A plastic top entry litter box fixes two problems at once: litter kicked across the floor and a dog snacking from the box. Your cat hops in through a hole in the lid, and the grooves or grate on the way out knock loose granules off its paws. Roughly 14 inches of wall keep the rest inside. If you’re still weighing this design against an open or hooded pan, our guide to top entry vs front entry litter boxes covers the differences.
The catch is the jump. Kittens, seniors, and heavy or arthritic cats can struggle with a 14 inch climb, and some cats just dislike an enclosed box. If yours is agile and you’re tired of sweeping, this is the design to try.
When you shop, balance footprint against interior space. Look for durable, BPA-free plastic that resists odors and wipes clean, plus a textured lid, integrated scoop storage, and high walls. Below you’ll find six models compared, a sizing guide, a step-by-step plan for getting your cat to use one, and answers to the questions owners ask most.
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⚡ Quick Verdict
📌 In This Guide
Is a Plastic Top Entry Litter Box Right for Your Cat?
It depends on your cat’s age, weight, and temperament more than on the box. Arm & Hammer’s own guidance says there’s no evidence cats as a group prefer one entry style over another, so the choice comes down to what your cat can physically do and what bothers you most at home.
Suggested alt text: Diagram showing the parts of a plastic top entry litter box
✅ Good Fit If
- Your cat digs hard or kicks litter over the rim.
- Your cat sprays or pees against the wall and the mess keeps reaching the floor.
- A dog or toddler keeps getting into the box.
- You want a box that fits a laundry room or bathroom corner without a big footprint.
- Your cat is young or middle-aged, at a healthy weight, and jumps easily.
❌ Look Elsewhere If
- Your cat is a senior, arthritic, or recovering from surgery.
- You have a kitten or a small cat that can’t jump 14 inches comfortably.
- Your cat is heavy and needs an easy step in and out.
- Your cat has been spooked by covered boxes before.
- You can’t scoop daily. Enclosed boxes trap smell, so skipped days show quickly.
Top Entry vs Front Entry at a Glance
| Feature | Top entry | Front entry |
|---|---|---|
| Litter tracking | Lid grooves or grate catch loose granules. Some still escapes. | More tracking, since your cat walks straight out. |
| Privacy | High. The box is enclosed. | Lower, especially in open pans. |
| Spraying | High walls contain most of it. | Depends on wall height. |
| Dogs and toddlers | Harder to reach. | Easy access. |
| Seniors, kittens, arthritic cats | Poor fit. | Good fit. |
| Odor | Enclosed, so smell builds if you skip scooping. | Open air lets smell dissipate faster. |
| Footprint | Compact. | Varies by model. |
Not sure which side you’re on? Our full breakdown of top entry vs front entry litter boxes goes deeper on the trade-offs.
Best Plastic Top Entry Litter Boxes Compared
| Image | Product | Best For | Key Spec | Score | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box with Filter to Clean Paws 🏆 Editor’s Pick |
Odor control and larger cats | Microban treatment, recycled plastic, large size | 9.5/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Gray/White 🥈 Runner-Up |
Cutting litter tracking in small spaces | 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 in | 8.8/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Beige 🥈 Runner-Up |
Light, neutral decor | 20.5 x 14.75 in, 9.25 in entry, scoop included | 8.5/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Gray | Easy deep cleaning | 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.5 in | 8.4/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Black/Gray | A darker, discreet look | 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 in | 8.3/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Top Entry | Budget-minded buyers | BPA-free plastic, 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 in | 8.2/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
A quick note on size: IRIS lists the inside floor of its gray and white model at about 15 by 9.75 inches, well under the 20.5 by 14.75 inch outside footprint. Always compare inside floor space, not outside length, when you match a box to your cat.
📋 How We Evaluated
Scores are our editorial ratings out of 10. Each one weighs five things:
- Build quality and how the plastic holds up
- Odor containment
- Litter tracking prevention
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance
- Small conveniences such as scoop storage
Your cat is the last variable. A box that scores well here can still fail with a cat that dislikes enclosures, so use the score as a starting point.
Detailed Reviews
Each review covers what stood out, who the box suits, and where it falls short. Specs come from the product listings, and IRIS’s own product pages confirm its 20.5 x 14.75 inch footprint and 9.25 inch entry.
Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box with Filter to Clean Paws🏆 Editor’s Pick
| Protection | Microban |
| Material | Recycled plastic |
| Compatibility | All litter types |
| Size | Large |
What We Found
Microban is why this one sits on top. The antimicrobial treatment is built into the plastic and slows the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the box itself. It treats the box, not the litter, so daily scooping still matters.
The entry is wide, which helps larger cats pass through without squeezing, and the grated top catches loose litter on the way out. It works with clumping litter as well as crystals and pellets. High walls give your cat a closed-in, private space.
The body is recycled plastic, a plus if that matters to you. The main knock is price: it costs more than basic pans, and the grate needs a regular brushing.
💬 My Take
I’d start here for odor control. Microban won’t replace a scoop, but the wide entry and roomy interior make this the easiest of the six to recommend.
Who It’s For
Owners fighting a stubborn litter box smell, anyone with a larger cat who needs room to turn around, and shoppers who prefer recycled materials. Skip it if your budget is tight or your bathroom is tiny.
✅ Pros
- Microban protection helps control stubborn odors.
- Wide entry accommodates larger, heavier cats.
- Made with recycled plastic.
❌ Cons
- Higher price point than basic models.
- Grated surface requires regular brushing to stay clean.
- Size might be too large for very small bathrooms.
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Gray/White🥈 Runner-Up
| Length | 20.5 inches |
| Width | 14.75 inches |
| Height | 14.38 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
What We Found
The textured lid does the heavy lifting. As your cat climbs out, the grooves knock loose granules off its paws before they reach the floor. The deep basin gives shy cats a closed-in spot, and the high walls hold in litter from hard diggers.
IRIS lists this box at 20.5 inches long and 14.75 inches wide, with a 9.25 inch entry hole. The inside floor is smaller than those outside numbers suggest, about 15 by 9.75 inches on IRIS’s own page. That’s fine for an average adult cat and snug for a big one. As a compact covered litter box with top entry, it fits a laundry room or bathroom corner.
The lid lifts off for scooping, and the design keeps most dogs out. Some buyers report the lid feeling thin or cracking, so handle it gently.
💬 My Take
A no-nonsense fix for litter tracking. If stray granules on the floor are your main complaint, start here.
Who It’s For
Multi-pet homes where a dog keeps investigating the box, and apartments where floor space is tight.
It also suits cats that kick litter out of open pans or want more privacy, and owners who want a simple, durable box that hides the mess.
✅ Pros
- Textured lid effectively traps stray litter particles.
- High walls prevent dogs from accessing the interior.
- Compact dimensions fit easily into small rooms.
❌ Cons
- Lid can feel thin and awkward to lift, and some buyers report cracks.
- Inside floor (about 15 x 9.75 in) may feel cramped for very large cats.
- Gray and white finish shows dust more than darker colors.
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Beige🥈 Runner-Up
| Length | 20.5 inches |
| Width | 14.75 inches |
| Entry Diameter | 9.25 inches |
| Included | Scoop |
What We Found
This is the same shell as the gray model in a beige finish that blends into most rooms. Tall walls hold in spray and scatter.
The included scoop clips to the side, so it’s always within reach. Because your cat has to jump up and out, some loose litter shakes off on the way. The smooth plastic wipes down without much effort, which keeps residue from building up.
The 9.25 inch entry is wide enough for most cats to pass without a squeeze. It’s a tidy, dependable setup for anyone who wants the scoop and the box in one place.
💬 My Take
Dependable, and the on-board scoop is the small convenience that separates it from a bare pan.
Who It’s For
Owners who prefer light, neutral tones that match their interiors, and busy households that want an organized setup with the scoop attached. It also suits cats that like an enclosed, private bathroom.
✅ Pros
- Integrated scoop storage reduces clutter.
- Neutral beige color looks clean and unobtrusive.
- Smooth surfaces allow for effortless cleaning.
❌ Cons
- Beige plastic may stain if not cleaned regularly.
- Top entry may be difficult for senior, arthritic cats.
- Large footprint requires specific floor space.
IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Gray
| Length | 20.5 inches |
| Width | 14.75 inches |
| Height | 14.5 inches |
| Color | Gray |
What We Found
Rounded edges and smooth interior surfaces keep litter from lodging in corners, which speeds up a deep clean. The gray finish suits modern rooms.
