How Do I Know If My Cat Will Use a Top Entry Litter Box?
If you are considering a top-entry litter box you may be anxious and wondering how you can be sure it will use it…
How do I know if my cat will use a top entry litter box?
To know for certain that your cat will use a top entry litter box you can create a mock litter box and see how it responds. However, this should not be necessary because most cats will gravitate to it once they get a whiff of their old litter coming from the new litter box.
My Favorite Top Entry Litter Boxes (Iris vs Modkat)
Description | Image | My Rating |
01. Iris Top Entry Box (Best Option) Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad |
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02. Modkat Top Entry Litter Box Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad |
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03. Iris Top Entry Litter Box Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad |
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So, now you know. But, what are the benefits of these litter boxes? Do cats prefer them? Is Iris or Modkat the best top-entry litter box? Keep reading for these answers, and much more…
What is a top entry litter box?
A top entry litter box is a litter box that has a unique design. meaning that it requires the cat to enter from a purpose-built opening in the top. It has several benefits associated with it such as privacy and reducing the smell when compared to conventional offerings.
They are enjoyed by many cat owners that are looking for an improved litter box experience.
How do I get my cat to use the new top litter box?
To get your cat used to using the new top entry litter box you may need to guide them in. Simply place them on top so they can see the entry point. Most cats will work it out from there, others may need some further assistance.
But, either way, it is not expected to be a lot of assistance required to get them to use it in the end.
What are the benefits of a top-entry cat litter box?
The top entry litter box is good for several reasons, such as:
- Privacy
- Keeping in the smell
- Hiding the view of cat mess
- Simple access
Privacy
One of the benefits of a top entry litter box is the ability for your cat to poop in private. This is important to cats because they appreciate privacy. The enclosed litter box is ideal for this.
Keeping in the smell
In theory, the smell of the cat litter is held in by the enclosed cat litter. However, some argue that it doesn’t make much difference. But, this is one of the known benefits of having one of these.
Hiding the view of cat mess
If you have a lot of guests or just hate the view of cat litter. Then, this is ideal for you. The enclosed design locks the view of the litter away from you. Until you have to clean it out of course.
Simple access
These top entry boxes offer simple to access. I agree the conventional litter tray is also simple to access, one could argue. But, never the less, this is simple for your cat to exit and enter.
Do cats prefer covered litter boxes?
Yes, some cats do prefer covered litter boxes. However, some do not. It is really down to personal preference. The feeling is that most cats prefer privacy. However, some cats may react differently and feel trapped in the enclosure.
Which is the best top entry Litter Box, Iris or Modkat?
In my opinion, this is the best litter box (Click here to see availability on Amazon #Ad), because its design gives your kitty privacy, reduces the chances of litter being scattered, simple to clean, and has handy rubber feet to stop it sliding all over the place.
Things to Lookout for
In this section, I will share with you some of the features/benefits to look out for before you even consider one of these top entry litter boxes. It’s important to get an idea of these top features so you know what to look out for.
- Reduce scattered litter
- Simple cleaning
- Rubber feet
- Poop scoop included
- An easy lid to open
- Simple entry and also exiting
Reduce scattered litter
Any litter box you select should be designed to reduce scattered litter. This is one of those issues that causes cat owners unnecessary stress. If you can get a litter box that reduces this spread of cat litter throughout your house then this will be a big benefit.
Simple cleaning
If you plan to keep this for the long term you need something that is going to be easy to maintain. And, more importantly, easy to clean, are you with me?
Therefore, it’s a good idea to make sure that you check that the box has the ability to clean as easily as possible.
Rubber feet
This may seem like a weird thing to mention, but it is important, never the less. It is quite basic but helpful. Basically these simple rubber feet stops the litter box falling all over the place.
Poop scoop included
Any decent litter box should come with a litter box scoop. Ideally, it is big enough to clean up the mess. But small enough to be stored away easily. It’s a difficult balance actually, but the good litter boxes have the best of both worlds.
An easy lid to open (Simple Entry & Exiting)
With a top entry litter box, you need a simple lid to open it. Because simply entry & exiting is one of the main benefits of this style of litter box.
