Emily ParkerBy Emily Parker

Updated November 2026

If you are shopping for a cat litter box at Dollar General, you can usually find a functional open tray, a covered hood, or a basic top-entry model at a low price point. This guide walks you through what to look for in store, how to measure your cat and space, what to check on the box before you pay, and how to set it up so your cat uses it right away. Whether you need a quick replacement or a first box for a new kitten, you will leave with a clear checklist.

What Dollar General Usually Stocks for Litter Boxes

Stock varies by store and season, so you may not find every style on any given visit. In most locations, shoppers tend to see three broad categories: open pan boxes, hooded or covered boxes, and occasionally a top-entry or high-sided model. Store-brand and smaller national brands are common, and some locations carry a basic automatic or self-cleaning option. Because inventory changes, check the shelf and the packaging rather than relying on a specific model name.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Cat Litter Box Crystals of 2026: Picks Compared.

Before you start comparing, decide which type fits your cat. Open boxes are easy to access and good for kittens, seniors, and cats with mobility issues. Covered boxes contain odor and litter scatter but can feel confining to some cats. High-sided boxes help cats that kick litter out or like to back into a corner while squatting. If you are unsure which style your cat prefers, a basic open tray is the lowest-risk starting point.

Step 1: Measure Your Cat and the Space

Size matters more than most buyers expect. A box that is too small leads to litter on the floor and can make a cat avoid it entirely. A common guideline is that the box should be at least one and a half times the length of your cat from nose to base of tail, not counting the tail. Larger cats, such as Maine Coons or multi-cat households, often need a box in the 20-inch range or bigger.

Measure the floor space you have available. Check the depth of the cabinet, closet, or corner where the box will go, and allow room for the cat to turn around. Keep the box away from food and water bowls, since cats generally prefer not to eliminate near where they eat.

Quick Sizing Checklist

  • Measure your cat from nose to base of tail.
  • Multiply by 1.5 to find a minimum interior length.
  • Measure the available floor space, including door swing if covered.
  • Confirm the box height works for your cat’s age and mobility.

Step 2: Check the Box Before You Buy

When you pick up a box in the store, take a few seconds to inspect it. Look at the sides for sharp plastic edges, check the seams for gaps, and make sure the lid (if covered) sits firmly and opens without pinching. Lift the box to judge its weight. A very light box may tip when a cat jumps in or digs hard. If the floor is textured, make sure the texture is not so rough that it cuts paws.

Look at the material. Most budget boxes are molded polypropylene or similar plastic. These are easy to wipe clean but can hold odor over time if scratched. Smooth, non-porous surfaces are easier to maintain than heavily textured ones.

Inspection Checklist

What to check What good looks like Red flag
Interior size Meets your cat’s length guideline Cramped when you test it
Sides and entry Smooth, low enough to step over easily Sharp edges or tall lip for a kitten or senior
Lid (covered models) Opens and closes without pinching Loose hinge or sharp edge
Stability Feels solid, does not rock Tips easily when pressed on one side
Packaging Intact, no damage or crushed corners Dented or cracked parts

Step 3: Pick the Right Style for Your Cat

Once the size is right, match the style to your cat’s habits. A cat that digs aggressively and throws litter needs more sides. A nervous cat that avoids open spaces may prefer a covered box, but only if the cover is roomy enough. Kittens and older cats generally do best with a low entry point so they can climb in without strain.

If you have more than one cat, the general rule is one box per cat plus one extra. Setting up two boxes in different locations can prevent territorial conflicts. For more on this, see Two Cat Litter Box Options for Multi-Cat Homes in our multi-cat guides, or read Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box and How to Respond if you already have a problem.

Matching Style to Behavior

  • Digs and kicks litter out: choose a high-sided or top-entry model.
  • Shy or easily startled: try a covered box with a roomy interior.
  • Kitten or senior: pick a low-entry open tray.
  • Odor complaints: a covered box or a box paired with a good deodorizer may help.

