Did your dog get into the cat litter box…again?
We get it – dogs like to eat poop! It’s gross and weird (at least to humans).
Owners who have both cats and dogs cohabitating in their family may find themselves struggling to keep their canine from chowing down on their feline’s feces.
Good news – there are several different methods you can use to dog proof your litter box. We’ll cover all the methods today, and recommend some top rated dog proof litter boxes you can purchase for your home.
Dog Proof Litter Boxes: Quick Picks
- PICK #1: Catit Hooded Cat Litter Box [Best For Bigger Cats] This larger box-style litter box includes a cover and a sturdy flap to help keep dogs and odors out.
- Pick #2: Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan [Best Used With Smaller Dogs] This kitty litter box uses a top entrance design, with your cat jumping on top of the litter box to enter. Larger dogs may be able to still stick their nose inside, but small and medium-sized dogs can be kept out.
- PICK #3: Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome [Best For Messy Paws] This dome igloo-style litter box is quit large and totally enclosed, keeping odors and dogs out. It also has a litter-clinging steps that collect litter as your cat enters and exits, keeping your floors clean.
Continue reading for more in-depth reviews
8 Strategies for Keeping Your Dog Away From Cat Poop
We’ve got 8 tips for keeping your dog safe and away from your cat’s waste!
1. Raise Up Your Cat’s Litter Box. One option is to place your cat’s litter box on a raised surface, such as a table or counter top, that only your cat can access (unless your dog is a skilled counter surfer). The downside is that this can gross out some owners – especially if you plan on using the table or raised surface for anything other than your cat’s bathroom time.
2. Try An Auto-Cleaning Litter Box. Some cat litter boxes are designed to be electronically self-cleaning, automatically removing your cat’s waste after your kitty relieves itself. However, fast-moving dogs still may be able to get a bite in before the cleaning can take place.
3. Keep Cat in Gated Area. Rather than purchasing a dog proof litter box, you may consider keeping your cat’s litter box in a gated off area that only your cat can access. Some indoor dog gates are specifically designed to let cats slink through while keeping dogs out.
4. Clean Up Poop ASAP. If you spend enough time around the house, simply cleaning up your cat’s poop often as you can may be enough to prevent your dog from getting into it. Naturally, this won’t be an option for everyone.
5. Change The Taste Of Your Cat’s Poo. Some desperate owners resort to feeding their cats certain types of food that are designed to make their waste less desirable to dogs. However, picky cats likely won’t be too keen on this idea.
6. Covered Litter Box. Some litter boxes can be set up with a covered opening that only cats can access. Not all cats take kindly to covered boxes – some won’t accept them and get nervous, feeling that the covered boxes are too much like a trap. However, for more laid back felines, this is a solid option (we’ll review a few models of covered litter boxes below).
7. Keep Your Dog Occupied. Your dog could be eating poop out of boredom – in which case distraction may be one possible solution to your poo problems. Try setting your dog up with a treat dispensing dog toy that can challenge your pooch and keep him occupied.
8. Dog Proof Door Latch. You can also purchase a dog proof door latch that keeps the door open with enough space that is large enough for a cat to slip through, but too narrow for a dog. This won’t work if your dog is close in size to your cat. You’ll also need a certain room to be sanctioned off for your cat’s use.
Best Dog Proof Litter Boxes: Designed to Keep Dogs Out
Dogs may have their own reasons for eating poop, but that doesn’t mean us fur parents need to encourage it!
If you’ve reviewed these options and think a dog proof litter box may be in your future, take a look at some of our recommended litter boxes below that will keep out canines.
1. Catit Hooded Cat Litter Box
About: The Catit Hooded Cat Litter Box is a handy litter box with a door flap, helping give your cat privacy and keep dogs at bay.
- Carbon Filter. Carbon filter prevents smell and odors.
- Large Size. This larger-sized litter box is great for bigger felines.
