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Best Kitten Litter Box (2024): 7 Top Litter Pans For Kittens

Posted in: Cat Litter, Litter Box - Last Updated: January 8, 2024 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Posted in Cat Litter, Litter Box 
Last Updated: February 3, 2023  
Author:  Rebekah Carter

Who has a new kitten? If you have, congratulations and you are certainly in the right place! Do kittens need their own specific litter boxes? Here we’ll be comparing a selection of the best litter box options for kittens. To find the best litter box for kittens, we’ve examined the most popular products on the market, and assessed their functionality, durability, and ease-of-use, with the help of our own furry friends. 

Kitten litter box

Choosing the right litter box is one of the first things you’ll need to do when welcoming a new kitten into your household. 

Unfortunately, it’s not always the easiest task. While there are numerous amazing options out there, not every solution is well-suited to the needs of feline infants. Choosing something that’s easy for your kitten to use will reduce your risk of household kitty feces and urine accidents

With a little help from our own cats, we’ve narrowed hundreds of products down into a selection of our top 7 options for pet parents. Let’s take a closer look.

Best Kitten Litter Box: Our Overall Choice

The IRIS Clean Pet Open Top Litterbox is a type of litter box designed for all types of cats. It is an open-top unit that provides easy access for all cats and allows for super easy cleaning. It is made of high-quality, durable plastic and has a built-in handle for easy portability. Some features we particularly like is its spacious design, ease of cleaning, and affordability.

3 Top Kitten Litter Box Picks: Overall, Premium & Value

There are plenty of fantastic types of litter boxes out there for kittens, but some definitely stand out when it comes to simplicity, design, and functionality. Here are our top three options from all the solutions we looked at during our research:

Our Top 3 Choices

Best Overall

IRIS USA Open Top Cat Litter Tray with Scoop and Scatter Shield, Sturdy Easy to Clean Open Air Kitty Litter Pan with Tall Spray and Scatter Shield, Black/Clear

IRIS Clean Pet Open Top Litterbox

  • Plenty of space for growing cats
  • Fantastic open-top structure for accessibility
  • Privacy provided by high walls

Best Value

Modkat® XL Litter Box, Top or Front-Entry Configurable, Includes Scoop and Liners - White

Modkat XL Litter Box

  • Suitable for small kittens and adult cats
  • Configurable top or front entry options
  • Included litter tray scoop

Premium Choice

Van Ness Pets Extra Small Open Cat Litter Box, Kitten/Rabbit Size, Blue, CP0

Van Ness Pets Extra Small Open Cat Litter Box

  • Compact design ideal for smaller homes
  • High polish surface to reduce litter sticking
  • BPA-free and odor resistant

1. IRIS Clean Pet Open Top Litterbox (Best Overall)

IRIS USA Open Top Cat Litter Tray with Scoop and Scatter Shield, Sturdy Easy to Clean Open Air Kitty Litter Pan with Tall Spray and Scatter Shield, Black/Clear

Spacious and convenient, this handy litter box is great not just for kittens, but for growing cats too. The IRIS Clean Pet Open Top Litterbox is a functional and comfortable solution for any cat’s needs.

The open-air pan makes it easier for small cats to get in and out. Plus, there’s a scatter shield included, to provide your kitty with privacy, and reduce unnecessary mess. 

The open-top structure of this litter tray also makes it a lot easier to clean, so you can scoop regularly to preserve your kitty’s health and well-being.

The high walls are also fantastic for kitties who might accidentally spray outside of the litter box when they’re still young. 

Pros

  • Plenty of space for growing cats
  • Fantastic open-top structure for accessibility
  • Privacy provided by high walls
  • Scatter screen prevents unnecessary mess

Cons

  • The corners can be a little difficult to clean
  • The walls can be a little unstable

2. Modkat XL Litter Box (Premium Pick)

Modkat® XL Litter Box, Top or Front-Entry Configurable, Includes Scoop and Liners - White

If you’re looking for a more luxurious option for your kitty, the Modkat XL litter box is a great choice.

This fantastic product is ideal for kittens, with its large front opening. Plus, it will continue to appeal to your cats as they get older, thanks to the top or front-entry configuration options. 

It’s spacious and comes with high walls to prevent litter messes and sprays. 

The product also includes a handy grate on the top portion, which assists in wiping excess litter off your cat’s paws before they track it around your house.

As an added bonus, the item comes with a litter scoop, which can be attached to the box with a hook. 

