Cats, with their distinct personalities and territorial instincts, can present unique challenges in multi-cat households, especially when it comes to sharing resources like litter boxes. While the rule of thumb suggests one litter box per cat plus one extra, some feline companions are comfortable sharing. For these harmonious homes, the key is finding the Best Cat Litter Box For Multiple Cats – one that offers ample space, easy cleaning, and design features that cater to shared use and minimize potential conflicts.
After rigorous testing of 26 different litter boxes in our New York lab, we focused on models providing over 400 square inches of “potty space”—a crucial factor for accommodating multiple cats comfortably. Our evaluation process included assessing ease of cleaning, mess prevention, and overall design. The top contenders were then sent for real-world testing in homes with multiple cats, allowing us to gather long-term feedback and ensure our recommendations stand up to daily use.
Based on our comprehensive testing, the Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan emerged as the best overall cat litter box for multiple cats. Its spacious design, effective odor control, and user-friendly features make it a top choice for maintaining a clean and harmonious environment in multi-cat homes.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cat Litter Box for Multiple Cats
- Best Overall: Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan
- Best Jumbo: Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box
- Best Automatic: Whisker Litter-Robot 4
- Best for Seniors and Kittens: KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box
- Best Alternative Litter: Purina XL Litter System
- Best Budget: Frisco High Sided Litter Box
- Best Open Top Automatic: Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- Best Top Entry: Modkat XL Litter Box
- Best With Scoop: Tuft + Paw Cove Litter Box
- Best Disposable: Luli & Cat Disposable Litter Boxes
Best Overall
Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan
What We Like:
- Generous size with a mess-containing opening and door
- High walls to minimize litter scatter
- Effortless cleaning process
- Convenient attachment point for waste bag scooping
- Raised back design to prevent leaks
What We Don’t Like:
- Enclosed design might deter some cats
The Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan stands out as the best overall cat litter box for multiple cats due to its thoughtful design that balances cat comfort and owner convenience. Its spacious 22.4 by 19.7-inch interior provides ample room for multiple cats, while the hooded design and door effectively control odors, a significant advantage in multi-cat households.
The clear plastic flap provides easy access for cats while maintaining a degree of enclosure for odor management. The 10.4 x 9.6-inch opening is sufficiently sized for larger breeds and allows cats to observe their surroundings, addressing a common feline preference. The door also proves effective in containing litter scatter, even from enthusiastic diggers.
The double-hinged door offers both front and top access for easy scooping, while the built-in carbon filter in the top section further minimizes odors. A lipped anchor at the entrance simplifies waste disposal by allowing you to secure a waste bag for direct scooping.
Key design features include a raised back to direct urine flow downwards and an overlap mechanism between the top and bottom to prevent leaks. Carrying handles on the sides enhance portability despite its size. While the door latches may be initially stiff, this robust design contributes to effective odor containment.
Dimensions: 22.44 x 19.7 x 18.31 inches | Material: Plastic | Scooper Included: No
Best Jumbo
Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box
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What We Like:
- Extremely spacious interior
- High walls and a full lid for maximum containment
- Elevated lip at the entrance to reduce tracking
- Effortless cleaning
What We Don’t Like:
- Higher price point
- Available in louder color options
The Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box is the best jumbo cat litter box for multiple cats, offering an expansive 475 square inches of space. This extra-large capacity ensures ample room for multiple cats to use the litter box comfortably, even simultaneously.
While we didn’t observe “synchronized pooping” during testing, the generous dimensions were particularly appreciated by larger cats. The dome lid provides ample headroom for larger breeds, and the high walls and lid effectively prevent litter scatter.
The 24.8 x 10 x 16.5-inch interior, coupled with a high ceiling, provides exceptional room for movement. Although it lacks a door, the high lip at the opening strikes a balance between accessibility and mess prevention. The 8.2 x 7.8-inch entry comfortably accommodates cats of various sizes.
Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the removable top cover and non-stick plastic construction. Testers found it easy to clean with simple soap and water. The Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box is available in a range of colors to suit different preferences.
