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If your cat kicks litter across the room or pees right over the edge of the box, a high sided litter box is the fix. Taller walls keep litter, spray and accidents inside the box, while an open top keeps the box comfortable for cats who dislike hoods.
We compared the most popular high sided boxes on Amazon by owner ratings, wall height, size, material and price. Our picks include budget plastic boxes and odor resistant stainless steel.
OUR TOP CHOICE

IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box with Scatter Shield, Large
Over 32,000 ratings, a tall scatter shield that keeps litter in, and a price under $20. Rated 4.4 stars from 32,300+ Amazon ratings.
Buy It on Amazon| Product | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box with Scatter Shield, Large | Best overall | 4.4 stars |
| IRIS USA XX-Large High Sided Cat Litter Box with Scatter Shield | Best for big cats | 4.6 stars |
| XL High Sided Stainless Steel Open Top Litter Box | Best stainless steel | 4.6 stars |
| iPrimio XL Stainless Steel Nonstick Litter Box (23.5 x 15.5 in) | Best stainless value | 4.6 stars |
| FUTAM 2-Pack XL Stainless Steel Litter Box with Lid | Best stainless with lid (2 pack) | 4.6 stars |
| Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides | Best budget | 4.3 stars |
| Powools High-Sided Stainless Steel Litter Box | Best compact stainless | 4.4 stars |
How We Chose
We kept boxes with tall sides or a scatter shield and a 4.3 star average or higher, then compared size, entry height, material and price. Stainless steel picks got extra credit for odor resistance, since plastic scratches over time and holds smells. This is research based, not a hands on test.
The Best High Sided Litter Boxes
1. IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box with Scatter Shield, Large: Best Overall
Price when we checked: $18.39 | Rating: 4.4 stars, 32,300+ ratings
The IRIS USA box pairs a deep pan with a snap on scatter shield that raises the walls without enclosing your cat. It keeps kicked litter and high peeing inside, and the low front entry stays easy to step into. The shield can be removed for cleaning.
- Removable scatter shield
- Low entry for easy access
- Deep pan holds plenty of litter
- Over 32,000 ratings
2. IRIS USA XX-Large High Sided Cat Litter Box with Scatter Shield: Best for Big Cats
Price when we checked: $29.97 | Rating: 4.6 stars, 3,900+ ratings
The XX-Large version of the IRIS box gives large cats and multi-cat homes room to turn around. It keeps the same scatter shield design and rates 4.6 stars from nearly 4,000 owners.
- XX-Large footprint
- Tall scatter shield
- Good for multi-cat homes
- 4.6 star average
3. XL High Sided Stainless Steel Open Top Litter Box: Best Stainless Steel
Price when we checked: $59.99 | Rating: 4.6 stars, 4,100+ ratings
Stainless steel will not scratch or absorb urine, so it stays odor free far longer than plastic. This XL high sided open top box rates 4.6 stars from over 4,100 owners and includes a scoop.
- Odor resistant stainless steel
- XL size with high sides
- Open top
- Non-stick, easy to scrub
4. iPrimio XL Stainless Steel Nonstick Litter Box (23.5 x 15.5 in): Best Stainless Value
Price when we checked: $45.99 | Rating: 4.6 stars, 10,000+ ratings
The iPrimio XL is a nonstick stainless pan with more than 10,000 ratings. Its sides are tall enough for most kickers, and it is very easy to clean.
- Nonstick stainless steel
- 23.5 x 15.5 inch XL size
- Over 10,000 ratings
- Will not hold odor
5. FUTAM 2-Pack XL Stainless Steel Litter Box with Lid: Best Stainless With Lid (2 Pack)
Price when we checked: $59.35 | Rating: 4.6 stars, 500+ ratings
This FUTAM 2 pack gives you two XL stainless steel boxes with high sides and lids, which is ideal for the one box per cat plus one rule in multi-cat homes. It rates 4.6 stars from about 500 owners.
- Two XL stainless steel boxes
- High sides plus lids
- Scoop and mat included
- Great for multi-cat homes
6. Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides: Best Budget
Price when we checked: $16.12 | Rating: 4.3 stars, 9,300+ ratings
Amazon Basics makes a large open top box with high sides at a bargain price, scoop included. It is plastic, so replace it once it gets scratched and starts holding odor.
- Large size with high sides
- Open top
- Scoop included
- Very affordable
7. Powools High-Sided Stainless Steel Litter Box: Best Compact Stainless
Price when we checked: $34.99 | Rating: 4.4 stars, 1,200+ ratings
Powools offers a medium high sided stainless box for smaller spaces or smaller cats, with over 1,200 ratings. It brings stainless odor resistance to a smaller footprint.
- High sided stainless steel
- Medium, space saving size
- Odor resistant
- Easy to clean
High Sided Litter Box Buying Guide
Size first
Petfinder recommends a litter box at least 1.5 times your cat’s length. For big cats, start with the XX-Large IRIS box above or the XL stainless options.
Watch the entry height
Tall sides keep litter in, but kittens and senior cats need a low entry. Look for a box with a cut down front or a scatter shield design.
Plastic vs stainless steel
Plastic is cheap and light but scratches and holds odor over time. Stainless steel costs more but lasts for years and stays fresher.
How many boxes?
the ASPCA recommends one box per cat plus one extra. Pair your box with a mat from our list of the best cat litter mats and a low dust litter from our best low dust cat litter guide.
More cat litter guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do high sided litter boxes help with spraying?
Yes. Tall walls keep spray and high peeing inside the box. If spraying is new, check with your vet to rule out a medical issue.
Are high sided litter boxes good for kittens or senior cats?
Choose one with a low front entry, like the IRIS scatter shield boxes, so smaller or older cats can step in easily.
Is stainless steel better than plastic?
Stainless steel resists scratches and odor and lasts much longer. Plastic is cheaper but should be replaced once it scratches.
Should I choose a high sided box or a covered box?
Many cats dislike hoods, which can trap odor. A high sided open box keeps mess in without enclosing your cat.
If you only buy one: the IRIS USA High Sided box with scatter shield. Ready to stop scooping? See our best automatic litter boxes and our Litter-Robot alternatives.
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