When you think of a litter box, there are probably a dozen words that pop into your head before the word “modern” crosses your mind. You might not even think of the word “modern” at all. Litter boxes serve a singular function: an indoor toilet for your pet. They do not need to be stylish or aesthetically pleasing. Sure, litter boxes do not need to be fashionable, but some of them certainly can be, and more and more cat owners are looking to spruce up the aesthetics of their cat’s litter box.
If you are looking to buy a litter box that fits your home like a snug pair of socks on a crisp autumn morning, instead of standing out like a flamingo among pigeons, check out this review of our top 10 recommendations for modern litter boxes. Each of the litter boxes in this review addresses pros and cons so you can buy the one best suited for your home as well as for your cat.
Our top recommendation for a modern litter box is Good Pet Stuff Hidden Cat Litter Planter. If you have your cat litter box in an open area of your home, one of the best ways to integrate it is by having it look like a plant. This cat litter planter can easily fit in the corner of your living room, hallway, or bathroom.
Since this litter box is also covered, it also helps reduce odors from the box after your cat has used it, as well as prevents litter from being scattered on your floor. While some people might not like the idea of plastic plants in their home, most buyers of this litter box felt the plant worked well with the rest of their interior decor.
Having a modern litter box does not mean you need to spend more money than you have in your budget. The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box will be an excellent fit for your modern-designed home, and you do not need to overspend on this litter box. This litter box comes in four different colors, allowing you to choose which color works for your room. Covered litter boxes are also better for containing the litter.
You should not have to add extra cleaning responsibilities to your daily list. This litter box is also top entry, meaning this litter box will be more challenging for kittens, older cats, or cats with mobility problems to enter.
Pros
Covered to reduce odors and tracking litter
Available in different colors
Cons
Harder to access for some cats
3. The Refined Feline Deluxe Litter Box – Premium Choice
What better way to accessorize your home and cover your cat’s litter box than getting a stylish enclosure? Our recommendation for a premium enclosure is The Refined Feline Deluxe Litter. Available in different colors, this modern styled enclosure is made with sturdy engineered wood and has been painted to repel moisture. There is an internal top drawer to keep cat accessories handy. People interested in this enclosure should be aware that they will need to provide their own open litter tray. However, the enclosure has a liner where you place the litter pan, helping to contain any scattered litter.
Since this enclosure is made of wood, it is heavy and hard to move for some cat owners.
Pros
Covered to reduce odors and tracking litter
Available in different colors
Cons
Heavy, hard to move around
Need to buy a separate litter pan
4. Whisker Litter-Robot WiFi Litter Box – Best Automatic Modern Cat Litter Box
The future of litter boxes is happening now! The Whisker Litter-Robot WiFi Enabled Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is as modern as litter boxes get. This is a self-sifting litter box that is timed to remove the waste after your cat has exited the box. The waste is kept in a drawer underneath, and the contents can be disposed of at your leisure. This litter box can even be controlled with an app on your smartphone.
The cons of this litter box are that it is quite expensive and can be a bit harder to deep clean than the standard litter boxes. While this litter box does the daily work, the tray and box interior does need to be cleaned and emptied. The Whisker Litter-Robot is a bit large, so you should make sure that you have adequate space for it in your room.
Some people are looking for an enclosure that can take on the role of a litter box as well as a functional piece of furniture. Therefore, we recommend the Unipaws Decorative Design Cat Litter Box Enclosure. Made from solid wood and artfully crafted, this enclosure can be adjusted with a panel to make room for two smaller litter trays or one large, covered tray. Many people use this enclosure as a stand in their hallway or as an end table near their sofa.
One issue with this enclosure is that there is no lining to hold the trays, so litter and urine can get on the interior. This will require a bit more cleaning on your part.