Dimensions: 25 x 19 x 17 inches | Material: Plastic | Scooper Included: No
Best Automatic
Whisker Litter-Robot 4
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What We Like:
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Large and inviting opening for cats
- Integrated nightlight
- App-based monitoring of cat habits and health insights
- Suitable for up to four cats
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires significant space
- High cost, even for automatic litter boxes
Step into the future of cat care with the Whisker Litter-Robot 4, the best automatic cat litter box for multiple cats. This self-cleaning, app-controlled marvel minimizes manual scooping and maximizes convenience. Building upon the success of previous models, the Litter-Robot 4 incorporates advanced features and a user-friendly design.
Control the Litter-Robot 4 through intuitive top-mounted buttons or seamlessly via the Whisker app, which connects via a QR code. The app provides valuable insights into your cats’ litter box usage and potential health patterns.
The large, inviting opening leads to a spacious litter chamber compatible with various cat litters. In multi-cat testing environments, cats readily adapted to the Litter-Robot 4. After use, the internal mechanism rotates, sifting waste and depositing it into an enclosed bottom reservoir.
Sensors monitor cat activity, distinguishing between up to four individual cats. Cleaning is simplified; the unit can be disassembled and rinsed if necessary. The Litter-Robot 4 significantly reduces manual litter box maintenance, ideal for busy owners or those with finicky cats who demand consistently clean litter.
Dimensions: 15.75 x 29.5 x 22 inches | Material: Plastic | Scooper Included: Not needed
Best for Seniors and Kittens
KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box
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What We Like:
- Ultra-low entry point suitable for kittens, seniors, and disabled cats
- Designed to minimize arthritis discomfort
- Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like:
- Reduced protection against litter and waste scatter
- Open design might not appeal to all adult cats
For households with kittens or senior cats, the KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box is the best cat litter box for seniors and kittens. Its low 3-inch entry point assists with potty training for young kittens and eases joint pain for older cats. The wider-than-deep design further enhances accessibility.
However, the low walls and entrance may not be ideal for healthy adult cats. The reduced height can lead to increased litter scatter and a feeling of vulnerability for cats who prefer more enclosed spaces.
If you have a mixed-age cat household, consider the Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan, which offers a slightly higher 3.5-inch entry while still being accessible. For multi-kitten households, the larger version of the KittyGoHere is recommended to provide ample space and minimize accidental messes.
Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 5 inches (small), 24 x 20 x 5 inches (large) | Material: Plastic | Scooper Included: No
Best Alternative Litter
Purina XL Litter System
What We Like:
- Exceptional odor control
- Eliminates urine scooping
- Easy pad replacement
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires space to pull out the drawer for pad changes
- Requires specialized litter pellets and pad refills
For those seeking an alternative to traditional clumping litter, the Purina XL Litter System is the best alternative litter system for multiple cats. This system utilizes non-clumping pellets that allow urine to pass through to an absorbent pad below, simplifying cleanup and maximizing odor control.
Unlike conventional clumping litter, the Tidy Cats Breeze system separates solid waste for scooping while urine is absorbed by the pad, effectively trapping odors. The pee pad typically needs replacement weekly, less frequently for single-cat homes, contributing to superior odor management.
While the system includes a scoop, it necessitates using specialized litter pellets and replacement pads. The XL model is recommended for multi-cat households due to its larger size and higher 13.7-inch walls, minimizing spills and providing ample space for shared use.
Dimensions: 15.7 x 20.6 x 10.2 inches (original), 27.5 x 18.5 x 13.7 inches (extra-large) | Material: Plastic | Scooper Included: Yes
Best Budget
Frisco High Sided Litter Box
What We Like:
- Easy entry and exit for cats of all ages and sizes
- Made from BPA-free, recyclable plastic
- High walls to minimize litter scatter
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited retailer availability
The Frisco High Sided Litter Box is the best budget cat litter box for multiple cats, offering excellent functionality at an affordable price. Available in two sizes, the extra-large version is highly recommended for multi-cat homes to provide sufficient space.
