5 Best Cat Boxes for Apartment Living Reviewed

Does your tiny apartment feel even smaller with a bulky litter box taking up precious space? You’re not alone! Many cat parents living in apartments face the same challenge. Finding the perfect litter box for a small living space can be tricky. You want something that works well for your feline friend, but also doesn’t become an eyesore or a stinky problem in your cozy home.

It’s tough to know which litter box will fit your apartment’s style and your cat’s needs. Do you need a covered one to hide the mess, or an open one for easier cleaning? What about odor control? These are all important questions that can make choosing a litter box feel like a big decision. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you sort it all out!

In this post, we’ll explore the best litter box solutions for apartment living. We’ll look at smart designs, odor-fighting features, and options that will blend nicely with your decor. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to look for, making your apartment a happier, cleaner place for both you and your furry companion. Let’s dive in and find the purr-fect cat box for your apartment!

Our Top 5 Cat Box For Apartment Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Cat Box For Apartment Detailed Reviews

1. Lifewit Litter Box Cat with Faux Plant & Scoop

Lifewit Litter Box Cat with Faux Plant & Scoop, Hidden Enclosure Litter Tray with Odor Control & Carbon Filter in Living Room, Bedroom, Corner, Black

Rating: 8.5/10

Tired of unsightly litter boxes cluttering your home? The Lifewit Litter Box Cat with Faux Plant & Scoop is a game-changer! This clever design hides your cat’s private business inside a stylish faux plant, blending seamlessly into any room. It’s perfect for keeping your living space looking neat and tidy, even with multiple furry friends.

What We Like:

  • Looks like a real plant, hiding the litter box from view.
  • Winner of the American Good Design Award, so you know it’s well-designed!
  • Spacious enough for cats of all sizes and even multi-cat homes.
  • Low entry point and a small platform make it easy for kittens and older cats to use.
  • The rounded corner at the entrance protects your cat from getting scratched.
  • Easy to assemble and clean thanks to a user-friendly design.
  • The activated carbon filter really works to trap smells.
  • Comes with a handy scoop that you can easily store.
  • The flowerpot can be securely fixed, so it won’t tip over.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The height might be a bit tall for very small spaces.
  • While the faux plant is nice, some cat owners might prefer a more natural look.

This Lifewit litter box offers a smart and stylish solution to a common pet owner problem. It’s a great way to maintain a clean home and a happy cat.

2. IRIS USA 2 Pack Large Cat Litter Boxes with Scatter Shield and Scoop

IRIS USA 2 Pack Large Cat Litter Boxes with Scatter Shield and Scoop, Open Top High Sided Cat Litter Pan, Black

Rating: 8.7/10

Keeping your feline friends happy and your home clean just got a whole lot easier with the IRIS USA 2 Pack Large Cat Litter Boxes. These open-top pans are designed with your cat’s comfort and your convenience in mind. Made in the USA, they offer a practical and comfortable spot for your cat’s bathroom needs. The high sides act as a scatter shield, preventing litter from flying out and keeping your floors tidy. Getting in and out is a breeze for your cat, and the open design makes it simple for you to keep an eye on their health and scoop away messes.

What We Like:

  • Made in the USA, ensuring quality and supporting domestic manufacturing.
  • Generous size (19″L x 15″W x 11.75″H) gives cats plenty of room to move and dig.
  • High sides act as a scatter shield, significantly reducing litter tracking and spray outside the box.
  • Open top design makes it easy for cats of all ages and sizes to get in and out.
  • Ideal for multi-cat households, providing each cat with their own private space and minimizing potential conflicts.
  • Easy to clean and monitor your cat’s health due to the open design.
  • Comes with a handy scoop for quick and efficient cleanup.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the open top offers privacy with its high walls, some cats might prefer a fully enclosed space.
  • The black color, while sleek, can sometimes show dust or fur more prominently, requiring more frequent wiping.

Overall, these IRIS USA litter boxes are a fantastic solution for pet owners seeking a clean, spacious, and easy-to-manage litter system.

3. Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides

Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Open Top, Includes Scoop, 19 x 15 x 11.75 inches, Grey/Beige

Rating: 9.2/10

The Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box is a practical choice for cat owners. Its generous size and thoughtful design aim to make litter box duty easier for both you and your feline friends. It’s made from sturdy, safe plastic and comes with a handy scoop.

