The Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box is the one I’d buy first, and Petmate is the company that makes it. That’s the short answer. The longer one depends on how long your cat is, how nosy your dog is, and how much litter currently ends up on your floor.
This Petmate top entry litter box review compares five products: the Petmate-made Arm & Hammer box, two IRIS USA boxes, an Amazon Basics box, and Petmate’s own pan liners. You’ll get outside dimensions, the tradeoffs nobody puts in a product title, a step-by-step guide for cats that refuse the new box, and answers to the questions buyers ask most.
Updated September 2026. Disclosure: if you buy through the Amazon links below, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Which Top Entry Litter Box Should You Buy?
Match your situation to a row, then jump to that review.
| Your situation | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Odor is your main complaint | Arm & Hammer Premium (#1) | Microban is built into the plastic. None of the other listings mention a comparable treatment. |
| A dog keeps raiding the box | Arm & Hammer (#1) or IRIS USA Beige/White (#2) | Both have tall walls and a top opening. Petmate says dogs can’t reach the bottom of its box. |
| Litter everywhere on the floor | IRIS USA Beige/White (#2) | The grooved, perforated lid pulls litter off paws. |
| You want a modern gray look | IRIS USA Gray/White (#3) | Darker tone hides stains better than beige. |
| You hate scrubbing the pan | Petmate liners (#4) | Lift, gather, tie. Sized for boxes up to 20 x 15 x 15 inches. |
| Tight budget, or a cat that sprays | Amazon Basics (#5) | High sides, scoop included, no frills. |
| Your cat is longer than about 14 inches, nose to base of tail | Measure first | See the size check below. Every box here is around 20 inches long. |
Petmate Top Entry Litter Box Review: Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Score | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box with Filter to Clean Paws and Microban 🏆 Editor’s Pick |
9.5/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Beige/White 🥈 Runner-Up |
9.1/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Gray/White | 8.5/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan Liners, Dark Grey, 8 Count 🧰 Best Accessory |
8.2/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Top Entry 💰 Budget Pick |
7.8/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
Size and Spec Comparison
Sizes are outside measurements from manufacturer and retailer listings. Interior floor space runs smaller, so check that too.
| Product | Outside size (L x W x H) | Entry opening | Made in | Scoop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry | 20.3 x 15 x 15 in | Wide top opening (no diameter listed) | USA, recycled plastic | Check current listing |
| IRIS USA Beige/White | 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 in | 9.25 in diameter | USA with global materials | Included, hangs on side |
| IRIS USA Gray/White | 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 in | 9.25 in diameter | USA with global materials | Included |
| Amazon Basics Large | 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 in | Not listed | Check current listing | Included |
| Petmate Top Entry (reference, not scored) | 20.29 x 15.07 x 15.2 in | Wide top opening | USA, 95% pre-consumer recycled | Built-in scoop hook |
📋 How We Evaluated
These products were evaluated on build quality, odor management, and ease of cleaning. We also weighed user-friendly features like scoop storage and tracking prevention. Dimensions and materials were cross-checked against manufacturer pages (Petmate, IRIS USA) and Amazon listings.
- Build quality and lid stability
- Odor management and material treatment
- Litter tracking control
- Cat access: entry size and interior floor space
- Dog-proofing
- Ease of scooping and deep cleaning
What Makes a Petmate Top Entry Litter Box Different
Petmate’s own Top Entry Litter Box is the template a lot of the market follows. The pan is fully enclosed except for a wide opening in the lid. Cats hop in from above and climb out across a non-slip, textured lid with grates, and whatever is stuck to their paws drops back into the pan. Taller walls mean a dog can’t reach the bottom to snack on used litter.
The specs Petmate lists: 20.29 x 15.07 x 15.2 inches, made in the USA from 95% pre-consumer recycled material, with a built-in hook for your scoop. Petmate’s listing doesn’t mention an odor treatment.
