Last updated Jan 16, 2023
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Our reviews are based on extensive research and, when possible, hands-on testing. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, we’ll receive a percentage of the proceeds. Read more about how we’re supported here.Every cat owner knows the value of a good litter box. More than being just a receptacle for your cat’s waste, however, a good litter box should make your job of scooping and cleaning the box easier.
That’s where sifting litter boxes come in.
We’ve scoured the reviews and tested some of the most popular litter boxes ourselves to bring you our top 7 picks for the best sifting litter boxes.
At a Glance: Best Rated Sifting Litter Boxes To Buy
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.
Purina Tidy Cats BREEZE Litter System
- High-sided design reduces litter spills
- Extremely easy to sift and clean
- 99% dust-free and anti-tracking
PetMate Arm & Hammer Sifting Cat Litter Pan
- Affordably priced
- Antimicrobial protection
- Reinforced bottom pan
Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan with Frame
- Framed design reduces scatter
- Made from 20% recycled material
- Polished finish to resist stains and odor
Hagen Catit SmartSift Litter Box
- Simple and super easy to use
- Scoops cat litter with the pull of a lever
- Sealed design, keeps everything inside
Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Litter Box
- Sleek design, stain resistant material
- Closed box for more odor control
- Great for one or more cats
Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box
- Available in two sizes
- Patented grill scoops clumped litter
- Controls dust and odor very well
PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- Crystal litter dehydrates solid waste
- Automatically rakes after 20 minutes
- Waste is kept in a covered compartment
Why We Like Sifting Litter Boxes?
All of us dedicated cat parents know just how much time it takes to clean up after your pet.
Scooping clumps and throwing away dirty litter is a daily necessity, especially in a multi-cat household. In some households, it may even feel like a part-time job.
If you invest in a high-quality cat litter, scooping the box is fairly straightforward and you can reuse the clean litter for another few days at least. That being said, it’s not exactly one of the cleanest jobs on the planet and certainly not one of the most pleasant.
Cat owners who are tired of the hassle of scooping the litter box by hand will be glad to know there’s an alternative option – sifting cat litter boxes.
With a sifting litter box, scooping clumps is a cinch because you don’t have to do it yourself!
How Does a Sifting Litter Box Work?
Sifting litter boxes come in several different designs but the main idea is the same.
Rather than consisting of a single litter pan, sifting litter boxes include an additional sifting pan you place inside the solid pan. You fill the pan with litter as you normally would but when it comes time to scoop, you simply lift the sifter pan to collect clumps and allow the clean litter to fall back into the pan.
Most sifting litter boxes come with two solid pans so, after sifting, you can place the sifter in the second pan then pour the clean litter back into it. Then you simply store the extra pan underneath.
Some sifting litter boxes incorporate features you’d normally find in automatic or self-cleaning litter boxes. Some feature a lever you pull to automatically sift the litter and one sifting litter box even features a special rolling design that sifts the litter when you tilt the box on its side.
Also Read: Best Cat Litter Mats – Stop Tracking and Scattering with These Top-Rated Mats
The Advantages of Using a Sifting Litter Box:
- Saves time. Cleaning up after your kitty becomes quick and easy.
- Ease of use. No more fiddling around with your cat’s mess – just pour out the clumps and add some clean litter, if needed.
- Reduce litter waste. When you use the sifting pan to gather clumps, clean cat litter will fall through so it can be reused.
- Additional features. Many sifting litter boxes have useful features such as covers for odor control or raised sides so that litter doesn’t get spread around.
Also Read: 15 Best Cat Litter Boxes – Give Your Cat the Perfect Litter Box
What To Look For in a Sifting Litter Box?
A sifting litter box can make your job infinitely easier when it comes to cleaning the litter box, but not all sifting litter boxes are created equal. There are many different options to choose from which makes your task tough, but we’ve reviewed some of the most popular models on the market to help you narrow down your choices.
Before we get into our recommendations, however, let’s review some of the things you should consider when shopping for a sifting litter box.
Durable Materials.
A litter box won’t do you much good if it doesn’t stand up to your cat’s claws and daily scooping. Look for a sifting litter box made from sturdy materials in a size that can comfortably accommodate your cat. If the litter box is too small, your cat may end up breaking it or he’ll avoid using it altogether.
Convenient Design.
The whole point of choosing a sifting litter box is for the convenience, so make sure the model you choose is actually convenient and easy to use. If you’re going with a traditional litter pan design, make sure there’s an extra bottom pan to place the sifter in so you can pour the clean litter into it. If you’re going with an enclosed litter box, make sure it’s easy to use the sifting feature.
Easy To Clean.
Though a sifting litter box will cut down on the time you spent scooping the litter box, you’ll still need to clean it now and then. Make sure the sifting tray has a nonstick finish so dirty litter won’t get stuck in it and look for features like ergonomic handles that make the litter box easy to hold and move.
Strong Odor Control.
No matter which litter box you choose, odor control is an important thing to look for. Hooded litter boxes are typically better at controlling litter box odor than open pans. If you go for a hooded litter box, however, you may want to make sure it has a filter to keep things fresh for your cat. This is particularly important if you have multiple cats.
