As giant cats, Maine Coons have unique litter box needs due to their giant size. Finding the right litter box that accommodates their larger frames is crucial for their comfort and your home’s cleanliness.
This comprehensive guide explores the ideal litter box dimensions, types, and top recommendations tailored specifically for Maine Coon extra-large litter box requirements.
The Ideal Maine Coon Litter Box
When it comes to selecting the perfect litter box for your Maine Coon, there are several key factors to consider:
Size Requirements
Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, with some males weighing over 18 pounds. As such, they require a litter box with ample interior space to move around comfortably. Look for boxes with the following minimum dimensions:
- Length: 24 inches
- Width: 20 inches
- Height: 8 inches
These measurements ensure your Maine Coon has enough room to turn around, dig, and position themselves without feeling cramped or boxed in.
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High Sides
In addition to overall size, tall sided or elevated sided litter boxes with high edges are essential for Maine Coons. Their large size and tendency to dig and scratch can lead to significant litter kickout, making a mess around the box.
Opt for litter boxes with sides at least 8-10 inches high to contain spraying and prevent litter from being scattered everywhere. This feature not only keeps the surrounding area cleaner but also discourages your cat from going outside the box.
Easy To Clean
Maine Coons are heavy litter users, so choosing an easily cleanable litter box is vital. Look for boxes with smooth, seamless surfaces and minimal crevices where waste can accumulate. Removable tops or swinging doors also make scooping and deep cleaning more convenient.
Avoid boxes with intricate designs or hard-to-reach areas that trap litter and odors. Stick to simple, streamlined shapes for effortless maintenance.
Reasonable Cost
While specialty oversized litter boxes exist, they can be quite pricey. Don’t worry – there are cost-effective DIY solutions using large storage containers or bins that work just as well.
With some basic tools like a wire cutter for cutting an entry hole, you can transform a sturdy plastic container into a customized litter box for your Maine Coon at a fraction of the cost.
Types of Litter Boxes
When it comes to litter boxes, Maine Coon owners have several options to choose from:
Open Litter Boxes
Open litter boxes are the most basic and affordable type, with no covering or hood. They offer easy accessibility for your cat and make scooping a breeze. However, some Maine Coons may prefer more privacy and containment, leading to litter kickout issues.
Covered Litter Boxes
Covered litter boxes, also known as hooded or top-entry boxes, provide a cozy, enclosed space for your Maine Coon to do their business. The contained design minimizes litter scatter and odor while offering privacy.
However, some larger cats may feel cramped in smaller covered boxes, so be sure to choose a generously sized model. Top-entry designs can also be challenging for elderly or mobility-impaired felines.
Self-Cleaning/Automatic Versions
For the ultimate in convenience, consider investing in a self-cleaning or automatic litter box. These high-tech units use rakes or conveyor belts to automatically scoop and deposit waste into a separate compartment, reducing the frequency of manual scooping.
While pricier, they can be a game-changer for busy Maine Coon owners or those with mobility issues. Just be sure to choose a model with ample capacity and dimensions to accommodate your cat’s size.
Disposable
Disposable litter boxes are single-use trays made of cardboard or recyclable plastic. While convenient for travel or temporary use, they’re not an eco-friendly or cost-effective solution for long-term Maine Coon ownership.
Specialized Boxes for Mobility Issues and for Kittens
If your Maine Coon is elderly, has joint issues, or you’re raising a kitten, consider a litter box with specialized entry points. Low entry or top entry designs make it easier for cats with limited mobility to access the box comfortably.
Travel Litter Boxes
For Maine Coons on the go, compact travel litter boxes are a must-have. Look for collapsible or foldable models made of lightweight materials like plastic or fabric. Some even come with handy carrying cases or straps for easy transport.
Best Litter Boxes for Maine Coons
With so many options on the market, here are some top recommendations for the best litter boxes for Maine Coons:
Best Open Litter Boxes
- Petmate Giant Litter Pan: This extra-large open pan measures 35″ x 23″ x 10″, making it one of the most generously sized options for Maine Coons. Its high polished sides contain litter scatter, while the seamless plastic construction is easy to clean.
- Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box: At 23″ x 18″ x 10″, this high-walled box offers ample space and containment for larger cats. The non-stick surface and built-in convenience features like a sifting grill and clip-on bag make maintenance a breeze.
Best Closed/Hooded Litter Boxes
- Iris Top Entry Litter Box: This top-entry design provides privacy while still allowing easy access for your Maine Coon. The 20″ x 16″ interior and 8″ entry hole accommodate larger cats comfortably.
- Petmate Top Entry Litter Box: Another top-entry option, this 28″ x 20″ x 19″ box offers generous interior space and a unique translucent design for monitoring litter levels. The built-in grooming aid helps contain litter tracking.
XL Petmate Litter Box for Maine Coons
The Petmate Giant Litter Pan stands out as one of the largest and most popular litter boxes for Maine Coons. Its massive 35″ x 23″ x 10″ dimensions provide ample room for your cat to move around and dig comfortably.
The high polished sides effectively contain litter scatter, while the seamless plastic construction is easy to clean and resists odors. Despite its size, the lightweight design makes it easy to move and empty.
You can find the Petmate Giant Litter Pan at most major pet retailers like Amazon, Chewy, or PetSmart, typically ranging from $25-$35 depending on the seller.
Stainless Steel Litter Pan
For a more heavy-duty and odor-resistant option, consider a stainless steel litter box. These durable pans are easy to clean, resist scratches and staining, and offer excellent odor control.
Stainless Steel Litter Box Features
- Seamless construction: No crevices for litter or waste to accumulate.
