Published Mar 6, 2022
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Unless you’re willing to shell out a couple hundred bucks for a self-cleaning litter box, you’re going to have to do some scooping as a cat owner.
While scooping might not be a chore you can avoid entirely, you don’t necessarily need to spend time elbows deep in an empty litter box with a scrub brush. Don’t get me wrong – cleaning the litter box is important, but there’s another option: replacing it entirely.
Disposable litter boxes provide a convenient alternative to cleaning the litter box week after week while still providing your cat with a clean, comfortable place to do his business.
In this guide we’ll explore the pros and cons of disposable litter boxes. We’ll talk about the important features to look for when shopping for these litter boxes and introduce you to our top picks.
At a Glance: 5 Best Disposable Litter Boxes To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Kitty Sift Disposable Sifting Litter Box
- Made from 100% recycled cardboard
- Multi-layer sifting system
- Lasts up to 4 weeks for a single cat
Litter One Biodegradable Cat Litter Box Kit
- Includes sifting litter box, litter, and scoop
- Pine pellets help reduce odor and tracking
- High walls help contain litter and urine spray
Kitty Poo Club
- Recyclable cardboard with a cute pattern
- FDA-certified food-grade waterproof coating
- Fold-flat design for travel and disposal
Ten Second Litter Box
- Simple fold-up design with carry handles
- Made from recyclable cardboard materials
- Portable, fold-flat design great for travel
Frisco High-Sided Jumbo Disposable Cat Litter Box
- Made from recycled cardboard materials
- Comes in a two-pack
- High 8-inch sides help contain litter and urine spray
#1 Overall Best: Kitty Sift Disposable Sifting Litter Box
If you’re trying to avoid cleaning AND scooping the litter box, the Kitty Sift disposable sifting litter box set might be the perfect pick.
With its no-scoop patented technology, the Kitty Sift turns a messy, clump-filled litter box into a clean tray in just 30 seconds or less. You simply lift the top tray in the multi-tray stack, allowing clean litter to sift through into the tray below. From there, just toss the clumps and add the tray to the bottom of the stack.
The Kitty Sift system comes with one solid tray, three sifting liners, and a removable shield. It’s made entirely from 100% recycled cardboard in a biodegradable, plastic-free design.
My first impression of the Kitty Sift was that it is fairly sturdy, especially with the multi-layer system. Angled slits in the bottom of each sifting pan ensures that litter flows through quickly and effectively while slumps are left behind.
The trays themselves aren’t as thick as other disposable litter boxes, but they don’t have to be. They’re designed to be stacked which results in a sturdy base that ends up being at least as thick or thicker than other disposable litter boxes on this list.
In practice, the Kitty Sift was very easy to set up and even easier to use. I did have a little trouble getting the collar to fit properly and it came off a few times during use, but it did seem to help contain litter scatter. Overall, the size of the litter box was still fairly small, however, and the height of the collar didn’t do much to contain urine spray.
The Kitty Sift system does come in different sizes, but I’d still recommend it for kittens or smaller cats. In a single-cat household, it can last up to four weeks.
What We Liked
- Made from 100% recycled cardboard materials
- Multi-layer sifting system saves you from scooping
- Sifting technology works quickly and efficiently
- Lasts up to four weeks in a single-cat household
What We Didn’t Like
- Limited sizing options, best for kittens or small cats
- Humidity may weaken the cardboard materials
#2 Runner Up: Litter One Biodegradable Cat Litter Box Kit
Cut plastic out of your litter box game completely with this all-in-one litter box kit from Litter One. It is a self-contained litter box that comes with pine pellet litter, a sifting bottom, cardboard scoops, and biodegradable waste disposal bags.
Based on customer reviews, the Litter One kit isn’t perfect but it’s unique from other options on the market and it does appear to offer some benefits over other disposable litter boxes.
While some cat owners disliked the scent of the pine pellets or had a difficult time scooping them, others comment that the all-in-one convenience of the kit outweighs the challenges. The large pine pellets seem to effectively reduce tracking and they are up to three times more absorbent than clay granules. Unfortunately, the sifting feature on the bottom of the box might not work as well as intended – some users report the holes get clogged easily.
If you’re looking for a temporary litter box for travel or fostering, the Litter One kit might be a good fit. It’s also great for cat owners who want to simplify things by purchasing litter boxes and litter all in one package. For long-term use or use in multi-cat households, however, the Litter One kit may not end up being the most cost-effective choice.