#1 Overall Best: Purina Tidy Cats BREEZE Litter System
The Purina Tidy Cats BREEZE Litter Box System is designed to keep your cat’s litter areas clean and to make scooping the box a breeze. This system is uniquely designed with disposable pee pads for odor control and reusable pellets that are low-tracking and 99% dust-free.
Though this litter system may not be your typical sifting litter box, it performs a similar function in that liquid waste filters down through the pellets into a pee pad below. When the pad becomes saturated, you simply remove and discard it then replace it with a fresh one.
Solid waste is captured in the litter pellets in the top portion of the system and can easily be scooped away with the included scoop. These pellets are feline-friendly and designed to dehydrated solid waste to make it even easier to scoop.
What We Like:
- High-sided litter box to help control scatter and spills
- Reusable pellets are low-tracking and dust-free
- Liquid passes through to a pee pad under the system
What We Didn’t Like:
- Pee pad may become saturated quickly in multi-cat households
- Some cats dislike the texture of the pellets
Our Take:
This litter system does a great job of controlling odor. Not only do the special pellets dehydrate solid waste, but liquid waste filters through to an absorbent pee pad below that you can dispose of when it becomes saturated. It may take some cats a little time to get used to the pellets, but it’s a great option for cat owners looking for an eco-friendly alternative to clay litter.
#2 Budget Pick: PetMate Arm & Hammer Sifting Cat Litter Pan
If you’re looking for an affordable option in sifting litter boxes, look no further than the PetMate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan. This product features a 3-in-1 design with two solid litter pans and one sifting litter tray that makes cleaning the litter box quick and easy.
Generously sized and designed with high sides, this litter box is a great pick for larger cats. The pans are coated with an antimicrobial material that helps resist stains and odor-causing bacteria.
Not only is this litter box easy to use, but it is durably constructed to last. It features a reinforced bottom with added strength to help support heavy litter when you’re using the sifting function. Plus, priced under $15 it’s hard to find a more affordable option.
What We Like:
- High-quality construction, durable plastic
- Large size with high sides works well for larger cats
- Antimicrobial protection against odor-causing bacteria
What We Didn’t Like:
- Sifting holes are very small, solid waste may get stuck
- Clasps that hold the pans together are prone to breaking
Our Take:
This sifting litter box is highly affordable and simple in design. With two solid pans and a sifting pan, this litter box is easy to use and simple to clean. The small size of the sifting holes may allow softer waste to get stuck, but otherwise the sifting function works well. It also offers antimicrobial protection against stains and odors which is essential for keeping a clean litter box in a multi-cat household.
#3 Best High-Sided: Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan with Frame
For cats that spray and scatter litter, a high-sided litter box is a must. This Van Ness Sifting Cat Litter Pan with Frame fulfills the function of a sifting litter box but it also features high sides.
This sifting litter box is made from 20% recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly option. It also has a polished finish that is both odor- and stain-resistant, making it easy to clean. Some customers have, however, commented that certain types of litter get stuck in the holes of the sifter tray.
With its simple design, this litter box is easy to use and it is affordably priced under $20.
What We Like:
- Framed design helps reduce litter scatter
- Made from 20% recycled materials
- Affordably priced under $20
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some types of litter may get stuck in the sifting holes
- May not be big enough for large cats
Our Take:
If you’re looking for a simple sifting litter box that gets the job done without too many bells and whistles, this could be a good option. It does feature raised sides which may help with litter scatter and urine spray, but some users have commented that it’s not quite bit enough for large cats.
#4 Multi-Cat Households: Hagen Catit SmartSift Litter Box
The Hagen CatIt SmartSift Litter Box may cost a bit more than the other sifting litter boxes on this list, but there’s a good reason – it really works. This litter box features an internal sifting mechanism that you can operate quickly and easily with the pull of a lever.
Not only is this litter box easy to use, but it does a great job of controlling litter box odor and litter scatter. It even keeps used litter contained in a removable waste compartment for easy disposal.
This litter box comes in several different sizes to accommodate multi-cat households and it has a large entrance. It also features an integrated carbon filter to keep things fresh for your cat. Plus, there’s an easy-access maintenance door so you can monitor the litter level and add more as needed.
What We Like:
- Internal sifting mechanism operated by a lever
- Covered design minimizes odor and scatter
- Simple design is very easy to use
What We Didn’t Like:
- Much more expensive than other options
- Even the extra-large size may not be big enough for some
Our Take:
If you’re willing to make a significant investment, this sifting cat litter box could be a good choice. This litter box features an internal sifting mechanism that can be operated simply with the pull of a lever. With its enclosed design, it controls litter scatter and litter box odor very well.
#5 Best Fit For Large Cats: Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Litter Box
Many sifting litter boxes feature a standard open pan design but not the Van Ness Sifting Enclosed Cat Litter Pan. This litter boxes features an enclosed design with a clear door and a sturdy carry handle.
This litter box is made from lightweight but durable materials with a stain-resistant coating. Plus, the integrated zeolite air filter helps absorb odors, keeping the litter box fresh for your cat and eliminating odor outside the box for you.
