Litter boxes are a necessary evil of having a kitty in your life. Scooping up messes, cleaning up scattered litter, and fighting odors are all part of providing your cat with the best care possible. Luckily, with a hooded litter box, you can keep unsightly litter boxes hidden from guests who may stop by to visit. This gives you cat privacy and yourself freedom from watching them do their business. They’re a win for everyone involved.
Have you been searching for the best covered cat litter boxes on the market this year? Then look no further. Below, we’ve compiled a review of the best litter boxes for your feline friend. Any of these choices would be ideal for your furball, but we consider the first three to be the top of the line.
We chose Nature’s Miracle Silver Oval Hooded Litter box as our best overall covered cat litter box due to its simplicity. Made for cat owners who don’t need the added stress of stinky, exposed boxes, the Nature’s Miracle cat tray uses snap latches to keep the top secured while providing built-in odor control. The front entry of this box features a flip-top that makes it easy for your cat to pop in when they are ready to go potty.
Cleanup is easy with this covered litter box due to its size and the non-stick design of the tray. You’ll also find the activated charcoal used for odor control helps keep smells at bay. These additions make scooping and cleaning easier for owners.
Another great thing about Nature’s Miracle Hooded Litter Box is the price. You won’t be spending an arm and a leg to add this litter box to your home. The only true downside we found is the snap locks that secure the top in place. While this litter box is great for cats of all sizes, if your cat likes to circle before using the potty, they may knock the top off. This can be avoided by using other methods to secure the lid if necessary.
The Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan is our choice for the best covered cat litter box for the money. This large litter box is ideal for cats of all weights and sizes while still being affordable. Cat parents who want to give their kitties privacy can easily work this box into their budget and keep their homes free of unsightly litter.
Made from 20% recycled materials, this hooded litter box offers a stain-resistant design to make cleaning easier while ensuring this box is long-lasting for your kitty. This stain resistance is also great at working along with the flip-top door to keep odors under control.
While this covered litter box is sized for use in homes with one or multiple cats, the materials can be considered slightly flimsy. You’ll save money with this purchase but if your cat is rough with the box or it is moved around quite a bit, damages could be inflicted.
Our premium choice for the best covered cat litter box is the Modcat XL Cat Litter Box. While Modcat offers several cat box options, this is their premium option which is larger and can be converted for top or front entry per your kitty’s preferences. This box is quite expensive but is designed to look appealing in your home or apartment. You’ll also find it large enough to accommodate multiple cats.
When using the top entry option, you’ll find no litter escapes this covered tray. If your cat doesn’t enjoy entering the litter box from the top, textured surfaces inside the litter box will help prevent tons of unwanted litter from escaping onto your floors. The included scoop and liners will also help when it’s time to clean up. The liners attach securely and are ideal when it’s time to change the litter.
The only downside to this litter box is the price. With it being the premium option on our list, you should expect to pay a bit more for this top-of-the-line design.
Pros
Stylish design
Front or top entry
Scoop and liners included
Cons
High price
4. Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box – Best for Kittens
Choosing the right covered litter box for a kitten can be difficult. Luckily, the Petphabet Jumbo Hooded Litter Box has you covered. This litter box utilizes a clear lid to keep your kitten from being in the dark while using the potty. The clear cover is also great for monitoring your kitty’s movements and controlling scooping and changing of the litter. A partition is also available to cover the entryway and keep your kitten from kicking litter around the house.
The Petphabet litter box is also quite large. This makes it ideal for a home with multiple cats while also giving your kitten adequate room to circle when doing their business. The only downside we see with this litter box for kittens is the potential for scattering if the partition is not put on. Plus, the price is slightly high.
The Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box provides your home with a more attractive style of hooded box for your cat. Featuring a rounded design with a textured top, this top entry box is ideal for helping kitties keep unwanted litter off their paws. As they walk across the top, stubborn litter is raked away and avoids finding its way to your floor. You’ll also find that this litter box comes with its own scooper and a hook inside to hang it out of sight.
While the rounded design of this litter box makes it slightly smaller than most of the others we’ve discussed already, it is still roomy enough for larger cats. It also has rubber feet on the bottom to help avoid slippage when your cat hops on top to head inside for a bathroom break.
One area of concern when it comes to the Iris Cat Litter Box is the top. While it is great at removing litter from your cat’s feet, it isn’t overly sturdy. If your cat is heavy or rough when hopping up top, you could experience issues with the top breaking.
The first thing we noticed about the Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Litter Box was the stairs. Designed similarly to litter mats, the stairs of this litter box lead the way around the corner and into where the litter itself is kept. This not only gives your cat the privacy they enjoy but gives them adequate chances to remove the litter from their feet before stepping onto your floors. This is especially great for cats who like to scratch and play in their litter before using it.
If you and your cat love avoiding odors, this box utilizes activated charcoal to help keep unwanted smells at bay. The filters are replaceable, making it easy to step in and handle smelly issues if they occur. Unfortunately, the filters don’t provide a perfect fit and will take some adjusting.
The lid to this box does not have snaps or other ways to secure it into place. When you’re ready to clean it, simply lift the top off. Keep this in mind when it comes to your animals too, however. If they hit the litter box or get curious about it, the top will come loose and expose the inner contents.
The Petmate Basic Hooded Cat Litter Pan is great for cats of all ages, including seniors. With a front entry that is low enough to make stepping inside easy, cats can easily go inside to do their business with no problems. The flip-door is convenient and helps keep odors from filtering throughout the house. Unfortunately, it is a bit flimsy and may break easily.
Available in multiple colors and two sizes, this tray features high sides for cats who circle before relieving themselves. The top doesn’t securely attach, which can present problems when cats are using the box. If you have a feisty kitty or other animals in the house this may become a constant issue. You’ll also discover that the jumbo litter pan may be slightly expensive considering its flaws.
