Which litter box size is better for an American Shorthair?

Go with a larger litter box, like a 20 by 15 inch one or bigger. American Shorthairs are medium-sized cats but they love to dig and turn around, and a cramped box just makes them feel stressed. I learned this the hard way with my own cat-when I switched to a big, open-style pan, he stopped kicking litter everywhere and actually seemed happier.

Get a box that’s at least one and a half times your cat’s length from nose to tail tip. These guys love to stretch out and do their business in comfort, so a 22-inch long pan is my go-to suggestion. My own furball turned into a litter-flinging artist when I gave him a bigger space, and honestly, it’s way easier to clean than a tiny box where he’d miss the target entirely.

Having owned one myself, I'd plan for a box that gives them room to fully rotate without their tail hitting the walls-think 24 inches in length minimum. These cats are tidy by nature, and a cramped space often leads to them perching on the edge to avoid mess, which defeats the purpose of containment. I mapped out my own setup with a high-backed, extra-long pan, and it made a noticeable difference in how consistently my cat used it without fuss.

I’d personally lean toward a box that’s at least 20 inches long and 16 inches wide, but keep in mind that taller sides (around 8-10 inches) can be a game-changer if your cat is a vigorous digger. American Shorthairs aren’t huge, but they have muscular builds and like to shift around, so a cramped space might cause them to perch awkwardly. I’d suggest trying a high-sided pan first-just watch for any hesitation, as some cats dislike stepping over high edges, and you might need a lower entry point if they’re picky.