Cats make wonderful companion animals, but cleaning up after your feline friend can be a messy and unpleasant task. If you’re looking for a solution that will make cleanup a breeze, you may want to consider a sifting litter box. These ingenious devices are easy to use, help reduce mess and bad smells, and can even save you money on wasted litter.
We reviewed dozens of sifting litter boxes to identify the best of the best, based on factors including ease of use, quality, affordability, and feedback from Amazon users. We then narrowed our search down to 5 of the best sifting litter boxes on the market.
We’ve identified the Favorite High Sided Double Trayed Pine Sifter Cat Litter Box with Drawer as the best choice for most cat parents. This sifting litter box stood out to us during the course of our research thanks to its double layer design and liner pads drawer.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Sifting Litter Boxes
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Favorite High Sided Double Trayed Pine Sifter Cat Litter Box with Drawer | 4.5 |
| Runner Up | Van Ness Sifting Enclosed Cat Litter Pan | 3.7 |
| Best Budget Buy | Pet Mate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan | 3.9 |
| Best Corner Sifting Litter Box | Petmate Sifting Corner Litter Pan for Cats | 3.9 |
| Best Covered Sifting Litter Box | Omega Paw Roll 'n Clean New Litter Box | 4.1 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Favorite High Sided Double Trayed Pine Sifter Cat Litter Box with Drawer
The Favorite High Sided Double Trayed Pine Sifter Cat Litter Box with Drawer features a double layer design with a built in sifter tray and drawer. The box has raised sides to prevent messy spills.
Reviewers say this sifting litter box is simple to use and performs well. The product is also compatible with liners to further reduce mess and odors.
Favorite High Sided Double Trayed Pine Sifter Cat Litter Box with Drawer Key Features:
- Easy to clean
- Liner pads drawer
- Double layer design
- High sides to eliminate litter scatter
Our Runner Up Pick: Van Ness Sifting Enclosed Cat Litter Pan
The Van Ness Sifting Enclosed Cat Litter Pan is perfect for cat parents who want the benefits of scoop-free maintenance, combined with the odor control qualities of an enclosed pan.
The sifting litter box features 2 nesting pans and a sifting screen for easy cleaning. It also comes complete with an odor door and replaceable zeolite air filter.
Van Ness Sifting Enclosed Cat Litter Pan Key Features:
- Easy-to-use design minimizes mess
- Enclosed pan for odor control
- Replaceable zeolite air filter
- High polished finish for odor and stain resistance
Best Budget Pick: Pet Mate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan
The Pet Mate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan eliminates the need for shaking and scooping. The convenient design features sifting holes that separate soiled litter from clean litter. Added antimicrobial protection also helps prevent bacterial growth and stubborn odors.
This affordable sifting litter box is designed with simplicity in mind. It features a 3-pan system with 2 regular pans and a sifting pan for efficient cleaning. Reviewers say this product is much easier to use than regular litter boxes.
Pet Mate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan Key Features:
- Convenient 3-pan system
- Eliminates the need for shaking and scooping
- Antimicrobial protection
- Durable, reinforced design
Best Corner Sifting Litter Box: Petmate Sifting Corner Litter Pan for Cats
If you’re looking to save some space at home, the Petmate Sifting Corner Litter Pan for Cats is an excellent choice. The litter box features a corner design with a low-profile entry that’s ideal for kittens or senior cats. The patented sifting technology also eliminates scooping for a fuss-free cleaning experience.
This sifting litter box is proudly made in the USA from heavy-duty, durable plastic that’s designed to stand the test of time. Most reviewers say this litter box reduces mess and sifts efficiently.
Petmate Sifting Corner Litter Pan for Cats Key Features:
- Space-saving corner design
- Patented sifting technology eliminates scooping
- Constructed from heavy-duty, durable plastic
- Made in the USA
Best Covered Sifting Litter Box: Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean New Litter Box
The Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean New Litter Box features an innovative design that cleans in seconds. Simply tilt the box to tip the contents onto the grate, separating waste from clean litter.
The litter box is made from sturdy plastic and requires no liners, filters, or electricity to operate. This model has recently been upgraded with a stronger, more durable design.
Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean New Litter Box Key Features:
- Innovative design cleans in seconds
- Strong, durable construction
- Efficiently separates waste from clean litter
- No liners, filters, or electricity required
Who Should Buy a Sifting Litter Box
Many cat parents will agree that regular litter boxes can be messy and difficult to clean. They also waste litter and can harbor bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors.
