Today’s guide digs into the best outdoor cat litter boxes. Having an outdoor cat litter box saves you the hassle of having to clean up your yard whilst providing your cat with a safe spot to help themselves as she enjoys the outdoors.
Cats love to spend time outdoors basking in the sun, chasing little birds, and enjoying the serene outdoor views. Outdoors provide the best location for indoor cats to explore, exercise their bodies, and keep their minds active.
When outside, cats will look for a place to relieve themselves. They can choose to do it either in the grass, plants, or in the fresh soil. Although that’s fine, cats are at a threat of being attacked by predators when doing so.
Who Should have an Outdoor Litter Box?
Generally, any pet owner with a cat that spends time indoors and outdoors should have an outdoor litter box. This includes:
- Apartment dwelling pet owners.
- Per owners who have a yard or garden.
- Pet owners with outdoor cat enclosures.
- People who love to have their cats spend time outside.
- Anyone who wants to keep feral cats from using the garden as their litter box.
Why are Outdoor Litter Boxes a Good Idea?
We all agree that a cat litter box isn’t an absolute necessity for a feral cat the way it is for an indoor cat. However, providing your outdoor cat with a quiet and private bathroom sounds like a good idea. Your outdoor cat will enjoy doing his/her business in private just like the indoor felines.
Outdoor cat litter boxes also promote friendly neighborliness. If your neighbors are complaining about your cat doing her business in their flower garden or soiling their front yard, an outdoor litter box will come to your rescue.
No one wants their neighbors calling animal control on them because of the cats eliminating in their garden. Install an outdoor litter box in a strategic location in your compound and let your cat do his business in peace.
Benefits of Having an Outdoor Cat Litter Box
- Keeps your cat comfortable as he/she enjoys the serenity of outdoor views.
- Help keep your outdoor cat enclosure, yard, and walkways clean. When you have an outdoor cat litter box, you can rest easy knowing that your cat won’t go relieving himself anywhere.
- Perfect places for pregnant cats to give birth and raise kittens.
- Predator protection. An outdoor litter box will cover up cat’s claws and protect them from being attacked by predators.
- Multi-purpose application. Some outdoor cat litter boxes double up as beautiful furnishing to your backyard or pavement.
6 Best Outdoor Cat Litter Boxes
The market is flooded with litter boxes dubbed ideal for cats. However, the litter boxes are not created equally and so their applications vary. Outdoor cat litter boxes are specially made to withstand the outdoor elements. Here are some of the top-rated outdoor litter boxes for your felines:
1) Pidan Igloo Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Lid
This modern covered cat litter box is undeniably one of the best outdoor cat litter boxes. Made with outdoor cats in mind, this stylish cat litter looks great when placed outside in the yard. It has a spacious design to fit multiple cats and it fits all cats under 8kgs.
With a patented grated corridor design, this cat litter box provides better litter drainage to prevent litter tracking. Made from the highest quality materials, this item is extremely sturdy and durable.
On top of that, this item is dog-proof to keep dogs away from their ‘finger treats’. It also features an easy scoop design that makes clean-up easy and a half-open design that provides cats with privacy when relieving themselves. You can safely use this cat litter box either indoors or outdoors.
Features
- Easy to clean.
- Premium quality materials.
- Dog proof.
- No tracking.
- Available in different colors.
- Elevated door height for easy access.
- Spacious on the inside.
- Unique and stylish half-open design.
- Ionpure antibacterial technology.
2) Palram Charlie Cat Litter Box Furniture
Palram Charlie Cat Litter Box Furniture is one of the best outdoor cat litter boxes that stood the test of time. It is a bottom-less cat cabinet suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is compatible with most standard cat litter boxes and can hold up to 50kg/110 pounds.
Its roof is made from premium quality, waterproof materials ideal for use in different places inside and outside the house. Suitable for a wide range of pets, this litter box furniture provides a safe and private place for your cat, rabbit, dog, and other smaller animals to relieve themselves.
Other than that, it features built-in air holes for ventilation purposes. Along with the durable construction, the rigid composite material used is urine-proof and doesn’t absorb any unpleasant smells. For your convenience, this litter box furniture features a large magnetic door for easy clean-up and quick and simple assembly.
Features
- Lightweight and easy to move around.
- Durable construction.
- Easy to assemble.
- Easy to clean.
- Ideal for both outdoor and indoor use.
- Urine-proof material.
- Magnetic door latch.
