As cats get older, concerns about their being able to use the litter box properly become more and more important.
Luckily there are a number of senior cat litter box models available, so you shouldn’t have any issues finding one that your cat won’t hesitate to use and that fits your budget.
So what features should you look for? Easy cleaning, accessibility, sides that prevent litter scatter, and odor control are all important factors in your buying decision.
The type of litter they take is also important, as some are designed to only work with a specific type, like pellet litter.
Let’s go over some of the best litter boxes for senior cats, their features and benefits, and discover which is the best for your cat.
Product
Details
Best Automatic
Litter Robot 3 Connect
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 24 Pounds
Top Pick
Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Litter Box
- material: polypropelyne
- item weight: 1pound
Unique Design
Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan
- material: polypropelyne
- item weight: 2.2pound
Innovative Layout
Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Litter Box
- material: blend
- item weight: 2pound
Affordable Option
Van Ness Large High-Sided Litter Box with Frame
- material: polypropelyne
- item weight: 1.25pound
Simple & Efficient
Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
- material: natures miracle
- item weight: 1.25pound
Durable & Rigid
PetFusion BetterBox Cat Litter Pan
- material: abs plastic
- item weight: 1.8pound
Advanced Features
Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- material: plastic
- item weight: 14.15pound
Our Top Ranking Senior Cat Litter Box Options
Getting older is a fact of life, and as your cat ages, you might find that you need to invest in some items that help them do things that were once second nature. One of the most important is a proper senior cat litter box.
Here we have streamlined and presented the best options available on the market right now.
1. Litter Robot 3 Connect
Do you want top-notch features of an automatic self-cleaning litter box while also being suitable for senior cats? Litter Robot 3 Connect is your best bet. But to make it accessible for senior cats, you need to get a separate ramp that goes with this model.
The ramp is super affordable at around $50. It is made of rubber, and the textured surface reduces litter tracking. The ramp provides a walkway for senior cats to easily enter and exit the Litter Robot 3. It is very easy to install, and you do not require any tools.
This automatic self-cleaning box makes cleaning a breeze. It sifts through and separates dirty litter from clean, disposing off the waste in a carbon-filtered drawer. The enclosed drawer traps odors keeping your home smelling fresh.
You don’t have to check the box manually; the indicator lets you know when the drawer is full. Just replace the bag with a new one, and you’re good to go. This model is also WiFi enabled, allowing activity tracking and monitoring litter box levels through the app.
Having entryway dimensions of 16″H x 10.25″ W and inner globe dimensions of 15″-17″ H x 20″W x 20″ D, it is wide enough to keep all-sized cats comfortable.
Pros
- Accessible with a ramp to make it suitable for senior cats
- Automatic self-cleaning makes maintenance easy
- Carbon-filter waste drawer provides great odor control
- WiFi-enabled and allows activity tracking and receiving notifications through an app
Cons
- On the pricier side
- You have to buy the ramp separately, adding to the cost
Litter Robot 3 Connect
The price of “Litter Robot 3 Connect” varies, so check the latest price at
2. Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Litter Box
The KittyGoHere is about as simple as a senior cat litter box gets. It’s a bare-bones tray design, but what makes it a great option for senior cats is the recessed lip for entry and exit.
At 24″ width, 20″ depth, and 5″ edges, no part of it is too high. But the best part is the entrance, which is only 3″. The litter pan has great dimensions for senior cats. And it’s made from plastic that’s easy to keep clean.
It doesn’t offer much as far as features, but the low-entry design is great for elderly cats. It’s one of the best boxes for senior cats, but with the low sides and entrance, litter scatter could be a concern.
What adds to the value is that it’s not necessarily just for cats. The manufacturer labels it good for rabbits, even training a puppy to use a traditional litter box.
It’s large enough for multiple cats to use it, but unless you clean it daily, it’s probably best for single use. Regardless, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a low-sided litter box.
