Litter Boxes for High-Spraying Cats: Choosing the Right High-Sided Option
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I am only aware of a few litter boxes for high-spraying cats, but there are other ways to make a DIY litter box that works for high pee-ers.
IMPORTANT – this article discusses cats who aim high when peeing in their litter boxes, not spraying due to hormones.
My mom’s Ragdoll cats, Caymus and Murphy, peed almost standing up, or as they peed, they’d lift their bottoms. In contrast, my 12-year-old Ragdoll cats, Charlie and Trigg, stay in a squatting position the entire time they are peeing.
My mom had to get high-sided litterboxes because of Caymus and Murphy. Here’s a cat on Instagram that has a similar problem.
When I discovered high-sided litter boxes also helped keep the litter inside the box, that was another reason I wanted some.
We have previously reviewed the NVR Miss litterbox – which I love. However, NVR Miss litterboxes aren’t high enough for my parents’ cats.
My parents ended up buying a plastic storage container like a Rubbermaid one. This video shows the boxes my mom went with – but it’s a video of Caymus rolling around in his litterbox.
It’s worth noting that there are other benefits to high-sided cat litter boxes too compared to other types of litter boxes, including less dust escaping from clay clumping litter – it’ll often hit the sides of the box and settle back down.
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Does Your Cat Need a Tall Litter Box for High-Spraying?
When considering a high-sided cat litter box, ask yourself a few questions. There might be fixable reason for your cat spraying urine high, which can be resolved without switching the cat box.
- Has your cat only high-sprayed once, or is it becoming a habit? If your cat is typically a squatter, but it’s high-sprayed once, you must wait to see if it happens again. It might have been an accident if it was just that one time. Or it could be peeing outside of the box for medical reasons. Check out our post about Cat Peeing Outside of the Litter Box if it keeps happening.
- Is the cat’s litter pan clean? Sometimes cats protest when their litterboxes have build-up and are not cleaned as promptly as they would like to. And, as you may have guessed, one of their preferred methods is making a mess to make it impossible for you to miss the smelly litterbox.
- Is another cat using its litterbox? If you have two cats using the same litterbox, one might retreat to the clean areas remaining to do its business. This might make it adopt an abnormal position and, as a result, pee high and make a mess.
- Is there anything wrong with your cat’s legs? If your cat is suddenly peeing high, it might not be able to squat as it usually does. Try to examine your cat’s legs or paws to see if there is a painful area. Keep an eye out to see if it adopts a squatting position outside the litterbox. If it does, then this is certainly not the reason.
- Does your cat have trouble peeing? Sometimes, when cats experience pain when urinating, they might adopt unnatural positions. This might make them pee high even if they typically do not. Try to observe the cat to find out if it is experiencing any issues with urination.
If your cat is a high-sprayer, don’t worry, you are not alone! Read through the comments to find out what solutions other pet owners have found for their cat’s high-spraying habits.
Best High-Sided Litterboxes for Large Cats
If you have a high-spraying cat, you need a different type of litterbox to accommodate your cat. Again, there are plenty of options you can choose from.
But before you switch out your litter box, you may prefer to convert your existing one into a high-sided one. You can do this with plastic shields that fit onto your existing litter box.
This PawNovations three-pack of shields lets you add a protector to the sides and back of the box using self-adhesive Velcro strips. The shields add an extra 11.5 inches to your cat’s litter box.
But there are other good options, too, including a MEEXPAWS Splashguard and a curved pee shield from Deapher.
You can browse other pee shields/litter box converters on Amazon too.
How Do I Know if It’s Tall Enough?
Measure your cat’s height – from the floor to where they eliminate. Then account for at least 2 inches of litter (or however much you use). The sides of the litter box you choose need to be taller than those two measurements combined. So, for example, my cats measure about 10 inches, plus the 2 inches for litter. So I want a litterbox that has at least 13-inch high walls.
Below is a deeper dive into all the best litter boxes for high-spraying cats currently on the market. If you know of any others you’ve had success with, let us know!
1. Use a Storage Bin as a Litterbox
My mom found one very good solution to the high-spraying problem – she used a storage bin as a high-sided litter box on all sides. We’ve found it is one of the best litter boxes for messy cats, as it’s easy to find and meets all the requirements for her tall cat.
Here’s an idea of the type of box she has and uses for her cats:
If you go with a storage bin, try to find one with flat sides on the inside. This prevents caking clumps of pee in various nooks and crannies, making them impossible to remove. For example, look at the design of the storage boxes in the photo above.
If cats pee in the corner – it’s rounded and curved and impossible to get a clump of pee out of with a litter scoop – so get square everything with no dips or dents). There is a lot to choose from on Amazon. After having the black ones above, my mom went with clear ones for her multi-cat household.
Of course, the problem with this one is that once your kitty becomes elderly or has any jumping issues, they either cannot make it into the box or will struggle to try. So check out the other options below if you have a senior kitty.
Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing a Large Plastic Storage Bin for Your Litterbox:
- Choose one with flat sides (as mentioned above)
- Pay attention to the height – keep in mind that your kitty will be jumping in and standing on 2-3 inches of litter. Subtract that 2-3 inches from the height, as that is the height your kitty will have to pee standing up. You need to make sure the box is higher for your standing pee-er so that the pee goes in the box.
- Note the length – is it long enough for your cat to move around in (do circles in) to do their business?
- A transparent material is best – a transparent storage box will make a less-threatening litterbox for your cat. Cats like to be in control of their whereabouts at all times, so they may hesitate to get into a box that they can barely see out of.
- Watch the edges – always ensure the box you get does not have any sharp edges because it might hurt your cat. Run your hands all over the storage bin to check that it is smooth.
- Durability – Litter boxes get a lot of use, be sure to get something durable that won’t crack.
- Accessibility – is your pet a senior cat with mobility issues? A top entry litter box with high sides can be harder for them to access, so you may need to find one with a door as an entry and exit point.
If you have a larger cat, then a large litter box may not be enough. You may need an extra large litter box with high sides to keep big cats happy – they don’t like to be penned into a small space.
Choosing a suitable extra-large litter box comes with a couple of additional criteria as well:
- Finding floorspace – you need to make sure you have the space for the litter box in a location that your feline friend is comfortable with. Larger boxes can sometimes infringe on areas of high traffic in your home, meaning your furry friend may be less comfortable using it. It’s even more of an issue if you live in a multiple-cat household with kitties who don’t want to share. Try to find a secluded space for the larger boxes if you can.
- Easy access – the larger the litter box, the harder it can be for cats to get into it. Especially with older cats, you should improve access if they need an extra-large box – either smaller steps up to the box or cutting in a sizeable entrance for low entry that’ll fit your bigger cat. Just be aware that a larger entry means a higher chance of litter being kicked out by your cat’s paws. You may need a litter mat to keep litter in the litterbox area.
- Cleaning – cleaning becomes harder work if you have an extra-large box – there’s a bigger space to scoop. So, choosing the right scoop will make for easy cleaning since it’s faster to find those clumps.
With larger litter boxes comes the risk of problems with odor control if you don’t keep on top of the cleaning. It may be worth buying an air purifier to help trap odors – place it near the large litter boxes to help keep odors from reaching the rest of your home. Make sure to get one with a carbon filter, as this will work more effectively.
Here are a few storage boxes I found on Amazon that might work great as litterboxes:
- Homz Plastic Storage, Modular Stackable Storage Bins with Blue Latching Handles, 66 Quart, Clear, 2-Pack
- Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 71 QT Pack of 4 Stackable Large Storage Containers
- IRIS USA 132 Quart Large Storage Bin – see examples of using this plastic bin as a litter box for high-spraying cats below. Some readers say this is the best storage bin for litter boxes.
2. Doggy Bathroom
As the name suggests, this litter box is designed for pups and dogs rather than cats. Still, sometimes unconventional solutions are needed, and this is one such option that could work for your high-spraying cat.
It’s a high-sided litter box that’s 16 inches tall, made entirely from 100% recyclable plastic. They’re manufactured in Canada and designed not just to be effective but pretty stylish too, or at least as stylish as a litter box can be – there are different color options for the base, and you can get matching mats to place in front.
The entrance is relatively low, so it’s good if your cat likes to turn around once they enter the litter box – otherwise, they may spray out of the front. The low entrance will also likely mean you’ll see some litter scatter, but it is a good choice for kittens or arthritic cats who don’t want to step up to get into their box.
The Doggy Bathroom is designed to be used with Pee Pads for dogs, which stick to the sides and absorb urine, with baking soda inside the pad helping to dampen the odor. You could use these with your cat, along with litter for poop, or rely on the litter to capture urine that falls down the sides, wiping them clean when you scoop the litter.
Purchase on Amazon or Doggy Bathroom (Use Doggy Bathroom Coupon Code “FLOPPYCATS” to receive 10% off your purchase).
3. Smart Paws Litter Box or TownTime Extra Large Litter Box with High Sides
The Smart Paws litter box is an extra large litter box with a low entry. It’s another simple option that your cat can use with ease and provided they don’t aim themselves out the entry, it should work to stop issues with cats spraying too high.
And because it’s an otherwise open litterbox, it won’t intimidate the cat – they’ll be able to use it while still keeping an eye on their surroundings, unlike some enclosed litterboxes.
The edges of the box are rounded and slightly extended to give you a handle, making it easy to pick the box up for cleaning. And as a nice little touch, those handles have a cute embossed fish design.
You can buy the Smart Paws litter box on Amazon.
The TownTime Extra Large Litter Box with High Sides is a spacious and practical litter box solution for cat owners looking to minimize mess and ensure their feline companions have a comfortable bathroom experience. While its price point might be slightly higher than some standard litter boxes, its size, convenience, and anti-scatter design could be worthwhile for cat owners facing litter tracking issues.
Size: Measuring 25.27″ L x 17.83″ W x 13.11″ H, this litter box offers ample space for even the biggest felines to move around and use the restroom comfortably.