Grooves in the lid catch particles from your cat’s paws, and the included scoop attaches to the side. High walls work well for cats that dig hard. The grooves do collect litter, so plan on a quick brush now and then.
The build feels solid, and the whole design is aimed at making daily maintenance quick.
💬 My Take
Easy to clean, which is the point of buying it. Steady rather than exciting.
Who It’s For
Owners who like a clean, modern look, cats that dig aggressively and need tall walls, and anyone who wants a low-maintenance box that wipes clean fast.
✅ Pros
- Smooth surfaces allow for very fast cleaning.
- Rounded edges prevent litter from getting trapped.
- Modern gray finish fits most room decors.
❌ Cons
- Height might be challenging for kittens to enter.
- Plastic can scratch over time with heavy scooping.
- Lid grooves can be tedious to wipe down.
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Black/Gray
| Color | Black/Gray |
| Length | 20.5 inches |
| Width | 14.75 inches |
| Height | 14.38 inches |
What We Found
The dark finish disappears into dim corners and next to dark furniture. The trade-off is that litter dust shows up more than it does on lighter plastic.
Like the other IRIS models, it has a textured lid to catch litter and high walls to hold in scatter. It’s built for daily use in a busy household, and it keeps curious dogs out.
The scoop stores on the box, and the dimensions match its siblings, so you get the same footprint and interior in a different color.
💬 My Take
A good pick if you want the box to fade into the background. It performs like the rest of the IRIS line.
Who It’s For
Pet owners who want a discreet box that blends into dark corners, homes with dogs that need to stay out of the litter, and anyone who prefers a darker, modern look.
✅ Pros
- Dark color is more discreet than lighter alternatives.
- Sturdy construction holds up to multiple cats.
- High walls effectively stop dogs from entering.
❌ Cons
- Dark plastic can show dust more visibly.
- Lid can feel somewhat flimsy compared to the base.
- Large footprint is not ideal for tiny closets.
Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Top Entry
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Length | 20.5 inches |
| Width | 14.75 inches |
| Height | 14.38 inches |
What We Found
Amazon Basics keeps it plain and functional. The plastic is BPA-free and recyclable, light enough to move for cleaning, and durable enough for daily use. The filtered lid is meant to trap litter and keep the area around the box tidy.
High sides contain scatter and spray, and a matching scoop stores on the box. The top comes off, which makes scooping and checking the litter quick.
Inside, there’s room for a cat to move around, and the mess stays in the basin. Check that replacement lid filters are available before you buy, since the filter is the part that wears.
💬 My Take
The value pick. It handles the basics well and skips the extras.
Who It’s For
Budget-conscious buyers who want reliable performance without fancy extras, owners who care about recyclable materials, and households that need a simple way to manage scatter and odor in a busy spot.
✅ Pros
- Filtered lid reduces tracked litter.
- BPA-free plastic construction is durable and safe.
- Simple design makes daily scooping very fast.
❌ Cons
- Lid filter may require frequent cleaning or replacement.
- Plastic can retain odors if not washed thoroughly.
- Not as aesthetically refined as other premium models.
What to Look for in a Plastic Top Entry Litter Box
Start with your home and your cat’s habits, then check durability, cleanup, and litter control. A few minutes of measuring now saves you a return later.
Measure Your Space First
Measure the spot before you order. The box shouldn’t block a walkway or a door swing. Most of these models stand about 14.5 inches tall, so your cat also needs clear headroom above the hole to jump straight up and out. Don’t tuck the box under a low shelf or counter lip. Leave room to lift the lid, too.
Check the Plastic Quality
Look for BPA-free plastic that resists scratching. Scratches turn into tiny pockets that hold odor and make the box harder to sanitize. Sturdy lid latches and smooth interior surfaces make a difference over months of use. Arm & Hammer suggests replacing a plastic litter box about every 12 months, and sooner if scratches hold smell after a wash.
Match the Box to Your Cat
Size comes first. A common rule is a box about 1.5 times as long as your cat, measured from nose to the base of the tail. Top entry boxes are compact by design, so here’s how to check the fit:
- Measure your cat from nose to the base of the tail.
- Multiply by 1.5 to get a target box length.