Pros
- Low entry point, 3″ entrance lip is great for elderly cats or cats with health mobility issues
- Wide dimensions can accommodate large cats
- A good litter box option for multiple types of animals
Cons
- Lower sides make litter scatter more likely
- Litter tracking on a cat’s paws can spread unless you use an additional mat to help catch it
Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Litter Box
The Price of “Kitty Go Here Senior Cat Litter Box” varies, so check the latest price at
3. Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan
One of the most unique litter box designs comes from Lucky Champ. This innovative design features higher sides with a curved top to help prevent litter scatter while giving your cat a comfortable space.
This low-entry cat litter box is just as good for kittens as it is for senior cats and gives your furry friend easy access. The higher rear edge keeps the area around the litter box clean. It’s also easy to keep it clean, as it’s made of a non-porous, non-stick coating plastic material that wicks odors and staining.
At 25″ x 16.5″ x 9″ dimensions, it’s got enough area to fit even large cats comfortably. The easy access and open design ensure that even the most mobility-challenged paw-tners are comfortable and don’t have to strain when using it.
The slim, rectangular design easily fits into even the tightest of spaces. So no matter where you like to keep the litter box in the house, you shouldn’t have any issues finding a place to put it.
Pros
- High sides and elevated rear help alleviate litter scatter
- Low entry front and slim design make life easier for senior cats with limited mobility
- Easily accessible and designed specifically for senior cats or cats with chronic pain issues
Cons
- Even with the curved lips of the edges, some cats might create litter scatter
Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan
The Price of “Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan” varies, so check the latest price at
4. Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Litter Box
Senior cat litter box designs don’t get more innovative than this. Petmate’s Booda Dome looks a little bit like an elderly cat igloo.
Although it’s an enclosed design, the dimensions of 23″ x 22.5″ x 19″ are pretty roomy for the average cat. It comes equipped with steps that reduce the amount of litter that builds up on your cat’s paws, and it has an air filter for odor reduction.
With the help of the air filter that absorbs odors, the enclosed design helps to contain any smells. It’s also good if you have more than one cat, though it’s ideally rated for a maximum of two.
It’s eco-friendly too, made of 95% recycled materials. It comes in three unique colors – pearl white, brushed nickel, and titanium. Depending on the type of litter box your cat prefers, this is a unique and esoteric choice. It’s not just for older cats, as cats of any age can find it useful.
It can accommodate large cats, but if your cat doesn’t like to feel closed in, it might not be the best choice. The grooved steps help to clean litter off of their paws, so they don’t track it all over the house.
Pros
- Unique enclosed design with air filter helps to eliminate/contain odors
- Only litter box to offer grooved steps that reduce the amount of litter that builds up on your cat’s paws
- Makes litter scatter next to impossible
Cons
- Some cats won’t like feeling closed in when they use the litter box
- Stairs might not be the best choice for older cats and arthritic cats
- Cleaning litter box requires a few extra steps over other options
Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Litter Box
The Price of “Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Litter Box” varies, so check the latest price at
5. Van Ness Large High-Sided Litter Box with Frame
Litter boxes for older cats don’t get any more affordable than this. Much like the Kitty Go Here model, this is an open litter box design that features high sides with curved lips for reducing spill and helping to keep the litter box area neat and tidy.
Does your elderly cat not like to feel closed in when they’re doing the deed? Then a framed cat litter box is the ideal choice for them. This style of litter box provides height on the sides to reduce spills and for keeping the litter box liners in place.
As far as senior cat litter boxes go, it’s an affordable choice. It’s well-made, especially considering the price point. And its manufacture is a little bit green, with the plastic made of 20% recycled materials. The polished plastic finish prevents odors and stains from accumulating and is easy to clean.
While it does work for cats of all life stages, it’s aimed at adult cats. The lower entry point makes it great for older cats, senior cats, and arthritic cats. Even big cats will find it useful. It’s certainly not the only litter box on the market with this design, but it is one of the most budget-friendly.