What We Liked
- Includes sifting litter box, litter, and scoop
- Pine pellets help reduce odor and tracking
- High walls help contain litter and urine spray
- Made with recycled cardboard and sustainable pine
What We Didn’t Like
- Not recommended for large cats
- Some find the pine scent unpleasant
#3 Best Subscription: Kitty Poo Club
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Not having to clean the litter box is great but using disposable litter boxes means you’ll have to buy them regularly. If you’re looking for a simple solution, a subscription like Kitty Poo Club might be a good option to consider.
Kitty Poo Club offers disposable cardboard litter boxes and five different varieties of litter. You can purchase the litter box only in two sizes for $11.99 or $15.99 or add a bag of litter for an additional $10.
While the Kitty Poo Club disposable litter box is made from cardboard like the Ten Second Litter Box, it has a few features that make it a little sturdier and longer lasting. This litter boxes arrives folded down, so some assembly is required, but you can fit the assembled litter box into the lid which gives it a second layer of stability.
I also love that this litter box comes with two plastic stabilizing rails. You slide them onto the top edge of the two fold-up sides to keep the box from folding back in on itself.
The Kitty Poo Club litter box is lined with an FDA-certified food-grade waterproofing material that really gets the job done. While I did notice some litter sticking to the side of the box after two weeks, there wasn’t any leakage on the floor.
I also appreciated the high sides that helped control urine spray with the cat-friendly cutout in front to ensure easy access. Where the Kitty Poo Club litter box lacks is in odor control.
While it may depend what type of litter you use, there’s little hope for avoiding odor in a litter box designed to be used consistently for weeks. I’ve used Kitty Poo Club with their crystal cat litter before and definitely noticed a strong urine odor after about a week, but litter box odors were less of an issue this time when I used Cat’s Pride Total Odor Control clumping clay litter.
What We Liked
- Made from recyclable cardboard with a cute pattern
- FDA-certified food-grade waterproof coating
- Fold-flat design for travel, transport, and disposal
- Fairly deep with high sides to contain scatter and spray
What We Didn’t Like
- Somewhat limited odor control
- A little more expensive than other options
#4 Best For Travel: Ten Second Litter Box
Whether you’re taking a weekend trip or heading out for an extensive holiday with your cat, you probably don’t want to be lugging his litter box around. The Ten Second Litter Box provides an affordable, portable solution perfect for travel.
The Ten Second Litter Box is made from recyclable cardboard and sold in packs of 4 or 10. The litter boxes fold flat for storage and transport, and each litter box lasts for up to a week.
I found the Ten Second Litter Box very easy to assemble and I appreciated the handles on top. I was a little concerned about it lasting without leaking, so I decided to use it with clumping cat litter as a liner for a large, high-sided litter box I already had on hand.
In testing this litter box, I was pleasantly surprised with how well it held up. The bottom bowed a little bit when I lifted it out for scooping, but I may have overfilled it.
Some customer reviews mention that while the inside of the box is coated to resist moisture, the corners don’t fit tightly enough to prevent leaks. My cats seemed to prefer using it for solid waste, however, so it wasn’t a problem for me.
This fold-up litter box is decently sized, though the 6-inch depth could be difficult for kittens and older cats to manage.
I’d recommend the Ten Second Litter Box for short-term use, such as for travel. It does a decent job containing liquid but seems to work best with a clumping clay litter and should still be scooped daily.
What We Liked
- Simple fold-up design with carry handles
- Sold in packs of 4 or 10
- Made from recyclable cardboard materials
- Portable, fold-flat design great for travel
What We Didn’t Like
- Cardboard isn’t a sturdy as recycled paper
- May be too deep for kittens and older cats
- Not completely leak-proof, especially in the corners
#5 Best for Multiple Cats: Frisco High-Sided Jumbo Disposable Cat Litter Box
Measuring nearly 21 inches long and 15 inches wide, this Frisco disposable litter boxes is one of the largest on the list. It’s also deeper than the average litter box, making it a good choice for cats who like to dig around.
The Frisco high-sided disposable litter box is made from recycled cardboard materials. It comes in a two-pack and is designed to be lightweight, leak-proof, and water-resistant.
Numerous reviews directly compare this Frisco litter box to the discontinued Nature’s Miracle disposable litter box. While some customers suggest the material is a little flimsy, several reviewers comment that the walls of the litter box are sturdy enough for their cat to stand on while urinating. For others, the only problem with these Frisco boxes is that they lack the Nature’s Miracle baking soda treatment which helped neutralize urine odor.