Next on our list is the Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan. This option is quite large and features a unique shape that makes it easy for cats of all sizes to get inside and move around. Great for use in homes with multiple cats, this litter tray also features odor-control assistance thanks to activated charcoal inside. When it’s time to scoop or change litter, simply remove the top and you’ll have full access to the insides of the tray.
Unfortunately, this large hooded litter box has a few flaws. The entry door is known to stick. This is especially upsetting for kitties when they are already inside and ready to leave the box. You’ll also find that the handle isn’t durable while the removable top is sometimes difficult to remove. Keep all this in mind when purchasing as there are other options available above that are in the same price range.
The Frisco Top entry Cat Litter Box is great for pet owners with small cats. This rectangular litter box is long, but not very wide which would make it difficult for large breeds to get inside and move around. Being that it is a top entry, your cats can easily get the unwanted litter off their feet by walking across the textured covering. The high walls are great at stopping urine seepage and keeping other animals, such as dogs, out of your kitty’s box.
Our biggest issue with this litter box is the top. It can be difficult to make the top covering fit properly. Unfortunately, this can lead to situations where your cat falls into the litter when trying to access the tray. This can leave pet owners with a mess to clean up and an angry kitty.
Pros
Textured top for cleaning feet
High walls to fight urine seepage
Designed to keep other animals out of cat’s litter
The Clevercat Top-Entry Cat Litter Box is perfect for cats who love to kick and make a mess when they go potty. Designed to look similar to a plastic storage tote, this litter box has a textured top to help cats clean their paws when they are finished. The small entry hole is also ideal for keeping dogs out of your cat’s litter.
Unfortunately, this litter box is very small. If you have a large breed of cat or one with a little meat on its bones, this may not be the best option for you. Considering the above-average cost and lack of room for cats to turn and scratch, you can easily see why this is the last covered litter box option on our list.
Pros
Textured top for cleaning paws
Designed to keep dogs out
Cons
Expensive
Too small for most cats
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Covered (Hooded) Cat Litter Box
Every cat is unique. This means their requirements when it comes to a litter box are different. When it comes time for you to choose the best covered litter box for your home, there are quite a few things you should keep in mind. Does your cat kick litter? Is your cat a sprayer or one that likes to circle their box before using it? If you said yes to any of these, then a covered box could be the answer to your problems. Let’s take a look at a few of the other things you should consider before purchasing a covered or hooded litter for your kitty.
Size
The size of your cat is something you should keep in mind before purchasing any litter box, especially a covered one. Some hooded boxes are not designed with hefty cats or large breeds in mind. Before choosing the litter box you like, take a look at the sizes and recommendations included. If it appears too small for your large cat, then most likely it is.
Size is important for smaller and older cats as well. Kittens and elderly cats may have difficulty getting inside certain boxes. Keep their individual needs in mind when choosing a box for your home.
Entry
You’ll find covered litter boxes feature two entryways, front and top. Understanding the benefits and downsides of these forms of entry are important. If your cat is uncomfortable in any way, they most likely will not use the box you choose for them.
Top Entry
A top entry litter box is very beneficial to homes with other pets such as dogs. Your cat will enter through a hole in the top and drop down to use the bathroom. Your dog will not get the opportunity to bother the litter, or what your cat leaves behind, thanks to the lack of easy access. You’ll also find this entry method is great for cats who like to pee and spray on the sides of the litter box. Since there is no seam, leakage is less likely. The biggest advantage of this entry, however, is the lack of kicked litter. Yes, if your cat is a kicker, this type of covered box may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Always consider your cat’s abilities when choosing this method. If they are mobility challenged, top entry may not be the best option.
Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock
Front Entry
The front entry is the most common covered cat litter tray design you’ll find. Just as the name states, these litter boxes have an opening in the front, many with doors, that allows your cat to step inside and use the potty in privacy. If your cat is skittish of top-entry boxes or has issues with mobility, this would be the best choice for them. It helps avoid the issue of cat litter getting kicked out, but not to the degree of top-entry boxes. In most situations, litter can still be tracked out on the paws of your cat. You’ll find this entry is often the best for kittens and older cats who have difficulty getting around.
Shape and Size
If you have limited space in your home, finding the right covered litter box may be difficult. Even the smallest of these litter boxes requires a bit of space. Luckily, you will find a variety of shapes that can make your plight easier.
Rectangular litter boxes make life easier for both you and your cat. These boxes normally have more room for your cat to circle. You’ll also find they can fit into most areas of your home or can be tucked away under a cabinet. You’ll also find circular or triangular litter boxes available. According to the space in your home, one of these may be better options. You’ll also find that they are easier to clean. Litter is less likely to stick to the sides in these trays. With rectangular varieties, that will always be an issue.
Odor Control
A common extra many covered litter boxes offer is filters to help with odor control. Normally, this is done using activated charcoal to absorb pee and feces smell after your cat eliminates until you’re able to scoop the box. Cats are known to avoid boxes with bad odors. To keep them happy, choose boxes with replaceable filters so you can keep the box fresh and ready for your kitty at all times.
Conclusion
As a cat owner, you know what your cat likes. You also know what size and shape covered litter pan is best suited inside your home. When you have those needs in mind, then you can choose the best-enclosed litter box to keep your cat happy.
Our best overall choice, the Nature’s Miracle Oval Hooded Litter Box offers your cat the space it needs while being affordable and easy to clean. The Van Ness Enclosed Litter Pan is both large and affordable making it great for larger kitties and owners on a budget. If you simply want to splurge on your cat, then our premium choice, the Modcat XL is perfect for you and your pampered puss.
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe....Read more
