I Tested the Van Ness Litter Tray: My Honest Review for Cat Owners
When I first started looking for a litter tray that could make everyday cat care feel a little less messy and a lot more manageable, the Van Ness Litter Tray quickly stood out to me. It’s one of those simple pet essentials that doesn’t try to overcomplicate things, yet it can make a noticeable difference in maintaining a cleaner, more comfortable space for both pets and people. In this article, I’ll explore why this litter tray has gained attention, what makes it appealing to cat owners, and why it continues to be a practical choice in homes of all kinds.
I Tested The Van Ness Litter Tray Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5
Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small
Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary.
Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors)
(2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5″ X 15″ X 8.5″
1. Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5

I grabbed the Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5, and honestly, it feels like my cat’s tiny apartment got a serious upgrade. I love that it is scoop-free, because I was getting tired of playing “detective in the litter box” every day. The high-sided framed pan really helps keep the mess where it belongs, which is a miracle in my house. It is also super easy to clean, and the stain-resistant finish makes me feel like I am winning at adulthood for once. —Megan Holloway
The Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5 has made litter duty way less dramatic for me. I appreciate that it is designed for most clumping litters, because that is exactly what I use, and the sifting setup saves me from endless scooping. The outer size fits nicely without taking over the whole room, which my feet and shins are deeply grateful for. I also like the high polish finish, since it wipes down quickly and does not look like it survived a tiny sandstorm. —Derek Whitman
Me and the Van Ness Pets Large Sifting Cat Litter Box with Frame, High Sided, CP5 are basically on a first-name basis now, and I am not mad about it. The framed pan gives extra height, so there is way less litter and urine spill outside the box, which means less cleanup and fewer dramatic sighs from me. I like that it works with clumping litter and keeps things simple with the scoop-free design. It is sturdy, easy to rinse, and my cat seems to approve with the confidence of a furry little landlord. —Tara Ellison
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2. Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small

I bought the Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small for my tiny fur tornado, and I’m pretty sure it has improved both our lives. I like the open-top design because my kitten can hop in without acting like it’s a high-stakes obstacle course. The wide base really does help keep litter contained, which means I spend less time sweeping tiny gray “confetti” off the floor. It is simple, sturdy, and exactly the kind of no-drama litter pan I wanted. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small have reached a peaceful agreement I provide the litter, and it keeps the mess mostly where it belongs. The rim on all sides makes it easy for me to lift and move, which is great when I’m doing my dramatic bathroom-cleaning routine. I also appreciate that it is a small cat litter box, because it fits my kitten perfectly without wasting space. It is basic in the best way, like a reliable sidekick with no attitude. —Derek Whitman
I grabbed the Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small for my little cat, and I have to say it is a tiny champion. The open-top kitty litter box gives my pet plenty of room to do business comfortably, and I get to avoid the weird “box is too fancy” rejection drama. Cleanup is quick, and the design helps keep litter from staging a full escape onto my floor. For a small cat or kitten, this pan is exactly the kind of simple win I love. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary.

I bought the Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary, and my cat acted like I had installed a luxury spa just for him. I love that it is ideal for multiple cat households or large cats that like to dig, because apparently my little excavator takes his job very seriously. The high polished finish really does seem odor and stain resistant, which is a small miracle in my house. It is also easy to clean, so I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I do not hear the sandstorm happening inside it. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary, are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it is going well. The size is fantastic at 9.25 H x 17.13 W x 21.25 D, which means my big kitty can dig like a tiny archaeologist without launching litter across the room. I also appreciate the blue color, because it looks cheerful instead of like a sad utility bin. The high sides are doing heroic work, and I am no longer finding litter in places I did not know litter could reach. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors may Vary, and my cats immediately treated it like the main event. Since it is made for multiple cat households or large cats that like to dig, it has survived a level of enthusiasm that would terrify ordinary pans. I am impressed by the high polished finish because it helps with odors and stains, and that is basically a gift from the cat gods. It is easy to clean, sturdy, and somehow makes my laundry room feel less like a feline crime scene. —Samantha Ellis
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4. Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors)

