Petmate Basic Litter Box

The Verdict

Some litter boxes are tech marvels with app connectivity and self-cleaning rakes. The Petmate Basic Litter Box is not that. It’s a $15-ish plastic pan that does exactly one job: holding litter while your cat does its business. And honestly, that’s what most cat owners actually need.

What you’re actually getting

This is a one-piece, open-top rectangular pan measuring roughly 22 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 7 inches deep. The defining feature here is that depth — most budget pans hover around 4-5 inches, which means litter goes everywhere. The Petmate’s taller walls give you real containment without turning into a covered box that traps odors.

The plastic is a medium-weight polypropylene, not the flimsy stuff that flexes when you lift it. The rolled rim around the top edge adds stiffness and gives you something to grip when you’re hauling it to the trash. There are no handles, no scooper included, no mat — just the pan.

How it holds up in real use

I’ve seen these pans survive years of daily scooping. The plastic doesn’t absorb urine odors the way cheaper pans do, and it cleans up well with soap and water. The smooth interior means clumps release easily when you scoop — provided you’re scooping regularly. Let it go several days and you’ll be scraping.

The depth does real work. Cats who like to dig to China will still fling some litter, but the 7-inch walls catch most of it. One Amazon reviewer put it plainly: “I bought this because my cat was a litter flinger and it’s helped a lot. Still some on the floor, but way less than before.” That tracks with my experience.

What buyers consistently praise

The 4.5-star rating across 225 reviews isn’t an accident. The most common compliments in verified reviews center on three things: the depth, the durability, and the price. One reviewer noted, “I’ve had this for two years and it hasn’t cracked or warped. My previous boxes always broke at the corners.” Another said, “Finally a basic box that doesn’t feel like it’ll fall apart in three months.”

Where it falls short

No product escapes criticism, and the Petmate’s main weakness is the open design. If you have a cat that kicks litter with enthusiasm, no wall height will save you completely. You’ll still be sweeping. And if odor control matters to you, this pan offers zero help — no charcoal filter, no lid, nothing. You’re relying entirely on your litter choice and scooping habits.

Some buyers also mention that the interior can develop light scratches over time from scooping, which can trap odors slightly. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a tradeoff of the smooth plastic design.

Who should buy this

• First-time cat owners who want a reliable, no-nonsense box without paying for features they don’t need
• Multi-cat households that need several boxes without breaking the bank — you could buy three of these for the price of one covered box
• Owners of senior cats or kittens who need a low entry point — the 7-inch depth doesn’t require a big step up
• Anyone who prefers open boxes because they make it easier to spot health issues in urine or stool

Skip it if you need odor containment, if your cat is a high-volume litter flinger who needs a covered or top-entry box, or if you want a box with a built-in scoop holder or liner system.

FAQ

How deep is this litter box? The walls are 7 inches deep, which is noticeably taller than most standard pans that sit around 4-5 inches. This is the main selling point — it contains litter better without being a covered box.

Will this fit a large cat? Yes, generally. The 22-inch length and 16-inch width accommodate most adult cats, including larger breeds. Very large cats like Maine Coons might prefer something bigger, but for standard cats it’s comfortable.

Does it come with a lid or scoop? No. This is just the pan. The scoop and any lid or hood are sold separately, which is part of why the price stays low.

The Verdict

The Petmate Basic Litter Box does what it promises and does it well. It’s not flashy, it won’t solve every litter-related frustration, but it’s a genuinely well-built, deep-sided pan at a fair price. The durability and depth make it a smarter buy than the thinner, shallower boxes at big-box stores that crack within a year.

Buy it if you want a simple, sturdy, deep-sided litter box that’ll last — especially if you’re tired of replacing cheap pans every few months.

Skip it if you need odor control features or a covered design to contain enthusiastic diggers.

Rating: 4.6/5 — It’s basic by design, and that’s exactly why it works.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.