That’s where the Arm & Hammer version comes in. Petmate lists the Arm & Hammer Top Entry Litter Box in its own catalog, and that model adds Microban antimicrobial protection to the plastic. So when you search for a Petmate top entry litter box, the Arm & Hammer Premium is the treated version of the same idea.
Detailed Reviews
Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box with Microban🏆 Editor’s Pick
| Protection | Microban antimicrobial |
| Size | 20.3 x 15 x 15 inches |
| Material | Recycled plastic, made in USA |
| Compatibility | Pine, crystal, pellet, clumping |
| Design | High-walled top entry, textured lid |
What We Found
Microban is built into the plastic of the Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box. It inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the box itself, which matters because plastic soaks up smells over time. None of the other listings here mention a comparable treatment. It won’t neutralize urine in the litter, though, so daily scooping still decides how the room smells.
Cats jump in through a wide opening and climb out across a textured, non-slip lid with cutouts, which drops paw litter back into the pan. The walls are tall enough that dogs can’t reach the bottom. The build is sturdy, and the lid stays put when a cat lands on it. It takes pine, crystal, pellet, and clumping litter, and it’s made in the USA from recycled material.
One concession. At 20.3 inches long, this box meets the standard 1.5-times-your-cat rule only for cats up to about 13.5 inches from nose to base of tail. Longer cats will manage, but they’ll have less room to turn. Measure before you order, and plan on replacing the box every 12 months, which is Petmate’s advice for any litter box.
💬 My Take
The best top entry box here if odor is what you fight most. Check your cat’s length against the size table first.
Who It’s For
Buy this if you’re sensitive to litter box smell and want the plastic itself working for you. It suits owners with a dog in the house, since the tall walls and top entry put the litter out of reach.
It also fits anyone who wants a made-in-USA, recycled-material box. Skip it if your cat is long or heavy-boned and you haven’t confirmed the interior floor space.
✅ Pros
- Microban treatment inhibits odor-causing bacteria on the plastic
- Textured lid returns paw litter to the pan
- Made in the USA from recycled material
- Works with pine, crystal, pellet, and clumping litter
❌ Cons
- Higher price than basic models
- Replace about every 12 months
- 20.3 x 15 inch footprint takes real floor space
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Beige/White🥈 Runner-Up
| Dimensions | 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 inches |
| Entry | 9.25 inch diameter |
| Inside floor | 17 x 11.5 inches |
| Material | Plastic, made in USA (global materials) |
| Included | Scoop with hook |
What We Found
The IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box is an enclosed, hooded pan built around privacy. Cats drop in through a 9.25 inch opening in the lid, and the tall walls keep dogs away from the litter. IRIS lists it as made in the USA with global materials.
The lid has grooves and holes that catch loose litter as your cat climbs out, and most of it falls back into the pan. The scoop clips to the side, so it’s always where you left it. Inside, the floor measures 17 x 11.5 inches. Compare that number to your cat and ignore the 20.5 inch outer length.
The beige finish blends into most rooms without drawing attention. Medium-sized cats turn around fine. Bigger cats will notice the 11.5 inch floor width. For more options in this style, see our guide to covered litter boxes with top entry.
💬 My Take
My pick for a home with a dog and a medium-sized cat. Check the 9.25 inch opening against your biggest cat first.
Who It’s For
This box is a strong fit for households where a dog keeps bothering the litter. It also works in small apartments, since the closed lid hides the pan in plain sight.
If you’re tired of sweeping tracked litter, the grooved lid will help. Skip it if your cat is long, since the floor is only 17 x 11.5 inches.
✅ Pros
- Grooved lid cuts litter tracking
- Enclosed design gives cats privacy
- Scoop with hook included
- Sturdy construction that holds up to daily use
❌ Cons
- 9.25 inch opening is tight for very large cats
- 11.5 inch floor width limits big cats
- Lid lifts off for deep cleaning, and it’s bulky
- Limited color choices in this version
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Hooded Privacy, Large, Gray/White
| Color | Gray/White |
| Dimensions | 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 inches |
| Feature | Textured tracking lid |
| Build | Enclosed privacy design |
What We Found
The Gray/White IRIS USA box uses the same large top entry design as the Beige/White model, with the same 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 inch footprint. The difference is color. Gray hides stains better than beige, and it looks at home in a modern laundry room or bathroom.
