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As your cat ages, it’s not unusual for their habits to change, especially as they get into their more senior years. This could happen for a variety of medical or behavioral reasons, or seemingly for no reason at all!
There is no denying that most cats fall under the category of being “highly sensitive” creatures. If your cat is a bit picky when it comes to things like food and water, loud noises, textures, etc., you can probably expect them to become even more particular as they get older.
I find that many behavioral issues are avoidable by simply paying attention to the particularities and subtle cues that your cat shows you throughout their life. However, at some point, you'll probably encounter behavior changes that will make you scratch your head…or want to pull your hair out in frustration!
Even if your cat has used the litter box faithfully, it is still possible that they will need a litter box upgrade or adjustment in their more senior years. Cats can encounter a variety of medical issues as they get older, which can have a direct effect on their litter box habits.
Some of the more common medical problems in geriatric cats that can lead to house soiling and other litter box troubles are diabetes, arthritis, and cognitive decline. You should always consult your veterinarian with any concerns before making any assumptions about the conditions your cat is facing!
Whatever the reason, behavioral or medical, these are some of the most common troubles with the litter box that many senior cats can develop:
- Urinating outside of the litter box
- Excessive or frequent urination
- Difficulty getting in and out of the box
- Forgetting where the litter box is located
- Not making it to the litter box on time
- Not covering poop/urine in box
- Sensitivity to cat litter scent or texture
- Sensitivity to litter box style
- Sensitivity to litter box location
These are some of the most common issues people have with their older cats that I’ve come across, but there are certainly many more reasons why you may need to upgrade the litter box for your elderly cat. Even if your kitty is young and using the litter box perfectly, it can still be a good idea to know what litter box options are out there that will be more comfortable for your cat to use later in life.
After trial-and-error with my own senior kitties, along with extensive research, these are the best litter boxes for senior cats that I've come across:
Kitty Go Here Litter Box
Best Low-Sided Litter Box for All Senior Cats, Especially Cats With Joint Pain and Arthritis
- Recommended for cats with litter box issues
- Designed for senior and arthritic cats
- Low entrance (3 inches)
- Open top for visibility
- Spacious for proper positioning
- Available in small, large, and jumbo sizes
- Made in the USA from durable material
- Includes jumbo scoop (9-inch handle, 5-inch scoop)
PROS:
- Almost all cats will use this box
- Low, wide entrance
- Open feel can be less intimidating
- Durable
- Large sizes means cats don't have to squeeze in
CONS:
- Low sides can lead to more litter outside the box
- Difficult to scoop due to low sides
There are not many litter boxes on the market specifically designed for geriatric cats but the Kitty Go Here box is exactly that. Unless you’re building one yourself, this is one of the easiest to use litter boxes for all cats—but is specially designed for those at later stages in life.
It has an exceptionally wide and low opening, which makes it easy for most kittens and arthritic cats to step into. It is also extra-large in comparison to the traditional-sized litter box, making it easy to spot and providing plenty of room to move around in. Additionally, most cats find it to be much less intimidating due to the open feel.
The main downside to this litter box is that things can get a bit messy. The low sides make it easy to kick litter out, and any cat that urinates too close to the edge risks making a mess over the side. But if it’s helped to keep your cat from finding a new toilet area or has made the overall experience more comfortable, then I’d say it’s definitely worth it!
Lucky Champ Litter Box
Best For Diabetic Cats and Cats Who Urinate A Lot
- Elegant design fits any décor
- High back wall prevents mess
- Low front wall for easy entry
- Suitable for all cat sizes
- Dimensions: 16.75 x 25 x 9 inches
PROS:
- Low entry of 3.5 inches
- High back to prevent litter escape when cats dig and kick
- Non-stick material which makes it easy to clean
CONS:
- May be too small for bigger kitties
- Can be an issue if cat faces back to pee
The Lucky Champ litter box is a well-built box, designed specifically with geriatric cats in mind. It has a low entry point of 3.5 inches so that your cat doesn’t have to jump in the box and can easily see inside. The rest of the box has higher sides that help to keep litter in, but not too high in case your cat decides to jump out from a different side.
The main downside that I’ve found with this litter box is that it is just a bit too small for some cats—especially if your cat needs extra room due to stiff joints (or simply because they're a large cat!)
The inside is a bit confined to move around in, and the orientation of the entrance can be hazardous for the “lazy” cat who barely steps inside before “letting things go”. So, if your cat faces the back of the box to take care of business, there is a risk that their pee or poop might not make it inside the box.
But overall, the high sides make it a great litter box for cats that urinating a lot and frequently digging around.
