The best top-entry litter boxes to cut down on litter scatter and conceal messes

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If you have a classic open litter box and your cat tends to eliminate over the box edge or enthusiastically kick litter in every direction, you're likely no stranger to the mess low-sided litter boxes can create. The best top-entry litter boxes offer a possible solution: Not only do these boxes conceal waste to keep your home smelling fresher, but they also help keep cat litter in the box where it belongs.

"A top-entry litter box can be a bit easier to clean and certainly reduces the amount of litter the cat carries out of the box on their feet," says Dr. Mark Freeman, a board-certified veterinarian and clinical associate professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. He adds that top-entry boxes are an effective way to keep dogs out of the litter box.

Top-entry boxes may not be a good fit for every cat, particularly those with mobility issues or anxiety. To help you determine whether a top-entry box is the right choice for your cat, we consulted veterinarians and a cat behavior specialist. They emphasized the importance of choosing an appropriate litter box and placing it in the right location to ensure a cat's biological needs are met. Based on their advice, we've compiled a list of seven best litter boxes with top entries. Our top pick is the versatile Modkat XL Litter Box, a spacious top-entry box with a perforated top to limit litter scatter and an additional front-entry door that's ideal for multi-cat households that may have large cats or those with mobility issues.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our picks for the best top-entry litter boxes

Best overall: Modkat XL Litter Box - See at Amazon

Best budget-friendly: Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan - See at Chewy

Best furniture: Qlevo Top Lid Opening Zero Spill Design - See at Etsy

Best self-cleaning: Petsafe Scoopfree Crystal Pro Top Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box - See at Chewy

Best for a corner: Kitangle Corner Kitty Litter Box - See at Chewy

Best luxury: Omlet Maya Enclosed Cat Litter Box - See at Omlet

Best overall

Cats need ample space to do their business, making size a crucial factor when selecting the best cat litter boxes. Unfortunately, top-entry litter boxes tend to be smaller than traditional options, says Susan Krebsbach, a veterinarian and practice owner of Creature Counseling. With limited space, your cat may have trouble finding a comfortable position to eliminate, potentially leading them to seek out other areas of your home.

Enter our top recommendation for the best top-entry litter boxes: the Modkat XL Litter Box. It impressively combines a spacious interior with a sleek design, while offering both a top entry and an optional side entry with a built-in sliding door that can be closed. The side entry provides a more accessible option for senior and mobility-impaired cats, while also providing a quick escape route in homes with multiple pets.

Heavy or large-breed cats may find many top-entry boxes difficult to use. "A young adult cat that is overweight should be able to use a top-entry litter box, and yes, the increased work required to use it might help with weight loss," Freeman says. However, some top-entry boxes may still be too small or challenging for large cats to access and use comfortably. Freeman recommends a low-entry box for senior cats who are overweight, as they are typically easier on arthritic joints.

The box has a perforated folding top lid for easy cleaning, a walk-off platform to help cats step in and out, two rip-resistant reusable plastic liners, and a scoop. It's made of sturdy injection-molded ABS plastic and comes in white, black, and gray.

Best budget

If you're unsure whether your cat will use a top-entry litter box, the Petmate Top Entry Litter Box is an affordable way to find out. Plus, since you'll need one more litter box than the number of cats in your home, it's reasonable to start with a budget-friendly litter box, says Molly DeVoss, a certified cat behavior specialist.

This litter box is not only affordable but also packed with features that make it practical and convenient for both cats and people. As with all of the best top-entry litter boxes, its enclosed design prevents litter from being kicked out. The top platform also features a grated lid that captures litter from your cat's paws to minimize scattering.

While it's large enough for most medium and average-sized cats, this box may not be a good fit for larger breeds, such as Maine coon cats.

Best furniture

If one of the best large litter boxes doesn't fit your aesthetic, you can always disguise it as a stylish piece of furniture. The best cat litter box furniture gives cats a secure, private space to do their business, while discreetly concealing the litter pan.

The Qlevo box is designed to accommodate a large litter box and make cleaning a breeze. The perforated entry and exit platform provides ventilation and minimizes litter tracking. Additionally, the no-slam hydraulic hinges keep the top lid propped open, making scooping and cleaning easier

While this litter box enclosure is generously sized, the brand can also accommodate custom size requests. The 48-pound enclosure comes fully assembled.

Best self-cleaning

Finding the right litter box setup may involve some trial and error. "When determining what will work best for a specific cat, it's a good idea to offer at least two different types of litter, experimenting with various substrates until you find one the cat will use consistently," Freeman says. The best cat litters come in a wide range of options, from clumping clay to the best natural cat litter made of corn, walnut, wood, or grass.

This top-entry box uses crystal cat litter made of non-clumping silica crystals that quickly absorb liquids and neutralize odors. Just 20 minutes after your cat exits, the automated rake sifts solid waste into a covered waste trap. The brand says you'll need to replace the disposable crystal litter tray with a fresh refill once a month for single-cat households.

The entry hood is made of semi-transparent plastic, so your cat will have plenty of visibility to spot an approaching furry family member. If it turns out your cat prefers not to use a top-entry box, you can easily remove the entry hood by snapping it out of place. The ScoopFree box also has a built-in smart counter to let you know how many times a day your cat uses the box and when you should refresh the litter. Reviewers recommend changing it after about every 50 uses.

Best for corners

Krebsbach says cats value their privacy while using the litter box. She says that a top-entry litter box can provide extra privacy, but placing the box in a low-traffic area is even more effective. Of course, finding a discreet spot for your cat's litter box can prove somewhat challenging when you live in a smaller home or apartment.

