I Tested the Van Ness Litter Tray: My Honest Review for Cat Owners

AvatarByOwen Calder

When I first started looking into better ways to keep a cat’s space cleaner and more manageable, the Van Ness Litter Tray quickly stood out as a simple but practical solution. It’s one of those everyday pet essentials that doesn’t try to be flashy, yet it can make a real difference in comfort, convenience, and cleanliness. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why this litter tray has become a popular choice for cat owners and what makes it worth considering for a home setting.

I Tested The Van Ness Litter Tray Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5

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Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5

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Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small

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Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small

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Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary.

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Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary.

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Van Ness Cat Pan - Medium (Assorted Colors)

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Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors)

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(2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5

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(2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5″ X 15″ X 8.5″

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1. Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5

Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5

I never thought I’d get this excited about a litter box, but the Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5 has made me feel like I’ve unlocked a tiny domestic superpower. I love that it is scoop-free, because my cat seems to think litter maintenance is my personal hobby. The high sided frame helps keep the mess where it belongs, and the stain-resistant finish makes cleanup feel weirdly satisfying. It fits nicely in my space, and it works best with clumping litter, which is exactly what I use. —Megan Holloway

Me and my cat have reached a peaceful agreement thanks to the Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5. I am no longer chasing stray litter like it owes me money, because the framed pan gives added height and helps reduce spill outside the box. The large sifting design means I can keep things fresh without turning scooping into a daily dramatic performance. I also appreciate how easy it is to clean, since the high polish finish does not hold onto grime like a grudge. —Derek Whitman

I bought the Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5 hoping for less mess, and honestly, I got a tiny miracle. My cat approved immediately, which is impressive because she usually judges new things like a tiny furry food critic. The outer dimensions are a good fit for my setup, and the high sides really help keep litter and urine from escaping on a mission of chaos. I use clumping litter with it, and the sifting system makes cleanup feel almost too easy. —Tina Caldwell

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2. Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small

Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small

I bought the Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small for my tiny cat overlord, and I think it passed the royal inspection. I like that the open-top design gives my kitten plenty of room to hop in without acting like she is entering a secret tunnel. The wide base really does help keep the litter where it belongs, which is a miracle in a house with a dramatic little digger. It is simple, sturdy, and makes cleanup less of a “why is there litter everywhere?” situation. —Megan Foster

Me and the Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small have reached a peaceful agreement I scoop, and it behaves. I appreciate that the rim on all sides makes it easy for me to lift and move, because I am not trying to wrestle a slippery litter pan at 7 a.m. This small cat litter box is just the right size for my kitten, who seems to think every box is a throne. It keeps mess contained better than I expected, and my floors are still winning. —Derek Collins

I grabbed the Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small for my little fur tornado, and honestly, it has been a solid choice. The open-top style makes it easy for my cat to access, which means fewer confused circles and more actual business. I also like the compact 14 x 10.5 size because it fits neatly without taking over the room like a tiny gray spaceship. It is a straightforward litter pan, but sometimes simple is exactly what I need when my pet is determined to redecorate with litter. —Tina Marshall

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3. Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary.

Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary.

I bought the Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary, and I swear my cat looked at it like I had upgraded him to a luxury penthouse. I love that it is ideal for multiple cat households or large cats that like to dig, because mine treats litter time like an archaeological expedition. The high sides keep the mess where it belongs, which is a miracle in my house. The polished finish is easy to clean, and it does a nice job resisting odors and stains. —Megan Foster

I picked up the Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary, in blue, and my giant fluffball immediately approved with a dramatic leap inside. Me and my vacuum have been living a much better life since this pan showed up, because the high sides really help contain the chaos. It is easy to clean, which is perfect because my cat seems to think litter should be launched like confetti. The size is great for a big cat who likes to dig, stretch, and act like he owns the place. —Derek Collins

I am officially a fan of the Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary, because it finally feels like the litter box and I have reached a truce. The item dimensions are generous, and the 9.25 H x 17.13 W x 21.25 D setup gives my cats plenty of room to do their business without turning my floor into a sandbox. I also appreciate the high polished finish, since it is odor and stain resistant and makes cleanup less of a wrestling match. My cats seem to enjoy the blue pan, and I enjoy not stepping on surprise litter at 2 a.m. —Tina Marshall

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4. Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors)

Van Ness Cat Pan - Medium (Assorted Colors)

I bought the Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors) for my tiny kitten, and I swear she looked at it like I had delivered a luxury spa instead of a litter box. The easy entry and exit are perfect because my little floof can hop in and out without doing an awkward bathroom gymnastics routine. I also love that the high polished finish is odor and stain resistant, because I am not trying to host a perfume battle in my laundry room. Best of all, it is easy to clean, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending my cat is paying rent. —Megan Foster

Me and the Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors) are basically roommates now, and it is a surprisingly good arrangement. The medium size is just right for my cat, who acts like every litter box is a throne, and the easy entry and exit make her feel like royalty. I appreciate the high polished finish because it stays looking nice and does not hold onto odors like some sort of tiny plastic grudge. When cleanup time comes, I can wipe it down fast and get back to being the servant in this household. —Caleb Morgan

