In this guide
In a studio or small apartment, the litter box is hard to hide — and tempting to shrink. But a box that’s too small, or tucked somewhere your cat dislikes, is one of the most common reasons cats stop using it. The good news: you can save space around the box without shortchanging your cat.
Quick answer: keep the box in a quiet, always-accessible spot away from food and water. For most cats, an open box with high sides like the IRIS USA High Sided Large (19 x 15 x 11.75 in) is the safest choice. If scatter or a dog is the problem and your cat is a healthy adult, the IRIS USA Large Top Entry contains litter well — but it isn’t for kittens or seniors.
Where to put it#
Based on International Cat Care guidance:
- Quiet and private, away from busy walkways, the front door and floor-length windows.
- Away from food and water. Cats don’t like to eliminate near where they eat.
- Away from sudden noise: washing machines, dryers, and busy doors.
- Always accessible. If it’s in a bathroom or closet, the door must stay open.
In multi-cat homes, the rule is still one box per cat, plus one, in different spots.
Open, high-sided or top entry?#
There’s no single answer. International Cat Care says some cats like the security of a covered box while others prefer an open one, with escape routes and more room to dig — if in doubt, offer both and see which your cat picks. Cornell notes that most cats prefer uncovered boxes.
- Open: easiest to step into and to monitor.
- High-sided open: keeps scatter and spraying inside with no lid, a good compromise for small spaces.
- Top entry: reduces scatter and keeps dogs out, but the cat has to jump in and out — not suitable for kittens, older cats or cats with joint problems. Like any covered box, it traps odors inside, so scoop often.
Size still matters: International Cat Care recommends a box at least 1.5 times your cat’s length, from nose to the base of the tail.
The boxes we picked#
Quick comparison (data from the listings cited below, checked Oct 19, 2026):
| Box | Size (L x W x H) | Type | Fits a cat up to* | Rating at check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRIS USA High Sided, Large | 19 x 15 x 11.75 in | Open, high sides | ≈12.5 in | 4.4 (32,371) |
| IRIS USA Large Top Entry | 20.75 x 16.125 x 14.625 in | Top entry, 9 x 10.5 in opening | ≈14 in | 4.6 (34,038) |
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*Body length from nose to base of the tail, using the 1.5x rule on the outer length. The usable interior is slightly smaller.
Best for most cats
IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Large
Who it’s for: most adult cats, including those who dislike covered boxes.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- 19 x 15 x 11.75 in, open top with tall scatter-shield walls.
- Open design makes it easy to see when it’s time to scoop and to monitor your cat’s habits.
- Includes a scoop. 4.4 out of 5 from 32,371 ratings at the time we checked.
Heads-up: at 19 in long, this box fits a cat of about 12.5 in nose-to-tail-base under the 1.5x rule. For bigger cats, see our guide to a litter box for large cats.
Check current price on Amazon Specs at the source
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Best for scatter
IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box
Who it’s for: healthy adult cats that kick litter, and homes with dogs.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- 20.75 x 16.125 x 14.625 in; top opening 9 x 10.5 in.
- Grooved lid catches litter from the paws; scoop with a hook to hang on the side.
- 4.6 out of 5 from 34,038 ratings at the time we checked.
Heads-up: not suitable for kittens, older cats or cats with mobility issues. Covered boxes concentrate odor inside, so scoop at least daily.
Check current price on Amazon Specs at the source
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Small-space tips#
- Litter mat at the exit to catch tracked litter.
- Unscented clumping litter scooped daily controls odor better than perfume — see the best cat litter for odor control.
- Thinking about automation? Read is a self-cleaning litter box worth it first.
Bottom line#
In a small apartment, save space on furniture, not on the litter box. A quiet, accessible spot, an open high-sided box like the IRIS USA High Sided Large, and daily scooping work for most cats. Choose the top entry only for agile adult cats when scatter or a dog is the real problem.
Frequently asked questions
Where should the litter box go in a small apartment?
Somewhere quiet and easy to reach, away from food and water and from noisy appliances like the washing machine. International Cat Care notes that cats tend to avoid boxes near busy walkways, doors to the outside or floor-length windows.
Is a top-entry litter box a good idea?
It can reduce scatter and keep dogs out, but it isn't suited to kittens, older cats or cats with joint problems, who need an easy step-in entry. Covered boxes also keep odors inside, so they need frequent scooping.
Can I put the litter box in the bathroom?
Yes, if your cat always has access, the room is quiet when the cat wants to use it, and the box isn't next to anything that suddenly makes noise.
How small can a litter box be?
Don't go below what your cat needs: International Cat Care recommends at least 1.5 times the cat's length, from nose to the base of the tail. Save space elsewhere, not on the box.
Sources
- International Cat Care — Choosing a litter tray for your cat
- International Cat Care — Making your home cat friendly
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling
- ASPCA — Litter Box Problems
- Amazon.com — IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box (ASIN B01MRV5YNO)
- Amazon.com — IRIS USA High Sided Cat Litter Box, Large (ASIN B07MTFPXZ4)
Links open in a new tab. Specs, availability and prices can change after publication — always check the product page before you buy.