If you find these litter boxes too thin, some customers suggest stacking them. You can treat them like the pricier Kitty Sift, stacking the used litter box under the new one when it’s time to make the switch.
What We Liked
- Made from recycled cardboard materials
- Comes in a two-pack
- High 8-inch sides help contain litter and urine spray
What We Didn’t Like
- Some customers say the walls are too thin
- Walls may be too high for older cats
What Are the Qualities of the Best Disposable Litter Box?
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
A great litter box offers strong odor control and protection from litter scatter and urine spray. It’s easy to scoop and appropriately sized for your cat’s comfort.
So, what makes a disposable litter box different? And are they worth it?
Disposable litter boxes are designed for temporary use – generally up to four weeks. When it’s reached the end of its lifespan, you can simply compost or recycle it instead of scrubbing it clean.
These litter boxes are typically designed for function rather than form, so they may not look as attractive as a traditional cat litter pan. What they lack in aesthetics, however, they make up for in convenience. If a litter box gets the job done and makes your life easier in the process, it might be worth it.
If you’re considering making the switch to disposable litter boxes, there are a few things to look for. Here are the five criteria I used to determine my top picks.
The Best Disposable Litter Box Is Made From Biodegradable or Recycled Materials
Most of the traditional litter pans you find on the market are made from plastic. It’s an affordable, lightweight material that resists moisture which makes it the perfect container for cat litter.
Disposable litter boxes are typically made from biodegradable and compostable (landfill-friendly) materials. Cardboard and recycled paper are some of the most common materials used to make these litter boxes.
Before recycling or composting a disposable litter box, it should be emptied of all litter and clumps.
The Best Disposable Litter Box Prevents Leaks, Scatter, and Spray
While cardboard and paper aren’t nearly as moisture resistant as plastic, many disposable cat boxes are thick enough to contain liquid or have a leak-proof coating.
Leakage isn’t the only mess you should be concerned about, however. Some cats like to dig around in the litter box before they do their business, kicking litter all over the floor. Others tend to spray the sides of the litter box when they urinate.
Disposable litter boxes come in a variety of sizes, so choose one that’s appropriately sized for your cat and his toilet habits.
A larger, high sided and deeper litter box will typically be more effective in containing litter scatter. To contain urine spray, choose a disposable box with higher sides.
The Best Disposable Litter Box Works With All Types of Cat Litter
Every cat owner has their own preferences for the best cat litter.
Clay cat litter is the most popular option for its affordability and clumping convenience. Cat owners on a budget often opt for non-clumping litter but, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, there are alternatives like crystal cat litter cat litter made from natural, biodegradable, or recycled materials.
The good news is most disposable cat litter boxes work for any type of cat litter. The type of cat litter you choose may affect how often you need to scoop or how long the box will last, but the choice is yours.
Some disposable litter boxes even come with cat litter. Just be sure the included cat litter is one that is cat-friendly.
The Best Disposable Litter Box Is Easy to Scoop
Disposable litter boxes are great because you don’t have to clean them for reuse. That doesn’t free you from scooping duty, however.
Frequent scooping not only keeps the litter box clean and comfortable for your cat, but it helps prevent odor. It’s best to scoop at least once daily, but you can never really do it too often.
When shopping for disposable litter boxes, the size and shape of the box will be the factors that influence scoop-ability. If the box is too small, a large litter scoop might be tricky to use. Rounded corners can trap damp litter, especially if you’re using a non-clumping variety.
Some disposable litter boxes have a coating on the inside which not only protects against leaks, but helps prevent litter from sticking.
The Best Disposable Litter Box Is Economically Priced
Convenience is one of the primary benefits of disposable litter boxes over traditional litter pans. You get to save yourself the hassle of scooping, but you’re going to pay a premium for it. While disposable litter boxes don’t have to be pricey, it’s a recurring expense you’ll have to work into your budget.
Prices run the gambit from the ultra-affordable Kitty’s Wonderbox disposable litter box, sold in a 3-count for under $10, to the $40 Kitty Sift sifting litter box set. Consider how many litter trays you’ll get with each option and how long they’re going to last to determine the best value.
Here are a few other factors to consider when shopping for disposable litter boxes:
- Size – A large litter box is going to be more cat-friendly than a small one. The bigger and deeper the litter box, the better it will be at containing scatter and you’ll be able to pour a thicker layer of litter for your cat to dig around in.
The size comparison between the Nature’s Miracle Jumbo Disposable Litter Box and Kitty’s Wonderbox Disposable Litter Box Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Portability – Traveling with cats can be tricky but disposable litter boxes offer portable convenience. Look for a disposable litter box that folds down for transport or has handles so you can move it easily.