Pros

  • Suitable for small kittens and adult cats
  • Configurable top or front entry options
  • Included litter tray scoop
  • Ideal for reducing smells and mess

Cons

  • The front entry may be a little too high for very small kittens
  • Quite large for compact homes

3. Van Ness Pets Extra Small Open Cat Litter Box (Best Value)

Van Ness Pets Extra Small Open Cat Litter Box, Kitten/Rabbit Size, Blue, CP0

Ideal for pet parents on a budget, the Van Ness extra small open litter box is perfect for training young kittens how to use the litter tray.

This simple but effective tray is easy to jump in or out of, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary accidents.

It’s also small enough to fit in just about any household, while still giving your kitten plenty of room to move around. 

The highly polished finish is both stain and odor resistant. Plus, because the design is fully open, cleaning up is a breeze too.

The product is BPA-free and can be used with litter liners. It’s also extremely lightweight, making it great for travel.

Pros

  • Compact design ideal for smaller homes
  • High polish surface to reduce litter sticking
  • BPA-free and odor resistant
  • Lightweight and portable

Cons

  • Not large enough for growing cats
  • Not the most attractive tray
best kitten litter box

The Best Litter Box for Kittens: Alternative Picks

We chose the three top options for the best kitten litter pan above to appeal to almost any taste, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly or premium option. However, if none of those solutions work for you or your cat, there are still some other great alternatives to consider:

4. Kitty Litter Box Starter Kit

Kitty Litter Box Starter Kit - Small Cat Litter Pan Without Lid, Litter Mat, Scoop and Bowl for Kitten Within 3 Months (PinkScoop Set)

If you’re looking for an all-in-one set of products to help get you started as a new kitten owner, this could be the product for you.

Available in a range of color options, the collection includes a small tray, ideal for kittens, a scoop, a litter mat, and a bowl. 

The straightforward and convenient collection is great for training kitties to use the litter box indoors. There’s plenty of space on all sides of the litter tray for kitties to jump in and out.

Plus, the fun litter mat ensures you don’t have to worry about tracking. It’s even made from a handy non-slip material

Pros

  • Complete kit for cat owners
  • Easy entry litter tray for smaller legs
  • Minimal litter tracking due to included mat
  • Various colors to suit your style

Cons

  • Will only be suitable for a few months
  • Maybe a little difficult to clean

5. Petmate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box

Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box Scoop Free Cat Litter Tray with Microban, Made in USA

The Petmate Arm & Hammer litter box is a good choice if you want to minimize the amount of work involved in cleaning up after your kitten.

This “scoop-free” tray comes with an internal sifting solution that allows the clean litter to pass through when you lift the top component.

The product is made with recycled materials, so it’s eco-friendly, and it has odor control built in. 

Suitable for all kinds of litter, the sifting pan is fantastic if you want to save money on expensive accessories for your feline friend.

Plus, it’s relatively spacious too, so your kitty can continue to use the same tray for several months.

Pros

  • Spacious enough for growing cats
  • Convenient sifting mechanism
  • Durable and eco-friendly materials
  • Odor control built-in to prevent bacteria growth

Cons

  • Can be a little messy to use
  • The product may waste some litter

6. Fhiny Open Cat Litter Box, Kitten Potty

Fhiny Open Cat Litter Box, Kitten Potty Pan Semi-Enclosed Foldable Waterproof Travel Toilet for Indoor Cats Small Pet Kitty Rabbit Supplies Easy to Clean and Assemble 14.6'×10.6'

Compact and travel-friendly, this Fhiny open litter box is foldable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

Designed especially for smaller animals, the open tray is easy to access, with very low walls. Plus, the item is made from high-quality PP materials, so it should stand the test of time. It’s environmentally friendly, safe, and easy to clean. 

With an extra-resilient base, the product minimizes leakage. It also has a handle included for travel.

Plus, there are padded feet on the bottom to protect your floors. You can even choose from a range of colors to match your home décor.

Pros

  • Foldable for transportation
  • High-quality and durable PP materials
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Easy to clean and access

Cons

  • Too small for growing cats
  • May collapse under heavier cats

7. Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome

Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome (Made in the USA with 95% Recycled Materials)- Brushed Nickel, Made in USA

If you’re looking for a litter box that gives your kitty a little more privacy and minimizes your exposure to odor, this could be the product for you.

The Petmate dome is made with 95% recycled materials, so you know it’s eco-friendly. Plus, it comes with a handy set of steps to make it easier for smaller cats to access the inside. 

The convenient product is relatively spacious on the inside, so your cat can still move around easily.

It also comes with a built-in handle which makes it simpler to clean and move. 

Thanks to the enclosed structure, you won’t have to worry about messy litter trays damaging your home’s appearance.