Anti-Scatter Design: High sides and a no-gap design help contain litter mess, preventing it from being kicked or tracked outside the box. This keeps your floors clean and saves you the hassle of constant sweeping.
Easy Cleaning: Made from smooth polypropylene plastic, the TownTime box is seamless and easy to wipe down or rinse. Plus, its size allows for easy scooping and waste disposal.
Buy the TownTime on Amazon.
4. Gefryco Jumbo High Wall Litter Box
Offering ample space for your feline friends, the Gefryco Jumbo Cat Litter Box with High Sides is a great choice for multi-cat households or large cat breeds. This extra-large litter box features high walls to help contain litter scatter and messy splashing. Made of durable, BPA-free plastic, the one-piece molded design is easy to clean and features a low entry point for easy access.
5. Horizon Poly Products Kat Kave Litter Box
It is tall enough to accommodate even the tallest cats, or it has easy access if your cat doesn’t squat to pee. Plus, it has an enclosed space where the cat can pee, meaning it can spray as high as it wants without any urine on your floor.
The top lid is easy to remove for you but not for your cat. It will stay fixed while the cat is inside, but you can easily lift it to clean the litter box.
If you look at the Kattails Kat Kave Litter box, you will notice that it looks a lot like the storage bin my mom uses. The main differences are that it also has a top and an opening.
This is important, especially if your cat is fussy around the litterbox because it makes it more accommodating. As for the top lid, this helps contain the odor from the litterbox inside. It will also contain the litter scatter and keep your floors cleaner.
Tip from a Floppycats’ Reader
@oliveradorableragdoll sent this photo, stating, “I got it for Oliver, who can pee over an 11” litter box. It is so large I just keep 4” in front of the entry hole litter free & they use the back of the box. I’ve had it for about two years & it has worked fine for me. You can see where Oliver goes in the back right corner. I am retired, so can keep the litter away from the entry hole. It would probably be challenging for those who work outside the home. But I find my kitties have their favorite place to go in the litter box, so it’s pretty much a habit once they get used to going at the back of the box. I clean the box twice a day.”
6. Richell PAW TRAX High Wall Cat Litter Box, X-Large
Richell’s PAW TRAX XL, made in the USA, offers a spacious palace for large cats, multi-cat households, or any kitty who appreciates larger spaces to do their business. This 150%-larger haven boasts high walls to contain messes, an anti-tracking grate step for clean floors, and easy access for all felines. Plus, with a sleek design and three colors, it’s the purr-fect upgrade for your home! Say goodbye to litter box blues and hello to happy cats and clean floors.
7. The Frisco Jumbo Covered Cat Litter Box
Another solution for a high-walled, covered litter box is this Jumbo Frisco product. It measures 29.7″ long by 17.5″ wide and is 17.6″ tall, with a hinged lid.
It has a side door, rather than an option at the end, and it comes with an inner cat litter tray and a scoop holder with a scoop that sits in one of the handle gaps at the side.
Some of the main features of the Frisco high-sided cat litter box are:
- The high-sided walls contain any spraying or litter scattering.
- The door has a low entrance just six inches from the ground and is big enough for most cats to get through comfortably.
- The hinged lid can be left closed for privacy and to help control odors, opened for cleaning, or completely removed if your cats prefer the extra light.
- It’s made from a lightweight, BPA-free plastic that is easy to wipe down.
However, some reviewers haven’t had the best experience with it. Many have said that the inner tray isn’t deep enough, so if you only put litter into that, then the cat will spray urine over the sides, and while it’ll be contained in the larger box, it pools under the tray and is harder to clean.
Other reviews have said the material is flimsy, and the hinged cover could be more secure. However, it is designed to be easily removable, so you can take the lid off if you prefer. Still, it doesn’t click into place. So it could quickly be accidentally taken off completely when you only meant to open it.
And because it has side handle holes, some customers have reported cat urine spraying through the gaps.
With that in mind, here are some tips on how to use the Frisco Jumbo litter box to get the most out of it:
- Don’t use the inner litter tray – too many people complain about it being too shallow and the mess it causes. Instead, use the entire jumbo box as the litter tray. Fill the whole bottom with litter, and you’ve instead got one large, enclosed litter tray, and any spray will trickle down into the litter to clump or can just be wiped down from the sides.
- If you do that, add a mat outside the doorway to prevent litter tracking. Or, if you do keep using the inner tray, consider using the extra space for a small mat inside the box.
- Tape up the handles on the sides where there are gaps if you don’t intend to move them around a lot. This can prevent urine from being sprayed out unintentionally.
- Ditch the scoop that comes with the litter box. It’s a standard scoop with flat tines, meaning you have to spend much longer sifting or throwing out litter that you could reuse. The scoop holder is fine, but consider a Litter Lifter a replacement scoop because it’s our favorite litter scoop.
8. Frisco Top Entry Litter Box
In general, I am not a fan of top-entry litter boxes. They are considered hooded litter boxes, and if they are not kept clean, they can smell terribly. And if a cat’s litter box smells terrible, they’re less likely to want to use it.
Even if it is a problem for the human nose, it’s a bigger problem for a cat.