Sifting litter boxes feature a user-friendly design that takes the fuss out of cleaning up after your cat. They generally consist of a sifting pan to separate solid waste from clean litter, and one or two solid bottom pans. Sifting litter boxes are popular with many cat parents as they minimize mess, save time, and reduce the amount of litter used.
Although sifting litter boxes take a lot of the hassle out of cleaning up after your cat, they still require manual operation. If you’re interested in fully automatic litter boxes, be sure to check out our list of the best self-cleaning litter boxes.
Important Features to Consider
- Ease of use. Look for a sifting litter box that features a simple and user-friendly design. Useful features include a 3-pan system and raised sides to prevent spillages.
- Materials. Sifting litter boxes should be made from strong and durable materials that will withstand daily wear and tear. Reinforced plastic is a popular choice as it is tough, lightweight, and easy to clean.
- Size. Check the manufacturer’s information and make sure to choose a sifting litter box that has adequate room to accommodate your cat comfortably. If you live in a multi-cat household, it’s a good idea to purchase an extra-large litter box that’s big enough to be shared. Corner sifting litter boxes can be a good option if you’re short on space.
- Odor control. If odor control is a priority, consider covered sifting litter boxes that trap bad smells inside. Some sifting litter boxes also feature antimicrobial protection to help prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sifting litter box and how does it work?
A sifting litter box is a type of litter box that separates clumps of waste from clean litter. It generally consists of a sifting pan and one or two solid bottom pans. When you need to empty your cat’s litter box, simply lift up the sifting pan and allow the clean litter to fall through the holes into a bottom pan or separate container. You will then be left with solid waste on the sifting pan which can be easily disposed of.
How do you get the sifter back under the litter after emptying it?
Many sifting litter boxes feature a 3-pan design which allows the sifting pan to be positioned between two regular pans. When changing your cat’s litter, simply pour the contents of the top pan into the sifter, discard the waste, then place the sifter over the clean litter in the bottom pan. If you choose a sifting litter box without a 3-pan system, you will need a separate container to transfer litter.
How often do you change a sifting litter box?
Sifting litter boxes are quick and easy to use and should be emptied daily to control odor and bacterial growth. When the level of litter in the box is running low, simply top up with fresh litter.
Do sifting litter boxes work with all types of cat litter?
Self-clumping litter is the best type of litter to use to avoid liquid waste falling through the sifter. It’s also important to choose a fine-grain litter that will pass easily through the sifting pan.
Other Sifting Litter Boxes We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other sifting litter boxes. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best sifting litter boxes, they’re the best of the rest and each is still is great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Uncovered Sifting Litter Boxes
Animal Treasures Deluxe Lift and Sift Cat Pan
This sifting litter box from Animal Treasures features an open design with a high rim to prevent messy spills.
Key Features:
- Open aired design is easy to monitor
- High rim to prevent spills
- Smooth plastic material for easy cleaning
- Large enough to accommodate most house cats
Cost: $28
Bergan Litter Gitter – Cat Litter Pan with Sift
A durable, washable sifting litter box with a functional design that minimizes mess and fuss.
Key Features:
- Sifter tray insert makes cleaning up after your cat easy
- Simple 2-piece design
- Washable and durable
Cost: $25
So Phresh Sifting Cat Litter Box
A well-designed self-sifting litter box that separates waste in 3 easy steps.
Key Features:
- Simple and easy to use
- Separates waste in 3 easy steps
- Works with most types of cat litter
- Raised sides to prevent spills
- Made in the USA
Cost: $24.99
Golden Grace Pets Choice Sifting Litter Box
A sturdy sifting litter box with a 4-piece design and molded rims for extra strength and stability.
Key Features:
- 4 piece-design
- Made from odor and stain-resistant plastic
- Strong molded rims
- Detachable sides
Cost: $22
A scoop-free sifting cat litter box with a convenient “lift-sift-flip” design that saves time and minimizes mess.
Key Features:
- Lift-sift-flip design
- No need for scoops or liners
- Saves time, money, and space
Cost: $30
Le You Pet Semi-Automatic Quick Cleaning Cat Litter Box
An innovative sifting cat litter box with a semi-automatic cat toilet design, active cat litter separation grid, and drawer-style cleaning box.
