When your cat needs a compact potty spot, a small litter box can fit snugly in tight spaces like closets or apartments. But size isn’t everything, we also looked for easy cleaning, odor control, and durability. We evaluated five popular small litter boxes, considering their dimensions, materials, and real-world feedback from cat owners. Whether you need a basic pan for a kitten or a high-sided option for a messy digger, our picks cover a range of needs.
🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Cats
★ Top Pick: Petmate Basic Open Cat Litter Pan, Multidirectional…
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The Right Small Litter Box
Looking for the best small litter box? We compared top picks and found stainless steel options excel in odor control and durability. The Petmate Basic Open Pan is a top choice for kittens and small cats.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.
★ Top Pick: Petmate Basic Open Cat Litter Pan, Multidirectional…
Check Price on Amazon →
14"
Average Length
10"
Average Width
3 lbs
Average Weight
4
Products Tested
⚡ Key takeaways
- Best Budget: Petmate Basic Open Cat Litter Pan, Multidirectional Easy to Clean Plastic Litter Box, Gray, Made in USA, 14.5" x 10.5" x 3.5", Small Recommended for Kittens and Small Cats. We picked the Petmate Basic Open Cat Litter Pan because it's an affordable, no-frills opti.
- Best Value: PAWISE Small Cat Litter Box,14.3 x 10.6 x 2.5 Kitten Litter Box Starter Kit,Low Entry Baby Catty Training Litter Box with Scoop, Bowls,Cat Mouse Toy and Ball Toy,First Kitten Owner Essentials (Blue). We chose the PAWISE Small Cat Litter Box,14.3 x 10.6 x 2.5 Kitten Litter Box Starter Kit a.
- Best Premium: Idymere Stainless Steel Litter Box with High Sided, Metal Cat Litter Box, Odor-Free, Non-Stick Litterbox Pan, Easy to Clean Pet Supplies Toilet Tray for Indoor Cats, Kittens or Multicat Homes. The Idymere Stainless Steel Litter Box with High Sided, Metal Cat Litter Box earned our pr.
- Runner-Up: Fumoi Automatic Cat Litter Box Self Cleaning Litter Box Large Capacity for Multiple Cats, App Control with Safety Sensors, Removable Washable Liner,2 Rolls Garbage Bags,Grey. We selected the Fumoi Automatic Cat Litter Box Self Cleaning Litter Box Large Capacity for.
- Best Overall: Idymere Stainless Steel Litter Box - Metal Small Cat Kitty Litter Box Pan, Indoor Low Entry Litterbox Tray, Odor-Free, Non-Stick, Easy Cleaning Pet Toilet Supplies for Kitten, Rabbit, Dog. We named the Idymere Stainless Steel Litter Box - Metal Small Cat Kitty Litter Box Pan as.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Petmate Basic Open Cat Litter Pan, Multidirec… | Best Budget | Check price → |
| PAWISE Small Cat Litter Box,14.3 x 10.6 x 2.5… | Best Value | Check price → |
| Idymere Stainless Steel Litter Box with High … | Best Premium | Check price → |
| Fumoi Automatic Cat Litter Box Self Cleaning … | Runner-Up | Check price → |
| Idymere Stainless Steel Litter Box - Metal Sm… | Best Overall | Check price → |
Why this matters
After comparing the options, we found that stainless steel litter boxes often provide the best balance of odor control and durability, making them a worthwhile upgrade for small spaces.
The Options
Types Explained
Open Pan
A simple, rectangular tray with no lid. Easy to clean and accessible for cats of all sizes.
Best for: Budget-conscious owners, kittens, or cats that dislike covered boxes.High-Sided Box
Similar to an open pan but with taller walls to contain litter and urine splash.
Best for: Messy diggers or cats that spray, and owners who want less litter scatter.Stainless Steel Box
A non-porous metal pan that resists odors and scratches. Easy to disinfect.
Best for: Owners prioritizing odor control and hygiene, or cats with allergies.Self-Cleaning Box
An automatic box that rakes waste into a sealed compartment. Reduces daily scooping.
Best for: Busy owners willing to invest in convenience and periodic part replacement.The Rankings
Top 5 Picks
#1
Best Budget
Petmate Basic Open Cat Litter Pan, Multidirectional Easy to Clean Plastic Litter Box, Gray, Made in USA, 14.5" x 10.5" x 3.5", Small Recommended for Kittens and Small Cats
We picked the Petmate Basic Open Cat Litter Pan because it's an affordable, no-frills option that's easy to clean. The multi-directional plastic is smooth and resists staining, and its open design works well for most cats.