If you order a top-entry design litter box to try, then you want to be sure to measure your cat in comparison to the measurements of the box.
This Frisco Top Entry Cat Litter Box on Chewy is the largest I have seen.
Another reason I am not a crazy fan of top-entry boxes because, as cats age, it makes it harder for them to get in and out of the box.
9. IRIS Open Top Litter Box with Shield and Scoop
This is the middle ground between the litterboxes with and without a lid. It is shaped like a regular litterbox but has an attachment that enlarges the walls but keeps a frontal spout for easy access.
It also has rounded edges on the top side of the walls. Still, unlike other products, these are rounded towards the inside, which provides better protection against litter scatter. So it’s nice that it’s high without a lid.
This one is 19.00 “L x 15.00 “W x 11.75 “H, which also suits tall cats. It even comes with a matching litter scoop and kitty litter, so you have the whole package when you order. It is easy to clean and has a high-polish finish that will make the litter slip right out.
Toni wrote in to say, “I currently have the IRIS open-top litter box, which was the best I could find – I need TALL! I would have gotten the Nature’s Miracle box, but it wasn’t tall enough. The biggest problem with the IRIS is that it snaps together to form the tall sides, but pee can accumulate in the little nooks and crannies, which becomes a constant cleaning issue. As far as the IRIS, I actually put duct tape all around to seal those “collection“ spots, which can get a little nasty. Thank goodness for Clorox wipes!”
10. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
This litterbox is a reader favorite. It measures 22.8″ (L) x 17.8″ (W) x 11″ (H) and has a 4.4 star out of 5 on Amazon from 1500+ reviews. A standout feature is that it also comes with an antimicrobial coating, which is important for a litterbox.
As you can see, it has high sides that protect from litter scatter and ensure that your cat does not pee outside the box. It also has an easy-clean spout, the entryway into the litterbox. This is useful to your cat because it can get into the litterbox quickly, and it is also helpful for you when you want to clean the litterbox. It will be much easier to empty the litter using the spout.
However, with my mom’s cats, it wouldn’t work because they pee and don’t turn around – so they would pee right over that spout entrance. You must know your cat’s peeing ways to know what litterbox is best to buy. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box has built-in handles on the sidewalls and the back wall.
This makes it easy to carry from either side. In addition, the type of plastic used to make the litter box has a non-stick surface, which makes it easy to clean. This type of litterbox does not have a top lid, which I am a fan of because hooded litterboxes can cause peeing outside the box on purpose.
You can pair it with a mat to ensure your bathroom floor is litter-free.
11. NVR Miss
As the name might suggest, the NVR Miss litterbox was specially made for high-spraying cats that need special conditions. It has a simple model with high walls and a cut-out entry so the cat can get in quickly.
It has rounded edges altogether, but the inner part remains easy to clean because there are no places where urine can gather. The margins are also rounded on the entire litterbox surface, making it easy for you to lift it when you have to clean it.
Compared to other lid-less litterboxes on the list, this one is a good choice for cats that are extra picky with their litterboxes. That’s because it’s far less threatening than closed-in options, so you will never have to worry that your cat will reject it.
The NVR Miss can be purchased directly from NVR Miss on their website.
NVR Miss Litterbox Review – High Wall Cat Litterbox – YouTube
12. Modkat Litter Tray
We reviewed the Modkat litter tray in 2018. They are great litterboxes for keeping pee inside and litter scatter too. However, as you can see, the front is open, so if your high-spraying cat steps in and doesn’t turn around, then you will still have pee going over the side.
That’s why it’s crucial to have a water-resistant cat litter mat under it. The Modkat Litter Tray comes with a reusable liner and a litter scoop. The Modkat litter box measures 20 x 14 x 15 inches.
The Modkat Litter Tray sells on Amazon.
13. Extra Large Affordable Cat Litter Box from Korea
This wholesale extra-large open-design litterbox was recommended to us by a reader who has very tall cats. It’s affordable and comes in many different colors.
How to Make a High-Sided Litter Box – DIY High-Sided Litter Box
Suppose you want a DIY approach to litterboxes for high-spraying cats. In that case, making a litterbox with all the above features is pretty straightforward. All you need is a plastic container that is large enough, a permanent marker, a magazine, and a wood-burning tool (if you are up to using one).
Here’s a recent discussion we had on this topic on Facebook:
DIY Litter Box – Without a Door
Check out these pictures and directions from a few Floppycats readers on how they made their own high-sided litterboxes:
Another reader, Mary, shared this post on our Floppycats Facebook Group and showed how she used the IRIS USA 132 Quart Large Storage Bin to make a homemade litter box for large cats.
Another reader saw this post and made an even higher-sided litter box using the plastic shield from the ModKat litter box above.
Lisa wrote, “Here is my new DIY litterbox. Someone posted about this litterbox iris USA 132 qt clear container. I added the mod cat splash guards. The splash guard is not perfect. So had to modify one corner. Do you know where you could buy this material to make your own splash guards to get a perfect fit? Will send pics in the next email.
