How do I choose a large enough litter box for a Maine Coon?

You really want to look for a box that’s at least one and a half times the length of your cat from nose to tail, so for a Maine Coon, that usually means something around 30 inches or more. I’ve learned over the years that standard boxes are just too cramped for these big fellows, and they’ll end up hanging their backside over the edge or tracking litter everywhere. Go for a high-sided, open-top storage bin from a hardware store instead of a fancy pet-brand box-it’s cheaper, sturdier, and gives them room to turn around comfortably without feeling like they’re in a shoebox.

Go for a storage tote instead of a regular cat box. I’ve found that a 50-gallon clear plastic bin, cut a low entrance in one side, gives a Maine Coon enough room to turn around and dig without their head hitting the lid. Does that make sense? Check that the inside floor space is at least 30 inches by 20 inches so they can squat without touching the walls.

I once watched a friend’s Maine Coon named Grizzly try to use a standard box, and his entire back end hung over the edge like a giant loaf of bread slipping off a tiny plate. That sight taught me to measure not just length but height too, because these cats like to dig deep and stand tall inside the box. I ended up buying a large cement mixing tub from a hardware store, about 40 inches long and with tall sides, and it’s perfect for them to turn around, dig, and sit without crowding their tail or head against the walls.