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The 8 Best Cat Litter Boxes For Small Spaces

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by Shayna Murphy
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Best Cat Litter Boxes For Small Spaces
Bustle / Amazon

Litter boxes can really stink up a joint, especially if you live in a tiny studio apartment or any other place where extra room is scarce. Fortunately, the best cat litter boxes for small spaces are designed to help you creatively solve all the issues that can arise when you’re trying to contain pet messes and odors.

What Criteria To Consider

One of the biggest challenges is literally just finding a place to put it. In most cases, a bathroom is ideal because it’s more private and easier to maintain. For some pet owners, a dome-shaped litter box is the best choice. It’s small and designed in a circular shape so it’s not as large or obtrusive as a traditional pan or covered option can be.

However, if your bathroom doesn’t offer that kind of flexibility, there are plenty of other creative options. The trick is to find a litter box that you can feel comfortable keeping in common areas. For example, an automatic litter box that’ll promptly take care of messes is one way to go, or you may just want to opt for something that’ll tuck into a corner nicely.

Whichever style you prefer, be sure to check the overall dimensions to make sure the litter box fits in your space and your cat can fit comfortably inside.

Shop The Best Cat Litter Boxes For Small Spaces

In a hurry? These are the best cat litter boxes for small spaces:

  1. Best Overall: Petmate Booda Dome Litter Box
  2. Cheapest Pick: Van Ness High Sides Litter Pan
  3. Best Top-Entry: IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box
  4. Editor’s Pick: PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
  5. Best For Corners: Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Cat Litter Box
  6. Most Multi-Functional: Merry Casual Cat Nightstand Pet House
  7. Most Stylish: MS Cat Litter Box
  8. Best Disguised: Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box

With all the above criteria in mind, these are the best cat litter boxes for small spaces that will keep you and your fluffball happy.

1Best Overall Litter Box For Small Spaces

Terrific for bathrooms and other small spaces, this dome litter box is similar to the Booda Cleanstep Litter Box (aka the Taj Mahal of litter boxes), but it’s not as humongous. This is definitely the best overall pick because of its affordability, unique circular shape, and easy plastic construction that makes it remarkably simple to clean. Available in three neutral shades, including pearl white and titanium, this box assembles in under a minute and comes with a charcoal filter that absorbs unwanted odors. Plus, the enclosed dome and raised entrance help prevent litter from spilling as your cat steps in and out.

One cat owner wrote: “I bought this for a small space. It is perfect. The lid has a lip that goes over the edge of the bottom piece so cats don’t urinate all over the side. It keeps it much cleaner on the outside.”

Overall dimensions: 18 x 18 x 16.5 inches (length x width x height) | Available colors: 3

Also available on: Walmart, $39, and Petmate, $32

2Cheapest Pick

This basic litter box is a great budget-friendly option with more than 18,500 reviews and a 4.5-star overall rating. The easy-to-clean box is stain- and odor-resistant and has tall sides that are ideal for cats that like to dig or tend to pee high on the sides of the litter box. Though you won’t have the built-in odor protection you’d have with a covered box, you’ll have the advantage of seeing waste even easier, so you’ll know when it needs to be cleaned.

One cat owner wrote: “This is a small, high-sided box for either a small cat or a kitten that is able to climb over the side. It’s sturdy, well made, and easy to clean with no ridges or catches in it.”

Overall dimensions: 17.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches (length x width x height) | Available colors: 1

Also available on: Chewy, $9

3Best Top-Entry Litter Box

Some cats prefer a top-entry litter box, and since they help prevent litter tracking and contain messes, many pet owners are happy with them, too. This sleek litter box features a large entryway with a grooved lid that helps trap litter particles on your cat’s paws to reduce tracking. A litter scoop is included, and there’s a built-in storage hook for it as well. This litter box is available in white and orange, and reviewers have noted that it’s best for small cats.

One cat owner wrote: “No spillage of litter. Cat can’t paw the litter all over the place. Easy to use and fits in small spaces.”