In the first box, the splash guard was a splice in the corner bc, not a perfect fit. I was at work when my husband did the first box. For boxes 2 and 3 we shifted the guard a bit. So no splicing is needed. You can see the difference in the 2 boxes in the pics I sent in the 2 separate emails”
DIY Storage Bin Litter Box With Iris Storage Bin
Much like a Rubbermaid container for a litter box, Lisa used the IRIS storage bin posted by Mary and said, “We used a saw, Dremel, utility knife, and sandpaper. Perfect fit in the litter box area. Cats love them and so easy to wipe down.”
Lisa continued, “Mary posted on your site last week about this IRIS USA 132 qt box. It was exactly what I was looking for. It is completely square, all smooth no indentions or grooves. It is 28 L by 20 W and 17.6 inches tall.
My cat is talented so added the mod cat urine splash guards and clips. Had to use the Dremel to make slits in the rim of the box to use. I did look at the mod cat site and these are out of stock right now. It was under replacement/accessory parts on the mod cat site.”
DIY Litter Box – With a Door
I cannot remember how it came about – but Floppycats’ reader Aims Windler, in a comment on a Facebook post, posted a photo of her DIY litter box. So I replied to that comment on Facebook and asked if she could please email me to tell me in detail how they made their homemade litter box. It’s simple to make but quite effective at giving your cat privacy and helping to keep odors sealed inside a box.
You can see the full details of it on our page about How to Make a High-Sided Litter Box – DIY High-Sided Litter Box.
What do you think of this simple DIY litter box build? Have you designed your own litter box too? We’re always happy to share readers’ designs and help others to find a litter box that works for them and their cats.
Other Products for High-Spraying Cats
If you are dealing with a high sprayer, you must pay extra attention to the litterbox area. So you need to have the best accessories to minimize your efforts. Here are some of the items that will undoubtedly make your life easier:
A Good Litter Scoop
Especially when dealing with high-spraying cats, you need a good scoop to get the litter off the edges of the litterbox. With high sprayers, the pee usually goes on the walls of the litterbox or on the edges. It can also cover a larger litter area, making it more challenging to clean than it is when dealing with cats that squat when they pee. Again, this means you need a good scoop.
My favorite litter scoop on the planet is the Litter Lifter, which sells on Amazon.
A Litter Mat
Even when using litterboxes for high-spraying cats, chances are you will still get some litter scattered on your floor. Your cat will likely carry it on its paws even if it doesn’t come out of the box directly. So, consider using a litter mat. The Blackhole cat litter mat sells on Amazon.
Air Purifier for Cat Litter Smell
No matter how quickly you can get to scooping your cat’s litter box, sometimes you cannot avoid the cat litter smell. The Purrified Air Litter Box Air Filter helps to eliminate cat litter box smells around your litterbox. Its powerful air purification technology for cat litter boxes features 53 cubic feet per minute of airflow through a 2″ thick, 2.2-pound proprietary blend of filter media that does the job like no other. Purrified Air Cat Odor Filter is sold on Amazon or on Purrified Air’s website.
See our product review of the Purrified Air Cat Odor Filter here.
Kathy, a Floppycats reader who has 3 kitties, sent me this rave review of Purrified Air Litter Box Air Filter.
Cat Urine Destroyer
A reader on YouTube wrote, “My husband cleans [the litter box] with a special cleaner that breaks down the enzymes in cat pee, to help get the smell out, because she pees up the back wall. Ugh. It’s called Nature’s Miracle Urine Destroyer Foam. It has a strong scent, so he cleans the litter box outside, but it sure does help get rid of the pee smell!”
A Cat Litter Disposal Bin
Similar to the Litter Genie, the Litter Locker is a better-designed product that helps keep the cat litter odor smell out of your home while you’re waiting for trash day. The Litter Locker can be purchased from Paws & Claws, or you can buy the Litter Genie XL which is the same design as the Litter Locker – just longer. The Litter Genie or Litter Locker refills will fit this. However, I like this aftermarket Litter Genie/Litter Locker refill from Firik. See our product review of the Litter Locker here.
High Spraying Cats FAQs
If my cat pees standing up, is there something wrong with it?
If your cat has always been a high-sprayer – peed high instead of squatting – there is nothing wrong with it. Each cat has comfortable positions to pee in, which means that your cat is standing instead of squatting. However, if your cat squats but starts peeing high suddenly, you should try to find out why.
Did it only happen once, or is it becoming a habit?
If your cat is usually a squatter, but it peed high, you have to see if it happens again. If it was just that one time, it might have been an accident, or maybe your cat is protesting. However, if it keeps happening, something is going on.
Can I teach my cat to stop peeing high?
If your cat has always been a high-sprayer, then you should get a litterbox that accommodates its habits instead of trying to change its urination process. By interfering when your cat is peeing, you will surely put it through a lot of stress, which could lead to unwanted urinary issues. Also, it’s much easier to replace a litterbox than it is to treat your cat for a UTI.
Is the cat’s litterbox clean?
