The Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan is a fair starter pan for a kitten or one small cat, but it has no high back, so it won’t stop a digger or a sprayer. If scatter is the problem, the So Phresh Scatter Shield high-back boxes in this roundup scored higher.
I looked at 7 pans and compared them on size, material, and design. The Petmate Open Litter Pan sits next to So Phresh’s high-back boxes, Marshall’s high back pan for ferrets, and an A&H pan. Where a listing didn’t give a spec, I say so instead of guessing. This review is part of our open litter box guide, inside our complete guide to the indoor cat litter box.
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Petmate Open Litter Pan Review: The Short Version
The Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan is a plain tray. That’s its appeal and its limit. It costs little, rinses clean, and works for a kitten. It also has nothing to block a kicked scoop of litter.
| Spec | Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14 x 10.5 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Design | Open-top with wide base, rim on all sides |
| Our score | 7.5 / 10 |
| Best for | Kittens, small cats, single-cat homes |
| Weak spot | No high back wall, so scatter and spray escape |
✅ Buy it if / ❌ skip it if
- Buy it if you have a kitten or a small cat that uses the box without kicking litter everywhere.
- Buy it if you want a cheap second pan for a spare room.
- Skip it if your cat digs hard, sprays, or has outgrown a 14 inch pan.
- Skip it if you want a larger open pan. Look at the So Phresh pans below instead.
List of Petmate Open and High Back Litter Pans Reviewed
| Image | Product | Size | Best for | Score | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
So Phresh by Petco Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box, Grey, Large 🏆 Editor’s Pick |
18.5″ L x 15″ W x 8.5″ H | Large cats, multi-cat homes, diggers and sprayers | 9.0/10 | View on Amazon Check current price and availability on Amazon |
 |
So Phresh by Petco Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box, Charcoal, Large 🥈 Runner-Up |
18″ L x 15.3″ W x 8.5″ H | Large cats, eco-minded buyers | 8.8/10 | View on Amazon Check current price and availability on Amazon |
 |
So Phresh by Petco Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box, Charcoal, X-Large | 24″ L x 18″ W x 10″ H | Very large cats, giant breeds | 8.5/10 | View on Amazon Check current price and availability on Amazon |
 |
Marshall High Back Litter Pan for Ferrets, 12″ x 14″ | 12″ x 14″ | Ferrets and other small animals | 8.0/10 | View on Amazon Check current price and availability on Amazon |
 |
So Phresh by Petco High-Back Small Animal Litter Pan, Large | 18.5″ L x 15″ W x 8.5″ H | Rabbits, ferrets, multiple small pets | 8.0/10 | View on Amazon Check current price and availability on Amazon |
 |
Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small 💰 Budget Pick |
14 x 10.5 inches | Kittens, small cats, single-cat homes | 7.5/10 | View on Amazon Check current price and availability on Amazon |
 |
A&H Litter Pan, Large | Not specified | Shoppers who confirm size first | 6.5/10 | View on Amazon Check current price and availability on Amazon |
📋 How We Evaluated
I scored each pan on build quality, ease of cleaning, litter containment, durability, and fit for different pet sizes and habits. Inputs were the material, the design, the listed dimensions, and what buyers report in reviews. Scores are my judgment from that data. Where the listing left out a spec, I didn’t fill it in.
Open vs High-Back vs Covered Litter Pans
The pan style matters more than the brand. Here’s how the three types compare.
| Open pan (Petmate Basic) | High-back pan (So Phresh Scatter Shield) | Covered box | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scatter control | Low. Rim only | Good. Back wall stops kicks and spray on one side | Good. Walls and lid |
| Scooping | Easy | Easy, step in from the front | Slower, lid in the way |
| Airflow and odor | Open air, no trapped smell, but odor spreads | Open air, same as open pan | Traps smell inside the box |
| Cat comfort | Most cats accept it | Most cats accept it | Some cats dislike enclosed boxes |
| Best for | Kittens, small tidy cats | Diggers, sprayers, large cats | Owners who want mess hidden |
Detailed Reviews
So Phresh by Petco Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box, Grey, Large🏆 Editor’s Pick
| Dimensions | 18.5″ L x 15″ W x 8.5″ H |
| Material | Plastic |
| Design | High-back with step-in front entrance |
What We Found
The Grey Large is built to hold back litter scatter and cat spray. It has an 8.5-inch high back, a step-in front entrance, and a strong plastic shell. At 18.5 x 15 inches, it gives a big cat room to turn around.
