5 Best Cat Litter Boxes to Prevent Tracking in 2024 – tuft + paw

June 11,2024

As cat parents, we know that litter tracking is one of the most frustrating aspects of life with cats. But don't worry! There are plenty of great litter boxes out there that can help reduce tracking and make your home look and feel waaaay cleaner. In this article, we'll give you our picks for the best low-tracking litt.
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As cat parents, we know that litter tracking is one of the most frustrating aspects of life with cats. But don't worry! There are plenty of great litter boxes out there that can help reduce tracking and make your home look and feel waaaay cleaner. In this article, we'll give you our picks for the best low-tracking litter boxes on the market. Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. Over the last couple years, we've spent countless hours determining which litter box features are most important to cats and cat parents alike. To compile this list, we consulted a cat behaviorist, veterinarian, and hundreds of customer reviews to figure out which litter boxes do the best job of reducing litter tracking. This article is part of our blog series on litter tracking, all of which you can find compiled in our Ultimate Guide to Stop Litter Tracking. Cubby Litter Box by tuft + paw - Shop Here Cheat Sheet: Our Top 5 Low-Tracking Litter Boxes 1) tuft + paw Cove Litter Box Pros Excellent build quality, durable materials, large size, easy to clean, accessible entry, well-ventilated, good visibility, stylish design, scoop & dustpan & brush included Cons Pricey Materials Double-walled thick matte plastic, rubber base Price $149-$199 2) MEEXPAWS XL Stainless Steel Litter Box Pros Durable litter box materials, large size, easy to clean, accessible entry, well-ventilated, scoop included, litter mat included, decent visibility, comes in multiple sizes Cons Flimsy scatter shield, pricey, clunky design Materials Stainless steel, plastic Price $88 3) IRIS USA Open Top Litter Tray Pros Affordable, large size, accessible entry, well-ventilated, good visibility, scoop included Cons Low quality materials, ridged pan makes cleaning harder Materials Plastic Price $19 4) Modkat XL Litter Box Pros Large size, top & side entry, liner & scoop included, clean design Cons Pricey, some fragile components, semi-covered, limited visibility Materials Plastic Price $180 5) Petmate Top Entry Litter Box Pros Affordable, easy to clean Cons Low quality materials, top-entry only, semi-covered, poor visibility, limited ventilation, not the cutest design Materials Plastic Price $30 How Does a Litter Box Prevent Tracking? When it comes to managing litter tracking, most cat parents rightfully look for a low-tracking cat litter, but that's only half the battle—the second most important thing is choosing the right litter box. Of course, all litter boxes are supposed to keep litter contained, but in our experience there is a huge difference between a well-designed litter box and a poorly designed one. There are four main types of litter boxes that can help with litter tracking. Let's get into it! Large High-Sided Litter Boxes Using a roomy, high-walled litter box is arguably the best choice you can make when it comes to preventing litter tracking. A perfect litter box should be as long as your cat (from nose to tail) and have high sides to contain scatter when your cat digs or jumps out. Cats are much more likely to cause a mess if their litter box is too cramped or has low walls. Ideally, there should also be a low entryway so your cat can enter easily. This is especially important for elderly and arthritic cats who have mobility issues. We prefer open litter boxes over covered ones because they don't trap odors, allow good visibility for the cat, and remind cat parents to clean daily. When a cat's waste is kept out of sight, it's easier for cat parents to ignore or forget to clean the litter box. @tuftandpaw an oddly satisfying litter box unboxing 👀 the cove is a modern litter box backed by cat behaviorists ✅ but don’t let the minimal aesthetic fool you… it’s loaded with design details that are a total game changer. it comes with a built-in scoop, brush and dustpan (best litter scoop ever, we might add), and also has high walls that dramatically help to reduce litter tracking (great for cats who like to p33 standing up or aggressive diggers). The secret sauce is its durable anti-stick plastic that makes cleaning *so* easy. We also left an open top, which is recommended by cat behaviorists so that cats feel comfortable while doing their business. #modernlitterbox #bestlitterbox #bestlitterboxever #covelitterbox #litterboxsetup #litterboxcleanup #catproducts #catparentsoftiktok #catparents ♬ original