Cat owners often choose top entry litter boxes because they help contain litter better than traditional boxes.
A top entry litter box also deters dogs and small children from accessing the litter.
Top entry litter boxes can provide cats with a greater sense of privacy and security while they do their business.
Top entry litter boxes often have a sleek, modern design, making them less of an eyesore in a home.
Most top entry litter boxes have similar qualities but consider whether you would prefer the box to have any of the following options:
a matte plastic or shiny plastic finish?
a litter scoop included?
a variety of colors?
a removable liner?
made in the USA?
a choice to convert from top entry to front entry?
The litter box you choose becomes part of your home décor, just like a cat bed. The top entry litter boxes on this page would suit any décor as they are neutral in color, streamlined in design and do not scream “litter box”.
Some Top Entry Litter Boxes are
| 1. Modkat XL – Converts to Top or Front Entry – Also The Largest Box |
| 2. Frisco Top Entry Litter Box – Reliable Choice |
| 3. Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan – Budget Option |
| 4. IRIS Top Entry Litter Box – Great Box, Superior Design |
| 5. Arm And Hammer Top Entry Litter Pan – Good Economical Choice |
| What Are The Benefits Of A Top Entry Litter Box? |
| Make Your Own Top Entry Litter Box |
1. Modkat XL Litter Box
This litter box has all the bells and whistles and can convert from a top entry litter box to a front entry litter box.
This is a brilliant feature as there is always the opportunity to switch the entrance if necessary.
As your cat ages a front opening is preferable to a top opening because of the cats lack of agility.
Also any sickness or injury may prevent your cat using a top entry box until they have recovered/ recuperated. How convenient than that you can switch between the two openings when needed.
Some cat owners also leave the top entry and the front entry open at the same time. That is good thinking unless you have a dog that likes to investigate the litter box. Stay with the top entry in this case.
A long handled scoop would be practical for this litter box.
The box comes with a reusable liner that is anchored securely with hooks at the corners inside the box This liner won’t be falling back into the box. The liner is made from tarpaulin so they are mighty tough and just need to be washed and can then be reused. Replacement liners are available. The box can also be used without a liner if desired.
The Modkat XL is currently the largest top entry box and comments from different reviewers have said that the box is suitable for a Maine Coon. So if you are looking for a large top entry litter box, this Could be the one.
It does cost more, there is no denying that but time and time again people say that it was worth the cost for the features. Another plus is that it looks stylish, a pertinent point if the box will be on display.
Pros
A reusable liner makes sense economically and for the planet.
It also stands up to scratching because it is made from tarpaulin.
A top entry litter box, works very well at containing the litter.
Cons
The price! It costs more than the average litter box. It’s a decision that will be different for everybody.
Specifications
This box can be a top or a front entry litter box.
The dimensions are 17.32L x 21.26W x 16.54H inches. Any type of litter can be used. It is the largest of all the top entry litter boxes reviewed here.
Modkat make different litter boxes and they have all have reusable tarp liners. This article explains which liners are for which boxes, as it can be confusing.
Everything you need to know about Modkat reusable liners, including dimensions, how and when to clean etc is in this article.
2. Frisco Top Entry Litter Box – Extra Large
The features that we like in this box are:
The lid is textured and acts to trap the litter from traveling any further than the box. The lid is also non slip.
A disclaimer here. It depends on your cat, the size and whether he jumps straight out of the box, as to how well the litter is contained.
It is advisable to have a litter mat nearby until you can assess for yourself.
The dimensions of the litter box are 23.2 x 15.4 x 15 inches making it a decent size for the cat to turn around inside without being cramped.
The litter box is made from plastic that is recyclable and is BPA free. We love the fact that it is able to be recycled and we are not adding more plastic to an already stressed environment.
This box is prefect for the diggers and flingers and good for keeping dogs out also.
The inside floor of the litter box is smooth, making the litter box easy to scoop.
It is made in the USA
Note : The box is 15 inches high so if you are thinking of this box for a kitten, you will needs to assess the kitten’s ability to jump that height.
Pros
The textured lid helps litter stay on the lid, which can then be tipped back into the box.
Built in handles make it easy to pick up.
Keeps the dogs out.
Cons
An added feature would be a pouring spout built in to make emptying the litter easier.
Not good for older cats or cats with arthritis.
