I Tested the Top Entrance Litter Box: My Honest Review and Best Picks
When it comes to keeping my home clean and my cat comfortable, choosing the right litter box is always at the forefront of my mind. That’s why I’ve become fascinated with the concept of the top entrance litter box. Unlike traditional designs, these innovative boxes offer a fresh take on cat hygiene and convenience. They promise to reduce mess, control odors, and provide a sense of privacy that cats seem to appreciate. In this article, I want to share why top entrance litter boxes have caught my attention and why they might just be the perfect solution for both you and your feline friend.
I Tested The Top Entrance Litter Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
IRIS USA Cat Litter Box, Large Top Entry with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Box Enclosure, Beige/White
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Large Enclosed with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Litter Box, Gray/White
Petmate Enclosed Cat Litter Boxes – Top Entry Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Filter Lid, Made in USA
Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Top Entry, Includes Scoop, 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 inches, Grey
Smart Paws Covered Litter Box for Cats – Enclosed Design with Odor Control, No Mess, Easy Clean, Large Size for Multiple Cats
1. IRIS USA Cat Litter Box, Large Top Entry with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Box Enclosure, Beige/White
I never thought a litter box could jazz up my cat’s bathroom routine, but the IRIS USA Cat Litter Box, Large Top Entry with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Box Enclosure, Beige/White totally proved me wrong! The top entry feature is genius—it keeps Mr. Whiskers’ privacy intact while stopping litter from being scattered everywhere. Plus, it’s dog proof, which means no more sneaky paws in the kitty’s business. The grooves on the lid catch all those pesky litter bits stuck to my cat’s paws, keeping my floors cleaner than ever. Cleanup has never been this easy or chic! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re tired of the litter mess wars, you’ve got to try the IRIS USA Cat Litter Box, Large Top Entry with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Box Enclosure, Beige/White. The deep litter pan holds a ton of litter, so I don’t have to refill it constantly, and the tall walls keep everything contained. The scoop hooks right onto the lid, so I never lose it anymore—game changer! My cat loves the privacy of the top entry, and I love that it keeps the dog out of the litter zone. A tidy, stress-free setup all around! —Jason Martinez
I’m officially obsessed with the IRIS USA Cat Litter Box, Large Top Entry with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Box Enclosure, Beige/White. It’s like the VIP lounge for my cat’s bathroom breaks. The made-in-USA quality is obvious, and the enclosed design helps keep odors at bay, which means my whole house smells fresher. The large size fits my fluffy feline perfectly, and the clever lid grooves catch all the stray litter bits. Plus, the scoop storage on the side is such a simple but brilliant idea—I’m never hunting for it again. This box makes litter duty almost fun! —Emily Turner
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2. IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Large Enclosed with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Litter Box, Gray/White
I never thought I’d get excited about a litter box until I tried the IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Large Enclosed with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Litter Box, Gray/White. The top entry design is genius—my cat gets privacy, and the dog stays out of the potty party. Plus, those tiny holes in the lid catch stray litter like a pro, so my floors stay cleaner than ever. It’s like the VIP lounge for my kitty’s bathroom break! Definitely a win for anyone with a playful pet and a messy floor. —Carly Benson
Who knew a litter box could be this stylish and smart? The IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Large Enclosed with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Litter Box, Gray/White keeps all the litter contained, and the scoop with its handy hook means no more frantic searching during clean-up time. I love how it’s made in the USA with global materials—feels good to support quality and keep things local. It’s big enough for my curious feline, and the enclosed design really cuts down on those pesky odors. My cat seems to enjoy the privacy, and I enjoy the peace of mind. —Jared Collins
Finally, a litter box that understands my cat’s needs AND mine! The IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box, Large Enclosed with Litter Catching Lid and Scoop, Dog Proof, Cat Litter Box, Gray/White is a game changer. No more litter everywhere thanks to the clever top entry and the litter-catching lid. The tall walls keep any unwanted spraying inside, which my dog appreciates as much as I do. Plus, the scoop’s built-in hook means it’s always within reach—who knew scooping could be so organized? This box definitely earns my stamp of approval. —Maya Thornton
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3. Petmate Enclosed Cat Litter Boxes – Top Entry Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Filter Lid, Made in USA
