The Best Dog-Proof Litter Boxes

Written by Susan Olayode
Updated: March 3, 2023
© Lightspruch/Shutterstock.com

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Best forProduct
Best OverallCatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
Best For SimplicityPetmate Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Litter Box
Best For AffordabilityVan Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan
Best for Avoiding Litter SpreadPetmate Top Entry Litter Pan
Premium ChoiceEnclosed Litter Box Hidden Cabinet

Many families with pets commonly have both dogs and cats. That comes with its own challenges, but it can also make for a very lively and fun experience. Cats and dogs can be very different in interacting with each other and their owners. However, one of the biggest issues owners struggle with when owning both cats and dogs is the litter box. To prevent fights and messes, a dog-proof litter box is an absolute must!

Cats need their own territory, otherwise, they become uncomfortable and skirmish. Your cat’s litter box is one of the places that they count as a sanctuary. It might, however, be hard for your dog to understand this. Cats tend to eat a diet rich in proteins, making their poop delicious to dogs. So, without interference, your dog will go for your cat’s poop.

One way to avoid this is by having dog-proof litter boxes. They’ll help keep your dog out of your cat’s litter, making it the sanctuary your cat needs. However, you’ll find many online, so it can be hard to decide which works best for your home.

To help with that, here’s our list of the best dog-proof litter boxes.

  1. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
    • Comes with a door flap
    • Features a carbon filter for odor control
    • Very affordable
    • Removable pan is easy to clean
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Petmate Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Litter Box
    • Features a dome for privacy
    • Large design is convenient for cats
    • Step entrance keep dogs out
    • The charcoal filter prevents smells.
    Check Amazon
  3. Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan
    • Budget-friendly option
    • Comes with a flap door
    • Features a zeolite air filter
    • Simple design
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan
    • Comes with a slotted cover
    • Top entry litter box
    • Top can be removed for easy cleaning
    • Wide opening for easy access
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Enclosed Litter Box Hidden Cabinet
    • A completely enclosed litter box that keeps dogs out.
    • Has a great modern design and looks just like a normal piece of furniture.
    • The interior has two separate levels.
    • Wide front door for easy cleaning.
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Dog-Proof Litter Boxes

#1 Overall Best: Catit Hooded Jumbo Pan

The best overall dog-proof litter box is the Catit Hooded Jumbo Pan. This litter box is completely enclosed and private with a raised door flap. The flap easily keeps dogs at bay and helps to keep the smell in too. There is also a carbon filter on top to help with the odor. That way, your dog is not attracted to the scent and doesn’t try to mess with your cat litter.

This dog-proof cat litter box comes in a lovely neutral gray or white that fits in with the décor of most homes. It is a jumbo-sized litter box, measuring 22.5 by 18.3 by 19.7 inches. This is great for larger cats and homes with multiple cats, but it does require a little more space in your home than you may be used to.

This litter box is also affordable and easy to clean. In addition to the flap, there is also a hinge on top so that you can lift the flat and part of the lid up to scoop. In addition, there are simple sliding locks on the side that you can use to remove the hood altogether.  

Pros and Cons of the Catit Hooded Jumbo Pan

ProsCons
This box is completely enclosed.This is a larger box and takes up more space in the room than some of the other options.
The entrance has a sturdy door flap that is raised slightly off the ground.
The carbon filter on top of the lid helps to reduce odors.
It comes in two different colors.
The box is very large and can accommodate large cats and homes with multiple cats.
It is affordable.
The box is easy to clean; the flap has a hinge on it that you can lift to access the interior and scoop when needed.
You can also remove the entire lid for cleaning.
The lid is secured with sliding locks so dogs cannot get to the litter inside.
Overall Best
Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
  • Comes with a door flap
  • Features a carbon filter for odor control
  • Very affordable
  • Removable pan is easy to clean
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best For Simplicity: Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box

The special thing about the Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box is how the dome offers your cat privacy and keeps out any other curious pets. It also has a little staircase to get into the box, which stops litter from getting all over your house. The litter falls from your cat’s feet onto the steps as they leave the box. The step entrance also does a great job of keeping dogs out.

The Booda Dome comes in three different color choices: brushed nickel, pearl white, and titanium. It measures 22.5 by 22.5 by 19 inches, with a very roomy interior. The large design of the Booda Dome makes it convenient for cats and gives them lots of space. It also has a handle to make carrying and cleaning easier. You’ll also love how this box’s charcoal filter helps prevent smells.  

However, the design of the Booda Dome is quite unique and it may take some time for your cat to get used to it. In addition, it is large but not quite as roomy as our #1 Overall Best Choice. Customers also reported that some cats didn’t like this litter box because they couldn’t see out while they were inside.

Pros and Cons of the Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box

ProsCons
The unique dome design gives your cat privacy and keeps out other pets.The unique design can take time for cats to get used to.
The step entrance is another dog deterrent, and it helps to catch litter as your cat exits the box.It’s not quite as large as our #1 Overall Best Choice.
There are three color choices available.Some cats may not like the design since they can’t see out while they are inside.
The inside of the litter box is large and roomy.
The built-in handle makes it easy to carry.
It also comes with a charcoal filter to prevent smells.
Best For Simplicity
Petmate Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Litter Box
  • Features a dome for privacy
  • Large design is convenient for cats
  • Step entrance keep dogs out
  • The charcoal filter prevents smells.
Check Amazon

3. Best For Affordability: Van Ness Cat Litter Box

If you’re on a budget, the Van Ness Cat Litter Box is one of the best decisions you could make. While this fully enclosed box does not have the flair of most others, it is very effective at keeping dogs out. It has a flap door that opens to let your cat out and keep the smell in. There is also a zeolite air filter to keep your home smelling fresh.

Another thing you’ll love about the Van Ness Enclosed Litter Box is how roomy it is. The box measures 19.5 by 15.25 by 17 inches. The interior has a non-stick finish that makes scooping a breeze, and the lid is removable for easy cleaning. With its simple design and attractive price, this litter box is a favorite for many cat owners.

One of the main complaints from customers is that there is a large sticker on the front door flap that can be very difficult to remove.

Pros and Cons of the Van Ness Cat Litter Box

ProsCons
This box is fully enclosed.There is a large sticker on the door flap that can be hard to remove.
The entrance has a flap door to keep the smell in.
It also has a zeolite air filter to help keep your home smelling fresh.
The interior is roomy.
You can remove the lid.
The interior has a non-stick finish that makes cleaning easy.
Best For Affordability
Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan
  • Budget-friendly option
  • Comes with a flap door
  • Features a zeolite air filter
  • Simple design
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best for Avoiding Litter Spread: Petmate Top Entry Litter Box

The Petmate top entry litter box is great for owners who want to prevent litter spread in their homes and keep dogs out. The entry is on top, so when your cat exits the box they jump onto the slotted cover where litter from their paws falls back into the box. Since the entry is through the top, your dog will also be prevented from easily accessing your cat’s poo.

You’ll also love this top entry litter box because the top is easy to remove for cleaning. The lid is hinged so you can lift it to the side to remove waste. It is great for owners with small or medium-sized dogs as they will not be able to access the litter through the top. However, older cats and cats with disabilities may not be able to access the entrance on top.

The box measures 20.29 by 15.07 by 15.2 inches. This works great for small to medium-sized cats, but larger cats may not fit as well. It also comes with a hook to hang a cat litter scoop (although it does not come with a scoop). Plus, Petmate has been making quality products for pets for over 50 years!

Pros and Cons of the Petmate Top Entry Litter Box

ProsCons
The entrance is on top of the box, which helps to keep dogs out of your cat’s litter.This box may not be big enough for large-breed cats.
The slotted cover catches litter from your cat’s paws.The top entrance can be difficult to reach for older cats and cats with disabilities.
You can remove the lid or lift it to the side using its hinges to remove waste and clean the box.
It comes with a hook to hang a cat litter scoop on.
Petmate is a trusted company that has been making pet products for over 50 years.
Best for Avoiding Litter Spread
Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan
  • Comes with a slotted cover
  • Top entry litter box
  • Top can be removed for easy cleaning
  • Wide opening for easy access
Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Premium Choice: Enclosed Litter Box Hidden Cabinet

The Enclosed Litter Box Hidden Cabinet is a premium choice with a unique aesthetic design. It is made from eco-friendly wood board and has a lovely wear-resistant lacquer finish — so it doesn’t look like a cat litter box at all! Instead, it just fits in nicely with the other furniture in your home. You can even use it as a nightstand or a coffee table as well as a litter box! The cabinet comes in black, white, and brown.

This hidden cabinet litter box has a modern design and is sturdy as well as scratch-resistant. The reinforced bottom has slightly raised feet that offer extra stability and that keep your cat protected from cold or wet floors. There are also four plastic foot mats that help to keep the box from damaging your floors.

The interior of the box has two levels with a hole on the top level for your cat to jump up through. The upper-level measures 21 by 21.3 by 17 inches, and can hold a litter mat or a bed for your cat to lounge on. The bottom level measures 21 by 21.3 by 14.6 and fits a standard-size litter box. However, the cabinet does not come with a litter pan, so you’ll have to purchase one on your own.

There are four paw-print cutout vents and holes on the back panel of the cabinet to provide air circulation and a cozy environment inside. The front features a wide door that is secured with a magnet so that you can clean out the box without any problems.

There is also an entrance in the front of the cabinet for your cat that measures 7.1 inches in diameter. However, the entrance is on the second level of the cabinet, so it can be tricky for cats to get used to. Customers said that older cats, kittens, or cats with disabilities struggled with the high-placed entrance. However, several said it worked great if they placed a stool or box in front of the cabinet.

Pros and Cons of the Enclosed Litter Box Hidden Cabinet

ProsCons
This litter box cabinet is completely enclosed and hides your cat’s litter box from other pets and keeps it out of sight.This hidden cabinet does not come with a litter box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
It is made with eco-friendly wood board with a wear-resistant lacquer finish.It is much more expensive than our other choices.
The top is smooth and can be used as a tabletop or nightstand.the entrance is on the second level of the cabinet, so it can be tricky for cats to get used to.
The modern design makes it look like just another piece of normal human furniture.Customers said that older cats, kittens, or cats with disabilities struggled with the high-placed entrance and needed an extra stool or box to access it.
The bottom is reinforced and has slightly raised feet for stability and to keep it off the floor.
There are also four plastic foot mats that help to keep the box from damaging your floors.
The interior has two separate levels.
There are four paw-print cutout vents and holes on the back panel of the cabinet to provide air circulation and a cozy environment inside.
The front features a wide door that is secured with a magnet so that you can clean out the box without any problems.
The entrance to the box is located high up on the front panel and measures 7.1 inches in diameter, so your dog cannot get it.
Premium Choice
Enclosed Litter Box Hidden Cabinet
  • A completely enclosed litter box that keeps dogs out.
  • Has a great modern design and looks just like a normal piece of furniture.
  • The interior has two separate levels.
  • Wide front door for easy cleaning.
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When getting the best dog-proof litter box for your cat, there are many factors to consider, such as design, size, entrance, and price.

Design

If you want to keep your dog out of your cat’s litter box, it is best to choose a box with an enclosed design. This helps to keep tempting odors inside the box and makes it more difficult for your dog to squeeze into it. Boxes with high walls or a high-placed entrance are also great for keeping dogs out.

Size

If you’re looking for a dog-proof litter box, size should be one of your top considerations. Depending on the size of your cat or the number of cats in your home, certain litter boxes may not be suitable. Your cat should be able to not only get in the box but also have the space to fully turn around while inside. In addition, it is important to consider where you will be placing the litter box so you can be sure you choose one that will fit in your home.

Entrance

Where the entrance of the litter box is another important feature to look at. Large entrances close to the ground can be tempting for dogs to check out. However, an entrance with a door flap can help to protect the litter box from a curious dog. Top-entry boxes are also excellent options and keep dogs from attempting to get to your cat’s poop. However, make sure that your cat is able to access the entrance their litter box as well! Top entry boxes might be difficult for kittens, senior cats, and cats with disabilities.

Price

Dog-proof litter boxes for cats come in many different designs and price ranges. Many of the cheaper, budget-friendly boxes are just as effective for keeping dogs out as the more expensive options. However, these less expensive boxes are usually not the most stylish, so you’ll have to consider what your wants and needs are. In addition, if you have multiple cats in your home, you may need to buy more than one litter box, so the price is another important element to consider.

Verified Review: User Experience

Catit Hooded Dog Proof Litter Box

The Catit Dog Proof Litter Box is loved by customers, with reviews showing how valuable it is for indoor cats. The only complaints seemed to be with the lid being hard to manipulate from the hinges. For some people, their cat might find it a bit hard to come out after going in.

Reviews, however, show great love for the size of this litter box. This makes it great for larger cats or even those with multiple cats. As one reviewer put it, “This box is excellent for two ragdoll cats at 5kg each.” It is also a great value for the price. That’s why it’s our best overall dog-proof cat litter.

Petmate Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Litter Box

Most reviewers seem to love the dome design of the Petmate Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Litter Box. It also is known for its durability and unique design. As this reviewer put it, “this is the second one that I’ve owned after many years of owning the first one.”

Some reviewers, however, had a problem with the top lid getting detached easily. A determined dog could possibly still get to your cat’s poop if left unattended. This does not, however, seem to be a frequent problem.

Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan

Customers of the Van Ness Litter Pan love how it keeps litter in the box. So, if you have a cat that loves to flick litter everywhere, this is the box you need. One reviewer goes as far as calling it a “Lifesaver.”

One problem users were worried about with this box is its resemblance to a pet carrier. Cats, however, soon got used to it and enjoyed using it. As a user stated, “My cat loves this litter box. It has excellent quality for the size.”

Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan

Most complaints about this dog-proof cat litter box came from its smaller size. As one user put it, “It works great for my regular sized cats but for the fatty, not so much.” So if you have a regular-sized cat, this box works great for you.

One thing that everyone loved about the box was how much cleaner their home was from litter. The top entry box is the greatest to work with if you want to rid your home of litter spread. As one client says, “for the first time, no litter made it to my floor.”

Enclosed Litter Box Hidden Cabinet

Although the Enclosed Litter Box Hidden Cabinet is a pricey option, many customers love it. However, the entrance can be tricky for some cats since it is so high off the ground. One user explained, “The entry poses an issue for one of my cats … she is a little less graceful and a tad round … she couldn’t comfortably jump in to use the litter box and took to using the floor outside. For now, the door has been removed and I will be cutting the top panel out so she can enter easily.”

However, as far as keeping your floors clear of litter and keeping dogs out, customers give this cabinet an A+! One customer raved about the cabinet, and said, “So far so good! Dog gives it 0 stars, we give it 5!!! No more late night snacking for him! Looks nice, hides the gross litter box, fairly easy to assemble (minus paying my teen $25 to do it).

Best forProduct
Best OverallCatit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
Best For SimplicityPetmate Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Litter Box
Best For AffordabilityVan Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan
Best for Avoiding Litter SpreadPetmate Top Entry Litter Pan
Premium ChoiceEnclosed Litter Box Hidden Cabinet

The Best Dog-Proof Litter Boxes FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How can I get my dog to stop eating cat litter?

The very first step is to get one of the above-mentioned dog-proof litter boxes. This could completely solve the issue, but if your dog is determined, you might have to take some additional precautions. Making it physically difficult to get to the litter box is the best thing to do, such as using a baby gate to block the box.

How do you stop a dog from digging in the litter box?

Getting a dog-proof litter box is a great way to prevent your dog from digging in the litter. In addition, you can clean your cat’s litter after your cat uses the box. This removes the odor that could tempt your dog to start digging. You could also block the entrance to your cat litter with a gate your cat can pass through but not your dog.

Why does my dog want to eat litter?

Dogs are scavengers by nature, so it’s only natural for them to eat all kinds of different things. Dogs will eat anything from regular dog food to garbage, carpet, and even rocks. Even though it might smell gross to us, cat poop probably smells like something edible to your dog.

Puppies are especially prone to getting into litter boxes. This is a fairly common behavior and is often caused by boredom or inadequate nutrition.

A chat with your vet can help determine the cause and provide solutions. But more likely than not, your pup is simply looking for some nice protein snacks, and cat poop sometimes seems to fit the bill.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.