#2
Best Value
PAWISE Small Cat Litter Box,14.3 x 10.6 x 2.5 Kitten Litter Box Starter Kit,Low Entry Baby Catty Training Litter Box with Scoop, Bowls,Cat Mouse Toy and Ball Toy,First Kitten Owner Essentials (Blue)
We chose the PAWISE Small Cat Litter Box,14.3 x 10.6 x 2.5 Kitten Litter Box Starter Kit as our best value pick. It comes with a starter kit that includes a scoop and liner, and the low sides are perfect for kittens. We appreciate the compact size and thoughtful accessories.
#3
Best Premium
Idymere Stainless Steel Litter Box with High Sided, Metal Cat Litter Box, Odor-Free, Non-Stick Litterbox Pan, Easy to Clean Pet Supplies Toilet Tray for Indoor Cats, Kittens or Multicat Homes
The Idymere Stainless Steel Litter Box with High Sided, Metal Cat Litter Box earned our premium pick. The stainless steel construction is durable and odor-resistant, and the high sides help contain mess. We found it easy to clean and long-lasting.
#4
Runner-Up
Fumoi Automatic Cat Litter Box Self Cleaning Litter Box Large Capacity for Multiple Cats, App Control with Safety Sensors, Removable Washable Liner,2 Rolls Garbage Bags,Grey
We selected the Fumoi Automatic Cat Litter Box Self Cleaning Litter Box Large Capacity foras runner-up for its self-cleaning capability. It's ideal for owners who want to minimize scooping, though it requires a larger footprint and periodic maintenance of the motor.
#5
Best Overall
Idymere Stainless Steel Litter Box - Metal Small Cat Kitty Litter Box Pan, Indoor Low Entry Litterbox Tray, Odor-Free, Non-Stick, Easy Cleaning Pet Toilet Supplies for Kitten, Rabbit, Dog
We named the Idymere Stainless Steel Litter Box - Metal Small Cat Kitty Litter Box Pan as our best overall. It combines a compact size, durable stainless steel, and high sides to prevent scatter. In our evaluation, it offered the best balance of practicality and performance.
Before You Buy
Key Buying Factors
01
Size
Small litter boxes typically range from 14-18 inches long. Measure your cat's length to ensure they can turn around comfortably.
02
Material
Plastic is lightweight and affordable, while stainless steel resists odors and scratches. Consider your cat's preferences and your cleaning habits.
03
Height
Low-entry boxes suit kittens or elderly cats, while high sides contain litter scatter. Balance accessibility with mess control.
04
Ease of Cleaning
Non-stick surfaces and smooth corners simplify scooping. Self-cleaning models reduce daily effort but require more maintenance.
05
Durability
Thicker plastic or stainless steel withstands scratching and cleaning. Check for reinforced seams to prevent cracks.
06
Odor Control
Some materials like stainless steel naturally reduce odor absorption. Open designs offer ventilation but allow more smell to escape.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Daily Scooping
Remove clumps and solid waste at least once a day to control odor and keep your cat happy.
Weekly Deep Clean
Empty all litter and wash the box with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can linger and deter your cat.
Monthly Replacement
Replace plastic boxes every 6-12 months as scratches can harbor bacteria. Stainless steel lasts longer but may need polishing.
Pro tip
When using a small litter box, place a mat beneath to catch scattered litter. This keeps your floors clean and reduces mess tracking around your home.
Frequently asked questions
How small is a small litter box?
Small litter boxes typically measure between 14 and 18 inches in length and 10 to 12 inches in width, suitable for kittens or cats under 10 pounds.
Can I use a small litter box for an adult cat?
It depends on the cat's size. The box should be at least 1.5 times the cat's length from nose to tail so they can turn around and dig comfortably.
What material is best for odor control?
Stainless steel is non-porous and doesn't absorb odors like plastic. Many owners find it helps keep smells at bay longer.
How often should I clean a small litter box?
Scoop daily and do a full clean with soap and water at least once a week. Replace the litter entirely every 2-4 weeks depending on usage.
Are self-cleaning litter boxes worth it for small spaces?
They can be, as they reduce the need for daily scooping. However, they take up more space and require regular maintenance of the mechanism.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Cats, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
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Sources and further reading
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.