The Best Covered Cat Litter Boxes

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: May 27, 2024
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There’s nothing fun about finding litter particles on your furniture (or worse — your bed), and most open litter boxes do little when it comes to eliminating litter tracking. Covered litter boxes offer several benefits. For one, they’re great for skittish kitties that require privacy when relieving themselves. An enclosed litter box environment can help them feel safe and comfortable using the restroom. If you’ve noticed your cat has trouble going with an open litter box, a covered litter box can make a huge difference for your shy little one. You also benefit from a covered litter box design because it’s better at trapping odors and keeping odors contained.

Some are front entry (with or without doors) while others have a top entry design. If you have a cat that sprays or that loves doing a good job of burying waste — consequently, getting litter trapped in her paws — a top entry design with a grated lid can be a huge help. You may even consider switching over to a pellet system like our best overall option below! Below you will find our list of the best enclosed (covered) litter boxes. Let’s get started!

  1. Tidy Cats Breeze Hooded Cat Litter Box System
    • 99.9% dust-free
    • Total litter box system - includes everything you need
    • Cleaning is very easy
    • Very easy to assemble
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Nature's Miracle Just For Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box
    • Comes with a built-in charcoal filter for odors
    • Nonstick surface makes cleaning very easy
    • Corner design saves space
    • Affordable option
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. MS Cat Litter Box
    • Prevents sand leakage
    • Easy to clean
    • Modern design
    • Available in several beautiful colors
    Check Amazon
  4. Modkat XL Litter Box, Top or Front-Entry
    • Work as a top-entry or front-entry litter box
    • Larger size and versatile
    • A great choice for picky cats
    • The design prevents litter tracking
    Check Amazon
  5. IRIS Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box
    • The only opening is on top
    • Features grooves on top of box to clean cat's paws
    • Comes in a variety of colors
    • Sleek style
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Covered Cat Litter Boxes Today

#1 Best Overall: Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System

The best overall covered cat litter box is the Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System. This is an entire litter box system that includes pads, pellets, and a scoop for easy clean-up. You get one pack of four cat pads and one 3.5-pound bag of litter pellets, which gives your cat one month of refills. This is an anti-tracking cat litter system that’s 99.9% dust free and completely cuts down on tracking around the box.

You can keep neat floors, neat feet, and a neat house. Solids stay up on top of the pellets for fast removal and urine is locked away in the super absorbent pads that are housed in a tray beneath the litter box. You won’t have to pick up any urine clumps. Simply, the pad absorbs the urine, you toss it out when it’s full, and replace it with a new disposable pad. Be sure to dispose of the pellets in a trash bin, as these are not flushable.

This design is an all-in-one system that makes cleaning easier than any other litter box. It takes care of odor because it divides liquids from solids using the pellet system, which is not like typical litter. It’s super easy to assemble. Just attach the hinged hood by sliding the pegs in and down until they click. Then you can snap it onto the grated base. Insert the pad into the bottom tray, add the pellets to the top portion, and you’re good to go!

When switching over to this pellet system, we suggest that you do so gradually. Start by mixing old litter with the new pellet system until there is no more of the old litter. This process takes some time but can help your cat get better acquainted with the new system.

Pros and Cons of the Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System

ProsCons
With this system, you get not only a hooded litter box, but also pee pads, a coop, and litter pellets.It may take some time for your cat to transition and get used to using pellets instead of traditional litter.
Since the solid waste stays on top of the pellets and the liquid gets locked in the pee pad below, the box is easy to clean.The pellets are not flushable.
It is 99.9% dust-free.
There is no litter scattered around your house, and it doesn’t get stuck on your cat’s feet.
The package comes with four cat pee pads and one 3.5-pound bag of litter pellets.
The pee pads are super absorbent.
Best Overall
Tidy Cats Breeze Hooded Cat Litter Box System
  • 99.9% dust-free
  • Total litter box system - includes everything you need
  • Cleaning is very easy
  • Very easy to assemble
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Budget-Friendly: Nature’s Miracle Hooded Corner Litter Box

A good budget-friendly option when you’re looking for a covered cat litter box is the Nature’s Miracle Hooded Corner Litter Box. This is a perfect design to store in a corner, which saves you tons of space. The hood enclosure provides your cat with the privacy they need and also helps prevent litter scatter, which keeps the area around the litter box cleaner. This design is also equipped with a built-in charcoal filter, which helps to control odors and keeps your litter box from getting stinky.