Specifications
The dimensions of the top entry litter box are 23.2L x 15.4W x 15H inches.
The lid of the litter box can support a maximum of 33lbs.
The door opening measures 8.66 x 9.68 inches. Clean the litter box with warm, soapy water.
When assembling the litter box, align the lid vertically. The half circle hinges should be facing down. Insert the hinges into the socket and fold to close.
3. Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan
This top entry litter box was designed to keep dogs from digging in the cat litter.
If your dog is large, he may be able to put his head in the box, however he would have to fit his head and neck down into the box, fifteen or so inches, to get at the litter. That would be no easy task for most dogs.
It’s difficult to say that a litter box will be entirely dog proof, as it depends on the size of your dog and how persistent they are.
Top entry litter boxes make cleaning easier because the litter will not be flung out of the box, as kitty navigates to the desired location, location, location.
The lid of the litter box is textured, which makes it easier for kitty to jump onto and land in an organized fashion.
The lid of the litter box has a grate so that any stray bits of litter will fall back into the box.
This top entry litter box, has a large opening suitable for cats of all sizes.
You may want to think twice about this box if your cat is elderly and has trouble jumping. My cat is elderly but is still pretty good at jumping, so this won’t apply to all elderly cats.
The handles of the litter box, are built in which is convenient (they won’t break) and this makes the box easy to pick up.
I never quite trust a handle that is not built in. Yes, I am suspicious of litter box handles!
The lid is hinged, however the top can be still be removed for easier cleaning if necessary.
There is a molded hook on the outside of the box for the litter scoop. The litter scoop does not come with the box.
There was previously a raised section in the floor of the box that potentially could have made scooping difficult. That has (in 2017) since been addressed and the surface is now flat.
Pros
This top entry litter box is made in the USA.
It is a very sturdy litter box.
A solution for cat owners with the high
pee-ers out there!
Cons
A kitten would not be able to use this top entry litter box.
Specifications
The measurements of the top entry litter box are 15.07 inches x 20.29 inches x 15.2 inches.
The lid on the top will support a weight of up to 30 lbs.
The measurements of the opening are 10 inches horizontal and 87/8 inches vertical.
The lid is hinged (yes, love a hinged lid) or can be removed for easy cleaning.
It is recommended to put 2 to 4 inches of litter in the box.
The litter box is plastic but BPA free. The litter box can be used with or without a liner however, these are the liners to fit the box.
There is a built in hook for a litter scoop.
Do you really need to use litter box liners? This article discuses the different types of liners and why they are used.
4. IRIS Top Entry Litter Box
The word attractive and litter box don’t usually go hand in hand, however this box is attractive. It isn’t immediately obvious that it is actually a top entry cat litter box.
The lid has grooves to help catch any stray litter that may be stuck to kitties paws, as he leaps from the box.
There are different colors choices, so if this litter box will be on display at your place, you will be able to find something to fit with your home décor. Colors are listed in the specifications.
There is not necessarily a need for liners using this litter box as the interior is easy to clean but any large liner could be used.
The entry into the box is somewhat of an enticement for the cat as we know how they love exploring new places.
Pros
If you are wondering about size, a 20 lb male cat has used this top entry litter box successfully.
This litter box, stops the doggies from getting into the litter box.
The spread of litter outside the box is minimized because of the design.
Cons
Some cat owners have had trouble snapping the lid into place. It may take some perseverance.
Specifications
This litter box is available in a medium and a large size.
The measurements of the medium size are 17.32L x 13.39W x 12.2 H inches.
The measurements of the large size are 20.47L x 16.14W x 14.56H inches.
The color combinations are White, Black/Gray, Gray/White and White/Beige. Not all colors may be available.
What about a covered litter box? This is another option to consider.
5. Arm And Hammer Top Entry Litter Pan
The top entrance opening of this top entry litter box is approximately 9’ diameter. This is a fairly standard size opening, however the IRIS top entry box, has a slightly larger opening.
The floor of the litter box is smooth and flat for easy scooping. (A totally flat floor makes scooping easier.)
There is a little hook on the side of the litter box, for holding a scoop but the scoop is not included.
The finish on the litter box, is matte plastic. There are liners available separately for this box. Not everyone uses the liners, however it is good to have a choice if you do decide to use a liner.
