Litter tracking is the reason most people end up shopping for a top entry litter box enclosure, and it’s a fair one. Your cat has to climb up and out over a grate or mat, so litter stuck to their paws gets a chance to drop off before it reaches your floor. The enclosure half of the equation hides the whole setup inside something that looks like a side table or cabinet. A top entry litter box setup won’t suit every cat, but for the right one it solves two annoyances at once.
This guide compares six options: two furniture-style enclosures with flip tops, ladders and scratching surfaces, plus four plastic top entry boxes from Arm & Hammer and IRIS USA. It also covers what most buying guides skip. Which cats shouldn’t use a top entry box, how to size one against your cat’s actual length, and how to switch your cat over without a standoff in the hallway.
⚠️ Read This Before You Buy
Top entry designs work best for healthy, agile adult cats. Senior cats, kittens, cats with stiff joints and larger cats often struggle with the jump or the tight interior. Skim the fit checklist first, then come back to the picks.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Best Top Entry Litter Box Enclosures at a Glance
| Image | Product | Type | Best For | Score | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Amunrbrek Top Entry Litter Box Enclosure, Flip Top with Scratch Mat 🏆 Editor’s Pick |
Furniture enclosure, flip top | Owners who want to scoop standing up | 9.5/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
HOOBRO Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Ladder, Hidden Litter Box 🥈 Runner-Up |
Furniture enclosure, ladder and LED | Cat owners who want lighting, a ladder and scratching surfaces | 9.2/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box with Filter 🥈 Runner-Up |
Plastic box, filter and Microban | Multi-pet homes that need odor control and a dog barrier | 8.2/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Black | Plastic box, rounded corners | Easy scooping and a stain-hiding dark color | 8.1/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Gray | Plastic box, textured lid | Homes with dogs and a clean, minimal look | 7.9/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Beige | Plastic box, scoop hook | Small spaces and first-time top entry buyers | 7.8/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
📋 How We Evaluated
We scored each product on build quality, litter tracking control and ease of cleaning first, then on design, odor control and value. Dimensions and features come from the manufacturer listings on Amazon.
[AUTHOR TO ADD: one or two lines on how you actually tested. For example, how many units you handled, how many cats used them, how long, and what surprised you. First-hand detail is the strongest E-E-A-T signal on this page.]
Detailed Top Entry Litter Box Enclosure Reviews
Amunrbrek Top Entry Litter Box Enclosure, Flip Top with Scratch Mat🏆 Editor’s Pick
| Exterior | 26.8″L x 19″W x 19.2″H |
| Interior | 25.5″L x 17.7″W x 15.7″H |
| Material | Engineered wood |
| Cleaning | Flip-top access |
What We Found
The Amunrbrek top entry litter box enclosure reads as furniture first and pet gear second. The flip-top lid is the feature that matters. You lift it and scoop standing up, which means no crouching over a low pan every morning.
Because your cat enters from the top, litter has to clear the lip before it can reach the floor. A natural sisal scratch mat comes in the box and gives your cat somewhere to scratch and groom. The construction feels sturdy, and the white finish looks modern without shouting “litter box.”
The interior measures 25.5 inches by 17.7 inches, so it holds almost any standard or top-entry tray. One check before you order: your tray has to fit under the 15.7-inch interior height. Assembly takes roughly 45 minutes.
💬 My Take
If the box has to live in a living room, this is the one I’d buy. Standing scoop access and a roomy interior rarely show up together, and the price you pay is floor space.
Who It’s For
Buy it if you care about how the room looks and you’d rather not bend down to scoop. That includes anyone with a bad back. It also suits homes where the litter box can’t hide in a closet.
Skip it if your cat is a senior, has stiff joints, or has never used a covered box. Try the switching steps below first, and keep the old box until the new one is in regular use.
✅ Pros
- Flip-top lid lets you scoop while standing.
- Hides the litter box inside a clean, modern frame.
- Sisal mat gives your cat a scratching spot and protects nearby furniture.
❌ Cons
- Assembly takes about 45 minutes.
- The white finish can show scuffs over time.
- Takes up more floor space than a plastic box.
HOOBRO Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Ladder, Hidden Litter Box🥈 Runner-Up
| Dimensions | 31.5″L x 18.9″W x 22.4″H |
| Lighting | 3-color rechargeable LED |
| Features | Ladder, plush mat, teaser |
| Style | Vintage Greige |
What We Found
The Hoobro does more than hide a litter box. It’s a shutter-fronted cabinet in a vintage greige finish, with a sisal-wrapped ladder that doubles as a scratching post and a plush mat on top where your cat can lounge. A teaser toy is part of the package too.