One of the features we love about this covered cat litter box is that it has a nonstick surface, which eliminates litter caking and odor buildup and makes cleaning up after your kitty a lot easier. It can be difficult, especially in a smaller bathroom, to find an appropriate spot to place the litter box. With this corner design, you can save space, create a cleaner environment, and give your cat some privacy when they need to use the restroom. You can pair this litter box with Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Charcoal Filters, which last up to three months and naturally remove stubborn cat litter box odors. Plus, you can try Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Clumping Litter as well.

However, many customers have reported that if you wish to remove the labels on the box, it’s going to take a lot of time and effort. In addition, the unique shape of this box can make it hard to scoop the litter in the corners of the box.

Pros and Cons of the Nature’s Miracle Hooded Corner Litter Box

ProsCons
This litter box is budget-friendly.The labels are extremely hard to remove.
Its unique design allows you to tuck this litter box nicely into the corner of the room.It can be tricky to scoop in the deep corners of the box.
The hood gives your cat privacy and keeps litter from scattering out of the box.
The box has a built-in charcoal filter to help control odors.
The interior of the box has a nonstick surface, making it easier to clean and preventing odors from building up.
The odor-control charcoal filters last up to three months.
Best Budget-Friendly
Nature's Miracle Just For Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box
  • Comes with a built-in charcoal filter for odors
  • Nonstick surface makes cleaning very easy
  • Corner design saves space
  • Affordable option
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Splurge: MS Cat Litter Box for Easier Handling of Cat Litter

The eye-catching design of the MS Cat Litter Box is the luxe option when it comes to covered cat litter boxes. This box is available in several different colors including moss green, classic white, pink, and tiffany blue. This is a litter box meant for a sophisticated cat. One could argue that all cats are sophisticated in different ways because no matter their background, they seem to carry themselves with unbeatable confidence. And really, that’s why we love them.

When your cat knows she’s a stunner (because you are too and you taught her how to strut), this modern cat litter box is a must-have. It’s enclosed, easy to clean, and prevents sand leakage (it’s not fun to bring the beach indoors — especially when it’s dirty). It comes with a magnetic suction cover that keeps your kitty’s messes out of sight. It’s cozy and hut-like with a round entrance that makes it easy for her to enter and exit. It’s also equipped with a removable litter tray that’s simple to clear out. This is a design that easily blends in with your overall décor, so you don’t have to be concerned with having an eyesore in your environment. Instead, you and your kitty can live life in style — litter box and all.

The design of the MS Cat Litter Box is unlike any other, and the oblong shape is perfect because it fits easily into small spaces. Since it has four legs, it’s lifted off the ground, which allows for easy cleaning beneath it. The front door opens for cleaning as well and the litter pan slides out. The scooper can be stored firmly on the inside wall.

However, some customers reported that larger cats may be hesitant to enter in through the small hole in the front. In addition, if you do not put the litter tray back in correctly or if you do not align the door just right, it can cause spillage and a mess.

Pros and Cons of the MS Cat Litter Box for Easier Handling of Cat Litter

ProsCons
This litter box has a unique and eye-catching, modern design.Some customers said that the litter tray and door must be aligned just right, otherwise, it can lead to spillage and other messes.
It’s an enclosed box and prevents litter from scattering out.Larger cats may not like it as much since it has a smaller front entrance.
The cover attaches with magnetic suction.It is quite pricey for a litter box.
The litter tray is removable and easy to clean out.
The unique oblong shape makes it easy to fit into small spaces.
This bo has four legs so it’s lifted off the ground slightly. This makes it easier to clean.
You can store the scooper inside the box.
Best Splurge
MS Cat Litter Box
  • Prevents sand leakage
  • Easy to clean
  • Modern design
  • Available in several beautiful colors
Check Amazon

4. Best for Multi-Cat Homes: Modkat XL Litter Box, Top or Front-Entry Configurable

This Modkat XL Litter Box is ideal for multi-cat homes or homes that have larger cats. Multi-cat homes need extra-large litter boxes and certainly more than one. However, many cats end up using the same litter box, which means they need ample space and an easy-to-clean design. This box is large and roomy, measuring 21.26 inches long, 17.32 inches wide, and 10.24 inches high.

