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Ever wonder what inspired the invention of the first covered cat litter box? Did someone lower a dome over the litter box to reduce the odor? Were they hoping to give a timid cat some privacy? Were they simply trying to stop litter from flying all over the room?
Today there’s a wide range of covered cat litter boxes available out there; chances are good that one of them will meet the needs of your cats and your household.
Before you select a litter box or a piece of litter box furniture, check out this excellent article from the Humane Society on litter box problems. When it comes to covered litter boxes, they warn you not to fall victim to an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality—even with a covered box, quick daily scooping is necessary to minimize odors and keep your cat happy. That said, one of the benefits of a covered litter box (and charcoal filter), is that its more discreet—the serenity of your house is much less likely to be disrupted by a badly timed deposit from your beloved kitty.
The covered box is also good news for your cat. Most cats enjoy the privacy of a covered cat litter box, particularly those with an easy-to-access front entrance. Top-entry boxes are ideal for controlling litter box mess (such as kicked litter and spraying) but they are not recommended for elderly or heavy cats.
Our Top Covered Cat Litter Box Picks
If your cat is happy about using a covered cat litter box, we have several good ones to suggest, from the very basic to the innovative and design-conscious. We’ve looked at sizes, materials, ease of cleaning, and, of course, sturdiness—there’s nothing like having the cover fall off with a clatter while your cat is busy inside. Here are our top picks.
This is a sturdy, basic box with a lift-off top and convenient handle for easy scooping. A charcoal filter prevents odors from escaping. Cats like the low, large entrance. It measures 25.25 by 18.75 by 16.5 inches and weighs in at 3.7 pounds.
What we like:
- Simple design and appealing entrance
- Convenient handle makes it easy to remove the top
- The option to use a charcoal filter to reduce odors
Sturdy and deep, in the shape of a household storage container, this is the ideal litter box if you have a cat that likes to throw litter around—or tends to “miss” with an open litter box. The lightly corrugated plastic top serves as a litter mat to prevent tracking. If your cat is willing to leap in through the top entry and you are willing to reach down to scoop the easy-to-clean interior, this is a great way to avoid any litter scattering—or visits from your curious dog. It measures 20.25 by 15.25 by 15 inches and weighs 3.9 pounds.
What we like:
- The top-entry design prevents litter scattering and reduces tracking
- Covered top reduces litter box odor
- Keeps most dogs out
This is a great box for controlling litter odors, as the cat enters and leaves through a swinging plastic flap. The hood, with replaceable filter pads, prevents smells from escaping (even if you remove the optional door flap). The jumbo size will accommodate larger cats and measures 22.4 by 19.7 by 18.3 inches and weighs 1.7 pounds.
What we like:
- Plastic door flap discourages dogs
- Replaceable filter pads reduce odor
- Spacious interior for fussy cats
From the makers of those ubiquitous home storage containers comes a top-entry cat litter box that looks like a little like a storage container—but sleek, oval, and available in three neutral color combinations and two sizes. Like other top-entry boxes, it’s an ideal solution for a cat that misses the box or kicks litter. The included litter scoop can be hung on a hook on the exterior of the box. This durable box weighs a bit more than other covered litter boxes at 4.85 pounds.
What we like:
- Top entry prevents litter scatter and contains spraying
- Grooved lid brushes litter particles from cat’s paws
- The rounded shape and no sharp edges make it easy to clean
Is it the convenient corner fit? The affordable price? The non-stick surface? The large entrance and spacious interior? This corner cat litter box with a simple lift-off hood is one of the most popular covered boxes around. The replaceable charcoal filter reduces odor, though some people report that the large entrance makes odor control difficult. Good for multiple cats, large cats, or cats with limited mobility. It measures 26 by 23 by 10 inches.
What we like:
- Triangular shape fits where rectangular boxes can’t
- The top charcoal filter cuts down odors
- Streamlined design
If you or your cat are Star Wars fans, the Booda Dome is the perfect litter box to help you recreate Tatooine’s domed Mos Eisley cantina. It’s also big on privacy and a great way to keep your dog out of the cat’s litter. A carbon filter and the recessed entrance combine to reduce odor spread. Lift off the lid to clean. Choose from pearl, titanium, or nickel colors. It measures 22.5 by 22.5 by 19 inches and weighs 4.1 pounds.
What we like:
- Stairs stop litter and reduce tracking
- Non-stick, round plastic pan has no stubborn corners to trap litter
- Charcoal filter reduces odors
The transparent lid on this jumbo box will reassure cats that don’t like other covered litter boxes. You’ll still get most of the advantages of well-contained litter and limited odor. It comes in a choice of seven bright colors, measures 24.8 by 20 by 16.5 inches, and weighs 3.2 pounds.
- Transparent hood contains mess while keeping your cat comfortable
- Removable lid makes it easy to clean
- Bright colors make it an attractive accessory
The Modkat Flip litter box offers some intriguing improvements over other covered litter boxes. The two-section, foldable flip-top hinged lid means you aren’t stuck prying a whole lid off and looking for somewhere to set it down while you scoop. Another interesting innovation in this (and other Modkat litter boxes) is the washable, reusable liner, made of woven tarp fabric fastened via grommets that slip over plastic hooks in the box. It also has an exterior hook for the included litter shovel (but that means you’ll have to like their lightweight plastic shovel). It measures 20 by 15 by 16.8 inches.
What we like:
- Foldable flip-top hinged lid makes cleaning easy
- Sleek styling
- High-rise sides prevent leakage if your kitty is a sprayer
Frisco’s addition to the top-entry litter box field has a hinged lifting lid that doesn’t have to be pried off for scooping—just flip it back and reach in. Cats jump through the wide top opening and enjoy their time in the private box. Lifting the lid slides any tracked litter on top right back into the box. It measures 23.2 by 15.4 by 15 inches and weighs 4.2 pounds.
What we like:
- Innovative hinged top that makes it easy to slide litter back into the box
- Large top opening for easy access
- Easy-to-clean interior with rounded corners
This lightweight, mid-size box from Petmate is designed for mid-size cats. The low entrance will be especially appealing to older cats. The lid snaps on securely, but some purchasers report that it can be difficult to remove for cleaning. It measures 22.11 by 17.1 by 17.1 inches and weighs in at 2.35 pounds.
What we like:
- Made from durable plastic and easy to clean.
- Features a slot for odor-absorbing filters (purchased separately)
- Lowered entrance provides easy access for small or older cats
Further Reading
Featured image via Chewy/Nature’s Miracle