If you have a classic open litter box and your cat tends to eliminate over the box edge or enthusiastically kicks litter in every direction, you're likely no stranger to the mess low-sided litter boxes can create. The best top-entry litter boxes can help cut down on litter box messes. The high sides contain urine from high shooters and minimize litter kicking and tracking outside the box. They are also an effective way to keep many dogs out of the litter box.
That said, top-entry boxes may not be a good fit for every cat, particularly those with mobility issues or anxiety, as the top entry can be difficult to climb into and only offers a single way in and out. They can also trap odors inside, making the litter box unappealing to cats. Because a cat's sense of smell is many times stronger than ours, even a bit of odor can quickly become overwhelming and lead to litter box avoidance, says Samantha Bell, a cat expert at Best Friends Animal Society.
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 style that fits your cat's personal preferences 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 the four 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.
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Our picks for the best top-entry litter boxes
Best overall: Modkat XL Litter Box - See at Chewy
Best budget-friendly: Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan - See at Chewy
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 overall
The Modkat XL Litter Box gives cats choices with both a top and side entry, and the perforated folding lid helps capture loose litter and allows for easy cleaning.
What we like
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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 Dr. 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 and also a quick escape route in homes with multiple pets.
Heavy or large-breed cats may find many top-entry boxes difficult to use, as some top-entry boxes may be too small or challenging for large cats to access and use comfortably. Dr. Mark Freeman, a veterinarian and clinical associate professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, 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
The Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan has a grated lid to minimize litter scattering and costs around $40.
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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, each placed in a separate area, 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 budget-friendly but also packed with features that make it practical and convenient for 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 many medium and average-sized cats, this box may not be a good fit for larger breeds, such as Maine Coons. The 20-inch-high entry is far too high for cats with mobility issues, and even some healthy adults may find the climb discouraging. "Make sure your cat can get in and out of their box with ease," Bell says, adding that even some front-entry litter boxes require an added step for easy access.
In homes with intercat conflict, one way to reduce tension is to increase resources, such as adding more litter boxes. "Most cats bully other cats because they feel like they don't own their territory," Bell says. However, because cats prefer a clear line of sight around the box to spot approaching foes, using multiple covered boxes may not resolve the issue.
Best self-cleaning
The PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Top Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box offers a hands-free top-entry solution. It uses dust-free crystal litter and features translucent walls that can be removed if your cat doesn't prefer a top-entry entrance.
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Keeping a litter box clean is crucial to your cat's comfort and helps ensure they'll keep using it. It's even more important when using a covered litter box, which can quickly trap and concentrate odors. Our budget pick for the best automatic litter boxes helps keep things tidy between regular cleanings.
This top-entry self-scooping box uses crystal cat litter made of non-clumping silica crystals that quickly absorb liquids and neutralize odors. Twenty minutes after your cat exits, the automated rake sifts solid waste into a covered waste trap. If another cat tries to enter before the cleaning cycle finishes, the timer resets for another 20 minutes — a built-in safety feature that prevents the rake from running while a cat is inside, but also delays the cleaning process. Regardless of the litter box you choose, Bell says it's important to have multiple litter boxes in separate areas to avoid crowding or long waits for a clean box.
The entry hood is made of semi-transparent plastic, so your cat will have partial visibility to spot an approaching furry family member. If you find your cat prefers not to use a top-entry box, you can remove the entry hood by snapping it out of place.
PetSafe recommends replacing the disposable crystal litter tray about once a month for a single-cat household. In my two-cat home, the wet litter left behind by the rake started to oversaturate by around day 10. How long it stays fresh depends on usage, which the built-in smart counter can help you track. Healthy adult cats typically use the litter box two to five times a day, while kittens and seniors may go more often, says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. Depending on your household and your cat's preferences for litter box hygiene, you may need to replace the litter more frequently.
Best for corners
The Kitangle Corner Kitty Litter Box makes the most of your space with its triangular design.
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Krebsbach says cats value their privacy while using the litter box. She says 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. However, even when placed away from heavy foot traffic, the solid sides can block your cat's view of their surroundings, which may still make some cats feel anxious. If that's the case, an open litter box in a quiet area may be a better option.
The removable lid simplifies cleaning, which is especially helpful because using litter liners isn't recommended. "Cats often get their claws stuck in the liner and tear holes in it, which causes them to dislike the box," Bell says.
Just add your cat's preferred type of litter, and it's ready to use. That said, the lid doesn't have any non-slip grips, so it can be slippery for cats jumping on top, and at nearly 17 inches high, this entrance is too tall for cats with limited mobility. The litter box weighs about 9 pounds and doesn't require assembly.
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. In general, it's good to aim for a litterbox at least 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to tail. 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 comfortably use top-entry boxes, 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 many sizes and weights, including a box 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
We consulted two veterinarians, a certified feline training and behavior specialist, and an animal welfare professional to select the best top-entry litter boxes for this guide.
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 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.
Samanatha Bell is a seasoned animal welfare professional and educator at the Best Friends Animal Society. Bell provided insight into cat litter box preferences and intracat relationships within multi-cat households.
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?
Some cats appreciate extra privacy, especially those who like to hide in enclosed spaces or share their home with a curious dog. A top-entry litter box can provide more privacy, though many cats prefer an open box with good visibility and ventilation. An uncovered litter box placed behind a privacy screen with a separate entrance and exit may be ideal, but not all homes have space for this setup. When an enclosed box is necessary, look for features like multiple entry points, ventilation slots, grates, or semi-transparent walls. Still, 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 may be accepted by some cats, though they likely 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, especially with senior or overweight cats with arthritis. If litter outside the box is a concern, the best cat litter mats are an effective way to reduce tracking.
What is the point of a top-entry litter box?
The best top-entry litter boxes help reduce litter tracking, contain spills and spray, and keep dogs out of the box, though these benefits are mainly for the pet parent rather than the cat. Some cats don't mind climbing in and may even enjoy the extra privacy that top-entry litter boxes provide, but many may find the design discouraging or stressful, which can lead to litter box avoidance.
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 cats eliminating outside it.
How do you train a cat to use a top-entry litter box?
Positive reinforcement, a humane training method that involves praising your cat for a desired behavior, can be an effective way to encourage the repetition of specific behaviors in cats, such as using a designated litter box. 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, many 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. Remove the old one when the cat consistently uses the new litter box.
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. However, keep in mind that you will need to give your cat additional space around and above the box so they can comfortably jump in and out of it. 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 litter boxes aren't suitable for very young kittens, who typically lack the strength and dexterity to climb in, Freeman says. While healthy young or adult cats — generally between about 5 months and 6 to 8 years old — may be physically able to enter a top-entry litter box, Freeman recommends switching to a low-entry box as cats approach late adulthood. "Sadly, osteoarthritis is significantly underdiagnosed," he says. Even if your cat isn't showing obvious signs of aging, climbing into a top-entry box can still be difficult, painful, or stressful. Cats with reduced mobility due to arthritis, other orthopedic problems, or past injuries may find it difficult or impossible to use a top-entry box.
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