Petmate Booda Dome Clean-Step Cat Litter Box
Best for Senior Cats With Stinky Stool or Messy Litter Box Habits
- Covered litter box with air filter
- Charcoal filter absorbs odors
- Suitable for multicat homes
- Includes waste management products
- Over 50 years of Petmate experience
- Products for dogs, cats, and small animals
- Provides privacy and cleanliness
- Large size for 2 cats
PROS:
- Covered so it can keep more smells in
- Ramp entry is great for arthritic cats
- Steps help prevent litter from falling out
- Larger than traditional covered boxes
- Relatively dog proof
- Works well with pan liners
CONS:
- May be too small for larger kitties
- Can be intimidating for some cats
The Booda litter box is another litter box that works particularly well for cats who have difficulty with mobility. It has a ramp entry to the box, allowing geriatric cats with stiff and painful joints to enter with little difficulty. Additionally, having a cover can help with odor control and allowing for some privacy—even if it’s for your sake!
The Booda Step Covered Box is unique in that it’s the only litter box that works like a traditionally covered litterbox, but with a built-in ramp. However, it does have some downsides.
The inside is not particularly large, so it can be difficult for larger cats to move around. This can sometimes lead to kitties getting lazy about going in all the way—which may end up in urine going on the ramp instead of in the box. Additionally, the top doesn’t have a snug fit. If you have a rambunctious household the top can be knocked off rather easily if bumped into.
Overall this litter box works great for small cats with stiff and painful joints while helping to contain stinky odors and flying cat litter. You can click here to find the latest price on Amazon.
PetSafe Scoop Crystal Pro Front-Entry Automatic Litter Box Self Cleaning
Best for Senior Kitties That Need A Spotless Litter Box!
- Automatic self-cleaning litter box
- Saves time for busy pet owners
- Superior odor control with crystal litter
- Low-tracking, 99% dust-free crystals
- Hooded cover prevents litter spills
- Leak protection with disposable trays
- Health monitor for vet care tracking
PROS:
- Self-cleaning keeps the litter box spotlessly clean and saves your time
- Space-saving design
- Enables tracking a cat’s frequency of using the litter box
CONS:
- Lacks a ramp
- Some cats may be afraid of the sound and movement coming from a self-cleaning box
Is there anything more important than a spotlessly clean litter box for our cats? I’m sure this is one of their main priorities.
I believe many of you have encountered your senior cats refusing to use their litter box if they find them dirty.
This PetSafe cat litter box will make your life easy, since having it means no scooping, cleaning, or refilling your cat’s litter box for weeks!
This self-cleaning cat litter box offers five times better odor control than traditional clumping litter. Also, it absorbs liquid waste and solid waste in minutes.
The disposable trays on this litter box have a plastic lining to help protect against leaking. Cleaning this litter box is super clean, too: You just need to simply remove the tray and throw it away.
Thanks to the health counter and motion sensors, you’ll be able to track how often your senior cat uses its litter box.
Finally, PetSafe is designated in a way to save your space, since it isn’t too big. The one thing missing for this litter box to be a perfect choice is a ramp for easier access for senior felines. Of course, you can always add one to make things easier for your furry friend.
BNOSDM Collapsable Cat Litter Box
Great for Diabetic Cats That Urinate A Lot
- Foldable design (17.7 x 13.4 x 5 in; folds to 1.9 in)
- Low entry for easy access
- Large opening for airflow
- Cat litter collection net
- Durable PP and silicone materials
- Multipurpose use (sink, toolbox, cat bed)
- Includes litter sifting scoop
PROS:
- Foldable design
- Multipurpose (can be used as a litter box, for traveling, or as a kitchen sink)
- Easy to enter, suitable for older and disabled cats
CONS:
- Smaller than an average litter box, meaning that it might not be suitable for larger cats
BNOSDM Foldable Cat Litter Box is a cat litter box with a foldable design. It’s easy to carry and designed in a way to help save space.
This litter box has a low-entry open design, meaning that’s suitable for older and disabled cats to enter. The large opening diameter enables a cat that pees a lot, which is common with diabetes, to enter and exit easily and freely.
Also, this design increases air circulation and dispels unpleasant odors. BNOSDM litter box is made of durable material, easy to clean, and can be folded repeatedly.
Furthermore, this is a multifunctional litter box. It can also be used as a cat bed or bathtub, and it is suitable for traveling.
It comes in grey, pink, and blue.
Pet Fusion Litter Box
Best for Larger Senior Cats
- Superior at cleaning cat litter
- Vet recommended features
- Great value
- Smart design
- Smart cat litter cleaning
- Superior hygiene and cleaning
- Nimble in tight spaces and around edges
PROS:
- Antimicrobial non-stick coating
- Durable plastic with a curved design for easy cleaning
- Extra-large size
- High sides-helps keep litter in
- Great for cat litters that are harder to clean
CONS:
- The entrance could be lower but should work out if you've got a larger cat
Although it may not look like anything special, the Pet Fusion box is actually an exceptional litter box and cat owner favorite. In this case, it is definitely the little things that make all the difference, and in the end, it is a great win-win for both cats and their human.