With its enclosed design, this litter box helps contain litter scatter and spray a well. It has a clear entry door and a large opening to accommodate cats of all sizes. It is also generously sized and plenty deep to accommodate the amount of litter your cats like.
What We Like:
- Lightweight design made from stain-resistant material
- Enclosed design helps control litter box odor
- Ideal for large cats and multiple cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited durability, plastic materials could be sturdier
- Large volumes of liquid may become sticky
Our Take:
If your cat prefers a covered litter box, this sifting model might be a good choice. It features a large opening with a clear door and two solid pans with a sifting pan to make cleanup easy. Some customers comment that the materials could be more durable, but we found this litter box worked well for the task it is designed to accomplish.
#6 Best Self-Cleaning: Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box
The Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box is a self-cleaning litter box, though not fully automatic. It features an internal grill that scoops clumped waste when you tilt the box on its side, depositing it in a pull-out waste collection tray.
The benefit of this litter box over other automatic litter boxes is that it doesn’t use any electricity and it will keep working as long as you need it to.
Because this litter box comes in two sizes, it’s perfect for larger cats and for multi-cat households. It does a great job of controlling dust and litter odor as well as litter spillage and scatter. It works best with high-quality clumping cat litter or crystal litter.
What We Like:
- Self sifting feature is easy to use
- No special liners or filters required
- Available in two sizes, works for large cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Works better with some litters than others
- Should be used gently to prevent breakage
Our Take:
If you’re looking for a sifting litter box that does most of the heavy lifting, this is a great option. You simply tilt the box and let the internal sifting grill do the work for you. As great as the design of this litter box is, there are a few limitations.
First and foremost, it should be used gently to avoid breaking the internal mechanism. Second, it seems to work best with high-quality clumping litter – inexpensive litter may make the box less effective.
Check out our full review of the Omega Paw Roll’N Clean here.
#7 Best Automatic: PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Take work entirely out of the equation with the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box. This litter box features an automatic sifting rake that essentially scoops the litter box for you.
What makes this litter box unique, aside from the automatic raking feature, is that it uses crystal cat litter. Crystal cat litter dehydrates feces and absorbs liquid waste, helping you get more life out of a single bag of litter.
This litter box features a standard open pan design (though both hooded and top-entry versions are available) with the rake positioned at the back and a covered waste compartment at the front. About 20 minutes after your cat uses the litter box, the rake activates and sweeps solid waste into the waste compartment to help with odor control.
The downside of this litter box is that you must use PetSafe branded crystal litter and their disposable trays. You can find a reusable plastic tray for $50 on Chewy, but you’ll still need to use crystal litter.
What We Like:
- Crystal litter dehydrates solid waste and absorbs liquid
- Automatic rake sweeps solid waste into a covered compartment
- Completely takes the work out of scooping the litter box
What We Didn’t Like:
- Automatic timer is not adjustable (set at 20 minutes)
- Must be used with crystal litter and disposable trays
Our Take:
If you’re looking for a sifting litter box that does the work for you, this is it. This automatic litter boxes uses crystal cat litter which dehydrates solid waste, helping to reduce wasted litter. The automatic rake sweeps across the box 20 minutes after your cat uses it, pushing solid waste into a covered compartment that helps keep litter box odor to a minimum.
Related Articles:
- 5 Best High-Sided Litter Boxes
- Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside Of The Litter Box?
- Best Litter Box For Multiple Cats
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sifting litter boxes work?
Yes! Sifting litter boxes can greatly reduce the time and effort it takes to scoop the litter box, as long as you use the right kind of litter. Most sifting litter boxes work best with regular litter (ideally clumping litter), though some may work with crystal litter. The key is to find a litter that makes it no problem for the sifting mechanism to separate waste from clean litter.
How do I clean a sifting litter box?
Most sifting litter boxes feature a 3-pan system including two regular pans and one sifting pan. To clean the box, lift the sifting pan to separate the soiled litter from the clean litter. Dispose of the clumps then place the empty sifting pan into the empty solid pan. Then, simply pour the clean litter back into the sifting pan and store the extra solid pan underneath. Depending how dirty the sifting pan gets, you may need to rinse it off between uses.
Are sifting litter boxes really worth it?
It depends. If you’re looking for a new litter box to reduce the time and effort it takes to clean the litter box then yes, definitely! If you use an alternative litter or non-clumping litter, however, it may not work as well as it could, and you might end up being disappointed.
This is a great article and very helpful. Thank you
I use pine pellets as litter. I’ve used the Van Ness sifting litter box, it was a great box and my cat would use it. She still sometimes kicked litter to the edges and corner of the box and she often would try to dig outside the box or on the rims of it. She’s a small 8-9lb cat and I took her doing this as her needing more room. I’ve now been using the Breeze litter system XL (for its size) and with pine pellets. I would say that it’s a perfect size box for bigger cats as well as smaller ones. It sifts pine dust nicely in the pee pad. A small issue is I would recommend still using the pee pads because if your cat digs and pees closer to the grates then the pee will go through. I like it’s sleek design and modern colors. I think I love it more than my cat does, I love going to go look at it and glee at how much more room she has to dig.