Pros
- Great for the cat owner on a budget that doesn’t want to sacrifice quality
- Generously sized to accommodate a large cat
- Convenient for maintaining cleanliness
Cons
- Not ideal for households with more than one cat
- No additional odor control elements like an air filter included
Van Ness Large High-Sided Litter Box with Frame
The Price of “Van Ness Large High-Sided Litter Box with Frame” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
Some cat owners just want a litter box that’s simple and efficient. Nature’s Miracle high-sided is one of the best litter boxes for senior cats for a number of reasons.
Since many senior cats have mobility issues, the most convenient feature is the recessed entrance lip. The non-stick, non-porous plastic construction means that stains and odors won’t stick around long, if at all, as long as regular cleaning maintenance is performed.
The high sides mean that even if your senior cat is a kicker or likes to distribute their litter outside of the litter box most of it should remain inside. The non-stick surface means that the litter box won’t stain and cleaning is as easy as possible to spot or wipe things down.
It’s a simple design, but that doesn’t make it any less effective. The high sides and low entry points are great for senior cats, even kittens. Do you have an arthritic cat? No problem here. If your cat has any sort of issues with movement, this is one of the best litter boxes you could get for them.
Pros
- Low-entry litter box that is great for older cats, an arthritic cat, and those that have other types of health or mobility issues
- Non-stick surface fights staining and odors and makes cleaning easy
- High sides prevent litter scatter if your cat is messy or likes to kick litter when using the litter box
Cons
- Some owners might want more features
- Uncovered design means that odors can escape
Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
The Price of “Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box” varies, so check the latest price at
7. PetFusion BetterBox Cat Litter Pan
Yet another open litter box design comes in the form of the BetterBox from PetFusion. It’s similar to some of the other options on this list, but it does offer some key differences that might make it a great litter box choice for your senior cat.
For starters, it’s made from a very durable and rigid non-porous ABS plastic. This material makeup means it’s easy to clean and maintain by reducing staining and smells if it’s cleaned on a regular basis.
The non-stick coating helps to reduce waste from sticking by up to 70%. It’s also anti-microbial, so you don’t have to be as concerned with bacteria and germs building up on it.
Its walls aren’t as high as some of the other options, but they’re somewhere in the medium range of height. But unless your cat is really messy this shouldn’t create any more cleanup than usual.
The pan is a little larger than other similar litter boxes, with dimensions of 22.6″ x 18.1″ x 8″. This means your cat will be plenty comfortable as they use it.
The biggest selling point of the BetterBox is the inside area and the non-stick plastic used to make it. It’s not the most inexpensive option, but your cat should feel right at home when using it.
Pros
- A good mix of open design with higher sides to make sure your cat is comfortable when using the litter box
- Non-stick, ABS plastic reduces staining and odor residue and makes cleaning easy
- Large pan area makes cats comfortable and is good for larger cats
Cons
- A little more expensive than other similar litter boxes for senior cats
- Some litter might escape if your cat is messy or likes to scatter litter as they use it
PetFusion BetterBox Cat Litter Pan
The Price of “PetFusion BetterBox Cat Litter Pan” varies, so check the latest price at
8. Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
By now you’ve probably realized that Nature’s Miracle makes some of the best litter boxes for senior cats. And this model is their most advanced that you can buy.
This self-cleaning litter box aims to take the headache and effort out of cleaning. It uses a smart-detection motion sensor and automatic raking system for hands-free cleanup. This means you won’t have to do any daily scooping.
The waste receptacle uses a carbon filter to minimize odors. High walls help to prevent litter scatter, and a “paw cleaning” ramp does a great job at removing any litter accumulation from your cat’s paws during use.
An extra large litter pan is designed to be used with large cats over 15 pounds and homes with multiple cats. It’s also great for use on the go, so you don’t have to leave your feline friend at home as you go about your travels.