sound - tuft + paw Top-Entry Litter Boxes Top-entry litter boxes take the idea of high walls a step further. They're a great way to prevent tracking, but they have a few downsides for cats. First of all, there's often no side entryway available for cats with mobility issues. Second, top-entry boxes block the cat’s view of their surroundings so they may be anxious to use it and more likely to be ambushed by other cats in multi-cat households. Finally, since these litter boxes hide the mess from human eyesight, people often neglect cleaning them regularly. That being said, if your cat likes to pee standing up, then a top-entry litter box might be the best way to contain the mess. Covered Litter Boxes Covered litter boxes can dramatically reduce tracking, but like top-entry boxes they are not always the most cat-friendly. A cat in a closed box has little to no view of what's happening outside and is unable to escape the odors inside. For cat parents, cleaning may become less frequent due to the out-of-sight-out-of-mind mentality. However, covered litter boxes provide easier access for elderly cats when compared with their top-entry counterparts. Litter Box Enclosures Litter box enclosures come in various forms, from a DIY plastic container to chic home furniture. The idea is to form a barrier around the original litter box that limits litter tracking—and looks attractive too! As long as the enclosure is adequately ventilated and not too small for your cat, they can be incredibly helpful for managing litter messes. Just remember to scoop everyday and avoid the out-of-sight-out-of-mind mentality. Haven Modern Litter Box Enclosure by tuft + paw - Shop Here Litter Box Location Matters! Regardless of what kind of litter box you have, where you put your litter box makes a huge difference for litter tracking. Try placing the litter box it in a room that's separate from where you mostly spend time. Rooms on lower levels or with raised door frames will offer extra protection against scattered litter, and smooth floors are much easier to clean than carpets. Above all else though, always ensure that your kitty can easily access their restroom! Other Ways to Stop Cat Litter Tracking Choosing a well-designed litter box can work wonders for reducing litter tracking, but it's only one of the tools at your disposal. Here are four more essential tips for controlling cat litter tracking in your home Choose a Low-Tracking Litter If you're looking for a low-tracking litter box, we definitely recommend getting a low-tracking litter to match. This basically boils down to finding a pellet litter that's as dust-free as possible. The larger pellets will be less likely to cling to your cat's fur and paws, and low dust content will keep their paws clean and prevent a layer of dust from settling on your floor. Our favorite style is tofu litter, but wood pellets and paper pellets will also do the trick. Really Great Cat Litter by tuft + paw - Shop Here Use a Litter Mat A litter mat is a smart solution to limit the amount of litter tracked throughout your home. These mats come in various shapes and sizes, from professionally made options crafted out of rubber or silicone, to creative DIY alternatives like an old bath mat or small rug. Some are better than others, but any mat for catching stray litter particles is better than none. Trim Long-Haired Cats Long-haired cats have tufty paws and easily tangled fur, which causes them to track more litter than short-haired cats. A great way to reduce this issue is by carefully trimming your cat's fur in strategic spots (e.g. butt, paw pads, and anywhere they contact litter when squatting). Always use electric clippers with a safety guard—NEVER SCISSORS—when grooming your feline friend. If you lack confidence in trimming yourself or prefer professional results, seek help from local groomers for an expert cut! Keep a Broom and Dustpan Nearby Taking care of your cat's litter tracking is way easier when you have the right tools on hand. To stay on top of tracking, keep a broom and dustpan nearby so that cleaning up only takes a couple seconds. Some high-end litter boxes—like our Cove Modern Litter Box—even come with built-in cleaning tools to make sweeping up effortless. If you have a carpeted floor, opt for a small vacuum instead to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Low-Tracking Litter Box Build quality — A good litter box should be sturdy and made from durable materials. Size — From a cat's perspective, the bigger their litter box, the better. A good litter box should be as long as your cat from nose to tail and provide enough room for them to easily turn around. High sides — Any litter box that reduces tracking should have high sides to catch litter scatter. Cat-friendly design — This includes ventilation, visibility, and how accessible the litter box entryway is. Ease of cleaning — how easy it is to scoop, change the litter, and clean residue out for the box. Style — Cats don't care much about aesthetics, but it sure is nice for cat parents! We love a litter box that does its job well and is easy on the eyes. Price point Deep Dive: The 5 Best Litter Boxes for Preventing Tracking 1) tuft + paw Cove Litter Box Price: $149-$199Rating: 4.8/5 with 445 reviews Size: 26L x 16W x 6.5H (+8 with scatter shield)Materials: Double-walled thick matte plastic, rubber base Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own litter box here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other litter boxes on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other litter box on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents. The tuft + paw Cove Litter Box is our pick for the best litter box to prevent tracking. It checks all the boxes, from its large size to top notch build quality. The translucent scatter shield keeps mess inside the box, whether your cat is an energetic digger or has…shall we say, high aim. The scatter shield is also removable and has a cut-out corner, so elderly cats will have no trouble entering. The cherry on top is the integrated scoop, brush, and dustpan, so your cleaning tools are always on hand. Cat parents with an eye for design will also love the simple, understated style of the Cove—no need to hide it away in a closet! The only real drawback is the price, which we understand is out of budget for some. Tip: pair the Cove with a low-dust pellet litter (like our Really Great Cat Litter) for an unstoppable one-two punch for preventing litter tracking. Pros Cons excellent build quality durable materials large size easy to clean accessible entry well-ventilated good visibility stylish design scoop, dustpan, and brush included pricey Honorable Mention: tuft + paw Cubby Litter Box Price: $69Rating: N/ASize: 21.2L x 15.2W x 6H (+8 with scatter shield)Materials: thick matte anti-stick plastic As an honorable mention for best low tracking litter boxes, we have to shoutout the Cubby. This modern litter box shares many of the Cove's strengths, including its removable scatter shield, anti-stick basin, and modern design. We removed the included cleaning tools and double-walled construction to make this litter box significantly more affordable, albeit less deluxe, than the Cove. In terms of reducing litter tracking though, it's every bit the Cove's equal. Note: While not included with the Cubby, the litter scoop and/or full cleaning tool set are available on their own if needed. 2) MEEXPAWS XL Stainless Steel Litter Box Credit: Price: $88Rating: 4.3/5 with 450 reviews Size: 23.6L x 15.7W x 5.9H (18 tall scatter shield)Materials: Stainless steel, plastic The MEEXPAWS Stainless Steel Litter Box is a great choice for those wanting a durable litter box that helps reduce tracking. It comes with all the necessary tools, including a scatter shield, litter mat, and metal scoop—pretty good value! The open design encourages airflow, allowing cats to do their business without odors lingering too long. On the downside, some users have commented that the scatter shield feels flimsy and doesn't always sit flush against the box. Design-wise it's not particularly attractive but should still provide good cat litter containment. Overall, this stainless steel option is a good choice for those looking to reduce cat litter tracking at a mid-range price point. Pros Cons durable materials large size easy to clean accessible entry well-ventilated decent visibility scoop & litter mat included comes in multiple sizes flimsy scatter shield pricey clunky design 3) IRIS USA Open Top Litter Tray Credit: Price: $19Rating: 4.3/5 with 27,017 reviewsSize: 19L x 15W x 11.75HMaterials: Plastic This IRIS USA Litter Tray is the most affordable litter box to make our list. It's got all the bare necessities for reducing litter tracking: decently sized pan, attachable scatter shield, and even an included scoop. It has a low entryway for easy accessibility and the open top design allows for good airflow and visibility. Some users found the plastic to be a bit flimsy and prone to cracking, but that's nothing unique for litter boxes at this price point. It's also a slight hassle to clean due to the ridged litter pan. Aesthetically, the design is nothing to phone home about, but this litter box effectively limits tracking and doesn't break the bank. Pros Cons affordable large size accessible entry well-ventilated good visibility scoop included low quality materials ridged pan makes cleaning harder 4) Modkat XL Litter Box Credit: Price: $180Rating: 4.6/5 with 239 reviewsSize: 21L x 16.3W x 17HMaterials: plastic The Modkat XL is a modern and versatile litter box that can be set up as either top entry or front entry. It features high sides to limit scatter, an included scoop, and two reusable nylon liners—one for top-entry, one for front-entry. We also like that it's spacious enough to comfortably fit most cats, though the ventilation and visibility is so-so. The main downside is its $180 price tag, which is certainly more than some cat parents would like to pay. Some reviewers were not impressed with the Modkat XL's durability, as the box's thinner pieces (like the top lip) were prone to breaking. Another annoyance is that liner refills are often sold out. Nonetheless, the Modkat XL successfully reduces litter tracking and is a good option for cat parents willing to splurge on a stylish litter box. Note: Keep in mind that not every cat likes an enclosed litter box. If that sounds like your kitty, the open-topped Cove might be a better modern litter box option. Pros Cons large size top & side entry liner & scoop included clean design pricey some fragile components semi-covered limited visibility 5) Petmate Top Entry Litter Box Credit: Price: $30Rating: 4.5/5 with 17,000 reviewsSize: 20.29L x 15.07W x 15.2HMaterials: plastic The Petmate Top Entry Litter Box is an affordable option that does a great job of limiting tracking. It has a hinged, perforated lid to catch any litter on your cat's paws, and users find it easy to clean. However, it is top-entry only, which is good for cats that pee standing up, but bad for cats with mobility issues. It also has the worst ventilation and visibility on our list, and the lower quality materials hurt its durability. It's big enough for small to medium size cats, but some users found their large cats were cramped when using it. We generally recommend open litter boxes for most cats, but if your cat does require a top-entry litter box, this Petmate number will do the trick and stay within budget. Note: Keep in mind that not every cat likes an enclosed litter box. If that sounds like your kitty, the IRIS USA Open Top Litter Tray is probably a better budget option. Pros Cons affordable easy to clean low quality materials top-entry only semi-covered poor visibility limited ventilation not the cutest design 6) Bonus: tuft + paw Haven Litter Box Enclosure Price: $699Rating: 5/5 with 6 reviewsSize: 32”L x 19”W x 24.5”H. Max litter box size is 21”L x 17”W.Materials: Premium plywood with ash veneer, metal, plastic, rubber Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own litter box enclosure here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other litter box enclosures on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other litter box on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents. We've now covered five of the best low-tracking litter boxes, but we'd be remiss to not include one litter box enclosure. The tuft + paw Haven Litter Box Enclosure is for those who want to hide their litter box in plain sight and reign in litter tracking. As we've already mentioned, not every cat will like an enclosed litter box, but for those who do we made sure the Haven is spacious, well-ventilated, and has decent visibility. It also comes complete with a small litter box, scoop, dustpan, and handheld brush. Of course, the drawback of going this deluxe with a litter setup is the deluxe price tag. We understand not every cat parent wants to invest in a litter box, but for those who want zero compromise on quality, design, and function, the Haven is sure to please. Note: Keep in mind that not every cat likes an enclosed litter box. If that sounds like your kitty, the open-topped Cove is probably a better modern litter box option. Pros Cons excellent build quality durable materials easy to clean accessible entry well-ventilated decent visibility stylish design scoop, dustpan, and brush included pricey covered Conclusion: Your Cat Knows Best And that concludes our list of the best litter boxes to stop tracking! We hope this article gave you some insight into which kinds of litter boxes can help reduce tracking issues and keep messes contained. At the end of the day, you'll only know what type of litter box works best for your cat through observation and a bit of trial and error. Every cat is unique in its preferences, which is why it's so important to pay attention to their behaviors when it comes to choosing a suitable litter box. Once you've found the right match, you'll be amazed how much easier it is to clean up after your kitty. Good luck! Suggested Reading Tofu Litter vs Crystal Cat Litter The 5 Best Natural Cat Litters The 10 Best Cat Scratching Posts Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Cat Litter

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