The Pureness Giant High Sides is the best-scoring pan here, at 21.25 by 17.13 by 9.25 inches. The Van Ness Medium is the better choice for kittens and small cats that need to step in without climbing. Both are plain open pans, and neither is built for a cat that sprays.
This review is part of our indoor cat litter box guide. Two of the six pans aren’t Van Ness products. We included a Petmate pan and a generic rimmed pan so you can compare. Below you’ll find side heights, what each size fits, how to pick for a kitten or a senior, and how to clean a polished plastic pan. For the bigger picture, see our complete open litter box guide.
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We earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Scores reflect specs and fit, based on the manufacturer listings.
⚡ Quick Verdict
List of Van Ness Open Litter Pan Review
| Image | Product | Size (L x W x H) | Score | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors May Vary🏆 Editor’s Pick | 21.25″ x 17.13″ x 9.25″ | 8.8/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Van Ness Cat Pan, Medium (Assorted Colors)🐱 Best for Kittens | Not listed | 8.5/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Basic Open Top Entry Cat Litter Pan, Plastic Rimmed Box, Large💰 Best Value | Not listed | 8.0/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
VanNessPets Extra Small Open Cat Litter Box, Kitten/Rabbit Size💵 Budget Pick | Extra small, 4″ sides | 7.8/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Pureness Giant Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors | Giant (inches not listed) | 7.5/10 | View on Amazon |
 |
Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small↔ Petmate Alternative | 14″ x 10.5″ | 7.2/10 | View on Amazon |
📋 How We Evaluated
Each pan was scored on side height against your cat’s digging style, size against the 1.5x sizing rule, entry height for kittens and seniors, ease of cleaning, and price for what you get. Dimensions come from manufacturer listings and may change, so confirm on the product page. Several listings in our data give a size label but no inches. We say so rather than guess. For the full method behind our picks, see how to choose an open litter box.
Van Ness Pan Sizes and Side Heights at a Glance
| Pan | Size | Side height | Fits a cat up to | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pureness Giant High Sides | 21.25″ x 17.13″ | 9.25″ | About 14.2″ | Large cats, diggers, shared boxes |
| Van Ness Medium | Not listed | Low | Check listing | Kittens, small cats, seniors |
| VanNessPets Extra Small | Extra small | 4″ | Tiny cats only | Kittens, small pets, travel |
| Pureness Giant (standard sides) | Giant, inches not listed | Standard | Check listing | Big, tidy cats |
| Petmate Basic Small (not Van Ness) | 14″ x 10.5″ | Low rim | About 9.3″ | Kittens, spare box |
The last-but-one column divides the pan length by 1.5. That is the usual sizing rule: your cat’s length from nose to the base of the tail, times 1.5, is the minimum interior length. If you need a bigger pan than anything here, see our best open litter box for large cats.
Detailed Reviews
Pureness Giant High Sides Cat Litter Pan, Colors May Vary🏆 Editor’s Pick
| Dimensions | 21.25 x 17.13 x 9.25 inches |
| Side Height | 9.25 inches (high sides) |
| Color | Colors may vary |
| Capacity | Giant |
What We Found
This pan measures 21.25 by 17.13 by 9.25 inches, which makes it the roomiest pan in this review with the tallest sides. At 9.25 inches, the walls are more than twice the height of the Van Ness extra small pan’s 4 inches, so digging scatter lands inside more often.
The listing describes a high-polish finish that resists stains, and the surface is smooth plastic that wipes clean. Under the 1.5x sizing rule, 21.25 inches fits a cat up to about 14 inches nose to tail base. A big Maine Coon would want something longer. The color is assigned, so you can’t pick it.
💬 My Take
The best-scoring pan here, and a good fit for diggers and shared boxes. The 9.25-inch sides won’t stop a high sprayer, who needs a 14-inch box. Our best open litter box for high sprayers lists taller options.
Who It’s For
Owners of large cats, multi-cat homes and hard diggers who have the floor space for 21.25 by 17.13 inches. Our guide to the best open litter box for multiple cats has more shared-box picks.
Not for a kitten or a cat with mobility trouble. A 9.25-inch side is a climb for them.
✅ Pros
- High sides keep more digging scatter inside the pan.
- 21.25 x 17.13 inches gives a big cat room to turn.
- Smooth, polished surface wipes clean quickly.
❌ Cons
- Large footprint needs real floor space.
- The sides can be hard for kittens and disabled cats.
- Color is assigned, so you can’t choose a shade.
