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Best Top Entry Litter Box (2024): 6 Boxes With Better Privacy And Less Mess

Posted in: Cat Litter, Cat Supplies, Litter Box - Last Updated: January 8, 2024 - Author: Laraib Shah
Last Updated: January 2, 2022  
Author:  Laraib Shah

Why would you choose a top entry litter box for your cat?

Well, our pets are a fundamental part of our family and our home. They fill us with love and they are our center of attention. They are so important in our environment, that we always want to give them the best and adapt our home to provide them with the comfort they need.

top-entry-litter-box

A top entry litter box ensures the comfort and hygiene of our cats. In this guide, we have included all the details that you need to know in order to make an informed decisio about the best top entry litter box for your cats.

What are the Benefits of a Top Entry Litter Box?

If you are about to adopt a kitten, you will soon see how surprisingly neat they are. It seems that they were configured by nature to relieve themselves in one place: the litter box. 

It does not matter if they are just young kittens; if you show them where their litter box is you will see that they quickly understand that this is the place where they should go to relieve themselves.

A simple tray with sand indeed is enough, but it is not by far the best option. Those with a cat will know that an open box shouldn't be anywhere in everyone's view, among other reasons, because it gives off an unpleasant odor and sometimes creates a mess. Here are some of the benefits of a top entry litter box:

IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Cat Litter Scoop

Our choice is the IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Cat Litter Scoop, the best Top Entry Litter box you can buy for your cat!

IRIS USA Large Stylish Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Scoop, Curved Kitty Litter Pan with Litter Particle Catching Grooved Cover and Privacy Walls, Dark Gray/White

Top entry litter boxes are Neat & Tidy.

Phew! No more litter on the floor! Cats usually jump on their litter boxes and topple them which creates a mess in your home and the odor makes it unbearable to stay in that particular room. The top entry litter boxes have an opening on the top which prevents the cats from spilling litter on the floor.

Cats get in easily and while they get out their feet get cleaned by the netted plastic lid which prevents any contamination on your floor.

Top entry litter boxes are more hygienic

Top entry litter boxes are very good at covering odors. So, even if you live in a small apartment, you won’t have to worry about the odor. It allows cats to cover their business properly which causes less smell around the house and keeps the environment hygienic.

You don’t need to clean a top entry litter box more often

A top entry litter box contains more litter which means it will take longer for a cat to completely use that litter. This will increase the period between changing the litters and cleaning the box. Apart from this, top entry litter boxes are also dog and childproof so you don’t have to worry about that as well.

Top entry litter boxes are easier to clean

The top entry litter boxes have an easy opening lid which allows one to empty the litter and fill it up again. Therefore, they are easier to clean. You don’t have a chance of spilling the dump on the floor.

Better aesthetics and better space conservation

The top entry litter boxes look a lot better than other litter boxes. On the other hand, these litter boxes do not occupy much space and can fit into smaller places even if you live in a small apartment.

Top entry litter box is far more cat friendly

It is not easy to introduce our cats to new litter boxes when they are accustomed to the old fashioned ones. But this is something that amazed me, my cat easily adapted to the new top entry litter box and he is using it without hesitation. 

The box is easy to carry as well as there is no risk of litter to fall out from it.

Top entry litter boxes are super cheap

With all the new features, the top entry litter box is not expensive at all. It was quite affordable for me to upgrade my cat’s toilet. Therefore, if you are looking for a super cheap option; we suggest you consider a top entry litter box.

How do Top Entry Cat Litter Boxes Work?

We know that cats are territorial and demanding animals, that they need an adequate space to eat, rest, play ... and, of course, relieve themselves. For the latter, you have to find them the right litter box, an a la carte drawer, that suits their particularities and tastes.

1. A top entry litter box is an affordable solution to reduce the mess that is caused by cat litter at your home. If you are a cat owner, you must know that cats make a lot of mess while doing their business as they push the sand with their feet to cover their feces. A closed top entry litter box keeps you worry-free from cleaning the floor again and again.

2. You don’t need a litter mat that we usually use with sand trays. The top entry litter boxes are attractive and do not look odd even if placed in the living room.

3. The box has a lid on it which keeps the odor from the feces away and prevents the litter from spilling on the floor. The cats will do their business inside the top entry litter box and it would not bother you or upset the environment. This means there is no need to wipe the floor with disinfectant frequently.

4. When cats step out of the litter boxes, their feet can contain feces and litter which will pollute your floor. The top entry litter box’s upper lid has a great design that helps your cat clean its feet when it comes out of the box with little or no litter on its paws, hence preventing your home from getting contaminated.

Do Cats Use Top Entry Litter Boxes?

If your kitty prefers a little privacy, a top entry litter box is a great option. The cats usually don’t want themselves to be seen while urinating or defecating. Most cats will enjoy the privacy that a covered box provides. They feel more relaxed. 

Top entry litter boxes come in larger sizes as well. So, large cats can also use them. The ideal litter box for a large cat should be bigger because if we buy one that fits just right, your cat will fit in, but it won't be able to move comfortably to dig and hide its poop.