The three-color LED lighting is rechargeable and helps when you clean at night, so you don’t need the overhead lights. The shutter design lets air move through the interior, which keeps odors from pooling inside.
Detailed instructions and the tools come in the box, so assembly is straightforward. At 31.5 inches long, though, this is the biggest unit in the group. Measure the wall before you order.
💬 My Take
The most fully loaded option here, and worth the money if you have the room. In a small apartment I’d pick the Amunrbrek instead, since 31.5 inches of length is a lot to give up.
Who It’s For
This one is for the cat owner who wants to spoil their pet and still have a good-looking room. You need space for a larger furniture-style unit, and you should want the lighting and scratching surfaces, not just tolerate them.
It fits a living room or bedroom well. A cat that can’t manage a ladder and a climb is a poor match, so senior cats should sit this one out.
✅ Pros
- Rechargeable LED lighting is handy for night scooping.
- Passes as vintage-style furniture in a living space.
- The ladder and scratching surfaces add enrichment.
❌ Cons
- Large footprint compared to plastic boxes.
- Expect to pay more than for a plain enclosure. Check the current price on Amazon.
- Cleaning means opening the cabinet doors.
Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box with Filter🥈 Runner-Up
| Protection | Microban antimicrobial |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Compatibility | All litter types |
| Maintenance | Replace annually |
What We Found
The Arm & Hammer is a plastic box built around hygiene. A grated surface on the lid catches loose particles from your cat’s paws. The plastic includes Microban antimicrobial protection, which the maker says limits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the surface.
Its high walls give your cat privacy and make it hard for dogs to reach the contents. It’s made in the USA from recycled materials, and it works with several litter types, crystals and pellets included.
The look is purely functional. Deep cleaning is easy because the whole unit rinses and sanitizes without much fuss. Plan to replace the filter about once a year.
💬 My Take
A practical pick for homes that care more about performance than style. It does what it says and leaves the decor debate to the furniture enclosures.
Who It’s For
Multi-pet households get the most out of it, especially where a dog keeps raiding the box. Anyone who wants odor control and a lightweight box they can move around will like it too. Pick a furniture enclosure instead if you want the box to disappear into the room.
✅ Pros
- Microban surface protection helps with odor-causing bacteria.
- High walls keep litter and dogs where they belong.
- Made from recycled materials in the USA.
❌ Cons
- Purely functional look, no furniture appeal.
- Plastic can hold odors longer than wood-based enclosures.
- No storage space for scoops or supplies.
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Black
| Dimensions | 20.75″L x 16.125″W x 14.625″H |
| Entry | 9″W x 10.5″H |
| Design | Rounded internal corners |
| Storage | Hook for scoop |
What We Found
The black IRIS USA box is a bit bigger than the standard IRIS models. Its rounded interior corners are the standout detail. Litter has nowhere to wedge itself, so scooping goes faster.
The top entry keeps the litter area private, and the enclosed body holds in odor. A grooved lid catches loose particles from your cat’s paws on the way out. The scoop hooks onto the lid, so it stays within reach.
The black and gray finish hides stains better than lighter plastic. The construction is solid enough for daily use without cracking or warping.
💬 My Take
The best of the IRIS plastic lineup. The rounded corners and the darker color are small upgrades, but you notice them every day.
Who It’s For
Pick this one if you like the IRIS system but want a little more interior room for your cat. It also suits anyone who prefers dark colors that hide wear. And it works as a dog-proof option, since the entry sits on top.
✅ Pros
- Rounded corners make daily scooping easier.
- The dark color hides stains.
- The entry is generous for most adult cats.
❌ Cons
- The plastic can cling to some litters through static.
- The lid is bulky to set aside while you clean.
- No odor filter.
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Gray
| Dimensions | 20.5″L x 14.75″W x 14.38″H |
| Color | Gray/White |
| Feature | Textured lid for tracking |
| Usage | Indoor |
What We Found
The gray and white IRIS USA box has the same functional design as the beige one. Only the color changes. The textured lid brushes litter off paws as your cat climbs out, and the enclosed body keeps odor mostly inside.
The high sides discourage curious dogs. Scooping is quick because the lid comes off or hooks aside.
