Best Litter Boxes For Maine Coons: XL Trays That Actually Fit

Maine Coons need considerably more litter-box space than the average cat.

After living with Maine Coons for more than 14 years, this is one area where I have learned not to trust labels such as “large,” “jumbo,” or “XL.” My own males have ranged from around 18 lb to 22 lb, and a tray that looks enormous in a product photo can suddenly look very small once a fully grown Maine Coon climbs inside it.

Their long bodies are just as important as their weight. As I explain in my Maine Coon size and growth guide, adult males are generally substantially larger than females, and Maine Coons continue developing for several years.

The best way to choose a litter tray is therefore to look at its actual usable dimensions, rather than relying on the manufacturer’s size description. The AAFP and ISFM house-soiling guidelines recommend a rectangular litter box approximately 1.5 times the cat’s length from the nose to the base of the tail. They also note that many standard commercial litter boxes are too small. For a Maine Coon, that makes size the most important feature of all.

I have not personally tested every current product below. Where I have not used a particular tray myself, I have assessed it from its published dimensions, design, accessibility, and suitability for a large-bodied cat rather than implying personal experience I do not have.

Best Litter Boxes For Maine Coons Compared

Litter Box	Approximate Size	Best For
IRIS USA XXL	30 x 20 x 14 in	Best overall
Suzzipaws XL Stainless Steel	23.6 x 16 x 12 in	Stainless steel / high urinators
KittyGoHere Senior	24 x 20 x 5 in	Seniors / reduced mobility

Always check the current dimensions on Amazon before ordering because manufacturers can alter product designs.

1. IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box – Best Overall

If I were buying a new litter tray specifically for a large Maine Coon, I would start with this one.

The IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box measures 30 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 14 inches high, with a curved entrance approximately 6.5 inches high. It suits large and extra-large breeds, including Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Savannahs.

The 30-inch length is what makes it particularly interesting. Many trays advertised as large or jumbo are only around 22-24 inches long. For a long adult Maine Coon, those additional inches give considerably more space to turn, dig, and adopt a comfortable toileting position.

The high walls should also help if your Maine Coon is an enthusiastic digger or tends to urinate toward the back of the box, while the open top avoids restricting headroom.

The Ohio State University Indoor Pet Initiative litter-box guidance also notes that cats generally favor large, uncovered litter boxes, although individual preference still matters. My only reservation would be for an elderly cat. A 6.5-inch entrance may become less comfortable if arthritis or hip stiffness develops.

Best for: large adult Maine Coons, particularly big males, enthusiastic diggers, and cats that dislike enclosed boxes.

You can find the IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box on Amazon.com

2. Suzzipaws XL Stainless Steel Litter Box – Best Stainless Steel Option

If you prefer stainless steel, the Suzzipaws XL Stainless Steel Litter Box is worth considering.

It measures approximately 23.6 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 12 inches high. The stainless steel base sits beneath a high-sided enclosure, and Suzzipaws uses an overlapping design intended to direct urine back into the tray instead of allowing it to escape through the joint between the base and surround.

The smooth metal base is also less prone to deep scratching than ordinary plastic and is straightforward to wipe clean.

For me, however, the major compromise is its length. At 23.6 inches, it is substantially shorter than the 30-inch IRIS tray. For an exceptionally long male Maine Coon, I would choose the extra floor space before choosing stainless steel simply because it is stainless steel. In other words, size comes before material.

This tray makes more sense for a Maine Coon that fits comfortably within its dimensions but benefits from high walls, particularly a cat that tends to urinate upward or scatter litter.

Best for: Maine Coons that fit comfortably within its dimensions, high urinators, litter scatterers, and owners who prefer stainless steel.

You can view Suzzipaws XL stainless steel litter boxes on Amazon.com

3. KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box – Best For Older Maine Coons

A Maine Coon’s litter-box requirements can change significantly with age.

The large KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box measures approximately 24 x 20 x 5 inches, but its most useful feature is the low 3-inch entrance. That can make a major difference to an older cat.

The 2022 ISFM/AAFP Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines recommend low-sided trays, or higher-sided trays with a low entrance, when easier access is required.

A cat that happily stepped over a high wall when young may find the same movement uncomfortable once arthritis or reduced hip mobility develops.

The trade-off is that five-inch walls will not contain litter or high urination as effectively as a deep tray. For a senior Maine Coon, though, comfortable access matters more than keeping every piece of litter on the floor mat.

Best for: senior Maine Coons, arthritis, reduced mobility, and cats that struggle with high-sided entrances.

You can find the KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box on Amazon.com

How Big Should A Maine Coon Litter Box Be?

Do not choose a litter box according to your cat’s weight alone. Length is particularly important because the cat needs enough room to turn and position its body comfortably.

