Is your dog showing too much interest in the cat litter tray? Unfortunately, dogs can become obsessed with litter trays and can enjoy eating the poop and cat litter. This is not good for them and creates a lot of mess for you so it has to stop! The best way to tackle this issue is to invest in a dog-proof litter box.
The idea behind dog proof litter boxes is that your cat can get in but your dog cannot. It gives your kitty somewhere private to poop and pee. It also makes your home a lot tidier. These litter boxes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. So, to help you choose the best litter box for your cat, we've carried out some in-depth research into all the desirable features and pros and cons so check out our useful guide.
At a Glance: Best Dog Proof Litter Boxes
| Editor's Pick | Product Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box | Buy on Amazon | 4.3 |
| Best Hooded | Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan | Buy on Amazon | 4.7 |
| Best Eco-Friendly | Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan | Buy on Amazon | 4.3 |
| Best Odor Resistant | AmazonBasics Dog Proof Cat Litter Box | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Best Furniture Looking | Merry Products Cat Washroom Bench | Buy on Amazon | 4.4 |
| Best Dome Shaped | Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box | Buy on Amazon | 4.4 |
| Best Automatic | ScoopFree Original Automatic Cat Litter Box | Buy on Amazon | 3.7 |
| Best Design | Habitat N’ Home Litter Loo, Espresso, Standard | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
| Best Self Cleaning | Omega Paw NRA15 Self Cleaning Litter Box | Buy on Amazon | 3.8 |
| Best Top-Entry | Modkat Litter Box | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Best Hidden | Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Litter Box | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
1 Best Overall: IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box
- Partially covered to keep a dog out
- Grooves to remove cat litter
- Made from BPA-free materials
- Easy to clean
A superbly stylish way to give your kitty privacy when they are taking a poop or a pee, this dog proof cat box will look great in any home. It is available in two sizes and a range of colors and because it’s made from BPA-free plastic, it is also totally safe. As well as keeping your dog out, this litter pan has plenty of design features that make life easier for your cat and for you too!
This is a top entry litter box and the circular opening is big enough to let your cat enter without difficulty whilst the rubber feet stop it from moving around. There is plenty of space inside for them to do what they need to do in comfort. As they leave, they have to walk across a series of grooves which removes litter from their paws and prevents it from being scattered around the room. The rounded edges make the whole unit very easy to clean. It comes with a litter scoop and a hook on which to store it.
Find out more about IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box.
- Very attractive design
- Rubber feet keep it stable
- Litter scoop included
- Not large enough for big cats
- Some cats may be reluctant to get in it at first
2 Best Hooded: Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
- Big enough for more than one cat
- Stylish design and warm gray color
- Clear swing door
- Carbon filter to control odors
A functional and stylish dog proof litter box that will give your kitty some privacy whilst they do what they need to do! It is made from durable BPA materials in a warm gray color that will blend in with any home decor. When you need to clean out inside the cat litter box, you simply lift up the large hood for easy access and use water with a mild detergent.
This dog proof cat litter box would be suitable for households that have more than one cat. The swing door at the front is clear so that nervous cats have a clear view and will be encouraged to go inside. The door opening measures 10.4 inches by 9.6 inches which is easily big enough for an adult cat. There is a carbon filter included to help control unpleasant odors.
3 Best Eco-Friendly: Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan
- Extra high walls
- Box made from recycled plastic
- Top grid to trap litter on paws
- Surrounded on all four sides
The extra high walls of this cat litter box to keep dogs out will provide protection and privacy for your cat. The cat s litter is surrounded on all four sides to prevent spillages. The top surface surrounding the top entry hole is textured so litter falls off your cat’s paws as they get out of the box.
The whole unit is dog proof and is made from recycled plastic so it is also good for the environment. The box is compatible with tray liners and has rounded edges to make emptying easier. You’ll find plenty of room inside this dog proof cat litter box for a larger kitty. There is a hook where you can hang a scoop.