💬 My Take
If scatter or spray is your actual problem, start here. The tall back wall does the work an open pan can’t.
Who It’s For
Large cats and multi-cat households. For more options, see our guide to the best open litter box for large cats. It suits cats that kick litter hard or spray against the wall, and anyone who wants a durable pan that wipes clean.
✅ Pros
- Holds back litter scatter and cat spray
- Durable and easy to clean
- Roomy enough for large cats and shared use
❌ Cons
- May be too large for small cats or kittens
- No design features aimed at odor control
So Phresh by Petco Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box, Charcoal, Large🥈 Runner-Up
| Dimensions | 18″ L x 15.3″ W x 8.5″ H |
| Material | Plastic (50% recycled) |
| Design | High-back with step-in front entrance |
What We Found
The Charcoal Large uses the same high-back, step-in layout as the Grey. The difference is the material: it’s made with 50% recycled plastic. Footprint is 18 x 15.3 inches.
💬 My Take
Basically the Grey pan with a recycled-plastic shell. Pick whichever color and price you find first.
Who It’s For
Large cats and multi-cat homes where you also care about recycled content. Good for scatterers and sprayers.
✅ Pros
- Holds back litter scatter and cat spray
- Durable and easy to clean
- Made with 50% recycled plastic
❌ Cons
- May be too large for small cats
- No design features aimed at odor control
So Phresh by Petco Scatter Shield High-Back Litter Box, Charcoal, X-Large
| Dimensions | 24″ L x 18″ W x 10″ H |
| Material | Plastic (50% recycled) |
| Design | High-back with step-in front entrance |
What We Found
The X-Large is the biggest pan in this roundup at 24 x 18 x 10 inches. It keeps the high back and step-in entrance, and it has the same 50% recycled plastic.
💬 My Take
Great for very big cats. For an average cat it’s too much pan, and it takes up floor space you may not have.
Who It’s For
Very large cats and multi-cat households with room to spare. Our best open litter box for multiple cats guide covers how many boxes to buy and where to place them. It also fits cats that scatter or spray a lot.
✅ Pros
- Holds back litter scatter and cat spray
- Most floor space and wall height of the group
- Made with 50% recycled plastic
❌ Cons
- Too big for small cats and tight bathrooms
- No design features aimed at odor control
Marshall High Back Litter Pan for Ferrets, 12″ x 14″
| Dimensions | 12″ x 14″ |
| Material | Plastic |
| Design | Raised back wall with low front entry |
What We Found
Marshall made this pan for small animal cages. It has a raised back wall to keep messes in and a low front entry. The plastic surface wipes clean.
💬 My Take
A solid pick for a ferret cage. For a cat, it’s too small.
Who It’s For
Ferrets and other small animals, especially in a cage. It works for pets that don’t scatter or spray heavily.
✅ Pros
- Raised back wall keeps messes in
- Durable and easy to clean
- Sized for ferrets and small pets
❌ Cons
- Too small for cats
- No design features to reduce odor
So Phresh by Petco High-Back Small Animal Litter Pan, Large
| Dimensions | 18.5″ L x 15″ W x 8.5″ H |
| Material | Plastic |
| Design | High-back with deep pan |
What We Found
This is So Phresh’s small animal version, with a high back and a deep pan to hold scatter. At 18.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches, it has room for rabbits, ferrets, or a couple of small pets.
💬 My Take
A good small-animal pan when one pet isn’t enough to justify buying two.