- Compare that number to the inside floor size, not the outside length.
- Check that the entry hole is wider than your cat’s chest so it doesn’t squeeze on the way through.
- If your cat can’t turn around comfortably, go up a size or pick a wider model.
Suggested alt text: How to measure your cat to choose a litter box size
Mobility matters just as much. Large, heavy cats need room to turn, and senior cats with mobility problems may struggle with a high entry. Watch how your cat behaves. If it wants privacy or high walls, this design fits. If it hesitates at steps or stairs, look at a front-entry box instead.
Look at the Cleaning Features
A good box has a removable lid, smooth or rounded edges that don’t trap litter, and integrated scoop storage so the tool stays within reach. Check that the entry is wide enough for your scoop to pass through. Lid grooves and grates catch litter but collect it too, so expect to brush them.
Grooves, Grates, and Filters: What Each Does
| Lid design | Example in this list | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Grooved or textured lid | IRIS USA models | Grooves knock litter off paws but fill up, so brush them regularly. |
| Grated top | Arm & Hammer Premium | Grate cleans paws on the way out. It needs periodic brushing. |
| Filtered lid | Amazon Basics | Filter helps trap litter. Clean or replace it as it wears. |
Plastic vs Stainless Steel Top Entry Litter Boxes
Plastic wins on price, weight, and color choice. Stainless steel wins on long-term odor resistance. If you’re leaning toward metal, see our roundup of stainless steel top entry litter boxes.
| Plastic | Stainless steel | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually cheaper | Usually higher |
| Weight | Light and easy to move for cleaning | Heavier and more stable |
| Scratches and odor | Can scratch and hold smell over time | Resists scratches and staining |
| Colors and styles | Many options | Fewer options |
How to Get Your Cat to Use a Top Entry Litter Box
Go slowly and keep the old box until the new one is a habit. Manufacturers such as PetSafe and Modkat suggest a similar routine, and most cats work it out within a few days to a week.
- Keep the old box where it is. Set the new one next to it. Don’t swap them.
- Start with the lid off. Let your cat use the open box for two to three days.
- Add a scoop of used litter from the old box so the new one smells familiar.
- Put the lid on once your cat uses the box consistently. If your cat hesitates, gently set it on top and let it hop in or out on its own.
- Scoop the old box less often and keep the new one spotless. Cats prefer the cleaner option.
- Remove the old box after your cat has used the new one reliably for a few days.
Suggested alt text: Introducing a cat to a top entry litter box with the lid off
If Your Cat Still Refuses
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cat perches on the rim or avoids the box | Hole feels tight, or the enclosure feels closed in | Remove the lid for a few days. Check the entry against your cat’s chest width. Try a quieter spot. |
| Litter still ends up on the floor | Loose or fine litter slips past the grooves, or the box is overfilled | Add a litter mat outside the box and avoid overfilling. |
| Smell builds up inside | Enclosed boxes hold odor | Scoop daily and wash on a schedule. Choose a model with Microban or a lid filter. |
| Lid cracks or won’t seat | Thin lid lifted by one edge | Lift with both hands and inspect the rim. Replace the lid or box if it no longer fits. |
| Dog still gets in | Small, agile dog, or a ledge nearby acts as a step | Move the box away from furniture and use a pet gate that only lets the cat through. |
If a cat that used a box reliably suddenly stops, don’t blame the box first. Litter box avoidance can point to pain or a urinary problem, so call your vet if accidents continue.
Where to Put a Top Entry Litter Box
- Pick a quiet, low-traffic spot away from food and water bowls.
- Leave open headroom above the entry hole so your cat can jump straight up.
- Set the box on a non-slip surface and add a litter mat outside to catch what the lid misses.
- Keep it away from loud appliances that could startle your cat mid-use.
- Plan on one box per cat plus one spare. In multi-cat homes, add a front-entry box so a cat that dislikes jumping has a choice.
Suggested alt text: Plastic top entry litter box placed in a quiet corner with a litter mat
How to Clean a Plastic Top Entry Litter Box
Scoop daily, and wash the whole box on a schedule. An enclosed box hides mess, so it’s easy to let it slide.
| How often | What to do |
|---|---|
| Daily | Scoop waste and clumps. Top up litter as needed. |
| Weekly | Wipe the lid and rim. Brush the grooves or grate. |
| Every 2 to 4 weeks | Empty, wash, dry, and refill. Multi-cat homes need the shorter interval. |
| About every 12 months | Replace the box, or sooner if scratches hold odor after a wash. |
- Take off the lid and empty all the litter.
