As of 2024, there are approximately 350 million pet cats worldwide, with 74 million in the United States. According to the Forbes forum article "Top 20 Most Popular Cat Breeds," the Ragdoll and Maine Coon rank first and second, respectively. Based on data from the American Cat Fanciers' Association (AFCA), as of 2020, there are an estimated 708,000 Ragdoll cats in the U.S. However, the number of Maine Coons has not been officially released, but estimates suggest it could be over several million.
Interestingly, both Ragdolls and Maine Coons are large cats. A Ragdoll typically weighs between 10-20 lbs, while a Maine Coon can weigh between 10-30 lbs. Choosing the right cat food, toys, healthcare, and grooming for these cats may require more time and money. As for litter boxes, which are essential, many pet owners find choosing the right one to be a challenge. You may have tried various manual or automatic litter boxes but found them unsatisfactory.
Large Cat Litter Box Needs
Almost every cat (not just large ones) prefers a larger litter box. Bigger litter boxes are favored for their space, hygiene, and adaptability. This is why the usage of large litter boxes is 55% higher than that of regular ones. But what constitutes "large"? Here is a simple checklist guide:
Size: Ensure the cat can comfortably enter, exit, and turn around. The length and width of the litter box should be about 1.5 times the cat's body length (excluding the tail). For Ragdolls and Maine Coons, the ideal length and width (or depth) of the litter box are 18-27 inches and 24-30 inches, respectively.
Entrance: To facilitate entry and exit for large cats, a manual litter box entrance should be 15-24 inches, while an automatic one should be 10-15 inches. Open-top or side-entry boxes are more convenient.
Height: To prevent litter from scattering, a height of 7-15 inches for the entrance is recommended.
Open vs. Closed: Open litter boxes are better for large cats, allowing easier access and ventilation. Closed boxes can reduce odor but may make large cats feel cramped.
Non-slip Bottom: Ensure the litter box has a non-slip design to prevent movement or tipping when in use.
Recommended Solution
In my previous article "Key Considerations When Buying and Using Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes," we discussed the design evolution of automatic litter boxes, from open to enclosed to semi-open models. The semi-open model is still significant in today's discussion. Using the PET MARVEL C1 Open Top Self Cleaning Litter Box as an example, it is nearly 20 inches in length and depth, and its large opening design provides more usable space than it appears.
Observations show that most cats tend to face forward when using this litter box, often with 1/3 to 1/2 of their body length outside the exit. According to recommended litter box length/depth data, Ragdolls and Maine Coons require a box depth of only 12-18 inches and 16-20 inches, respectively. Conveniently, the maximum of 20 inches matches this litter box's depth design.
The product's official parameters reveal an entrance width of 10.24 inches, suitable for large cats. Its entrance height is close to 12 inches, which might be challenging for short-legged cats but just right for large cats (Ragdolls and Main Coons typically stand 15 inches tall). If a taller litter box is needed, vendors often provide stair-like accessories, so this isn't a significant issue.
Conclusion
The C1 is an excellent solution for large cats' litter needs. One last, but crucial point is the price. Large litter boxes can often be prohibitively expensive, but this one is priced under $400. During promotional events, you can get it at a lower price and receive generous gifts. You can click the button below to learn more about it.