- Extra high walls will deter most dogs
- Environmentally friendly – made from recycled plastic
- Can be used with tray liners
- Works best with liners which is additional expense
- Litter can collect on the lid
4 Best Odor Resistant: AmazonBasics Dog Proof Cat Litter Box
- Maintains privacy and contains liquids
- Dog proof but easy for cats to enter
- Made from polypropylene plastic
- Carbon filter
If you want to give your kitty some privacy when they pee but don’t want to break bank, this dog proof litter box could be the right choice for you. It especially suits cats that tend to pee over the edge of standard litter trays because it keeps all the liquid contained. The dome shaped cover snaps into place using built in plastic clips. When you want to clean out the litterbox, the lid is easy to take off.
Your cat can enter using the swinging door but this will prevent your dog from being able to get inside. It’s made from polypropylene plastic which is both stain and odor resistant. To clean these litter boxes you just wipe them over with a damp cloth. At the top of the box, there is a carry handle so that it can be moved with ease from room to room. It even has a carbon filter (which can be replaced) to reduce unpleasant pet poop odors.
- Keeps liquids contained
- Lid is easy to take off
- Carbon filter to remove smells
- Some dogs could knock it over
- Nothing to stop your cat tracking litter onto the floor
5 Best Furniture Looking: Merry Products Cat Washroom Bench
- Hides away a cat s litter tray
- Entrance can be on either end
- Entrance is small enough to keep a dog out
- Easy to put together
Looking for a litter tray that is disguised as a lovely piece of furniture? This is what you need! It’s a super stylish way to keep small dog out of litter box but let small kitty in! This elegant bench is available in three different finishes so you can choose one to complement your decor. It has attractive wainscoting detailing and a natural wood grain finish. Your litter box will fit neatly inside – there is even enough room for the large automatic litter boxes to fit.
The cat entrance can be placed on either end of the bench and at the front, the doors open wide for easy access. They close securely with a magnetic catch. Inside, there is a removable partition so you can use some of the space for storage if the litter tray does not take up all of the available area. It needs to be assembled but all the hardware is included.
- Looks like a piece of furniture
- Available in different finishes
- Some inside space can be used for storage
- Considerably more expensive than other litter boxes
- Litter can be tracked out
6 Best Dome Shaped: Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box
- Durable covered litter box
- Dome shaped and easy to clean
- Non-stick walls
- Suitable for more than one cat
These durable covered litter boxes have lids in the shape of a dome to keep dogs out and give kitty some privacy to enjoy toilet time. The curved walls are non-stick and very easy to clean.
All sides of these dog proof litter boxes are enclosed to keep the litter in and the dog out! The entrance is steep and has deep grooves so it cleans the litter off your cat’s paws as they get out of box. The internal dimensions are 21 inches by 21 inches so these boxes are suitable if you have multiple cats or if you have one large one! There is a charcoal filter within the litter box enclosure to help to control unpleasant odors.
- Non-stick curved walls are easy to clean
- Deep grooves remove most of the litter
- Filter helps to remove odors
- The plastic is quite flimsy
- Steep drop will not suit frail or elderly cats
7 Best Automatic: ScoopFree Original Automatic Cat Litter Box
- Automatic litter box
- Special crystal litter
- Rakes remove waste
- No need to scoop litter
The ultimate in automatic litter boxes, this litter tray removes waste for you so that you don’t have to scoop and clean everyday. It uses a special crystal litter that absorbs urine but which is virtually dust-free. Solid waste is quickly dehydrated by the litter so there are no unpleasant odors. There are rakes that work automatically 20 minutes after your cat leaves the tray.
This track proof litter will stay in the box and not make a huge mess on your floor. These self cleaning litter boxes use disposable trays which are leak proof and keep your floor clean. All you have to do is remove the litter tray and dispose of it in the refuse.
Find out more about PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Litter Box.