The design of this box prevents litter tracking because the lid acts as a walk-off mat that keeps litter in the box and off of your floors. The swivel lid makes for easy cleaning. Any litter left on the lid drops neatly inside when the lid is opened. Plus, you can set it up so that it has either a top- or front-entry solution. It is also a sleek, modern design so it won’t be an eyesore in your home.

The Modkat XL Litter Box also uses reusable liners. These are rip-resistant and fit neatly inside the litter box. This makes them super easy to clean and they can last up to three months. When you purchase the Modcat XL Litter Box, it comes with everything you need. You get a full-height seamless base to prevent leaks, the easy-to-open swivel lid, the large hanging litter scoop, and the reusable tarp liner for effortless litter removal.

We do recognize that the way it’s priced makes this litter box quite the investment. However, many customers with large cats report that the price was well worth it.

Pros and Cons of the Modkat XL Litter Box, Top or Front-Entry Configurable

ProsCons
This box is large and roomy, measuring 21.26 inches long, 17.32 inches wide, and 10.24 inches high.This litter box is quite expensive.
There are two entry options: one on top, and one on the side.
The top entry prevents litter tracking; the lid acts as a walk-off mat to keep litter in the box.
The swivel lid makes the box easy to clean.
It has a sleek and modern design.
This box comes with tarp reusable liners that are rip-resistant, making it super easy to clean.
The seamless base prevents leaks.
The box comes with a large hanging litter scoop.
Best for Large Cats
Modkat XL Litter Box, Top or Front-Entry
  • Work as a top-entry or front-entry litter box
  • Larger size and versatile
  • A great choice for picky cats
  • The design prevents litter tracking
Check Amazon

5. Best Top Entry: IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box

The IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box comes with a litter scoop and is available in black, gray, white, orange, and white. It weighs only 4.6 pounds and offers you the perfect way to prevent litter scatter and contain spraying. The entryway on top is large so that your cat can hop in and out with ease.

The high sides of the box help to keep curious dogs from getting into your cat’s litter. The grooved lid on the top helps to remove litter particles from your cat’s paws, which keeps them off your floors. It’s also made with a rounded shape that adds to its sleek and modern appeal.

This box is great for larger cats as well, with plenty of interior space. Even though the box is large, its design helps it to fit easily into any room. There are two size options: large (20.47 inches long, 16.14 inches wide, and 14.56 inches tall), and medium (17.32 inches long, 13.39 inches wide, 12.2 inches tall). The interior has smooth, seamless floors that are easy to clean, since litter clumps do not stick to them. In addition, the walls are rounded, so there are no pesky corners for litter to get trapped in.

Some customers did report that while the box has a larger opening for better maneuverability, it can take a little longer for some cats to get used to it (especially if they have not used a top-entry box before). Older cats with arthritis or cats with disabilities may have trouble managing the tall and slippery sides of the box as well.

Pros and Cons of the IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box

ProsCons
This box is much bigger than many other options, so it can be a great choice for larger cats.Since this box is tall and has slippery sides, older cats with arthritis or other disabilities may have trouble getting in and out of it.
The tall sides keep litter from scattering. They also keep other curious pets out of the box.
The top entry is large, allowing cats to enter and exit easily.
The lid is grooved to catch litter particles from your cat’s paws.
The unique oval shape and sleek colors give this box a modern and classic design.
The box comes in different colors and two different sizes.
The interior walls are slick and sleek, keeping litter clumps from sticking to them.
There are no seams or corners for litter to get stuck in, making this box super easy to clean.
Best Top Entry
IRIS Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box
  • The only opening is on top
  • Features grooves on top of box to clean cat's paws
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Sleek style
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best Covered Cat Litter Box: What to Look For

