Litter Boxes for Kittens - what you need to know

Part of the basic equipment for your kitten will include a litter box. They come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Here are some of the most popular types of litter boxes for kittens, along with their pros, cons, and costs.

Open Litter Box

This type is the simplest and most affordable option. It’s an open, shallow box with no lid or filter. The main pro is that it’s simple and inexpensive. The con is that it can be messy and doesn’t contain the odors as well as other types of litter boxes. It should be noted that some kittens are a bit clumsy and, standing with all paws in the open litter box but having their rear end jut out over the edge, do their business accidently outside of the box and on the floor or wall. Cost: $5 - $15.

Covered Litter Box

This litter box is similar to the open litter box, but it has a lid or filter. The lid helps trap odors and the filter helps keep the litter cleaner. The pros include odor control and less mess. The con is that it can be difficult to clean. Cost: $10 - $25.

Scoopable Litter Box

Designed to make it easy to scoop out the waste this type has a sloped bottom and a grid that helps capture and remove the waste. The pros include ease of cleaning and less odor. The con is that it can be expensive. Cost: $25 - $50.

Disposable Litter Box

This type of litter box is made from a biodegradable material and is designed to be thrown away after use. The pros include convenience and less mess. The con is that it can be expensive and not as environmentally friendly as other types of litter boxes. Cost: $10 - $20.

Automatic Litter Box

An automatic litter box is a self-cleaning litter box. It uses a motor to rake the litter and separate the solid waste from the clean litter. The pros include odor control, less mess, and convenience. The con is that it can be noisy and expensive. Cost: $50 - $600.

Types of litter & which one to choose

There is a wide range of cat litter available, each having their benefits and drawbacks. Here is an overview of the most common ones. Keep in mind that providing your kitten a box with litter and cleaning it regularly - ideally once a day, at least every other - is essential for keeping your home hygienic for yourself and your pet.

Clay Litter

This is one of the most popular types of litter available. It is absorbent, reasonably priced, and easy to use. Clay litter is also generally dust-free and helps to control odors. However, it is not biodegradable, and it can be messy when cats kick it around the litter box. Cost: typically $5-$7 for a large bag.

Paper Litter

Made from recycled paper this type is biodegradable, dust-free, and highly absorbent. It is also lightweight and easy to clean. The downside of paper litter is that it can be more expensive than clay litter, and it can clump, making it harder to clean. Cost: typically $8-$12 for a large bag.

Silica Gel Litter

This type is made from granular pieces of silica gel that absorb moisture and help control odors. It is also dust-free and lightweight. The downside of silica gel litter is that it can be more expensive than other types of litter and it can be tracked around the house more easily. Cost: typically $10-$15 for a large bag.

Wood Pellet Litter

Wood pellet litter is made from recycled wood chips that absorb moisture and help control odors. It is also lightweight, dust-free, and biodegradable. The downside of wood pellet litter is that it can be more expensive than other types of litter and it can be tracked around the house more easily. Cost: typically $10-$15 for a large bag.

Wheat Litter

Made from wheat husks this type is biodegradable and dust-free. It is also highly absorbent and helps to control odors. The downside of wheat litter is that it can be more expensive than other types of litter and it can clump, making it harder to clean. Cost: typically $10-$15 for a large bag.

Do I need a litter box for an outdoor cat?

That depends. First of, as long as a kitten is young and spends most time inside, it will need a litter box. If it´s older and usually does its business outside, you can remove the litter box provided that your cat will have access to the outside most of the time, this includes during night. If you have a cat door, there is a high possibility of your kitten not needing a litter box. If, however, it does make a mess from time to time, you should have one in your house.