There are two choices for a dog proof cat litter box.
1. Dog proof the existing cat litter box.
2. Get a cat litter box that is dog proof.
A dog proof cat litter box is essential if you are a cat and a dog household. We are a cat family, currently with a guest dog.
How to dog proof a Cat litter box
Use a cat litter box that has features expressly for the purpose of deterring dogs.
This will mostly mean the litter box will have a top opening to prevent dogs from easily accessing the box.
Put the litter box up high where the cat has access but not the dog.
This may work in some cases but does have drawbacks.
It is not so good for older cats and don’t discount the inquisitive dog making repeated valiant attempts to reach the box.
Put the litter box in a room that has a Door Buddy Latch to prevent the dog and any wandering toddlers or crawlers from accessing the litter box.
To begin with, we have looked at the five most popular dog proof litter boxes with an explanation of how they work to deter a dog.
Any extra features, plus necessary information, are included to help decide which one would suit your needs.
Dog Proof Cat Litter Boxes
| 1. IRIS Top Entry Litter Box – Efficient And Stylish | |
| 2. NEW IRIS Square Design – Top Entry Litterbox | |
| 3. Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan – Good Budget Option | |
| 4. Frisco Top Entry Cat Litter Box | |
| 5. Arm And Hammer Top Entry Litter Box – Reliable | |
| Make Your Own Dog Proof Litter Box | |
| Ways To Keep The Dog Out Of The Litter Box | |
| Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop? |
1. Iris Top Entry Litter Box
Keep the dog away from the litter box, with this top entry litter box from IRIS.
The litter box is deep at 14.56 inches. A large dog, like a German Shepherd, has the height to be able to put his head into the opening but would then have difficulty progressing enough to be able to hunt through the litter.
It is doubtful that a medium sized dog would have success with this method of getting into this litter box.
The lid on the litter box is sturdy and fits securely, another dog deterrent. The litter box is large, so the cat has plenty of space to move around inside, even large cats.
The opening, as seen in the image above, is enough to deter the average nosy dog looking for a snack.
This box can take large cats.
Another plus, apart from keeping dogs out, the generous size and the ability to stop litter tracking, is the appearance of this box. It sits nicely in a corner without screaming litter box. One cat owner even spray painted the top to match her décor.
Pros
This litter box keeps the dogs out and helps prevent the spread of litter.
The litter box is BPA free and Made in the USA.
Specifications
The measurements of the entire box are 20.75L x 16.13W x 14.63H.inches. \ size.
2. Large Square Top Entry Cat Litter Box – IRIS
Before we leave the IRIS litter box, just take a look at this NEW design. It is a winner for sure. It has all the great features of an IRIS litter box.
The dimensions on this box are 17.25″L x 17.25″W x 14.88″H, so just a bit higher than the litter box shown above. This one is just too cute for words.
3. Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan
This box is also designed to keep dogs out of the litter.
It has a non-slip top and also a grate on the top surface, which allows litter to fall back into the box, instead of scattering all over the floor.
A small hand brush can also be used to brush any bits of litter back into the box through the top opening.
This box does have tall walls. I have to say, for those of you who have older cats, that our cat, who is heading towards 17, is still able to jump up onto the bed and generally get to where he wants to, so this very much depends on the cat.
As it is a fairly lightweight box, it would be best positioned in a corner so that a large dog can’t push it around.
This box is a great choice if you are looking for a budget option.
The box itself is excellent and has received favorable feedback for working well, to keep dogs out of the litter box.
This box will deter medium to large-sized dogs, and smaller dogs would have difficulty reaching right down in the box.
The design elements make the litter box efficient.
It is easy to empty the litter using the built-in handles to carry the litter box.
Built-in handles are a good thing, there is no chance of attached handles breaking under the weight of litter.
The hinged lid also helps with handling, scooping, emptying, and refilling the litter box. Just flip the lid to the side and it will be easy to access the box.
Pros
The tall walls are a good doggie deterrent.
Good for high pee-ers.
The box has a wide top entry lid to accommodate larger cats.
Rounded edges – It just makes for easier handling of the litter box.
Cons
The hinge is on one side which could be annoying for box placement.
It can take time for the cat to become accustomed to a top entry box.
Specifications
The measurements are 15″L x 15″W x 20″H.
A Long Handle On A Litter Scoop Is Perfect For A Top Entry Litter Box
4. Frisco Top Entry Cat Litter Box
Just like the other top entry litter boxes, this litter box will keep out nosey intruders.
It has a textured, non-slip lid to trap litter.
When it is time to scoop, lift the lid of the litterbox for an easy clean up.
Before lifting the lid, I suggest that you use a small brush to brush any litter sitting on the top of the box back into the box.
Or, lift the lid carefully and shake any excess litter sitting on the top of the box into the box.
Pros
Keeps the dogs out. This is what we want.
This is a large box. One cat owner outlined how her 14 pound cat had no problems, size wise, using the box.
