give yourself a break with one of these self-cleaning models.
• Basic Litter Boxes — Keep things simple with one of these standard options.
• The Best Sifting Litter Boxes — If you prefer a sifting litter box then check out these great options here.