By Emily ParkerUpdated November 2026
Shopping for a cat litter box with tall sides usually comes down to one problem: litter ending up on the floor. Cats that dig hard, kick vigorously or simply like to back into the box can scatter a surprising amount of litter. The picks below were selected by comparing manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners commonly report about wall height, pan depth, entry style and ease of cleaning. We did not test these products ourselves, so treat the notes as a research summary rather than hands-on findings.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAmazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Open Top for EasyView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for kick-happy catsHigh Kickers, Kick-Proof Sides, Extra Deep Pan, Raised Edge ProtectionView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for hands-off cleaningExtra Large Smell Proof Self-Cleaning Auto Robot Electric Litterbox HiView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickArm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with High Sides and Microban, Made in USAView on Amazon - 5
Best for big or multiple catsStainless Steel Litter Box 13.7'' High Sides, XL Metal Cat Litter BoxView on Amazon - 6
Best for easy daily scoopingMetal Litter Box with Scoop, Anti-Leakage Top Entry, Non-Sticky, EasyView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Before the list, a quick note on how the ranking order was built. Products are ordered by how well they match the core needs of a tall-sided box: wall height that contains digging and kicking, enough floor space for a larger cat to turn around, a practical entry, and materials that clean up without trouble. If you are not sure whether a tall box is the right fix at all, the guide High Sided Cat Litter Boxes: How to Choose the Right Height for Your Cat walks through sizing by cat weight and body length.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides | Most households with one or two cats | Open top with high walls and included scoop |
| High Kickers IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box | Cats that kick litter out | Kick-proof sides and extra deep pan |
| Self-Cleaning Auto Robot Electric Litterbox | Owners who want less daily scooping | Automatic self-cleaning cycle |
| Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box | Shoppers looking for a budget pick | Rimmed design with Microban treatment |
| Stainless Steel XL Cat Litter Box 13.7” | Big cats or multi-cat homes | 13.7-inch high sides and curved low entry |
| Powools Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box | Owners who want easy cleaning | Splash-proof deep pan and top entry |
Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Open Top for Easy Access, Includes Scoop with Storage
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: Best overall
This is a practical choice for households that want a generously sized, open-top box with raised walls and a scoop included. It suits cats that dig enthusiastically but do not need an enclosed hood.
Key specs
- Dimensions: 19″ x 15″ x 11.75″
- Open top entry
- Includes scoop with storage
- Grey/Beige color
Pros
- Large interior gives room for turning and digging
- High walls help contain litter spray
- Scoop storage keeps tools within reach
Cons
- Open top offers less odor containment than a covered design
- Thin plastic walls may flex under heavy use
Bottom line: A strong default for most single-cat homes that want a large, straightforward tall-sided box.
High Kickers Kick-Proof Sides Extra Deep Pan IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Large, 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: Best for kick-happy cats
Owners of cats that scrape vigorously or kick backward after digging tend to look for this type of design. The extra-deep pan and raised edge target scatter directly.
Key specs
- Kick-proof raised sides
- Extra deep pan
- Scatter shield design
- Black finish
Pros
- Raised edges are designed to reduce litter escaping onto the floor
- Deep pan suits clumping litter depth
- Easy daily scoop with a simple layout
Cons
- Deep pan adds weight when full
- Large footprint may not fit tight corners
Bottom line: Best for owners whose main complaint is litter kicked onto the floor rather than odor.
Extra Large Smell Proof Self-Cleaning Auto Robot Electric Litterbox High-Sided Stainless Steel XL Cat Litter Box for Cats
Extra Large Smell Proof Self-Cleaning Auto Robot Electric Litterbox High-Sided Stainless Steel XL Cat Litter Box for Cats
Best for: Best for hands-off cleaning
This automatic style suits busy households or owners who want to reduce manual scooping. It is a higher-maintenance purchase, and cats must adapt to the moving parts.
Key specs
- Self-cleaning automatic cycle
- Stainless steel XL body
- High sides
- Smell-proof design as listed
Pros
- Automatic cleaning reduces daily handling of waste
- Stainless steel is generally easy to wipe down
- Generous size for larger cats
Cons
- Mechanical parts need periodic checks and maintenance
- Some cats are startled by moving components at first
Bottom line: A good fit for owners who prioritize convenience and accept a more complex device.
Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with High Sides and Microban, Made in USA
Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box with High Sides and Microban, Made in USA
Best for: Best budget pick
A plain, rimmed design for owners who want a tall edge without spending heavily. It is a sensible option for a single cat that is not a serious digger.
Key specs
- Rimmed high-sided design
- Microban antimicrobial treatment
- Made in USA
Pros
- Simple design is easy to understand and clean
- Rim helps reduce spray and scatter
- Brand is widely recognized
Cons
- Smaller interior than XL options
- Less scatter protection for very vigorous diggers
Bottom line: A reasonable starting point for budget-minded owners with one moderate-sized cat.
Stainless Steel Litter Box 13.7” High Sides, XL Metal Cat Litter Box with Curved Low Entry
Stainless Steel Litter Box 13.7'' High Sides, XL Metal Cat Litter Box with Curved Low Entry, Cat Litter Pan for Big & Multiple Cats, Pet Toliet with Handy Wheels for Easy Moving
Best for: Best for big or multiple cats
The 13.7-inch wall height and XL footprint make this a candidate for large breeds or homes with several cats sharing a box. The curved low entry helps cats step in comfortably despite the tall walls.