The inside is roomier than the average litter box, making it easier for larger geriatric cats to move around and dig. The entrance is the typical five inches tall and provides a wider opening than most others.
The curved lip does a good job at keeping pee inside the box, and it has high sides that will help prevent litter from escaping but is low enough for your cat to easily see inside. One of the best qualities that the Pet Fusion litter box is known for is being fairly easy to clean.
Many of the non-stick coated litter boxes will still have those days where things still just…. stick. Fortunately, the smooth curves and extra slick plastic design make even the clay litter that can traditionally stick to the sides slide right out. You also don’t have to deal with getting chunks stuck in nooks and crannies, which is a big deal.
If your geriatric cat’s litter box tends to be particularly unpleasant due to issues with things like diarrhea or excessive urination (and you are using clay litter), the Pet Fusion box can make messes quite a bit easier to deal with.
The biggest downside is that the entrance could be lower, especially for older cats with arthritis or achy joints. However, as with most other litter boxes, you can always add a ramp to make it easier for your cat to get in and out.
Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
Best for Geriatric Cats With Arthritis
PROS:
- Great low entrance
- Budget-friendly
- Extra high sides
- Antimicrobial non-stick plastic
CONS:
- Entrance is a bit narrow
- Can be a bit cramped still for extra-large cats
Nature’s Miracle has an excellent open-style litter box for senior cats–which you can get in both the traditional rectangular shape and the more triangular one that will fit in corners. Similar to the Pet Fusion litter box, this features high sides with a lower cut-out entrance so that your older cat doesn’t have to jump to get in. The entrance is not extra wide, but still wide enough for the average cat to easily step in and out of.
It has extra-high sides to prevent litter from flying out (about 11 inches), and a decent curved lip around the edges to prevent drips. In all, the design is relatively simple but easy to use and is on the lower price spectrum.
This can be a great option in terms of affordability if you need to purchase more than one litter box. (You should always have at least one more box than you have cats!) This is a good idea if your cat has dementia and forgets where the litter box is located, or if your cat has trouble making it to the box on time.
An additional less noticeable feature that this box has rounded corners on the inside. This is a huge plus when it comes to cleaning, as it tends to be much easier to scoop around the curves and there are far less clumps getting stuck in the corners. This also allows for a quick and easy wipe-down, if needed.
Van Ness Sifting Cat Pan with Frame
Best Sifting Litter Box for Older Cats
- Ideal for scoop-free litter maintenance
- Stain-resistant high polish finish
- Framed pan reduces litter and urine spills
- Outer dimensions: 19 L” x 15.125 W” x 8” H
- Works with most clumping litters (not for pellets or powder)
PROS:
- Budget-friendly
- Non-stain durable plastic
- Low maintenance–No scooping, just sift and dump
- Great for wood pellet litters
- Quick and easy to clean
CONS:
- User error can create a mess
Almost anyone who has used a sifting-style litter box would probably agree that they are one of the best cat accessories and litter boxes out there. I would recommend investing in a sifting litter pan to just about any cat owner–even if you already have plans to use another litter box!
This brilliant set-up allows you to sift the entire contents of the litter box in one go. It only takes a few seconds to sift the finer particles through, allowing you to dispose of the waste all at once rather than one scoop at a time.
To be honest, rather than using the Sifting Cat Pan as one of my regular litter boxes, I keep one in my home to help with cleaning the other litter boxes. This was an amazing find when I was struggling to keep my senior cat's litter box consistently clean, by making the whole process faster, easier, and much more pleasant. Additionally, it works well for most varieties of cat litter, including sifting out the saw-dust from wood-pellet litter.
That being said, it is also wonderful for senior cats due to the lower sides all around, allowing them to easily get in and out. What I like in particular about the Van Ness Sifting Pan for older cats, is that it comes with a detachable splash frame.
This makes it a bit more versatile for senior cats who can really kick up the cat litter. The shield adds some extra inches to keep cat litter in while maintaining a lower front for easy access. Although the litter pan is not extra-large, cat's can still move around it fairly easily due to its open design.
Final Thoughts
While there are an endless amount of litter box options out there to choose from, these are some favorite litter boxes that both myself and other senior cat owners have found work well to address troubles with the litter box.
Upgrading to different litter boxes for your older cat can help to address particular geriatric issues, but don't be discouraged if you need to do some extra trouble-shooting on the side.
As your cat gets older, it's possible for your cat to develop certain preferences for things such as cat litter texture, litter box location, and style, as well as levels of cleanliness. You can help to keep potential aversions to the litter box at bay, by paying attention to your cat's litter box preferences throughout their life. For example, if you notice your cat using one litter box more than another, take into consideration its size, style, location, etc.
I hope these battle-tested suggestions can help get you started to finding the perfect litterbox for your older cat!