- Rust and stain-resistant: Stainless steel won’t absorb odors or discolor over time.
- Easy to sanitize: Dishwasher-safe for thorough cleaning.
- Durable and long-lasting: Won’t crack or degrade like plastic.
- Available in various sizes: Choose from compact to extra-large for your Maine Coon.
Top stainless steel litter box options include the Durable Stainless Steel Litter Box from Paw for Paw, the iPrimio Stainless Steel Litter Pan, and the Copper Paw Tray – all available on Amazon and other major pet retailers.
Maine Coon Litter Boxes that I’ve Tested
While there are many excellent commercial options, one of the most affordable and effective litter boxes I’ve used for my Maine Coon is a simple DIY solution:
Storage Container with Makeshift Hole
Using a large plastic storage container or bin, I cut a generous entry hole (around 10″ x 10″) in one of the long sides using a wire cutter. Voila – an instant extra-large litter box!
I recommend opting for a container at least 30″ x 20″ x 12″ in size to accommodate your Maine Coon comfortably. The high sides effectively contain litter scatter, and the smooth plastic interior is easy to wipe down.
Storage Container Litter Box Tutorial
- Choose a sturdy plastic storage container or bin at least 30″ x 20″ x 12″ in size.
- Using a utility knife or wire cutter, cut out a 10″ x 10″ entry hole in one of the long sides, about 6-8 inches from the bottom.
- Use a file or sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges around the hole.
- Optional: Add a removable lid or cutting a hole in the top for easier scooping access.
- Line the bottom with puppy pads or litter box liners for easy cleaning.
- Fill with your preferred litter and you’ve got a low-cost, high-sided litter box perfect for Maine Coons!
This DIY option costs under $20 using a storage container and basic tools. Just be sure to choose a heavy-duty bin your cat can’t easily tip over.
How Many Litter Boxes Do You Need?
The number of litter boxes you need depends on a few factors:
- Number of cats
- Size of your home
- Your cats’ preferences
Most experts recommend having at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So for one Maine Coon, two litter boxes are ideal. For multiple cats, add an extra box.
Large homes may also benefit from distributing multiple litter boxes throughout to ensure your cats always have an easily accessible option.
How Often Should You Scoop the Litter Box?
To keep your Maine Coon’s litter box fresh and inviting, regular scooping is a must. Aim to scoop at least once or twice per day to remove clumps and solid waste.
Unscented clumping litters make this process easier by forming solid clumps that can be easily sifted out. However, even with clumping litter, give the box a thorough scooping daily.
Cleaning and Maintenance
In addition to daily scooping, deep cleaning the entire litter box every 1-2 weeks is recommended. This involves:
- Dumping out and properly disposing of all old litter
- Scrubbing the box thoroughly with a mild, unscented soap and hot water
- Allowing to fully air dry
- Adding a fresh layer of your chosen litter
During deep cleans, inspect the litter box for any cracks, scratches, or stuck-on stains that could harbor odors. If heavily stained or scratched, it may be time to replace the box entirely.
Using the right litter makes a difference too. Unscented clumping litters tend to be lower maintenance, while absorbing odors and forming easy-to-scoop clumps. Popular brands for Maine Coons include:
- World’s Best Cat Litter
- Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra
- Arm & Hammer Slide
- Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance
You can also try adding a litter deodorizer like Arm & Hammer baking soda or activated charcoal pouches to the fresh litter for extra odor control between changes.
Training Your Cat to Use the Litter Box
If you’re bringing home a new Maine Coon kitten or cat, be patient when training them to use the litter box. Here are some tips:
- Set up the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home
- Use an unscented clumping litter to start, as strong fragrances can deter some cats
- Place the kitten or cat in the litter box frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime when they’re likely to go
- Stay in the room and use positive reinforcement like treats when they use the box
- Never punish accidents – simply clean it up and continue reinforcing litter box usage
- Be consistent with the type of litter and location of the box
With time and patience, your Maine Coon will catch on to using their designated litter box. Once trained, continuing good litter box maintenance habits will reinforce this desired behavior.
Conclusion
As the gentle giants of the cat world, Maine Coons require an appropriately sized and designed litter box to meet their needs. The ideal box offers ample interior space, high sides for containing litter, an easily accessible entry, and simple cleaning.
Open, covered, self-cleaning, and DIY storage container options provide plenty of versatility to find the perfect fit for your home and cat’s preferences. With the right setup and consistent maintenance routine, your Maine Coon will happily use their litter box while keeping unwanted odors and mess at bay.
Remember, investing in the proper litter box from the start saves you hassle and cleaning headaches down the road. Your Maine Coon will appreciate the extra space and comfort, ensuring a happy, well-trained feline companion for years to come.
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FAQ’s
Do Maine Coons need a special litter box?
Yes, Maine Coons benefit from extra-large litter boxes designed to accommodate their bigger size. Their larger frames require more interior space and higher sides to prevent litter scatter.
What kind of litter is best for Maine Coons?
Unscented clumping litters like World’s Best Cat Litter or Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra are ideal for Maine Coons. These litters form easy-to-scoop clumps and help control odors in the larger boxes needed.
Are Maine Coon cats hard to litter train?
Maine Coons are generally not more difficult to litter train than other cats, as long as you provide an appropriately sized litter box and use positive reinforcement during training. Patience and consistency are key.
Do cats prefer open or closed litter boxes?
Cat preferences can vary, but many felines prefer open litter boxes as they provide more space to move around and easier access. However, covered boxes can help contain odors and offer more privacy.
Davin Connor is an experienced author with 3 years in pets writing. Known for concise, informative content, he shares expertise on pet care, behavior, and health through his engaging articles.
