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10 Best Litter Boxes to Stop Tracking – 2024 Reviews & Buyers Guide

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

cat inside a hooded litter box

It’s a problem that the over 45 million American households that have a cat experience problems with litter box tracking, and it’s probably one of the more annoying consequences of owning a pet. Many products will help control the odor, so visitors may not even know that you have one. The telltale sign is often the litter that your pet leaves wherever it goes in the house. That makes finding the best litter box to stop tracking a welcome find.

You’ve probably noticed an array of choices with the rise in pet ownership. Manufacturers have realized that it’s irritating to sweep up after your cat constantly. Our lineup of reviews will point out the must-have features for this product to help you control the dust and the mess.

hepper cat paw divider

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box
  • Easy to clean
  • Included scoop
  • Neutral colors
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Nature's Miracle High-Sided Cat Litter Box Nature's Miracle High-Sided Cat Litter Box
  • Affordably priced
  • Lightweight
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Whisker 3 Wifi Auto Cat Litter Box Whisker 3 Wifi Auto Cat Litter Box
  • Included mat
  • Hands-off operation
  • Sturdy
  • Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box
  • USA-made
  • Excellent color choices
  • Modkat Flip Cat Litter Box Modkat Flip Cat Litter Box
  • Reusable liner
  • Easy cleaning
  • Adjustable lid
  • The 10 Best Litter Boxes to Stop Trackings

    1. IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box – Best Overall

    IRIS USA Large Stylish Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Scoop

    Type Top-entry
    Dimensions 75″ L x 16.13″ W x 14.63″ H
    Ease of use Moderate
    Effectiveness High

    The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box topped our list for the best overall litter box to stop tracking. The design is simple yet effective. The opening is wide enough for most cats. The spacing on the top and has a wide platform encourage pets to sit on the top and get rid of the extra litter.

    The litter box comes in two sizes and four neutral color choices. The selection is excellent and won’t draw attention to what it is. It’s also discreet, which makes it an appropriate choice for different rooms. It has a relatively small footprint, given its purpose.

    Pros
    • Easy to clean
    • Effective tracking avoidance
    • Included scoop
    • Neutral colors
    Cons
    • Unsuitable for arthritic pets

    2. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Cat Litter Box – Best Value

    Nature's Miracle High-Sided Litter Box

    Type Open
    Dimensions 4” L x 18.25” W  x 11” H
    Ease of use Easy
    Effectiveness Fair

    Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Cat Litter Box is an open model with a twist with its tall sides. That helps contain the litter to some degree. The front entry is ample yet does a decent job of minimizing waste. We liked that it was shorter at the opening is low enough for senior or arthritic pets. It’s affordably priced, but you get what you pay for with this one.

    The box is easy to clean with its slick sides. While it’s lightweight, it also feels flimsy if you fill it too much. It’s a decent size for larger pets or multiple-cat households.

    Pros
    • Affordably priced
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Poor tracking control
    • Flimsy construction

    3. Whisker 3 Wifi Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Premium Choice

    Litter-Robot 3 WiFi Enabled Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

    Type Self-cleaning
    Dimensions 25” L x 27” W  x 29.5” H
    Ease of use Easy
    Effectiveness High

    The Whisker 3 Connect Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is a total indulgence purchase for pet owners that want a hands-off solution. This product can do everything except feed your cat. It has not one but three charcoal filters to cut down on the odors. It is Wi-Fi enabled to control it and keep track of maintenance. While it looks space-age, it also includes a mat to cut down on the tracking.

    While the ramp isn’t textured, it does a decent job of cutting down on the tracking. The included mat seals the deal. The price is the deal-breaker, especially since it has more features than some people would feel necessary, such as the Wi-Fi.

    Pros
    • Included mat
    • Hands-off operation
    • Sturdy
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Some unneeded features

    4. Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Litter Box

    Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box

    Type Hooded
    Dimensions 5” L x 22.5” W  x 19” H
    Ease of use Easy
    Effectiveness High

    The Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box uses a ramp to keep things clean or at least contained to the area immediately around the area. It’s an effective solution when combined with a textured mat underneath the box. The design provides ample room for normal-sized cats, although it’s on the small end for larger breeds. However, it works by combining the benefits of a hooded box with the tray for the rest.

    The box comes in only one size and three neutral colors. The choices are spot-on, but we would like them better if they were matte and not shiny. We liked the fact that it was USA-made.

    Pros
    • USA-made
    • Excellent color choices
    Cons
    • Only one size available
    • Not the best for larger cats

    5. Modkat Flip Cat Litter Box

    Modkat Flip Litter Box Kit Includes Scoop and Reusable Tarp Liner

    Type Hooded
    Dimensions 47” L x 15.75” W x 16.73” H
    Ease of use High
    Effectiveness Moderate-high

    The Modkat Flip Litter Box combines features from a few designs to make a product that any pet owner can appreciate. It is a hooded model with a twist. The top comes off, which makes it easy-peasy to clean. The design is modest and less obtrusive than many we’ve seen. It has a reusable liner, which you can wash in-between uses.