One buying tip: some retailers, PetSmart among them, list this same 20.5-inch box under the Litter Genie name. The listings show a 17″ x 11.5″ interior base and a 9.25-inch entry hole. Compare dimensions, not brand names, when you shop around. And run the interior length through the sizing rule below, because 17 inches is tight for a cat of average length.
💬 My Take
A dependable everyday box with a clean look. Measure your cat first, since the interior runs small.
Who It’s For
Good for owners who want a minimalist look and less tracking. It’s especially useful in homes with a dog that disturbs the litter box. A compact size and easy upkeep are the selling points.
✅ Pros
- Gray and white finish looks clean and modern.
- High sides help contain scatter.
- Simple to assemble and maintain.
❌ Cons
- The lid can be fiddly to line up.
- Larger cats may find the interior tight.
- No odor filter.
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Beige
| Dimensions | 20.5″L x 14.75″W x 14.38″H |
| Entry | 9.25″ diameter |
| Material | Durable plastic |
| Extras | Included scoop with hook |
What We Found
The beige IRIS box is the compact option for tight spaces. A textured lid catches litter particles before your cat leaves the box, and the enclosed body gives shy cats a private spot.
The scoop comes with a hook, so the tool stays nearby. The 9.25-inch entry hole suits most average-sized cats. The build is plain, durable plastic that wipes down easily.
It has none of the decorative flair of a furniture enclosure, but it keeps the floor around it tidy. The neutral beige disappears into a laundry room or utility closet.
💬 My Take
A reliable performer that fits almost anywhere, and a budget-friendly way to try top entry with a smaller cat. Larger cats should look at the bigger units above.
Who It’s For
Best for small homes that need something space-saving, and for cats that like a covered, secure spot.
It also works as a cheap test. If you’re unsure your cat will accept top entry, buy this before you spend on furniture.
✅ Pros
- Compact footprint fits into tight corners.
- The scoop hook keeps the tool handy.
- Easy to clean and sanitize.
❌ Cons
- The entry hole may be too small for very large breeds.
- Holds odor less well than premium sealed units.
- Plain plastic styling.
What to Look For Before Buying a Top Entry Litter Box Enclosure
Choosing the right enclosure comes down to three things: your cat’s size, your floor space and the litter box you already own. Get those right and the rest is mostly taste.
Measure Your Space and Your Cat
Measure the spot where the enclosure will sit and leave enough clearance for the lid to open fully. Then measure your cat. The interior needs room for them to turn around, and a cramped box is a common reason cats stop using one. The sizing section below has the math.
Check What Fits Inside
Furniture enclosures usually don’t include a litter pan. Measure the length, width and height of the box you use now and compare it to the interior. Height is the one people miss, because the pan has to sit under the lid. Some enclosures take only open-top pans, and others also take top-entry boxes, so read the listing closely.
Prioritize Ease of Maintenance
Daily scooping should take a minute. Flip-top lids and cabinet doors help. If the design makes it a hassle you’ll put it off, and skipped scooping is the fastest route to a smelly enclosure.
Assess Odor Containment
Enclosures need airflow, so look for shutters, slats or gaps. Some models leave room for a charcoal filter or baking soda. Keep in mind that an enclosure holds smell in without removing it, so the daily scooping habit does more than any filter.
Check Material and Durability
Plastic is light and easy to sanitize. Wood-based furniture looks better but can swell if urine or wet litter reaches the panels, so check for gaps around the pan and wipe up spills quickly. Whichever you choose, look at the hinges. The lid gets opened every day.
Think About Your Cat’s Age and Mobility
This one decides more purchases than any spec. A healthy adult handles a top entry without a thought. An older cat with sore joints may not. See the fit checklist before you order.
✔️ Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐ Measured my cat from nose to base of tail and multiplied by 1.5
- ☐ Measured the floor space, including lid clearance
- ☐ Checked that my current litter pan fits under the interior height
- ☐ Confirmed the entry opening is wide enough for my cat
- ☐ My cat jumps onto counters without hesitating
- ☐ I plan to keep the old box available until the new one is in regular use
- ☐ I have an extra box planned if I have more than one cat
Top Entry Litter Box vs. Top Entry Litter Box Enclosure
People use these two names interchangeably, and it causes returns. A top entry litter box is one plastic unit: a tray, walls, and a lid with a hole in it. A top entry litter box enclosure is usually furniture, a cabinet or bench with a flip lid or an opening on top, built to hold a litter box inside.
