Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsThis is the *best* multi-cat litter box, even if you use pine pellets!!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2020
I have been searching for the best litter box system for my three cat family. I just bought this giant box, and life just got A LOT easier! I use pine pellet litter, and have tried the Iris brand, large open top litter box with shield (had two downstairs and two up), and then tried the Arm & Hammer sifter box (made to sift pellet litter), and I then made a modified box, combing the two (see photos). While the sifting worked okay to save the good remaining pellet litter, it was messy, and hauling four (small) boxes outside to the trash before and after work each day was way too much work! Plus, the boxes are small for the cats to comfortably do what they need to do.
Most cat health experts recommend one litter box per cat in home, plus an extra. Honestly, my cats don’t seem to care which box they use, and they tend to use the dirtiest one anyway, so I let go of that advice since we haven’t had any litter box drama, and I set up the new, Petmate Giant Litter Pan.
Here’s how I maintain it with the pine pellets:
I use one lightweight box (from the Arm & Hammer sifter box) that I use to take the soiled litter outside to the trash. I only need to take the giant litter pan outside to scrub clean once a week (maybe twice if needed). The side cubbies work well to hold a large metal scoop (I bought the CO-Z metal scoop just for this box), a garden shovel for removing the soiled sawdust, vinegar spray, and wipes.
To clean daily, I move all litter to one side, and sift it with the large metal scoop. The sawdust and good remaining pellets are then separated (see pics) into two piles. I use the garden shovel to scoop out the sawdust and poop, into the smaller box to easily carry it to the outdoor trash. I then replenish the giant pan with clean pine litter to replace the soiled litter that was removed. Spot clean the sides of pan, if needed. I wear a mask while doing the sifting part (takes 5 min.), but this method is far less dusty than shaking four pans, using the Arm & Hammer sifter box. It sounds tedious, but it is far less time consuming, less cumbersome, and less work overall, than hauling four litter pans outside (while trying to not let cats slip outside too). I still have one box set up upstairs, but the workload, cleanliness, and ease of use with this giant new pan is purrrfect! The plastic is thick, heavy, and smooth, and should hold up against cats that love to scratch like crazy. My cats like that they have more space to turn around, scratch, and carry out healthy “bathroom” behaviors, with more than adequate space.
A few pine pellet tips:
The pine pellets do an excellent job to absorb urine (no wet puddles in box at all), and it totally neutralizes odor too. I only fill about 2 inches deep, since I scoop twice per day. A 40 pound bag of pine pellets (horse bedding) can be purchased at a local feed and garden store for as low as $8, up to $12.99. Call around for best prices. I store mine in a metal trash bin (from IKEA) next to the pan that holds 40 lbs. exactly.
If you have more than three cats, I’d suggest two of these giant boxes.
I hope this helps someone looking for a good litter box solution!
