Best Litter Boxes for a Small Apartment: The Ultimate Guide With Reviews for Compact Living
Living in a small apartment with a cat means every inch counts. When it comes to the best litter box for small apartment life, you want something that fits your space, keeps odors at bay, and blends into your home. The right choice can make daily life easier for both you and your cat.
Our guide compares the most popular options-traditional, modern, and high-tech-while showing how The Refined Feline’s products naturally stand out for real-world apartment needs.
What Makes the Best Litter Box for Small Apartment Living?
1. Compact Footprint
The ideal litter box small space solution doesn’t eat up valuable floor area. Look for designs that maximize interior room for your cat while minimizing the box’s overall size. Many cat owners on Reddit and Amazon agree: boxes that tuck into corners, under furniture, or double as decor are game changers.
2. Odor Control
In a small apartment, even mild litter box smells can take over fast. The best cat litter box for odor control uses enclosures, high sides, or advanced tech to trap odors before they spread. Odor-neutralizing materials and smart ventilation are must-haves for keeping your home fresh.
3. Easy Cleaning
Frequent cleaning is non-negotiable in close quarters. The best options make scooping, emptying, and washing simple-whether through removable liners, self-cleaning features, or wide, accessible openings.
4. Litter Scatter Control
Litter tracking is a real headache in tight spaces. High sides, entry mats, and clever design details help keep litter where it belongs, not on your floors.
5. Multi-Functionality
Furniture-style boxes or those with built-in storage give you more value per square foot-something every apartment dweller appreciates.
Comparing the Best Litter Boxes for Small Apartments
Here’s a detailed, side-by-side look at the leading options, including top picks from Reddit, Amazon, and expert review sites-plus how The Refined Feline’s lineup excels for apartment living.
| Feature/Model | Refined Litter Box Deluxe Furniture | Refined Self-Cleaning Litter Box Cabinet | Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box w/ App & Camera | ModKat XL (Amazon/Reddit) | Frisco High Sided (Amazon) | Litter-Robot 4 (Reddit/Amazon) |
| Type | Furniture-style enclosure | Furniture-style, self-cleaning | Self-cleaning, app/camera | Top/side entry, modern | Open, high-sided | Self-cleaning, high-tech |
| Size | 20″W x 24″D x 25″H | 34″W x 21″D x 28″H | 23″W x 22″D x 27″H | 21″L x 16″W x 17″H | 24″L x 18″W x 10″H | 22″L x 27″W x 29″H |
| Fits Where? | Under tables, corners, and living rooms | Living rooms, bedrooms | Living rooms, bedrooms | Corners, open spaces | Tight corners, under sinks | Open floor only |
| Odor Control | Enclosed, vented, optional carbon filter | Enclosed, carbon filter, auto-clean | Sealed waste bin, auto-clean, app alerts | Lid, reusable liner | Open, moderate | Sealed waste, app alerts |
| Litter Scatter Control | High sides, optional Litter Catch | High sides, ramp, Litter Catch | High sides, ramp, Litter Catch | Perforated lid, high sides | High sides | Ramp, high sides |
| Cleaning | Removable panels, easy scooping | Self-cleaning, removable tray | Self-cleaning, app notifications | Removable liner, scoop | Manual scoop, easy to clean | Automated, app notifications |
| Aesthetic | Furniture-grade wood, multiple finishes | Furniture-grade wood, modern | Sleek, modern tech | Modern plastic, minimal | Basic plastic | Futuristic, techy |
| Best for Large Cats | Yes (spacious interior) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (XL size) | Yes |
| Best for Multiple Cats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for Small Spaces | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (large footprint) |
| Price Range (2025) | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$ | $ | $$$$ |
| Where to Buy | The Refined Feline | The Refined Feline | The Refined Feline | Amazon | Amazon, Chewy | Amazon, Litter-Robot |
Why The Refined Feline Leads for Small Apartments
- Furniture-Style Design: Blends seamlessly with your decor, unlike basic plastic boxes or techy robots.
- Space Efficiency: Fits under tables, in corners, or against walls without dominating the room.
- Odor & Scatter Control: Enclosed design, optional carbon filters, and the Litter Catch system keep mess and smells contained.
- Easy Cleaning: Removable panels, self-cleaning options, and app-connected models make upkeep simple-even in the busiest homes.
- Multi-Cat & Large Cat Friendly: Spacious interiors and sturdy construction handle multiple or larger cats with ease.
In-Depth Reviews: Top Litter Boxes for Small Spaces
Refined Litter Box Deluxe Furniture
A top choice for anyone seeking the best litter box for small apartment living. This cabinet-style box hides the litter tray inside a beautiful, furniture-grade enclosure. The entry can be positioned left or right, and the built-in storage drawer keeps litter supplies out of sight. High sides contain scatter, while the optional Litter Catch mat (see below) traps stray litter at the exit.