What We Like:

  • The high sides really help keep litter from flying out. This means less mess on your floors.
  • Cats can easily get in and out. The lowered front is great for older cats or bigger cats.
  • It’s built to last. The plastic is strong and safe, plus it can be recycled.
  • You can easily see what’s going on inside. Scooping is simple because it’s an open box.
  • A scoop is included and it stores right on the box. You won’t lose your scoop anymore!

What Could Be Improved:

  • Because it’s an open box, some cats might still track litter out.
  • The open design might not be ideal for cats that prefer privacy.

Overall, this litter box offers good value with its helpful features. It’s a solid option for keeping your home cleaner and making litter box maintenance more convenient.

4. IRIS USA Cat Litter Box

IRIS USA Cat Litter Box, Large Top Entry with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Box Enclosure, Beige/White

Rating: 8.6/10

Tired of litter tracked all over your house? The IRIS USA Cat Litter Box is here to help! This large, top-entry box keeps litter contained, odors down, and even keeps curious dogs out. It’s made in the USA with global materials, and its simple design makes it a great addition to any home.

What We Like:

  • Keeps litter inside and odors out with its enclosed design.
  • Top entry gives your cat privacy and stops litter from spilling.
  • The lid has grooves to catch litter off your cat’s paws.
  • Comes with a scoop that hooks right onto the lid for easy storage.
  • It’s big enough for most cats and holds up to 25 pounds of litter.
  • The tall walls and top entry make it dog-proof.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some cats might find the top entry a little tricky to get used to.
  • While it helps with odors, it’s not completely smell-proof.

This litter box is a smart choice for a cleaner, tidier home and a happier cat. It offers a practical and neat solution for your feline friend’s needs.

5. SETVSON Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture

SETVSON Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture, Handwoven Rattan Hidden Litter Box with Mat, Large Space Cat House with 2 S-Shaped Hooks 30.3 x 18.3 x 24.4 Inches, Indoor for Living Room Apartment Natural

Rating: 8.5/10

Tired of seeing your cat’s litter box out in the open? The SETVSON Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture is here to help! This stylish piece of furniture looks like a chic side table, but it’s actually a clever hideaway for your cat’s litter box. Made from handwoven rattan, it adds a natural, bohemian vibe to your living room or apartment. It’s designed to keep your cat’s private business out of sight, making your home look tidier and your cat feel more comfortable.

What We Like:

  • Great for Ventilation: The woven rattan lets in extra light and air, keeping the inside fresh.
  • Hides Messes: It completely hides the litter box, making your space look much neater.
  • Lots of Room: It’s big enough for most large litter boxes and gives your cat space to move around.
  • Cat-Friendly Top: The top surface is perfect for your cat to take a nap on or for you to store things.
  • Easy Cleanup: It comes with a special mat that catches stray litter, making clean-up much easier.
  • Simple to Scoop: The two doors make it easy to get to the litter box for scooping.
  • Sturdy and Simple to Build: It has a strong metal frame and comes with clear instructions to put it together.
  • Waterproof Material: The rattan is waterproof, so it’s easy to keep clean.
  • Extra Hooks: Two S-shaped hooks are included for hanging your litter scoop.
  • Keeps Dogs Out: The higher fence helps prevent dogs from getting into the litter box.
  • Flexible Design: You can move the entrance to either side to fit your space better.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it’s designed for most large litter boxes, very extra-large or oddly shaped ones might not fit perfectly.

This SETVSON enclosure is a smart and stylish solution for any cat owner. It blends in beautifully with your home decor while providing a private and clean space for your feline friend.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Apartment Living

Finding the right litter box for your feline friend in an apartment can be a challenge. You need something that’s functional for your cat, but also fits into your living space without being an eyesore or a source of odor. This guide will help you choose the best cat box for your apartment, ensuring a happy cat and a pleasant home for you.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for an apartment cat box, consider these essential features:

  • Size Matters: Your cat needs enough space to turn around comfortably and dig. A good rule of thumb is to choose a box that is at least 1.5 times the length of your cat, from nose to base of tail.
  • Enclosed vs. Open: Enclosed boxes offer privacy for your cat and help contain litter scatter. Open boxes are easier to clean and some cats prefer them.
  • Odor Control: This is crucial in an apartment. Look for boxes with features like carbon filters, self-cleaning mechanisms, or designs that trap odors.
  • Ease of Cleaning: A good litter box should be simple to scoop and clean. Removable trays or smooth surfaces make this task much easier.
  • High Sides: Especially important if your cat is a digger or tends to kick litter out of the box. High sides prevent messes.
  • Entry Height: Consider if your cat is young, old, or has mobility issues. A lower entry point makes it easier for them to get in and out.