The textured top traps litter well in busy households. The enclosed space suits shy cats, and the high walls keep digging and accidental messes inside the pan. The lid comes off for cleaning, and the durable plastic shows little wear from daily use.
It balances form and function for owners who care about both. Just confirm the interior fits your cat before you pick a color.
💬 My Take
A good-looking, easy-to-clean box. Pick the color that fits your room, and buy on size.
Who It’s For
Buy this one if the litter box has to live somewhere visible and you want it to look intentional. It also suits owners who fight litter tracking and want a firm barrier between paws and floor.
The size works for most indoor cats. In a laundry room or bathroom, the enclosed shell keeps things tidy.
✅ Pros
- Modern color scheme fits contemporary homes
- High walls contain active diggers
- Removable lid makes scooping simple
❌ Cons
- Lid can be slightly stiff to remove for some
- Larger cats may find the interior tight
- Tracking reduction depends heavily on your cat’s habits
Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan Liners, Dark Grey, 8 Count🧰 Best Accessory
| Quantity | 8 count |
| Fits | Top entry pans up to 20 x 15 x 15 in |
| Material | Heavy-duty plastic |
| Feature | Tear-resistant |
What We Found
Petmate’s Top Entry Litter Pan Liners are heavy-duty, tear-resistant liners that let you remove a whole box of litter in one motion. You tie the edges and lift, so there’s no scraping or tipping. Petmate sizes them for top entry boxes up to 20 x 15 x 15 inches.
Check that fit. Petmate’s own box (20.29 x 15.07 x 15.2 inches) is the intended match. The IRIS and Amazon Basics boxes run about half an inch longer, so expect a snug fit and test one liner before you commit. This is an accessory, so score it on its one job.
Eight liners covers eight full litter changes, which is about two months if you do a full change weekly.
How to Use the Liners
- Spread the liner over the pan so it overhangs the rim on all sides.
- Press the center down to the bottom of the pan and smooth it outward.
- Fill with litter to your usual depth and scoop solid waste daily.
- To change, lift the liner from all sides, gather it above the pan, and tie it off.
💬 My Take
If you dread the full litter dump, these earn their price. Check the size against your box first.
Who It’s For
Busy owners who want the fastest possible full change will like these. They work best if you already own a compatible top entry pan.
Multi-cat households get the most out of them, since a full change happens often. Anyone who wants a more sanitary cleanup will appreciate the sealed bag.
✅ Pros
- Cuts the time of a full litter change
- Tear-resistant plastic holds waste in one bag
- Keeps the pan surface cleaner between deep washes
❌ Cons
- Ongoing purchase for continued use
- Sized for boxes up to 20 x 15 x 15 in, so check larger pans
- Plastic isn’t biodegradable
Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Top Entry💰 Budget Pick
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Storage | On-board scoop |
| Design | High-sided top entry |
| Dimensions | 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 inches |
What We Found
The Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box keeps things simple. Its high sides contain spray, which helps with cats that stand while they go. The filtered lid catches litter much like the other boxes here.
The BPA-free, recyclable plastic is light and durable. A matching scoop stays on the side, and the removable top makes daily scooping easy, even if the overall look is utilitarian.
It shares outside dimensions with the IRIS boxes (20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 inches), so the size tradeoffs are the same. What you give up is polish, and some owners find the lid flimsy.
💬 My Take
A solid, no-nonsense choice that gets the basics right without overcomplicating cleanup.
Who It’s For
Buy this if you want a reliable, budget-friendly large box without extras. It’s especially useful for cats that spray or kick litter over lower sides.
First-time cat owners who want something standard and dependable will do fine with it.
✅ Pros
- Affordable for a large box
- BPA-free construction
- High sides contain spray and mess
❌ Cons
- Plainer design than premium models
- Plastic can hold odors if you skip regular washing
- Lid mechanism may feel flimsy to some users
Petmate vs IRIS USA: Which Top Entry Box Is Better?
