Best Cat Litter Boxes for Small Apartments
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Introduction
Living with a cat in a small apartment can be cozy, but finding the right litter box is not always easy. You need something that fits your space, controls odor, reduces litter tracking, and still gives your cat enough room to feel comfortable.
In this guide, we rounded up the best cat litter boxes for small apartments, including covered, open, top-entry, corner, hidden furniture-style, and easy-to-clean options.
Whether you need a space-saving litter box, an odor-control covered box, or a hidden litter box furniture option, the right setup can make apartment living with a cat much easier.
Quick Picks
| Category | Product | Best For |
| Best Overall Cat Litter Box | Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box | Most small apartments |
| Best Covered Litter Box | Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Enclosed Cat Litter Box | Odor control |
| Best Open Litter Box | IRIS USA Large Open Top Cat Litter Box with High Sides | Cats who dislike enclosed boxes |
| Best Top-Entry Litter Box | IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box | Reducing litter tracking |
| Best Corner Litter Box | Amazon Basics Triangle Hooded Cat Litter Box | Tight spaces and unused corners |
| Best Hidden Litter Box Furniture | Lifewit Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure | Home decor and privacy |
| Best Easy-to-Clean Litter Box | Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box | Busy cat parents |
| Best Budget Litter Box | Petmate Basic Open Cat Litter Pan | Affordable small-space setup |
Best Cat Litter Boxes We Recommend
For most small apartments, the best litter box is one that balances size, odor control, litter tracking, and easy cleaning. Covered boxes are better for odor control, top-entry boxes help reduce tracking, open boxes are easier for many cats to use, and hidden litter box furniture works well when the box needs to stay in a visible room.
Best Overall Cat Litter Box for Small Apartments: Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box
Best for:
Cat parents who want a simple, affordable, and low-maintenance litter box that makes daily cleaning easier in a small apartment.
Key Features:
• Large sifting litter box design
• Lift-to-sift cleaning system
• No scoop required for basic litter separation
• Built-in Microban protection for odor control
• Plastic design with a simple open-tray structure
Why We Like It:
The Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box is a practical overall pick because it keeps the setup simple while making litter maintenance easier. Instead of scooping through the litter every time, the sifting tray helps separate clean litter from waste, which can be helpful for apartment cat parents who want a quicker daily routine.
We also like that it has a straightforward open design. In a small apartment, simple often works better than bulky or complicated. It is easier to place, easier to empty, and easier to understand for cats who may not like enclosed boxes.
Things to Consider:
This is an open litter box, so it may not control odor or litter scatter as well as a covered or top-entry option. If your cat kicks litter aggressively, you may still want to pair it with a good litter mat.
Because it is a sifting box, it may work better with certain litter types than others. You may need to test which litter works best with the sifting tray.
Best Covered Cat Litter Box: Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Enclosed Cat Litter Box
Best for:
Cat parents who want better odor control and a cleaner-looking litter area in a small apartment.
Key Features:
• Hooded enclosed design
• Swinging plastic door
• Pre-installed carbon filter for odor control
• Durable plastic body
• Stain- and odor-resistant design
Why We Like It:
The Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Enclosed Cat Litter Box is a good covered option for small apartments because it helps hide the litter area and contain mess better than a basic open tray. The swinging door gives cats access while helping keep scattered litter and visual clutter inside the box.
The pre-installed carbon filter is also useful for apartment living, where litter box odor can spread quickly. If your litter box needs to sit in a bathroom, hallway, laundry area, or bedroom corner, a covered design can make the space feel cleaner and more organized.
Things to Consider:
Some cats do not like covered litter boxes or swinging doors, especially if they are used to open trays. If your cat hesitates to enter, you may need to remove the door at first or transition slowly.
Covered boxes also need consistent cleaning. A lid can help contain odor, but it can also trap smell inside if the box is not scooped regularly.
Best Open Cat Litter Box: IRIS USA Large Open Top Cat Litter Box with High Sides
Best for:
Cats who prefer open access and cat parents who want a simple, easy-to-scoop litter box with better scatter control than a low-sided tray.
Key Features:
• Open-top design
• High-sided walls to reduce litter scatter
• Tall scatter shield
• Scoop included
• Smooth surfaces and rounded edges for easier cleaning
Why We Like It:
The IRIS USA Open Top Cat Litter Box is a strong choice for cats who dislike enclosed boxes but still need some protection from litter scatter. The high-sided walls help keep more litter inside, while the open top makes it easier for cats to enter and for owners to scoop.