Some enclosures take any standard pan. Others accept a top-entry box too, and some are made around one specific size. Our list mixes both kinds so you can compare them directly.
| Plastic top entry box | Furniture enclosure | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Tray, hooded body and lid in one piece | A cabinet or bench. The litter pan is usually separate. |
| Footprint | Small. The IRIS boxes here are about 20.5 inches long. | Larger. 26.8 to 31.5 inches long for the two on our list. |
| Look | Plain and functional | Reads as furniture |
| Cleaning | Rinse the whole unit | Scoop through a flip top or doors. Wipe the interior panels. |
| Best for | Tight budgets, small spaces, dog-proofing | Living areas where the box can’t hide |
Two photos or a simple diagram: a plastic top entry box next to a furniture enclosure with the lid open.
Suggested alt text: “plastic top entry litter box next to a furniture-style litter box enclosure”
Is a Top Entry Litter Box Right for Your Cat?
Every pick above solves a human problem: tracking, smell, clutter. The catch is that your cat has to be willing and able to use it. Cat-care groups are cautious about covered boxes in general. Maddie’s Fund says most cats dislike them, especially in multi-cat homes, and the Toronto Humane Society warns that a cat unused to a cover can be scared off.
That said, plenty of cats take to top entry boxes without a fuss. You just want to know which side of the line yours is on before you spend money.
Top Entry Is a Good Bet If
- Your cat is a healthy, agile adult that jumps onto counters easily.
- Your cat kicks litter across the room when covering.
- A dog keeps getting into the litter box.
- The box has to sit in a living area where you’d rather not see it.
- Your cat already uses a covered box without any trouble.
Look at Other Designs If
| Cat profile | The concern | Try instead |
|---|---|---|
| Senior cat or any cat with stiff joints | The jump in and the climb out can hurt, and cats may start going beside the box | Low-entry open pan |
| Kitten | Still building coordination, may not manage the climb | Low-sided pan until they’re confident |
| Large or long cat | Can’t turn around comfortably inside a small box | Oversized open pan, or an enclosure that passes the 1.5x rule |
| Anxious cat, or a cat picked on by housemates | A single exit can feel like a trap. Vet-reviewed guidance lists this as a downside of covered boxes. | Open pan with a clear view, plus an extra box elsewhere |
| Recovering from surgery or injury | Jumping may be off limits for a while | Temporary low-entry pan |
🩺 A Note on Sudden Changes
If your cat suddenly starts going outside the box, strains, or hesitates at the entry, that can point to a medical problem, not a dislike of the box. Call your vet before you assume the litter box is the culprit.
Mixed households need a compromise. A three-year-old may love top entry while a fourteen-year-old housemate can’t manage it. Offer a low-entry pan alongside the enclosure so both cats have a box they can use.
How to Size a Top Entry Litter Box Enclosure for Your Cat
The usual guideline, repeated by Maddie’s Fund and the Toronto Humane Society, is a box at least 1.5 times your cat’s length. Here’s how to apply it to an enclosure.
- Measure your cat. Stand them on a flat floor and measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Leave the tail out.
- Multiply by 1.5. That’s the minimum interior length. Check the enclosure’s interior measurement, not the exterior one.
- Check the width. Your cat needs to turn around. Some guides suggest at least 13 to 15 inches of width.
- Measure the pan you already own. Length, width and height all have to fit inside the enclosure, and the height has to clear the lid.
- Check the entry opening. The IRIS boxes on our list use a 9.25-inch hole. A bigger cat needs a bigger opening.
- Measure the floor spot. Leave room for the lid to open fully and for you to reach in.
| Cat length (nose to base of tail) | Minimum interior length |
|---|---|
| 12 inches | 18 inches |
| 14 inches | 21 inches |
| 16 inches | 24 inches |
| 18 inches | 27 inches |
| 20 inches | 30 inches |
Here’s how our picks stack up. The Amunrbrek’s 25.5-inch interior length covers a cat up to about 17 inches long. The 20.5-inch IRIS boxes list a 17-inch interior base, which by the same rule suits a cat around 11 inches long. Most adult cats measure more than that, so treat the plastic boxes as a fit for small cats and check twice for anything bigger. The Hoobro and Arm & Hammer listings we used don’t give an interior length, so confirm it on the product page.
A simple graphic showing where to measure a cat, from nose to base of tail, with the 1.5x interior length marked.