My Best Top Entry Litter Boxes (Iris vs Modkat)
In this section, I will explain, in detail, each of my best top entry litter boxes…
01. Iris Top Entry Litter Box (Best Option)
Click here to see the price on Amazon #Ad
Pros:
- Easy cleaning
- Privacy for your kitty
- Helps to stop litter scatter
- Keeps dogs out of cat litter
- Rubber feet to stop skidding
Cons:
- The holes in the scoop are a bit big
- The scoop is a bit small
What I like about it
Not sure about you, but easy maintenance and simple cleaning is a big factor for me. And this Iris litter box is designed for this. The top entry design allows your kitty that she really deserves and saves you from having the embracement of seeing her eliminate.
Another great benefit is the way it helps litter from scattering all over your floor. One of the most annoying tasks is cleaning up loose litter that is sprinkled with cat mess, are you with me? And this device helps to stop this from happening.
Another thing about this design that I truly love is the fact that it stops dogs from putting their snouts in the cat litter. If you have dogs as well, this will be a great thing for you.
Not sure if you have ever had a conventional litter tray that simply slid all over the place? Well, don’t panic because the simple addition of the rubber feet on this device will stop it from happening.
What I do not like about it
As great as this is, it is not exempt from small issues. One of them being the size of the holes in the scooper that is provided. In my opinion, they are slightly too big. This makes it a challenge for it to do its job as good as it could have done.
In addition to this is the size of this scooper. I just feel it could have been a bit bigger to make the job easier.
02. Modkat Top Entry Litter Box
Click here to see the price on Amazon #Ad
Pros:
- Helps to stop litter tracking
- Simple to clean
- Reusable liners provided
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Full package solution
Cons:
- Little clumps can be hard to pick up
- Need to purchase more liners in the future
What I like about the Modkat litter box
Similar to the last offering this design also helps to stop litter tracking. I am sure, like me, you hate cleaning up unwanted litter mess in the vicinity of the litter box, and it’s good to see this feature to help to eliminate it.
It is also a simple device to clean. If you like to keep things nice and clean, as I do, then you will be pleasantly surprised by this one.
It comes with reusable liners to help to keep the litter box fresh. To maintain this freshness these liners will need to be replaced now and then though (More on this later).
It’s great to see that it comes with a fully packaged solution with the liners, litter scoop, swivel lid, etc.
What I loathe about this top entry box
You may find that using the scooper provided it may be a challenge picking up those annoying little clumps of litter. And regarding those reusable liners I mentioned earlier, yes they keep it fresh and they are reusable. But, they do need to be replaced periodically. Not a big issue for most people, but it is worth mentioning that this creates an ongoing cost.
03. Iris Top Entry Litter Box
Click here to see the price on Amazon #Ad
Pros:
- Simple entry & exit
- Helps to prevent litter on the floor
- Simple cleaning
Cons:
- The scooper is quite flimsy
- The litter scoop is easily knocked off the supplied hook
What I like about it
Firstly, I need to comment on the design of this Iris litter box offering, it’s cute, in my opinion. This isn’t a big thing for some people, but that it’s important for me. Like the others, this top entry design helps to make entry and exit of this device really easy, are you with me?
It is also great to see that it prevents litter tracking as well. For me, this is a big benefit and I am glad that it is a feature on this device.
Finally, it is a doddle to clean and maintain, which makes life a lot easier. This is achieved by the rounded design, which makes it a whole lot easier. And, the addition of the supplied litter scooper.
What I do not like about it
The scooper that is provided is a bit flimsy in my opinion. Not a deal-breaker, but worth noting. Also, it comes with a little hook to keep the scooper safely tucked away. The only issue is, it is easily knocked off ending up with you having to fish it out of the messy litter, yuk!
Related Questions:
In this section, I will answer some questions that are typically asked by people interested in cat litter boxes. If you have some extra questions that you need answering then drop a comment below:
How often should you change cat litter?
You should change clay-based litter twice a week. However, you should still be cleaning up the mess daily. In fact, if you can clean up more than once a day, you will benefit. If you use other types of litter they have different guidelines or recommendations. For example, the clumping type of litter might only need to be changed every couple of weeks.
How do you make sure your cat knows where the litter box is?
To make sure your cat knows where the litter box is you will need to guide them towards it. This can be helped by using some of their old cat litter so they can pick up the scent.
This use of the old litter may sound gross to you, but for cats, it will make them feel more comfortable with it because they will associate it with their property.
Can cats find their litter box if you move it?
Cats can find their litter box if you move it. However, it is not advisable to move it. This is because they are not big fans of change and a simple move like this may make it avoid using it, or pooping, and leaving nuggets somewhere else in your home.