For small apartments, this balance is helpful. You get easier access and airflow than a covered box, but the tall walls make it feel cleaner than a basic shallow tray. It is also easier to monitor your cat’s litter habits because the box is open and visible.
Things to Consider:
An open litter box will not hide odor as well as a covered box, so daily scooping is important. It may also still allow some tracking, especially if your cat jumps out quickly or uses lightweight litter.
This type of box works best when paired with a good litter mat and placed in a quiet, easy-to-clean area.
Best Top-Entry Cat Litter Box: IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box
Best for:
Cat parents who want to reduce litter tracking and keep the litter area cleaner in a small apartment.
Key Features:
• Top-entry design helps reduce litter tracking
• Grooved lid catches loose litter from cat paws
• Enclosed shape helps contain litter scatter
• Removable lid for easier scooping and cleaning
• Includes a scoop and has a dog-proof design
Why We Like It:
The IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box is a smart choice for small apartments because it helps keep litter inside the box instead of spreading across the floor. The grooved lid is especially useful, as it catches loose litter from your cat’s paws when they climb out.
We also like that it has a clean, enclosed look without taking up too much visual space. For apartments where the litter box may need to sit in a bathroom, hallway, or bedroom corner, this design feels more contained and organized than a basic open tray.
Things to Consider:
Top-entry boxes are not ideal for every cat. Kittens, senior cats, larger cats, or cats with mobility issues may find it harder to climb in and out. The size may also feel mixed depending on your cat’s body shape, so check the dimensions before buying.
Best Corner Cat Litter Box: Amazon Basics Triangle Hooded Cat Litter Box
Best for:
Cat parents who want to make use of an unused bathroom, laundry room, hallway, or bedroom corner in a small apartment.
Key Features:
• Triangle / corner-friendly shape
• Hooded enclosed design
• Swinging plastic door
• Pre-installed carbon filter for odor control
• Built-in handle for easier moving
Why We Like It:
The Amazon Basics Triangle Hooded Cat Litter Box is a useful option when floor space is limited but you have an unused corner. Its triangular shape is designed to fit into corners more naturally than a standard rectangular box, which can help make a small apartment layout feel less crowded.
We also like that it combines the corner-saving shape with a covered design. The hood, swinging door, and carbon filter can help reduce visual mess and odor, making it more practical for spaces where the litter box cannot be fully hidden.
Things to Consider:
Although it is a corner-style box, it is still fairly large, so measure your space before buying. It may work best in a bathroom, laundry area, or wider hallway corner rather than a very tight nook.
Some cats may also need time to adjust to the enclosed shape and door.
Best Hidden Litter Box Furniture: Lifewit Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure
Best for:
Cat parents who need to keep the litter box in a visible area and want it to blend better with home decor.
Key Features:
• Hidden litter box enclosure disguised as a faux plant
• Odor-control design with activated carbon filter
• Roomy interior for cats of different sizes
• Low entrance height for easier access
• Easy-to-clean glossy surface and removable basin
Why We Like It:
The Lifewit Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure is a great option if you do not want a traditional litter box sitting out in the open. Its faux plant design makes it look more like home decor than a pet product, which is helpful for small apartments where every corner is visible.
We also like that it combines style with practical details. The activated carbon filter helps with odor control, while the low entrance and roomy shape make it more cat-friendly than some cabinet-style enclosures. It can work especially well in a living room, bedroom, or corner where you want the litter setup to feel more discreet.
Things to Consider:
This option is larger than a basic litter pan, so you need to measure your space first. It also still needs regular cleaning inside, even though it hides the litter box visually. Some users may find the lid alignment or plant top less secure, so it is best placed where it will not be bumped often.
Best Easy-to-Clean Cat Litter Box: Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box
Best for:
Busy cat parents who want a litter box that is simple to maintain without spending extra time scooping through litter every day.
Key Features:
• Lift-to-sift cleaning system
• Designed to reduce scooping
• Simple plastic tray structure
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Practical for regular apartment cleaning routines
Why We Like It:
The Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box also works well as an easy-to-clean pick because its sifting design simplifies routine litter maintenance. Instead of digging through the entire box with a scoop, the lift-to-sift tray helps separate waste from clean litter more efficiently.