- Unique bottom-free design.
- Weatherproof roof.
- Rust-proof door hinges.
- Compatible with a wide range of cat litter boxes.
- Great for small pets; cats, rabbits, and dogs.
3) Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box
Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box is arguably one of the best outdoor cat litter boxes out there. The litter box offers the best cat litter solution for feral cats and community cats. Made from premium quality materials, this cat litter box is very durable and reasonably affordable.
This outdoor cat litter box is fitted with a charcoal filter to absorb odor and keep your backyard smelling fresh and clean. The steps to the litter box are grooved to clean the cat’s paws and ensure no tracking.
Other than that, the enclosed dome design gives your cat privacy when doing his business and minimizes unwanted litter scattering. For easy clean-up, this cat litter box features an easy-lift handle and non-stick plastic walls.
The large interior space makes it the ideal cat litter box for households with more than one cat or large-sized cat breeds. It is also lightweight and easy to carry around.
Features
- Budget-friendly.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Lightweight and great for travel.
- Easy to clean.
- Step up design that reduces tracking.
- Charcoal filter that absorbs odor.
- Great for multi-pet households and large cat breeds.
- Variety of colors to choose from.
- Curved, non-stick plastic walls provide cat privacy.
4) Amazon Basics 22- Gallon Resin Deck Storage Box
For starters looking for an outdoor cat litter box to keep their gardens clean and fresh-smelling, Amazon Basics 22- Gallon Resin Deck Storage Box is the best choice. The design, size, shape, and features make this storage box suitable for outdoor use.
Made from durable, weather-resistant resin plastic, this deck storage box is completely safe for outdoor storage. The stylish design blends with most gardens, while the extra-large design fits cats of all ages and sizes.
While this storage box serves as a great cat litter box, it doubles up as a casual place to sit as well as a storage place for your gardening supplies. On top of that, it is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth and easy to assemble as well. It is also very lightweight and easy to move around.
Features
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- 100% weatherproof.
- Lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Easy assembly.
- Easy to clean.
- Spacious interior.
- Great for multi-pet households.
- Doubles up as a casual sitting place.
5) New Age Pet ecoFLEX Habitat N’ Home Litter Loo
Modern cat litter solution starts by having the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Habitat N’ Home Litter Loo. This is a perfect litter loo for cats of all sizes and ages making it a top contender among the best outdoor cat litter boxes. Made from high-quality ECOFLEX, this litter loo is durable and ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
The stylish design blends fairly with your garden as well as your home décor. Besides that, the wood it’s made resistant to moisture, cracking as well as splitting. It is also resistant to pet urine, so you can have a clean and fresh-smelling yard.
The set-up process is quick and simple, with no tools needed. On top of that, the lightweight design makes it easy to move around, while the fold-down front door makes clean-up easy. This home litter loo is highly recommended for those with outdoor cats and feral cats as well.
Features
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor cats.
- Durable and weatherproof.
- Available in 4 stylish colors.
- Easy to clean.
- Quick and simple setup.
- Multipurpose application.
- Durable, anti-rot woods which is resistant to warping, cracking, and splitting.
- Lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Odor-free and resistant to urine stains.
- Great for jumbo cats.
6) The Kitty Tube Feral Option with Straw- Outdoor Insulated Cat House
Looking for the best budget kitty litter box? Check out the Kitty Tube Feral Option with straw- Outdoor Insulated Cat House. This outdoor insulated cat house serves as a cat house and a kitty litter as well.
The outdoor cat litter box is made from the highest quality materials to keep the cold out and your cat in. With the new design, this cat house offers 15% thicker and better insulation for extra cat comfort. The same floor is elevated off the ground to keep your cat dry.
What’s more? There is a unique flow-through foam layer to keep your cat bed area moisture-free. All the walls and roof are fully insulated to keep your feral cats warm and safe.
Other than that, the kitty tube is fully weatherproof, to prevent rain and snow from entering. It also has a removable top for easy clean-up and a smooth interior that’s easy to clean as well. For starters, the kitty tube provides maintenance-free shelter for stray cats and a haven for your indoor cat to give birth.
Lastly, as one of the best outdoor cat litter boxes, this insulated cat house also features a unique door design to keep your kitty safe from predators. This outdoor litter box is spacious and can accommodate two cats. It is also ideal for a mama cat and her fur babies.
Features
- The best litter box for feral cats.
- Better drainage system.
- Fully insulated on the wall, floor, and roof.