Best for:
- Apartment dwellers who want their litter box to disappear into the decor
- Those needing a narrow litter box for small spaces
- Owners of large or multiple cats
Why it stands out:
- Looks like a real piece of furniture
- Easy to clean with removable panels
- Optional carbon filter for added odor control
- Multiple finishes to match your style
Refined Self-Cleaning Litter Box Cabinet
For those who want the lowest-maintenance solution, this self-cleaning litter box combines the elegance of furniture with the power of automatic cleaning. Waste is separated and sealed after each use, and the enclosed cabinet keeps odors and mess out of sight. The Litter Catch ramp further reduces tracking.
Best for:
- Busy cat owners
- Those who want the best cat litter box for odor control
- Multi-cat households in small apartments
Why it stands out:
- True self-cleaning action
- Stylish, discreet cabinet
- Odor-locking carbon filter
- Spacious enough for large cats
Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box with App & Camera
A high-tech option for those who want total control and monitoring. This self-cleaning litter box connects to your phone, providing notifications, usage stats, and even a live camera feed. The sealed waste bin and carbon filter ensure top-tier odor control, while the ramp and Litter Catch system keep scatter in check.
Best for:
- Tech-savvy apartment dwellers
- Anyone who wants to monitor their cat’s health and litter box habits
- Owners needing the best litter box for multiple cats
Why it stands out:
- App alerts for cleaning and maintenance
- Camera for peace of mind
- Automatic cleaning after each use
- Large enough for big cats, but compact enough for small spaces
Litter Catch for the Refined Litter Box
This accessory is a must-have for anyone tired of litter scatter. The Litter Catch is a grated ramp that fits perfectly with The Refined Feline’s furniture-style boxes, trapping litter from your cat’s paws as they exit. It’s easy to clean and keeps your floors tidy.
How Do These Compare to Other Top Picks?
ModKat XL (Best Litter Boxes for a Small Apartment, Amazon/Reddit)
- Strengths: Dual entry, modern look, reusable liner, fits corners well.
- Limitations: Expensive, still looks like a litter box, less odor control than enclosed cabinets, and no built-in storage or furniture integration.
Frisco High Sided Litter Box (Best Litter Boxes for a Small Apartment Amazon)
- Strengths: Affordable, high sides, easy to clean, fits tight spaces.
- Limitations: Basic appearance, open design means less odor control, no scatter mat or storage.
Litter-Robot 4 (Best Litter Boxes for a Small Apartment Reddit)
- Strengths: Fully automatic, app-connected, great for multi-cat homes.
- Limitations: Large, “space pod” look, expensive, may intimidate some cats, not furniture-style.
Stainless Steel Litter Box
- Strengths: Durable, easy to clean, resists odors.
- Limitations: Industrial look, no odor or scatter control, no enclosure or storage.
Where Should You Put a Litter Box in a Small Apartment?
- Bathroom: Next to the toilet is a popular choice for both privacy and easy cleaning.
- Under Furniture: Place a cabinet-style box under a table or bench to maximize space.
- Closets or Corners: Use nooks or closets (with the door propped open) for discreet placement.
- Multi-Tier Storage: Combine storage and litter box in one vertical unit.
The Refined Feline’s furniture-style boxes are designed for all these placements, giving you flexibility other boxes can’t match.
Final Thoughts: Why The Refined Feline Wins for Apartment Living
When you want the best litter box for small apartment life, you need more than a plastic tray. The Refined Feline’s furniture-style and self-cleaning solutions combine space-saving design, odor and scatter control, and easy cleaning, all while looking like real furniture. With options for every cat and every apartment, you get a box that fits your home, your routine, and your cat’s comfort.
No other brand offers the same blend of function, style, and flexibility for small spaces. Choose The Refined Feline for a cleaner, fresher, and more beautiful apartment-without compromise.
FAQs
Q. What cat litter is best for high-odor homes or small apartments?
Clumping, low-dust, and strongly odor-controlling litters (often clay or mixed mineral formulas) work best in small apartments. Pair them with an enclosed or self-cleaning litter box that uses carbon filters to trap odors before they spread.
Q. Which cat litter keeps a small apartment from smelling?
Choose a fast-clumping litter specifically labeled for “multi-cat” or “maximum odor control,” scoop daily, and use a covered or furniture-style enclosure. In the guide, the Refined Self-Cleaning Litter Box Cabinet, plus a quality clumping litter, is an ideal combo for odor-sensitive apartments.
Q. What are the best cat litter options for odor control in small apartments?
Multi-cat clumping litter, crystal litter, or high-absorption clay litters are the top options. For most apartment owners, a clumping litter in an enclosed or self-cleaning box offers the best balance of odor control, cost, and convenience.
Q. What’s the best type of cat litter for odor control in a small apartment?
A hard-clumping, low-dust litter used in a well-ventilated, enclosed box with carbon filters usually performs best. Self-cleaning boxes with sealed waste drawers amplify the odor-control effect in small spaces.
Q. Where should I put a cat litter box in a small apartment?
Prioritize spots that are:
- Easy for your cat to access
- Easy for you to clean
- Somewhat private and ventilated
Bathrooms, corners, under console tables, or inside furniture-style enclosures (like the Refined Litter Box Deluxe Furniture) are ideal for compact living.