On paper they’re twins. Petmate’s Arm & Hammer box measures 20.3 x 15 x 15 inches. The IRIS measures 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38. You’re choosing on details.
| Factor | Arm & Hammer (Petmate) | IRIS USA |
|---|---|---|
| Odor treatment | Microban built into the plastic | No antimicrobial treatment mentioned in the listings I checked |
| Entry opening | Wide, no diameter listed | 9.25 inch diameter |
| Interior floor | Not listed | 17 x 11.5 inches |
| Lid | Textured, non-slip, with cutouts | Grooves and holes |
| Scoop | Check listing | Included, hangs on side |
| Best for | Odor-sensitive owners, dog households | Dog households, smaller spaces, style matching |
My call: buy the Arm & Hammer if odor matters most, and the IRIS if you want published interior dimensions and a scoop in the box. Neither is a good fit for a very long cat.
Are Top Entry Litter Boxes Worth It? Pros and Cons
They solve two problems well: litter tracking and dogs. They add a new one, which is access. Not every cat can or wants to jump into a box every time.
✅ Pros
- Dogs can’t reach used litter
- The lid pulls litter off paws before it hits the floor
- Tall walls contain digging and spraying
- The closed shell hides the pan in living spaces
❌ Cons
- Cats with arthritis or weak hind legs may struggle to jump in
- Very young kittens can’t always clear the wall
- Some cats dislike enclosed boxes
- Enclosed boxes hold odor inside, so daily scooping matters more
- Litter collects on the lid and needs wiping
If your cat is older or has joint pain, a front entry or low-sided box is the safer choice. We break down the tradeoffs in our top entry vs front entry litter box comparison.
How to Switch Your Cat to a Top Entry Litter Box
Most cats adapt, but some need a slow handoff. Petmate itself suggests keeping the old box around for a short transition. Here’s the sequence I’d use.
- Put the new box next to the old one. Same room, and the same spot if you can manage it.
- Leave the lid off for the first few days. Your cat learns where the box is without an obstacle.
- Use the litter your cat already knows. Changing litter and box together makes it hard to tell what your cat objects to.
- Put the lid on once your cat uses the box daily. Watch the first few exits.
- Remove the old box after several days of steady use. Not before.
- Back up a step if there are accidents. They tell you the last step was too big.
Placement and Cleaning Checklist
A box you clean on schedule beats a better box you ignore. Use this list.
- ☐ Scoop solid waste daily.
- ☐ Wipe the lid weekly, since litter collects on the grates.
- ☐ Wash the pan with soap and water every few weeks.
- ☐ Replace the box every 12 months. Petmate says odors can penetrate plastic over time.
- ☐ Place it on flat, stable floor away from food, water, and loud appliances.
- ☐ Leave headroom above the box so your cat can jump in and out.
- ☐ With more than one cat, keep one box per cat plus a spare.
What to Look For Before Buying
Choose based on your cat’s size and habits first, then on privacy and how you plan to clean. A well-chosen box saves time and keeps your home cleaner.
Check Your Cat’s Size
The standard rule, repeated on Arm & Hammer’s listings, is a box 1.5 times your cat’s length. Measure from nose to the base of the tail. A box that’s too small causes stress, and cramped cats sometimes refuse to use it at all.
| Cat length (nose to base of tail) | Target box length (1.5x) | Against a 20.5 in box |
|---|---|---|
| 12 in | 18 in | Passes |
| 14 in | 21 in | 0.5 in short |
| 16 in | 24 in | 3.5 in short |
| 18 in | 27 in | 6.5 in short |
Those numbers use outside length, and interior room is smaller. Most top entry boxes fall short of the rule for average-to-large cats. That’s the real tradeoff. If your cat is 16 inches or longer, consider a bigger open box or a large front entry model instead.
