Litter Box for a Maine Coon Cat

Litter Box for Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon is the largest breed of domestic cat. These cats are really big. In fact, the record for the world’s longest house cat belongs to a Maine Coon who grew to be over four feet long. 

With their size, a regular litter tray is likely going to be too small for a Maine Coon to use. Cats are known to be particular with their litter box and when they have issues with it, they may decide to forego the litter box and take the floor or carpet as an alternative. Before getting into this dirty and stinky trouble, better learn about choosing the right litter box for Maine Coon cats.

Choosing the litter box for Maine Coon cats

When it comes to picking a litter box for Maine Coons, it’s not only the size that matters. Below you can read the criteria to consider.

Size

Litter box size matters if you own a Maine Coon. Generally, most cats need a litter box that is large enough for them to climb into and turn around in. For large cats, huge cat litter boxes will be needed. 

This is what makes finding a litter box for a Maine Coon a bit of a challenge since this type of cat grows up to, and sometimes exceeds the length, of most cat litter boxes available on the market. Male Maine Coons can weigh up to 25 pounds and grow between 18 to 26 inches and females up to about 20 pounds and 16-24 inches long. 

Make sure the litter box you choose for your Maine Coon is large enough for it to move and dig around in it, without having to step out. There should be enough space for the cat to easily avoid any deposits that are still around from earlier visits. A good rule of thumb for choosing the best size for a litter box should be one-and-a-half times the length of your cat from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.

Hood Option

Covered litter boxes have pros and cons which you will have to decide on based on your priorities and of course, your cat’s choice. 

Pros:

  • Help control odors better than open-air litter boxes
  • Reduce dust clouds in the house
  • Reduce litter tracking

Cons:

  • Traps smell and dust from feces and urine
  • Retains moisture and dampness from the urine
  • Restrict movement depending on shape, size, and height

When choosing between a covered and uncovered box, it depends on your cat’s preference. Some cats are comfortable with a hood or cover, others aren’t. If you choose to have a hooded litter box, make sure the opening isn’t small or difficult for a Maine Coon to get to. Be prepared also to switch to uncovered ones when your cat develops asthma or arthritis.

Sides

The height of the edges of the litter box has to be considered also. Take into consideration the age and size of the Maine Coon. Kittens will have a hard time getting in with higher sides. Older cats need lower sides to aid the slowing down and potential joint issues. For young, fully grown to middle-aged cats, higher sides might be necessary for Maine Coots who tend to be messy in the litter box. Otherwise, the height may not really matter.

Recommended Litter Box for Maine Coons

Recommended Litter Box for Maine Coons
Image: istockphoto.com / Nils Jacobi

There are many large litter boxes available for Main Coons. The following are the ones that are most suggested by owners.

1. Nature’s Miracle Litter Box

With its good precautionary feature, the high sides of this litter box will prevent your cat from spilling litter everywhere. Its sides help with high-peeing sprayers but the low front still lets cats throw litter out the front of the box. Its size is considered jumbo, having dimensions of 23x18x11 inches. The surface of the box keeps litter from sticking to help with the cleaning process. It’s also way cheaper than other options, while still being a valuable product. 

2. iPrimio

If you like stainless steel litter boxes, this is a good choice. It has rounded edges with no sharp angles, making it safe for cats. The box is odor-free since steel doesn’t absorb odors like plastic. The XL size measures 23.5×15.5×6 inches – roomy enough for a Maine Coon. It’s also easy to clean because of the nonstick coating. The rubber on the bottom keeps it from sliding all over the place.

3. Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Kitty Litter Pan

For those who wanted a hooded litter box, this litter box is a good option. It’s also large enough for a Maine Coon. Its high back and lid reduces spillover. It has a clear cover that can help your cat feel less trapped and closed-in. Its dimension when assembled is 24.8x20x16.5 inches. The door opening size is 8.2×7.8 inches. The tray and the seal between the top and bottom, although, may not be strong enough for high-peeing cats.

Placement of the Litter Box

Where you put the litter box matters for cats. If you plan to place it in a well-traveled area, you might consider putting a hood or cover on the box. If you’re tucking it under a cabinet or somewhere out of the way, you may opt for open-air boxes.

How many cat litter boxes does a Maine Coon need?

The general rule for the number of litter boxes is to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the house. It’s called the “n+1 rule”. For big cats such as Maine Coons, it is recommended to have at least two litter boxes. It might be a little expensive but will save you from cleaning your carpet or other parts of your house every day.