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A Reliable Dog Proof cat Litter Box Solution To Keep The Dogs Out

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A dog-proof cat litter box is essential if you have a cat and a dog household. We are a cat family (currently) with a guest dog.

There are two choices. Either get a cat litter box that is dog proof or dog proof the existing cat litter box.

How to dog proof a 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 for some 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 reviewed 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.

We Have Reviewed These Dog Proof Cat Litter Boxes

1. IRIS Top Entry Litter Box Efficient And Stylish
2. Petmate Top Entry Litter PanGood Budget Option
3. Clevercat Top Entry Litterbox A Proven Winner
4. Frisco Top Entry Cat Litter Box
5. Arm And Hammer Top Entry Litter Box Reliable
Make Your Own Dog Proof Litter Box
Other Ways To Keep The Dog Out Of The Litter Box
Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

1. Iris Top Entry Litter Box

IRIS USA, Inc. IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Cat Litter Scoop, White & Beige Punt-530, Large (586962)

Keep the dog away from the litter box with this box from IRIS.

The 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.

The lid is sturdy and fits securely, another dog deterrent. The box is large, so the cat has plenty of space to move around inside, even large cats.

There are grooves on the lid, which can be seen in the image. The grooves help to stop any spread of litter when the cat leaves the box, and they do this very effectively.

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

Keeps the dogs out and helps prevent the spread of litter.

Includes a litter scoop. Hooks anywhere around the top of the lid.

It is BPA free and Made in the USA.

Cons

Some cats will jump straight from the hole in the top of the box, onto the floor, so litter is still stuck to their paws.

Specifications

There are two sizes, Large and Medium. The box and measurements shown here are for the Large size. The measurements of the entire box are 20.47L x 16.14W x 14.56H.inches. The measurements of the internal part of the box are (widest point) 20.0L x 16.0W x 14.0H inches (bottom narrowest point) 17.5L x 13.5W inches. You have three colors to choose from – Dark Gray and White, Black and Gray, White and Almond. The Medium sized box measures – 17.32 x 13.39 x 12.2 inches. There are more details here about the medium size.


2. Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan

Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan Cat Litter Box Brushed Nickel/Pearl White

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 product efficient. It is easy to empty the litter using the built-in handles. Built-in handles are a good thing; there is no chance of 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.

There are litter liners for this 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 20.29L x 15.07W x 15.2H inches (similar to Clevercat-the next choice). The color choice is Brushed Nickel/Pearl White. This box has litter liners (8 liners per box).

A Long Handle On the Litter Scoop Is Perfect For A Top Entry Litter Box

Read more…

cat-standing-on-top-of-a-top-entry-litter-box

3. Clevercat Top Entry Litterbox

Clevercat Top Entry Litterbox

In addition to deterring any dog activity, this box is great for cats who love to dig and fling litter around. The surface on the top of the box is ribbed (as can be seen in the photo), which helps to contain any litter stuck on paws.

The height of this box should be enough to deter most dogs. Even if your dog is large, he would still need to be able to put his head right down through the hole, which is 9″ in diameter, and lower his head 15″ to the bottom of the box. This would be a challenge.

Is your cat elderly? It may be difficult for an elderly cat to access a top entry box. However, our cat is definitely elderly and he is still jumping, so all cats are different in this regard.

Some people with large cats give this box the thumbs up. However, consider the dimensions of the box and the size of your cat when purchasing any litter box.

Pros

Deters dogs. Dogs tend to ignore the box.

The bottom of the box is totally flat.

Good for high pee-ers.

Good for containing litter.

Cons

May not work well for a very large, fluffy cat. Look for a bigger box like the IRIS.

The box tapers so that it is narrower at the bottom. Consider this when looking at options for your cat. This may impact larger cats.

Specifications

This Clevercat litter box measures 20L x 15W x 15H inches with a 9-inch diameter entry. There are no color choices. The box is a neutral color.


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.

4. Frisco Top Entry Cat Litter Box

top entry litter box to keep the dogs out

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 for 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 a large box. One cat owner outlined how her 14 pound cat had no problems, size wise, using the box.

Cons

A litter mat is still required. The textured top may not retain all of the excess litter that is still on the cat’s paws.

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. Made from BPA-free, recyclable plastic. The lid can support up to 33 pounds.


5. Arm And Hammer Top Entry Litter Box

ARM & HAMMER Top Entry Litter Pan

The opening for the cat to enter this litter box is about 9 inches by 10 inches. The height of the box is going to put off most dogs. Some dogs are determined, but many dogs won’t attempt to get into a top entry box.

An open litter box is easy pickings for dogs who want to play with cat litter and its contents, cat poop.

This 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 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. This doesn’t affect the cat. Once again, the lid flips to one side, making cleaning easy.

Pros

Sturdy box.

Large enough for cats to turn around inside.

The lid 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.


Our Top Choice

1. Iris Top Entry Litter Box

A dog proof cat litter box that is hard to beat is the IRIS Top Entry Litter Box.

This is a large and sturdy top-entry litter box, the largest of the boxes reviewed here.

This box is going to keep most dogs out. It really depends on the determination of your dog. Even though a large dog may have the height required to poke his head into the box, it is not necessarily easy to reach the bottom of the box.

This box is hugely popular. All of the design features for a successful litter box are included in this litter box.

Make your own 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.

Other Ways To Keep The Dog Out Of The Litter Box

Carlson Pet Gate With Small Pet Door

Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Pet Gate with Small Pet Door, Includes 4-Inch Extension Kit, Pressure Mount Kit and Wall Mount Kit

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 kitties 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 free access 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.

It uses a pressure-mount system, making it extremely easy to put into place and also to remove.
Another plus is that if the litter box is moved to a different location, the gate can be moved also.

The handle 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

This is a great solution if your cat is elderly and can’t handle jumping up into and out of the litter box. This makes an actual physical barrier which is much better for your senior cat.

Door Buddy Adjustable Door Strap and Latch - Grey. Dog Proof Litter Box The Easy Way. No Need for Pet Gates or Interior Cat Door. Use This to Keep Dog Out of Litter Box and Cat Feeder.

It installs in seconds using strong adhesive, so it can literally be out of the packet and installed immediately with no skills or tools required. YAY!

Yes, you can buy extra adhesive if needed.

The width is adjustable and there are also instructions for installing different door types, for example, bi-fold doors, swinging doors, pocket doors, double doors, and push or pull doors.

The nifty little door stop means that the door can’t be accidentally closed locking your kitty cat inside the room.

If you are leasing, the product can be removed without damaging the wall. However, if it was forcibly pushed by an adult or very large dog, there is a chance that it could damage the paint.

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.

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.

dog proof cat litter box
We’ve been waiting a long time for this dear. No more doggy friends in the litter box.

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