Our cat’s aging is an inevitable part of ownership—and, unfortunately, they start to have issues as they reach senior years. Many cats don’t have the mobility, agility, or livelihood they used to, so getting in and out of the litter box can be an issue.
We put together a list of 7 top litter boxes for older cats. These products should make things easier for your sweet old guy or gal at home. First, let’s take a look at the reviews.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan
Easy access
Terrific for mobility issues
Prevents litter flicking
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Best Value
Petco High Back Cat Litter Pan
Made from Durable Plastic
Open concept
Hide sides
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Premium Choice
iPrimio Stainless Steel Litterbox
Easy to clean
Long-lasting
Doesn’t trap bacteria
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Kitty Go Here Litterbox for Seniors
Low entry
Shallow pan
Lightweight
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Petmate Hi-Back Open Litter Pan
Sturdy
Sloped design
Multi-cat
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The 7 Best Litter Boxes for Older Cats
The best overall, in our opinion, was that Lucky Champ Cat Litter Pan. We adored the design because it’s so easy to clean, dump, and access. It has a long oval shape with a flat bottom, high-back, and easy access entry.
Material: Plastic
Design: Oval, tilted, high-back
Colors: Gray
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This litter box is comprised of a durable hard plastic that withstands cleaning, scooping, and use. The surface is effortless to wipe down—and messes don’t stick like glue to the sides.
We think most seniors would benefit from this product because of the box design. In addition, it would work for cats who have all sorts of mobility issues, and it is sturdy enough to stay in one place while they go in and out.
Pros
Easy access
Terrific for mobility issues
Prevents litter flicking
Cons
Some scoopers might not work
We think that the Petco So Phresh High Back Cat Litter Pan will work really well for the seniors in your household, as well as any other felines. It’s super affordable, and we think it might be the best litter box for seniors for older cats for the money.
Easy access
Terrific for mobility issues
Prevents litter flicking
- Easy access
- Terrific for mobility issues
- Prevents litter flicking
Some scoopers might not work
- Some scoopers might not work
Material: Plastic
Design: High back, open
Colors: Gray
It provides an open concept, but the hide sides prevent flicking. That way, your cat won’t feel trapped while they do their business, but they aren’t making big messes either.
The box is made from durable plastic that we believe will withstand extensive use. However, the company is vague in the description, so we aren’t exactly sure what type of plastic this is made of.
Pros
Affordable
Open concept
Hide sides
Cons
Lack of product transparency
The iPrimio Stainless Steel Cat Litterbox is a little pricey, but it definitely has its perks. Most seniors will be able to get in and out of this box with ease, but it might not work with mobility issues. However, it has a brilliant overall design that benefits both older cats and their owners.
Affordable
Open concept
Hide sides
- Affordable
- Open concept
- Hide sides
Lack of product transparency
- Lack of product transparency
Material: Stainless Steel
Design: Base, high wall attachments
Colors: Steel
This litter box is made of stainless steel, so it never absorbs and locks in bad odors. There are two separate pieces, so you can take them apart if you need to deep clean or prefer them without the high walls. It fits together easily with four locking points on each corner.
It’s incredibly easy to clean since it wipes down with minimal effort. As a result, you can keep this design fresh all the time, knowing stainless steel doesn’t retain bacteria. However, since it is pure steel, it is much heavier than others.
Pros
Easy to clean
Long-lasting
Durable
Doesn’t trap bacteria
Cons
Might not work for all mobility issues
Heavy
Pricey
- Kitty Go Here Litterbox for Senior Cats
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Material: Plastic
Design: Low entry, open
Colors: Lavender
We really love the Kitty Go Here Litterbox for Senior Cats. The entire design is made so older cats can have no trouble using the potty. It has a shallow entry point, so your cat quickly makes it in and out.
Easy to clean
Long-lasting
Durable
Doesn’t trap bacteria
- Easy to clean
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Doesn’t trap bacteria
Might not work for all mobility issues
Heavy
Pricey
- Might not work for all mobility issues
- Heavy
- Pricey
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Material: Plastic
Design: Low entry, open
Colors: Lavender
The only color available is lavender, which we know might not go with every décor styling. But if you’re looking for function over color—this litter box is easy to clean, lightweight, and tough.
The only issue we found is that if your cat is a litter flicker, you will encounter some problems. First, the walls are too low to contain and prevent it. Also, the lower entryway could cause heavier litter tracking in the home.
Pros
Low entry
Shallow pan
Lightweight
Cons
One color
Could cause high tracking
- Petmate Hi-Back Open Cat Litter Pan
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Material: Plastic
Design: High back, open, tilted
Colors: Sky blue, blue steel
We like the design of the Petmate Hi-Back Open Cat Litter Pan because it is so effective. The tilted angle is secured by a flat base that is flush with the floor—completely sturdy. In addition, since it has a sloped design, it prevents litter messes while allowing your older cat easy access.
Low entry
Shallow pan
Lightweight
- Low entry
- Shallow pan
- Lightweight
One color
Could cause high tracking
- One color
- Could cause high tracking
Material: Plastic
Design: High back, open, tilted
Colors: Sky blue, blue steel
We reviewed the jumbo size, which is perfect if you have larger cats or multi-cat households. But they also make a large size if you need a smaller option. It is made of pet-safe, non-toxic plastic that is long-lasting and cleanable.
We did notice that this pan is a little hard to scoop with traditional scoopers. It can be frustrating for owners if you have to spend a lot of time digging poop out of the rounded corners with a flat scoop.
