What is the Best Litter Box for Senior Cats with Arthritis?
- Molly Weinfurter
- Mar 28
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 29
As cats get older, they may suffer from joint problems like arthritis. While your vet can help you find ways to manage their pain, it’s not something that can magically go away. Instead, you need to find ways to make your feline’s life easier. One option is to find the best litter box for senior cats with arthritis.
A litter box might not seem like a huge issue for an arthritic cat, but many cats struggle to get into certain litter boxes when they’re in pain. So, choosing a litter box that’s easy to access can reduce your furry friend’s joint discomfort.
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What to Look for in the Best Litter Box for Cats with Arthritis
There are tons of different litter box types out there. To help you decide on the best litter box for arthritic cats, keep an eye out for the following features. If the litter box doesn’t have these features, your cat might pee outside the litter box to avoid added joint pain.
Low Entry Point
The litter box should have a low entry point so your cat can simply walk into the box instead of having to jump. Many litter boxes have high sides to keep the litter inside, but having one lower side can make a huge difference.
Large Entrance
The entry point should also be wide enough for your cat to effortlessly enter. If it’s too small, it could be harder for them to access the litter or it could hurt them if it’s a tight squeeze.
Lots of Space
Your cat should have more than enough room to turn around in their litter box. If it’s too small, they could bump into the sides or have trouble moving, both of which could cause added discomfort.
Non-Slip Base
If you have a litter box on a smooth surface, make sure it has a non-slip base. Otherwise, the box might slide around while your cat is inside it, making it harder for them to move around and do their business. If it doesn’t have a non-slip base, put a high-traction mat underneath it to keep it in place.
Best Litter Box for Senior Cats with Arthritis
Check out these litter boxes for cats with arthritis if you have a feline suffering from joint pain. Every litter box is unique, so find one that has features that fit your needs.
This is a simple litter box design with one low entrance, making it easy for cats of all sizes and health conditions to get in and out. It has enough space for most cats to easily walk around, making going to the bathroom seamless for them. It comes in several sizes and colors so you can find one that looks great while also fitting your cat’s needs. The bottom of this litter box might slide on some surfaces, so it works best with a mat underneath.
This unique litter box works similarly to a collapsible dog bowl. It can collapse fully to create a short litter box or it can collapse on one side to make a lower entry point. This feature makes it easy for arthritic cats to use it, and the material is soft to ensure they don’t get hurt if they bump into it. While the material doesn’t slide easily, it can come with a textured mat to ensure it stays in place. The only downside is that the litter box has some crevices that pee can get into when folded down.
This is another standard, spacious litter box with a low entry point on one side. There’s a smaller size if needed, and there are nine color options. It’s lightweight with handles, making it easy to transport and clean, no matter what type of litter you use. It doesn’t seem to have a particularly high-traction base, so it’ll likely work best with a mat underneath.
If your cat kicks a lot of litter around when doing their business, the short sides of standard litter boxes might not be ideal. This large cat litter box has tall sides to prevent litter from falling out. One side has a lower opening, allowing arthritic cats to easily access the litter box without issues. Plus, it has silicone spots on the corners of the base to prevent the litter box from sliding. It’s one of the best litter boxes for cats with arthritis, especially if you’re looking for a higher-end product.
Here’s another higher-end litter box that can work great for cats with arthritis. It has a step outside the litter box that catches litter from your cat’s paws, but it also helps your cat gradually get into the box instead of having to jump. The inside of the litter box is spacious with high walls to ensure litter doesn’t spill out the sides. It even comes with an attached litter scoop. It’s a great product for keeping your cat comfortable and their litter box area clean.
This cat litter box has high edges on three of the four sides, and then the fourth side gradually slopes lower to provide easy access for arthritic cats. So, it’s convenient to step inside while also preventing litter from getting everywhere. The durable plastic is made from 50% recycled materials. It comes in two large sizes that both provide ample room for your pet to move around.
This is a great litter box for senior cats with arthritis because it has lots of space inside. The sides of the litter box are very high except for one side, which is only a small step into the box. It provides privacy for your cat, keeping them comfortable while also preventing messes. It even comes with a mat and litter scoop to make cleaning as seamless as possible.
For some pet parents, having disposable litter boxes is more convenient for cleaning, especially if you’re traveling with your furry friend. These litter boxes are made from recycled cardboard pulp, which is biodegradable and decomposes after 90 days in soil. They have low sides with an even lower entrance on one side, allowing arthritic cats to easily get in and out. While these boxes are smaller than most traditional litter boxes, they’re spacious and eco-friendly compared to other disposable options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Know if Your Cat Has Arthritis?
Some cat arthritis symptoms include difficulties going up stairs, limping, stiffness, irritability, reduced activity, hiding more, or difficulties using the litter box. If you suspect your cat might have arthritis, visit your vet to be sure. They can also help you determine the best course of action.
Can Cat Arthritis Be Cured?
Once cat arthritis develops, it can’t be reversed. However, it can be managed with medications, supplements, physical therapy, special litter boxes, and weight management. Your vet can help you choose the methods that will work best for your cat’s specific needs.
At What Age Do Cats Get Arthritis?
Cats can get arthritis at any age, but it’s most common in cats 10 years or older. To reduce the risk of arthritis, help your cat maintain a healthy weight, ensure they get regular exercise, and offer supplements with your vet’s approval.
How Many Litter Boxes Do Cats Need?
It’s good to have at least one litter box per cat plus one extra. This ensures your cat always has somewhere to do their business, and it reduces aggressive behaviors and accidents in multi-cat households.
Get the Best Litter Box for Arthritic Cats
The best litter box for senior cats with arthritis should take your cat’s unique needs into account. It should have a low entrance point so they don’t have to jump in and lots of space so they can move around without pain.Â
Any of the litter boxes listed above could be great for felines with joint problems, but there are so many other options out there too. Feel free to explore as many litter boxes for cats with arthritis as possible so you can find the perfect one for your cat and household.