Choosing the Best Litter Box for Your Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cat owners want to provide their gentle giants with the right litter box and “bathroom” location for their comfort and to prevent problems.
After doing my research on litter boxes, I was ready to buy the Litter Robot 4. Then my furnace and A/C died (they were 31 years old), so I will be putting off that expense.
The Ideal Maine Coon Litter Box
- Big
- High Sides
- Easy To Clean
- Reasonable Cost
Size Requirements
Maine Coon cats need extra-large or jumbo litter boxes, spacious enough for them to comfortably turn around, dig, and cover their waste. The best litter box would be at least 1.5 times the size of your cat, including the tail.
High Sides
Maine Coons tend to be litter throwers, tossing litter everywhere while burying waste. Look for a box with high sides.
Easy To Clean
Keeping the litter box clean and fresh smelling depends on frequent scooping, cleaning the box at least monthly and the type of litter you use.
Reasonable Cost
Simple litter pans start at about $10. Automatic litter box systems cost hundreds of dollars. Your decision on the best litter box depends on your finances and your preferences. The size and weight of your cat, their preferences, accessibility and the number of boxes you need will also factor into your decision.
Types of Litter Boxes
Here are the most popular types for Maine Coon Cats:
- Open
- Covered
- Self-Cleaning/Automatic
- Disposable
- Low Entry, High Sides for Seniors
- Low Entry, Low Sides for Kittens
- Travel
Open Litter Boxes
Many Maine Coon owners consider these to be the best litter boxes because they are generally larger in size and allow for comfortable maneuvering. A large box, designed for underbed storage, may be perfect. There are also many inexpensive traditional open litter boxes available.
Best Open Litter Boxes
Covered Litter Boxes
Covered litter boxes provide privacy and help contain odors, which can be beneficial if you have your litter box in a shared living space or if your Maine Coon prefers a more secluded environment. The cover also helps to prevent litter scatter, keeping your home cleaner.
Best Closed/Hooded Litter Boxes
Self-Cleaning/Automatic Versions
Self-cleaning litter boxes can be a convenient option, especially for busy cat owners. These automated boxes use sensors or timers to remove waste automatically, reducing the frequency of manual scooping.
Here are the top 3, all at Chewy:
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Smarty Pear Leo's Loo Too Wifi Enabled Cat Litter Box
PetSafe ScoopFree Complete Smart Self-Cleaning Litter Box, Front Entry
Disposable
Disposable litter boxes are convenient. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and can be tossed out every month, avoiding tedious litter box chores.
The best disposable litter box currently available is at Chewy, The Frisco High-Sided Disposable Cat Litter Box
Specialized Boxes for Mobility Issues and for Kittens
A box with high sides and back (but still a low entry) is a good choice for older cats who don’t arch their backs when they urinate. Older cats with arthritis can’t squat down normally. They stand in the box and then pee or poop over the side.
For older cats with mobility issues or kittens that are learning to use the litter box, specialized options can be beneficial. Low-entry type boxes or ones with ramps or steps provide easy access for cats with limited mobility.
Travel Litter Boxes
With Cat’s Pride All-in-One Kat Kit you get five plastic trays, each filled with three pounds of low-dust clay litter. The litter stays sealed until you’re ready to use the box, so it makes for easy packing. Once you get to your destination, peel back the paper, set the tray down and it’s ready for your cat.
How Many Litter Boxes Do You Need?
It’s a good idea to have one litter box per cat, plus an extra one. So if you have 2 Maine Coons, you need at least 3 litter boxes.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Choose a litter box that is easy to clean, whether it has removable liners, smooth surfaces, or self-cleaning mechanisms like automatic scooping systems.
Liners can make it easier for you to change the litter, but often get shredded when the cat is burying waste.
Set up a routine for scooping waste, changing litter, and cleaning the box to maintain cleanliness and prevent odor buildup.
Training Your Cat to Use the Litter Box
Most cats and kittens will naturally use a litter box because they prefer the litter substrate for elimination, cleanliness, and odor control.
When you adopt your new cat or kitten, feed them. When they are done eating, pick them up and stand them gently in the litter box. This is usually all the training they will need.
If you notice the cat sniffing, pawing at the floor, circling, or looking for a private area, calmly carry the cat to the litter box to help them recall where it’s located.
Make sure the litter box is located in a quiet, easily accessible area without having to pass other cats in the household, jump, go up/downstairs, etc.
A. Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, so they require a larger than average litter box. A box that is at least 24 inches long and 18 inches wide is typically recommended.
Measure your Maine Coon cat from nose to tail. Be sure the litter box is at least 1.5 times the length of your cat.
A larger litter box allows Maine Coon cats to comfortably enter, turn around, and dig without feeling confined, promoting better litter box habits and reducing the likelihood of accidents outside the box.
A. The general rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So, if you have one Maine Coon, you should have two litter boxes.
A. It's recommended to scoop the litter box at least once a day and to thoroughly clean it with warm soapy water every month. Maine Coons are known for their cleanliness, and a clean litter box will encourage proper use.
A. If your Maine Coon is kicking litter out of the box, consider getting a box with higher sides or place a litter mat around the box to catch the kicked-out litter.