Pros
Stylish design in different colors
Adjustable to suit one or more cats
Cons
A bit on the expensive side
No interior lining
6. Merry Products Night Stand Litter Pan Cover Hidden Cat Litter Box
The bathroom is often the most convenient place to keep your cat’s litter box, so why not have something stylish and functional to serve as an enclosure for the litter box? Our top recommendation for a litter box enclosure for the bathroom is the Merry Products Washroom Night Stand Multifunctional Litter Pan Cover. While this stand can be used in a living room, the preinstalled towel bar and shelf make this stand functional for the bathroom.
The interior of the enclosure fits one pan, making this stand better for a single cat. Also, there is no interior lining in this enclosure, meaning if your cat sprays urine high, it might get on the walls, giving you a bit extra to clean.
Pros
Functional for the bathroom
Comes in 3 colors
Cons
Suitable for a single cat household
No interior lining
7. New Age Litter Loo & End Table Eco Modern Cat Litter Box
Being more aware of the products you buy and how they impact the environment is becoming a more serious consideration when you shop. This also goes for products you buy for your cat. Our recommendation for an eco-conscious litter box enclosure is the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Litter Loo & End Table. This enclosure is made with recycled wooden materials and has been developed never to absorb moisture, allowing you to keep the enclosure for several years without needing a replacement.
However, you will still need to wipe the interior of the enclosure if your cat sprays. As with other enclosures, you will need to provide your own litter pan.
Some cats can easily use top entry litter boxes, and the Modkat XL Cat Litter Box is our recommendation for top entry boxes. The benefit of top entry boxes is that they easily contain litter that your cat might kick around, as well as urine splashes. The Modcat XL Litter Box interior also contains a liner, making cleaning the box easier and less time-consuming.
The main con for this litter is that it is only suitable for cats lacking mobility issues. Kittens and senior cats with joint problems might not be able to use this litter box as easily. However, this container also has an option for front entry to make the litter box easily accessible for other cats.
When looking for a stylish cat litter box option, the MS Modern Stylish Cat Litter Box is a popular choice. Coming in three color choices, this covered litter box has a creative rounded design that is an aesthetic option for any room. The inside of the box has a built-in trapping mat that helps reduce any litter tracking around the room. You can remove the front of the box for cleaning.
Some owners of this litter box have said that the design does not prevent leaks at times. However, this litter box is a good choice for any cat as the entranceway is accessible for kittens, senior cats, and cats with mobility problems.
Pros
Stylish design in different colors
Easily accessible for all cats
Cons
Urine can leak out
10. Pet Gear Pro Pawty Foldable Cat Litter Box Cover
Sometimes, people want to cover up their cat litter box when they have company. This is why we recommend the Pet Gear Pro Pawty Litter Box Cover. Sometimes, people do not have enough space to have a permanent litter box enclosure in their home, but they would still like the option of covering up their cat’s toilet from time to time.
This fabric enclosure can easily be moved around and folded up. Since this enclosure is made of fabric, it can get knocked over if you have some rowdy cats. While this enclosure does cover up a small to a medium-sized litter box, it is not as stylish as a permanent enclosure.
Pros
Can be moved easily around
Contains litter effectively
Cons
Not as sturdy or stylish as permanent enclosures
Entry door is high up
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Modern Cat Litter Box
Here are a few crucial variables to keep in mind when you are shopping for a modern litter box.
Check the dimensions – Some of these modern enclosures act as a piece of furniture for your home. Before you buy one, make sure that you have the space to fit the enclosure comfortably. You do not want to buy a cat litter box enclosure that works with the décor and style of your home to find out that it does not fit where you want it.
Remember the price – Modern and stylish pet accessories are going to be a bit more expensive than standard accessories. This is due to the materials used and the design of the product. Do not be surprised by how much some of these litter boxes cost.
Think about accessibility for the cat – Some cats might have a harder time entering enclosures due to their size (15 pounds or heavier) or due to mobility issues. Think about your cat’s needs. If the cat finds it difficult to enter the litter box or the enclosure, they might find someplace else to do their business!
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe....Read more
