Guide · Litter
Top 5 Large Litter Boxes for Big Cats in 2026
Open pans with tall walls, a low-step box for older cats and two covered designs, each measured against your cat's length.
What is the best large litter box for a big cat?
On published specs, the IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box is the best large litter box for most big cats: at 30 by 20 inches outside it is the longest box here, with an open top and 14 inch walls. For an older or stiff cat, the KittyGoHere Senior Jumbo Litter Box has the lowest step, at 3 inches.
- Best for big, long cats: IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box, because at 30 by 20 inches outside it is the longest and widest box here, with an open top.
- Best for a simple high-sided pan: Van Ness Pureness Giant High Sides Pan, because it is a plain open polypropylene pan with high sides and nothing to assemble or replace.
- Best for older or stiff cats: KittyGoHere Senior Jumbo Litter Box, because its 3 inch front entrance is the lowest published step here, with a gate to raise it to 5 inches.
- Best for top or front entry: Modkat XL Litter Box, because it sets up as top entry, front entry or both, with a front door 6.25 inches off the floor.
- Best for hooded box with a door: Amazon Basics Hooded Litter Box Large, because it is a 24 inch long hooded box with a swinging door and a fitted carbon filter.
At a glance
No. 1 · Best for
Big, long cats
IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter BoxNo. 2 · Best for
A simple high-sided pan
Van Ness Pureness Giant High Sides PanNo. 3 · Best for
Older or stiff cats
KittyGoHere Senior Jumbo Litter BoxNo. 4 · Best for
Top or front entry
Modkat XL Litter BoxNo. 5 · Best for
Hooded box with a door
Amazon Basics Hooded Litter Box Large
A large litter box for a big cat should be at least one and a half times your cat's length, and the IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box is the longest of the five here. Three are open pans: two with high sides and one with a very low step-in for older cats. Two are covered: a box that sets up for top or front entry, and a hooded box with a swinging door.
Size comes first. Battersea says a box should be at least one and a half times your cat's length, measured from nose to the base of the tail, and the AAFP and ISFM house-soiling guidelines recommend the same 1.5 times figure. Battersea adds that many trays labelled large are still too small for adult cats, so check the numbers, not the label.
Every size below is an outside measurement, and none of these makers publishes an inside floor size, so the usable floor is smaller than the figure suggests. Where a maker does not publish a spec, the table says "Not listed" rather than guess. For where to put a box and how many you need, see our Learn article on placement. If scooping is the real problem, our self-cleaning litter box guide, under Related guides, ranks six automatic boxes, and our cat litter guide covers what goes inside.
How we picked and ranked these large litter boxes
We started from eleven large boxes found on maker sites and Amazon, then kept the five whose makers or listings publish enough to compare: outside size, entry and design. Each one had to be on sale on Amazon US when we checked.
For each one we compared the published outside length, width and height, entry height, open or covered design, material and what comes in the box, using the maker's own pages and the Amazon listing, checked on . Where a maker does not publish a spec, the page says “Not listed” rather than guessing.
The order follows two published facts. Open boxes come first, because the AAFP and ISFM house-soiling guidelines recommend open boxes wherever possible. Among the open pans, a longer published length ranks higher, since length is what the 1.5 times rule measures; the KittyGoHere sits third because its maker publishes no size, though it has the lowest entry.
The two covered boxes come last. The Modkat XL ranks above the Amazon Basics box because Modkat publishes its entry heights and offers an open top-entry setup, while Amazon publishes no entry height. The order is our editorial reading of those specs, not a score or a test result.
We dropped the Petmate Giant (no maker page we could open and no Amazon listing), the Petmate XL Nonstick and a Sterilite tote (too small), the IRIS Large Top Entry (an inside floor of 17 by 11.5 inches) and a Nature's Miracle box (no maker page).
- We removed any product whose Amazon listing carried Amazon's “Frequently returned item” badge when we checked it.
- We do not test products hands-on. Everything here comes from published specs, listings and the sources at the foot of the page, and no score or rating is shown.
- No maker paid for a place on this list or for its position. We earn a commission from Amazon on qualifying purchases, which never sets the order.
Read our editorial policy for how every guide is researched, sourced and updated.
The 5 large litter boxes, in order
1. IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box
IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box, at 30 by 20 inches outside, is by far the longest and widest of the boxes here with published sizes, the one most likely to meet the one and a half times rule for a big cat. IRIS USA gives it 14 inch walls with a 6.5 inch curved entrance, so it has the walls of a high-sided pan while staying open on top.
