odish Cat

Litter Boxes

Modern Cat Litter Boxes That Don't Have to Be a Sore Spot

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Cats are some of the cleanest animals on earth, but when it comes to their toilet habits, things can get messy. Add a small apartment with no obvious spot for the litter box, and you’ve got a design problem: scattered litter, smells, and a big plastic tub in plain view. And many enclosed litter boxes only make it worse by being bulky and unattractive.

Finding a modern cat litter box that’s comfortable for your cat, functional and easy on the eyes is no simple task. So I did the research. Below are my favorite modern litter boxes and litter box furniture, plus what the science says about what cats actually want from their bathroom, because the prettiest box in the world is useless if your cat won’t use it.

First, what do cats want from a litter box?

Before we get to the pretty part, a few research-backed basics:

  • Bigger is better. In a study of cats offered a regular box and a much larger one (86 cm, or about 34 inches long), cats used the larger boxes significantly more (Guy et al., 2014). A common rule of thumb is a box about 1.5 times your cat’s length, nose to base of tail.
  • Covered is fine for most cats, if it’s clean. When cats were offered covered and uncovered boxes that were scooped daily, most showed no preference. A few strongly preferred one or the other, though, so watch your own cat (Grigg et al., 2013).
  • One per cat, plus one. Veterinary behaviorists recommend at least one more box than you have cats, in different locations (AVSAB).
  • Scoop daily. Ideally twice. Dirty boxes are linked to cats going elsewhere.
  • Unscented, clumping litter is the safest bet. Perfumes that smell fresh to us can put cats off.

The takeaway for design lovers: an enclosed or hidden box can work beautifully, as long as the inside is roomy and you keep it clean. If your cat suddenly starts avoiding the box after a switch, go back to what worked and talk to your vet, since litter box avoidance can also signal a medical issue.

The best modern litter boxes at a glance

Litter boxStyleBest for
IRIS Top Entry Litter BoxTop entry, grooved lidAffordable minimalism, less tracking
Modkat FlipFront entry, 3-position lidEasy scooping, clean looks
Modkat XLTop or front entryBig cats and multi-cat homes
Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box PlanterFaux planterHiding the box in plain sight
RAKTEN Mid-Century Litter Box EnclosureTambour-door cabinetMid-century homes on a budget
The Refined Feline Litter Box CabinetSolid wood and oak veneer cabinetThe investment piece

Minimalist and functional

IRIS Top Entry Litter Box

If you’ve ever searched for a modern cat litter box, you’ve probably come across this popular choice. The IRIS top entry litter box has a grooved lid designed to trap litter from your cat’s paws on the way out. That halfway stop means more litter stays on the lid instead of scattering across your floor.

The design is very simple, which I love, because I personally don’t want this kind of item to grab attention. It comes with a matching scoop that hooks onto the side of the box, it’s made in the USA, and its bucket shape makes it easy to clean. It’s also one of the most affordable picks on this list, with tens of thousands of reviews behind it.

Good to know: Top entry isn’t for every cat. Seniors, kittens and cats with stiff joints may find jumping in and out difficult.

Modkat Flip

The Modkat Flip is a front-entry box with a clean, rounded silhouette that looks more like a design object than a litter pan. Its magnetic lid has three positions: flip it halfway for a quick scoop, all the way open for a full litter change, or closed for privacy. The seamless base and tall walls keep litter and spray inside, and it comes with a reusable liner, a hanging scoop and charcoal odor filters. It was named the Best Cat Litter Box Upgrade by The New York Times Wirecutter.

Good to know: Front entry makes it a good choice for cats who don’t love jumping.

Modkat XL

If you’re looking for something bigger and more flexible, the Modkat XL can be set up as either a top-entry or a front-entry box. As the name suggests, it’s larger than the IRIS and the Flip, which makes it a great fit for large cats and multi-cat households.

The swivel lid opens with one hand for scooping. In top-entry mode the lid works as a walk-off mat, and in front-entry mode a built-in step catches stray litter. Reusable liners make cleaning easy and last up to three months.

Litter box furniture: hide it in plain sight

If you’d rather not see a litter box at all, litter box furniture conceals the box inside something that looks like it belongs in your living room. One important tip: check the interior dimensions, so a properly roomy pan fits inside.

Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box Planter

The most clever disguise I’ve seen: the Good Pet Stuff hidden litter box looks like a round planter with a faux palm on top. Your cat walks in through an opening in the side; you see a plant. It has a carbon filter in the lid to help with odors, it’s made in the USA, and the top lifts off for scooping. It comes in several colors, and a square “Courtyard” version is available too. With more than 26,000 reviews, it’s a well-tested pick.

Good to know: The opening is about 9 inches, so check that it suits a larger cat.

RAKTEN Mid-Century Litter Box Enclosure

This mid-century style enclosure looks like a sideboard with a curved sliding tambour door, so it reads as furniture rather than pet gear. The cat door sits low to the ground (under 6 inches), which is kind to kittens and older cats, and the tambour door slides out of the way for scooping. It’s a newer product with fewer reviews, so it’s one to watch rather than a proven classic.

The Refined Feline Litter Box Cabinet

For a true investment piece, The Refined Feline cabinet is built from oak veneer over plywood and solid wood, rather than the MDF used in many cheaper cabinets, which can absorb moisture and odors. It stands on mid-century tapered feet, has ventilation slots that can hold carbon filters, and includes a liner to catch kicked litter and a drawer for supplies. The large size fits a jumbo litter tray, and an extra-large version fits many automatic litter boxes.

It’s by far the priciest option here, and this listing has only a handful of reviews, but if you want a cabinet that will last, solid materials matter.

Tips for a litter corner that looks (and smells) good

  • Keep it clean. No enclosure hides a dirty box. Scoop daily and fully change the litter regularly.
  • Choose a quiet, low-traffic spot, away from food and water bowls, and not right next to a noisy appliance.
  • Contain the scatter with a walk-off litter mat outside the entrance.
  • Give your cat a choice. If you have room, offer a covered and an open box at first and see which your cat prefers.
  • Introduce changes gradually. When switching to a new box or enclosure, keep the old one available for a while.

FAQ

Do cats prefer covered or uncovered litter boxes?

Most cats don’t seem to mind either way, as long as the box is roomy and scooped daily. Some individual cats do have strong preferences, though, so if your cat avoids a covered box, try taking the lid off.

How big should a litter box be?

Bigger than most people think. A common rule of thumb is about 1.5 times your cat’s length, and research shows cats prefer larger boxes when given the choice.

How many litter boxes do I need?

At least one per cat, plus one extra, ideally in different parts of your home.

How do I hide a litter box in a small apartment?

Litter box furniture is your best friend: a planter-style box, a cabinet that doubles as a side table, or a sideboard-style enclosure. Make sure there’s good ventilation and enough room inside for your cat to turn around and dig comfortably.

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