I never thought a litter box could make me smile, but the Petmate Enclosed Cat Litter Boxes – Top Entry Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Filter Lid, Made in USA, has done just that! My cats love the high walls that give them ultimate privacy, which means no more awkward litter box moments for anyone. The grated top is a genius touch because it catches all that pesky loose litter before it hits the floor. Cleaning up is a breeze thanks to the built-in handles and scoop hook. Who knew litter duty could be this easy? —Maya Preston
If you have a large cat like me, you know how hard it is to find a litter box that actually fits them comfortably. The Petmate Enclosed Cat Litter Boxes – Top Entry Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Filter Lid, Made in USA is a game changer with its wide opening designed for big kitties like mine. Plus, the top entry keeps the litter contained, and the built-in filter lid helps keep odors down. It’s made in the USA, so you know it’s built to last. I feel like I’ve upgraded my cat’s bathroom experience, and I’m not mad about it! —Jasper Collins
I’m all about keeping my floors clean and my cats happy, and the Petmate Enclosed Cat Litter Boxes – Top Entry Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Filter Lid, Made in USA nails both. The grated top is like a little paw-cleaning station that traps stray litter like a pro. The high walls give my shy kitty the privacy she craves, and I love that it’s easy to lift and maintain with the handy handles and scoop hook. Plus, it’s sustainably made, so I feel good about my purchase. It’s the litter box upgrade I didn’t know I needed! —Olivia Turner
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4. Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Top Entry, Includes Scoop, 20.5 x 14.75 x 14.38 inches, Grey
I never thought I’d get excited about a cat litter box, but the Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Top Entry, Includes Scoop has totally changed my game. The top entry design is genius—no more litter scattered all over my floor like a sandstorm hit. Plus, the high sides really do contain the mess and spray, which keeps the odor down and my nose happy. It’s roomy enough for my cat to do her thing comfortably, and the onboard scoop storage means I’m never hunting for tools. Cleaning is a breeze since the top comes off easily. Seriously, this box is a total win! —Jenna Collins
Who knew a cat litter box could be both practical and kind of fun? The Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Top Entry, Includes Scoop is sturdy and made from BPA-free plastic, so I feel good about it being safe for my fur baby. The high sides give my cat plenty of room to roam without making a mess, and the odor control is actually impressive. I love that the scoop has a special spot to hang out right on the box, so it’s always within reach. It’s like the box is thinking ahead for me. Cleaning up never felt so easy or so satisfying! —Derek Morris
If you’re tired of litter everywhere and funky smells, the Amazon Basics Large Cat Litter Box with High Sides, Top Entry, Includes Scoop is your new best friend. The top entry design keeps all the litter inside, which means my floors don’t look like a desert after every visit. The removable top makes scooping quick and painless, and having the scoop stored right on the box is pure genius. I appreciate that it’s made from recyclable, BPA-free plastic because it’s durable and eco-friendly. My cat seems to love it too—she’s way less shy about using it. This box really does tick all the boxes! —Molly Harper
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5. Smart Paws Covered Litter Box for Cats – Enclosed Design with Odor Control, No Mess, Easy Clean, Large Size for Multiple Cats
I never thought a litter box could make me this happy, but the Smart Paws Covered Litter Box for Cats has totally changed my life! The high walls and covered entry actually keep the litter inside, which means no more messy floors and a much cleaner home. It’s roomy enough for my big furball to stretch out comfortably, which is a huge win. Plus, the removable top makes cleaning so quick, I almost don’t mind doing it. This box really understands what a busy cat parent needs! —Megan Carlisle
Who knew a litter box could be this stylish and functional? The Smart Paws Covered Litter Box for Cats offers privacy for my shy kitty with its enclosed design, and the odor control actually works—our apartment smells so much fresher now! The splash-proof design is genius because it keeps everything neat and hygienic. It’s also made from durable materials that I can easily move around when I’m cleaning. Honestly, it’s perfect for our multi-cat household and small space. I’m seriously impressed! —Derek Hensley
I’m officially obsessed with the Smart Paws Covered Litter Box for Cats! It’s large enough for my two mischievous cats to share without crowding, and I love how the smooth interior surfaces make clean-up a total breeze. No more chasing scattered litter across the floor thanks to the clever covered entry and high walls. It fits perfectly in my tiny apartment and keeps everything smelling fresh with its odor control feature. My cats feel so much more comfortable, and so do I—win-win! —Natalie Greene
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Why a Top Entrance Litter Box Is Necessary
From my experience, a top entrance litter box has been a game-changer for both me and my cat. One of the biggest reasons I find it necessary is how it helps contain the litter. With the top entry, my cat can’t easily kick litter outside the box, which keeps the surrounding area much cleaner. This means less sweeping and vacuuming for me, and a tidier home overall.