Who It’s For
Rabbits, ferrets, and other small pets, including homes with more than one. It suits pets that kick litter around.
✅ Pros
- Deep pan with a high back holds scatter
- Durable and easy to clean
- Room for more than one small pet
❌ Cons
- May be too large for very small pets
- No design features to reduce odor
Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small💰 Budget Pick
| Dimensions | 14 x 10.5 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Design | Open-top with wide base |
What We Found
This is the only Petmate pan in the roundup. It’s a plain open-top tray with a wide base and a rim on all sides, made of durable plastic that rinses clean. At 14 x 10.5 inches, it’s built for kittens and small cats. For other low-cost trays, see our best budget open litter box picks.
There’s no high back wall. A cat that digs hard or sprays will get litter and urine past the rim, and no pan fixes that. If you want taller sides in a similar price range, compare our Van Ness open litter pan review.
💬 My Take
Good for a kitten or a small, tidy cat on a budget. Skip it for diggers, sprayers, or any cat that has outgrown 14 inches.
Who It’s For
Kittens, small cats, and single-cat homes that want a basic, low-cost pan. It suits cats that don’t scatter or spray.
✅ Pros
- Basic, low-cost option for small cats
- Easy to clean and durable
- Wide base helps contain litter
❌ Cons
- No high back wall, so scatter and spray get out
- Small footprint is outgrown quickly by adult cats
A&H Litter Pan, Large
| Dimensions | Not specified |
| Material | Not specified |
| Design | Not specified |
What We Found
The listing data we pulled for this pan gives no dimensions, material, or design details. That gap is the main reason it ranks last.
If you’re considering it, read the full Amazon listing and compare the measurements against your cat before you order.
💬 My Take
A basic pan with too little published detail to recommend over the others.
Who It’s For
Shoppers who have checked the dimensions and material on the listing and found them acceptable.
✅ Pros
- Basic, no-frills option
- Simple design
❌ Cons
- No published detail on size or material
- Nothing here that reduces scatter or odor
What to Look For Before Buying
Start with your pet’s size and habits, then pick the pan style. Material and cleaning come after that. For a wider checklist that covers every open box style, see how to choose an open litter box.
Match the Pan to Your Pet’s Size
A common rule of thumb is a pan about 1.5 times your cat’s length, nose to base of tail. Measure before you buy. The Petmate Basic Open pan is 14 x 10.5 inches, so it fits a kitten or small cat. The So Phresh Large pans are about 18 x 15 inches, and the X-Large is 24 x 18 inches.
| Pet | Pan to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten or small cat | Petmate Basic Open, 14 x 10.5 in | Low, small, easy to climb into |
| Average to large cat | So Phresh Scatter Shield Large | Room to turn, high back for scatter |
| Very large cat or giant breed | So Phresh Scatter Shield X-Large | 24 x 18 in footprint |
| Ferret | Marshall High Back, 12 x 14 in | Made for small animal cages |
| Rabbit or several small pets | So Phresh Small Animal Pan, Large | Deep pan, 18.5 x 15 in |
Check How Your Pet Behaves
Cats that dig hard or spray need a back wall. Cats that use the box politely do fine with an open pan. If your cat kicks litter over the side, a taller pan beats a bigger one.
Look at the Material
Plastic is the standard for all seven pans here. Smooth plastic wipes clean fast. Scratched or cracked plastic holds odor, so replace a pan that has gone rough.
Read Buyer Reviews for Real Use
Look for reviews that mention scatter, cleaning, and cracking after months of use. Reviews from owners with a cat your size count most.
Consider Recycled Materials
The Charcoal So Phresh pans are made with 50% recycled plastic. If that matters to you, those are the two to compare.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- Measured my cat from nose to base of tail
- Checked pan length against that number (about 1.5x)
- Decided if my cat digs or sprays (high back) or not (open is fine)
- Confirmed the pan fits the spot I picked
- Checked the listing for dimensions and material
- Planned one pan per cat, plus one extra
How to Stop Litter Scatter in an Open Pan
An open pan will scatter more than any other style, but a few changes cut the mess.