Pros
Sturdy
Sloped design
Multi-cat
Cons
Hard to scoop
Harder to clean
- Nature’s Miracle Good’n’Fun Advanced High-sided Litterbox
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Material: Plastic
Design: Corner, low entry
Colors: Black
We thought that Nature’s Miracle Good’n’Fun Advanced High-sided Litterbox was a really ideal choice in suitable homes. This litter box fits perfectly into any corner of the home. So if you’re tired of trying to fit a bulky litter box in the mix, this might be a better option to keep things out of the way.
Sturdy
Sloped design
Multi-cat
- Sturdy
- Sloped design
- Multi-cat
Hard to scoop
Harder to clean
- Hard to scoop
- Harder to clean
Material: Plastic
Design: Corner, low entry
Colors: Black
This litter box is made from durable plastic that is lightweight and easily moveable. The box has a low access point so your cat can climb right in. The corners in the front are a little tricky to clean, but once you get the hang of scooping it—it’s not that inconvenient.
The only thing that we really didn’t like is that if your senior is large and has trouble moving around, it might be difficult for them to use. It might not work for heavier cats, either.
Pros
Corner fitted
Space saver
Low entry point
Cons
Awkward space
Not for larger cats
- Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litterbox
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Material: Plastic
Design: Enclosed dome, gradual setup
Colors: Brushed nickel, titanium, pearl white
If your cat can handle a hooded litter box in their advancing years, Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litterbox is worth your attention. We like this selection because it has a built-in ramp that works great for mobility issues.
Corner fitted
Space saver
Low entry point
- Corner fitted
- Space saver
- Low entry point
Awkward space
Not for larger cats
- Awkward space
- Not for larger cats
Material: Plastic
Design: Enclosed dome, gradual setup
Colors: Brushed nickel, titanium, pearl white
Our seniors had no trouble climbing inside. The dome portion is large enough that your cat can move around without restriction. There is a vent at the top for airflow circulation—so things don’t get too stuffy in there.
It is a perfect option if you’re looking to contain the odor, make things easy for your senior, and have space for it. But cleaning is a little more complicated. The dome portion pops off to allow access, but it’s a bit challenging to remove and reattach.
Pros
Built-in ramp
Ventilation
Contains odor well
Cons
Complicated cleaning
Difficult assembly
Built-in ramp
Ventilation
Contains odor well
- Built-in ramp
- Ventilation
- Contains odor well
Complicated cleaning
Difficult assembly
- Complicated cleaning
- Difficult assembly
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Litter Box for Older Cats
When searching for a litterbox for your senior, your main concern is probably this—what will be easiest to use? And luckily, with the pet industry exploding more than ever, companies are rushing to make products to increase the quality of our cat’s lives.
But just like anything else, some products are quality while others might not hold up as we want. If that is the case, you can read through these helpful tips and suggestions to assist you in your buying process.
Issues That Can Affect Older Cats
With joint issues that can plague older cats, most start to slow up and show age naturally. Their muscles will be tighter, and many have arthritis and other mobility conditions.
When this happens, jumping will stop happening as often, and play will decrease drastically. You’ll find your cat would rather spend time napping in their favorite window all day rather than run around the house.
When this happens, things may need to change around the house to accommodate them a bit.
- Related Read: Best Indoor Cat Beds for Older Cats
How to Shop for a Litter Box for Older Cats
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When your cat was a kitten, they probably hopped in and out of the litter box like it was no big deal. Now, they seem to have trouble getting themselves inside to do their business. So, when you’re looking for a new idea to help during their final years, you want a simple design that is up for the task.
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A post shared by Mystic Meow (@mystic.meows)
View this post on Instagram
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Even if you keep a clean and tidy litterbox, you probably still find yourself with cat odors and stains around the house – but with the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray, you can permanently remove even the very worst pet stains and smells! Click here to learn more and get yourself a bottle.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool cat company!
Here are a few things you’re looking for when litter box shopping:
Easy access
Extra space
Sidewall attachments (if needed)
Ramps (if needed)
Here are a few things to avoid:
- Easy access
- Extra space
- Sidewall attachments (if needed)
- Ramps (if needed)
Awkward shapes that limit mobility
Smaller hooded litter boxes
Door flaps
Types of Litterboxes for Older Cats
- Awkward shapes that limit mobility
- Smaller hooded litter boxes
- Door flaps
To make things easier for your old guy or gal, these are a few suitable litter box types to choose from.
Low-Step – Low-step litter boxes are terrific because they don’t need to struggle to get in and out. Most easy-access litter boxes have a lower base with an entry point that is about 2 inches from the ground. Even though this might increase litter tracking, it does help speed up the process for your cat.
High-Back, Low-Front – When litter boxes are designed with a slope, they take on a higher back and lower entry point. This helps your senior set inside but not make a mess kicking the litter out during coverup. So, if you have a flicker, it might be a good option for your home.
Low Front, Hide Sides – Some litter boxes have a standard litter pan that comes with an attachment to create high walls. This way, the front provides an adequate entryway, but the slides are elevated. This is a great way to safeguard from flicking.
Ramps/Setup – Certain litter boxes come with a ramp or incline to help your senior step inside. This works exceptionally well if your cat is very immobile. You can also buy ramp attachments for normal litter boxes as well.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best litter boxes for older cats, we think you’ll love the Lucky Champ Litter Pan. It has an intelligent design that is practical and easy to use. We think it will stand up to the test of time, being worth every penny you spend.
If you’re looking for a bargain, the Petco So Phresh High Back Litter Pan is an affordable option. We think the design is very straightforward and efficient. Your senior should have no trouble during bathroom breaks.
No matter which works best for your senior, we hope one of our reviews led you to a solution.
Featured Image Credit: Zoran Photographer, Shutterstock