Van Ness Cat Pan, Medium (Assorted Colors)🐱 Best for Kittens
| Size | Medium |
| Finish | High Polished |
| Material | Plastic |
| Entry Type | Low Side |
What We Found
The Medium pan has low sides, a smooth high-polish finish and a plain open top. It comes in assorted colors, so you can’t choose the shade. The dimensions aren’t in the data we have. Check the listing before you order, and apply the 1.5x rule to your cat’s length.
The low entry is the point. A kitten, a small adult or a cat with sore joints can step in without climbing. The tradeoff is the one every low pan has: a digger will fling litter over the side. If you’re shopping for a young cat, our open litter box for kittens guide covers more choices.
💬 My Take
A good first pan for a kitten or small cat. Skip it for hard diggers.
Who It’s For
Kitten owners, owners of small adults, and cats with mild mobility trouble (see our best open litter box for senior cats). Anxious cats that dislike deep or covered boxes.
Large breeds and strong diggers need something taller and longer.
✅ Pros
- Low entry makes it easy for kittens and seniors.
- Smooth, polished plastic wipes clean fast.
- Simple open design with nothing to break.
❌ Cons
- Low sides won’t contain a hard digger.
- Assorted colors mean no choice of shade.
- May be small for large breeds. Check the dimensions.
Basic Open Top Entry Cat Litter Pan, Plastic Rimmed Box, Large💰 Best Value
| Size | Large |
| Color | Gray |
| Feature | Reinforced Rim |
| Handle | Yes |
What We Found
A gray pan with a reinforced rim, an integrated handle and a wide base. The handle is the practical part: a pan full of wet clumping litter is heavy, and a grip makes the trip to the sink easier.
This one isn’t a Van Ness product, and the data we have doesn’t list its dimensions or the maker. So we can’t say which cat it fits. Check the exact length on the listing and multiply your cat’s length by 1.5 before you buy.
💬 My Take
A handy design with one big hole in the spec sheet. Get the dimensions before you buy. If price is your main filter, compare it with our best budget open litter box picks.
Who It’s For
Buyers who want a handle and a reinforced rim without a brand-name price. Check the current price.
People with limited hand strength may like the grip. Cats that dislike covered boxes will accept the open layout.
✅ Pros
- Integrated handle makes lifting and emptying easier.
- Reinforced rim helps the pan keep its shape.
- Wide base helps catch kicked-out litter.
❌ Cons
- Exact dimensions aren’t listed, so fit is a guess.
- Open top does nothing for odor, so scoop daily.
- Plastic will show wear over time.
VanNessPets Extra Small Open Cat Litter Box, Kitten/Rabbit Size💵 Budget Pick
| Size | Extra Small |
| Side Height | 4 inches |
| Material | BPA-Free Plastic |
| Origin | USA |
What We Found
A tiny pan for kittens and small pets such as rabbits, per the listing. The sides are 4 inches high, the plastic is listed as BPA-free, and it’s made in the USA. At this size it also works as a travel or carrier box.
The listing mentions compatibility with certain drawstring liners. Check which size before you buy, since a liner that doesn’t fit just bunches up. Our roundup of the best litter box liners can help you match one. This is a starter pan, not a main box for an adult cat.
💬 My Take
A starter or travel pan for a tiny cat. An adult cat will outgrow it at once.
Who It’s For
New kitten owners. Rabbit owners, though check with your vet about litter for rabbits. Travel setups and small carriers.
Small senior cats that need a very low entry may also use it.
✅ Pros
- 4-inch sides allow easy entry for tiny pets.
- BPA-free plastic made in the USA.
- Compact enough for a carrier or small space.
❌ Cons
- Too small for average or large adult cats.
- Low sides give little scatter protection.
- Liners need to match the pan’s size.
Pureness Giant Cat Litter Pan, Assorted Colors
| Size | Giant |
| Finish | High Polished |
| Sides | Standard |
| Colors | Assorted |
What We Found
This is a giant pan with standard-height sides. The listing gives the finish as high polish and the size as Giant, but it doesn’t give inches, so check them before you order. The width is what you’re buying.
It suits a big cat that digs politely. A digger will push litter over standard sides. If your cat digs, buy the High Sides version above instead, or look at the 11.75″ to 14″ walls on the pans in our IRIS open top litter box review.
💬 My Take
A roomy, basic pan for a big, tidy cat. Diggers will scatter litter over standard sides.
Who It’s For
Owners of one large cat with the floor space for a giant pan. People who like a plain pan with nothing to clean around.
Cats that don’t kick litter outward.
✅ Pros
- Giant size gives a large cat room to move.
- Polished finish wipes clean easily.
- Simple design has little to break.
❌ Cons
- Standard sides let more litter escape than the High Sides version.
- Assorted colors mean no choice of shade.
- Exact dimensions aren’t in our data.