The U-shaped entry, just 5.6 inches high, accommodates cats of all ages and mobility levels. The high 10-inch walls surrounding the entry effectively contain litter scatter, even for cats who are enthusiastic diggers. Constructed from durable, BPA-free, recyclable plastic, this litter box is a reliable and eco-conscious choice.
Dimensions: 18 x 8.5 x 15.2 inches (medium), 24 x 10 x 18 inches (extra-large) | Material: Plastic | Scooper Included: No
Best Open Top Automatic
Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
What We Like:
- Easy setup with minimal assembly
- App-controlled monitoring and programmable cleaning
- Wide 17-inch top suitable for larger cats
- Quiet operation
- Kitten safety setting
What We Don’t Like:
- High entry point might not be accessible for all cats
The Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is the best open-top automatic cat litter box for multiple cats, offering a high-tech, low-maintenance solution. Its open-top design may appeal to cats who dislike enclosed spaces, while automatic cleaning minimizes odor and manual scooping.
The accompanying app provides usage statistics, cleaning schedule customization, and even individual cat profiles for monitoring. While marketed for larger cats, the litter well size might be more suitable for medium-sized cats in multi-cat homes. The 13.77-inch entry height may pose a challenge for some cats.
Despite a higher entry and potential for slight litter tracking, the Neakasa M1 offers convenient automatic cleaning and app-based monitoring, making it a strong contender for tech-savvy cat owners.
Dimensions: 23.2 x 20.2 x 20.6 inches | Material: Plastic | Scooper Included: N/A
Best Top Entry
Modkat XL Litter Box
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What We Like:
- Spacious and roomy interior
- Modern aesthetic design
- Durable and sturdy construction
- Includes reusable liners
What We Don’t Like:
- Cleaning can be slightly awkward
The Modkat XL Litter Box is the best top entry cat litter box for multiple cats, combining a modern design with practical functionality. Its top-entry design minimizes litter tracking and provides privacy, while the XL size accommodates larger cats and multi-cat use.
Suitable for cats up to 20 pounds, the Modkat XL features a durable and sturdy build with a neutral aesthetic. Reusable liners are included and attach to hooks within the box for easy waste disposal. While the lid folds for scooping, some users may find it easier to remove the entire lid for thorough cleaning.
Dimensions: 21.3 x 17.3 x 16.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Scooper Included: Yes
Best With Scoop
Tuft + Paw Cove Litter Box
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What We Like:
- Easy to clean, wipeable surface
- Built-in tool docks for organized scooping
- Configurable wall setup
- Open-top design to minimize tracking
What We Don’t Like:
- May feel small for larger cats
The Tuft + Paw Cove Litter Box is the best cat litter box with scoop for multiple cats, prioritizing convenience and organization. Built-in docks keep the included scoop, brush, and dustpan readily accessible, streamlining litter box maintenance.
Removable walls offer customizable setup and easy cleaning, while the open-top design is often preferred by cats and helps reduce tracking. The 8-inch walls provide a balance of privacy and litter containment for most cats. While recommended for cats up to 15 pounds, larger cats might find it somewhat cramped.
Dimensions: 26 x 16 x 14.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Scooper Included: Yes
Best Disposable
Luli & Cat Disposable Litter Boxes
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What We Like:
- Made from recycled cardboard
- Jumbo size available for multiple cats
- Water and leak-resistant
- Ideal for travel and temporary situations
- Disposable and biodegradable
What We Don’t Like:
- Low sides might not contain all litter scatter
The Luli & Cat Disposable Litter Boxes are the best disposable cat litter boxes for multiple cats, offering a convenient and eco-friendly temporary solution. Made from compressed recycled cardboard pulp, these litter boxes are water and leak-resistant and biodegradable.
Available in packs of four and in jumbo sizes, they are perfect for travel, fostering, or introducing new cats. The jumbo size offers a 20 by 14-inch area with 5-inch sides. While not designed for cleaning, each tray can last for several weeks with regular scooping. Cats who are vigorous diggers might scatter some litter outside the low sides.
