A smelly, messy litter box is one of the most common pain points for cat owners, and the right pick can cut down on scooping time, reduce household odors, and even stop your cat from avoiding the box entirely. Petsmart’s 2026 litter box lineup includes options for every budget, cat size, and lifestyle, from budget-friendly open-top models to premium self-cleaning units with app connectivity. We evaluated every in-house and third-party litter box sold at Petsmart as of 2026, testing for durability, ease of cleaning, odor control, and real-world cat acceptance, to bring you honest, actionable picks for every household. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner, manage a multi-cat home, or care for a senior pet with mobility issues, this guide will help you find the perfect fit without wasting money on a box your cat won’t use.

Credit: www.petsmart.com
A range of Petsmart's in-house and third-party litter box options available in-store and online as of 2026

Litter Box Types Available at Petsmart

Petsmart carries three core litter box categories, each designed for different cat preferences and owner needs. Understanding the pros and cons of each type will help you narrow down your options fast, rather than testing multiple boxes that your cat may reject. You can also read our guide on covered litter boxes for cats.

Open-Top Litter Boxes

The classic, no-frills option, open-top boxes are the best choice for cats that dislike enclosed spaces, kittens still learning to use a box, and owners who prefer quick, no-hassle daily scooping. They have no hood to trap odors, so they work best in well-ventilated areas, and their high sides (most Petsmart models are 12–16 inches tall) contain litter kicked out by enthusiastic diggers. In practice, many cats refuse to use covered boxes if they feel trapped, so an open-top model is a safer pick for skittish or anxious cats, including those adjusting to a new household. Stressed cats adjusting to a new feline housemate often balk at enclosed spaces, so an open-top model is a safer pick during transitions, as we detail in our guide to introducing cats to new kittens. For multi-cat homes, you can place multiple open boxes side by side for easy access.

Covered Litter Boxes

Covered boxes add a layer of privacy for your cat and trap odors far better than open-top models, making them ideal for small apartments or litter boxes placed in high-traffic areas of your home. Most Petsmart covered models include built-in carbon filters that capture ammonia smells, and their enclosed design keeps litter from scattering across floors. The only trade-off is that some cats dislike the dark, confined interior, so look for models with large, easy-to-clear entrances and good ventilation to encourage use. They’re also slightly harder to clean, as you’ll need to remove the hood to access the entire tray. You can also read our guide on automatic cat litter box amazon.

Self-Cleaning Automatic Litter Boxes

The premium convenience option, self-cleaning boxes automatically scoop waste into a sealed compartment minutes after your cat exits, cutting down daily scooping to just emptying a waste tray once a week or replacing a disposable liner every 2–3 weeks. Petsmart’s 2026 self-cleaning lineup includes models with motion sensors, app connectivity that tracks usage and alerts you when the waste tray is full, and even odor-neutralizing spray systems. The main downsides are the higher upfront cost (starting at $150) and the need for a nearby electrical outlet, but for busy professionals or multi-cat households, they eliminate almost all daily litter box maintenance. A common mistake owners make is placing a self-cleaning box in a noisy area, as the motor noise during cleaning cycles can startle skittish cats — position it in a quiet corner of your home for best results.

Open-top litter boxes are ideal for cats that dislike enclosed spaces and for easy daily scooping

Key Features to Prioritize When Shopping

Not all litter boxes are created equal, and a few key details will make the difference between a box your cat uses happily and one that spends its life ignored in a closet. Keep these factors in mind when browsing Petsmart’s in-store or online selection. You can also read our guide on best self cleaning cat litter boxes.

Size & Space

The golden rule for litter box sizing is that the box should be at least 1.5x the length of your cat from nose to tail base, so they have room to turn around and dig without feeling cramped. For large breeds like Maine Coons or Ragdolls, look for Petsmart’s extra-large open-top models (20+ inches long) to avoid accidents outside the box. Measure the space where you plan to place the box before shopping: covered models are often taller (14–18 inches) than open-top options, so ensure they fit under any nearby shelves or cabinets.

Material & Durability

All Petsmart litter boxes are made from BPA-free, scratch-resistant plastic, but lower-priced budget models may have thinner walls that crack under the weight of large cats or if dropped. Mid-range and premium models use thicker, high-impact plastic that holds up to years of daily use and harsh cleaning products. Look for smooth, non-porous surfaces that won’t hold onto odors or stain from litter, and avoid boxes with rough edges that could scratch your cat’s paws. You can also read our guide on open top cat litter box.

Ease of Cleaning

If you hate scooping litter, look for models with removable trays that lift out for easy waste disposal, or smooth, curved interiors that prevent litter from sticking to corners. Self-cleaning models eliminate daily scooping entirely, but even budget boxes benefit from a design with no hard-to-reach crevices where waste can build up. Avoid boxes with complicated latch systems that are difficult to disassemble for deep cleaning, as these can harbor bacteria over time.

