What Kind of Litter Box Does a Maine Coon Need?
BY MEOWANT
It’s a familiar sight for many Maine Coon owners: the cat attempting to use a litter box that is obviously too small. They might step in, struggle to turn around, and end up with half their body hanging over the edge. This isn't bad behavior—it’s a clear sign that the equipment is wrong. Most litter boxes just aren't built for a cat of their size. Fortunately, finding one that works is straightforward and solves many common frustrations.
Why a Standard Cat Litter Box Is the Wrong Size for a Maine Coon
Cats have a natural routine in the litter box: they need enough room to step in, turn around completely, dig, and then cover their waste. A box that is too small prevents them from doing this comfortably. This single issue—a lack of space—is the source of most common litter box problems.
Four Common Problems Caused by a Small Box
A litter box that doesn't fit a Maine Coon usually leads to a few common frustrations:
1. Avoiding the Box Entirely:
This is the top reason why a cat might start going on the rug or in a laundry basket. If the box feels cramped and uncomfortable, they'll find a spot that feels better. They aren't trying to be difficult—they're just trying to solve their problem.
2. Accidental "Overshooting":
To even try to fit, a big cat might end up squatting with their rear end hanging right over the side. It’s not their fault at all—the box is just too short to contain them completely.
3. Poor Hygiene:
In a tight space, it's hard for a cat to dig and cover without stepping in their own mess. That means dirty paws, which then track that mess around your house. It can also lead to health issues if they start trying to avoid the box altogether.
4. Major Litter Scatter:
Maine Coons love to dig, and they have strong legs. In a small box, there's nothing to stop the litter from flying out with every scoop. You end up with a gritty mess on your floor all the time.
How to Pick the Right Size: The 1.5x Rule
The rule of thumb is that the cat litter box should be at least one and a half times the length of your cat. Measure your cat from their nose to where their tail begins (not the tip of the tail). This simple math makes sure they have plenty of room to move around, and it takes all the guesswork out of shopping.
Four Essential Features of a Maine Coon Litter Box
When you're shopping for a litter box, it's easy to get sidetracked by flashy designs and marketing buzzwords. To keep it simple, you can ignore most of that. For a big cat like a Maine Coon, there are really only four things that matter.
1. XXL Dimensions
First things first: size. Don't just trust the words "Large" or "Jumbo" on the packaging—those labels don't have a standard meaning and are often just not big enough. You have to look at the actual dimensions. For a full-grown Maine Coon, you want a box that's at least 25 inches long and 18 inches wide. This gives them enough space to comfortably turn all the way around, which is a big deal for them.
2. High Sides
High sides are a lifesaver. They do two very important things. First, they keep the litter inside the box when your cat starts digging with those powerful paws, which means a lot less sweeping for you. Second, if your cat sometimes aims high when they pee, the high walls will catch the spray and keep your floors and walls clean.
3. Easy Entry
Even with high walls, the box needs a low entrance on at least one side. This is really important for kittens that aren't big enough to climb in yet, and it's essential for older cats. A senior Maine Coon with stiff joints or arthritis will have a tough time getting over a high wall. A low entry point makes sure the box is easy and painless for them to use their entire life.
4. Sturdy Construction
Your Maine Coon is a heavy cat, easily weighing 15 to 25 pounds. A cheap, flimsy plastic box will bend or wobble when they step inside, which can feel scary and unstable to a cat. That flimsy plastic can also crack over time. Look for a box made of thick, heavy-duty plastic that feels solid and doesn't give or flex under their weight.
Pros and Cons of Common Litter Box Styles
The market is full of different litter box designs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common styles and how they stack up for a Maine Coon.
The Simple, Open-Top Pan
This basic design is frequently the best and most recommended choice for a Maine Coon.
- Pros: It provides the maximum amount of usable space and open-air ventilation. Cats often feel safer in an open box because it gives them a clear view of their surroundings. This style is also the easiest for a cat to get into and the simplest for you to scoop and clean.
- Cons: It offers no built-in odor or mess control. However, you can manage odors with daily scooping, and you can control most litter scatter by choosing a model with high sides and placing a mat underneath it.
The Covered or Hooded Litter Box
While these are popular with people, they are often a very poor fit for a Maine Coon.
- Pros: They are effective at containing litter scatter and keeping waste and smells out of sight.
- Cons: A cover drastically reduces the internal space, making the box feel cramped and claustrophobic for a large cat. It also traps ammonia odors inside, creating an intensely unpleasant environment for a cat's sensitive nose. The doorways on these models are often too small for a Maine Coon to enter and exit comfortably.
The Top-Entry Litter Box
This design is great for controlling messes, but the entry method can be a problem.
- Pros: It is extremely effective at stopping litter tracking and containing urine spray, since the high walls fully enclose the cat.
- Cons: The need to jump in from the top and leap out can be difficult for kittens, senior cats, and any cat with arthritis or joint pain. Many healthy adult cats simply dislike the feeling of jumping down into a hole to use the toilet.
The Automatic / Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The convenience promised by these expensive gadgets rarely pans out for a Maine Coon.
- Pros: The primary benefit is the convenience of not having to scoop the box yourself every day.
- Cons: Nearly all models are designed for average-sized cats and are far too small for a Maine Coon. The noise and movement of the automatic cleaning rake can be frightening. Finally, the mechanisms often struggle or jam when trying to handle the larger volume of waste produced by a big cat. The Self-Cleaning Litter Box are a very expensive and risky purchase.
Meowant Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box - MW-SC02
Beyond the Box: How to Complete the Perfect Setup
The box itself is the biggest piece of the puzzle, but these last few details are just as important for making sure your cat is happy with the whole situation.
Choose the Right Litter
For a Maine Coon, your best bet is usually a low-dust, unscented, clumping litter. Their long fur is like a magnet for dust, so low-dust formulas are a must. Strong, artificial smells from scented litters can also be really irritating for a cat's sensitive nose. And as a bonus for you, clumping litter is just easier to scoop and keep clean.
Find the Best Location
Tuck the litter box away in a quiet spot with not a lot of foot traffic. Cats feel exposed when they're doing their business, so they appreciate a private place where they won't be surprised by people walking by or by loud noises. And a simple but important rule: never put the litter box near their food and water.
Follow the "N+1" Rule
This is a golden rule for anyone with cats: you should always have one litter box for each cat you own, plus one extra. So, if you have one Maine Coon, you should have two litter boxes. Two cats? Three litter boxes. This simple formula helps prevent arguments between cats over the litter box and makes sure there’s always a clean one available for them to use.
Upgrade Your Maine Coon's Litter Box!
Getting the litter box right is a simple thing, but it makes a huge difference in your Maine Coon's daily comfort and health. At the end of the day, what matters most is the size. Remember to ignore the marketing labels like "Jumbo" on the box and always check the actual measurements yourself. For these big, wonderful cats, you'll usually find that a simple, spacious open-top pan is the best choice you can make. If you're ready to find the perfect fit, exploring a selection of the best litter boxes for large cats in 2025 can make the final decision much easier.
