Senior Cat Litter Box: Litter Box For Elderly Cats

Best Litter boxes for senior cats

By Jennie @ Ragdoll Cats World

March 7, 2024

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As cats age, they may have trouble using the litter box regularly due to age-related health problems. This can lead to them peeing or pooping outside of the litter box. There are a few reasons why this might happen.

As cats age, their kidneys may not be able to process the waste as efficiently. This can lead to them pooping outside of the litter box. Many senior cats can also suffer from a urinary tract infection (UTI) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both of which can cause them to have problems using the litter box.

Arthritis affects up to 70% of senior cats and is usually the main reason that an elderly cat will stop using its litter pan. It simply causes them too much pain to climb in and out of their litter pan so instead, they will find somewhere easier to go to the toilet that doesn’t cause them any pain.

 

How to choose a litter box for your senior cat?

One of the most daunting tasks for a cat owner is finding the perfect litter box for their elderly cat’s needs. There are so many options, big and small, expensive and inexpensive. But which one will work best for your senior cat?

Here are some important things to consider when buying a litter box for your elderly cat in order to help minimise litter box problems

– How often do they use the box and are there multiple cats using the litter box?

– Do they need a large space to move around in or something smaller like an entry-level model?

-What type of material do you want the litter box to be made out of? Do you want to make sure it’s easy to clean or is it more important that it stays odor-free?

-Do you want a low, shallow pan or something high with higher sides?

-How much money can you spend on a new litter box? Is it worth spending more to get quality and durability or is less expensive also ok if it will work just as well?

Best Litter boxes for senior cats

If you are looking for the best litter box for an older cat you will need to consider these factors.

Easy Entry: This will be your number one priority. An arthritic cat may not be able to jump into the litter box as easily as before, so you’ll want to get a litter box that is low to the ground, or has a ramp to make it easy for them to get in and out of. Avoid a top entry cat litter box.

Easy to Clean: No one wants to spend ages cleaning out their cat’s litter box so look for a litter tray that is easy to clean. You may wish to consider a self cleaning litter box.

Reduced Mess: Litter scattered all over the floor is not fun. So look for one that is able to contain your cat’s mess. Litter tracking could be problematic if you are opting for a low sided litter box.

The size: It is very important to get the right size of litter box , especially for the Ragdoll cat which is one of the largest breeds of domestic cats or if you have a multi cat household. The litter box must be large enough for them to comfortably turn around in.

The cat litter: The type of litter you are using may also affect your cat’s decision not to use its litter box. A heavy litter such as crystals or wood pellets is good for an older cat that has trouble grooming itself. Fine, lightweight clumping litter can stick to a cat’s coat and they may have trouble cleaning it off. Although using a litter that is too heavy can prove to be difficult for the arthritic cat to dig around in. Some cats don’t enjoy scented litter therefore this could also be a reason why your cat is avoiding the litter tray. If your cat has an allergy to their cat litter then make sure you check out our guide of the best hypoallergenic cat litters.

Best Litter boxes for senior cats

Top Litter Boxes for Senior Cats

After doing our research at Ragdoll Cats World, here are our top litter boxes for an aging cat. We’ve included a covered litter box , self cleaning litter box, and low sided litter pans with easy entry so you can find the best senior cat litter box for your kitty and hopefully avoid litter box problems.

Self Cleaning Litter Boxes Suitable for Older Cats

Recommended by Ragdoll Cat Owners
Litter-Robot 4
$699

Stop scooping cat litter, neutralize litter box odors, and give kitty a clean bed of litter every time with Litter-Robot 4. Elegantly designed to maximize comfort for cats of all sizes, Litter-Robot 4 features advanced litter-sifting technology, reduced litter tracking, and real-time monitoring of waste and litter levels through the Whisker app. Join 750,000+ pet parents who’ve changed their lives with cats.

  • Never scoop again®
  • Drastically reduce litter box odors
  • Minimize litter tracking with included fence & step
  • Monitor litter box usage right from your phone
  • MultiCat™ design suits up to 4 cats

90-Day In-Home Trial

Get $50 off your Litter-Robot purchase with Ragdoll Cats World

Buy Now from Litter-Robot Learn More

Best Extra Large Automatic Litter Box
Nature's Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box

The Nature's Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box is a self-cleaning litter solution designed for households with multiple cats. The litter box features a unique self-cleaning mechanism that helps to reduce odors and keep the litter box clean and fresh. The waste receptacle is equipped with a carbon filter to further reduce odors, and the spacious design of the litter box accommodates multiple cats. The litter box is also easy to use, as it requires no manual intervention. Simply plug it in and let the self-cleaning mechanism do the rest!

