Cleaning out litter trays probably isn’t on the list of any cat lover’s favorite tasks, but it’s something that we have to do! What can make this task easier is choosing the right litter box design for your cat.
Some cats love to spray their urine, and this inevitably ends up on the floor (or walls!) around the litter box. If that sounds like your cat, this can mean that they might start urinating outside of the box, as they’ll smell their urine in the surrounding areas. It’s also a pain to clean up. The solution to all this is to invest in a high-sided litter box designed to contain your cat’s urine sprays where they belong — inside the box!
Whether you’d prefer a high side litter box with a removable lid or an open-top design with high sides, we’ve got you covered. Our reviews of the 10 best litter boxes for high spraying cats include everything that you need to know to help you choose the best one for your furry friend.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – Reviews 2024
Image | Product | Details | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | IRIS Open Top Litter Box |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Best Value | Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Premium Choice | Kitangle Slope Style Litter Box |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Petmate Top Entry Litter Box |
|
CHECK PRICE | ||
Omega Paw Litter Box |
|
CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Litter Boxes for High Spraying Cats (High-Sided)
1. IRIS Open Top Litter Box — Best Overall
As the best overall high-sided litter box, the IRIS Open Top Litter Box with Shield has extra-tall walls that extend across three sides to contain spray and mess within the box where it belongs! The open top and lowered front give your cat easy access into this box, making it especially suitable for spraying cats that don’t like being enclosed in a litter box with a lid.
The deep base means you can put plenty of litter in here for cats that like to dig. For easy cleaning, the high side litter box sides can be removed from the base, and the high-shine finish on the plastic makes it resistant to dirt and debris. The base of the box has molded feet and a recessed bottom, helping to keep this box safe and secure on any surface.
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Easy to clean
- Open top
- High-shine finish resists dirt
- None that we can see
2. Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan — Best Value
As the best litter box for high spraying cats for the money, the Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan is a giant box that measures 21.25 x 17.75 x 9 inches. This makes it the perfect choice for large male cats that spray. Besides helping to contain spray, the high sides keep litter inside the box, which is especially useful if your cat loves to dig.
The highly polished finish of this high side litter box means it’s excellent at resisting odors and stains. As a bonus, this litter box is made with 20% recycled plastic. The high sides and open top make this a great choice for cats that don’t like to feel enclosed. However, bear in mind that this may not contain all urine sprays, depending on where your cat tends to direct their spray.
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Polished finish for easy cleaning
- Uses 20% recycled plastic
- BPA free
- May not contain all spray
3. Kitangle Slope Style Cat Litter Box — Premium Choice
If you’re looking for a litter box that blends function and style, the good news is that the Kitangle Slope Style Cat Litter Box can meet all your needs! With some high-sided litter boxes, spray can get caught between the sides of the lid and the box, making clean-up time consuming. The sides of this box, however, extend up to the lid, keeping all mess contained and making cleaning up easy and quick.
The low entry means this litter box is easily accessible for all cats. It gets glowing reviews for style and durability, not to mention that it’s spacious and intelligently designed. The angled roof gives cats plenty of room inside, so you may find that this quickly becomes their new favorite box! However, this litter box definitely comes at a premium price.
- Choose from five colors
- Sleek and stylish design
- Removable lid
- Easy to clean
- More expensive than most litter boxes
4. Petmate Top Entry Litter Box
Some cats love a top-entry litter box, and these are perfect for containing all urine sprays. The wide circular opening on the top of this box allows for easy entry for your cat, and the large size means they have plenty of space to move around while doing their business. The lid has a non-slip finish, with a texture designed to trap any pieces of litter stuck on your kitty’s paws, meaning less cleaning up!
This box has molded handles, so lifting it for clean-up is easy and comfortable. The hinged lid also has small holes designed to allow any dropped litter to fall back into the box. There’s even an integrated hook to keep your litter scoop exactly where you need it. This litter box is made from 95% recycled materials, making this an excellent eco-friendly choice as well.
- Contains all urine sprays
- Easy to clean
- Non-slip, litter-trapping lid
- Top-entry design contains all mess
- Not suitable for very large cats
- Takes some cats a while to get used to
5. Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box
The Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box uses an innovative and patented process to scoop out clumped waste. All you need to do is roll the entire box slightly to the right, and the clumps will fall into the pull-out tray. You’ll probably still want to regularly dismantle and clean this box if your cat sprays up the sides, but this feature certainly makes for quick daily clean-ups!
We recommend getting the large size, as the self-cleaning sifter takes up quite a bit of space. The regular-sized tray is best suited for kittens and small adults, while the large box should suit most other cats. If you’re looking for a high side litter box that’s easier to clean than most but doesn’t use electricity like a standard self-cleaning box, this is a great compromise.