Suggested alt text: “how to measure a cat for a litter box”
Top Entry vs. Front Entry vs. Low Entry Litter Boxes
This table sums up the trade-offs between the three designs. Our longer top entry vs. front entry litter box guide goes deeper.
| Top entry | Front entry (covered) | Low-entry open pan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Litter tracking | Lower. Litter can drop off paws at the lid or grate. | Moderate. The cat walks out across the floor. | Highest. Nothing sits between the litter and your floor. |
| Seniors and kittens | Poor. Needs a jump and a climb. | Good. It’s a step in. | Best. Lowest barrier. |
| Dog-proofing | Good. The entry sits high. | Weak. Dogs can walk in. | Weak. |
| Odor | Held in, so daily scooping matters | Held in, so daily scooping matters | Open air, nothing trapped |
| Cat preference | Varies. Some cats resist it. | Varies. | Usually the favorite, per shelter guidance |
How to Switch Your Cat to a Top Entry Litter Box Enclosure
Don’t swap the old box for the new one overnight. Cats notice changes in their bathroom setup, and a rushed switch is how you end up with puddles on the rug.
- Set the new enclosure up next to the old box. Leave the old one where it is and let your cat sniff around the new one.
- Take the lid off, or leave the top open. For the first few days, let your cat hop in and out without solving a puzzle.
- Use the same litter at the same depth. Change one thing at a time.
- Put the lid on once your cat uses it without fuss. Keep the old box available a while longer.
- Remove the old box only when the new one is used every time. Give the change as long as your cat needs.
- Back up a step if accidents start. If your cat still refuses after a fair try, go back to an open pan. A cat who hesitates or seems to struggle with the jump may also need a vet visit.
Your own photo of a cat using the top entry box, or the new enclosure sitting beside the old pan with the lid off.
Suggested alt text: “cat using a top entry litter box enclosure”
Placement, Cleaning and Odor Control
Where to Put It
- Choose a quiet spot where noise, other pets and foot traffic won’t startle your cat. The SSPCA litter box guide recommends exactly that.
- Keep it away from your cat’s food and water.
- Leave clearance for the lid and enough room for you to reach in.
- If the enclosure has shutters or vents, don’t push those sides flat against a wall.
- With more than one cat, follow the one box per cat plus one rule. The SSPCA adds that two boxes only count as separate if they sit in different parts of the house.
Cleaning Schedule
| Task | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scoop waste and clumps | Daily | The SSPCA and most cat-care groups recommend it. An enclosure traps smell, so skipping days shows fast. |
| Empty, wash and refill the pan | Weekly | Mild dish soap works. Strong or scented cleaners can put cats off. |
| Wipe the enclosure interior and lid | When you wash the pan | Use a pet-safe cleaner. Dry wood panels well. |
| Replace the filter, if the model has one | About once a year | The Arm & Hammer listing calls for annual replacement. |
Litter matters too. The SSPCA says a regular pan with unscented clumping litter is the type most cats prefer, and Maddie’s Fund notes most cats like several inches of litter to dig in. Skip plastic liners, which catch claws and crinkle.
DIY Top Entry Litter Box: A Cheap Way to Test the Idea
If you doubt your cat will take to top entry, a storage tote costs far less than furniture and makes a fair trial run. Class Act Cats recommends a big tote with a flat bottom and straight walls.
- Pick a large tote with a flat lid. Bigger is better, and the interior should still pass the 1.5x length rule.
- Trace the hole on the lid. Start around 9 to 10 inches across. The IRIS boxes on our list use a 9.25-inch entry. Go larger for a bigger cat, since one DIY builder found their first hole was too small.
- Cut it with a sharp blade. Wear gloves and eye protection, and keep your cat out of the room while you work.
- Sand the edges smooth. Rough plastic will scratch paws.
- Test it with the lid off first. Add litter, set it beside the old box, and follow the switching steps above.
For a furniture look on a budget, this IKEA hack builds a top entry litter box from an IKEA HOL storage table and a plastic tote. Keep in mind that a tall tote still means a jump, so the senior and kitten warnings above apply here too.
A photo of a finished storage tote litter box with a hole cut in the lid, or a step-by-step collage.
Suggested alt text: “DIY top entry litter box made from a storage tote”
Common Top Entry Litter Box Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Cat goes next to the box | Unfamiliar entry, a hard jump, a cramped interior or a dirty box | Remove the lid, bring back the old box, scoop and check the size. Call your vet if it continues. |
| Litter still ends up on the floor | Overfilled pan, digging over the edge, or litter caught on paws | Lower the litter level a little and put a mat by the exit. |
| The enclosure smells | Skipped scooping, poor airflow or an unwashed pan | Scoop daily, wash the pan weekly, and keep vented sides clear of walls. |
| A dog gets into it | Small dog, loose lid or an open flap | Keep the lid on, check that it seats firmly, and put the unit in a room the dog can’t enter if needed. |
| Cats fight near the box | One exit point, and one cat guarding it | Add a second box in a different part of the house. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my cat adapt to a top entry litter box?
