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Cat owners know that their pets can be very picky about many things. They may have weird drinking habits, may not like being hugged, and may be very picky about their trash and bins. They may not like the dust, smell or feel of certain garbage, and if the garbage bin has a lid, is not clean, or is located in a busy (or too remote) location, they may not do their business.

When looking for environmentally friendly cat boxes, we put the best interests of cats first. We are also looking for durable designs, sustainable or recyclable materials, and features that make human life easier. However, just like people, what makes one cat happy may not apply to another cat.

Here are the best litter box options you can recommend to your cat.

Stainless steel is a good environmentally friendly smart choice. It is durable, so it may never need to be replaced. In addition, it does not absorb odors and is very easy to clean. We chose an open design for the best overall, because many cats don't like closed when using the litter box.

The pan is extra large: 23.5 inches long x 15.5 inches wide x 6 inches deep. It has smooth sides, no sharp edges, and rubber feet at the bottom to prevent it from sliding around.

Reducing confusion is a major advantage of closed bins. For cats who don’t mind a closed box, this large litter box with a lid is an ideal place to rest in the bathroom. It is made of BPA-free plastic, and has an easy-to-clean handle on the hood, a built-in holder for trash bags, and a carbon filter to help remove any odors. There is a clear flip door that allows your cat to enter easily, or if your cat doesn't like it, it can be easily removed.

The box is available in warm gray or bright white. 22.4 inches x 18.3 inches x 17 inches, it is a good choice for larger cats or cats who just want more space.

For cats who don't like to be locked up, this sturdy, cheap cat litter box with breasts is a simple solution. It has high sides and a backrest to prevent most trash and hitting the floor, but there is an opening in the front for easy access. The non-stick anti-bacterial surface helps reduce accumulation and clumping of garbage.

Owners who have multiple cats and need to put several boxes throughout the house may be a good choice. There is a nozzle on the front, which can dump out the garbage for quick cleaning, and there is a built-in handle on the side for easy cleaning and carrying.

Treehugger doesn't really like disposable pans. Trash bins with a long service life are more environmentally friendly. However, if you travel with a kitten and don’t want to drag the dirty pot home, or if you need a temporary box to move or clean, then choose a biodegradable box.

This disposable box is made of recyclable paper, so at least when you dispose of it, its life in the landfill will be shorter. It also contains baking soda to help eliminate inevitable odors. But this is not just a project that is quick to use and toss. If cleaned regularly, it can last up to four or five months.

When it looks so good, there is no need to hide the trash can in the bathroom or hide it in the laundry room. If space is an issue, or if you just want to look more beautiful, this beautiful "trash toilet" can double as a small table. You can put it next to the sofa or as a bedside table in the bedroom, as long as you clean it regularly.

The stent is made from a product called ECOFLEX, which is a mixture of recycled polymers and recycled wood fiber by-products. It is easy to wipe clean, and the company says it will never warp, crack or split.

This top-entrance litter box allows your cat to fall into the enclosure and enjoy a private toilet rest time. In addition to a little quiet time alone, the box also prevents trash from flying everywhere. When the cat leaves, the groove on the top helps to remove the litter from the cat's feet and keep the floor clean. The top entrance can also prevent nosy dogs, even short and fat cats can be comfortable in this box.

If your cat has never used such a box, it is best to put it in the same place as your old litter box and fill it with some used cat litter. At first try to put it where there is no top until they figure it out.

This shallow and low pot is for elderly cats or arthritic cats, so they don’t have to jump into larger boxes or go through tall openings. This is a large pan, and the front entrance is very low, so cats that are not very flexible can easily put it in. This is also very simple for kittens who may have difficulty climbing high walls.

If you are worried about out-of-the-box trash or sprays, you can consider putting puppy training mats under this type of pan (you can buy washable and reusable ones). It is worthwhile to make trade-offs for your cat’s comfort.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, the general rule is one litter box per cat, plus one. In this way, no one has to wait for their turn because the box is already occupied. It is also a good idea to make sure that there is at least one giant box. We like this one from Petmate. This is an impressive 35 inches x 20 inches x 10 inches and can hold up to 30 pounds of garbage.

The box also has a convenient side storage bin where you can store trash spoons. You may worry that cats will also enter the compartment, but most cats prefer absorbent materials like cat litter.

Our first choice is the iPrimio Ultimate stainless steel cat XL litter box (check it on Amazon), because it is very durable and it may be the only litter box you need to buy. If you prefer a box with a lid, Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan (check it out on Amazon) is a great solution.

Cat litter itself can have a huge impact on the environment. Many agglomerated litters are made of clay. About 60% of the garbage sold in the United States is clumped, which is easier to clean, but all this clay is usually scooped into plastic bags and placed in a landfill.

Washable cat litter is usually sold as a more environmentally friendly alternative. But pet waste can clog pipes, contaminate drinking water and harm the environment. The excrement of cats may contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis in humans with compromised immune systems.

Better trash options include trash made from recycled newspapers, sawdust or wood chips. They are more prone to degradation in landfills, or you can set up a separate compost bin in your yard (away from the compost that will be used for food).

In our research, we did not find any self-cleaning cat litter compatible with biodegradable cat litter. We believe that low-tech cat boxes are more sustainable because they do not require energy or batteries and are less likely to rupture or malfunction. 

As the proud mother of a rescue dog and the stepmother of all neighboring cats, Mary Jo DiLonardo covered pets and many other topics for Treehugger. For 25 years, Mary Jo has covered a wide range of topics, focusing on nature, pets, health, science, and anything that helps make the world a better place. She has worked at Treehugger for 6 years, which was formerly part of the Mother Nature network brand.

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