- Outside size (L x W x H)
- 30 x 20 x 14 in
- Design
- Open top, high sides
- Entry
- Curved front entrance, 6.5 in (maker figure)
- Material
- Plastic
2. Van Ness Pureness Giant High Sides Pan
Van Ness Pureness Giant High Sides Pan is a basic open pan with high sides, listed by Van Ness at 21.25 by 17.6 by 9 inches. It has no hood, door or liner system, just a polypropylene tub that Van Ness says is odor and stain resistant, and its catalog lists it as made in the USA.
- Outside size (L x W x H)
- 21.25 x 17.6 x 9 in
- Design
- Open top, high sides
- Entry
- Not listed
- Material
- Polypropylene
3. KittyGoHere Senior Jumbo Litter Box
KittyGoHere Senior Jumbo Litter Box has the lowest published step on the page: a front entrance just 3 inches high, with a removable gate that raises it to 5 inches. NE14Pets says it suits cats up to 35 pounds and makes it from polypropylene.
The catch is that the maker page publishes no dimensions, so you cannot compare its length with the others here. Check the listing or the box itself against your cat before relying on it as a large box.
- Outside size (L x W x H)
- Not listed
- Design
- Open top, low entry
- Entry
- 3 in; removable gate raises it to 5 in
- Material
- Polypropylene
4. Modkat XL Litter Box
Modkat XL Litter Box is a covered box you set up as top entry, front entry or both. Modkat lists it at 21 by 16.5 by 17 inches, with a 10.25 inch top opening and a front door 8.3 by 9.8 inches that sits 6.25 inches off the floor.
The Modkat XL uses Modkat's own reusable tarpaulin liners, which the maker says last up to three months. That suits owners who want a tidy box. Welfare guidance leans toward open boxes and away from liners, though, so it suits a cat that already uses a covered, lined box without fuss.
- Outside size (L x W x H)
- 21 x 16.5 x 17 in
- Design
- Covered; set up as top entry or front entry
- Entry
- Top opening 10.25 in wide; front opening 8.3 x 9.8 in, 6.25 in off the floor
- Material
- Not listed
5. Amazon Basics Hooded Litter Box Large
Amazon Basics Hooded Litter Box Large is a hooded box listed at 24 by 18 by 17 inches, with a swinging front door, a pre-installed carbon filter and a built-in handle. The hood snaps into place over the pan.
The Amazon Basics box is here as the covered option for readers who want one. Battersea and Cornell both note that covers can hold smells in, so if your cat avoids it, Battersea suggests trying it with the lid off.
- Outside size (L x W x H)
- 24 x 18 x 17 in
- Design
- Hooded, front door that swings
- Entry
- Not listed
- Material
- Plastic
How they compare
| Product | Outside size (L x W x H) | Design | Entry | Material | Included or built in | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box | 30 x 20 x 14 in | Open top, high sides | Curved front entrance, 6.5 in (maker figure) | Plastic | Scoop | View on Amazon : IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box, opens in a new tab |
| 2. Van Ness Pureness Giant High Sides Pan | 21.25 x 17.6 x 9 in | Open top, high sides | Not listed | Polypropylene | Nothing extra; pan only | View on Amazon : Van Ness Pureness Giant High Sides Pan, opens in a new tab |
| 3. KittyGoHere Senior Jumbo Litter Box | Not listed | Open top, low entry | 3 in; removable gate raises it to 5 in | Polypropylene | Removable entry gate | View on Amazon : KittyGoHere Senior Jumbo Litter Box, opens in a new tab |
| 4. Modkat XL Litter Box | 21 x 16.5 x 17 in | Covered; set up as top entry or front entry | Top opening 10.25 in wide; front opening 8.3 x 9.8 in, 6.25 in off the floor | Not listed | Reusable tarpaulin liners, swivel lid, hanging scoop | View on Amazon : Modkat XL Litter Box, opens in a new tab |
| 5. Amazon Basics Hooded Litter Box Large | 24 x 18 x 17 in | Hooded, front door that swings | Not listed | Plastic | Carbon filter, carry handle | View on Amazon : Amazon Basics Hooded Litter Box Large, opens in a new tab |
What should you look for in a large litter box?
How do you measure a cat for a litter box?
Measure your cat from the nose to the base of the tail, then multiply by one and a half. That is the minimum box length Battersea and the AAFP and ISFM guidelines point to, so a cat 18 inches long needs a box at least 27 inches long.
Cornell Feline Health Center says overweight and large cats need bigger boxes, and a 2014 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found cats in 43 homes chose a larger box over a regular one.
Compare your number with the length in the table, then allow for the walls and rim, which take up some of the outside figure. Of the four boxes with a published length, the IRIS USA XXL is the longest by a wide margin; the Van Ness and Modkat are both about 21 inches long outside.
Should a large litter box be open or covered?