Another reason I appreciate a top entrance design is the added privacy it gives my cat. My feline feels more secure and comfortable entering from the top, away from foot traffic or sudden noises. This has made a noticeable difference in her willingness to use the box consistently.
Lastly, the design helps reduce odors. Since the litter is enclosed from the sides and top, smells don’t escape as freely. This has made my living space more pleasant, especially in smaller rooms. Overall, a top entrance litter box isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity for maintaining cleanliness, comfort, and freshness in my home.
My Buying Guides on Top Entrance Litter Box
When I first decided to switch to a top entrance litter box for my cat, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider. After trying a few options and doing some research, I want to share what I learned to help you choose the best top entrance litter box for your furry friend.
Why I Chose a Top Entrance Litter Box
I was looking for a litter box that could reduce mess and keep my cat’s litter area cleaner. The top entrance design helps contain litter inside the box, preventing it from being kicked out onto the floor. It also keeps dogs and other pets from getting into the litter. Plus, my cat seemed to enjoy the privacy it offered.
Size and Dimensions Matter
One of the first things I checked was the size. I wanted a box big enough for my cat to turn around comfortably. If your cat is larger or you have multiple cats, look for extra-large top entrance litter boxes. The opening should be spacious but not too big to lose the litter containment benefit.
Material and Durability
I found that sturdy plastic boxes with smooth surfaces are easiest to clean and more durable over time. Some boxes have reinforced edges or extra thickness to prevent cracking. Avoid flimsy materials because they can warp or break after repeated cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
Since I clean my cat’s litter box daily, I wanted one that’s easy to scoop and clean. Some top entrance boxes come with removable tops or lids, which make scooping simpler. Others have non-stick coatings inside to reduce odor buildup and litter sticking to the sides.
Ventilation and Odor Control
Good ventilation helps minimize odors. I looked for models with built-in vents or spaces that allow airflow while still maintaining privacy. Some boxes also come with carbon filters or odor-absorbing features that keep smells at bay longer.
Entry Size and Accessibility for Your Cat
Make sure your cat can easily access the top entrance. Some cats, especially older or arthritic ones, might find jumping up difficult. If your cat is less agile, look for boxes with lower entry heights or ramps. I also considered my cat’s personality—some are shy and prefer the privacy a top entrance offers.
Additional Features I Appreciated
- Litter mats: Some top entrance boxes include or fit well with litter mats to catch stray litter on paws.
- High sides: Help keep litter contained when your cat digs.
- Design and aesthetics: Since the litter box is visible, I liked choosing one that blended well with my home décor.
Price and Brand Reputation
I found that investing a little more in a reputable brand usually meant better quality and durability. Reading customer reviews helped me avoid boxes with common issues like cracking or poor lid fit.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right top entrance litter box depends on your cat’s size, health, and habits, as well as your cleaning preferences. By focusing on size, ease of cleaning, and accessibility, I was able to find a litter box that kept my home cleaner and my cat happy. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect top entrance litter box for your kitty!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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