- Creates no dust
- No scooping needed
- Very good at removing smells
- Disposable trays are expensive
- Not all cats like the litter
8 Best Design: Habitat N’ Home Litter Loo, Espresso, Standard
- Attractive design and finish
- Does not absorb moisture
- Can be wiped clean easily
- Side vents for odors
The Habitat N’ Home Litter Loo is a lovely dog proof litter box that is both attractive and functional. The elegant espresso finish will appeal to pet lovers who also want to maintain their interior design standards. Other finishes are available.
Because it’s made from non-toxic ecoFLEX material it will not absorb moisture and can be easily wiped clean. As the litter tray is completely surrounded your pooch will not be able to gain access. The side vents get rid of any odors quickly. This front entry litter box is easy to put together without the need
- Does not look like a litter trays
- Easy for cats to gains access
- Smooth surface for wiping down
- No air filter
- Can scuff and mark with time
9 Best Self Cleaning: Omega Paw NRA15 Self Cleaning Litter Box
- Clever litter box inside grid to separate waste from clean litter
- Dog proof litter box keeps pooches out
- Maintenance free – no liners or filters
- Smooth surfaces are easy to clean
The Omega Paw NRA15 Self Cleaning Litter Box makes sure that only the cat can access the litter making your life a lot easier and protecting your dog. This self cleaning litter box also takes a lot of the work out of changing the cat litter.
It has a clever internal grid system so that clean litter passes through but cat waste is left behind. This allows you to remove it with the included poop scoop.
- No filters or liners needed
- Separates cat’s waste from clean cat litter
- Only your cat can get in
- Some hand sifting of cat poo may be needed
- Not enough room for larger cats
10 Best Top-Entry: Modkat Litter Box
- Solid, stable design
- Designed to prevent litter tracking
- Great at keeping dogs away from litter
- Re-usable liner makes changing litter easy
The Modkat Litter Box is a top entry litter box that will stop your dog from gaining access if they like to eat cat litter. It has a solid construction and appearance and is available in three attractive colors. Inside, there is a liner that fits neatly with a tension band to prevent sagging. The great advantage is that the liner is re-usable for three months making it cost effective and environmentally friendly.
The cleverly designed lid is easy to open and swivels out of the way. It also has small holes to prevent litter scatter – they are directed back into the box.
- Cats can get in with no problem
- Environmentally friendly
- Looks sleek and elegant
- Car urine can seep over the liner
- Scoop is stored on the outside
11 Best Hidden: Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Litter Box
- Large litter box disguised as a plant pot
- Comes with plant and moss (artificial)
- Can accommodate larger cats
- Strong polypropylene material
A cat’s litter box that looks like a plant pot! The Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box looks just like a stylish real clay plant pot but is actually a front entry litter box. If you can’t stand the idea of cat litter boxes ruining the aesthetic of your home, this is the one for you.
It’s made from durable polypropylene so it is easy to keep the litter box clean – it’s also very good at keeping dogs out and letting only cats in! There is a filtered vented system to prevent odors and dust escaping into your home.
- Will fit into small spaces
- Looks great in any home
- Easy to put together and clean
- Plants provided and not to everyone’s taste
- Some cats attack the plants
Best Dog Proof Litter Box Buying Guide
Things to Consider When Buying Dog Proof Litter Boxes
There are several types of dog proof litter boxes available so it is worth thinking about the features that you would like to see. Here are a few that you should bear in mind.
Size
Don’t forget that your cat has to fit inside this dog proof litter box! If you have a big moggy, you will need a box large enough to accommodate them in comfort. If more than one cat is going to be using the cat’s litter box at the same time, you need a very big box!
Entry Point
The whole point is that your cat can get in but your dog cannot. A dog proof litter box will have an entrance at the top or at the side. More agile cats will be able to leap in the top but if you have an older cat, a side entrance may be preferable.
Litter Control
Cats litter can make a terrible mess around your home. It gets caught in your cat’s paws as they are taking a pee or poop and then gets tracked out of the box. Many boxes have grooves or a grid that your cat has to walk over as they leave the box. This removes the litter and keeps your house tidy.