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How big? Enough so that our cat fits inside and can move freely; At a minimum, the box must be 1.5 times the length of the cat. The issues of privacy and size were both solved with a top entry litter box for my cat.

Important Factors Before Choosing A Top Entry Litter Box
Size

Cats like to dig and walk around before relieving themselves, so choose a top entry litter box where your cat can easily turn around and with space so that she doesn't have to step on her stools, which you already know are very scrupulous.

Cleaning

Would you rather pick it up yourself or have it done by a machine? We bet that you have chosen the machine, however, as always, it is important to keep in mind that in nature there are no electrical sensors that leave the ground clean and you do not know how your cat will accept this technological innovation. 

If you are using an automatic litter box, it is important to keep an eye on your cat's reactions and quickly switch to a manual litter box if your cat seems uncomfortable, or stops using the litter box.

Privacy

Whichever top entry litter box you choose, make sure it ensures your cat's privacy. Cats are very jealous of their privacy.

Location

The location of the sandpit is critical. It should be in a quiet area, and always away from food and water. Also once you have decided where to put it, do not change it, cats are animals of habit.

Styles

Your cat may need to experiment with different types of litter boxes. Before giving up a litter box, try putting cat litter on the base at different depths.

Number

Rarely will a single sandbox suffice. It is always a good idea to have at least two at home. Your cat is much less likely to find a reason to reject both. For those who have more than one cat, it is a good idea to have at least one litter tray for each cat.

Age

If your cat has a urinary disease or is older, she likely needs a litter box that she can get in and out as easily as possible.

Here are some ideas on how you can train your cat to use a litter box:

6 Best Top Entry Litter Boxes

1. IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Cat Litter Scoop - Best Overall Top Entry Litter Box

This IRIS top entry cat litter box has an oval shape that allows your pet to settle more comfortably to meet their needs. It has a lid on the top which has an entrance and small openings so that when leaving, the sand residue on the pet's legs is trapped.

Due to its semi-closed structure, it reduces odors and prevents other curious pets from reaching the waste. It is made of BPA free plastic. It has two sizes, which allows it to adapt to the size of your pet. The medium one measures 44x34x31 centimeters and the large one measures 49 by 41 by 45 centimeters.

The top entry litter box comes in different colors to match your room ambiance. The available colors include black, grey, orange, white, brown, and other shades. The round corners of the box allow you to clean it easily.

The price of this top entry litter box is reasonable and makes your cat feel comfortable. The IRIS litter box comes with a litter scoop which allows you to sieve litter to keep the box fresh.

IRIS USA Large Stylish Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Scoop, Curved Kitty Litter Pan with Litter Particle Catching Grooved Cover and Privacy Walls, Dark Gray/White

Pros:

  • Modern design
  • Nominal, affordable price
  • Large cats can easily accommodate inside because of considerable size
  • High spraying cats can easily do their business without polluting the surroundings
  • Contains a considerable percentage of litter spillage
  • The lid comes off easily to clean the box
  • Grooves reduce stray litter on the floor.

Cons:

  • Plastic quality is not very high
  • A dog can stick its snout in the box
  • The lid does not remove 100% litter from cat’s paws
  • It is comparatively hard to scoop litter from the because of its curved shape
  • The tabs connecting the base to the lid are built deep to keep the lid secure in case of heavy cats.

2. AmazonBasics No-Mess Hooded Cat Litter Box - Best Budget Top Entry Litter Box

The AmazonBasics No-Mess Hooded top entry cat litter box gives your cat the privacy it needs to urinate and defecate. Your kitty can easily relax and do its thing without the fear of being seen. The top entry litter box is manufactured using leak proof material which keeps your home floor clean

The box can be placed anywhere in your room as it has an aesthetically attractive design.

If you also have another pet at home like me, the AmazonBasics litter box proves to be good as the dogs don’t disturb your cat out of privacy. The top entry litter box is closed from 5 sides which makes it ideal for cleanliness and hygiene

Chances of spilling the litter or poop are very less as it is an enclosed litter box. The box prevents odor from spreading in your home and keeps your home comparatively clean.

The lid of the box has a great texture which helps clean your cat’s paws when it jumps out of the box after her business. This prevents litter from scattering on your floor. The box is easy to clean; you just need to pull out the used litter bag and add a new one.

Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Cat Litter Box, 20 x 15 x 15 Inches, Top Entry

Pros:

  • Spacious and comfortable little bed.
  • There is a big room for medium and large cats.
  • Made with microbial plastic to keep the germs away.
  • Large, deep-pan to stop littering from scattering outside.
  • Easy assembling and disassembling.

Cons:

  • The larger size needs more litter to get filled.
  • The odor is not neutralized completely.
  • Small kittens cannot go in and get out very easily because of the depth.

3. Petmate Litter Pan - Best Top Entry Litter Box for Large Cats

The Petmate top entry litter box allows your cat to get relieved in peace and privacy. The cat can easily do their business while being hidden from everyone. The long box allows your cat to easily cover its waste after urinating or defecating by digging the litter. 