Sometimes cats protest when litterboxes are not cleaned as promptly as they would like. And, as you may have guessed, one of their preferred methods is making a mess to make it impossible for you to miss the smelly litterbox.
Is another cat using its litterbox?
If you have two cats using the same litterbox, one might retreat to the clean areas remaining to do business. Unfortunately, this might make it adopt an abnormal position and, as a result, pee high and make a mess.
Is there anything wrong with your cat’s legs?
If your cat is suddenly peeing high, it might not be able to squat as it usually does. Try to examine your cat’s legs to see if there is a painful area. Keep an eye out to see if it adopts a squatting position outside the litterbox. If it does, then this is certainly not the reason.
Does your cat have trouble peeing?
Sometimes, when cats experience pain when urinating, they might adopt unnatural positions. This might make them pee high even if they usually do not. Try to observe the cat to find out if it is experiencing any issues with urination.
As you can see, there are plenty of options to accommodate a high-spraying cat. For example, you can buy a litterbox with high walls, use a storage bin, or make a litterbox yourself.
Is your cat a high-sprayer? Have you used any of the products we mentioned? Then, tell us all about it in the comments section below.
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
What has happened to the NVR Miss? My cat loves his, I want another but they seem to have disappeared off the face of the earth.
think they still sell it directly? http://nvrmiss.com/
Out of Sight High-sided Litter boxes are great. We used them for our cat when he started peeing over the regular box. They come in both disposable and regular plastic. There is also a beautiful cabinet that encloses the litter boxes but the unit and shipping are expensive so I always just bought the litter boxes by themselves. The owner and inventor of these boxes is a really nice guy and has always responded promptly to any questions I’ve had and given me great advice.
https://outofsightlitterbox.com/accessories/
Did you have to modify the box to attach the clips?
I have a cat that stands to urinate as well. I like the bigger boxes but needed a higher back and sides. So I ordered the sides and clips from modkat and fitted to my current boxes that are 24L L by 18 W but was only 10 inches tall ( so phresh at Petco). With the modkat sides it gives me a total height of 17 inches. I looked a different Rubbermaid container but didn’t find one that would work.
I have a very tall, very possessive Russian Blue who high sprays exactly once a week. When the boyfriend spends the weekend. I purchased a high sided pan, before I realized that it was only happening on weekends. The diy ideas here are great, because I can’t see buying an even more special litter box than the one I already have for a problem I can handle with puppy pads or maybe a cut storage bin. I’m also try behavioral stuff, to get my cat boy to like my human boy more.
Good luck! Please report back about what works!
Thanks so much for this list! Will definitely be checking out a couple of these suggestions.
However, I would like to add a serious drawback from one on here – I have the IRIS Open Top Litter Box with Shield – the shield is fine to keep litter in BUT if the cat pees above the seam it leaks out and down the outside of the pan making a big puddle under it. Just a note to maybe help some others looking for the perfect pan for those special kitties.
YUCK! Thanks for the feedback on that one =)
Jenny,
I know you love the Litter Lifter. And I do, too! But both myself and a cattery I love put that down, once we found this. You’ve got to try a Dura Scoop if you haven’t.
When IckyPoo sold them, they came in various colors. I’d bought two — one as a gift — in both orange and turquoise.
Thanks!
Linda
Thank you for sharing and I am glad you love the DuraScoop! Yes, I have tried it – my mom had one – hated it, unfortunately. Found it to be super heavy to lift and sift through the litter and doesn’t have the triangular tines like the Litter-Lifter, which is why it rocks so much! I am glad you are happy with it, though! That’s what matters – finding what works best for you and your cat. That’s why I do reviews, so people can see if it will work for them or not.
Super fabulous & pawesome re-post, Jenny honey! THIS information is TERRIFIC! I know it will help lots of Floppycatters who haven’t seen this before! YAY!!! 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love & purrs!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3 <3 <3
I am a HUGE fan of the NVR Miss Litterbox! Prior to that I was using the same Nature’s Miracle Advanced High Sided Corner Litter Box that Cindy referenced in her comment on June 8, 2014 (above). Both were very well for our Miss Pink Sugarbelle but I prefer the NVR Miss Litterbox as they look a bit more stylish to me and their functionality works great for my baby girl!!! 🙂 <3
Big hugs!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
Hi, Harold,
Is your theory that Foster was going out of his way to establish territory, as he was the new kid on the block? He had to be a bigger cat than the other cats (“oooh, a tiger in the house”) so the other cats would know he was a tough guy, even if he wasn’t.
P.S. Foster already had an inappropriate elimination problem. The family knew this fostering him. He should have had his own brand new litter box, perhaps apart from the others, so he wouldn’t smell cat and get stressed like he did at his old house.
Hello everyone. I see that we have a host of litterbox issues to deal with and Jenny has suggested that I address them on this forum. I will take her up on that, and share insights and ideas on what can be done to mitigate these issues.
First off though, a story and a question.
A family with three male cats, all neutered was fostering a fourth cat (Foster) that was dropped off at a shelter for “innapropriate elimination”.
They ordered two litterboxes, and shortly after delivery, I got an email explaining that Foster was clearing the top of the litterbox, by a lot.
