I Tested the Van Ness Litter Tray: A Simple, Durable Cat Litter Solution That Really Works

When I first started looking into better ways to keep a cat’s space clean, comfortable, and manageable, the Van Ness Litter Tray quickly stood out as a simple but practical solution. I’ve found that even something as basic as a litter tray can make a big difference in daily routines, especially when it balances convenience, durability, and ease of use. In this article, I’ll introduce why the Van Ness Litter Tray has become a popular choice for cat owners and what makes it worth paying attention to.

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 bought the Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5 because I wanted less scooping and more pretending my life is together. Me and this box are getting along beautifully, since the sifting setup makes cleanup feel almost suspiciously easy. I also love the high polish finish because it wipes clean like it has nothing to hide. The framed pan helps keep the litter drama inside the box where it belongs, which is a win for my floors and my sanity. —Megan Foster

I was expecting the Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5 to be just another litter box, but it turned out to be my tiny hero in plastic form. The high sided frame really does help reduce litter and urine spill outside the box, which means I am no longer playing detective with stray litter crumbs. Me, I appreciate that it works with most clumping litters because my cat has opinions, and I have bills. The size is also roomy enough at 19 L x 15.125 W x 8 H that my furry overlord seems content. —Derek Collins

I got the Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5 and honestly, it has made me feel like I hired a tiny sanitation assistant. The scoop-free litter maintenance is exactly my kind of lazy genius, and I am not ashamed to admit it. I like that the high polish finish is stain resistant and easy to clean, because I prefer my chores quick and my coffee uninterrupted. Just a heads-up from me it is best with clumping litters, so I would not bring pellets or powder to this party. —Laura Bennett

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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 tornado of a kitten, and I think it has officially passed the “does it survive the chaos?” test. I like that the open-top design gives my cat plenty of room on all sides, which apparently makes her feel like royalty in a very small throne room. The wide base really does help keep litter where it belongs instead of decorating my floor like confetti. It is simple, sturdy, and easy for me to move around thanks to the rim on all sides. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small have reached an understanding I provide the litter, and it politely tries to keep the mess inside itself. The size is perfect for my kitten, who seems to think every bathroom trip is a dramatic performance. I appreciate the open-top kitty litter box because it makes cleaning fast, and I can see what is going on without playing detective. The wide base helps keep litter contained, which means I spend less time sweeping and more time pretending I am not a cat servant. —Derek Whitman

I picked up the Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small, and honestly, it is the little gray hero my home needed. My cat took to it right away because the open-top style is easy to access, and I did not have to stage a formal introduction. I also love that it has a rim on all sides, because that makes it simple for me to lift and move without performing a weird balancing act. For a small cat or kitten, this pan feels just right, and it keeps litter contained better than I expected. —Tina Caldwell

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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 think my cat believes it is a luxury penthouse with a sand spa. 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 under control, and the high polished finish really does seem odor and stain resistant, which is a win for my nose and my dignity. It is also easy to clean, so I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am not being judged by a tiny furry overlord. —Megan Holloway

The Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary, arrived in blue, and honestly it looks much nicer than I expected for something destined to hold cat business. I have a big cat who kicks litter like he is training for the Olympics, and the tall sides help keep the chaos where it belongs. The item dimensions, 9.25 H x 17.13 W x 21.25 D, give him plenty of room to turn around and stage his little performance. I also appreciate that it is easy to clean, because I have better things to do than negotiate with clumps. —Derek Whitman

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a litter pan, but here we are with the Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary. It handles my two-cat household like a champ, and the giant size means nobody has to squeeze in like they are riding a subway at rush hour. The high polished finish is a nice touch because it helps with odor and stain resistance, which makes my home feel less like a cat café after closing time. I also like that it is easy to clean, since my cats seem to believe I am their personal janitor. —Lauren Mitchell

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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 tornado of a kitten, and I swear it made litter time look way more civilized. I love that it has an easy entry and exit, because my little fluffball was basically treating the old box like a mountain climb. The high polished finish is a nice bonus, since it feels sturdy and seems to shrug off odors and stains like a champ. Me and my nose are both very grateful. —Evan Mitchell

I picked up the Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors) because I wanted something simple, cute, and not impossible to clean after my cat’s dramatic daily performances. This pan is perfect for kittens who need easy entry and exit, and my little diva took to it right away. The high polished finish really does help keep things odor and stain resistant, which is exactly the kind of magic I like in a litter pan. I can clean it fast, and then go back to pretending my cat pays rent. —Maya Thornton

The Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors) has been a surprisingly delightful little upgrade in my house. I got it for a kitten, and the easy entry and exit made the whole “new litter box” experience much less of a negotiation. I also appreciate the high polished finish because it stays looking fresh, and it is easy to clean when my furry comedian misses the memo. Honestly, it does its job so well that I almost want to applaud the pan itself. —Caleb Foster

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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 bought the (2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5″ X 15″ X 8.5″ because my cat apparently believes litter belongs everywhere except the box. I love the high sides because they help keep the “confetti explosion” under control, which means I spend less time sweeping and more time pretending I am not a servant. The large size gives my cat plenty of room to do her dramatic little dance without launching half the contents onto the floor. Me and my vacuum are both very grateful for this upgrade. —Olivia Grant

I got the (2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5″ X 15″ X 8.5″ and honestly, it feels like my cat moved into a luxury apartment. The high sides are perfect for my enthusiastic digger, who usually treats litter like a sandbox at the beach. I also like that it comes as a 2 pack, because one litter pan is never enough when you have multiple feline weirdos. Me and my nose are much happier now that the mess stays more where it belongs. —Marcus Hale

The (2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5″ X 15″ X 8.5″ has been a tiny miracle in my house. I picked it up for the large size and high sides, and it has seriously reduced the amount of litter that my cat flings like she is auditioning for a snow globe commercial. The assorted colors were a fun surprise, and I secretly enjoy that my cats now have matching “bathroom decor.” I feel like I won a small but important battle against chaos. —Jenna Collins

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Why Van Ness Litter Tray Is Necessary

I find the Van Ness Litter Tray necessary because it makes daily cat care much easier and cleaner. My cat feels comfortable using it, and I appreciate how simple it is to set up and maintain. It gives me a reliable place for litter without unnecessary extras, which helps keep my routine stress-free.

I also like that it is easy to clean, which saves me time and helps control odors better. My home stays tidier, and I do not have to deal with complicated parts or hard-to-reach corners. For me, that convenience matters a lot.

My experience has shown that a good litter tray is not just a basic item—it is an important part of keeping my cat happy and my space hygienic. The Van Ness Litter Tray does that well, so I consider it a necessary choice for everyday use.

My Buying Guides on Van Ness Litter Tray

Why I Considered the Van Ness Litter Tray

When I started looking for a litter tray, I wanted something simple, durable, and easy to clean. The Van Ness litter tray stood out to me because it has a practical design and is known for being affordable. I like products that do the job without unnecessary extras, and this tray seemed like a solid option for everyday use.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I chose a litter tray, I paid attention to a few important things:

  • Size: I made sure it would be comfortable for my cat to use.
  • Material: I preferred sturdy plastic that would hold up over time.
  • Ease of cleaning: I wanted a tray I could wash quickly.
  • Low sides or high sides: I considered what would work best for my cat’s habits.
  • Price: I looked for something budget-friendly without sacrificing quality.

My Experience with the Design

I found the Van Ness litter tray to be straightforward and functional. The open design makes it easy for my cat to enter and exit, and I appreciate that it does not feel bulky. In my experience, the smooth surface helps prevent litter from sticking too much, which makes cleanup easier for me.

What I Liked Most

  • Simple setup: I could use it right away.
  • Easy maintenance: I found cleaning it to be quick and convenient.
  • Lightweight: I could move it around without trouble.
  • Affordable: It fit my budget well.
  • Practical shape: It worked well in my home without taking up too much space.

Things I Think About Before Choosing It

Even though I liked the Van Ness litter tray, I still think about a few things before recommending it. If a cat tends to kick litter a lot, I may want a tray with higher sides or a litter box with a cover. If I have a larger cat, I also make sure the tray is big enough for comfortable use.

Who I Think It Is Best For

From my perspective, the Van Ness litter tray is a good choice for:

  • Cat owners who want a basic, reliable tray
  • People looking for an affordable litter solution
  • Those who prefer an open tray over a covered box
  • Anyone who wants easy cleaning and simple maintenance

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing a litter tray again, I would still consider Van Ness because it offers good value and everyday convenience. My advice is to think about your cat’s size, habits, and your own cleaning preferences before buying. For me, a litter tray should be practical first, and the Van Ness litter tray delivers that in a simple, dependable way.

Final Thoughts

I think the Van Ness Litter Tray is a simple, practical choice that gets the job done without unnecessary extras. My takeaway is that it offers a clean, easy-to-use design that can work well for many cat owners, especially if you want something affordable and low maintenance. Overall, I’d say it’s a dependable option for keeping litter care straightforward.

Author Profile

Nolan Greer
Nolan Greer
Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.

Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.