Cat Litter Box Types Explained: What’s Best For Your Home?

Choosing the right litter box for your cat is more important than you might think. From automatic options to open trays, each type caters to different feline habits and pet parent lifestyles. In this guide, we’ll break down the different cat litter box types to help you find the perfect match for your home, your routine and your furry friend.

Open Litter Trays: Simple And Fuss-Free

Open litter trays are the most basic and commonly used type. They are easy to clean, affordable, and give cats full visibility and space. This can be reassuring for cats who dislike confined areas or like to monitor their surroundings while doing their business.

However, open trays don’t offer any privacy or odour control. They’re best placed in a low-traffic area where smells and scatter can be contained. If you’re looking for a straightforward solution for an adaptable cat, an open tray could do the trick. Be sure to maintain cleanliness with products from the clean up and litter essentials range.

Hooded Litter Boxes: Improved Odour Control

Hooded or covered litter boxes come with a dome or lid that gives your cat privacy and helps reduce odours. Some cats prefer the security of an enclosed space, and it can also help minimise litter tracking outside the box. That said, some timid or large cats may find them too restrictive or intimidating.

Look for features like activated charcoal filters or a swinging door for increased functionality. These boxes pair well with auto-cleaning litter trays or advanced cleaning systems if you want minimum daily maintenance.

Automatic Litter Boxes: High Tech And Low Maintenance

If you're short on time or tired of scooping, automatic litter boxes are the ultimate upgrade. These self-cleaning units use sensors to detect when your cat has finished and automatically rake waste into a sealed compartment. They may require a higher upfront investment, but they save time and keep the area cleaner between full changes.

Pairing an automatic system with accessories from the smart feeders and fountains collection can help streamline your cat care routine. They’re perfect for busy households or homes with multiple cats where hygiene is key.

Choosing What’s Right For Your Cat And Home

When choosing the best litter box for your home, consider your cat’s age, size, habits and any health conditions. Energetic kittens may benefit from a secure, hooded litter box that helps contain mess while offering a sense of privacy, while older cats might prefer the familiar feel of an open tray. Multi-cat homes may require more than one litter box or a self-cleaning model to keep up with demand.

Whichever type you choose, consistency in placement, cleanliness and litter style is key. Stock up on suitable accessories and replacement items from our top rated picks or explore new arrivals in litter solutions to try something innovative.

Make Litter Time Stress-Free

Finding the perfect litter box type can make a big difference in your cat’s hygiene, your home’s odour levels and overall satisfaction. Whether it’s a tech-savvy automatic box or a reliable open tray, the ideal option fits both your cat’s preferences and your cleaning habits. Ready to upgrade your setup? Check out our full range of automatic litter boxes and clean-up essentials to get started today.