Best Cat Litter Box for an Apartment: Small Space Solutions

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Cats don’t take up much space, so they are the ideal pet for all sizes of living spaces. Let’s look at the best cat litter box for an apartment.

House cats are popular pets for those living in apartments worldwide, as they don’t take up much space.

However, if you have the wrong litter box in a small apartment, it can seem like your cat’s litter smell dominates your whole home. Luckily, plenty of litter boxes work well for your small space.

This article will look at the best litter box for an apartment. We’ll discuss what to consider before investing in a litter tray for your pet.

Best Cat Litter Box for an Apartment: Buyers Guide

When considering litter boxes for your cat in a small space, there are subtle differences that make a huge difference between smelling the litter box throughout your home and not being able to smell your cat litter at all.

Scent filtering systems can go a long way toward improving the odors in your home. Sometimes these systems are simply filters, or they are more intricate.

Many litter boxes have specialized entrances that reduce tracking and minimize odors. If your cat is a digger, you may want a litter box with stairs. This feature reduces the amount of litter that flies out of the litter box as your cat digs.

Problems cat owners regularly face

Persistent smells are the most common issues with a litter box. Sometimes you can solve this problem by cleaning it more often. You may need more litter boxes or a different type of litter or box.

Some cats enthusiastically dig in their litter boxes. As a result, litter can get everywhere.

Types of Litter Boxes Available

There are many types of litter boxes on the market, so you can choose which is suitable for your cat and apartment.

Covered Litter Box

Covered litter boxes come in several shapes and sizes. A covered litter box keeps everything contained, and it can reduce gross smells. Several of the other types on this list may also have covers.

Open Litter Box

An open litter box is an option that does not have a lid. This type can have some smell issues, but it also makes it easy for you to see when the box needs cleaning.

Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Self-cleaning litter boxes do what the name says. This option is a bit more expensive than the options that you need to clean. However, you’ll save time scooping daily.

Sifting Litter Box

A sifting litter box has two components: the base pan and a sifter layer. This type of litter box can be easy to clean quickly. However, they require more intensive cleaning, and sifting can increase dust.

Top Entry Litter Box

The top entry litter box is an ideal option for a cat that loves to dig. Rather than the entrance being on the side, this option has the entry on top. This box type is not ideal for older cats or cats with mobility issues.

Corner Litter Box

A corner litter box is an ideal choice for a small space. This litter box is similar in most ways to other boxes. It just fits into a corner as it’s triangular shaped.

Litter Box Furniture

Litter box furniture is an option that includes the litter box inside of a piece of furniture, such as a cabinet. While this option is a great way to combine functions, these pieces of furniture may be somewhat large for a small living space.

Material used to manufacture litter boxes

Litter boxes are usually plastic. However, they can come in several other materials, including stainless steel and wood. Wood is most used in furniture-style litter boxes and combined with plastic. The actual pan itself is not wood, as this material would absorb moisture and odors.

Stainless steel litter boxes are a popular choice for those who wish to be environmentally friendly. They are easier to clean than other materials and absorb less odor than plastic options. However, stainless steel litter boxes are often louder than plastic and are expensive. Other metals are reactive to cat urine. So, it is best to avoid them.

Plastic is usually the best option for a litter box, which is true of a litter box in a small space. Wooden litter box furniture is unlikely to be an option in a small apartment since you likely do not have the space.

Ease of Use

Ideally, you should scoop your cat’s litter box every day. A clean litter box will keep your cat happy and your living space smelling nice. Simply scoop the poop and any urine clumps daily, and you are good to go.

How you clean your litter box will vary depending on the litter you use. Some litter boxes will change the way you clean. A litter box with a sifter will require a different protocol.

Each time you scoop, you should add a bit more litter back to keep a good litter depth. The type of litter can also determine how frequently you replace the litter entirely. Every month you should empty the litter box, wipe it clean and replace the litter.

If you have a self-cleaning litter box, you must change the trash container every other day and add litter as needed. This kind of litter box has a sifting system that takes care of the waste removal for you.

Litter

The type of litter you choose will impact your cleaning process. Litters can contain several materials, including clay, walnut, recycled paper, silica, tofu, corn, grass, and more. Each of these materials has different properties.

Some litters can clump, and others can show potential health issues from your cat. Choose your litter depending on your particular needs and your cat’s needs.

Cost

A litter box provides a few cost requirements. First, you need to consider the short-term cost of the litter box itself, and you also need to consider the long-term cost of litter. The litter box itself can cost between $15 and several hundred dollars. The litter will be a recurring cost between $3 and $30 a month, depending on the type you get.

When considering cost, it is vital to remember you may need multiple litter boxes depending on the number of cats you have. The general rule is you should have one more litter box than cats. So, if you have two cats, three boxes are the correct number. In some cases, you can have fewer boxes if you get a large size or certain type.

Litter Box FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that pet owners have about choosing and maintaining a litter box:

What is the best litter box for a small space?

The best litter box for a small space is a plastic option. These are typically less expensive and take up less room than other materials. Depending on your living situation, furniture-style litter boxes may also be an option.

What is the best self-cleaning litter box?

The best self-cleaning litter box has a sifting system, and stores used litter to reduce the smell. Self-cleaning boxes have an automatic rake that cleans the litter after each use.

What is the best way to clean a litter box?

The best way to clean a litter box is to scoop it daily and replace the litter completely every couple of weeks. If you have a self-cleaning unit, you should change the trash container every other day. Wiping down the box with a mild cleaner can also help to keep it clean and smelling fresh.

Conclusion

Living in a small space may seem challenging when creating a good litter box situation. However, with some understanding of your options and a good plan, you, your cat, and your cat’s litter box can coexist in perfect harmony.

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