Petmate Basic Open Plastic Cat Litter Pan, Gray, Small↔ Petmate Alternative
| Dimensions | 14 x 10.5 inches |
| Color | Gray |
| Type | Open Top |
| Brand | Petmate |
What We Found
A small gray pan, 14 by 10.5 inches, from Petmate rather than Van Ness. It has an open top, a wide base and a rim on all sides that gives you a grip. It weighs little and cleans easily.
Under the 1.5x rule, 14 inches suits a cat up to about 9.3 inches nose to tail base, so it’s a kitten pan or a spare box. We list it as a comparison, since many shoppers weigh Van Ness against Petmate. Our full Petmate open litter pan review covers the larger Petmate options.
💬 My Take
A fine basic pan for small cats and a decent spare. Not a main box for an adult cat.
Who It’s For
Owners of kittens or tiny cats. People who want a lightweight spare or temporary box.
Anyone comparing Van Ness and Petmate for a first pan.
✅ Pros
- Wide base helps keep litter in the pan.
- Light enough to lift and wash easily.
- Rim gives you a grip when moving it.
❌ Cons
- Small size limits it to kittens and tiny cats.
- Basic plastic can scratch over time.
- Low sides let some litter scatter.
Low-Entry vs High-Sided: Which Pan Do You Need?
| Factor | Low-sided pan | High-sided pan |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Easy for kittens, seniors and sore joints | Harder to climb; needs a lowered entry for some cats |
| Litter scatter | A digger can fling litter over the side | Keeps most digging scatter inside |
| Footprint | Smaller options exist | Larger and taller |
| Best for | Kittens, small cats, arthritic cats | Large cats, diggers, multi-cat homes |
| Example here | Van Ness Medium, Extra Small | Pureness Giant High Sides |
Our read: choose by your cat’s body and habits, not by price. A kitten or a stiff senior should get a low pan. A healthy adult digger should get a tall one. Neither pan type fixes a cat that sprays. For that, see our guide to the best open litter box for high sprayers. For the tradeoffs of going open at all, read open litter box pros and cons.
How to Pick a Litter Pan for a Kitten?
- Choose low sides, around 4 inches, so the kitten can climb in alone. More ideas are in our open litter box for kittens guide.
- Pick an open pan. Kittens can feel trapped in a covered box.
- Size up as the kitten grows. An extra small pan is outgrown within weeks to months.
- Use an unscented, low-dust litter. Check the label for kitten suitability, since some litters aren’t for very young kittens.
- Keep the box where the kitten can reach it quickly from where it plays and sleeps.
How to Introduce a Kitten to the Pan
- Place the pan in a quiet, easy-to-reach spot.
- Set the kitten in the pan after meals and after naps.
- Let it sniff and dig. Don’t force it.
- Praise calmly when it uses the pan. Don’t punish accidents.
- Scoop daily so the pan stays inviting. A good litter scoop makes that easy.
- Call your vet if a kitten strains, cries or avoids the box.
Choosing a Low-Entry Pan for a Senior Cat
Older cats with stiff joints often start going outside the box because climbing in hurts. Signs worth watching include hesitation at the rim, perching on the edge, or leaving the box after a short stay. Our best open litter box for senior cats guide goes deeper.
- Pick low sides. The Van Ness Medium and Extra Small both have low entries.
- Check that a small senior fits the interior. Cats need room to turn.
- Put the pan on a non-slip surface with no steps to climb.
- Add a second pan on each floor of the house.
- See your vet if a senior cat starts missing the box. Arthritis, kidney and urinary problems can all cause it.
This is general guidance, not a diagnosis.
Van Ness vs Petmate: How the Basic Pans Compare?
| Factor | Van Ness pans here | Petmate Basic Small |
|---|---|---|
| Size range | Extra small to giant | One small size reviewed (14″ x 10.5″) |
| Side height | 4″ (XS) up to 9.25″ (High Sides) | Low rim, height not listed |
| Finish | High polish listed on several models | Plain gray plastic |
| Best for | Kittens through large cats | Kittens and tiny cats, spare box |
Both are plain, open, no-extras pans. The difference is range. Van Ness covers more sizes, including the one high-sided giant. Petmate’s small pan is a fine budget spare. For a full Petmate breakdown, see our Petmate open litter pan review.
How to Clean a Polished Plastic Litter Pan?
- Scoop clumps daily, twice daily with several cats.
- Every 2 to 4 weeks, empty the pan and rinse with hot water.
- Wash with mild, unscented dish soap and a soft sponge. Skip abrasive pads, since they scratch polished plastic.
- Skip bleach and strong ammonia-based cleaners. Cats avoid boxes that smell of them.
