Buying guide

Best open-top litter boxes for nervous cats

Open designs that cats which refuse enclosed boxes will actually use, ranked by our overall score.
Last updated 20 June 2026.

  1. 1

    Neakasa M1 Open-Top

    The answer for cats that refuse enclosed boxes. Its open-top sieve design and wide 43cm opening win over nervous cats and large breeds that avoid globe units. The trade-off is weaker odour control and more litter tracking.

    Best for: Anxious cats and large breeds that refuse enclosed boxes · From £399.00

    8.1 / 10
  2. 2

    Neakasa M1 Lite

    The cheapest open-top automatic box that works reliably. Same nervous-cat-friendly open design as the M1 in a simpler, more affordable package. Fewer smart features and weaker odour control, but dependable core cleaning.

    Best for: Budget buyers wanting an open-top design · From £249.00

    7.73 / 10

Ranked by our weighted total, scored on the same criteria as every product in this category. See the full smart litter boxes ranking