Having trouble finding good low-entry litter boxes for older cats?
As a senior cat parent myself, I know how you feel.
You want to find something that they can easily step into, yet still contains at least some of their messes.
I’ve got you covered with these five ideas below!
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In a rush and need something right away? Check out our top picks on the table below!
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Low-entry: the best litter box for senior cats
My own senior cat isn’t as spry as she used to be, and it’s challenging for her to climb up over a high lip.
The problem with a lot of low-sided litter box is, of course, the fact that they don’t always contain the litter.
So, I did my best to find boxes that have a low profile but also a good reputation for keeping your cat’s messier deeds confined.
Let’s take a look at what I found.
1. Petmate Booda Dome Litter Box
The Petmate Booda Dome is, by and far, my favorite low-entry litter box for older cats.
The ramp system makes it easy for kitties of all ages to enter, while the style keeps messes contained.
Let’s look at the features and pros, then the cons.
Features & benefits
- The dome lid gives your cat plenty of privacy
- Grooved steps help keep litter inside, rather than all over your floors.
- Contains odors with the enclosed lid
- A charcoal filter eliminates excess odors
- Big enough for most cats
- Very affordable
Cons
- Tight fit for giant breed kitties
- Lid just sits on the base, so it can get knocked off
- Seams can leak if you have a high sprayer.
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Recommendation
Aside from being too small for Maine Coon kitties, the lid is the biggest problem.
It doesn’t really attach to the base so much as just sit there, meaning your cat, kids, or dog can knock it loose.
The seams are also a bit leaky for those with high-peeing kitties.
Beyond that, though, it’s a fantastic low-entry litter box for older cats.
- KEEP LITTER IN THE BOX, NOT ON THE FLOOR: Unique, patented, clean step entrance captures litter scatter by wiping cat's paws as they step. The dome litter box is 50% larger than the average cat box, but built-in handle makes it easy to clean and move.
- MINIMIZE ODOR: A charcoal filter minimizes unwanted odors to keep your home as fresh and clean as possible, even in a multi cat household. Replacement filters and litter box liners are sold separately. Also, check out our cat litter scoop and cat litter mat selection
- MADE WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS: Petmate is not just a friend of furry family members, but the environment too. We produce eco-friendly, sustainable, recyclable products from kennels to litter boxes and many in between.
- FOR ALL PETS AND SIZES: Ideal for dog litter box, puppy litter box, rabbit litter box, ferret litter box. A must have for your pet supplies for any indoor pet that is housebreaking or potty trained. Less expensive than puppy pads.
- USE YOUR FAVORITE LITTER: Great for pine litter, crystal cat litter, pellets for cat litter box and clumping cat litter. We suggest Arm & Hammer Slide.
READ MORE: PVC Pipe Cat Tree
2. KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box
The KittyGoHere isn’t much to look at, but don’t let that fool you. It’s highly rated for such a simple low-profile litter box!
There are some drawbacks, though, so let’s look at the pros and cons to see if it’s worth buying.
Features & benefits
- Three sizes and three color options.
- Very low opening for cats who can’t jump
- Big enough for all breeds
Cons
- No lid, so no privacy or odor reduction
- Expensive for what it is
Recommendation
Let’s start with the cons, because they’re kind of major. First, it’s pretty expensive for such a simple box.
That said, customers say it’s worth every last penny for arthritic kitties.
The other issue is, of course, the lack of a lid. That means odors aren’t contained, so you’ll have to really keep up with cleaning it.
Even with the cons, though, it’s a fantastic option, especially for super seniors (sounds nicer than “very old”) kitties who need the lowest profile possible.
- 4 colors to choose from. Two sizes to choose from.
READ MORE: Best Eco Friendly Cat Litter Boxes
3. Jumbo-Sized Litter Pan
This jumbo-sized litter pan is actually made for small dogs, but I’m including it because that makes it perfect for large cats!
Features & benefits
- Very low front entry
- Higher sides prevent scatter
- Big enough for even the largest domestic cats
Cons
- Expensive for a simple little pan.
- No lid
Recommendation
As long as you’re willing to sacrifice the lid, there isn’t much to find wrong with this one.
I love that the entry is low enough for older kitties cats, but the sides are high enough to keep litter from flinging all over.
The price is a bit steep for what it is, but it’s really the best option if you have a large cat.
4. PetFusion Large Litter Box
While the PetFusion litter box is a bit higher than the others so far, it still has a fairly low profile.
Features & benefits
- Open top litter box
- Relatively low front entry for older cats
- High walls to keep litter inside
- Non-stick coating that’s easy to clean
- Durable plastic
- Easy grip lip
Cons
- Again, no lid
- One of the pricier options
- Opening too narrow for large cats
- Non-stick coating wears off quickly
Recommendation
The biggest issue is the narrow opening. It’s simply too tight a squeeze for your big guys.
