The Best Rabbit Litter Box
There are so many litter pans, litter boxes and different set ups for rabbits. The determining factor in which type of litter box setup is best for your rabbit depends on whether you have a house rabbit, caged rabbit or a hybrid of the two. Here is the difference.
- House Rabbit – A house rabbit is a pet rabbit that is allowed to freely roam inside your house, is litter trained and is almost never locked up. I have house rabbits but still keep a cage in case I need to lock them up in rare circumstances. I use their entire cage as their litter box therefore I do not need a separate litter pan.
- Caged Rabbit – A pet rabbit that spends all or the majority of the time locked up in a cage. In this scenario it is important to have a litter box within their cage. This allows your rabbit to have a cleaner and safer cage.
- Hybrid Rabbit – A pet rabbit that spends time locked up, outside the cage or in a play area. I would use a separate litter box/tray within the cage in this scenario.
List of the best rabbit litter boxs
Below you will find a number of the best rabbit litter boxes and trays that I have used over the past 20 years of having rabbits. If you need a recommendation on rabbit bedding or rabbit litter look no further.
1) Corner Litter box for Small Rabbits (5 pounds & under)
This is the best in cage litter box or tray for smaller rabbits. If you have a larger rabbit look at the next recommendation. Here is an image so you know what I am talking about.
This is what I love about this litter box and why it is the best.
- High Back – Rabbits, bunnies, buns, fur balls… Whatever you want to call them MUST have a high back litter pan. If you do not have a high back they will either pee over the side or pee somewhere else. Rabbits need to be able to back up against something to feel comfortable while going to the bathroom.
- Attaches to Cage – It is a must that you attach your rabbits litter box to his or her cage. Most rabbits love re-arranging the things inside their cage, dumping them over or digging. You do not want your rabbit throwing around their litter tray!
- Wire Floor – This is a great option in order to keep your rabbits litter tray cleaner but don’t be shocked if your rabbit hates the wire floor. If your bunny does not like it remover it and let them potty on top of the litter.
- Size – The litter box is the right size for rabbits 5 pounds and under. It measures 12 x 8 1/2 x 6 inches.
- Easy to Clean – If you do use the wire floor it is easy to clean. It snaps in and out easily so you can dump out your rabbits litter.
- Safe – I have no safety concerns with this litter tray. All of the corners are rounded and the wire floor should be small enough that your rabbit won’t get his or her foot stuck.
2) Large Rabbit Litter Box with Slide Out Drawer
Just when you thought litter boxes couldn’t be improved… This rabbit litter box has a slide out drawer that makes clean up very easy and quick. Here is an image showing the drawer.
What I love about this litter box.
- Easy Clean Up – Pull the drawer out, dump litter, refill and your done. I don’t think that it gets any better than this.
- Size – Big enough to accommodate large rabbits and several small rabbits at one time.
- Safe – All corners are rounded and the front entrance is low enough for rabbits to easily hop in and out. All plastic parts are BPA free.
- Strong – Designed well with durability in mind. This is not a cheap flimsy litter tray.
Another benefit of using this type of litter box is that rabbits can not access the litter. This means no digging or throwing litter around.
3) Large Rabbit Litter Box
This is the largest litter tray for rabbits that I have found. It is plenty big enough for larger rabbits except for maybe Flemish Giants.
What I love about this litter box and why it is the best for larger rabbits.
- Size – Large enough for big rabbits or multiple rabbits.
- Easy to Clean – The grate is easy to pull out of the litter box allowing you to dump out and clean the pan easily.
- High Back & Sides – This will keep your rabbit from peeing over the edge of the litter pan and encourage litter pan use. Rabbits by nature like to back up against something when they poop or pee, therefore a high back is so important.
- Safety – No sharp edges, low profile with small grate holes that your rabbit’s feet will not get stuck in.
- Sturdy – A quality litter box that is built well and is very stable.
For some reason it is very hard to find a litter box for rabbits that is not too small or overly huge like for a cat. This litter tray is the perfect size in my opinion.
Best litter box for rabbits that dig
Does your rabbit enjoy digging in his litter box? Tired of having litter thrown all over? There are options, particularly if you have a house rabbit. This covered rabbit litter box may work for you.
The entrance is about 7 inches high which should be an easy hop for most rabbits. If you have an older rabbit, or a rabbit that will not hop into this covered litter box then I would attach a simple ramp for access.
What I like about this litter box.
- Safe – All corners are round.
- Door opening – Large enough for rabbits to safely pass through. It measures 8.2 X 7.8 inches.
- Clear Cover – The covering is clear so your rabbit can see out making him or her more comfortable. This may sound silly but many rabbit do not like to feel trapped.
- Size – A large size that allows your rabbit to have plenty of room to do his or her thing. The litter box measures 24.8″L x 20″W x 16.5″H.
How to litter train your pet rabbit
My belief is that all pet rabbits, or the vast majority should be house rabbits. Meaning that pet rabbits should be allowed to move freely around your house without restriction. Much like a dog or cat would. Almost all rabbits can be litter trained or potty trained, whatever you want to call it.
I have a page that gives precise, fool-proof directions on how to litter train your rabbit.
Best litter for rabbits
There are numerous types and kinds of litter that work well for rabbits. Make sure that whatever litter you choose is non-clumping. Clumping litters are very dangerous if your rabbit eats even a small amount. After the litter is consumed it will swell inside them and cause GI Stasis. This is why clumping litter should always be avoided!
My page about the best litter for rabbits has recommendations and more information than you probably care for.
Cleaning your rabbits Litter box
If you use the litter box I recommend cleanup is very easy. While your rabbit is sleeping during the day, I take the cage portion off, stick a trash bag over one end and dump everything out and scrape any litter that is stuck to the bottom. I do not try to scoop out the poop pellets and pee spots from the litter. After I have dumped out the old litter, I simply replace it with new litter to a depth of about three inches.
I do keep an air cleaner next to my rabbit cage for several reasons including the following:
- It keeps the fur down. Rabbits have incredibly soft down fur that floats easily and goes everywhere. You would not believe how much fur I get out of my air cleaner filter.
- When you pour in the new litter into your litter box you will get some dust that billows up. The air cleaner when turned up to high captures all this dust.
- Rabbit pee smells and the air cleaner keeps any odor from escaping.
You should clean your rabbits cage out weekly and make sure to look for any signs of diarrhea.
Rabbit bedding
Choosing a quality bedding for your rabbit is just as important as litter, particularly if your rabbit spends a lot time in his or her cage.
Pine or Cedar wood shavings
Pine, cedar and other soft woods contain a volatile and toxic chemical called “phenol.” There are also other dangers of using soft wood shaving for your pet bunny. Most hardwoods are safe to use, Aspen is the most common. Therefore I listed it as one of the best bedding options for rabbits in the above list.
Treated and colored paper
Natural paper and cardboard are safe options for your rabbit but there are numerous bedding products that contain refined paper, colored paper and cardboard with printing on it. Inks, dies and other chemicals can be harmful to your rabbit. Natural paper and cardboard are made up of mostly cellulose, the same material that most vegetables contain that your rabbit already eats.
About the Author
My name is Vanessa and I love my buns. My current house rabbit is Mr. Bunny, he is a black and white Dutch that just turned 9 years old.
I believe that rabbits are a magnificent animal that make great pets for SOME people. My mission is to share what I have learned about rabbits over the past 20 years to improve the relationship between our pets and us. Please contact me or comment if you have any questions or comments.