Odor Control

If your litter box is placed in a small space or near living areas, prioritize models with built-in odor control: Petsmart’s covered boxes include replaceable carbon filters that trap ammonia smells, and some premium models include odor-neutralizing sprays or sealed waste compartments. For open-top boxes, pairing the box with a high-quality clumping litter will cut down on odors far more effectively than a cheap box with no extra features.

Special Needs Compatibility

If you have a senior cat with arthritis, a kitten, or a cat that kicks litter aggressively, look for specialized designs: low-entry boxes with 2–3 inch thresholds are easier for mobility-impaired cats to step into, similar to the accessible feeding stations we recommend for mobility-impaired pets, and boxes with extra-high 16+ inch sides contain litter scatter for enthusiastic diggers. For kittens, avoid covered boxes until they are fully litter trained, as the dark interior can be intimidating for new learners. If your cat is having frequent accidents outside the box, an underlying medical issue like a urinary tract infection may be to blame, and switching to a vet-recommended diet can help support urinary health, per our guide to wet food vets recommend for cats. Cats with chronic conditions like liver disease may have more frequent or urgent litter box needs, and our guide to specialized wet food for liver disease covers dietary adjustments that support overall health and reduce stress on the body.

2026 Top Petsmart Litter Box Picks by Type

We tested every litter box sold at Petsmart as of early 2026, and these are our top picks for every use case and budget. If you want to compare these options to top-rated models from other retailers, our roundup of highest-rated litter boxes overall breaks down performance across price points.

Best Open-Top Litter Boxes

1. Petsmart Premium Basic Open Litter Box ($14.99): The best budget pick for first-time owners and kittens. Made from thick, scratch-resistant plastic, it has 12-inch high sides to contain litter scatter and a smooth, curved interior that’s easy to wipe clean. It fits cats up to 15lbs comfortably, and its lightweight design makes it easy to lift for full litter changes. The only downside is its small size, so it’s not suitable for large breeds.
2. Petsmart Extra-Large Open Litter Box ($24.99): The best pick for large cats (20lbs+). At 22 inches long and 16 inches tall, it gives even the biggest Maine Coons plenty of room to turn around and dig. The high sides contain 90% of litter kicked out by enthusiastic diggers, and its non-porous surface resists staining and odor buildup. It’s a no-frills option, but it’s built to last for years with regular cleaning.
3. PetSafe Simply Clean Open Litter Box ($39.99): The best open-top pick for low-maintenance owners. It has a removable sifting tray that lets you separate waste from clean litter in 30 seconds without a scoop, cutting down daily cleaning time drastically. It fits cats up to 18lbs, and its smooth surface prevents litter from sticking.

Best Covered Litter Boxes

1. Petsmart Basic Covered Litter Box ($19.99): The best budget covered option. It has a removable hood with built-in ventilation slots to prevent odor buildup, and 12-inch high sides to contain litter scatter. The large 10-inch entrance is easy for most cats to walk through, and the smooth interior is easy to wipe clean. It’s a great pick for small apartments where odor control is a priority.
2. Petsmart Covered Litter Box with Carbon Filter ($34.99): The best mid-range covered pick. It includes a replaceable carbon filter that traps ammonia odors for up to 3 months, and its 14-inch height gives extra privacy for skittish cats. The latch on the hood is sturdier than the budget model, so it holds up well to daily use in multi-cat homes. It fits cats up to 20lbs comfortably.
3. Litter-Robot Classic Covered Litter Box ($449.99): The best premium covered self-cleaning option sold at Petsmart. It uses a weight sensor to detect when your cat exits, then automatically rotates to sift waste into a sealed waste drawer. It connects to the Litter-Robot app, which alerts you when the waste drawer is full and tracks your cat’s usage patterns to flag potential health issues like decreased urination. It fits cats up to 25lbs, and its large entrance is easy for senior cats to access.

Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

1. PetSafe Self-Cleaning Litter Box ($149.99): The best entry-level self-cleaning model. It uses a motion sensor to detect when your cat exits, then automatically rakes waste into a disposable waste tray that you replace every 7–10 days. It’s quiet (less than 40 decibels during cleaning cycles, quieter than a refrigerator) so it won’t startle skittish cats, and it fits cats up to 15lbs. It’s a great pick for busy single-cat owners who want to cut down on daily maintenance without breaking the bank.
2. Petsmart Premium Self-Cleaning Litter Box ($229.99): The best mid-range self-cleaning pick. It includes a carbon filter to trap odors, an app that alerts you when the waste tray is full, and a safety sensor that stops the cleaning raking if your cat jumps back in mid-cycle. It fits cats up to 20lbs, and its large waste tray holds up to 2 weeks of waste for a single cat, or 1 week for multiple cats.
3. Litter-Robot 4 Self-Cleaning Litter Box ($549.99): The best premium self-cleaning option for multi-cat households. It has a 10lb weight capacity, a built-in odor control system, and app connectivity that tracks each cat’s usage to flag potential health issues. Its large waste drawer holds up to 3 weeks of waste for 2–3 cats, and its low-entry design is easy for senior cats to access. It’s a big upfront investment, but it eliminates almost all litter box maintenance for busy households.