Pros

  • Enclosed structure for privacy
  • Excellent at odor prevention
  • Handle included for portability
  • Durable and sustainable materials

Cons

  • Can be a little tricky to clean
  • Too small for growing cats
Litter box for kittens

Types of Litterboxes for Kittens

Choosing the best litter box for kittens starts with figuring out what “style” or type of tray is best suited to your cat. There are a number of options out there. The most effective solutions for most kittens include:

  • Self-cleaning litter boxes: Self-cleaning litter trays reduce pee odors and keep the litter clean, so cats are more likely to use their boxes. Just keep in mind, when you’re first starting with litter training, it can be helpful to leave some odor behind to help remind your kitty where to go. Plus, give them plenty of positive reinforcement when they use it so that there is a positive association formed by this praise.
  • Traditional litter boxes: Typically made from anti-stick plastic, traditional litter trays are basic, simple tools ideal for training. They don’t have any hoods, or covered entries, which means it’s easier for your kitten to find and use their bathroom.
  • Hooded litter boxes: Hooded boxes can be a good option for cats and pet parents. They provide privacy to kittens when they’re using the bathroom. Plus, they also reduce odors and help to prevent your home from looking messy. They also help combat a urine spraying kitty!
  • Low-entry litter boxes: Most younger kittens are too small to jump up and over large walls to enter the litter tray. With that in mind, it’s best to look for something with a relatively low entry and easy access point. This will help to minimize the risk of your cat going to the bathroom where it shouldn’t. Just remember low entry boxes can sometimes lead to additional litter tracking.
  • Disposable litter boxes: If you’re worried about mess and odors, a disposable litter box could be a good option. Usually, these products are great for kitties who are just getting started with litter training. Plus, they minimize the requirement for excess cleaning.

Which Litter Boxes Should You Avoid for Kittens?

While most litter boxes will be suitable for kittens and smaller cats, there are some which are less appealing to your feline friends. 

Primarily, you should avoid top-entry and covered-door litter boxes. 

Top-entry litter boxes are great for adult cats, as they provide them with more privacy when using the bathroom. They also eliminate a lot of tracking and help to reduce smells. However, they can be hard for kittens to access at first, which can lead to accidents.

Additionally, covered door litter boxes have a similar issue. 

Although they can reduce bad odors and offer privacy, some kittens may not know to push through the entryway to access their bathroom. Some kittens will avoid covered door trays entirely. 

Buyer’s Guide

Although the ideal litter tray for your cat might vary, we recommend focusing on the following:

  • An uncovered design: Although it might be less appealing for you, an uncovered litter tray will be easier for your kitten to find and use. This reduces the risk of accidents.
  • Low entry points: Make sure the entry points are low so your kitten can get in and out easily, without having to jump too far. 
  • High sides: Although the entry point should be low, you can still choose a litter tray with high sides to reduce spray and mess.
  • Compact size: A large litter tray may be a little daunting for a smaller kitten. Make sure the product is appropriately sized for your new cat.

FAQ:

How often do kittens poop?

It depends, most kittens poop up to three times per day. However, if your cat starts pooping very frequently, or has a consistently runny stool, speak to your vet. 

At what age do kittens start using the litter box?

At around 3 weeks old, kittens can start transitioning to using a litter box. However, they may still have the occasional accident at this time, so training may be necessary. 

What can I use for a kitten litter box?

It’s best to opt for a litter tray toilet specially made for kittens, with high side walls, low entry points, and plenty of space to move around. You can use disposable boxes, or small trays in some cases too. 

Do I need a litter box for litter box training?

Most kittens will be able to use a range of different litter trays comfortably. However, it’s important to ensure you choose something that’s easy for your kitty to access. 

Best litter box for kittens

The Best Litter Box for Kittens: Verdict

Our top choice from all of the products we looked at for kittens today is the IRIS Clean Pet Open Top Litterbox. While the right option for you will depend on your preferences, and the needs of your kitten, this tray will suit most needs. 

Not only does it have an open top for easy cleaning and accessibility, but it also offers a low entry point for your younger cat. 

The high walls help to eliminate spray and mess, while also giving your cat a sense of privacy. This tray could be excellent for pet owners who plan to transition into using covered litter boxes in the future.

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About the author

Rebekah Carter is a dedicated animal lover. Her Savannah cat, Roscoe, has a lot of attitude, while her Maine Coon, Dukino, is full of love. When not writing, she’s looking after her cats and researching ways to help them live their best possible life. Her passion for animals and natural skill for writing led her to pursue pet blogging.

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