Others complain that the non-stick coating doesn’t really last long. When it wears off, it can be a pain to clean.
That said, with 4.5 stars across over 1,100 ratings, it’s safe to say people still love this litter box, despite the drawbacks.
Well, as much as one can love a cat toilet, that is!
- SUPERIOR AT CLEANING CAT LITTER: (I) Non-stick coating reduces cat litter from sticking up to 70% in this cat litter box. (II) Better hygiene, less odor for cats and kittens.
- VET RECOMMENDED FEATURES: (I) Open top litter pan to promote healthy usage (enclosed spaces might cause behavior issues). (II) High sided litter box walls to contain litter & leaks. (III) Low entry for older cats.
- GREAT VALUE: (I) ABS plastic more durable & rigid than standard polypropylene litter boxes. (II) Pet safe non-stick coating (see below). (III) 12 MONTH WARRANTY for any issue resulting from a manufacturer defect with your litter box.
- SMART DESIGN: (I) Spacious curves are inviting & make for easier scooping/cleaning of this large litter box. (II) For use with clumping cat litter, cat litter pellets, lightweight cat litter, and crystal cat litter such as Tidy Cats litter, Fresh Step cat litter, Worlds Best cat litter, and Dr. Elseys cat litter. (III) Easy grip lip for all life stages.
- LARGE SIZE & SAFETY: (I) 22.6 x 18.1 x 8.0 inches. (II) All materials for our cat litter box are tested using stringent international safety standards.
5. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
Don’t let the “high-sided” name fool you, this Nature’s Miracle litter box still has a low entry for your senior kitties.
Let’s take a look at it.
Features & benefits
- Extremely inexpensive
- Low lip makes it easy for senior cats to enter
- High walls with no seam, so litter stays inside
- Easy-clean spout
- Antimicrobial materials
- Non-stick surface
- Big enough for large cats
Cons
- No lid
- Non-stick coating wears off, making it harder to clean
- Shallow in the front, so litter can get kicked out
Recommendation
With 4.5 stars and over 3,600 ratings, even with the drawbacks, I feel like this is definitely worth trying.
You can’t beat the price, so even if it’s not the right litter box for you, you’re not out much money.
In fact, I spent more on a “value” meal at a fast-food restaurant last night!
- High sides to prevent litter scatter
- Care and cleaning: Spot or wipe clean
- Non-stick surface for easy cleaning
- Item dimension: 23.4 inches Length x 18.25 inches Width x 11 inches Height
- Packaging may vary
You can also opt for these cheap cat litter alternatives!
Final Recommendation
When it comes to the best low-entry litter boxes for older cats, you have to understand one thing- there’s a bit of a trade-off.
Aside from the Booda Dome, most options don’t come with a lid. If, like me, that’s important to you, go with the Booda.
If not, any of the other options will work.
Just make sure you put a litter mat under it, because unfortunately low-profile means high-messiness. There’s just no way around that.
- KEEP LITTER IN THE BOX, NOT ON THE FLOOR: Unique, patented, clean step entrance captures litter scatter by wiping cat's paws as they step. The dome litter box is 50% larger than the average cat box, but built-in handle makes it easy to clean and move.
- MINIMIZE ODOR: A charcoal filter minimizes unwanted odors to keep your home as fresh and clean as possible, even in a multi cat household. Replacement filters and litter box liners are sold separately. Also, check out our cat litter scoop and cat litter mat selection
- MADE WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS: Petmate is not just a friend of furry family members, but the environment too. We produce eco-friendly, sustainable, recyclable products from kennels to litter boxes and many in between.
- FOR ALL PETS AND SIZES: Ideal for dog litter box, puppy litter box, rabbit litter box, ferret litter box. A must have for your pet supplies for any indoor pet that is housebreaking or potty trained. Less expensive than puppy pads.
- USE YOUR FAVORITE LITTER: Great for pine litter, crystal cat litter, pellets for cat litter box and clumping cat litter. We suggest Arm & Hammer Slide.
So, which of our picks for the best low-entry litter boxes for older cats would you buy? Share below!
Nicole is one of the writers here on CatVills. She’s been a cat lover most of her life and-at one point- counted five felines as part of her family. Today, she’s proud cat mom to two indoor kitties and caregiver for a slew of ferals.
Find her on Linkedin. Read her latest articles.
Learn more about Nicole Here
Last update on 2022-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I’ve been thinking about adopting an older cat in the next month or so and the Petmate Booda looks really nice.
You have done a good job of analysing the pros and cons of the different types of litter boxes. Useful information for cat owners.
These are all nice litter boxes but I prefer the one that gives the cat some privacy. I think pets need their alone time too. 😀
I like the Petfusion large litter box for my cat. She tends to spread her crystals all over the floor.
Whoa who knew there was so much to consider for kitty litter boxes? I hadn’t really even thought about for older cats!
These are all nice litter boxes for cats. I will surely recommend this to my friends with cats.