Do Maine Coon Cats Use A Litter Box?

Yes, Maine Coon cats do use a litter box as long as it is clean, spacious, and large enough to accommodate their big body size. The factors that you should consider in selecting the best litter box for Maine Coon cats are the size, type, and placement of the box. 

Do Maine Coon cats use a litter box?

Maine Coon cats are considered the largest among the cat breeds and North America’s oldest natural breed. They are popularly called “gentle giants” because they are affectionate, sociable, and playful.  Males can weigh up to 8.2 kg. and grow up to 26 inches long while females weigh up to 5.4 kg. and may grow up to 24 inches long. These massive felines can live for up to 17 years if cared for well and provided with the right nutrition. 

Because of its big size, this cat breed requires a spacious and comfortable litter box.  Maine Coon cats do use a litter box, just like with other cat breeds, as long as it is clean, spacious, and wide enough to accommodate their large size. These good-natured felines are easily trained to use the litter box just as it is with other breeds. 

Factors to consider in choosing a litter box for your Maine Coon cat

These are the factors that you need to consider when it comes to choosing a litter box for a Maine Coon cat:

1. Size of your cat 

Since  Maine Coon cats are known for their massive size, it also follows that their litter box should be able to accommodate their body size comfortably. Pam Johnson-Bennett, a best-selling author and cat behaviorist states that a suitable litter box should be one-and-a-half times the length of a cat starting from the tip of its nose to the base of the tail.

2. Type of litter box

Most cat owners will prefer the covered type of litter box for their cats as it can conceal the contents and smell although the uncovered ones are also amenable to use. The rectangular and plastic-type of the litter box is a popular option among pet owners and even cats tend to favor it, too. 

Here are the common types of litter boxes for your Maine Coon cat:

Tray-style litter box with lid 

A tray-style is also a good option for your cat but it should be large enough so that your gentle giant would fit in comfortably while using it. This type is the best one when it comes to odor control and providing privacy and seclusion. 

Self-cleaning litter box 

This type is the best option especially if you are a busy pet parent. It uses washable granules and sifts waste from the litter and stores it in a disposable plastic container. It usually comes with a disposable tray, however, some cats need some time before they get used to it because it emits a particular noise.  

Tray-style litter box without the lid 

This open-plan box is ideal for this breed since most covered ones are not tall enough for them. It also allows your cat to have a 360 vision while they pee or poop since they tend to be vulnerable as dictated by instincts. It is also easy to clean, however, the odor is more noticeable. 

3. Placement of the litter box 

Where you want to place your cat’s litter box is also a factor to consider. Ideally, it should be in an isolated and quiet area of your home where your cat can pee or poop in peace. If you plan to put it in an area such as the bathroom, you may have to consider using the covered type and if it is in a place that is secluded such as under a cabinet then a litter box without a lid may be an option. 

Best litter boxes for Maine Coon cats

Here is our list of the best litter boxes for your Maine Coon cat:

1. Nature’s Miracle High-sided Litter Box 

Item weight: 0.79 kg.  

Item dimensions: 23.4 in. L x 18.25 in. W x 11 in. H 

This wide litter box has a traditional shape and has high sides to prevent litter spills, a non-stick surface, and an easy-to-clean spout. It also provides antimicrobial protection to avoid the build-up of stains and odors. A convenient feature of this litter box is a built-in handle which makes it easy to move and clean. 

2. iPrimio Ultimate Stainless Steel Cat XL Litter Box 

Item weight: 4.3 pounds 

Item dimensions: 23.5 x 15.5 x 6 inches 

This stainless steel litter box is easy to clean, does not absorb any odor, and is stain and rust-proof.  Its wide and rounded edges and dull sides make it a safe choice for cats. Your Maine Coon cat will love this open-style and spacious box as it has ample space for your cat to move around. Most of all, it has rubber feet to prevent slipping and sliding while protecting your floor. 

3. PetMate Giant Litter Pan 

Item weight: 4.8 pounds 

Item dimensions: 34.7 x 19.8 x 10 inches 

This open-top litter box has lots of space for your cat and has side storage to hold bags, scoops, and litter liners. It can hope up to 30 pounds of litter, has a wide base, and has high walls to keep the litter contained. It has antimicrobial protection to avoid odor-causing bacteria. Your kitty will adore this litter pan because it is wide enough to fit a large-sized cat. 

Fun facts about Maine Coon cats 

Here are some fun facts you may be interested to know about Maine Coon cats:

• They come in other colors aside from brown and this includes smoke, cream, cameo, tortoiseshell, and  mackerel 
• A Maine Coon, Stewie, held the Guinness Record for the world’s longest domestic cat. She measured 48.5 inches. 
• A half-Maine Coon cat, Corduroy, holds the current Guinness record for the world’s oldest cat. 
• Maine Coon cats love water maybe because of their moisture-repellent coats. 
• Some of them have six toes due to genetic mutation.

Conclusion

Maine Coon cats are gentle giants and popular because they are sociable, affectionate, and make good pets. They can be trained to do some tricks, and are loyal to their owners, and they will willingly use a litter box as long as it is clean and spacious enough to accommodate its massive size. Cat experts recommend that you should provide extra litter boxes for your cat and place it in convenient and secluded nooks at home.