This can be especially useful in small apartments, where odor can build up quickly if the litter box is not maintained. A simpler cleaning process makes it easier to stay consistent.
Things to Consider:
The sifting system may not work equally well with every litter type, so you may need to test different litters. It is also still an open box, so litter scatter and odor control may not be as strong as covered or enclosed options.
If your cat is a strong digger, adding a litter mat nearby can help keep the area cleaner.
Best Budget Cat Litter Box: Petmate Basic Open Cat Litter Pan
Best for:
First-time cat parents, kitten owners, or anyone who wants a simple and affordable litter box for a small apartment.
Key Features:
• Budget-friendly open litter pan
• Compact size for kittens and small cats
• Wide base helps keep litter contained
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Simple open design for quick cleaning
Why We Like It:
The Petmate Basic Open Cat Litter Pan is a simple, low-cost option for cat parents who want a no-fuss setup. It does not have extra features like a cover, filter, or hidden furniture design, but it is easy to use, easy to clean, and affordable enough for a starter litter box or backup box.
For small apartments, this kind of basic open pan can work well if you place it in a quiet corner and scoop regularly. It is also a good choice for kittens or small cats who need easy access without climbing into a taller or enclosed box.
Things to Consider:
This is a small open pan, so it is not the best choice for large cats or cats who kick litter aggressively. It will not control odor as well as a covered box, and you may need a litter mat to reduce tracking around the area.
How to Choose the Best Cat Litter Box for a Small Apartment
Size and Space
Choose a litter box that fits your apartment, but do not go too small. Your cat should still have enough room to turn around comfortably.
Odor Control
Covered boxes, charcoal filters, and regular scooping can help reduce odor, but the most important factor is consistent cleaning.
Litter Tracking
If litter gets everywhere, look for top-entry boxes, high-sided boxes, or pair the litter box with a good litter mat.
Cat Comfort
Some cats prefer open boxes, while others like privacy. If your cat avoids the litter box, the design may not feel comfortable to them.
Cleaning Convenience
A small apartment needs a litter box that is easy to scoop, wipe, and refill. Smooth surfaces and removable lids are helpful.
Home Design
If the litter box is visible, choose neutral colors, a covered style, or hidden furniture that blends into your home.
Where to Place a Litter Box in a Small Apartment
The best place is quiet, accessible, and away from food and water bowls. Bathrooms, laundry corners, hallway nooks, or bedroom corners can work well if your cat can reach the box easily.
Avoid placing the litter box too close to loud appliances, heavy foot traffic, or your cat’s feeding area.
Small Apartment Litter Box Care Tips
Scoop the litter box daily and do a deeper clean regularly to prevent odor from building up. In a small apartment, smell spreads faster, so consistent cleaning matters more than having the most expensive litter box. A good litter mat, odor-control litter, and proper placement can also make the litter area feel cleaner.
FAQ
What type of litter box is best for a small apartment?
A compact covered, top-entry, or corner litter box usually works well, depending on your cat’s comfort and your space.
Are covered litter boxes better for apartments?
Covered litter boxes can help contain odor and mess, but some cats prefer open boxes.
Do top-entry litter boxes reduce tracking?
Yes, top-entry boxes can help reduce litter tracking because cats step through the lid before leaving the box.
Where should I put a litter box in a small apartment?
Place it in a quiet, easy-to-access area away from food, water, and loud appliances.
How often should I clean a litter box in a small apartment?
Scoop daily and deep clean regularly, because odor builds up faster in small spaces.
Is a hidden litter box cabinet a good idea?
It can be a good choice if you want the litter box to blend into your home, but it still needs regular cleaning and airflow.
How many litter boxes do I need for one cat?
A common guideline is one litter box per cat, plus one extra if your space allows, but in a small apartment, choose the most practical setup you can maintain.
Final Thoughts
The best cat litter box for a small apartment should save space without making your cat feel cramped. Covered boxes help with odor, top-entry boxes reduce tracking, open boxes are easy to use, and hidden furniture styles can blend better with home decor.
No matter which style you choose, regular cleaning is what keeps a small-space litter setup comfortable for both you and your cat.
