Litter Box Sizes: How Big a Litter Box Should Be, by Type and by Cat
The sizes litter boxes are actually sold in, the size veterinary guidelines recommend (usually larger), and the space covered, top-entry and automatic boxes need in a bathroom, closet or cabinet.
A standard open litter box is about 18–19 × 14–15 in (46–48 × 36–38 cm) with 4–5 in (10–13 cm) sides, and a large or jumbo box is about 22–24 × 17–18 in (56–61 × 43–46 cm). Feline veterinary guidelines recommend a box 1.5 times the cat's length from nose to base of tail, which for an average 18 in (46 cm) cat is about 27 in (69 cm) long. Provide one box per cat, plus one.
- Standard box
- 18 × 14 in (46 × 36 cm)
- Jumbo box
- 24 × 18 in (61 × 46 cm)
- Recommended length
- 1.5 × cat length
- Number of boxes
- Cats + 1
On this page
Litter box sizes chart
Sizes are not standardized, but the market falls into a few clear groups. Figures are outside dimensions; the usable floor inside is 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) smaller each way because of tapered sides and rims.
| Type | Length × width | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitten or low-entry | 15–17 × 12–13 in (38–43 × 30–33 cm) | 3–4 in (8–10 cm) | Also for seniors and cats with arthritis |
| Standard open | 18–19 × 14–15 in (46–48 × 36–38 cm) | 4–5 in (10–13 cm) | The most common size; small for many adult cats |
| Large open | 20–22 × 15–17 in (51–56 × 38–43 cm) | 5–6 in (13–15 cm) | Average adult cats |
| Jumbo / XL | 23–24 × 17–18 in (58–61 × 43–46 cm) | 6–7 in (15–18 cm) | Large cats; closest to guideline size |
| High-sided | 22–24 × 17–18 in (56–61 × 43–46 cm) | 8–12 in (20–30 cm), low entry cut | Cats that spray or kick litter |
| Hooded (covered) | 20–22 × 16–17 in (51–56 × 41–43 cm) | 16–19 in (41–48 cm) | Entrance 7–9 in (18–23 cm) wide |
| Top-entry | About 20 × 16 in (51 × 41 cm) | About 15 in (38 cm) | Not for kittens, seniors or large cats |
How big a litter box should be
The 2014 AAFP and ISFM guidelines on house-soiling in cats recommend a box at least 1.5 times the length of the cat, measured from the nose to the base of the tail. Cats turn around, dig and position themselves before using the box, and a box that is too small is a common reason for cats to go elsewhere.
- Measure the cat standing, from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. An average adult domestic cat is about 18 in (46 cm).
- Multiply by 1.5 for the minimum inside length. For 18 in, that is 27 in (69 cm).
- Make the width at least the cat's length, so the cat can turn: about 18 in (46 cm) for an average cat.
- Check the sides: at least 2 in (5 cm) above the litter surface, with an entry the cat can step over easily.
| Cat length (nose to tail base) | Minimum box length | Example cats |
|---|---|---|
| 14 in (36 cm) | 21 in (53 cm) | Small adult cats, Singapura, Devon Rex |
| 16 in (41 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | Smaller domestic shorthairs |
| 18 in (46 cm) | 27 in (69 cm) | Average domestic cat |
| 20 in (51 cm) | 30 in (76 cm) | Large domestic cats, Ragdolls |
| 22 in (56 cm) | 33 in (84 cm) | Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest cats |
Few litter boxes sold as such reach 27 in. Owners of average and large cats often use a clear plastic under-bed storage box or a concrete mixing tray, which come in lengths of about 28–36 in (71–91 cm). Cut a low entry in one end if the sides are tall.
