Choosing the right cat litter box makes a genuine difference to your cat's hygiene, comfort, and behaviour, and to how easy your home is to keep clean. Modern Pets stocks a range of cat litter boxes, trays, enclosed options, and cat litter cabinets to suit different cats, homes, and cleaning preferences, with free metro shipping on orders over $99.
Cats are instinctively clean animals, and litter tray avoidance is one of the most common behavioural issues reported by cat owners in Australia. According to veterinary behaviourists, the majority of cat litter tray problems stem from the wrong size, style, or placement of the tray, not from the cat itself.
The RSPCA recommends that multi-cat households follow the "n+1 rule": one litter tray per cat, plus one extra. A single cat household should have at least one litter box, ideally two, placed in quiet, low-traffic areas of the home.
Getting the litter box right from the start reduces stress for your cat and mess for you.
This is the most common question cat owners ask, and the honest answer is: it depends on your cat.
An enclosed cat litter box (also called covered or hooded litter boxes) offer privacy for the cat and contain mess and odour more effectively. They suit cats that prefer a sheltered, den-like space for toileting. Our enclosed litter box range includes a free scoop and charcoal filter to manage odours. The main consideration is size; the enclosed kitty litter box needs to be large enough for your cat to turn around comfortably inside.
Open cat litter trays are easier to clean, better ventilated, and preferred by cats that dislike confined spaces or have mobility issues. They are also easier to monitor, which is useful for tracking your cat's toilet habits, an important indicator of health.
If you are unsure which your cat will prefer, veterinary guidance generally suggests starting with an open tray and transitioning to an enclosed option if mess or odour becomes an issue.
Size is one of the most important factors in litter tray selection and one of the most commonly underestimated. As a rule of thumb, the ideal litter tray should be 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to base of tail. Many standard-sized trays are too small for adult cats, which contributes to avoidance behaviour.
As a general guide:
Always check the internal dimensions (not just the external footprint) listed on each product page before purchasing.
A cat litter cabinet (also called cat litter box furniture) is a piece of household furniture designed to conceal a standard litter tray inside a decorative cabinet unit. From the outside it looks like a side table, storage unit, or decorative box. Inside, it houses the cat tray discreetly.
Cat litter cabinets are ideal for smaller homes, open-plan living areas, or owners who want the litter box accessible to their cat without it being visible to guests. Modern Pets stocks cat litter house and cabinet designs in neutral tones that complement most interior styles.
Things to consider before buying cat litter box furniture:
Where and how you set up your cat's litter box matters as much as which box you choose. Veterinary guidance consistently identifies poor placement as a leading cause of litter box avoidance.
Placement tips:
Litter depth:
Most cats prefer 5–8cm of litter. Too little and cats will scratch the bottom of the tray; too much can discourage use in some cats.
How often to clean:
Solid waste should be removed at least once daily. The full litter tray should be emptied, washed, and refilled at least once a week for open trays and every one to two weeks for enclosed cat litter boxes with odour filters.
Modern Pets stocks the Moderna range, a leading European pet accessories brand trusted by veterinarians and cat owners across Australia. The range covers:
In the Modern Pets range, we also sell cat litter cabinet and cat litter box furniture, which provide decorative concealment options for living areas. All products come with detailed size specifications, customer reviews, and clear descriptions of cleaning features on each product page.
Note: Veterinary and behavioural guidance on this page is provided for general information only. For persistent litter box avoidance or changes in your cat's toileting behaviour, consult your veterinarian, as these can be indicators of underlying health conditions.
The best cat litter box for an indoor cat depends on your cat's size, temperament, and your home layout. As a starting point, choose a litter tray that is at least 1.5 times your cat's body length, placed in a quiet location away from food and water. Open trays are generally recommended for first-time cat owners or cats new to a home, as they are well-ventilated and easy to monitor. Enclosed cat litter boxes suit cats that prefer privacy and homes where odour containment is a priority. If your cat is avoiding the litter box, size and placement are the first things to review.
Introduce any new kitty litter box gradually. Place it next to the existing tray initially, so your cat can investigate without losing access to their familiar toileting spot. Transfer a small amount of used litter into the new box to carry familiar scent. Once your cat is using the new box reliably, remove the old one. Avoid moving the litter box to a new location at the same time as introducing a new style. Change one variable at a time.
It depends on your cat's preference. Enclosed litter boxes contain mess and odour more effectively and give cats privacy, which some cats strongly prefer. However, some cats dislike confined spaces, and enclosed boxes can trap odour inside if not cleaned frequently enough, which may cause avoidance. Open litter trays are better ventilated, easier to clean, and preferred by cats with mobility issues or those that are easily startled. The best approach is to observe your cat's behaviour and adjust accordingly.
Solid waste should be scooped at least once a day, ideally twice for indoor-only cats. The entire litter tray should be emptied and washed with warm water and mild detergent at least once a week for open trays, and every one to two weeks for enclosed cat litter boxes fitted with odour filters. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as strong scents can deter cats from using the box. Regular cleaning is the single most effective way to prevent litter box avoidance.
A cat litter house is a fully enclosed litter box designed to look like a small house or decorative unit. It conceals the litter tray inside while providing the cat with a private, den-like toileting space. Cat litter house designs typically feature a single-entry hole, removable top or side panels for cleaning access, and a built-in litter tray or space for a separate tray insert. They differ from cat litter cabinets in that they are purpose-built for the cat rather than styled as furniture.
Cat litter cabinets suit most adult cats, but are not ideal for all situations. Kittens under six months may struggle with the entry hole if it is positioned high off the ground. Senior cats or cats with arthritis may find enclosed entry points difficult to navigate. Look for cat litter box furniture with low, wide entry points if this applies to your cat. Always check that the internal tray space meets your cat's size requirements before purchasing.
Many of our enclosed and covered cat litter box models include charcoal filters designed to absorb odours. These filters should be replaced every two to four weeks depending on use. Our open cat litter trays do not include filters, but regular cleaning and a quality clumping litter provide effective odour management for most households.
Free metro shipping applies to orders over $99. Eligibility depends on your delivery postcode and the specific product (some oversized items and signature-required deliveries are excluded). Check the product page or contact our team at 1300 268 060 or customercare@modernpet.com.au to confirm shipping for your area.
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