Odor Control
Some cat litter boxes that are covered can become very smelly because the odors can’t escape. You may want to purchase one that has some form of carbon filter.
Benefits of Dog Proof Cat Litter Box
Dog proof litter boxes are a must for households that have both cats and dogs and where the dogs are showing an unhealthy interest in the litter tray! Some dogs simply ignore the place where the cats go to poop and pee but others are fascinated by them, and this is when the problems begin!
If your dog spends too much time hanging around the litter tray, it can put your cat off using it and they will do their business in another part of the house. Dog proof litter boxes give your kitty some peace and quiet and some privacy.
A dog-proof box also stops your pooch from being able to eat the contents of the litter tray. A dog can pick up a lot of pathogens from eating cat poop and they can become very unwell. The litter itself is also not good for your dog. It could trigger an allergic reaction or it could cause an intestinal blockage.
In addition to the health concerns, a dog in a litter box can be a very messy incident! If you want to avoid the litter being spread all over your house by a naughty pooch, you need one of these!
How to Keep Dog Out of Litter Box
Your dogs’ obsession with the cat litter box can become a real pain for you! As well as purchasing a litter box that will keep a dog out, here are some of the other things that you can do.
Place a Physical Barrier Around the Litter Box
You can physically stop your dog from getting at the litter box using physical barriers. Think about using things such as a baby gate or pet pen. You could also place the litter box in a room that your cat can access but your dog can’t. Latches that only let a door open wide enough to let a cat in are a good idea. You could also install a cat flap on an internal door.
Make the Litter Box Less Tempting
As disgusting as this may seem, the thing that attracts most dogs to a cat litter box is the poop! So, if you can ensure that you keep the litter box very clean, your dog will not find it as attractive! You can do this by making sure that you move the poop from the box as soon as your cat has finished. Thorough cleaning once a week will also help a lot. An alternative is to invest in an automatic litter box that uses rakes to scrape the poop into a tray. You then remove the tray as necessary.
You can put your dog off the idea of eating cat poop by using a deterrent spray. Apply it to the cat poop and your dog will soon go off the idea! You may also get the best automatic kitty litter box, and minimize the foul odors.
Train Your Dog to Avoid the Litter Tray
You should be able to control the behavior of your dog and that includes leaving the litter box alone! When your dog approaches the litter box, use the ‘leave’ command and give them a little treat. Repeat this consistently and eventually, the litter box will be safe!
Our Top Pick
Our top pick of the best litter box to keep dogs out is available in two sizes and a range of colors. It is made from BPA-free plastic. This top entry litter box has a circular opening and rubber feet to stop it from moving around. There is plenty of space inside and grooves to clean litter from cat paws as they leave. The rounded edges make the whole unit very easy to clean. It comes with a litter scoop and a hook on which to store it.
FAQs
As a dog owner you just have to get used to the fact that your dog likes to eat many things that you find disgusting. Sadly, cat’s poo is one of these things. Cat’s poop has everything that dog’s find irresistible; it smells of cat food, it has plenty of undigested protein in it and it is on the floor presented in a nice little box!
Sometimes a dog may hunt out cat poo due to a disorder such as Cushing’s disease, diabetes or intestinal malabsorption. They are extremely hungry and will eat anything that smell remotely like food.You should get veterinary advice on this if you are concerned.
However, most of the time they are simply exploring. It is perfectly normal for a mother dog to eat her pup’s poop so this is all just part of normal behavior for dogs.
Yes it can. Sometimes dogs will get away with it and be fine. At other times, there can be parasites and micro-organisms in the cat poop that will make a dog sick. Your cat may look perfectly healthy but may have bacteria and parasites in their poop that can make a dog sick. Some animal pathogens, such as salmonella, can also be transmitted to humans.
The cat litter itself can cause problems. It can clump and cause blockages in a dog’s intestine. However, the reassuring news is that a dog would have to eat a lot of it for this to happen.
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