- Rinse well and let it dry fully before adding litter.
- Replace the pan when scratches build up or when odor stays after a thorough wash.
A smooth finish helps, but scratches defeat it. That’s why gentle tools matter. If smell is your main worry with an open pan, read do open litter boxes smell, or see our picks for the best open litter box for odor control.
Liners, Multiple Cats and Placement Tips
- Liners only work if the dimensions match your pan. A loose liner bunches up and cats dig it out. See the best litter box liners for sizes that fit.
- Some listings, like the VanNessPets Extra Small, name compatible drawstring liners. Check before buying.
- A common guideline is one box per cat plus one extra. Our multiple cats litter box guide covers setups.
- Set boxes in different rooms so one cat can’t guard them all.
- Keep boxes away from noisy appliances and food bowls.
- Scoop daily whatever the pan or liner.
What to Look For Before Buying
Size and side height decide most of the outcome. Material and cleaning come second. For a fuller checklist, read how to choose an open litter box.
Check Size and Accessibility
Measure your cat from nose to the base of the tail while standing, then multiply by 1.5. That is your minimum interior length. Kittens and seniors need lower sides. Large breeds need room to turn. Make sure the pan fits its spot with space to scoop.
Value Material and Durability
Look for smooth, scratch-resistant plastic. A BPA-free label, like the one on the VanNessPets Extra Small, matters most for chewers and very young kittens. A sturdy rim helps a pan hold its shape when you lift it full. Replace scratched plastic, since it holds odor.
Rate Containment Features
Side height controls scatter. Four inches is fine for a polite kitten. Nine inches or more suits a digger. Spray is a separate issue, and most pans here aren’t tall enough to stop it. A litter mat for open litter boxes in front catches tracked litter either way.
Verify Ease of Cleaning
Smooth surfaces wipe clean fast. Light pans are easier to carry to a sink. Avoid pans with deep corners or textured bottoms that trap waste. If you plan to use liners, check the fit before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Van Ness a good litter pan brand?
Van Ness makes plain, open plastic pans in a range of sizes. The ones reviewed here have simple designs with polished finishes and no extras. That suits owners who want an easy-to-clean pan. Check each listing for dimensions, since several don’t state them in our data.
What size Van Ness pan should I buy for a kitten?
The VanNessPets Extra Small has 4-inch sides and suits very young kittens, but a kitten will outgrow it quickly. The Medium is a better choice if you want one pan to last through kittenhood. Check the Medium’s dimensions on the listing. See also our open litter box for kittens picks.
Do high-sided litter pans stop scatter?
They keep most digging scatter inside the pan. The Pureness High Sides at 9.25 inches does this better than a low pan. They don’t stop a cat that sprays upward. Tracking on paws needs a mat in front.
How often should I replace a plastic litter pan?
Replace it when deep scratches build up, the plastic cracks or warps, or odor stays after a thorough wash. There isn’t a fixed date. Heavy use and hard scrubbing wear pans faster.
Are open litter pans better than covered ones?
Open pans give better airflow and suit cats that dislike enclosed spaces. They scatter more litter and show the mess. Choose by your cat’s temperament and how much cleanup you’ll tolerate. We weigh it up in open litter box pros and cons, and compare it with robots in open vs automatic litter box.
What size litter pan is best for multiple cats?
Pick a giant pan, like the Pureness Giant High Sides, and add more boxes. A common guideline is one box per cat plus one extra. Spread them across the house so cats can’t guard them.
Can I use liners in any open litter pan?
Only if the liner’s dimensions match your pan. Check the product listing. Tuck the liner over the rim so it doesn’t slip. Liners can tear if a cat digs hard.
Why do some cats prefer low-entry litter pans?
Low entries are easier for kittens, seniors and cats with arthritis. They reduce the strain of stepping in. Anxious cats also tend to like open, low-sided pans. If a cat suddenly avoids the box, check with your vet.
Can a rabbit use a Van Ness extra small pan?
The VanNessPets Extra Small is listed for kittens and rabbits. Rabbits need rabbit-safe litter, not clumping cat litter. Ask your vet which litter suits your rabbit.
🎯 Final Verdict
The Pureness Giant High Sides is the pan to buy for a large cat, a digger or a shared box. It’s 21.25 by 17.13 inches with 9.25-inch sides, and it scored highest here. It won’t stop a spray, and it’s too tall for kittens and stiff seniors.
For a kitten, a small cat or a senior, the Van Ness Medium is the better pick, because its low entry is the whole point. Check its dimensions on the listing first. Measure your cat, apply the 1.5x rule, and match the side height to how your cat digs. To compare more brands, head back to our complete open litter box guide, or browse the full 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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