Look at Material Quality
Choose BPA-free plastic that resists absorbing odors and won’t crack or stain. Antimicrobial treatment, like the Microban on the Arm & Hammer, helps keep the plastic fresher. A sturdy base keeps the box from tipping. If you prefer metal, see our stainless steel top entry litter box picks.
Check Tracking Prevention
Top entry boxes with grated or textured lids reduce litter scatter by catching particles before they reach your floor. Look for lids that let litter drop back into the pan, and plan to wipe the lid weekly.
Consider Ease of Maintenance
Look for lids that come off easily and corners you can reach. You’ll scoop daily, so friction adds up fast. If you plan to use liners, confirm the box fits within the liner’s size range.
Think About Your Dog
If a dog is the reason you’re shopping, tall walls and a top opening matter more than any other feature. Petmate says its box keeps dogs from reaching the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are top entry litter boxes better for dogs?
Yes. Petmate says the taller walls and top entry keep dogs from reaching the bottom of the box, which is why it designs the pan this way. That keeps used litter out of reach and protects your cat’s privacy.
Is the Arm & Hammer top entry litter box made by Petmate?
Yes. Petmate lists and sells the Arm & Hammer Top Entry Litter Box in its own catalog. It adds Microban protection to the same style of box Petmate makes under its own name.
What size is the Petmate top entry litter box?
Petmate’s own box measures 20.29 x 15.07 x 15.2 inches. The Arm & Hammer version is listed at 20.3 x 15 x 15 inches.
Do Petmate liners fit other top entry boxes?
Petmate lists the liners for top entry boxes up to 20 x 15 x 15 inches. The IRIS and Amazon Basics boxes are about half an inch longer, so test one liner first.
Do top entry litter boxes work for large cats?
Sometimes. Measure your cat from nose to base of tail and multiply by 1.5. Most boxes here are about 20 inches long, so cats over roughly 14 inches will be a tight fit.
Are top entry boxes good for kittens and senior cats?
Often not. Kittens may not clear the wall, and older cats with joint pain may avoid jumping. A low-entry box is the safer choice for both.
Does Microban stop litter box smell?
It treats the plastic so odor-causing bacteria don’t grow on the box. It doesn’t neutralize urine in the litter, so daily scooping still matters.
How often should I clean a top entry box?
Scoop daily. Wash the whole box with soap and water every few weeks. Replace it every 12 months, which is Petmate’s recommendation for any litter box.
Will my cat use a top entry box?
Most cats adapt. If yours hesitates, take the lid off for a few days, keep the old box nearby, and put the lid back on once your cat uses the new box daily.
Do these boxes really stop tracking?
They reduce it a lot by making cats step across a textured, grated lid. No box catches everything, but a top entry lid beats an open tray.
Can I use any litter with these boxes?
Petmate and Arm & Hammer list pine, crystal, pellet, and clumping litters as compatible. The lid openings drop litter back into the pan, so litter type matters less than how much dust and clumps end up on the lid. Wipe it weekly.
What’s the difference between top entry and front entry litter boxes?
Top entry boxes keep dogs out and cut tracking, but your cat has to jump. Front entry boxes are easier on older cats. Our top entry vs front entry guide compares both.
🎯 Final Verdict
The Arm & Hammer Premium Top Entry Litter Box wins. It’s the only box here with a Microban treatment listed, it’s made in the USA by Petmate, and its 20.3 x 15 x 15 inch shell keeps litter and dogs where they belong.
The IRIS USA Beige/White is the runner-up. It gives you a published 9.25 inch entry, a 17 x 11.5 inch floor, and a scoop in the box. The Gray/White is the same design in a color that hides stains. Amazon Basics is the budget pick, and Petmate’s liners make any compatible box faster to clean.
One caveat applies to all of them. If your cat measures over about 14 inches from nose to base of tail, these boxes will feel tight. Measure your cat and your floor first, then buy the Arm & Hammer unless size or budget says otherwise.
Petmate Top Entry Litter Box,
Arm & Hammer Top Entry Litter Box (Petmate),
Petmate Top Entry Litter Box Liners, and the IRIS USA and Amazon Basics Amazon listings.
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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