Van Ness Cat Litter Pan Review
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details
The Van Ness cat litter pan is an open, low-sided pan from Van Ness Pets, and the listing we opened is for the Medium size with model number CP1. The listing says it has 4-inch sides that let kittens hop in, and a glossy finish that resists odors. Its size labels conflict: the manufacturer text calls the CP1 the small box, while the size selector reads Medium at 16 by 12 by 4 inches. The listing does not settle this. Below are the stated sizes, the Cornell points on low sides and open boxes, and what to check before you buy.
Quick answer
- The listing says the low 4-inch sides let kittens get in easily, and that the glossy finish resists odors and cleans in seconds (seller claim).
- The listing labels this pan Medium at 16 by 12 by 4 inches, but calls the CP1 the small box. Ask the seller which size you would receive.
- Cornell’s feline behavior guide says kittens and elderly cats need boxes with low sides, and that larger cats need bigger boxes.
- The listing does not state a weight range for cats or a warranty period.
The product we opened: what the listing says
One listing was opened for this draft. The table quotes what it says. Where the listing is silent, the cell says “not stated”.
The listing says
| Item | The listing says |
|---|---|
| Title | Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (Assorted Colors) |
| Brand | Van Ness (manufacturer: Van Ness Products) |
| Model number | CP1 |
| Product dimensions | 16 x 12 x 4 inches; 4 ounces |
| Size selector | Small, Medium, Large (Medium shown at 16 x 12 x 4) |
| Size grid | Four open sizes with dimensions of 14.375 x 10.75 x 4; 16 x 12 x 4; 18.375 x 14.875 x 5.25; and 21.875 x 16.75 x 6.5 inches. The grid text does not label each column. |
| Sides | Low 4-inch sides for kittens; low entry for kittens, small animals and geriatric cats |
| Finish | High polish, glossy; resists odors and stains; easy to clean (seller claim) |
| Made | Made in USA; BPA-Free |
| Lid | not stated; the listing calls it an open litter box |
| Liners | Small and Large litter box liners listed as fitting the CP1; sold separately |
| Colors | Assorted colors |
| Cat weight range | not stated |
| Warranty period | not stated |
| Litter containment | not stated |
The size question
The listing gives three different answers to the size question. The selector reads Medium at 16 by 12 by 4 inches. The manufacturer text describes the CP1, which is 16 by 12 by 4 inches, as the small box. The size grid, read in listing order, puts 18.375 by 14.875 by 5.25 inches in the third column, which is the Medium position. The listing does not say which of these is right. Ask the seller to confirm the dimensions of the unit you will receive before you order, and measure your spot against those figures.
Low sides and open boxes: what Cornell says
The Cornell feline behavior guide says kittens and elderly cats need boxes with low sides, and that larger and overweight cats need bigger boxes. It says that, from a cat’s point of view, covers hold odors in, and that most cats prefer an uncovered box that lets odors escape and gives a view of the room. This matches the listing’s open design and low sides. Cornell’s adoption guide makes the same point for older cats: it says the walls of the litter box should be low enough for them to step over. It does not make a particular box suitable for a particular cat, so check the size against your cat.
Who this post suits
The listing names kittens, small animals and geriatric cats as the users it has in mind. Cornell’s low-sides point supports a low pan for kittens and older cats. The listing also says the pan is compact and fits tight spaces. Those are the listing’s own words, and the sources we opened do not confirm the fit in any particular room.
Skip it if
- You have a large or heavy adult cat. The listing does not give a weight range, and Cornell says larger cats need bigger boxes.
- You want a cover to hold odors in or to reduce stray litter. Cornell says people like covered boxes for reducing odor and stray litter, and the listing does not offer a lid.
- You need to know the exact size before you order, and the seller does not answer.
How we chose
We searched Amazon for “van ness cat litter pan” on 2026-10-19. The results included several Van Ness pans in different sizes, and the first Van Ness result was the Medium pan with model number CP1. We opened that listing. We did not open the other Van Ness results, so this draft does not compare sizes across them. The criteria were a brand match, a pan type match, stated dimensions, and a stated use for kittens or small cats.
What we could not verify
- Which size label is correct. The listing conflicts with itself.
- A weight range for cats. The listing gives none.
- Whether the finish resists odors. That is the seller’s claim, and the sources we opened do not cover it.
- How well the pan keeps litter in, or how the pan holds up over time. The listing does not say.
- The durability of the base. We read the listing only, and did not use reviews as evidence.
- An official Van Ness product or support page. We did not find one, so the size question rests on the listing alone.
Buying checklist
- Ask the seller which dimensions the unit will ship with: 16 by 12 by 4 inches, or 18.375 by 14.875 by 5.25 inches.
- Weigh your cat, and compare it with Cornell’s point that larger cats need bigger boxes.
- Measure the spot, and leave room for the cat to turn.
- Choose a color from the listing’s assorted range.
- If you want liners, check that the liner size matches the pan you receive. The listing lists liners that fit the CP1.
- Check the current price on Amazon.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying the Medium because of the name, without checking the dimensions. The listing gives conflicting sizes.
- Buying a small low pan for an adult cat because the kitten bullet appeals. Cornell says larger cats need bigger boxes.
- Expecting the open pan to keep litter in. The listing does not claim that, and Cornell notes that people like covered boxes for reducing stray litter.
- Treating “resists odors” as a test result. It is a seller claim.
Product we opened
{{PICKS}}
Van Ness Cat Pan, Medium (model CP1). Why it is here: it is the first Van Ness result we opened, with stated dimensions, low sides and a stated use for kittens and small cats. Skip if: you have a large adult cat, or you want a lid. Limits: conflicting size labels, no weight range, no warranty period. View on Amazon
Related reading
- For small-space options, see our guide to litter boxes for small apartments.
- If you are considering an automatic box instead of a pan, read our guide to self-cleaning cat litter boxes.
FAQ
Is the Van Ness Medium the same as the CP1?
The listing gives the model as CP1 and the selector reads Medium at 16 by 12 by 4 inches. The manufacturer text calls the CP1 the small box. The listing does not resolve this, so ask the seller.
Is this box good for kittens?
The listing says the low 4-inch sides let kittens get in easily. Cornell’s guide says kittens need boxes with low sides.
Is it big enough for an adult cat?
The listing gives no weight range. Cornell’s guide says larger cats need bigger boxes, so check your cat’s size before you choose this pan.
Does it have a lid?
The listing calls it an open litter box and does not list a lid. Cornell’s guide says most cats prefer an uncovered box.
Does the finish stop odors?
The listing says the glossy finish resists odors. That is the seller’s claim. Cornell’s guide says covers hold odors in, and most cats prefer a box that lets odors escape, so odor control depends on litter and cleaning as well as the pan.
Bottom line
Confirm the size before you buy, and match the pan to your cat. An open, low pan suits kittens and small cats; the listing does not support it for a large adult cat.
Sources
- Amazon listing, Van Ness Cat Pan – Medium (ASIN B000084F39), opened 2026-10-19: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000084F39
- Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline behavior problems: house soiling, opened 2026-10-19: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-house-soiling
- Cornell Feline Health Center, What to expect when adopting a feline friend (PDF), opened 2026-10-19: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/What%20to%20expect%20when%20adopting%20a%20feline%20friends%20-%20Accessible.pdf. Supports the low box walls for older cats.
Affiliate note: we earn from qualifying Amazon purchases made through the links on this page. Product details and availability can change. Check the current price on Amazon. Affiliate disclosure