The solution to this super high peeing issue was to make a wall extension that enabled the height of the litterbox to reach 18 inches.
The question is, why was Foster a problem? I have a theory. The first reader that determines what that theory is, will get a NVR Miss Litterbox.
Dementia Boy,
My boy is the biggest moosh you will find. He’s not afraid that some other cat will attack him while in the box. And no, he hasn’t always sprayed outside the box, it’s just that he has gotten older, and I think lazier, because he also doesn’t cover his poops or pees, so I know which are his. I have a long rug runner under the boxes, so when I see it’s wet, I know it’s him. In order to protect my carpet, I have put some puddle pads under under the rug. None of my other 3 cats spray outside the box, nor have any of my 2 previous Ragdolls. Bandit is the last one of my Ragdolls. He has already lived longer than his brother and sister who passed at 15 and 16.
Lalalalaughing. Oh, Bandit couldn’t be a bigger moosh – love that word – than my William. Ask for a stereotype, a caricature, really, of a Ragdoll, and 19-lb. William would win, paws down. For 18-1/2 years, he allowed a snarky 8-lb diva to terrorize and abuse him. Jolie would run into the bathroom with William in hot pursuit, stopping just an inch or so before the tub and then spin around and run in the opposite direction. William, of course, would run full speed into the tub, nearly conking himself out. He never caught on. This made Jolie quite happy.
Just a suggestion, although it makes me squirmy to say this: Look up the symptoms of feline cognitive dysfunction. (There’s a reason why my ID is Dementia Boy.) I didn’t realize William had severe cognitive dysfunction until he was 22 and began attacking the other cats, a very un-William thing to do. I looked up the symptoms and realized William had all of them except for inappropriate elimination, which is usually the first symptom. I had attributed the subtle changes in behavior to his being partially blind, partially deaf and, quite honestly, not the sharpest claw on the paw. Also, he had a helper cat, sweet Isabella (“Izzy”), who would track him down when he got lost and lead him back to bed. And, admittedly, I was somewhat in a daze during the last six months of his life as the love of my life, crazy, feisty roller derby queen Zen, was dying. So I wasn’t really paying attention to William. As long as he flopped and purred and billy goat jumped on the cat trees and cat walks, I thought he was okay.
Medication worked well for two years, but when William was 24-1/3, without warning,without provocation, right in front of my eyes, two weeks after Zen’s death, he sliced open Isabella. I took her to ER first; then I went home and brought William back for euthanasia. By then, he had forgotten what he had done, despite all the blood, and was purring and flopping. I didn’t want it to end that way.
Hopefully Bandit doesn’t have cognitive dysfunction. But given the lifespan of his siblings, it’s something to check out. You can always count on me for cheery info =(
I have 3 that stand to pee. I must make my own litter boxes .
Cutting a hole, defeat s the purpose , they will pee through the hole! They are now 14. May have to put steps to boxes. I have 10 kitties. 15, 2 are 14, 4 are 13, youngest is 6. I rescued cats that came to my house. All are rescues, one way or another.
All inside kitties. I vacuum and clean a LOT! Lol
They are worth it!
Molly of Mythicbells Persians uses the Egg Pod bed as a litter box for her – como se dice – high pee-ers. I know you’ve reviewed the Egg Pod previously as a bed, but Molly’s had great success with it as a litter box. I have her video on my YouTube home page – just look for something bright pink – but, being technologically impaired, I don’t know how to transfer it here. The video also shows another litter box that she’s customized for high pee-ers.
wow – there’s an idea! have you heard of that story about the cat that was found dead inside of a pei pod because it flipped over and he couldn’t get out and since there were no air holes, he died of suffocation?
if you have a link to the mythicbells video, love to see it – tried to find it on your youtube but couldnt
I read somewhere that the pod be that the cat allegedly suffocated in was one made in China, which had no air holes, unlike the original. So if you are using that one, drill holes in it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBk56ASxznY#t=16
Here’s the link to Molly’s video. Kalahari, one of Molly’s sprayers, is a big galoot, weighing in at 12 lbs., twice the size of his parents. He’s very tall, so if this works for him, I’d think it would work for Ragdolls.
The suffocated cat story is discussed in the comments, but it looks like Molly’s eggs have air holes.
What prevents the cat from spraying out the front of the pod. Great if your cat sprayed towards the back and sides, but the front is low.
Gloria, I think your boy is unusual – maybe not. Being in the litter box is such a vulnerable position for a cat; cats I’ve known will squeeze around so that they see the front or wherever traffic is. They don’t want to be surprised by someone coming up to their backside.
So the good thing is it sounds like your boy feels safe. Now, how to get him to turn around??? Has he always peed like this? What’s his temperament like?
Gloria, I turned to Molly of Mythicbells for some possible solutions to Bandit’s problems. In a stream of consciousness, she suggested a whole bunch of stuff in the egg bed link above. Hope something helps.
watched it – why doesn’t she use litter?
no, hers don’t have air holes – just paw print indents….hers is not a pei pod.