The lid has a grate that can be seen in the photo which will enable any litter on the lid to fall back into the box when opened.
The lid is sturdy and snaps into place to prevent the lid coming off when cats are exiting the top entry litter box.
This is a very good top entry litter box at a good price and is good value for money.
The Modkat XL Top Entry Litter Box hands down fulfills all three requirements of Functionality, Design and Cost and is our recommendation.
What Are The Benefits Of A Top Entry Litter Box?
- Top entry boxes mean less litter tracking. Kitty can go to town digging and flinging. Some litter may still escape on paws.
Most boxes have either a grate on the top of the box, so that litter falls back into the box.
Some top entry litter boxes have a textured top, so that litter will rub off kitty’s paws (that’s the idea) and stay on the top of the box. - Top entry litter boxes are especially good if you live in an apartment or have limited space. They don’t take up much space and secondly there are some very attractive models, especially if it is on show.
This is where the Modkat comes into its own. It looks like a white shiny box, it doesn’t scream litter box as soon as you look at it. - A top entry litter box is easier to carry and move around to another location compared to an uncovered litter box.
An uncovered litter box can be cumbersome to lift or move particularly when full of litter. - Top entry boxes definitely are a deterrent to dogs. Some large dogs may persist and have success however they will have to really persevere.
- Cats have privacy with a top entry box.
How To Train A Cat To Use A Top Entry Litter Box
- Put the old litter box and the new top entry litter box side by side for a few days until kitty has made the transition to using the new box.
Eventually when the time is right just remove the old box. - Put some litter from kitty’s old box into the new top entry box. You see kitty, we are clever too.
Cats have a keen sense of smell and kitty will know that this is his litter, so it will be an okay, safe place to visit. - Make sure the new top entry box is nice and clean and leave the old box to get a bit dirty.
A dirty trick, I know, but we know kitties like clean.
What If Kitty Says – NO GO!
If your cat still refuses to use the new top entry box after trying the above steps then try this.
Pick up your kitty and gently place him on top of the box. Let him have a look around and let him jump off by himself.
Still no go? Try taking the lid off the box.
Make Your Own Top Entry Litter Box
Is it a worthwhile project to make a top entry litter box?
Making your own top entry litter box by just cutting a hole in the top of a store bought tote box, usually raises two points.
Firstly, the store bought tote box would need to be very sturdy and secondly, the entrance would need to be cut and sanded to get rid of rough edges.
Certainly doable, just not practical for everyone. Typically the lid of a store bought tote is not particularly strong. Don’t get a tote so large that it is difficult to empty the litter and clean the litter box. Will the surface of the tote be easy to clean?
If you have a tote lying around that isn’t being used, you could certainly give it a go.
I wouldn’t be shelling out for a new tote though. That money would be better put towards a new top entry litter box.
It could be one of those ideas that sounds easier than it actually is in reality.
Kitty Got Itchy Feet? Traveling Kitty
Are you thinking of taking your cat traveling in a motor home?
Cats can travel. It may not be the norm, but someone will be planning on taking kitty on an adventure.
A top entry cat litter box would be ideal for traveling, and easy to maintain because mess is the last thing you need in a confined space.
| Image | Title | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Cat Litter Scoop, Dark Gray & White, Dark Gray/White, Large | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | IRIS 589630 Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Cat Litter Scoop, Large, Gray/White | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | IRIS Medium Top Entry Cat Litter Box, White/Beige | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | Modkat Litter Box, Top-Entry, Looks Great, Reduces Litter Tracking - White | Prime | Check Price |
 | Sfozstra Cat Litter Box, Cat Litter Pan with Cat Litter Scoop (Jumbo) | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
 | So Phresh Top-Entry Litter Box, 23.23" L x 15.5" W x 15.13" H, 23.23 in | Prime | Check Price |
 | Modkat XL Litter Box, Top or Front-Entry Configurable, Includes Scoop and Liners - White | Prime | Check Price |
 | JUNSPOW Cat Litter Boxes Litter Boxes for Large Cats Foldable Litter Box Comes with Shovel (Grey) | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
They have their place. It depends on your location, space and where the litter box will be used. Perhaps given a choice the cat would choose a large and open cat litter box.
Great post with some good tips. But I always think top entry boxes are designed more to please people than cats.