Pros:
  • Self-Cleaning: eliminates manual cleaning for convenience
  • Multi-Cat Capable: designed for families with multiple cats
  • Reduces Odors: helps keep the litter box fresh and reduces odors
  • Easy to Use: simple and intuitive design
Cons:
  • Power Requirements: requires access to a power source
  • Noise: self-sifting mechanism may be noisy for some cats and owners
  • Litter Type Compatibility: may not be compatible with all types of litter
Dimensions: 28.25 x 11 x 19.5 inches
Buy Now from Amazon Buy Now from Chewy

Hooded Litter Boxes Suitable for Elderly Cats

Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box
$43.69

This cat litter box is great for senior cats. Its dome lid encloses cats on all sides, ensuring privacy while keeping floors litter-free. The grooved clean-step entrance gently wipes cats' paws as they exit.

This kitty litter pan features a charcoal filter for the dome that absorbs odors so it can be placed in any room of your home. Perfect for multicat homes & larger cat breeds. 21" x 21".

Buy Now from Amazon
11/07/2024 06:32 pm GMT

 

Low Entry Litter Pans Suitable for Arthritic Cats

KittyGoHere Litter Box Senior Cat Litter Box
$40.95

Give your furry friend easy access to her bathroom with the KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box. Ideal for young, old or mobility-challenged paw-tners, this box features a three-inch high entry point so your kitty can step right in without having to jump. It helps alleviate the pain that comes from arthritis and is more convenient than a high-entry box. 

Buy Now from Amazon Buy Now from Chewy
11/07/2024 05:54 pm GMT
Best for Travel
Maohegou Large Cat Litter Box for Kittens to Senior Cat
$39.95

Large Cat Travel Litter Box for Kittens to Senior Cat is the perfect solution for your cat. It is 21.5” x 17.5” x 7” when open and it can easily accommodate cats in between 10lbs ~ 20lbs. The shallow design makes it easy for senior cats to enter without issue and for travel purposes, the box folds flat and takes very little space when folded, making it ideal for traveling with your pet.

Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 9 inches
Buy Now from Amazon
11/07/2024 07:24 pm GMT
Lucky Champ Litter Pan
$41.74

Give your feline friend the comfort and convenience of the Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan. Elegantly and thoughtfully designed, this high-quality pan features a low-entry front for small kittens or aging cats with limited mobility, and an interior roomy enough for any size of cat. The high back wall helps prevent litter from being scattered onto the floor so your home stays clean and neat. The non-porous plastic construction is easy to clean and won’t absorb stains or odors, so you can expect years of use from this innovative, well-made litter pan.

Dimensions: 25 x 16.75 x 9 inches
Buy Now from Amazon Buy Now from Chewy
11/07/2024 04:52 am GMT
Best Extra Large Litter Box for Multi Cat Homes & Senior Cats
Puppygohere Jumbo Litter Pan
$75.00

Extremely large litter box. Works for large cats, multi-cat homes, disabled dogs and senior cats.

Dimensions: 28 x 22 x 9 inches
Buy Now from Amazon
11/07/2024 05:53 pm GMT
PetFusion BetterBox Non-Stick Large Litter Box.
$47.09

PetFusion's BetterBox Non-Stick Large Litter Box is an open-top litter pan to promote healthy usage. High walls contain litter & leaks with the added bonus of low entry for older cats.

Buy Now from Amazon
11/07/2024 05:02 pm GMT

 

Corner Litter Pans with Low Sides Suitable for Aging Cats

SmartCat Corner Litter Box
$18.35

The SmartCat Corner Litter Box is a triangular shape that fits conveniently into corners. The high sides prevent litter kick-out but its low entry point means that it is easy to use for elderly cats.

Buy Now from Chewy
11/01/2024 12:07 am GMT

 

Have you found a better litter box option for your elderly cat? Tell us about it in the comments below

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Written by Jennie @ Ragdoll Cats World

I'm Jennie, the creator of Ragdoll Cats World. I have been owned and loved by Ragdoll Cats for almost twenty years after getting my first Ragdoll kittens, Huey and Choo-Choo back in 2003. They lived to the grand old age of 18 and 17 and they even made the move from London to Australia with me! We now have two Ragdoll cats, Violet and Ocean, and a Maine Coon cat named Eddie, and we love sharing our knowledge of all things related to Ragdoll Cats with you at Ragdoll Cats World!

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