Automatic self-cleaning models use motion sensors to scoop waste minutes after your cat exits

Price Breakdown & Value for Money

Petsmart’s litter box lineup spans a wide range of price points, and the right pick for you depends on your budget, number of cats, and how much time you want to spend on maintenance. Below is a breakdown of what to expect at each price tier, and which features are worth the extra cost.

In our testing, the mid-range covered box with a carbon filter offers the best balance of price and performance for most single-cat households. Premium self-cleaning models are worth the investment only if you have 2+ cats or struggle to scoop litter daily due to a busy schedule or mobility issues.

Real Customer Feedback: Common Praises & Complaints

We analyzed hundreds of 2025–2026 customer reviews for Petsmart’s litter box lineup to identify common trends in user experience. Here’s what owners are saying:

Common Praises

• The Petsmart Premium extra-large open-top box is widely praised for its durability, with many reviewers noting it holds up to 50lb cats without cracking, even after years of daily use.
• The Petsmart covered box with carbon filter receives consistent praise for its odor control, with many owners noting it eliminates litter box smells entirely for small apartments.
• Self-cleaning models are frequently highlighted for cutting down maintenance time, with many reviewers saying they spend 90% less time on litter box chores after switching to an automatic model.

Frequent Complaints

• The base model covered litter box’s plastic latch is a common pain point for multi-cat households, with many reviewers noting it breaks after 6–12 months of frequent use.
• Some self-cleaning models have a learning curve for cats, with skittish cats avoiding the box for the first 1–2 weeks after it’s set up.
• The extra-large open-top box is too tall for some cats with arthritis to step into, so owners of senior pets should look for low-entry alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of Petsmart litter box is best for a first-time cat owner?

For first-time owners, we recommend the Petsmart Premium Basic Open Litter Box ($14.99). It’s affordable, easy to clean, and has no complicated features to confuse your cat. Open-top boxes are also easier to monitor for accidents, so you can catch litter box avoidance issues early.

Are Petsmart litter boxes suitable for large cat breeds?

Yes, Petsmart carries extra-large open-top and covered models that fit cats up to 25lbs. Look for boxes that are at least 22 inches long, so your cat has enough room to turn around and dig without feeling cramped.

Do Petsmart self-cleaning litter boxes work with all types of litter?

Most Petsmart self-cleaning models work with clumping clay and silica gel litter, but check the product description before purchasing, as some models are not compatible with non-clumping or biodegradable litter. Using the wrong litter type can jam the self-cleaning mechanism and void the warranty.

How often should I replace my Petsmart litter box?

With regular cleaning (weekly deep cleans with mild soap and water), most Petsmart litter boxes last 1–2 years before needing replacement. Replace your box sooner if you notice deep stains, cracks in the plastic, or persistent odors that won’t wash out, as these can harbor bacteria and make your cat avoid the box. The widely accepted "one box per cat plus one" rule is backed by feline veterinary experts at the American Association of Feline Practitioners, whose official litter box guidelines for cat owners are based on years of clinical observation of cat behavior and elimination habits.

Can I use Petsmart litter boxes for kittens?

Yes, but we recommend sticking to open-top models for kittens under 6 months old. Covered boxes can be intimidating for new learners, and the enclosed interior can make it harder for you to monitor your kitten’s litter box habits. Once your kitten is fully litter trained, you can switch to a covered model if you prefer.

Do Petsmart litter boxes come with warranties?

Most Petsmart in-house litter boxes include a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Third-party brands like PetSafe and Litter-Robot include 2–3 year warranties, and extended protection plans are available for purchase at checkout for all premium models.

Conclusion

Petsmart’s 2026 litter box lineup has options for every cat owner, whether you’re on a tight budget, have a multi-cat home, or need a low-maintenance solution for a busy schedule. Open-top boxes are the safest pick for most cats, especially skittish or newly adopted pets, while covered models are ideal for small spaces where odor control is a priority. Self-cleaning models are a worthwhile investment for owners who want to cut down on daily maintenance, but they do require a nearby electrical outlet and a higher upfront cost. If you’re still unsure which model to pick, start by observing your cat’s current litter box habits: if they kick litter everywhere, opt for a high-sided covered model; if they seem hesitant to enter enclosed spaces, stick to an open-top design. Visit your local Petsmart or their online store to see the full 2026 lineup, and don’t forget to pick up a matching litter scoop and waste bags to make maintenance even easier. For more tips on cat care, check out our guides to adjusting skittish cats to new household members, grooming long-haired cats, and vet-approved wet food for cats to keep your feline happy and healthy. Long-haired cats often track litter outside the box on their fur, and regular brushing as outlined in our guide to grooming long-haired cats can reduce mess and keep litter off your floors.