The AAFP/ISFM recommendation of approximately 1.5 times the cat’s nose-to-base-of-tail length is a useful rule. Their corrected guidelines also reference research in which adult cats preferred a 34 x 15-inch box to a smaller alternative.

If your Maine Coon measures 20 inches from the nose to the base of the tail, for example, a box around 30 inches long would follow the 1.5-times guideline. This is exactly why the word “XL” tells you so little. Measure the actual tray.

If your Maine Coon is still young, remember that the breed develops slowly. My Maine Coon growth chart explains how growth can continue for several years.

What Type Of Litter Box Is Best For A Maine Coon?

For a healthy adult Maine Coon, I generally favor a very large open tray with high sides and an accessible entrance. The open design provides unrestricted headroom and turning space, while high sides help contain the extraordinary amount of litter some Maine Coons can throw around with their large paws.

A covered tray is still perfectly reasonable if your cat prefers one, but pay attention to the interior dimensions rather than the outside measurements.

For an elderly cat, I would reverse the priorities: easy entry becomes more important than particularly high walls.

The material matters less than getting the dimensions right. Stainless steel is rigid, smooth and resistant to scratching, whereas plastic tends to be cheaper and is available in much larger sizes. I would therefore choose a suitably large plastic tray over an undersized stainless steel tray every time.

For advice about the actual litter, cleaning, positioning, training and toileting problems, my complete Maine Coon litter-care guide covers those subjects in considerably more detail.

What If No Commercial Litter Box Is Big Enough?

You do not actually need to buy something marketed as a cat litter box. The AAFP/ISFM guidelines specifically mention under-bed storage containers, sweater boxes, and concrete mixing trays as alternatives when conventional litter boxes are too small.

That makes a lot of sense for a giant Maine Coon. A large rectangular storage box can provide significantly more floor space than an expensive specialist litter tray. For a healthy younger cat, a deep container can also provide excellent protection against litter scatter. For an older Maine Coon, part of the entrance can potentially be lowered, provided the modified plastic is completely smooth and cannot cut or scratch the cat.

The important thing is not whether a manufacturer intended the container to hold cat litter. It is whether your Maine Coon can walk in, turn around, dig, toilet, and walk out comfortably.

What To Look For Before Buying

Before ordering a litter box, check its length, width, wall height, and entrance height, and establish whether the advertised dimensions describe the outside of the product or the usable floor area.

For a large healthy male, I would prioritize maximum floor space and good containment. A high urinator needs substantial rear walls, while an enthusiastic digger benefits from high sides. A nervous cat may prefer the clear sightlines of an open box, whereas a senior Maine Coon may benefit far more from a low entrance than from high walls.

Do not buy a cramped box simply because it has thousands of positive reviews from owners of smaller cats.

FAQ

What Is The Best Litter Box For A Maine Coon?

For most large adult Maine Coons, my first choice is the IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box because its 30 x 20-inch footprint offers considerably more floor space than many commercial XL trays.

Do Maine Coons Need Extra-Large Litter Boxes?

Usually, yes. Maine Coons have long bodies and need enough room to turn and dig comfortably. Veterinary guidance recommends a rectangular litter box approximately 1.5 times the cat’s length from nose to the base of the tail.

Are Covered Litter Boxes Good For Maine Coons?

They can be, provided the interior is genuinely spacious and the cat likes using a covered box. Research summarized in the AAFP/ISFM guidelines suggests cats do not all share the same preference for covered versus uncovered trays.

Are Stainless Steel Litter Boxes Better For Maine Coons?

Not necessarily. Stainless steel is durable and easy to wipe clean, but adequate dimensions are more important than the material. I would choose a larger plastic box over an undersized stainless steel box.

What Litter Box Is Best For An Elderly Maine Coon?

Look for plenty of floor area combined with a low entrance. The large KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box measures around 24 x 20 inches and has a 3-inch entry point, which can make access easier for a stiff or arthritic cat.

Why Is My Maine Coon Going To The Toilet Outside The Litter Box?

An undersized or uncomfortable tray can contribute, but a sudden change in toileting can also be associated with pain, illness, stress, litter preference, or environmental changes. I cover those possibilities separately in my guide to Maine Coons pooping outside the litter box.

Conclusion

The biggest mistake when buying a Maine Coon litter box is assuming that “large” automatically means large enough. It often does not. After living with male Maine Coons weighing approximately 18-22 lb, I would prioritize usable floor space over almost every other feature.

For most healthy adult Maine Coons, the IRIS USA XXL Cat Litter Box is my strongest overall choice because its 30-inch length comes much closer to the amount of space a genuinely large cat needs. The Suzzipaws is a useful stainless steel alternative, and the low-entry KittyGoHere makes more sense when age or mobility becomes the priority.

Whichever one you choose, measure your cat first. The best litter box is simply the one that gives your Maine Coon enough room to walk in, turn around, dig, and toilet comfortably.