- Height – A shallow litter box won’t contain scatter or urine spray very effectively, but if the walls are too high it might not be practical for kittens or older cats. Some boxes have dropped entries with higher walls to provide the best of both worlds.
- Odor Control – Because the whole point is to avoid deep-cleaning the litter box, you want it to do a good job containing odor on its own. Moisture-resistant coatings help keep urine from soaking into the material and may help prevent odor from lingering as well.
Looking for a more traditional, reusable litter box? Check out our top picks for the 10 best litter boxes in this in-depth round-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are disposable litter boxes worth it?
It depends on your priorities. If you’re traveling, a disposable litter box is a great option because you can pick one up at your destination and toss it before you head home. They work well for people who don’t want to perform the necessary in-depth cleaning of a litter box.
They’re also a good solution if you find that ammonia odor tends to leech into the plastic of your standard litter box, creating a permanent odor you can’t get out. It’ll cost more to keep replacing your cat litter pan, but the convenience may outweigh the cost for some cat owners.
How long do disposable litter boxes last?
Most disposable litter boxes are designed to last for up to four weeks, but their longevity depends on several factors. Sturdy litter boxes made from compressed fibers tend to last longer than cardboard, as do cat boxes with moisture-resistant linings.
Regardless which type you choose, a disposable litter box will generally last longer in a single-cat household than a home with multiple cats.
What type of litter should you use with disposable litter boxes?
Disposable litter boxes are generally designed to accommodate all types of cat litter. A disposable sifting litter box works best with clumping cat litter while a litter box with a leak-proof lining is recommended for non-clumping litter.
Crystal cat litter is a good option for disposable boxes because it is highly absorbent and may help prevent moisture from soaking into the bottom of the box.
Thanks for this review. I have a large male Flame Point Siamese, and have found that the Jumbo boxes work best for him. I place two, side by side, in our garage with a Monster litter mat next to them, and he scratches around to his heart’s content without leaving a big mess because of the size of the boxes. If I clean them morning and night, the litter and boxes last for a few weeks without any problems whatsoever.
Thanks Lynn! It’s definitely a challenge to find litter boxes appropriate for large cats, so it’s good to hear that the Jumbo works well for yours!
My sister uses Kitty Poo Club. I showed her your ratings. She said that Kitty Poo Club comes with litter. All the other boxes did not.
You indicated that Kitty Poo Club was more expensive than others, which is not true when you add the litter.
Even considering that litter is included, the Kitty Poo Club subscription exceeds the price of a typical cat litter and box. You can easily find cat litter that costs $10 or less each month, and a $10 litter box can last you for 5 years, so paying $25.99 or more each month is definitely expensive compared to the budget alternatives.
They sell the boxes without the litter & they’re still the most expensive
Just an fyi for people who use Nature’s Miracle jumbo box. Nature’s Miracle is getting out of the litter box market. I got this straight from Nature’s Miracle customer service. I’m searching for a similar size disposable that is hopefully as good or better.
Thanks for the info, Sonja! Let us know if you find a good replacement!
You should update your damned site. You are still showing this as available.
Hi Candace, thank you for flagging these. I’m sorry that the article implies that it was updated in 2023, as this is not true. I’ve created a task to replace the Kitty’s WonderBox and Nature’s Miracle disposable litter boxes with alternative products. We aim to keep everything up-to-date, but it’s not a process that happens instantaneously. We have hundreds of articles like this on the site, and real people are doing all of the testing, writing, and updating jobs. I hope you can understand. – Mallory
Yes, searching for a replacement for Nature’s Miracle disposable boxes is how I came across this article. There was No box better than Nature’s Miracle, it could last for 4 months and have No odor. NO ODOR and no sagging, no staining, no leakage, no rips, never ever fell apart. I used the jumbo size so that I only had to scoop every 2 days. (I did always pile up extra litter up tall in corners for my corner loving cat) And it came tall enough for my cat the litter- kicker. …..I still haven’t found one that matches it. IF I had known they would stop making it? I would bought several hundred dollars worth of them to last forever.
When did you try these boxes? Two of them are discontinued and have been for a while.
This site is worthless.
I’ve been using Petco brand So Phresh for a long time. it meets everything people praise in the description of Nature’s Miracle-sturdy, long-lasting, doesn’t leak, easy to clean etc. My girls like to scratch & it even holds up to that. I don’t know how the price compares because it’s the only one I’ve bought for years.