Dimensions: 20 x 14.5 x 5 inches | Material: Cardboard | Scooper Included: No
Best Litter Box Accessory
Petivity Litter Box Monitor
What We Like:
- Tracks litter box usage for up to five cats
- Provides data and flags potential health changes
- Organizes data into charts and reports
- Adds smart features to traditional litter boxes at a lower cost
- Battery or AC power options
What We Don’t Like:
- Only compatible with traditional rectangular litter boxes
The Petivity Litter Box Monitor is the best litter box accessory for multiple cats, adding smart technology to your existing setup. This scale-like device fits under rectangular litter boxes and monitors usage patterns for up to five cats.
The app tracks weight, frequency, duration, and time of day of litter box visits, distinguishing between urination and defecation. It provides historical data and alerts for unusual patterns, which can be valuable for monitoring cat health, especially in multi-cat households where individual habits can be harder to track.
Dimensions: 22.95 x 17.8 x 2.72 inches| Material: Plastic| Scooper included: N/A
Final Verdict
For the best cat litter box for multiple cats, we recommend the Catit Jumbo Hooded Litter Box for its spaciousness, odor control, and easy maintenance. If you prefer an alternative litter system, the Purina Tidy Cats Breeze XL Litter System offers superior cleanliness and odor reduction.
How We Tested Litter Boxes for Multiple Cats
Our rigorous testing process began with 26 popular and highly-rated litter boxes. We established a detailed methodology with input from veterinarians and cat experts.
Initial lab testing involved evaluating odor control using vinegar water and clean-up ease with melted chocolate. Each litter box was rated on a 1-5 scale across multiple categories by testers unaware of product prices.
Top-performing models were then sent to volunteer testers for in-home trials with their cats. Testers assessed cat acceptance, ease of use, and provided long-term feedback over several months to ensure our recommendations are based on sustained performance.
What to Look For in a Litter Box for Multiple Cats
Size
For multi-cat households, prioritize litter boxes with at least 400 square inches of litter surface area (interior width multiplied by length). Ample space allows cats to comfortably use the litter box without feeling crowded or encountering waste left by others. Consider both interior and exterior dimensions to ensure it fits your space.
Wall Height
High-walled litter boxes are crucial for minimizing litter scatter and odor, especially in multi-cat homes where increased use can lead to more mess. High sides contain kicked litter and urine spray, while a higher entrance can further reduce tracking. Shallow pans may be suitable for kittens, seniors, or cats with mobility issues, but high walls are generally preferable for healthy adult cats.
Ease of Cleaning
Frequent scooping is essential in multi-cat households. Automatic litter boxes offer the ultimate convenience, self-cleaning after each use. While pricier and requiring more complex cleaning themselves, they maintain a consistently clean litter box. For traditional litter boxes, choose designs with easy access for scooping to encourage regular cleaning and prevent litter box aversion.
FAQ
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Do you need multiple litter boxes for two cats?
While not always mandatory, multiple litter boxes are generally recommended for two or more cats to ensure comfort, hygiene, and reduce potential territorial issues. If cats share amicably and show no signs of conflict, one large box might suffice. However, separate boxes are advisable for competitive or territorial cats. Top-entry boxes can also offer increased privacy in shared litter box scenarios. -
How do you set up a litter box for multiple cats?
Introduce new litter boxes with minimal changes. Use familiar litter and place the new box near the existing one initially, allowing cats to explore it gradually. If needed, gently guide cats into the new box. Cat attractant litters or sprays can also encourage usage. -
Where is the best place to put a litter box?
Choose quiet, low-traffic locations away from eating areas and noisy appliances (heating, AC, laundry). If using multiple litter boxes, place them in different areas of the home. Ideal spots are accessible but not in the center of household activity.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
K. Alex Beaven, a lifelong cat owner and writer for The Spruce Pets, has extensive experience with various litter boxes and cat care. For this article, Alex consulted Devin Bennet, founder of the cat rescue Here Have a Kitten, for expert insights.
Alex’s other articles for The Spruce Pets include The Best Kitten Foods, The Best Cat Litters, Tested and Reviewed, and The Best Automatic Litter Boxes.
This article also draws upon the expertise of Andrew Whalen, a senior editor at The Spruce Pets with experience testing numerous pet products, including many of the litter boxes reviewed here.