- Fully weatherproof.
- Elevated floor.
- Removable clear flap door.
- Easy to clean.
- Suitable for up to 2 feral cats.
- A haven for cats to give birth and raise their kittens.
- Predator-proof door.
Related Post:
Best Outdoor Cat Litter Boxes Buying Guide
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Cat Litter Box
Size
Cats are different and so are outdoor litter boxes. Large-sized cat breeds will need larger litter boxes, otherwise, they will feel cramped and end up relieving themselves outside the box or any other part of the garden. If you have multiple pets, make sure that the litter box is large enough to accommodate all your pets.
Height
Along with size, make sure that the outdoor cat litter box is high enough to prevent litter scattering. The cat should be able to enter and exit the box effortlessly. For kittens and senior cats with mobility problems, the litter box should not so tall, with a good balance to enter and exit.
Shape and Type
The best outdoor cat litter boxes come in different types and shapes. The two common types are open and enclosed litter boxes. Open litter boxes must have high walls to prevent litter scatters and urine overspray.
On the other hand, closed litter boxes have a large door for convenient in and out access. Some cats prefer closed litter boxes because of the privacy that they offer.
Quality Construction
The best outdoor cat litter boxes should be made from high-quality materials that won’t crack or break. Litter boxes made from cheap and low-quality materials tend to crack or lose shape after exposure to extreme weather conditions.
Other than that, the litter box should be weatherproof, comfortable, and long-lasting. In addition, the litter box should be scratchproof to withstand clawing. For odor control, the litter box should have a mechanism of absorbing odor, and the material used should be urine resistant.
Cleaning
Look for a litter box that’s easy to clean or self-cleaning. The litter box needs to be easy to scoop and empty the litter. On top of that, it should have a smooth interior that makes cleaning simple.
Avoid litter boxes with ridges, crevices, and divots where cat litter can get stuck and make cleaning tiresome. The best outdoor cat litter boxes should be effortless when it comes to maintenance.
Read: Best Indoor Cat Cages
Which is the Best Location to Put an Outdoor Cat Litter Box?
Finding the best location to place an outdoor cat litter box is important in ensuring its functionality. Try as much as possible to place it in an area away from the house where the cat is likely to pass or relax every time.
If you are to put it inside an outdoor cat enclosure, make sure that it’s at the furthest corner. On the other hand, if it isn’t inside a cat enclosure, put it in an area where it won’t be rained on.
Also, make sure that it is placed in a quiet and safe area. You don’t want your cat to get scared by loud noises when he is relieving himself.
How to Help Cats Find and Use Outdoor Litter Boxes
Training a feral cat to use a litter box isn’t as straightforward as teaching an indoor kitty. That said you shouldn’t be discouraged to get an outdoor cat litter box. Fortunately, there are ways to attract outdoor cats to the outdoor litter boxes. The hack is thinking like a cat. Here are some tips to help cats find and use an outdoor litter box:
- Strategic Positioning–choosing a quiet and hidden area is paramount. A cat will like a noiseless place to do his/her business. Since outdoor cats prefer non-human interactions, it is wise to place the litter box where there is less human traffic.
- Keep off from cat’s food and water–an an outdoor litter box should be placed far away from areas where your cat feeds or drinks. Not such as food and water bowls, even ponds and fountains in your garden.
- Privacy–placing the outdoor cat litter box in a more secluded area like a bush is welcome. The key is that the litter box should as hidden as possible.
- Regular Cleaning–cats love grooming and soiling in a dirt place? A cat will NOT. Make sure you clean the litter box frequently as cats dislike their paws smelly and dirty. Besides, regular cleaning helps keep flies and odors at bay.
- Revamp the Litter Box–Making the outdoor litter box more appealing is a great incentive. You can achieve this by adding natural soil and pet-friendly leaves to the box. Consequently, cats will perceive the box as familiar and hence safe. In no time, they will recognize the litter box as a bathroom and use it. You can also include cat litter attractants to persuade your cat to use the litter box.
Conclusion
Multiple outdoor cat litter boxes exist to meet the needs of different cats. While outdoor cat litter boxes don’t seem necessary to some, it is highly recommended to have one to keep your backyard and pavement clean.
They also provide the best alternative for feral cats that would instead relieve themselves in the yard or on your plants. We highly recommend the above cat outdoor cat litter boxes as they are of top quality and reliable. Which outdoor cat litter box will you try first?