How to Choose the Right Cat Litter Box: A UK Buyer's Guide
If you've ever been in a pet shop staring at a wall of litter boxes wondering which one is actually right for your cat — you're in good company. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. But the right choice comes down to just a few key factors: your cat's personality, the size of your home, and your own cleaning preferences.
Here's everything you need to know.
Open Tray vs. Enclosed Litter Box — What's the Difference?
Open trays are the traditional choice — simple, low-sided, and easy for cats to step in and out of. They're a good starting point for kittens or elderly cats who may struggle with high sides. The downside? Litter gets kicked out onto your floor, and odours spread through the room.
Enclosed litter boxes have a roof and sometimes a door flap. They contain odours far more effectively, keep litter scatter to a minimum, and give your cat the privacy many of them prefer. Modern enclosed designs in neutral tones also blend into a home far better than a basic plastic tray.
For most households, an enclosed litter box is the better long-term choice — especially if the box lives in a living area or hallway rather than a utility room.
How Many Litter Boxes Do You Need?
The general rule from vets and feline behaviourists is one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, aim for three boxes placed in different locations.
Cats are territorial and many will refuse to use a box another cat has just used. Providing enough boxes in different spots reduces stress, eliminates inappropriate toileting elsewhere in the home, and keeps things hygienic.
Size Matters More Than You Think
Your cat's litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to tail. Many boxes sold in UK supermarkets are actually too small for adult cats, which causes them to hang their bottom over the edge — and you can guess what happens next.
If in doubt, go bigger. Cats won't reject a litter box for being too spacious.
Location: Where to Put the Litter Box
Cats will not use a litter box that is placed near their food or water. Keep these areas completely separate.
Choose a quiet spot with easy access — cats like to feel they can escape quickly if needed (a survival instinct). Avoid loud rooms like near the washing machine, and avoid rooms your cat can get locked out of.
For enclosed boxes, a corner placement works well — it gives cats the additional sense of security they prefer when doing their business.
What to Look for in an Enclosed Litter Box
If you're going enclosed (recommended), here's what to check:
- Entry style — top-entry boxes reduce tracking but suit confident cats; front-entry boxes suit nervous or older cats
- Height of the entry — should be low enough for easy access, especially for kittens
- Interior space — must be large enough for your cat to fully turn around
- Ventilation — a good enclosed design includes airflow to prevent ammonia build-up
- Ease of cleaning — removable base tray makes weekly scrubbing much simpler
- Design — if it's going in your living space, choose a colour and style that doesn't look clinical
How Often Should You Clean It?
Scoop daily. Deep clean the entire box with warm soapy water at least once a week. Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans — if a box smells bad to you, it's been unacceptable to your cat for days already. A dirty litter box is one of the most common causes of cats going to the toilet elsewhere in the home.
The Litter Mat — An Essential Add-On
No matter which box you choose, a litter mat placed at the exit catches the litter your cat tracks out on their paws. A double-layer honeycomb mat works best — litter falls through the top layer and gets trapped below, keeping your floor clean with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
The best litter box is one your cat will actually use consistently. Start with an enclosed, right-sized box in a quiet location, clean it daily, and you'll have a happy cat and a much cleaner home.
Tailovia stocks premium enclosed cat litter boxes and double-layer litter mats designed for modern UK homes. Browse our cat essentials collection here.