Litter boxes — also known as litter trays, sandboxes, cat boxes, litter pans, or cat pans — are containers mostly made out of plastic. They are often used as indoor toilets for cats. When choosing your litter box, the most important considerations are the sizes and styles to ensure your cat fits comfortably and can easily get in and out. Here is a breakdown of the different litter box styles, their pros, and their cons.

Open litter boxes are the most common, simplest, cheapest, and easiest for your cat to use. As the name suggests, they are large with no covers. The main advantage is that you can see your cat get in and out, ensuring there is no danger.

You can also easily inspect the cat's stool to detect abnormalities and catch illnesses early. Since they don't have different parts, you do not need any assembly skills or equipment, and their compact nature allows you to place them anywhere. Their simplicity makes them easy to clean, and your cat will like them more because it can still see its surroundings.

One main disadvantage is they might not be so sanitary because they release lousy odor into your home, and your cat might scatter the dirt around. However, you can prevent that by getting a high-sided litter box with high walls.

For more protection against bad smells, covered sandboxes are a suitable option. Some of them, like the top-entry box, have a simple entry and exit opening, while some have elaborate swing doors.

One of these boxes' primary benefits is improved house hygiene. Your cat might also love it more because of the privacy, although train your cat in the beginning may prove challenging.

They are harder to clean and might be smellier because they tend to retain the odors. Unlike open boxes, they require assembly and take up more space.

If you want to eliminate the hustle of assembling and cleaning a litter box, disposable litter pans are an appropriate option. Since they are made from biodegradable materials, they are eco-friendly, and you can add them to your compost.

While they are cheap for one-time uses, like when on vacation, they can become expensive in the long run if you use them as a permanent alternative. They are also uncomfortable for your cat, and if you delay taking them out, the cat's waste might get on your floor.

Self-cleaning litter boxes are another alternative if you want to avoid cleaning. They come with a motorized rake that empties the waste into a closed container attached to the box and can be open or covered. Most come with a sensor that alerts them when your cat leaves the box, ensuring no litter remains there for long. This sensor helps minimize odors.

One main disadvantage is that the rake might hurt or scare your cat. You also need to charge them often, and they are more costly than other boxes.

Also known as shifting pans, shifting litter boxes come with a separate container at the bottom and a grate to make cleaning easier. They also help reduce litter waste. You can get a covered or opened one. While they help remove cat waste, you will still need to deep clean them after a few days or weeks.