By Emily ParkerUpdated November 2026
If your cat kicks litter across the room, you need a cat litter box high sides design that keeps the mess inside the pan. This list compares seven options that use raised walls, deeper pans and sturdy construction to cut down on scatter. We looked at manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners often report in feedback, including how well each box handles kicking, size, cleaning and floor protection. Use the Quick Comparison and product sections to match a box to your cat’s size, habits and your cleaning routine.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAmazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High SidesView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for scatter controlIRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Scatter Shield, BlackView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for small kitchensHigh Sides Lid Open Top Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, MView on Amazon - 4
Best for large catsPureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter PanView on Amazon - 5
Best for odor and hygieneArm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with High Sides and MicrobanView on Amazon - 6
Best for hands-off cleaningSelf-Cleaning Auto Robot XL High-Sided Litter BoxView on Amazon - 7
Best budget pick for multi-cat homesIRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Large, 2 PackView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides | Most households | Open top with included scoop and storage |
| IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Scatter Shield (Black) | Scatter control | Kick-proof raised sides and extra deep pan |
| Stainless Steel High Sides Lid Open Top Litter Pan (M) | Small kitchens | Low entry with raised sides and stainless construction |
| Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan | Large cats | Oversized footprint with tall walls |
| Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with Microban | Odor and hygiene | Rimmed design with antimicrobial treatment |
| Self-Cleaning Auto Robot XL High-Sided Litter Box | Hands-off cleaning | Automatic cleaning cycle with high sides |
| IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Large, 2 Pack | Multi-cat homes | Two-pack value with kick-proof sides |
Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides
Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Open Top for Easy Access, Includes Scoop with Storage, 19" x 15" x 11.75", Grey/Beige
Best for: Most households looking for a dependable everyday cat litter box high sides option.
This is a straightforward, open-top box for cats who like to dig and kick. It suits owners who want a standard design that covers the basics without extras.
Key specs
- Listed dimensions: 19″ x 15″ x 11.75″
- Open top for easy entry and exit
- Includes a scoop with storage
- Grey/beige color
Pros
- Generous footprint for most adult cats
- Included scoop saves a separate purchase
- Simple design that is easy to wipe down
Cons
- Open top offers no scatter protection beyond the walls
- Sides are less aggressive than dedicated kick-proof designs
Bottom line: A solid default for owners who want a large, no-frills box with high sides and a scoop included.
IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Scatter Shield, Black
High Kickers, Kick-Proof Sides, Extra Deep Pan, Raised Edge Protection, Keeps Floor Clean, Easy Daily Scoop IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Large, Scatter Shield, Black
Best for: Scatter control for cats that kick hard during and after digging.
Owners who find litter on the floor every day often choose this style because the raised edges and deep pan are built specifically to contain kicking.
Key specs
- Kick-proof raised sides
- Extra deep pan
- Scatter shield design
- Black finish
Pros
- Raised walls reduce litter escaping onto the floor
- Deep pan holds a usable litter depth
- Easy daily scooping
Cons
- Larger footprint needs floor space
- Some cats may need time to adjust to the taller entry
Bottom line: Best for owners whose main complaint is litter on the floor, especially with energetic kickers.
High Sides Lid Open Top Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, M
High Sides Lid Open Top Low Entry Litter Pan Easy Cleaning Kitty Cat Box Anti-Urine Leakage Non-Sticky Include Scoop Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, M High Sides Litter Box
Best for: Small kitchens and apartments where a compact footprint matters.
This medium-size pan with a low entry and high sides suits smaller cats or homes where floor space is limited.
Key specs
- Medium size
- Stainless steel construction
- Open top with lid option described in the listing
- Includes a scoop
Pros
- Compact footprint for tight spaces
- Low entry suits older or smaller cats
- Stainless surface is non-porous and easy to wipe
Cons
- Medium size may be tight for large cats
- Stainless pans can show scratches over time
Bottom line: A good pick for small homes and smaller cats who need a high-sided box that fits a tight corner.
Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan
Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with High Sides and Microban, Made in USA
Best for: Large cats and owners who want maximum room to turn around.
Oversized pans give big cats space to dig and turn without stepping onto the walls, which many owners of heavier cats prefer.
Key specs
- Giant footprint
- High sides
- Available in varying colors per listing
Pros
- Plenty of room for large or long cats
- High walls contain litter in the main pan area
- Simple, durable pan shape
Cons
- Requires significant floor space
- Large volume means more litter per change
Bottom line: Pick this if your cat is large or you have the floor space for an oversized box.
Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with High Sides and Microban
Colors May Vary Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary.
Best for: Odor control and hygiene-focused households.
The antimicrobial treatment and rimmed design make this a common choice for owners who want to limit smell and bacteria buildup between cleanings.
Key specs
- Rimmed design with high sides
- Microban antimicrobial protection
- Made in USA per listing name
Pros
- Antimicrobial treatment supports hygiene between scoops
- Rim helps reduce litter kicked over the edge
- Well-known brand name in cat supplies
Cons
- Antimicrobial claims do not replace regular cleaning
- Rimmed style may not contain very vigorous kicking as well as deeper kick-proof designs
Bottom line: A strong choice for owners who prioritize odor and hygiene with a classic high-sided design.
Self-Cleaning Auto Robot XL High-Sided Litter Box
Extra Large Smell Proof Self-Cleaning Auto Robot Electric Litterbox High-Sided Stainless Steel XL Cat Litter Box for Cats
Best for: Owners who want hands-off cleaning and a sealed-feeling odor system.