Thanks to its triangular design, the Kitangle top-entry corner litter box fits seamlessly into unutilized, low-traffic corner spaces. Made from sturdy polypropylene plastic, it has a seamless, roomy design.

The removable lid simplifies cleaning, and the brand says there's no need to use a litter liner. Just add your cat's preferred type of litter, and it's ready to use. The litter box weighs about 9 pounds and doesn't require assembly.

Best luxury

Cats need a clean litter box that provides a secure and private place to do their business. We humans, on the other hand, prefer a box that conceals its contents and blends in with home décor. Omlet's Enclosed Cat Litter Box with Storage may offer the perfect solution. This top-entry cabinet provides plenty of space for your cat while keeping everything out of sight.

The design features an anti-tracking platform that minimizes litter tracking. The Omlet litter box includes a reusable litter liner, a folding scoop, and an activated carbon filter to absorb and trap odors. You can lift and fold back the anti-tracking platform for easy scooping. When it's time for a deep clean, simply slide out the platform and unsnap the anti-slip retention band to remove the litter liner.

What to look for in a top-entry litter box

Based on our experts' insights, thorough research, and personal experience, we identified the following key features to look for when shopping for one of the best top-entry litter boxes.

Size: If your cat can't easily stand up and turn around in their box, they may find another place to eliminate. We considered litter boxes designed for cats of all sizes, along with boxes that fit well in both small and large spaces.

Accessibility: Accessibility was a crucial factor we considered when choosing the best litter boxes. While some cats can use top-entry boxes comfortably, large breeds, overweight cats, senior cats, and cats with mobility issues may find them more challenging. We chose top-entry boxes designed to accommodate cats of all sizes and weights, including boxes with additional options for entry and exit.

Ease of assembly and cleaning: We chose top-entry litter boxes that come fully assembled or have straightforward assembly instructions. We also looked for easy-clean, user-friendly designs that help minimize litter tracking in your home.

How we selected the best top-entry litter boxes

For this guide, we consulted two veterinarians and a certified feline training and behavior specialist to select the best top-entry litter boxes.

Dr. Susan Krebsbach is a veterinarian and practice owner of Creature Counseling. Krebsbach helped us understand the importance of litter box placement and selection.

Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and clinical associate professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman helped us understand the special needs of overweight and senior cats and the lifestyle accommodations they may require.

Molly DeVoss is a certified feline training and behavior specialist (CFTBS), certified cat behavior consultant, and Fear Free certified trainer who specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats. She is the founder and owner of Cat Behavior Solutions. DeVoss helped us understand the basic litter box requirements for cats.

We considered both expert input and our previous testing and experience with top-entry litter pans. We conducted thorough research to establish our selection criteria for the litter boxes and excluded any products with a history of negative reviews.

Top-entry litter box FAQs

Do cats like top-entry litter boxes?

Certain cats may favor top-entry boxes for increased privacy, particularly those who enjoy hiding in enclosed areas or who live with a curious canine. Features like multiple entryways, slots for light and ventilation, grates, and semi-transparent walls can add visibility, helping cats feel more at ease while using an enclosed litter box. However, less confident cats or those who have conflicts with other pets may prefer an open litter box.

Are top-entry litter boxes OK for cats?

Top-entry boxes are OK for cats to use, though they may benefit you more than your cat. Freeman says top-entry boxes can help reduce litter box messes and the amount of litter cats track outside the box. They also limit a dog's access to the litter box. However, the best top-entry boxes don't offer many advantages to cats, except for helping select cats feel more secure. Our experts advise against using top-entry boxes for senior or overweight cats with arthritis.

What is the point of a top-entry litter box?

The best top-entry litter boxes can reduce litter spills, litter tracking, and the possibility of cats spraying over the edge of the litter box wall. Additionally, they limit a dog's access to the litter box. Certain cats may also like the privacy of a top-entry box.

Do cats prefer open or hooded litter boxes?

DeVoss explains that in the wild, cats prefer to eliminate in the open so they can keep track of potential threats. That's why most cats prefer an uncovered litter box, she says. You can help your cat feel more comfortable in an enclosed litter box by choosing one with multiple entryways, slots, grates, and semi-transparent walls. Cats have specific preferences for their litter box, and an aversion to the box can cause issues with inappropriate elimination.

How do you train a cat to use a top-entry litter box?

Positive reinforcement, which involves praising your cat for a behavior, is an effective way to encourage desired behaviors in cats. However, DeVoss cautions against using positive reinforcement to encourage your cat to do something that goes against their natural tendencies — like using a covered litter box if it causes stress. If your cat avoids the litter box or eliminates outside of it consistently, they may find it too stressful to use, and no amount of praise may make a difference.

That said, most cats can adjust to using a top-entry box. To encourage a cat to use a new litter box, place it next to their existing one, giving them the choice to switch. When the cat consistently uses the new litter box, remove the old one.

Are top-entry litter boxes good for small spaces?

Top-entry boxes are a good option for small living spaces, since they can help minimize litter tracking and odors. They also limit a dog's entry to your cat's litter box, so they may work well in households with both cats and dogs.

Can kittens use a top-entry box?

Top-entry boxes may not be suitable for very young kittens because they lack the strength and dexterity to access the entry, Freeman says. The boxes may work best for cats between the ages of 5 months old and 8 years old, though they may also work for older cats with no mobility issues. However, Freeman cautions that osteoarthritis is common in older cats and significantly underdiagnosed. Cats who experience pain and limited mobility due to osteoarthritis may find it difficult or impossible to use a top-entry box.