- Contains dust and odors
- Uses less litter than an average box
- Easy to use
- Should be used with clumping litters
- Latches on lid can break
- Urine can get stuck between lid and box base
6. Nature’s Miracle Oval Hooded Flip Top Litter Box
If you’re looking for a covered litter box with a side entry, the Nature’s Miracle Oval Hooded Flip Top Litter Box is a great choice. The front third of the top flips open to make quick clean-ups easy, and for complete changes of litter, you can remove the entire top. The smooth, non-stick finish of the interior plastic is designed to make cleaning this box easy.
The high front can be a little difficult for elderly cats to negotiate, but this is a good option for larger cats that spray their urine. Depending on where they spray, the urine can sometimes get stuck between the base and the lid. The lid has a charcoal filter, but it’s debatable how effective this is. The lid does a good job containing smells by itself, though.
- Includes a charcoal filter
- Non-stick surfaces
- Good for large cats
- Urine can get caught between the base and the lid
- Lid is a little flimsy
- Charcoal filter not that effective
7. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
The Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan is a good choice if you need a covered litter box to contain urine sprays and keep out other pets. The clear plastic door gives easy access to cats, while keeping dogs out. The door can also be removed if your cat prefers, which may suit smaller breeds better because it’s quite heavy. The jumbo size is perfect for larger cats and measures 22.4 x 17 x 18.3 inches.
This covered box includes a charcoal filter to help neutralize odors, and you’ll need to replace this periodically for maximum effect. The high front entry does a great job of containing cat litter, even for cats that love to dig. It does make access a little harder for elderly cats or those with joint issues to climb into the box, though.
- Door can be removed
- Available in two colors
- Door can be heavy for smaller cats
- Urine can get trapped between the base and lid
- Expensive
8. Litter Genie Cat Litter Box
This unusually shaped litter box is made from flexible plastic, specifically designed to fit into smaller spaces in your home. The base is relatively firm but the sides will flex. We love the integrated handles that make moving and cleaning this box extremely easy. You can also pull the handles together, making a spout from which you can pour out old litter.
Made from antimicrobial plastic, this high-sided cat litter box resists odors and stains but the rounded corners can be a little difficult to clean. Two of the sides are raised to help contain spray, but if your cat faces the wrong way, you may find that spray still does come out of this box. Some users have also noted that the plastic can crack over time, so that’s something to bear in mind.
- Made with antimicrobial plastic
- Flexible for small spaces
- May not contain all spray
- Plastic can crack over time
- Can be difficult to clean into the corners
9. IRIS USA Medium Top Entry Cat Litter Box
Some cats prefer a top-entry litter box, and these are great for keeping litter and spray inside the box. The IRIS USA Medium Top Entry Cat Litter box has high sides with no seam, meaning that any urine sprays will simply run down the sides into the litter. This makes cleaning up easier, although some reviewers do note that the rounded design can make cleaning up trickier than with a regular rectangular box.
The grooved lid is designed to catch any litter on your cat’s paws, and while this works well, the litter doesn’t drop back down into the box, so you’ll have to tip it off regularly. The minimalist design looks great, although as far as we can tell, it’s only available in one color. For some cats, this high side litter box works great, but it’s not quite as functional as the boxes at the top of this list.
- No seam design
- Only available in one color
- Litter collects on top
- Quite hard to clean
- Too small for large cats
- Not as sturdy as some others litter boxes
10. Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced High Sided Cat Litter Box
The Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced High Sided Cat Litter Box is a good choice if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful litter box. While it’s a budget option, it has plenty of great features, including a high-shine plastic with an antimicrobial finish for easy cleaning. The open-top design is great for cats that don’t like the feeling of closed litter boxes.
This high wall litter box isn’t large enough for bigger breeds of cats, and you may find that they can still spray over the sides, and paw litter out of the lowered front access. It has integrated handles on three sides, making it easy to pick up and carry to wherever you want to clean it out.
- Good value for money
- Antimicrobial coating
- Walls not high enough for some cats
- Litter can fall out of the front
- Not big enough for larger cats
- Only available in one color
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best High-Sided Litter Box for High Peeing Cats
Having to spend time cleaning up after your high spraying cat isn’t fun. Cat urine can ruin your floors and walls, as well as make it more likely that your cat will urinate outside the box wherever they smell their scent.
Finding the right high-sided litter box will make your life easier. But where should you begin? Our Buyer’s Guide is here to help, as we guide you through what you need to know.
What size litter box to choose?
