The 5 Best Sifting Cat Litter Boxes

Cat Litter June 21, 2021
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The 5 Best Sifting Cat Litter Boxes

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No one likes scooping the litter box, but it is a necessary task for cat owners. Or is it?

With a sifting cat litter box, you can take some of the work out of scooping the litter box. You’ll still need to scoop clumps on a regular basis and replace dirty litter as needed but switching to a sifting litter box design can make the task of keeping your litter box clean a little easier.

Compare Best Sifting Cat Litter Boxes

Overall Best
Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System

1. Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System

Best Affordable
Arm & Hammer Sifting Cat Litter Pan

2. Arm & Hammer Sifting Cat Litter Pan

Best Self-Cleaning Sifting Cat Litter Box
Omega Paw Elite Self Cleaning Litter Box

3. Omega Paw Elite Self Cleaning Litter Box

Best High-Sided Sifting Cat Litter Box
Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan with Frame

4. Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan with Frame

Best For Large Cats
Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Cat Litter Pan

5. Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Cat Litter Pan

Size
20.5 x 15.8 x 10.1 inches
Size
18.88 x 15.21 x 7.86 inches
Size
 18.5 x 21.5 x 20 inches
Size
 19 x 15.38 x 8 inches
Size
 21.5 x 17.5 x 19 inches
Weight
10.8 lbs
Weight
2.7 Ibs
Weight
6.5 lbs
Weight
3.25 lbs
Weight
5.2 Ibs
Durability
High
Durability
Mid-High
Durability
Low-Mid
Durability
High
Durability
High

Keep reading to learn more about what a sifting cat litter box is and how to choose the best one for your cat. You’ll also see our top 5 picks for the best sifting cat litter box.

What Is A Sifting Cat Litter Box?

A sifting cat litter box is exactly what it sounds like – a litter box that incorporates a sifting tray. There are several different designs for sifting cat litter boxes, but they are all designed to make the task of scooping the litter box a little easier. Most litter boxes incorporate a sifting tray, a base, and a frame.

When it’s time to scoop the litter box, you simply lift the sifting tray and the top frame, allowing clean litter to fall through into the base so you can throw away the clumps.

Sifting litter boxes come with and without hoods, and they are available in a variety of different sizes. There are also self-cleaning sifting litter boxes, disposable trays, and plenty of other features to consider.

While keeping these things in mind, you can now start shopping around for the best sifting cat litter box. Here’s what you need to know:

How To Choose The Best Sifting Cat Litter Box?

Sifting cat litter boxes come in all shapes and sizes, so you have plenty of options to choose from. When selecting a sifting litter tray, you must consider your cat’s size and litter box preferences in addition to thinking about practical features. Some cats are picky, so you might not get it right the first time but taking the time to learn about the different options will improve your chances for success.

Here are some things to look for in a sifting cat litter box:

  • Size – Generally speaking, sifting litter boxes are a little larger than the average litter box because they consist of multiple trays. You’ll need to take your cat’s size into account as well as the amount of space you have available for the litter box.
  • Hood – Some cats prefer hooded litter boxes because they provide an added degree of privacy. Keep in mind that hooded litter boxes can sometimes trap odors, however.
  • Odor Control – Odor is always going to be a problem for litter boxes, but some sifting litter boxes have features like filters to keep the litter box smelling fresh.
  • Cleaning – There is no point in buying a sifting litter box if it is difficult to use. Choose a litter box that is easy to clean and maintain so you can really take advantage of the sifting feature.

By considering these factors, you can find the best sifting cat litter box to make cleaning the litter box quick and easy. Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best sifting cat litter box.

When shopping for a sifting litter box, there are many factors to consider such as size, design, and odor control. You may also want to think about things such as price, height, and extra features. To help you get started with your search, we’ve compiled our top five favorites. Here are our top 5 picks for the best sifting cat litter box that you should consider:

Overall Best
1.

Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System

Product Info

  • Size: 20.5 x 15.8 x 10.1 inches
  • Weight: 10.8 lbs
  • Durability: High
Pros
  • Comes with everything you need to get started
  • Dehydrates solid waste and collects liquid waste in a tray
  • 9% dust-free and low tracking pellets
Cons
  • Requires special litter pellets rather than commercial litter
  • Somewhat pricey startup cost and to keep buying pellets
If you’re looking for a comprehensive sifting litter box system, try the Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System.

This system features an all-in-one litter box that contains everything you need to get started. Used in conjunction with litter pellets, this system dehydrates solid waste and allows liquid waste to soak through into a collection tray.

To remove solid waste, you can scoop by hand or use the sifting tray.
Best Affordable
2.