Molly has so many different boxes, some with litter, some without. She is a woman on a mission =)
My meth lab cat couldn’t stand litter – his peeing habits were quite strange, as was he – and I tried the paper towel thing and it worked!! I think I got the idea from Anitra Frazier.
We use these two boxes for the high peeing. They work pretty well.
Natures Miracle Advanced High Side Corner Litter Pan
and
Clevercat Top Entry Litterbox
I hope this will be useful for you!
I use The Breeze Litter System and that top covers the back half of the box and is easily removalable and washable. Here is a suggestion we use with our clients who don’t want to change boxes. Get some Peel and Stick (or Peel and Press). It’s like Saran Wrap. If the box is against a wall or the tub, pull out enough to press 12+” on the side of the wall/tub and let it hang into the litter box. Press it at the back side of the box and push litter against it. The pee will run down the wrap and into the box. Our client’s think we are so smart!
Like Suzanne, I use the big plastic storage totes. Brand name (Rubbermaid) are the best quality, more durable, but the cheap ones last a long time also. They’re too high for a small kitten to get in and out of easily so I’ve had to use regular litter boxes when there was a new baby in the house. Also we ran into problems with our old kitty when he was weak and sick. Otherwise the storage totes work great!
I have the NVR Miss and, unfortunately, my boys will still elevator butt over the top of it. I think the size is too small too. They prefer something roomier and I’m debating getting storage boxes instead. So, preferably, a MUCH larger box with more room would be ideal.
If you happen to have cats who do have elevator butt when peeing, I wouldn’t recommend NVR Miss. If yours don’t really do it, then go for it.
Finding a decent litter box is a bit of a crap shoot (haha) and one can end up spending a lot just to find the perfect solution.
Bummer, sorry to hear that.
What do you use?
I’m still using the NVR Miss and wipe it down and the surrounding area when they do go over. It’s a pain, but it has to do for now. I do have a covered box as well, but my boys and I seem to prefer not having a lid. I’m looking for a replacement for the NVR Miss that has a lot of room to move. I’ll most likely have to alter a plastic storage box instead.
That’s what I ended up doing, too…altering a storage box. Even that took two tries, because the first time, I cut a fairly deep hole in the side of the box, figuring 8″ up from the bottom should be sufficient to contain the pee. Our boy pees standing up, quite typically with his rear towards the opening (of course). What I found is that I had to get the biggest, tallest storage container Target had and then cut an opening from the top that only came down 4″. It means that the cats do have to jump into their litter boxes, but neither of them seems to mind that and I’m not cleaning pee off the floor anymore. Hallelujah to that! 🙂
I have the NVR Miss that my 17 year old Ragdoll uses. He has a habit of standing up while peeing. Sometimes, with the NVR Miss, he will stand up with his behind facing the opening, and ends up peeing on the mat underneath. Any suggestions?
Gloria, I am sorry to hear that – I forwarded your comment onto NVR Miss. I know they have stacked them to make them go up higher – maybe you need one that has no opening?
Jenny, In addition to the NVR Miss, I have 2 covered boxes from Petco. They are large. Sometimes my boy will even pee outside the box when he positions himself with his back end towards the opening. I’m thinking storage boxes might be next.
This guy sounds like he wants open space behind his tail. So, if this hypothesis is correct, how do you accommodate that? Turn the NVR Miss around and put disposable material on the wall/floor? If he doesn’t like plastic, I’m not sure how the storage boxes would help.
Those are both good for height but I recommend the NVR Miss. Btw, you’re video shows two stacked. If you want one with higher sides, the only other option is a DIY project with Rubbermaid type of storage containers.
Hey Layla,
Yes, the thumbnail image of the video does show two stacked together, but the video, does not. I took that still photo of Caymus when I brought the boxes into the house, he immediately got in it and wanted to go the bathroom before I could get them separated (it already had litter in it). Yes, the Rubbermaid ones are great, and actually the NVR Miss sometimes isn’t high enough and you have to stack another one – Harold has a photo of how to do it, but I am not sure if it is on his site or if I’ve just seen it through email.
Thanks for sharing!
Jenny
Not hight enough for my 7.8 lb tabby!
You can also just buy storage boxes. My cats don’t spray, but they like ample boxes, so I buy large storage boxes instead of standard litter boxes because they just aren’t big enough, and my cats aren’t real big!
I get ones only about 7 or 8 inches tall, but a few feet long. They come in so many sizes!
So much less expensive too.☺
yes, i used to have those, but I didn’t like watching them jump in and out of them…guess you could always cut a hole. do you cut a hole?
Since I have two large Maine Coons, standard litter boxes don’t work for us. I’ve used large storage boxes and cut an opening in the side with an exacto knife, then used the flame from a lighter to seal the plastic…otherwise the sides are pretty rough, and sharp. The kitties use the boxes without a problem.
I find clear plastic storage boxes work best for our “Buddy.” I’ve tried the boxes for high spraying cats, but Buddy has inadvertently positioned his working end out the open entry. Yes, he has to jump into and out of the large sided storage box, but that’s good exercise for him!