Open, where you can. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines recommend open litter boxes whenever possible, because they make it easier to keep an eye on the box and scoop often. Cornell says most cats prefer an uncovered box that lets odors escape and gives a view all round, and Battersea suggests avoiding covered trays, since they can trap smells and limit visibility.
A cover keeps the box out of sight, and the hooded box here is sold as a no-mess design. If you choose one, scoop at least once a day, as the AAFP and ISFM guidelines advise for any box, and if your cat starts avoiding it, try taking the lid off, which is one of Battersea's own suggestions.
How high should a litter box entry be?
Low enough for your cat to step in easily, especially if it is young, old or stiff. Cornell says young kittens, elderly cats and cats with mobility problems need boxes with low sides, and Battersea says a low entry can make getting in and out much easier for kittens and older cats.
Entry height varies a lot here: about 3 inches on the KittyGoHere, about 6 inches on the Modkat front door and the IRIS USA entrance, and a climb through the lid on the Modkat in top-entry mode.
If your cat seems to struggle getting in, or starts going outside the box, Cornell advises having a veterinarian check them. A box change can help with comfort, but it is not a substitute for that visit.
Do high-sided litter boxes keep litter in?
High back and side walls are there to keep kicked litter and high-aimed urine inside the box. Van Ness says its high-sided design helps prevent litter spills, and IRIS USA pitches its 14 inch walls at diggers and high-spraying cats. A low front still matters for getting in, so check both the wall height and the entry.
Questions about large litter boxes
How big should a litter box be for a large cat?
Are covered litter boxes bad for cats?
Covered litter boxes are not necessarily bad, but welfare groups lean toward open boxes. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines recommend open boxes whenever possible, and Cornell says most cats prefer an uncovered box. If yours avoids a covered one, Battersea suggests removing the lid, and Cornell advises a vet check for any cat that has trouble using the box consistently.
What litter box suits a senior cat?
A senior cat is best served by the lowest litter box entry you can find. Cornell says elderly cats and cats with mobility problems need boxes with low sides, and Battersea says a low entry can make getting in and out much easier for older cats. If an older cat is struggling to get in or has started missing the box, talk to your veterinarian first.
On this page that is the KittyGoHere Senior Jumbo Litter Box: a 3 inch entrance, the lowest published figure here, with a gate that raises it to 5 inches.
Why does the table show only outside measurements?
The table shows outside sizes because the makers of these five boxes publish only those, and the KittyGoHere maker page lists no dimensions at all. Walls and rims take up some of the outside figure, so the floor your cat stands on is smaller. Measuring an actual box, or asking the seller for its inside size, is the only sure check.
Do I need a litter box liner?
Most cats do not need a litter box liner. Cornell says many cats do not like liners, Battersea advises against plastic ones, and the AAFP and ISFM guidelines say to avoid them. The Modkat XL is built around its own reusable tarpaulin liners, so weigh that if your cat is fussy; the other four boxes here work as plain pans.
Terms used on this page
Learn more
Related guides
- The 6 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes of 2026, RankedAutomatic boxes that sift waste for you, with the cat weight limit and floor size each maker publishes.
- The 6 Best Cat Litters of 2026, Ranked by TypeClay, crystal, pine and tofu litters ranked, for filling a big box without too much dust.
- The 9 Best Heated and Self-Warming Cat Beds of 2026, RankedHeated and self-warming beds, for an older or stiff cat that needs a warm place to rest as well as an easy box.
Sources
- XXL Cat Litter Box with Litter Scoop (item 588433) (IRIS USA (manufacturer))
- IRIS USA XX-Large High Sided Cat Litter Box, Scatter Shield, Navy (model 588434) (Amazon.com listing)
- How to create the best litter tray setup for your cat (Battersea Dogs & Cats Home)
- Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling (Cornell Feline Health Center)
- AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats (Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (AAFP and ISFM))
- Litterbox size preference in domestic cats (Felis catus), Guy, Hopson and Vanderstichel, 2014 (Journal of Veterinary Behavior)
- Van Ness pet-caring products catalog, p. 7 (high-sides and framed cat litter pans) (Van Ness Pet Products (manufacturer))
- Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan (model CP3HS) (Amazon.com listing)
- Van Ness High-Sides Cat Litter Pan (UPC 079441004939) (Target)
- Jumbo Cat Litter Box (NE14Pets (maker of KittyGoHere))
- KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box Jumbo Low Entry Open Top, Misty Gray (Amazon.com listing)
- Modkat XL (Modkat (manufacturer))
- Modkat XL Cat Litter Box, Top or Front-Entry, Liner, Scoop & Filters, White (Amazon.com listing)
- Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Enclosed Cat Litter Box with Odor Control and Swinging Door, Large (Amazon.com listing (Amazon Basics is the maker))
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