Important Materials

The materials used in a cat box directly impact its durability, ease of cleaning, and odor absorption.

  • Plastic: Most cat boxes are made of plastic. Look for sturdy, non-porous plastic. This type is easy to wipe down and doesn’t absorb odors as readily as porous materials. BPA-free plastic is a good choice for your pet’s health.
  • Metal: Metal components, often found in self-cleaning boxes, are durable but can be more expensive. Ensure they are rust-resistant.
  • Fabric/Cardboard (for temporary or disposable options): While not ideal for long-term use, some disposable or temporary boxes are made from these materials. They are lightweight but can absorb odors and aren’t as durable.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Certain design elements can make or break a cat box’s quality.

  • Improved Quality:
    • Ventilation: Some enclosed boxes have vents that help with air circulation, reducing humidity and odor.
    • Litter Shielding: Designs that prevent litter from escaping are a major plus.
    • Integrated Scoop Holders: A small convenience that keeps your scooping tool handy.
    • Odor-Absorbing Filters: Carbon filters are highly effective at trapping smells.
  • Reduced Quality:
    • Thin, Flimsy Plastic: These boxes can crack easily and absorb odors over time.
    • Sharp Edges: Can be uncomfortable or even harmful to your cat.
    • Poorly Designed Hoods: Hoods that are difficult to remove or don’t seal well can hinder cleaning and odor control.
    • Small Size: A box that’s too small will be unpleasant for your cat.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you and your cat will interact with the litter box.

  • For the Cat: A comfortable, clean, and private space is key. If your cat is shy, an enclosed box might be preferred. If they like to dig, a larger, open box with high sides is better.
  • For the Owner: Ease of cleaning is paramount, especially in a small apartment. Self-cleaning boxes can be a good investment if you want to minimize daily scooping. Discreet designs can also be important if the box is visible in your living area.
  • Use Cases:
    • Small Apartments: Compact, odor-controlling, and easy-to-clean boxes are ideal.
    • Multiple Cats: Consider a larger box or even two smaller ones to prevent territorial disputes.
    • Cats Who Scatter Litter: High-sided or enclosed boxes with entrance baffles are excellent.
    • Busy Owners: Self-cleaning or low-maintenance boxes save time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best type of cat box for an apartment?

A: The best type depends on your cat’s habits and your preferences. Enclosed, odor-controlling boxes are popular for apartments, but some cats prefer open ones. Focus on size and ease of cleaning.

Q: How often should I clean a cat box?

A: Scoop waste at least once a day. A full litter change and box cleaning should happen weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the litter type and number of cats.

Q: My cat kicks litter everywhere. What can I do?

A: Choose a box with high sides or an enclosed design with an entrance baffle. Litter mats placed in front of the box can also catch stray litter.

Q: Are self-cleaning litter boxes worth it for apartment living?

A: Yes, they can be a great solution for apartments as they help manage odor and reduce the frequency of manual scooping, which is convenient in smaller spaces.

Q: What if my cat won’t use the new litter box?

A: Ensure the new box is similar in size and style to their old one. Introduce it gradually, placing it near their old box. Don’t force your cat to use it.

Q: How do I choose the right size litter box?

A: The box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat. They need room to turn around and dig comfortably.

Q: Can I use a plastic storage bin as a litter box?

A: Yes, many people repurpose large plastic storage bins as litter boxes. Ensure they are clean and have a low enough entry point for your cat.

Q: What are the best materials for odor control?

A: Sturdy, non-porous plastic is good. Boxes with activated carbon filters are also excellent for trapping odors.

Q: How many litter boxes do I need in an apartment?

A: The general rule is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. For a single cat in an apartment, one well-maintained box is usually sufficient.

Q: Where is the best place to put a litter box in an apartment?

A: Place it in a quiet, low-traffic area where your cat feels safe. Avoid placing it near their food and water bowls.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.