    An optional litter mat is available that will fit into the front of the box. It’s an excellent accessory that can up the value of this product considerably. We only wish it was included with the price. The lid is adjustable, which makes it easier to get cats new to hooded boxes used to it.

    Pros
    • Reusable liner
    • Easy cleaning
    • Adjustable lid
    Cons
    • Only one color
    • Small for large cats

    6. Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box

    Omega Paw Roll 'n Clean Self Cleaning Litter Box

    Type Self-cleaning/hooded
    Dimensions 23” L x 20” W x 19” H
    Ease of use Easy
    Effectiveness Low-moderate

    The Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box is an affordable option if you want the benefits of both a hooded box and a self-cleaning model. It does an excellent job of cutting down on your maintenance. It reduces odors, making it a good choice if you have a multi-cat household. This litter box works best with clumping or silica litter and won’t waste any needlessly. That fact scores high marks in our book.

    The litter box is a decent choice on the maintenance front. However, it doesn’t do as much for reducing tracking. It’s a product that you’ll need to use with another solution.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Self-cleaning
    • Waste-reducing
    Cons
    • Not the best choice for conventional litter
    • Minimal tracking reduction

    7. Smarty Pear Leo’s Loo Auto Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

    Smarty Pear Leo’s Loo Auto Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

    Type Hooded/self-cleaning
    Dimensions 6” L x 24.8” W x 26” H
    Ease of use Easy
    Effectiveness Good

    The Smarty Pear Leo’s Loo Covered Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box looks like a space-age solution to reduce tracking. We can’t say that we were in love with the design. The product has added functionality that many pet owners probably won’t have considered when choosing a litter box. If your pet has urinary system issues, you may find them quite helpful.

    Our concern would be that the automated control would scare a cat. However, it operates quietly and doesn’t seem to frighten pets. It includes a night light which is more for you than your cat. Felines get around just fine without any assistance.

    Pros
    • Excellent odor control
    • Quiet operation
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Ugly design
    • Heavy

    8. PetSafe Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

    PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

    Type Self-clean/hybrid
    Dimensions 5” L x 20.5” W x 11.5” H
    Ease of use Easy
    Effectiveness Moderate

    The PetSafe Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box makes maintenance easy with its design. It’s an excellent selling feature for those who want a hands-off solution. The top is transparent, which lets you know when it’s in use. The sloped exit does a fair job of reducing tracking. It’s a good size, albeit a bit short for larger pets. The tray is disposable, which is the healthier option. It will cost more but you might be able to justify the price.

    The litter box comes in one size, three styles, and two unattractive color choices.

    Pros
    • Disposable tray
    • Transparent top
    • Quiet operation
    Cons
    • Unattractive color choices
    • Fair tracking control
    • Clumping litter only

    9. Good Pet Stuff Hidden Cat Litter Box Planter

    Good Pet Stuff, The Original Hidden Litter Box

    Type Open
    Dimensions 36” L x 19” W x 19” H
    Ease of use Easy
    Effectiveness Fair

    The Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box Planter is a decent choice for apartment dwellers and anyone else who is short on space. The product provides a decent amount of space for your cat while making it a more aesthetically pleasing option. The concept is sound. Unfortunately, this one looks fake to us. It’s not going to do a lot for tracking control without another solution.

    The other thing that caught our eye was the plant portion. The filler material at the top might be problematic with curious cats. We had concerns about it being top-heavy until we learned that it is a clay pot. It does need some modifications, such as replacing the grass.

    Pros
    • Clever design
    • Lightweight
    • Small footprint
    Cons
    • Poor tracking control
    • Not realistic

    10. GOOD LIFE Modern Wood Hidden Cat Litter Box

    GOOD LIFE Modern Wood Pet Crate Cat Washroom Hidden Litter Box Enclosure Furniture House Table Nightstand with Cat Scratch Pad

    Type Covered/furniture
    Dimensions 8″ L x 20.5″ W x 20.0″ H
    Ease of use Easy
    Effectiveness Moderate

    The GOOD LIFE Modern Wood Cat Hidden Litter Box is one of those products that will leave you scratching your head. The premise is sound: Keep the box hidden to minimize the mess. It does okay on that score. However, the design is a fail. We can’t say that we’d want it in the bedroom or any other room where it would also function as furniture.

    The box is also big, making placement an issue. The included scratchpad is virtually useless. It won’t last long at all if your cat uses it. On the positive side, it would probably cut down on tracking.

    Pros
    • Multifunctional
    • Waterproof
    Cons
    • Not practical
    • Spendy
    • Sketch design

    hepper cat paw divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Litter Box to Stop Tracking

    Of course, the mess is part of the issue of a cat tracking litter throughout the house. The other problem is the waste. The US market for clumping cat litter alone was $900 million in 2018. Experts expect it to increase by nearly 30% to $1.16 billion by 2025. That’s a lot of scooping. It’s one thing if you’re changing it regularly to keep your home smelling pleasant. It’s another matter if your cat is taking it to all corners of your home.