- Wash the box and lid with hot water and mild, unscented dish soap.
- Scrub the lid grooves or grate with a stiff brush.
- Rinse well and dry completely before refilling.
- Skip strong scented cleaners and ammonia-based products. Cats can be put off by the smell.
Suggested alt text: Cleaning the grooves on a plastic top entry litter box lid
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plastic top entry litter boxes good for large cats?
Some are. Look for a wide entry and check the inside floor, not just the outside length. IRIS models list a 9.25 inch entry and about 15 x 9.75 inches of floor, which suits average adults and feels tight for big cats. For a larger cat, we’d check the Arm & Hammer Premium first because of its wide entry.
Can dogs really be kept out of these?
Most dogs, yes. The raised opening blocks dogs that can’t jump or squeeze through. A small, agile dog can still get in, and a determined one can knock a light box around. Keep the box away from furniture that works as a step.
How do I clean a top-entry litter box?
Lift off the lid, scoop daily, and wash the whole box on a schedule with hot water and mild unscented soap. Brush the lid grooves or grate. Our cleaning section has the full routine.
Does the lid really catch litter?
It catches some. The grooves, grate, or filter knock granules off paws and cut tracking, but buyers still report some scatter. A litter mat outside the box picks up the rest.
Is plastic safe for my cat?
Yes, when you choose BPA-free plastic from a known brand. Several models here, including the Amazon Basics box, use BPA-free plastic. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, and replace the box when scratches hold odor.
Do cats like top entry litter boxes?
Some do. Cats that like privacy and cats that dig tend to do well. Others dislike the enclosed feel or the jump. Arm & Hammer’s guidance says there’s no evidence cats generally prefer one style, so watch your own cat.
Are top entry litter boxes good for senior cats or kittens?
Usually not. A jump of around 14 inches is hard on arthritic, older, or very young cats. A front-entry or low-entry box is the safer choice. Some models, such as the Modkat XL, offer a convertible front entry.
How do I get my cat to use a top entry litter box?
Place the new box beside the old one, start with the lid off, add some used litter, and put the lid on once your cat is comfortable. The steps are in the transition guide above.
Do top entry litter boxes smell more?
They can. An enclosed box holds odor in, so a skipped scooping day shows. Scoop daily, wash on a schedule, and consider a model with Microban or a filtered lid. Put the box in a room with some airflow.
What size top entry litter box do I need?
Aim for a box about 1.5 times your cat’s nose-to-tail-base length, and compare that to the inside floor size. If your cat can’t turn around comfortably, go up a size.
What litter works best in a top entry box?
Any type fits, and Arm & Hammer says its box works with all litter types. Unscented clumping litter is the safest starting point because most cats prefer it. Match the litter your cat already uses when you switch boxes.
How many litter boxes do I need?
One per cat, plus one spare. A top entry box can be one of them, but keep a lower-entry option available if any cat dislikes jumping.
🎯 Final Verdict
The Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box is our pick. Microban treatment on the plastic, a wide entry, and recycled construction put it ahead for odor control and larger cats.
If price or floor space matters more, the IRIS USA models are the safer buy. They combine grooved lids that cut tracking with a 20.5 x 14.75 inch footprint that fits small rooms. Here’s a fast way to choose:
| If you want | Pick |
|---|---|
| Best odor control and room for a big cat | Arm & Hammer Premium |
| Less litter on the floor in a small space | IRIS USA Gray/White |
| A box that blends into light decor | IRIS USA Beige |
| The easiest deep clean | IRIS USA Large Gray |
| A darker, discreet look | IRIS USA Black/Gray |
| A simple, budget-minded option | Amazon Basics |
Skip top entry altogether if your cat is a senior, a kitten, or carries extra weight. A front-entry box will serve that cat better.
📚 Sources and Further Reading
Written by Mishu
A passionate cat lover and indoor living enthusiast, Mishu is the founder and voice behind Indoor Living Cat – a go-to resource for cat owners who want to create the happiest, healthiest life for their feline companions indoors.
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