To find the best covered litter box, you have to approach your purchase by considering both your needs and your cat’s needs. If your cat is large or you have multiple cats at home, a large litter box provides sufficient space. Your cat’s habits also affect your decision, like if he sprays or tends to kick up a lot of litter when he goes. Does your little fur-babe prefer a completely enclosed environment, or does a door closing behind him freak him out? All of these are factors to consider. Plus, the design should fit your preferences as well — do you like a more upscale design, or does a budget-friendly, simple design do the job? Some of the important things to think about are the design, litter type, and cost.

Design

You have the option to select a front- or top-entry design. The top-entry design is better at containing litter because they’re usually equipped with a grated surface that clears any litter debris from your cat’s paws as she makes her exit. Some cats may not take to this design, however, so be sure to consider your cat’s preferences. Some litter boxes have doors while others have an open entryway. Most doors are removable so if your kitty doesn’t like them, you can always take them off.

The functional design features are primarily for your cat — but the one design feature you can decide on for yourself is how it looks. A corner design keeps it tucked neatly away while the splurge option on this list acts as a part of your unique décor.

Litter Type

Just as there are different designs for litter boxes, there are different types of litter you can use. The best overall litter box on this list by Purina uses a completely innovative pellet litter system with absorbent pads for urine. Other litter boxes use a regular sand-like litter that clumps. Some cat owners have even tried pine litter and have found it works for them. Whichever litter you choose, just be sure the design of the litter box is compatible, especially if you prefer to use an absorbent pad instead of picking up clumped litter.

Cost

If you have a bit extra to spend and are feeling indulgent, then you can go for a sleek design that’s both beautiful and functional. However, if you just need a covered solution that doesn’t break the bank, then choose a budget-friendly or moderately priced option. Ultimately, it’s a functional purchase that doesn’t require a charming design — however, there are also options you can get spendy with!

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About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

The Best Covered Cat Litter Boxes FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is it better to have a covered litter box?

Typically, cats prefer to do their business in a private environment, where they feel safe. Cats are always on the lookout for potential threats and if the environment is too open, they won’t feel comfortable enough to put themselves in a vulnerable position. With a covered litter box, your cat has the privacy she needs to feel safe. Covered litter boxes are especially helpful for rescue cats or skittish cats that have difficulty settling into their environment. Additionally, covered litter boxes benefit you because they contain odors better than open litter boxes. Keep in mind, however, that just because you can’t smell the intensity of the odors the way you would with an open litter box, your cat is still very much affected by odors—so, it’s extra important that you keep the covered litter box clean.

Do cats dislike covered litter boxes?

Generally speaking, cats don’t have a specific preference. Each cat is unique. Cats enjoy safe spaces where they can go potty but that could be an open or covered litter box. It’s important you know your cat well to supply her with a litter box she feels comfortable using. If you notice your cat has trouble with an open litter box, avoids using it, and can’t get comfortable when in it, then perhaps a covered litter box can provide her with the security she needs to feel safe.

Are covered litter boxes less smelly?

Yes! The design of covered litter boxes encloses unpleasant odors. However, because these litter boxes don’t alert you that they need to be cleaned as easily as open litter boxes, you have to keep a watchful eye. Having a daily routine for cleaning ensures that your out-of-sight litter remains clean and keeps you on top of your pet’s health as well. You can enjoy a reduced odor option with a covered litter box, so long as you commit to daily pickup!

How tall should a covered litter box be?

Heights between eight inches and 12 inches are usually the est. This prevents litter or waste from spilling over the sides, especially if your cat loves to bury her waste. However, there should be an entrance that is lower to the ground around five to six inches so your cat can comfortably enter and exit the litter box. Some litter boxes are open at the entrance while others have a flap door that completely encloses the litter box while your cat is using it. This is based on preference—both yours and your cat’s.

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