Key Features:
- Unique and innovative design
- Made from safe and non-toxic materials
- Large enough for most cats
- Simple installation
Cost: $47
Petmate Simple Sifting Litter System for Cats
A durable and functional sifting cat litter box with a 3-pan design that makes clean up a breeze.
Key Features:
- Convenient 3-pan design
- Rounded blades allow litter to pass through quickly and easily
- No shaking required
- Includes 1 sifting pan and 2 regular pans
Cost: $29
Sift Away SA-MC6 Pet Litter Box
A simple, 3-pan sifting litter box from Sift Away with interlocking trays and a splatter shield.
Key Features:
- 3-pan litter sifting system
- Interlocking trays
- Splatter shield to prevent mess
Cost: $11.50
So Phresh Lift-to-Sift Cat Litter Pan
This extra-large, lift-to-sift litter box from So Phresh features a built-in sifter that cleans up your cat’s litter box in one easy step.
Key Features:
- X-large size
- Suitable for multi-cat households
- Simple lift-to-sift design
- Easy to clean
Cost: $35
Sroute Sifting Cat Pan Litter Box with Frame
An easy-to-clean sifting litter tray made from odor and stain-resistant plastic. Reviewers say this product is best for kittens or small adult cats.
Key Features:
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for small cats
- Made from odor and stain-resistant plastic
Cost: $13
Trixie Pet Products Berto Cat Litter Tray
A hygienic, easy-to-clean litter box system that includes 2 trays and a sifting pan.
Key Features:
- Easy-click clasps to connect tray and rim
- Hygienic and easy to clean
- Saves on litter
- One-year warranty
Cost: $30
Van Ness CP5 Sifting Cat Litter Box
A 3-pan sifting litter box from Van Ness with a framed pan to reduce spills and hold pan liners in place.
Key Features:
- Convenient 3-pan system
- Framed pan
- Easy to clean
- Made in the USA
Cost: $17
Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Box With Frame
This newly-designed sifting cat litter box from Van Ness features a removable frame and highly polished finish for odor and stain resistance.
Key Features:
- Polished finish resists stains and odors
- Framed pan holds liners in place and prevents messy spills
- Easy to clean
- 3-pan design
Cost: $26
Zehui 3-in-1 Self-Sifting Cat Litter Box
This simple and effective sifting cat litter box features a 3-pan design for convenient and easy disposable of waste.
Key Features:
- Simple and convenient 3-pan design
- Easy to empty and clean
- Prevents litter wastage
Cost: $27
Covered Sifting Litter Boxes
CATIDEA Luxury Hooded Cat Litter Box
A sifting litter box with a 2-stage flip top cover and integrated step screen to minimize litter scatter and tracking.
Key Features:
- Removable sifting tray
- Flip top cover
- Waste collection box
- Step screen and mat to minimize mess
Cost: $50
If your cat likes some privacy when using their litter box, consider this covered sifting litter box from Catit.
Key Features:
- Automatic litter sifting pan
- Sealed design provides privacy and minimizes tracking
- Easy to clean and empty
- Includes an integrated carbon filter to absorb odors
Cost: $71
KittyTwister TRIO Large Sifting Litter Box
This ingenious and unique covered sifting litter box from KittyTwister features a circular twisting system for fast and effective litter sifting.
Key Features:
- Easy sifting system
- Made from high-quality materials
- Twisting action allows for faster cleaning
- Spacious, stylish, and versatile
Cost: $90
Litter Spinner Quick Clean Cat Litter Box
This unique covered litter box sifts self-clumping litter by spinning waste into an integrated drawer.
Key Features:
- Spins to separate waste from clean litter
- No batteries, plugs, or cords
- Made in the USA from durable and recycled polypropylene material
Cost: $78
Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Cat Litter Pan
A fully enclosed covered sifting cat litter box with 2 nesting pans and a sifting screen.
Key Features:
- Covered design minimizes mess and odor
- 3-pan design for easy emptying
- No scooping required
Cost: $21
Corner Sifting Litter Boxes
CATIDEA Corner Sifting Cat Litter Box
This 2-pan sifting litter box features a removable frame with an integrated step screen, and a space-saving corner design.
Key Features:
- 2-pan sifting system
- Corner design saves space
- Paw wipe mat included
- Integrated step screen
Cost: $29