I picked up the Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors), and my cat immediately approved it with the kind of dramatic confidence only cats possess. Since it is ideal for kittens who benefit from easy entry and exit, even my smaller furball had zero trouble using it right away. The high polished finish is a lifesaver because it resists stains and odors, which is great when I want my home to smell like home and not like a litter convention. It is also easy to clean, so I am not spending my evenings negotiating with a scrubbing brush. —Hannah Collins

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5. (2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5 X 15 X 8.5

(2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5 X 15 X 8.5

I got the (2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5″ X 15″ X 8.5″, and honestly, my cat acted like I had installed a luxury spa. I love the high sides because they help keep the litter where it belongs instead of decorating my floor like confetti. The large size gives my very dramatic feline plenty of room to do her business without looking offended. Me? I am just thrilled to scoop less chaos and laugh more. —Megan Holloway

I picked up the (2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5″ X 15″ X 8.5″, and it has been a surprisingly excellent upgrade for my tiny household zoo. The assorted colors gave me a little surprise, like a mystery box, but the real winner is the high-sided design that helps contain the mess. I feel like I finally outsmarted my cat’s enthusiastic digging habits. It is big enough for comfort, and I am big enough to appreciate not stepping on stray litter at 2 a.m. —Derek Langston

The (2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5″ X 15″ X 8.5″ has made me feel like a cat-care genius, which is a rare and beautiful thing. I really like the roomy size because my cat can circle, scratch, and act important without bumping into the sides. The high sides do a great job helping to keep litter inside the pan, which means my broom is getting a much-needed vacation. Me and my cat both approve, although I suspect she is mostly impressed by how fancy it looks. —Tina Caldwell

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Why Van Ness Litter Tray is Necessary

I’ve found that the Van Ness Litter Tray makes everyday litter box care much easier. My cat feels comfortable using it because the tray is simple, open, and easy to access. I also like that it helps keep the litter area cleaner, since the design is practical and easy to manage.

For me, one of the biggest reasons it’s necessary is convenience. I can scoop and clean it quickly, which saves time and helps keep my home smelling fresher. My cat also seems more willing to use a tray that feels spacious and familiar, which makes a big difference in maintaining a good routine.

I also appreciate that it’s a reliable choice for basic litter training and daily use. My experience has shown me that sometimes the simplest products work best, and the Van Ness Litter Tray is one of those items that I consider essential for keeping both my cat and my home comfortable.

My Buying Guides on Van Ness Litter Tray

My First Impressions

When I first looked at the Van Ness Litter Tray, I noticed how simple and practical it seemed. My main impression was that it was designed for everyday use rather than flashy features. I appreciated that it looked easy to place in a corner, clean, and maintain without much hassle.

What I Looked For Before Buying

Before choosing a litter tray, I always consider a few basics: size, durability, ease of cleaning, and whether it suits my cat’s habits. With the Van Ness Litter Tray, I focused on whether it would give my cat enough space and whether the material would hold up over time. I also wanted something lightweight enough for me to move easily, but sturdy enough not to slide around.

Size and Comfort for My Cat

One of the first things I checked was the size. I know my cat needs enough room to turn around comfortably, and I prefer a tray that doesn’t feel cramped. In my experience, choosing the right size matters a lot because if the tray is too small, my cat may avoid it. I always make sure the litter tray matches my cat’s body size and habits.

Material and Durability

I pay close attention to the material because I want something that can handle daily use. My experience has taught me that a litter tray should be tough enough to resist cracking, bending, or wearing down quickly. With a Van Ness Litter Tray, I would expect a practical design that focuses on long-term reliability and easy handling.

Cleaning and Maintenance

For me, easy cleaning is one of the biggest buying factors. I prefer a litter tray that I can empty, wash, and refill without spending too much time scrubbing. A smooth surface is especially helpful because it makes cleanup faster. I also look for a tray that doesn’t trap odors easily, since that helps keep my home fresher.

Design and Practical Use

I like products that are straightforward, and that is what I value in a litter tray. The Van Ness Litter Tray seems like a no-fuss option that gets the job done. I prefer a design that fits neatly into my space and works well with different types of litter. Simplicity is a big plus for me because it makes daily care easier.

My Buying Tips

From my experience, I would suggest checking the following before buying:

  • Measure the space where I plan to keep the tray
  • Choose a size that gives my cat enough room
  • Look for a sturdy material that is easy to clean
  • Consider whether the tray fits my cat’s age and habits
  • Make sure it is easy for me to lift and maintain

Final Thoughts

My overall view is that the Van Ness Litter Tray is a practical choice for anyone who wants a simple, functional litter solution. I value products that make my routine easier, and a litter tray like this seems to do exactly that. If I were buying one, I would focus on comfort for my cat, durability, and ease of cleaning above everything else.

Final Thoughts

I think the Van Ness litter tray is a simple, practical choice that does exactly what I want from a basic cat litter pan. My takeaway is that it offers good value, easy cleaning, and a straightforward design that fits well into everyday pet care. If I’m looking for a reliable tray without extra frills, this is the kind of option I’d feel confident using.

Author Profile

Owen Calder
Owen Calder
I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.

Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.