- Foldable Door. This dog proof litter box features a door flap that can help deter dogs and prevent odor from spreading. The door can also be folded up on top if you choose to not use it.
PROS
Owners note that this litter box’s hood fits on snuggly, preventing any accidental leaks. They also like the foldable door and the bag lock feature, allowing owners to hook a bag onto the edge when scooping for mess-free clean up.
CONS
Some owners note that their cats jump on top of the box and tear apart the carbon filter, which sits on top of the unit. One owner notes that applying sticky tape (face up) over the filter prevent the cats from messing with it.
2. Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan
About: The Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan is a dog proof litter box that forces your cat to enter from the top of the litter box (making it more difficult dogs to access the litter area).
- Top Entry. The top entry design prevents dogs from easily accessing your cat’s poo.
- Slotted, Hinged Top. The top cover is slotted, allowing for litter to fall back into the pan when your cat leaves. The hinged top also makes it easy to open and remove waste.
PROS
This dog proof litter box is great for small and medium-sized dogs. The top entry also results in significantly less litter being spread on the floor than via the side entry boxes.
CONS
Larger dogs may still be able to fit their heads in the top opening. Owners also note a few major design flaws – one is that the hinged top collects litter and can scatter it on the floor when opened. There is also a small raised portion on the bottom of the box that can make it more difficult to scoop clean (although some note that filling the box with a couple of extra inches of litter resolves this).
3. Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome
About: The Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome popular dome-style dog proof litter box keeps pups away from poop and prevents cats from making a litter mess.
- Step Design. This litter boxes step design prevents the spread of litter while keeping dogs out.
- Enclosed Dome. The enclosed dome keeps litter and odor ineffectively.
- Large Design. This litter box is quite larger, allowing plenty of space for your cat to do his or her business.
- Charcoal Filter. The included charcoal filter cuts down on odors and helps prevent stinky smells.
PROS
Great at keeping dogs out, and the step design prevents cats from tracking litter everywhere. Also big enough for larger cats, whereas other covered models may be too small for bigger felines.
CONS
Owners had trouble keeping the included liner in place, which could mean that this litter box will require more frequent cleanings if you choose to give up on using the liner.
4. Van Ness Cat Litter Pan
About: The Van Ness Enclosed Cat Pan is a covered litter box with a covered entry point that is convenient for cats but a hindrance for dogs.
- Removable Lid. Removable lid keeps litter box covered, while keeping it easy to clean.
- Odor Filter. Contains zeolite filter for removing odor, which can last several months.
PROS
This affordable litter box has a handy door panel that keeps litter, odors, and pups out.
CONS
Some owners found that their dogs are able to lift the flap off without much effort.
5. Scoop Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box
About: The Scoop Self-Cleaning Litter Box is an electric cat waste box, with sensors that detect when your cat has relieved itself and instantly cleans and removes offending feces and odor.
- Self-Cleaning. No scooping, cleaning, or refilling needed, as this self-cleaning litter box does all the work.
- No Mess or Smell. Device traps waste in a lockable, disposable tray that can be removed and disposed of with ease. The litter box dehydrates the waste and absorbs urine, erasing odor instantly.
- Auto-Sensors. Detects when your cat has used the litter box, setting a rake timer shortly after you cat leaves.
PROS
Great for owners who are focused on convenience and don’t want to spend time scooping their cat’s smelly poo.
CONS
Cat’s waste is raked away automatically 20 minutes after your cat has used it, which may not be enough time to stop dogs from digging in. While trays claim to last 30 days, owners note that the trays need to be replaced more often (every couple weeks or even more frequently, depending on the number of cats).
If you’re not interested in purchasing a dog proof litter box, you can always attempt to make a DIY version, such as in the video below.
What are your methods for keeping your canine away from cat poop? Do you use a dog proof litter box, or some other method? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Also, maybe you might consider getting your pup his own dog litter box. Maybe he’s just jealous of the cat 😉
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