Key specs
- 13.7-inch high sides
- XL stainless steel body
- Curved low entry
- Wheels for easy moving
Pros
- Very tall walls for strong scatter control
- Curved entry eases access for older or heavier cats
- Wheels make cleaning behind the box easier
Cons
- Heavy and bulky to move when full
- Metal can be noisy when a cat digs
Bottom line: Worth a look for large cats or multi-cat homes that need maximum wall height.
Powools Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, High-Sided, Grey, M (1 Pack) with Scoop and Anti-Leakage Top Entry
Metal Litter Box with Scoop, Anti-Leakage Top Entry, Non-Sticky, Easy to Clean, 6-Inch Splash-Proof Deep Pan Powools Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, High-Sided, Grey, M (1 Pack)
Best for: Best for easy daily scooping
A metal, top-entry design with a splash-proof deep pan. It targets owners who want a tidy surface that wipes clean and a box that resists leakage.
Key specs
- Stainless steel construction
- 6-inch splash-proof deep pan
- Anti-leakage top entry
- Includes scoop
Pros
- Non-sticky surface is easy to wipe clean
- Deep pan helps contain splashing
- Scoop included
Cons
- Medium size may be tight for large cats
- Top entry is less accessible for some older cats
Bottom line: A good match for single cats and owners who prioritize quick cleanup.
Buying Guide
Use these factors to narrow the list to what your cat actually needs.
Wall Height
Manufacturers commonly list wall heights between about 8 and 14 inches for tall-sided boxes. Higher walls reduce scatter, but they also make entry harder for kittens, seniors and cats with joint problems. Match height to how much your cat digs and how easily it climbs in.
Good picks for this: Stainless Steel Litter Box 13.7” High Sides XL, Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides
Interior Size and Fit
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. Your cat should be able to turn around comfortably. Check the listed dimensions against your cat’s size and any shelf or floor space you have available.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Stainless Steel Litter Box 13.7” High Sides XL
Entry Style
Top-entry boxes keep litter contained but require a cat to step over a wall. Low curved or cut-away entries are easier for older or arthritic cats. Choose the entry that your cat will use without hesitation.
Good picks for this: Stainless Steel Litter Box 13.7” High Sides XL, High Kickers IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box
Materials and Durability
Plastic is light and inexpensive, but scratched surfaces can trap odor. Stainless steel resists staining and wipes clean, though it can be louder when a cat digs. Look for sturdy walls that do not flex under a heavy cat.
Good picks for this: Powools Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, Arm & Hammer Rimmed Cat Litter Box
Automation and Maintenance
Self-cleaning units reduce daily scooping but add moving parts, power needs and periodic maintenance. Manual boxes are simpler and easier to troubleshoot. Consider how much time you realistically have for upkeep.
Good picks for this: Self-Cleaning Auto Robot Electric Litterbox, Powools Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box
Ease of Cleaning
Smooth interiors and rounded corners make scooping and washing faster. Deep pans help contain splashes but may need more litter. Pair your box with a suitable scoop, and see How to Choose the Right Litter Scoop for Your Box for scoop design advice.
Good picks for this: High Kickers IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Powools Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box
Your Cat’s Habits
If your cat sprays litter everywhere, prioritize wall height and a deep pan. If it avoids the box or pees outside it, the problem may be medical or behavioral rather than a box design issue. In that case, see Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box and How to Respond before buying anything new.
Good picks for this: High Kickers IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Stainless Steel Litter Box 13.7” High Sides XL
FAQ
How tall should the sides of a cat litter box be?
Most tall-sided boxes list walls between about 8 and 14 inches. A height that stops your cat’s digging from spilling over the edge is the goal. Very tall walls can be hard for kittens and senior cats to climb, so balance height against entry ease.
Do tall sides stop all litter tracking?
No. Tall walls reduce litter that is kicked out, but some tracking on paws still happens. A litter mat placed in front of the box and regular scooping help further.
Are covered boxes better than open tall-sided boxes?
Covered boxes can help contain odor and spray, but they can also trap smells inside and make some cats uncomfortable. Open tall-sided boxes are often preferred by cats that like visibility and room to move.
Is stainless steel better than plastic for a litter box?
Stainless steel resists staining and is easy to wipe clean, which many owners appreciate. Plastic is lighter and quieter. Neither is inherently better; choose based on your cat’s comfort and your cleaning routine.
Can a tall-sided box help a cat that pees outside the box?
Sometimes it helps with scatter, but it does not solve medical or behavioral causes of urination outside the box. If the problem continues, a veterinarian should check for urinary issues before you change equipment.
How often should I clean a tall-sided litter box?
Scoop solid waste and clumps at least once a day, and fully change the litter and wash the box on a regular schedule. For detailed timing, see How Often to Scoop and Change Cat Litter: A Cleaning Routine.
Conclusion
For most single-cat homes, the Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides is a practical default. Cats that kick litter out will benefit from the High Kickers design, while owners who want less daily work may consider the self-cleaning unit. Budget shoppers can start with the Arm & Hammer rimmed box, and large or multi-cat households should look at the 13.7-inch XL stainless steel model. Match wall height and entry style to your cat’s size, age and digging habits before you buy.
Sources
- Guidance from a veterinary association on litter box setup and feline comfort
- Veterinary information on feline behavior and elimination concerns (avma.org)
- Research and advice from a university veterinary program on cat litter box needs (cornell.edu)
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.