Arm & Hammer Sifting Cat Litter Pan

Product Info

  • Size: 18.88 x 15.21 x 7.86 inches
  • Weight: 2.7 Ibs
  • Durability: Mid-High
Pros
  • Three-piece system is easy to use and clean
  • Durable, reinforced design stands up to heavy litter
  • Antimicrobial protection against bacteria and odor
Cons
  • May be too small for very large cats
  • Some cats may be able to kick litter outside the box
For the convenience of a sifting litter box without a high price tag, try this PetMate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan. This litter tray features a simple three-part design consisting of a high-sided sifting pan, a deep base, and an extra tray.

To scoop the box, simply lifting the sifting pan and throw away the clumps then place the sifting pan in the extra tray.

Not only is this litter box easy to use, but it features an antimicrobial coating to control bacteria and odor, plus it is highly affordable.
Best Self-Cleaning Sifting Cat Litter Box
3.

Omega Paw Elite Self Cleaning Litter Box

Product Info

  • Size:  18.5 x 21.5 x 20 inches
  • Weight: 6.5 lbs
  • Durability: Low-Mid
Pros
  • Easy-to-use design sifts litter and collects solid waste in a reusable tray
  • Can be used with your choice of clumping or non-clumping litter
  • Hooded design offers the ultimate degree of privacy for shy cats
Cons
  • More expensive than most sifting litter boxes
  • May take some time to get the hang of using it
If you like the idea of a sifting litter box, but you don’t want to deal with the work, a self-cleaning litter box like this Omega Paw Elite Self-Cleaning Roll n’ Clean Litter Box may be the way to go.

This litter box features a deep base and hood for maximum privacy and contains a built-in sifter that catches clumps while allowing clean litter to fall back into the pan.

To use the sifting feature, simply rock the litter box to the side so the clumps can be collected in the tray.
Best High-Sided Sifting Cat Litter Box
4.

Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan with Frame

Product Info

  • Size:  19 x 15.38 x 8 inches
  • Weight: 3.25 lbs
  • Durability: High
Pros
  • Three-piece design makes scooping the box easy
  • Affordable price and easy-to-use design
  • High sides help contain litter for enthusiastic diggers
Cons
  • Plastic materials could be more durable
  • Wet litter may stick to the pan if not cleaned often
If your cat is very enthusiastic about kicking litter around, you might need a high-sided sifting litter box like this Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan with Frame. This sifting litter box is affordably priced with a simple design that is very easy to use. Simply lift the sifting pan to collect clumps, throw them away, then place the pan in the clean base and refill with litter.
Best For Large Cats
5.

Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Cat Litter Pan

Product Info

  • Size:  21.5 x 17.5 x 19 inches
  • Weight: 5.2 Ibs
  • Durability: High
Pros
  • Hooded design offers the ultimate degree of privacy
  • Comes with a replaceable air filter for odor control
  • Sized specifically for larger cats
Cons
  • Some assembly required, can take time to get the hang of it
  • Wet litter may stick to the sifting pan
If you have a very large cat, you might need a bigger sifting litter box like the Van Ness Extra Giant Sifting Enclosed Litter Pan.

Not only is this pan sized for larger cats, but it features a hooded design for privacy. This sifting pan offers excellent odor control with a replaceable air filter, and it is stain-resistant.

To use the sifting feature, simply remove the lid and lift the sifting pan then throw away the clumps. From there, place the sifter in the extra pan and reassemble the litter box.

How Much Cat Litter Should You Use?

The amount of cat litter you use depends on your cat’s preferences and the type of sifting litter box you’re using.

Generally speaking, 2 to 3 inches is the recommended amount of litter for a litter box because it provides enough depth for your cat to dig without going overboard.

For sifting litter boxes, however, you might need a bit more to cover the sifting bottom. You’ll also need to refill the litter box after sifting to keep the litter at the right depth.

How Often Should You Scoop The Litter Box?

The more often you scoop your cat’s litter box, the better – especially if you have more than one cat.

It’s a good idea to scoop clumps on a daily basis and to replace wet litter at least once a week. With a sifting litter box, the act of actually removing clumps becomes much easier so it shouldn’t be a big hassle to do it every day.

Of course, it makes more sense to use the sifting option when the litter box contains many clumps versus just one or two, so you’ll need to use your discretion.

Final Remarks

If you’re tired of scooping clumps by hand, a sifting litter box might not be a bad idea. These litter boxes help take some of the hassle and headache out of cleaning the litter box, and they are particularly beneficial for multi-cat households. If you’re thinking about switching to a sifting litter box, try one of our top 5 picks reviewed above.

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Kate Barrington holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and is the published author of several self-help books and nutrition guides. Also an avid dog lover and adoring owner of three cats, Kate’s love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. Kate is also a blogger for a number of organic and natural food companies as well as a columnist for several pet magazines.
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