Many cats do, and some never will. It depends on age, agility and confidence. Leave the lid off for a few days, then put it on once your cat is comfortable, and keep the old box around until the new one gets consistent use.
What’s the difference between a top entry litter box and a top entry litter box enclosure?
A top entry litter box is a single plastic unit with a hole in the lid. An enclosure is usually a piece of furniture that holds a litter box inside. See our side-by-side comparison.
Are top entry litter boxes good for senior cats or kittens?
Usually not. The jump and climb can strain stiff joints, and kittens are still developing coordination. A low-entry open pan is the safer choice for both.
How do I clean a furniture-style enclosure?
Furniture enclosures usually have doors or a flip top for access. Scoop the litter box as normal, wash the pan weekly, and wipe the interior walls with a pet-safe cleaner. Dry wood panels well before you close things up.
Are these enclosures big enough for large cats?
Some are. Check the interior dimensions first and make sure the length is at least 1.5 times your cat’s, then confirm the entry opening is wide enough for your cat to pass through. Larger furniture units leave more room for bigger breeds than the compact plastic boxes.
Do top entry litter boxes reduce litter tracking?
They help, because litter can drop off paws at the lid or grate on the way out. They don’t stop it completely. A mat next to the enclosure catches what’s left.
Do top entry litter boxes smell less?
An enclosed box holds odor in better than an open pan, but it also traps it, so the smell hits when you open the lid if you’ve skipped scooping. Scoop daily and wash the pan weekly. Furniture enclosures with shutters or vents move air through the interior.
Can I use these with dogs in the house?
Top entry designs deter most dogs because the opening sits high and the walls are tall. Small or determined dogs can still get in, so keep the lid on and check that it seats firmly.
Can I put any litter box inside a litter box enclosure?
Not always. Measure your pan’s length, width and height against the enclosure’s interior. Some enclosures accept open-top pans only, and others also take top-entry boxes. The listing should say which.
How many litter boxes do I need?
The standard rule is one per cat, plus one extra. Place them in different parts of the house so they count as separate boxes.
Are covered litter boxes bad for cats?
Not by default, but many cats prefer an open pan, and shelter guidance says so. Watch how your cat reacts. If they avoid the box, remove the lid or switch to an open design.
Do I still need a litter mat?
A mat is still worth having. Top entry boxes reduce tracking, and a mat by the exit catches the litter that gets past the lid.
Can I make my own top entry litter box?
Yes. A large storage tote with a hole cut in the lid works. Follow our DIY steps above.
🎯 Final Verdict
For most households, the Amunrbrek Top Entry Litter Box Enclosure is the one to buy. Furniture looks, a 25.5-inch interior and a flip top that lets you scoop standing up are hard to find in a single product.
If you have the floor space and want extras, the Hoobro adds LED lighting, a ladder and a lounge mat. If a dog is the main problem and looks come second, the Arm & Hammer’s high walls and filter make more sense. For a small cat in a small space, the IRIS boxes handle the job.
One rule outranks all of that. If your cat is a senior, has stiff joints, or is longer than the interior allows, skip top entry and buy a low-entry pan. Measure your cat and your current litter box, then order.
| If you… | Buy |
|---|---|
| Want the best all-round pick and standing scoop access | Amunrbrek Flip Top Enclosure |
| Have space and want lighting, a ladder and scratching | HOOBRO Enclosure with Ladder |
| Need odor control and a dog barrier in plastic | Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry |
| Want easy scooping and a dark, stain-hiding color | IRIS USA Large, Black |
| Want a clean minimal look and a dog-proof entry | IRIS USA Large, Gray |
| Have a small cat, a small space or want a cheap trial | IRIS USA Large, Beige |
| Have a senior cat, a kitten or a cat with stiff joints | A low-entry open pan, not a top entry box |
Sources and Further Reading
- Maddie’s Fund: Litter box tips
- Toronto Humane Society: How to choose a litter box for your cat
- SSPCA: Litter box guide (PDF)
- PangoVet: Covered vs. uncovered litter boxes
- PangoVet: What size litter box does your cat need?
- PetSmart listing for the 20.5-inch top entry box, sold under the Litter Genie name
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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