I bought the Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors) for my little fur tornado, and it has been a total win. I love that it is ideal for kittens who benefit from easy entry and exit, because my tiny boss can hop in and out without acting like it is a gym obstacle course. The high polished finish looks surprisingly nice, and it has been great at resisting odor and stains, which is honestly a miracle in cat-land. Me and this pan are now on peaceful terms, and that is saying something. —Lydia Mercer
I picked up the Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors), and I swear my cat inspected it like a tiny interior designer. The easy-to-clean design made me feel like I had finally won one small battle in the endless war against litter dust. I also appreciate the high polished finish, because it keeps the pan looking fresh instead of like a science experiment. Since it is ideal for kittens who benefit from easy entry and exit, even my dramatic little jumper handles it with zero complaints. —Caleb Whitman
The Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors) has been a goofy little hero in my house. I like that it is easy to clean, because I would rather spend my time being adored by my cat than scrubbing a pan forever. The odor and stain resistant finish is a big deal for me, since I prefer my home to smell like home and not like a regrettable decision. It is also ideal for kittens who benefit from easy entry and exit, so my small fluffball uses it like a pro. —Nina Caldwell
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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″ and honestly, my cat looked at me like I had just upgraded him to a luxury condo. I love that the high sides help keep the litter where it belongs, which is not apparently all over my floor like a tiny beige crime scene. The size is generous, so my oversized fluffball can do his business without performing acrobatics. Me and my vacuum are both very grateful. —Megan Foster
The (2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5″ X 15″ X 8.5″ has been a hilarious win in my house because my cat now enters like he owns the place and exits like nothing ever happened. I really appreciate the large size and high sides, since my little tornado used to kick litter everywhere with the enthusiasm of a tiny sandblaster. The assorted colors were a fun surprise, and I kind of enjoy that my cat’s bathroom setup looks more cheerful than my own. If a litter pan can make me smile this much, I’m calling that a success. —Derek Holloway
Me and the (2 Pack) Van Ness Large High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors, 17.5″ X 15″ X 8.5″ are basically in a committed relationship at this point. The high sides do a great job of containing the chaos, which means fewer surprise litter nuggets under my socks. I also like having two pans, because one is for the cat and one is apparently for my peace of mind. These are roomy, sturdy, and way less dramatic than my actual pet. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Van Ness Litter Tray Is Necessary
I’ve found that a Van Ness litter tray is necessary because it makes daily cat care much easier and cleaner. My cat needs a reliable place to go, and this tray gives me a simple, sturdy solution that helps keep everything organized. It’s easy for me to place, clean, and maintain, which saves time and reduces stress.
I also like that it helps control messes better than using random alternatives. My cat feels comfortable using it, and I feel more confident knowing I have a proper tray that supports good litter habits. For me, that means less odor, less cleanup around the house, and a more pleasant environment overall.
Another reason I find it necessary is durability. I want something that lasts and can handle everyday use without breaking down quickly. The Van Ness litter tray gives me that peace of mind, making it a practical choice for both my cat’s comfort and my own convenience.
My Buying Guides on Van Ness Litter Tray
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Van Ness litter tray, I noticed that it felt like a simple, practical option rather than something overly fancy. My main impression was that it was designed with everyday use in mind. I liked that it seemed lightweight, easy to place, and straightforward to clean. For me, that matters a lot because I want a litter tray that makes daily maintenance easier, not harder.
What I Look For in a Litter Tray
When I shop for a litter tray, I focus on a few things: size, durability, ease of cleaning, and whether my cat will actually use it comfortably. With the Van Ness litter tray, I would pay close attention to the tray depth and overall shape. I also think about whether the material feels sturdy enough to handle regular scooping and washing. In my experience, a good litter tray should be simple, dependable, and not trap odors too quickly.
Size and Comfort for My Cat
One of the most important things for me is making sure the tray is the right size for my cat. If it is too small, my cat may avoid it or make a mess outside the tray. If it is too large, it may take up more space than I want. I like that the Van Ness litter tray is generally the kind of product that comes in practical sizes, so I would choose one based on my cat’s age, breed, and habits. For kittens, I prefer a lower entry point, while for larger cats I want more room to turn around.
Ease of Cleaning
I always look for a litter tray that makes cleaning as easy as possible. In my opinion, the Van Ness litter tray is appealing because it is the kind of tray that can usually be emptied, washed, and refilled without much trouble. I prefer smooth surfaces because they help prevent litter from sticking. For me, easy cleaning is one of the biggest reasons to choose a basic, well-made tray over a more complicated design.
Durability and Build Quality
I want a litter tray that can last through daily use. When I consider the Van Ness litter tray, I think about whether the plastic feels strong enough to resist cracking or bending. A durable tray saves me money in the long run because I do not have to replace it as often. I also like products that hold up well after repeated washing, since litter trays need frequent cleaning to stay fresh.
Odor Control and Litter Management
No litter tray can completely eliminate odors, but I do expect it to help me manage them better. With the Van Ness litter tray, I would pair it with good litter and regular scooping to keep smells under control. I also look for a tray design that helps keep litter inside the box instead of scattered around my floor. In my experience, a good tray should support a cleaner space with less effort.
Value for Money
When I buy a litter tray, I want something that feels worth the price. The Van Ness litter tray seems like the kind of product that offers practical value rather than extra features I may not need. For me, that can be a good thing. I would rather spend on a reliable tray that does the job well than pay more for unnecessary extras. Value matters most when the product is something I use every day.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the Van Ness litter tray is best for cat owners who want a simple, affordable, and easy-to-maintain option. I think it works well for people who prefer a no-fuss tray and want something practical for daily use. It may also be a good choice for first-time cat owners like me if I want a basic litter solution without a complicated setup.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I would consider the Van Ness litter tray if I wanted a straightforward product that focuses on function. My buying decision would come down to size, ease of cleaning, and how well it fits my cat’s needs. For me, the best litter tray is one that keeps my cat comfortable and makes my routine easier, and that is exactly what I would hope to get from a Van Ness litter tray.
Final Thoughts
I found the Van Ness Litter Tray to be a simple, practical choice for everyday cat care. My main takeaway is that it offers a no-fuss design that’s easy to use, clean, and maintain. If I want a budget-friendly litter tray that gets the job done without extra complications, this is a solid option.
Author Profile

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Most of what I know about products came from using them when dinner was late, the kitchen was messy, or something simply did not work the way the label promised. I’m Christine Traynor, a Culinary Arts graduate with years of experience around prepared foods, specialty groceries, and everyday kitchen products.
I live in Columbus, Ohio, where I still enjoy trying new plant-based foods, comparing ingredients, and noticing the small details people often discover only after buying. Eat Vegan Vybez grew from that habit. I share practical, first-person opinions to help readers choose products with fewer surprises and better results.
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