- Fill to 2 to 3 inches. Deeper litter gets flung over a low rim.
- Put a litter mat outside the pan to catch tracked granules. See our pick of the best litter mat for open litter boxes.
- Place the pan against a wall so one side is blocked.
- Scoop daily. A full pan encourages digging.
- If it keeps happening, switch to a high-back pan like the So Phresh Scatter Shield. Cats that spray should also look at our best open litter box for high sprayers.
How to Clean a Plastic Litter Pan
- Scoop out waste and clumps with a sturdy litter scoop.
- Empty all the litter into a bag.
- Wash the pan with warm water and a mild, unscented dish soap.
- Rinse well and dry fully with a clean cloth or let it air dry.
- Refill with fresh litter to 2 to 3 inches.
For stubborn smells, soak the pan for 15 minutes before washing. Skip strong-scented cleaners, since many cats avoid a pan that smells of chemicals. Wondering how much an uncovered pan smells in the first place? Read do open litter boxes smell?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Petmate open litter pan good for kittens?
Yes. The Petmate Basic Open pan is 14 x 10.5 inches with a rim on all sides, which suits kittens and small cats. Most cats outgrow a pan this size as adults, so plan to upgrade.
Is an open litter pan better than a covered one?
It depends on the cat. Open pans give easier scooping and better airflow, and many cats prefer them. Covered boxes hide the mess and cut visible scatter but can feel cramped. If your cat sprays or kicks litter, a high-back open pan is often the better middle ground. Our open litter box pros and cons page weighs both sides in more detail.
Does the Petmate open litter pan stop litter scatter?
Only partly. The rim and wide base catch some litter, but there’s no high back wall. For heavy diggers, the So Phresh Scatter Shield pans in this roundup are a better fit.
What size litter pan does my cat need?
A common rule of thumb is a pan about 1.5 times your cat’s length, nose to base of tail. Measure your cat first. A small pan like the 14 x 10.5 inch Petmate suits kittens and small cats, while the 18 x 15 inch So Phresh pans suit large cats.
How many litter pans do I need?
The usual guideline from cat behavior experts is one pan per cat, plus one extra. Put them in different spots so one cat can’t block access to all of them.
How deep should I fill an open litter pan?
About 2 to 3 inches is a common recommendation. Overfilling pushes litter over the rim faster, especially in a low open pan.
How often should I clean my litter pan?
Scoop daily. Empty the pan, wash it, and refill it on a regular schedule. Weekly is typical for clumping litter, and more often if you have several cats.
Can I use a high back litter pan for ferrets or rabbits?
Yes, if it’s sized for them. The Marshall pan and the So Phresh small animal pan in this roundup are both made for small pets. Avoid clumping litter for ferrets and rabbits, since they can swallow it. Use a litter made for small animals instead.
What should I do if my cat stops using the litter pan?
Rule out a medical cause first. A cat that strains, cries, or suddenly avoids the pan should see a vet. If the vet clears them, try a different pan size, a quieter spot, or a different litter.
🎯 Final Verdict
For the Petmate open litter pan, my verdict is a qualified yes. It’s a good, cheap pan for a kitten or a small, tidy cat. It won’t contain a digger or a sprayer, because it has no high back.
If scatter is your problem, buy the So Phresh Scatter Shield High-Back, Grey, Large. It’s my top pick for its 8.5-inch back wall and roomy 18.5 x 15 inch footprint. The Charcoal Large is the same idea in 50% recycled plastic. For very large cats, step up to the X-Large. Measure your cat first, and read recent reviews before you order. To compare every style side by side, browse our open litter box guide, or start from the main indoor cat litter box guide.
Written by Mishu
A passionate cat lover and indoor living enthusiast, Mishu is the founder and voice behind Indoor Living Cat – a go-to resource for cat owners who want to create the happiest, healthiest life for their feline companions indoors.
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