    Several features stand out for choosing a product that will get things under control. They include the:

    • Type
    • Dimensions
    • Ease of use
    • Effectiveness
    Ginger cat in a litter box
    Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock

    Type

    It used to be that a pan was your only choice for a litter box. It was easy to use for both you and your cat. The problem was that the litter usually didn’t stay inside of it. It ends up on the floor all around it. Since litter is relatively light and textured, it sticks to your pet’s paws until you find it in the hallway, living room, or kitchen. This type does nothing to contain the odors nor the litter. However, they are often inexpensive.

    The other types do a much better job at both things, starting with the covered box. It is an effective solution that keeps most of the litter inside of it. Nevertheless, there’s still that matter of the cat exiting it with paws covered in the stuff. If you have a pet that digs and sprays litter all around, it will cut down on the mess considerably.

    A variation on this theme is the self-cleaning model. It is a smart choice if you have a fussy cat or you don’t want to deal with it. The added convenience comes at a price. It is this area where technology has taken off with smart litter boxes with often outrageous features, such as music.

    The top-entry litter boxes may look odd at first, but they are effective at getting the debris off of your cat’s paws before they exit. The one glaring drawback is your pet’s reaction to it. The shape and size may not seem intuitive to your kitty. However, they offer an excellent way to keep the kids and the family dog out of them, which makes these products worth a look.

    Another option you’ll see is the furniture/litter box. We all know why you have this product. These models try to make it seem less obvious. Many are expensive, depending on how elaborate of a design it has. They are an excellent choice if you have limited space and don’t want to take up the entire bathroom with the litter box.

    Maine coon cat large using litter box
    Image Credit: Andriy Blokhin, Shutterstock

    Dimensions

    The right size is essential from both your perspective and your cat’s. A larger model gives your pet plenty of room with enough litter inside of it to get the job done. That can make a significant difference in cleaning and odor control. The depth is worth noting since it acts as the barrier to litter being tossed outside of the box. It can also make a difference to your kitty, particularly with kittens and senior pets.

    Height is a consideration if you’re getting a hooded box. It must be large enough for your cat to sit inside of it. Otherwise, your pet may not use it. We suggest erring on the side of caution and going with the larger product.

    Ease of Use

    Ease of use touches on several aspects. It affects how manageable cleaning is for you. That makes durability a prime factor when you replace the entire batch. The box will have to hold up to your dumping it in the garbage can. It is also vital for your cat. We mentioned the dimensions that can influence your pet’s ability to enter and exit the box. After all, the best product in the world is useless if your kitty won’t use it.

    home interior with brown indoor cat stepping out of closed kitty litter box in living room
    Image by: Axel Bueckert, Shutterstock

     

    Effectiveness

    Tracking is the measure of a litter box’s effectiveness. Some products go the extra mile with ramps or textured areas that remove the litter from your cat’s paws. They’re not unlike a doormat that you’d use to wipe your feet. That’s essentially what you need from the best products. As you’ve probably surmised, there are degrees to this trait.

    The effectiveness ranges from high-sided open boxes to covered boxes to decked-out self-cleaning ones that take the task literally to the cats and the box!

    Price is another consideration. We suggest keeping the fact that a litter box is often a one-time purchase on the front burner when choosing a product. There’s also the waste factor, which can play a direct role in your cost savings and ROI.

    Sometimes even the best litter box setup needs a helping hand in combating invasive smells. Our Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer naturally breaks down odors at the source. This effective litter additive can help all types of cat litter last longer, saving you money, and is safe for all life stages. Best of all, it's 100% biodegradable and fragrance-free.

    Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder
    • Bio Enzymatic Cat Litter Freshener - Smart formulation uses natural ingredients eliminating cat...
    • Save Money - Stuff for cats isn’t the cheapest. With this litter box odor eliminator, you’ll...

    Our Litter Boxes to Stop Tracking Selection Process

    Our Hepper team includes experienced writers and editors who collaborate closely with licensed veterinarians to find the best, most beneficial pet products. Customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary insights, and, occasionally, hands-on testing are a few factors they consider when making their selections. Our goal is to choose and review only the highest-quality products to help our readers make informed decisions that benefit both them and their pets.

    Why Trust Hepper?

    Hepper has been an evolving online resource since 2007, specializing in innovating and retailing a range of cat furniture, gear, and toys, and pet consumables. This experience has given our team valuable insights into selecting cat litter boxes. Our passionate team of animal-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is truly committed to helping readers make the best choices for their pet companions. We are focused on delivering accurate information and recommending the highest-quality products available. Our team is wholeheartedly invested in the health and well-being of pets everywhere, believing that expert knowledge is key to success.

    hepper cat paw divider

    Conclusion

    The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box scored the top spot on our list of reviews. It is less obtrusive than many styles while having a design that minimizes tracking. Those things make it a worthwhile addition to your shortlist. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Cat Litter Box takes the classic design and ramps it up with taller walls to contain the litter better. It succeeds on that score. It is affordable and makes the best of its style.

    See aslo:


    Featured Image Credit: Mikhail Olykainen, Shutterstock

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