Petmate Giant Litter Box: Extra Space for Large Cats
By Petmate | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Product Reviews
Is the Petmate Giant Litter Box right for your big cat? We break down sizing, entry height, and when to choose an extra large cat litter box.
Quick Answer
The Petmate Giant Litter Box is a strong choice if you have a large cat, multiple cats, or a cat who refuses a hooded pan. Its open, oversized design and sloped entry make it easier for big cats and older cats to use. If your cat is average-sized and you want a covered box, or if you need a pan with a lower entry, look for a different style.
Why Size and Entry Height Matter More Than You Think
Cats need room to turn around, dig, and squat without their head touching a hood or their rear hanging over the edge. A cramped box leads to missed urination, stress, and avoidance. The Petmate Giant Litter Box addresses this with an oversized, open pan and a sloped entry that lets older cats and kittens walk in without a high step. The high sides help contain litter and spray, which is useful for cats who urinate near the edge.
If you have a large breed cat or a multi-cat home, an extra large cat litter box reduces competition and gives each cat more personal space. The trade-off is floor space: this box takes up more room than a standard pan, and an open design offers less odor containment than a hooded box.
How to Decide If the Giant Litter Box Fits Your Home
Measure the spot where the box will live. You need clearance on all sides for your cat to enter and exit comfortably, plus room for a mat to catch tracking. If the box will sit in a closet or tight corner, an open giant pan may be awkward to scoop. Also consider your cat's mobility: the sloped entry helps seniors and kittens, but a cat with arthritis may still struggle with the high sides when stepping out.
For multi-cat homes, a common rule is one box per cat plus one extra. The Giant Litter Box can serve as the primary box for a large cat or as an extra box in a multi-cat setup. If you need to control odor more tightly, pair it with a high-quality clumping litter and daily scooping rather than relying on a hood.
Scoop and Mat Choices That Make the Giant Box Work Better
A large box holds more litter, so a sturdy scoop saves time. The Petmate Classic Litter Scoop has antimicrobial protection and a sifter design that lets clean litter fall back while you lift waste. It is a simple upgrade that keeps the box cleaner between full litter changes.
Litter tracking is the main downside of any open box. The Petmate Litter Catcher Mat 1/2 Circle uses a soft, rubberized webbed surface that traps scatter as your cat exits. Place it directly in front of the sloped entry so paws contact the mat first. For food and water, a weighted bowl like the Petmate Crock Bowl for Pets resists tipping and is dishwasher safe, which helps if your cat eats near the litter area.
Decision Rules for Buying a Litter Box for Large Cats
- If your cat is over 12 pounds or long-bodied: Choose an extra large cat litter box like the Petmate Giant Litter Box. A standard pan forces your cat to hang over the edge or squat awkwardly, which can lead to avoidance. Measure your cat from nose to base of tail. If that length is close to or longer than a standard pan, size up.
- If your cat refuses a hooded box or you have multiple cats: An open, high sided litter box gives better visibility and escape routes. The Giant Litter Box has high sides to contain litter but no hood to trap odors or restrict movement. Open boxes need more frequent scooping and good ventilation. Plan to scoop daily.
- If your cat is a senior or has mobility issues: A sloped entry helps, but high sides can still be a hurdle when stepping out. Watch your cat use the box for the first week. If they struggle, consider a lower-entry pan. The sloped entry on the Giant Litter Box is designed for older cats and kittens, but every cat is different.
- If floor space is tight: The Giant Litter Box takes up more floor area than a standard pan. You also need clearance for a litter mat. If you cannot spare the space, a smaller high-sided box may be a better fit. Measure the footprint before buying. Add at least 6 inches on the entry side for a mat.
Product Facts
- Petmate Giant Litter Box: The Petmate Giant Litter Box is an oversized, open-style pan made from durable, odor-resistant plastic. It holds large amounts of litter and has a sloped entry for older cats and kittens, plus high sides to help contain litter. The open design suits cats who dislike hoods, and the sloped entry lowers the step-in height without giving up the high sides that reduce scatter.
- Petmate Classic Litter Scoop: The Petmate Classic Litter Scoop is made from durable plastic with Microban technology for antimicrobial protection against stains, bacteria, mold, and mildew. A dedicated scoop with antimicrobial protection helps keep the box cleaner and reduces odor-causing bacteria between full litter changes.
- Petmate Litter Catcher Mat 1/2 Circle: The Petmate Litter Catcher Mat 1/2 Circle is made from a soft, rubberized material with a webbed design that traps litter scatter as your cat exits the pan. Placing this mat at the exit of an open box catches tracked litter before it reaches your floor, which is the main trade-off of an open design.
- Petmate Crock Bowl For Pets: The Petmate Crock Bowl for Pets is made with 25% recycled content, has extra thick walls that resist scratches and nicks, and is treated with Microban. It is dishwasher safe and ships in two assorted colors. A heavy, scratch-resistant bowl stays put and is easy to clean, which matters if your cat eats or drinks near the litter box.
Is the Petmate Giant Litter Box Right for You?
Best for
- Large cats or large breed cats who need room to turn around and dig
- Multi-cat homes that need an extra large, open box to reduce competition
- Cats who dislike hooded pans or need a sloped entry for easier access
- Owners who want a high sided litter box to contain litter and spray
Not for
- Small apartments with very limited floor space
- Owners who need a covered box for maximum odor containment
- Cats with severe arthritis who cannot step over high sides, even with a sloped entry
- Homes where a standard-sized box is already working well
