Introduction
Your cat deserves a quiet, private spot to take care of their business, but sometimes, dogs just don’t get the memo. Whether your pup sees the litter box as a playground or, worse, their own personal buffet, it’s time to make a change. A dog-proof litter box could be exactly what you need.
Some dogs are sneaky enough to snack from the side, while others go all in—climbing right into the litter box or even flipping it over. If gentle training hasn’t worked and placing the litter box out of reach isn’t an option, don’t worry—there’s hope. Upgrading to the best litter box for cats that’s designed to keep dogs out of the litter box is a game-changer.
We reached out to veterinarians and cat behavior experts to uncover what makes a litter box truly dog-proof. In this guide, you’ll learn the key features to look for and how to pick the perfect litter box for your feline friend. Your cat gets their privacy back, and you get peace of mind—win-win!
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Top Covered Choice: Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan
For dogs, clean cat litter might not be tempting, but when it comes to cat feces, some pups just can’t resist. This behavior is called coprophagia, and while it may seem unpleasant, it’s natural, especially for younger dogs.
Dr. Mollie Newton, a veterinarian and founder of PetMeTwice, explains that dogs are drawn to cat waste because it’s high in protein. While the occasional nibble on cat poop isn’t usually harmful, Dr. Newton warns that eating cat litter can lead to digestive issues.
The simplest solution? Keep your dog out of the litter box.
This hooded cat litter pan from Catit is a great choice. It’s spacious enough for your cat to dig comfortably, and its enclosed design, combined with a disposable carbon filter, helps keep odors at bay. The clear door allows your cat to peek outside, and with a built-in handle, it’s easy to move around. Plus, the two halves lock together securely.
Key Features:
- Spacious design for your cat’s comfort
- Carbon filter reduces odor
- Clear door for visibility
- Lightweight with a convenient handle
Ideal for Seniors: Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box
Covered litter boxes are great for keeping dogs out, but they can trap odor and limit your cat’s ability to see their surroundings. As cat behaviorist Stephen Quandt points out, “They don’t allow your cat to scan for danger.”
The Petmate Booda Dome offers the benefits of a covered litter box with a unique dome design that improves ventilation and visibility. Instead of stepping over a threshold, your cat walks up a gentle ramp, making it easier for senior cats to access.
With its spacious interior (though it does have a large footprint), this litter box is a favorite of our tester’s three senior cats. The disposable carbon filter helps manage odor, while the open top allows for better airflow, keeping things fresh for your feline friend.
Key Features:
- Spacious with a high ceiling
- Open entry for better visibility and airflow
- Gentle ramp for easy access, ideal for senior cats
- Carbon filter for odor control
Top-Entry Winner: IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box
While the Booda Dome improves on typical covered litter boxes, small dogs might still find their way in. A top-entry litter box offers a better solution by keeping things enclosed but still allows your cat to poke their head out when they wants.
One of the most popular options is the IRIS Top Entry Litter Box. With its sleek oval shape and grooved lid, it not only looks great but also helps catch loose litter from your cat’s paws, much like a litter mat. Available in five color combos and two sizes, it’s a stylish, practical choice. However, some cat owners note that even the largest size might feel a bit tight for larger cats.
Dr. Newton advises against using top-entry boxes for senior cats. The effort to jump onto the lid and into the box could be hard on their joints. These litter boxes are best for younger, more agile cats.
Key Features:
- Spacious with a high ceiling
- A grooved lid helps catch loose litter
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
- Ideal for younger, more agile cats
Best Side-Entry Option: Frisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box
If jumping isn’t an option for your cat, a side-entry litter box might be the perfect solution. The Frisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box offers two great options: use it as a simple covered litter box, or place a smaller pan inside for extra convenience. For larger cats, you can pour litter directly into the box, giving them more space to move.
This spacious box measures about 30 inches long and 17.5 inches wide. The hinged lid makes cleaning easy, and the side entry is just the right size for most cats. While smaller dogs might reach inside, the overhang on the lid usually stops taller dogs from getting in.
Side-entry boxes do a good job of keeping dogs out but can sometimes spill litter. To prevent this, our tester uses a pee pad at the bottom to catch any stray urine.
Key Features:
- Large, easy-to-clean design with a hinged lid
- It can be used with or without a secondary litter pan
- Built-in handles for easy transport
- Comes with a litter scoop and hanging container
Most Durable: iPrimio Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box
Some dogs will knock over a litter box when they can’t get into it. While plastic boxes are lightweight and portable, they’re also easy for dogs to move. Stainless steel is a much heavier and more durable choice. As cat behaviorist Quandt points out, “They last virtually forever.”
The iPrimio Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box is large, rust-resistant, and resists both stains and odors. It has a molded rim for easy carrying and rubber feet on the bottom to keep it from sliding around.
To prevent dogs from getting into it, the box features high walls and includes a removable topper that adds 6 extra inches to three sides, leaving one side open for easy access.