Cons
May not suit an older cat or a cat that has arthritis or is unwell.
Specifications
The measurements of the box are 23.2L x 15.4W x 15H inches.
The door opening at the top is 8.66 inches by 9.68 inches.
The color choices you have are gray or black.
The litterbox is made from BPA-free, recyclable plastic. The lid can support up to 33 pounds.
Would your cat do better with a litter box that has a cover but a front entry rather than a top entry? A covered litter box is easier for senior cats to access than a top entry litter box.
5. Arm And Hammer Top Entry Litter Box
The opening on the top of the litterbox, for the cat to enter the box, is about 9 inches by 10 inches.
The height of the box is going to put off most dogs from trying to access the litter. Some dogs are determined, but many dogs won’t attempt to get into a top entry box.
This litter box has gets top points for sturdiness. This is important because a box that is too light will be easier to knock over by a determined dog.
All of the litter boxes will have added weight once the litter is in the box.
This cat litter box has been treated with Microban for built-in antimicrobial product protection.
The hook hanger is a molded feature, so the litter scoop should not go astray.
The holes in the lid allow some of the litter to fall back into the box, assisting in clean up.
The lid flips to one side, making cleaning easy.
Pros
This is a sturdy litter box.
The litter box is large enough for cats to turn around inside.
The lid of the litter box is secure.
The box has a flat bottom.
Dare I say it? You may not need a litter mat!
Specifications
The measurements are 20 L x 15 W x 15 H inches. The only color is gray, a dark gray unit with a slightly lighter gray lid.
We Love…
- QUALITY - The IRIS USA top entry kitty litter tray offers a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution to your cats bathroom needs. With the top entry kitty litter box, everything stays inside and out of sight, and the enclosed design lessens the prevalence of unpleasant odors in the room, something thats sure to make everyone in the family happy.
- TOP ENTRY - The top entry of the cat litter pan means more privacy for your cat, less litter spillage, and any spraying remains contained within the tall walls of the kitty litter box. It also functions to keep other pets, such as dogs, out of your cats business, making for a stress-free environment for everyone.
- TIDY - The grooves in the lid catch any lingering litter particles on your cats paws and keep them from spilling out onto the floor, keeping the area neat and clean and making clean-up a breeze.
- ORGANIZED - The included scoop features a hook, allowing you to hang it from the side of the kitty litter pan to store it between cleanings and have it within reach whenever its needed, making the days of hunting around for the scoop a thing of the past.
- GREAT SIZE - Dimensions: 17.25L x 17.25W x 17.88H, Entry: 7.9W x 7.9H
Make A dog proof litter box
The video below has clear instructions and reasons for making certain choices in the construction of your own dog-proof litter box.
Ways To Keep The Dog Out Of The Litter Box
Carlson Pet Gate With Small Pet Door
This is one way to keep the dog away from the cat litter.
You won’t need to alter the current litter box arrangements. That can be a big plus, as cats don’t always like having their litter box regime changed.
The gate is expandable and is 30 inches high however there are many other Carlson gate options of different sizes. Click here to see a larger selection of gates.
It is steel and non-toxic, even chewable, so even if crawling toddlers are on the go, this gate will solve more than one problem – keeping dogs and small people away from the litter whilst providing easy access to the litter box for kitty.
Disclaimer: This is primarily a pet gate, so it may not be suitable for keeping out small people.
It is also a piece of equipment that you could easily pass on to others (friends or family) if or when it is no longer needed.
The gate uses a pressure mount system, making it extremely easy to put into place and also to remove.
Another plus is that if the cat litter box is moved to a different location, the gate can be moved also.
The handle on the gate, has a one-touch release so that if you are carrying items, it is a simple procedure to open the gate.
Regular tension gates, without the door may be suitable, but it would mean that the cat would need to jump over the top.
This would be no good for older cats, plus it is such a hassle stepping over these gates, and it does become tiresome day after day.
Cat litter doesn’t have to be expensive. What are the best budget option cat litters out there at the moment?
2. Door Buddy Door Latch
The Door Buddy Latch is a great solution if your cat is elderly, and can’t handle jumping up into and out of a top entry litter box.
This makes an actual physical barrier which is much better for your senior cat.
The Door Buddy is easy to install and keeps out dogs and crawling babies and toddlers.
It allows enough space for the cat to enter the room but keeps everyone else out, including dogs and crawling babies or toddlers.
Stopping the spread of litter and keeping the dog out of the litter box are common problems. How can you contain cat litter?
Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
Why is it that dogs like to eat cat poop?
Yep, it sounds pretty disgusting but let’s give our canine friends a little bit of leeway here.
One of the reasons dogs eat cat poop is because the poop contains vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the dog’s diet, specifically protein.
So the cat poop actually works as a supplement for the dog.
So hats off to you, doggies! Smarter than the average bear!
They are just going about finding a supplement for their diet in their own doggy way.
Here is some information that explains the reasons dogs eat cat poop.