Overall dimensions: 17.3 x 13.4 x 12.2 inches (length x width x height) | Available colors: 6 (in Medium, Large, and Premium options)

Also available on: Chewy, $38

4Editor’s Pick: A Self-Cleaning Litter Box

A PetSafe automatic litter box is the top choice for Bustle editor Cristina Sanza, and this innovative model boasts more than 6,000 Amazon reviews. While it’s the priciest option on the list, the self-cleaning litter box eliminates the need for daily scooping, so it may be worth the investment for you. It comes with a bag of crystal cat litter, which absorbs urine and dehydrates solid waste to remove odors. Because they’re 99% dust-free, the crystals won’t stick to your cat’s paws like clay can. The disposable tray is lined to provide leak protection, and you’ll need to replace it every few weeks (or more often, depending on your cat’s bathroom habits.) A reusable litter tray is also available (sold separately).

One cat owner wrote: “We live in a small space and our kitty has to be indoors. I tried many types of litter but my nose knew. This box with the crystals is amazing. I clean up the trap daily and run a scoop through, and there is minimal, entirely bearable, odor. I love this box.”

Overall dimensions: 27.6 x 19.1 x 6 inches (length x width x height) | Available colors: 1

5Best Litter Box For Corners

This triangular litter box tucks neatly into the corner, making it a great choice for small spaces, and reviewers mention it’s roomy enough for large cats to use comfortably. The hooded design helps prevent litter tracking and messes, and the hood lifts off easily when it’s time to scoop or change the litter. The box is stain- and odor-resistant and there’s a replaceable carbon filter that helps minimize unpleasant odors.

One cat owner wrote: “I have large cats and they love this box. It gives them plenty of room to move around and fits perfectly in the corner. It is so easy to clean.”

Overall dimensions: 26.3 x 20.2 x 22.9 inches (length x width x height) | Available colors: 1

6Most Multi-Functional Litter Box

In a cramped home where you need to maximize your space as much as possible, having a tiny litter box or one that can fit into a corner isn’t always the go-to solution. This is especially the case if you have large or multiple cats and need a bigger option. This multi-functional nightstand litter box is a very creative way to address that problem. With wainscoting paneling and stainless steel hardware, this fiberboard cabinet looks pretty chic and will fit in well with most decor. It can fit an open-style litter box completely, while also containing smells and tastefully keeping the box out of sight. Choose from five colors, including black, white, and glossy white.

One cat owner wrote: “I’ll admit I was skeptical of this at first. A piece of furniture to put a litter box in, I thought it was a terrible idea. After getting it and using it, I love it. My cat loves having a private space to go in. I love how clean it has made him. He used to just flick litter everywhere around the box, and I’d have litter all over. Now it is all confined to a small easy to clean space. I think all cat owners need one. If for nothing else to give your furry friends some privacy while they go.”

Overall dimensions: 20 x 18 x 25 inches (length x width x height) | Available colors: 5

Also available on: Chewy, $111, and Walmart, $102

7Most Stylish Litter Box

Looking for a stylish litter box that’s perfect for modern decor? This sleek and sophisticated option is for you. The semi-enclosed box features a circular entrance for your cat and opens out for convenient cleaning. The litter tray pulls out for easy access, and there are built-in storage compartments for a litter scoop (one is included) and waste bags. Plus, there’s a filter aisle between the entrance and litter box that’s designed to prevent litter from being tracked on your cat’s paws. Choose from three colors: Moss green, classic white, and Tiffany blue.

One cat owner wrote: “[Litter boxes] have become pricey. This one is working well for our new kitten. The inside porch works well as the litter drops off the cat’s feet before exiting. The odor is diminished because the litter tray is fully enclosed. Also, our space is limited and the litter box looks good and does not draw attention to itself.”

Overall dimensions: 24 x 15 x 18 inches (length x width x height) | Available colors: 3

Also available on: Wayfair, $153

8Best Disguised Litter Box

This litter box is disguised as a planter, making it ideal for maximizing a small space with something that’s functional but still looks good. The plant and mossy tufts you’ll receive with the plastic litter box are artificial too. Reviewers have also mentioned that the tall sides are ideal for felines that tend to urinate on litter box walls. As a plus, the large opening will allow you to scoop up waste quickly. Shop it in the clay brown color pictured above or gray.

One cat owner wrote: “I live in a small apartment with little to no space and this works great for me! It’s easy to disguise and it works for two cats. Holds a lot of litter.”

Overall dimensions: 20 x 20 x 19.8 inches (length x width x height without artificial plant) | Available colors: 2

Also available on: Petco, $75, and Chewy, $75

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