Key Features:
- Made from durable stainless steel
- Resists rust, stains, and odors
- High walls with a removable topper
- Spacious design for extra comfort
Top Choice for Litter Box Furniture: Merry Products Litter Box Storage Bench
Durable materials are essential, but a litter box can still stand out in your home. If you prefer to keep it out of sight, litter box furniture is the perfect solution. Not only does it hide the litter box, but it also provides extra protection from your dog.
The Merry Products Storage Bench features a simple, stylish design. The front double doors open to reveal separate spaces for both a litter pan and extra storage. You can also use the top as a bench or place accessories like bedding or bowls. This versatile piece allows you to hide your litter box while still maintaining a sleek and functional look.
Key Features:
- Doubles as storage and litter box furniture
- Easy access with front doors
- Available in multiple colors
- Helps contain mess and odors
Top Automatic Choice: Litter-Robot 4
If you want to keep your dog from eating cat waste, an automatic litter box might be the perfect solution. The Litter-Robot 4 uses sensors to detect when your cat is done. Once they leave, the cleaning cycle begins automatically. The globe rotates to sift the litter, separating clumps and storing waste in a discreet compartment.
The Litter-Robot 4, the latest version of Whisker’s self-cleaning litter box, is highly praised by cat owners. Our tester found it simple to set up, needing little maintenance aside from refilling the litter and emptying the waste drawer.
Though automatic litter boxes offer great convenience, they come with a few downsides. The Litter-Robot 4 is priced at nearly $700 and requires an electrical outlet. It also may experience issues over time, according to expert Quandt.
Key Features:
- Automatically sifts litter to dispose of waste
- Simple to set up and use
- Priced around $700
- WiFi-enabled with smartphone app integration
Best for Small Dogs: Richell PAW TRAX High Wall Cat Litter Box
If you’re looking for a solution to keep your small dog out of the litter box without going fully automatic, the Richell PAW TRAX High Wall Cat Litter Box might be just what you need. This model strikes a balance between an open litter pan and a covered box, with high walls that keep both litter in and dogs out. The tub-like design also helps prevent urine from splashing.
With a lowered entry point for easy access and a grated step to catch loose litter, it’s a convenient choice for your cat. The modern design looks great, but some cat owners might find the solid rim a bit tricky to carry since it lacks handles on top. Also, the grated step can get clogged with wet litter, making it a little harder to clean.
Key Features:
- High walls keep litter in and small dogs out
- Grate step helps reduce litter tracking
- Includes a litter scoop
- Sleek, modern design available in two colors
Best for Large Dogs: Modkat Flip Litter Box Kit
If your large dog litter box is big enough to reach over high walls, you might need a covered litter box. The Modkat Flip Litter Box Kit is a great solution. Unlike top-entry models, this front-entry design is easy for your cat to access. The flip-up lid makes scooping a breeze and provides plenty of room for cleaning.
Made from durable yet lightweight polypropylene, the Modkat Flip features a unique reusable liner made of rip-resistant tarpaulin. When it’s time to clean, simply flip the lid, scoop, or remove the liner altogether.
This semi-enclosed design helps contain both litter scatter and urine spray. While some users have mentioned it may be on the smaller side, it’s an ideal choice for kittens or smaller cats.
Key Features:
- Flip-top lid for easy scooping
- Reusable liner made from rip-resistant tarpaulin
- Durable polypropylene construction
- Effective at containing litter scatter and urine spray
How to Prevent Your Dog from Accessing the Cat’s Litter Box
To keep your dog out of the litter box, there are more options than just high-sided or enclosed boxes. Depending on your home setup, you can try using pet gates, door latches, or even some training methods.
Pet gates or playpens are a great choice if you have an open space. They’re especially helpful for training a puppy or kitten. You can let the puppy safely stay inside the pen or put the kittens set up there to keep curious dogs away while everyone learns. Door latches like the Door Buddy or FlexLatch are another option. These prevent your dog from opening the door too wide while allowing enough space for your cat to slip through. It’s like a cat door but doesn’t permanently alter or damage your door.
The Door Buddy works with an adjustable strap that fits both sides of the door. You can control the gap between 2 to 6 inches depending on your pet’s size. It sticks securely in place with strong 3M adhesive and has a hook to easily unlock. Plus, it includes a foam stopper to prevent the door from closing completely and blocking your cat’s entry.
Lastly, you can train your dog to stay out of your cat’s box. The key is teaching them the “leave it” command, which can be useful in many situations beyond this one. With consistent practice and rewards, your dog will learn to stay away from the box, making it a habit over time.
How We Selected
We selected the products featured here after thorough hands-on testing, analyzing customer reviews from multiple retail platforms, and consulting veterinary experts.
Our top choices focus on cat litter boxes with high sides or lids to keep dogs out. We also considered factors like durability, ease of use, and accessibility. Of course, our decisions were also influenced by the real-world feedback of our own pets, who are always vocal about their preferences!