Automatic litter boxes suit busy households or people who want to reduce daily scooping. The high-sided extra-large format is aimed at owners of bigger cats.
Key specs
- Extra-large size
- Self-cleaning cycle
- Stainless steel construction
- High sides
Pros
- Reduces daily scooping workload
- Large size for big cats
- Stainless build is easy to keep clean
Cons
- Electric parts need power and periodic maintenance
- Some cats are startled by the moving cleaning mechanism and need adjustment time
Bottom line: Ideal for households that want automated cleaning and can accept a more complex, powered box.
IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Large, 2 Pack
Active Cats, Tall Wall Protection, Kick-Proof Sides, Extra Deep Pan, Easy Daily Scoop, Keeps Floor Clean IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Scatter Shield, Large, Black 2 Pack
Best for: Multi-cat homes and owners who want a spare box on hand.
Two boxes let you rotate or place one in a second room, which can reduce crowding for households with more than one cat.
Key specs
- Two-pack
- Large size
- Kick-proof raised sides
- Extra deep pan
Pros
- Two boxes support multi-cat households
- Raised sides reduce scatter
- Spare box makes cleaning rotation easier
Cons
- Takes up more total floor space
- Higher total purchase for owners with only one cat
Bottom line: The practical choice for households with two or more cats who want consistent high-sided boxes.
Buying Guide
Side height and kick-proof walls
Measure the height of the side walls and compare them to your cat’s typical kicking range. Many owners find that walls at least several inches above the litter line help keep granules inside. Designs marketed as kick-proof usually have taller, thicker rims.
Good picks for this: IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Scatter Shield; Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides
Box size and your cat’s body length
A common guideline is that the box should be at least one and a half times your cat’s body length from nose to base of tail. Large or long cats need more room to turn without stepping on the walls.
Good picks for this: Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan; Self-Cleaning Auto Robot XL High-Sided Litter Box
Entry height and accessibility
High sides protect the floor, but an entry that is too high can discourage older, arthritic or kitten cats. Look for a lower entry point on one side or a design that lets cats step in without jumping.
Good picks for this: High Sides Lid Open Top Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, M; Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with Microban
Pan depth and litter volume
Deeper pans hold more litter and help contain digging. Plan for a litter depth you can scoop without digging to the bottom. Many manufacturers recommend a few inches of litter for natural digging.
Good picks for this: IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Scatter Shield; IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Large, 2 Pack
Material and cleaning
Plastic is light and affordable, while stainless steel resists odor absorption and is easy to disinfect. Smooth, non-porous surfaces make daily cleaning simpler. Check whether the box has corners that trap waste.
Good picks for this: High Sides Lid Open Top Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, M; Self-Cleaning Auto Robot XL High-Sided Litter Box
Single cat versus multi-cat households
The general rule often cited by veterinary behavior resources is one box per cat plus one extra. Plan your total number of boxes and sizes before choosing, so every cat has access without competition.
Good picks for this: IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Large, 2 Pack; Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides
Durability and maintenance
Check how well the box holds up to frequent scrubbing and whether replacement parts are available. Electric models need periodic cleaning of sensors and mechanisms, while manual boxes need regular washing with a mild, unscented cleaner.
Good picks for this: Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with Microban; Self-Cleaning Auto Robot XL High-Sided Litter Box
FAQ
What height should high sides be for a cat litter box?
There is no single required height, but many owners choose sides tall enough to block most kicked litter from reaching the floor. Compare the side height to how far your cat typically kicks, and consider a higher rim if you see litter on the floor regularly.
Are high-sided litter boxes good for older cats?
They can be, but entry matters. Older or arthritic cats may struggle to step over tall walls. Look for a low entry point or a design that lets the cat step in easily, and consult your veterinarian if mobility is a concern.
How big should a litter box be for a large cat?
A common guideline is a box at least one and a half times your cat’s body length. Larger cats often do better with oversized pans that let them turn around comfortably.
Do I need one litter box per cat?
Many cat behavior resources recommend one box per cat plus one extra. This reduces competition and helps prevent litter box avoidance. If you have a multi-cat household, plan your box count before shopping.
Can high sides stop all litter tracking?
High sides reduce litter kicked out of the box, but they do not stop tracking entirely. A litter mat placed at the exit and regular sweeping help control paw-tracked granules.
How often should I clean a high-sided litter box?
Scoop solid waste daily and change the litter on a schedule that fits your litter type and household size. Wash the box with a mild, unscented cleaner when you change the litter. If you notice persistent odor or your cat avoids the box, check with your veterinarian for health causes.
Conclusion
For most households, the Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides is a practical starting point. If scatter is your main problem, the IRIS USA Scatter Shield design is built around kick-proof walls. Owners with large cats should look at oversized pans, small spaces may suit the stainless medium box, and multi-cat homes often benefit from a two-pack. Match the box to your cat’s size, entry needs and your cleaning routine, and you will have a better chance of keeping the litter where it belongs.
Sources
- Product safety guidance and recall information relevant to pet products (cpsc.gov)
- General guidance on pet housing, daily care and household setup (akc.org)
- Veterinary association resources on cat health, behavior and litter box considerations (avma.org)
Related reading
- Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box and How to Respond
- Top 7 Picks for Cat Urinate Outside Litter Box Problems in 2026
- Natural Ways to Control Cat Litter Box Odor
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.