The enclosed box allows your kitty to cover its waste without spilling the litter on the floor. The grated lid of the litter box automatically cleans your cat’s paws while it jumps out of the box and prevents the contaminated litter from straying on the floor.

The Petmate top entry litter box has a wide opening at the top which allows large cats to easily enter the box and the spacious design accommodates cats to get relieved easily and to cover their waste.

The top entry litter box comes with built-in handles for easy handling to keep your home and hands clean.

Petmate Top Entry Litter Cat Litter Box With Filter Lid To Clean Paws, Made in USA

Pros:

  • Ergonomic design for cats
  • Made with recycled plastic
  • Solid walls which keep odor inside
  • The lid helps in preventing stray litter tracking
  • Cats can move inside the box
  • Affordable price.

Cons:

  • You need to be a liner separately with the box
  • Disabled or lazy cats cannot use the box easily.

4. Clevercat Top Entry Litter Box: Best High Walled Top Entry Litter Box

If you want your floor to be clean after your cat comes out when it has relieved itself, Clevercat’s top entry litter box can be a good option. The box has a modern design that prevents over the edge spills of your cat’s litter. 

The box is enclosed due to which you can keep away the odor. Cats love to dig and kick their litter after they are done with their business, this litter box keeps the waste and litter in.

If you are a multi-pet family like us, you can use this top entry litter box to keep other pets away while your kitty is having its private time. This litter box is also essential for the elderly, large, or disabled cats.

Clevercat Top Entry Litterbox

Pros:

  • Textured lid cleans the cat’s paws preventing litter from spilling on the floor.
  • Kicked litter does not go outside the box due to high walls
  •  Easy to clean due to smooth bottom
  • The box stops urine from spilling outside for cats who urinate on walls
  • Privacy for cats
  • Thick and sturdy material

Cons:

  • Large cats cannot easily move freely in this top entry litter box
  • The box design is unfashionable
  • The liners do not fit very well in the box
  •  If the cats urinate on the sides, it does not contain the odor
  • If the cat jumps directly out of the box, the box does not have a way to clean its paws.

5. Good Pet Stuff Plant Hidden Litter Box - Best Hidden Top Entry Litter Box

Sometimes it feels odd to keep a litter box in your living room or any place where guests usually sit. But honestly, I always desire to see my cat around and it makes me anxious to send my kitty outside to get relieved. 

I found a solution to this in the market last month, a planter which is a hidden litter box. The Good Pet Stuff plant hidden litter box is one of the largest litter boxes I have seen so far.

You can place it anywhere near a wall in your guest room or the living room and it will enhance the ambiance of your home while your cat can have a place for its private business. The cat can easily crawl inside the box from the base and use the litter box in isolation.

The box comes with a filter that controls odor from spreading and stops dust from entering the box. The litter box is produced with high-quality durable material and looks good if used for décor.

Good Pet Stuff, The Original Hidden Litter Box, Artificial Plants & Enclosed Cat Planter Litter Box, Vented & Odor Filter, Easy to Clean, Mocha Brown

Pros:

  • Concealed and inconspicuous design that does not look awkward in any room
  • Big room
  • Contains a filter to stop odor and dust from leaving the box
  • Nominal price

Cons:

  • Delicate design
  • Plastic body
  • Cats enter from the side and can leave with litter on their paws.

6. So Phresh Top-Entry Litter Box - Best Odor Free Top Entry Litter Box

The top entry litter box by So Phresh is another option while searching for an enclosed box. The box is easy to clean and comes with a built-in tracking mat that prevents stray litter from spilling on the floor. 

This top entry litter box has a considerable size for large cats and has a big opening to accommodate cats easily.

The dimensions of the So Phresh top entry litter box is 23.2x15.5x15.1 and has a tilting lid which slides stray litter back to the box.

So Phresh Top-Entry Litter Box, 23.23' H x 15.5' W x 15.13' L

Pros:

  • Concealed and inconspicuous design that does not look awkward in any room
  • Big room
  • Contains a filter to stop odor and dust from leaving the box
  • Nominal price

Cons:

  • Delicate design
  • Plastic body
  • Cats enter from the side and can leave with litter on their paws.

Final Thoughts on Top Entry Litter Boxes

The top entry litter boxes are a modern and intelligent way of maintaining your pet’s litter without disturbing the home environment. Most households desire to keep a cat at home but they cannot keep up with the day to day cleaning needs. 

Open sandboxes or trays can keep you from keeping your home clean and leave you helpless. The top entry litter boxes help you keep your home clean and odorless. It provides your cat with considerable privacy for defecating and urinating.

I used different top entry litter boxes but the one which remains my favorite and I am currently using is the Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box as this one is easily cleanable , affordable and the most stylish of them all!

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U.S.A only

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About the author

Laraib Shah is a freelance writer and a proud cat mom who shares her home with an exceptionally perfect cat named Simba. As an experienced cat mom, she is the trusted authority on cat care and cat breeds for the team. Apart from cats, Laraib loves cooking, travelling plus cookies, ice cream, and coffee!

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