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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. Choosing a cat litter box for a small apartment means balancing limited floor space with enough room for your cat to enter, turn around, and use the box comfortably.
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 designed for limited floor space.
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
| Pick | Type | Best For | Space Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Covered | Most apartments | Balanced footprint |
| Best Covered | Hooded | Odor control | Hides visual mess |
| Best Open | High-sided | Cats who dislike covers | Easy access |
| Best Top-Entry | Enclosed | Tracking control | Contains scatter |
| Best Corner | Triangle | Tight corners | Uses unused space |
| Best Hidden | Furniture-style | Visible rooms | Blends with decor |
| Best Easy-to-Clean | Sifting | Busy cat parents | Faster maintenance |
| Best Budget | Open pan | Kittens / small cats | Compact and simple |
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: Medario Large Covered Cat Litter Box with Pull-Out Tray
Best for:
For cat parents looking for a versatile litter box for a small apartment, this option offers a practical balance between everyday usability, cat comfort, and efficient use of space.
Key Features:
- Front-entry and top-exit enclosed design
- Textured top surface helps catch litter from paws
- Pull-out litter tray for easier scooping and litter changes
- Includes a litter scoop and waterproof litter mat
- Approx. 20″ L × 16″ W × 15.2″ H
- Detachable lower tray for easier kitten access
- Foldable design for storage or travel
- Designed for kittens and adult cats
- Covered design helps contain litter and reduce odor spread
Why We Like It:
The Medario covered litter box is a strong overall choice for small apartments because it combines several space-friendly features in one setup. The enclosed design gives cats more privacy, while the front-entry and top-exit layout, textured lid, and included litter mat can help reduce the amount of litter carried onto surrounding floors.
We also like the pull-out tray for everyday maintenance. Instead of taking the entire box apart, you can slide the lower tray out for scooping or litter changes. Its relatively compact footprint makes it easier to place in bathrooms, laundry areas, bedrooms, or other limited spaces without sacrificing too much usable interior room for your cat.
Things to Consider:
Although the covered design can help contain litter, customer feedback on litter containment is mixed, and some owners report that litter or urine may escape through gaps in the structure. The interior may also feel too compact for some larger cats, so check the dimensions carefully before buying.
Cats that dislike enclosed litter boxes or top-exit designs may also need time to adjust. If your cat strongly prefers an open box, one of the open or high-sided options later in this guide may be a better fit.
Best Covered Cat Litter Box: Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Enclosed Cat Litter Box
Best for:
For cat parents looking for a covered litter box for an apartment, the Amazon Basics hooded box can help contain visual mess and odor while keeping the litter area more enclosed.
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. If you are still deciding between an enclosed and open design, our guide to covered vs open litter boxes explains the main differences in privacy, odor control, access, and cleaning.
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:
A top-entry litter box for small spaces can be especially useful when floor cleanliness and litter tracking are major concerns.
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:
A corner litter box is one of the simplest ways to use floor space that might otherwise sit empty 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:
For apartments where the litter box has to stay in a visible room, hidden litter box furniture can help the setup blend more naturally with the rest of the home.
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. If scattered litter is a common problem in a small home, choosing a low-tracking cat litter can help keep the area around the box cleaner.
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. A good space-saving cat litter box should fit your room without making the interior too cramped for your cat.
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.
Entry Height and Cat Size
A litter box can fit your apartment but still be uncomfortable for your cat. Kittens, senior cats, and cats with mobility issues may need a lower entrance, while larger cats need enough interior space to turn around comfortably. Always check both the outside dimensions and the usable inside space.
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 daily. Odor builds up faster in small spaces. For a complete maintenance routine, see how to clean a cat litter box step by step.
Use a litter mat. It helps catch loose litter around the entrance.
Deep clean regularly. Wash and dry the box before adding fresh litter.
Keep the area ventilated. Avoid trapping odor in a closed, poorly ventilated corner.
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. The litter itself also matters. If scattered granules are a recurring problem, compare our best low-tracking cat litters for options designed to help keep floors cleaner.
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.
If daily scooping is the main challenge in your routine, you can also compare our best self-cleaning litter boxes for more automated options.
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