Step 4: Set Up the Box at Home

Fill the box with four to five centimeters of litter, roughly two inches. Scoop it at least once a day and do a full litter change on a regular schedule. Many owners find that a weekly full change works for a single cat, while multi-cat homes may need more frequent attention. Wash the box with mild unscented soap and water when you change the litter, and avoid strong chemical cleaners, since cats can be sensitive to their smell.

Place the box in a quiet, accessible spot. Avoid laundry rooms with running machines, rooms with loud appliances, and areas your cat must pass through a busy hallway to reach. If you are moving an existing box, do it gradually and keep the old one in place for a few days so your cat is not confused.

Setup Steps

  1. Clean the new box with warm water and unscented soap, then dry it fully.
  2. Add litter to a depth of about two inches.
  3. Place the box in a quiet spot away from food and water.
  4. Show your cat where the box is by gently placing them inside after a meal or nap.
  5. Scoop daily and watch for any change in use over the first week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Buying a box that is too small because it fits the space more easily.
  • Choosing a covered box for a cat that clearly dislikes enclosed spaces.
  • Using scented litter or strong cleaners that deter your cat.
  • Placing the box directly beside food, water, or a noisy appliance.
  • Changing the box and litter type at the same time, which can confuse a cat.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

If you are replacing an old box, keep a little of the old litter in the new one so the scent is familiar. Watch your cat’s posture and behavior for the first few days. If your cat seems hesitant, move the box slightly and give it time. Persistent avoidance is a signal to check your cat’s health, so if the problem continues past a week or two, speak with your veterinarian. For problems with urination outside the box, Cat Peeing Outside Litter Box Behavior: 7 Causes and Fixes covers the most common triggers.

These supplies can make a basic Dollar General box work better day to day.

  • Unscented clumping litter: a stable, low-dust litter is often easier for cats to accept and simpler to scoop. View on Amazon
  • Litter scoop with a fine sifting head: keeps daily cleanup quick and reduces waste. View on Amazon
  • Litter mat: catches tracked litter from paws and protects the floor around the box. View on Amazon
  • Litter box liners: make cleanup faster, though some cats dislike the texture, so test before committing. View on Amazon

FAQ

Does Dollar General sell cat litter boxes?

Many Dollar General locations carry basic litter boxes, but stock varies by store and season. Call your local store or check the shelf in the pet aisle before making a special trip.

What size litter box should I buy for an adult cat?

A common guideline is an interior length of at least one and a half times your cat’s body length, measured from nose to base of tail. Larger cats may need a bigger box.

Is a covered litter box better than an open one?

Not always. Covered boxes can reduce odor and litter scatter, but some cats dislike enclosed spaces. Open boxes are easier for kittens, seniors, and cats with mobility limits.

How often should I clean the litter box?

Scoop daily and change the litter fully about once a week for a single cat. Multi-cat homes often need more frequent full changes.

Can I use dish soap to clean a cat litter box?

Mild unscented dish soap and warm water are generally fine. Avoid strong fragrances and bleach-based cleaners, which can irritate a cat and discourage use. Rinse thoroughly and dry before adding litter.

How many litter boxes do I need?

A common guideline is one box per cat plus one extra. This helps prevent conflicts and gives each cat an option if one box is soiled.

My cat stopped using the new box. What should I do?

Check that the box is the right size and in a quiet location. Make sure the litter is one your cat tolerates. If avoidance continues beyond a week or two, consult your veterinarian, since pain or illness can cause litter box avoidance.

Conclusion

Buying a cat litter box at Dollar General is straightforward once you know what to measure and inspect. Match the box size and style to your cat’s body and habits, check it carefully before you pay, and set it up in a quiet, accessible spot. Keep up daily scooping and regular full changes, and see your veterinarian if your cat’s habits change suddenly.

Ready to choose one?

Emily Parker

About Emily Parker

Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our cats guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.