If your current litter box seems to contain all other messes besides urine sprays, then look for a new litter box with the same dimensions. If you often find cat litter or poop outside your cat’s current litter box, though, then chances are that it isn’t big enough.
A litter box should be as long as your cat’s body, from their nose to the tip of their tail, and as wide as their body, from their nose to the base of their tail. If you have a large breed cat, like a Maine Coon, you’ll need to shop around for a jumbo-sized box that can accommodate them.
Should I choose a covered or uncovered litter box?
High-sided litter boxes tend to come in two main types: covered and uncovered.
Some cats love the security of a covered box, and these can great if you also have a dog who loves to hang around the litter box. Some covered boxes have a top entry, while others have an open side or a cat-flap-style entrance.
If your cat hasn’t used a covered litter box before, you may want to get your cat used to it by removing the lid first and transitioning to adding the lid once they’ve comfortably been using the box for around 2-4 weeks.
Uncovered cat litter boxes with high sides tend to suit all types of cats. They can work well for cats with mobility issues, especially if you choose one with a front entrance as low as possible. They aren’t as effective as containing urine spray as boxes with lids, though. If you know that your cat doesn’t spray too high, then this shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s something to bear in mind.
How many litter boxes should I get?
However many cats you have in your house, you’ll want to have one extra litter box. So, if you have three cats, you’ll need four litter boxes, and so on. This is to prevent cats from fighting over resources. If multiple cats decide that they need to use the litter box at the same time, there will always be one available for them to use.
Even if you’re having problems with just one of your cats spraying urine out of the litter box, it’s still a good idea to upgrade all your litter boxes to high-sided versions. That way, no matter where your cat chooses to do their business, you can clean up after them more easily!
Where’s the best place to put a litter box?
Your preferred location may not be to the liking of your cat! Some of these places include corners, busy hallways, dead ends, or even near a cat’s food or water bowl.
Cats prefer to do their business in an open area; it’s part of their instincts for avoiding predators. Placing a litter box for a high spraying cat in an open area can also help avoid walls getting sprayed if your cat does aim out of the box.
How else can I stop my cat spraying urine?
Make sure your cat’s litter box is cleaned regularly, as they may be avoiding its use and spraying next to the box instead.
Unneutered male cats are most likely to spray, so consider getting them spayed if you never plan to use them for breeding, and this may solve the problem
Changes in their environment can also cause some cats to spray, so consider if anything has changed for your cat recently, like moving to a new house or adding a new pet to the family. Using a pheromone diffuser like Feliway can help your cat feel less anxious and may solve the spraying problem.
Boredom can cause stress in cats too, which may cause them to start spraying. Consider if there’s any enrichment that you can add to your cat’s environment, like interactive toys, vertical cat trees, or even a cozy new cat bed where they can hide if the house is busy.
Never punish your cat for spraying urine. This can make them feel more stressed! It’s worth speaking to your vet and asking them to check your cat for any underlying health conditions. Sometimes, cat behaviorists can also help you get to the root of the problem and offer specific advice with your cat in mind.
Conclusion: High Sided Litter Box
After reviewing the best litter boxes for high spraying cats, we decided on the IRIS Open Top Litter Box with Shield as the best overall. The open top combined with high walls is a combination that most cats love, and this box is also made in the U.S.A.
As the best value for the money option, we highly recommend the Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan. This giant box is perfect for large breed cats, and the high sides can contain maximum amounts of spray. It’s also deep enough for a good layer of litter. As a bonus, it’s made with 20% recycled plastic.
Finding the best litter box for a high spraying cat is worth doing. It might seem like there are too many to choose from, but now you have our top 10 recommendations, you’ll find the perfect option for your cat. Once it’s installed, you can look forward to less cleaning-up time, which means more snuggle time, and that’s always a good thing!
- 1
- 2 A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – Reviews 2024
- 3 The 10 Best Litter Boxes for High Spraying Cats (High-Sided)
- 3.1 1. IRIS Open Top Litter Box — Best Overall
- 3.2 2. Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan — Best Value
- 3.3 3. Kitangle Slope Style Cat Litter Box — Premium Choice
- 3.4 4. Petmate Top Entry Litter Box
- 3.5 5. Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box
- 3.6 6. Nature’s Miracle Oval Hooded Flip Top Litter Box
- 3.7 7. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
- 3.8 8. Litter Genie Cat Litter Box
- 3.9 9. IRIS USA Medium Top Entry Cat Litter Box
- 3.10 10. Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced High Sided Cat Litter Box
- 4 Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best High-Sided Litter Box for High Peeing Cats
- 5
- 6 Conclusion: High Sided Litter Box