Automatic litter box dimensions
Self-cleaning boxes take far more room than the litter area suggests, because of the drum, motor and waste drawer.
| Model | Width | Depth | Height | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Litter-Robot 4 | 22 in (56 cm) | 27 in (69 cm) | 29.5 in (75 cm) | About 15.75 in (40 cm) wide; step 6.9 in (17.5 cm) |
| Litter-Robot 3 (older) | 24.25 in (62 cm) | 27 in (69 cm) | 29.5 in (75 cm) | About 10.25 in (26 cm) wide, 15.5–16 in tall |
Inside the Litter-Robot 4 globe, the space is about 19 × 18 in (48 × 46 cm) with 15–17 in (38–43 cm) of headroom depending on litter level, according to the maker. Rake-style and tray-style automatic boxes are lower, typically 7–10 in (18–25 cm) tall, but their litter area is often no larger than a standard box. Allow 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) behind any automatic box for the power cord and ventilation, and check the cat's weight against the model's minimum, since sensors may not register a small kitten.
Space for the box: closets, cabinets and bathrooms
- Floor space: allow the box footprint plus about 12 in (30 cm) on the entry side for the cat to approach and for you to scoop. A 24 × 18 in jumbo box needs about 24 × 30 in (61 × 76 cm) of floor.
- Litter box furniture: enclosures look like cabinets or end tables. Measure your box with its hood and add at least 2 in (5 cm) on each side and on top so it slides out for cleaning. Hooded boxes need cabinets about 20–22 in (51–56 cm) tall inside. General cabinet sizes are in the cabinet size guide.
- Through a door: a box in a laundry room or closet works if the cat can always get in. An interior cat flap does that; see cat door sizes.
- Away from food and rest areas: cats avoid boxes next to food bowls, water, beds or a busy cat tree.
The usual veterinary rule is one box per cat plus one: two boxes for one cat, three for two cats, four for three. Place them in different locations, and put at least one on every floor of the home. Two boxes side by side count as one location to the cats.
Litter amount for each size
At 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) deep, a standard 18 × 14 in box holds about 0.3–0.45 cu ft (8–12 L) of litter, and a 24 × 18 in jumbo box about 0.5–0.75 cu ft (14–21 L). A 27 × 18 in guideline-size box needs about 0.55–0.85 cu ft (16–24 L). Clumping clay litter weighs roughly 40–50 lb per cu ft, so a full jumbo box holds about 20–38 lb (9–17 kg) of litter. Lighter litters weigh about half as much.
For travel, a disposable or collapsible box of about 15 × 12 in (38 × 30 cm) fits in a car next to the pet carrier. A scratching post is the other piece of cat equipment that needs a permanent spot; sizes are in the scratching post guide.
Frequently asked questions
What size litter box do I need?
Measure your cat from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and multiply by 1.5. An average cat of about 18 in (46 cm) needs a box about 27 in (69 cm) long; a minimum of about 22 × 17 in (56 × 43 cm) is often quoted. Most standard boxes are smaller, so many owners use a jumbo box or a large storage bin.
How deep should the litter be?
About 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) of clumping litter suits most cats. Leave at least 2 in (5 cm) of side wall above the litter so it is not kicked out. Long-haired cats and some others prefer the shallower end of that range.
How big is a covered litter box?
Most hooded boxes are about 20–22 in long, 16–17 in wide and 16–19 in tall (51–56 × 41–43 × 41–48 cm), with an entrance about 7–9 in (18–23 cm) wide. The hood takes space from the cat, so a covered box should be at least as long as a recommended open box.
How many litter boxes for two cats?
Three. The usual veterinary rule is one box per cat plus one, placed in different spots, with at least one on each floor of the home. Boxes side by side count as one location.
What are the dimensions of a Litter-Robot?
The Litter-Robot 4 is 22 in wide, 27 in deep and 29.5 in tall (56 × 69 × 75 cm), with an entry about 15.75 in (40 cm) across and a step of about 6.9 in (17.5 cm). The older Litter-Robot 3 is 24.25 in wide with the same 27 in depth and 29.5 in height.