There are some caveats to consider to make sure everything works optimally. It only takes hard-clumping litter. It’s also not for use with kittens or cats weighing less than five pounds. It can be used unplugged with smaller and younger cats, but should not be plugged in if they’re using it.
And for the darkest environments, it comes with a night light setting for allowing your senior cat to see when light visibility is low. Changing out the litter pans is as simple as removing them and discarding the contents.
All things considered, this is one of the best litter boxes on the market in any category – not just for senior cats. The self-cleaning design is a great convenience for pet owners, but at over $150 it’s not cheap. The litter box area isn’t the biggest either, but the fact that a lot of the work is done for you kind of offsets that fact.
Pros
- Automatic cleaning process makes life much easier for a cat owner
- Easy carbon-filter waste tray makes the collection process easy
Cons
- Not designed for use with kittens or cats below five pounds
- Can only be used with hard-clumping litter
Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The Price of “Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box” varies, so check the latest price at
Choosing the Best: What to Look for
Knowing what you’re looking for when shopping for an older cat litter box is half the battle. Let us break down the essentials.
Easy Entry
For senior cats and those with health issues, easy entry is a key factor in making a litter box purchase decision.
Easy to Clean
How easy to clean a litter box makes a big difference for cat owners. Most are made from a type of plastic that reduces or eliminates staining and offers litter box odor control, making the cleaning process easier. This is especially important since a litter box should be cleaned daily.
More advanced models like a self-cleaning litter box offer innovative features that do most of the work for you! Consult the directions on how often to change the cat litter box to make sure it’s right for you and your cat.
Size
The litter box area is important in making your cat feel comfortable when using it. As cats get older they can gain weight due to illness, lack of exercise, and aging. Finding the right size of the litter box is a big factor in ensuring they don’t have any issues using it.
Cat litter
Cats can be picky. and the type of litter you use affects their desire to use the litter box. Some boxes only take a certain type of litter, like pellets. Most litter boxes can take any type of litter, but make sure you do some research and read through cat litter reviews before buying.
FAQS
Do Older Cats Always Have Mobility Issues?
Not necessarily. Joint issues are common in all mammals as they get older, but there are some variables that factor in. Genetics, weight, and additional health issues all play into if your cat will develop mobility issues as they age.
Luckily, there are some steps you can take to alleviate their discomfort if they do develop joint, mobility, or arthritic issues as they get older. Invest in an easy-access litter box like the ones on this list, supplements, and medications. It’s best to consult with your vet to find the best methods for your cat.
Why Would an Older Cat Stop Using the Litter Box?
There are a number of reasons an older cat might develop litter box problems. These include health issues like urinary infection, kidney problems, or perhaps something more serious like a disease like diabetes or cancer.
It could also just be them getting older and developing joint issues like arthritis. If your cat is showing behavior that is affecting them using the litter box it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get to the root cause of the problem.
How Quickly Do Cats Age?
Much like dogs, cats age faster in their early years of life. By the time a cat reaches one year old, they are the equivalent of 15 in human years. By two years old, they’re approximately 24 in human years. That’s fast!
After these first two critical years, they age at about four “cat years” for every calendar year that passes.
Final Thought
As your cat grows older, you might need to make some adjustments to make their routine more convenient and accessible. Getting a new litter box for your senior kitty will probably top your priority list.
These special models are designed specifically for older cats that might have litter box problems due to age, illness, or injury. There’s no shortage of options to choose from, with models that range from simple pans with easy access to advanced, fully automatic options that almost reduce cleaning time for the owner entirely.
Regardless of the type you choose, consider what your cat prefers. Some like the spaciousness of an open design, and some feel safer in an enclosed litter box. Either way, it’s about making them comfortable using the litter box as they age.
By doing so you’ll have less mess to clean up, a cleaner litter box area – and a happier cat.
