Which Litter Box Should I Buy for My Large Cat? The XXL Guide

If you're reading this, you probably know the problem all too well, your majestic tomcat tries desperately to squeeze himself into his litter box. He turns, bumps his head against the hood, his tail hangs outside, and in the end, the business lands halfway on the rim or worse, directly on the bathroom rug.

Which litter box should I buy for my large cat? Are there even models that are big enough? The answer is yes, but you have to look for them. Standard boxes in pet stores are often designed for kittens or petite cats up to 4 kg (9 lbs). For a Maine Coon, a Norwegian Forest Cat, or simply a large house cat, these "prison cells" are an imposition.

Measuring the Cat: How Big Is "Big"?

Before you spend money, forget labels like "Large" or "Jumbo" on the packaging. These are not standardized. The only measurement that counts is your cat.

The Golden Rule: The litter box must be at least 1.5 times as long as your cat (measured from the nose to the base of the tail).

Measurement Checklist:

Length: Measure nose to butt (exclude tail). Multiply by 1.5.
Width: Needs to be at least as wide as your cat is long so they can turn.
Height: Look for high sides (10-12 inches) if they stand to pee.

Calculation Example:

Cat Body Length: 24 inches (60 cm)
Required Box Length: min. 36 inches (90 cm)

You will notice: Many "XXL" boxes in stores stop at 24 or 28 inches. That is often not enough.

Option 1: The Best Commercial XXL Models

There are some manufacturers who have recognized the problem. If you are looking for a ready-made, aesthetic solution, look for these features:

Open XXL Trays with High Sides

For large cats, open trays are often better than hooded boxes because they are not restricted by a "roof" in height or width.

✅ Freedom: Head and tail can hang over the edge freely.
✅ Visibility: No feeling of being trapped.
⚠️ Important: Ensure high rims (High-Sided) to keep the litter inside during vigorous digging.

Jumbo Hooded Boxes

If it absolutely has to be a hood (e.g., due to smell or location), then it must be a true "Jumbo" model.

Entrance: Must be huge. A Maine Coon does not like squeezing through a tiny flap.
Tip: Always remove the swinging door! This gives your cat at least a few inches more space for their tail.

Size Comparison:

Criterion	Standard Box	XXL Box (Recommended)
Length	approx. 20 in	28 in and up
Width	approx. 14 in	20 in and up
Entry	Often tight	Spacious / Open

Option 2: The "Hardware Store Hack" (The Best Solution for Giants)

If even the largest pet store boxes are too small (or too expensive), I have the ultimate tip for you that breeders of large races have been using for a long time.

Go to the hardware store!

Repurpose large storage boxes or mortar tubs. These are often the only containers that really offer enough space.

Your Shopping List:

🛒 Mortar Tub: Rectangular, black, extremely robust, huge volume. Cheap ($10-$15) and indestructible.
🛒 Storage Tote (e.g., Rubbermaid/IKEA): Transparent boxes with high walls are ideal for "stand-up pee-ers."

Step-by-Step Guide (5 Minutes):

Mark: Draw an entry hole on one short side (approx. 6-8 inches wide). Adjust height for older cats!
Cut: Use a jigsaw or a heated box cutter to cut out the entry.
Sand: Sand the cut edges with sandpaper so they are smooth and safe.
Done: You now have a luxury palace for a fraction of the cost.

Conclusion: Space Is the True Luxury

The answer to "which litter box for large cats" is rarely a chic designer piece. Your cat doesn't care about colors or shapes. They want to be able to turn around without bumping into things.

Summary: