Families with both cats and dogs have unique challenges.

If, like us, you are both a cat and dog person, you’ve no doubt noticed your pup’s problematic fascination with the kitty litter box. There are products on the market that gate or lock the door for dogs (though not the smallest pups) while allowing cats through, and letting people through after opening the gate. Those gates can be tricky to open, but they serve a purpose if your set-up is appropriate. But if the litter box room doubles as a bathroom, as most do, there also is the necessity of closing the actual door, which can be awkward with a gate in place. That set-up will work for some families, but not for all. Fortunately for the rest of us, there are cat litter boxes that are dog–proof!

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Dog-proof cat litter boxes come in three basic configurations and styles:

Top/High Entry: These litter boxes have entry holes high in the the walled litter box, making it all but impossible for a pup to reach all the way in. For more on top entry litter boxes, see our article here.
Turnabout Entry: These litter boxes are dog-proof because they turn a corner before reaching the litter.
Distant Entry: These litter boxes have a space between the entrance and the litter box, making it too far to reach for even the most persistent pup.

Most of these configurations have the added bonus of creating a space for your cat to walk over and drop any tracked litter before reaching your floor. They also tend to have a more pleasing appearance than traditional litter boxes. Some even double as furniture or storage.

Things to consider when choosing a dog-proof cat litter box:

Are the width and height of the space available large enough to fit your chosen dog-proof litter box?
Does the litter box enclosure serve as a litter box itself, or does it serve as an enclosure for the actual litter pan?
If it serves as an enclosure, is it big enough to hold your chosen litter box?
Is the litter box easily accessible for cleaning?
If it serves as the litter box itself, does it require special bags? Are they included or easily acquired?
If no bags are involved, is the litter pan easily accessed, removed, and cleaned?
Are the entry and interior spaces large enough to accommodate your cat?

Our picks for the best dog-proof cat litter boxes of 2020

All of the litter boxes below pass our standards for quality, safety, and functionality. Read the features carefully when making your choice, and you and your kitty will be happy with their new litter box in no time.

Modkat XL Litter Box

Top or Front-Entry Configurable

Configurable with Top or Front Entry Options
Scoop and Liners Included
17.32 x 21.26 x 16.54 inches
The largest top entry cat litter box on the market, so plenty of room for bigger kitties
Large Openings: Top Entry 10.25 inches, Front Entry 8 inches
Reusable Liners Included for Top and Front Entry
Grated Lid means litter tracking is virtually eliminated in Top Entry configuration

Modkat Top Entry Litter Box

Patented lid design virtually eliminates litter tracking. Any litter falls through the holes back into the box.
Patented Swivel Lid makes cleaning easy. Scoop included.
Top Entry makes this design dog-proof.
Reusable Tarp Liner. The deep, rip-resistant bag is tailored to fit the box and stays up by itself. Lasts up to 3 months.
Attractive, Award-Winning Design. Available in 3 colors.
Scoop hangs neatly on the side.
Dimensions: 15.94 x 15.94 x 14.57 inches*
Replacement Liner Bags are comparable in price to single-use plastic liners. The unique liner has a built-in tension band that keeps it tight to the sides and securely in place.

*The Modkat website says this litter box is good for cats up to 12 lbs. (5.4 kg), so if you have a larger cat, you should look for a larger box.

Pet Gear Pro Pawty for Cats: Available in Large and Space-Saver

LARGE

Large Dimensions 26″L x26″W x25.5″H
Entrance leads to hallway, then around the bend for litter box access
Included LittertraX Mat is removable and catches tracked litter
Included removable bottom tray to catch tracked litter
Zips Open both front and side for easy cleaning
Available in 2 Colors: Soft Charcoal (shown) and Espresso
Fits litter boxes up to 25”L x 15”W x 25.5” H
Interior fabric is specially coated for easy washing

Space-Saver

Dimensions 26.5”L x 19.5”W X 26.5”H
High entry prevents dogs from accessing litter box
Included LittertraX Mat is removable and catches tracked litter
Included removable bottom tray to catch tracked litter
Zips Open both front and side for easy cleaning
Available in 2 Colors: Espresso (Shown) and Soft Charcoal
Fits litter boxes up to: 25”L x 18. 5”W x 15”H
Interior fabric is specially coated for easy washing

Cat Washroom Bench by Merry Pet

Beautifully designed with wainscoting, natural wood grains and cabinetry details
Available in four attractive colors to fit any decor
Dimensions: 21.26″ D x 37.40″ W x 22.64″ H
Door measurements : 7” W x 8” H
Entrance can be installed on either end
Fits any size litter box, including self-cleaning models
Removable interior petition wall on one end for storage nook if desired
Dog-proof! Length of bench means your dog can’t reach the cat litter box
Front panels swing open for full access to litter box and storage nook

Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box

20 x 24 x 19 inches L W H
Grooved-floor exit ramp collects tracked litter before it gets outside
Charcoal filter on dome roof absorbs unpleasant odors
Entrance winds around to litter area, discouraging dogs and allowing space for tracked litter to drop.
Lid lifts for easy cleaning
Large entrance and spacious interior accommodates larger cats
Available in three colors

PETKIT White Villa Semi-Enclosed Cat Litter Box with LED Light

Semi-enclosed wrap-around layout ensures that litter can’t be reached by pups
Side ventilation openings allow airflow for comfort
Roomy interior accommodates cats up to 18 pounds
Grated doorway collects any tracked litter
LED light turns on when door is opened for cleaning. Auto-shutoff after 5 minutes
Cover and door are designed for easy cleaning
Includes litter box, scoop, brush, and three AAA batteries

Also see our article on the Best Top Entry Litter Boxes!

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