Do you know anyone living with both a dog and a cat as pets? Not an easy job to juggle especially if you have multiple cats. You might have even seen a Youtube video or two of cats and dogs acting cute and getting snuggly with each other. However, it cannot be denied that cats and dogs have lifestyles that don’t mix well. One of the things that usually happens when you have multiple cats and a dog is that the dog usually tries his very best to get into the litter box.
Dogs have the propensity to ingest cat feces. It is a habit that is weird and gross at the same time but it is real and something that must be dealt with. If your cats and dogs in the household, you may find yourself struggling to keep your dog out of the cat litter box. The main concern about this unsavory behavior is that your dog can get sick from eating things on the litter pan and of course, there is also the fact that you have to spend more time cleaning.
If your dog has been in the cat litter box again, it might be time to rethink your strategy. The good news is there are plenty of ways you can dog-proof your cat litter box. We will let you know all the methods and even recommend some of the top dog proof cat litter boxes that will make a great addition to your household.
How do I keep my dog out of the cat litter box?
Keeping your dog away from cat waste is something that you can do. Yes, it is a challenge but it is something that can be accomplished.
Keep your cat in a gated area
One of the things you can consider to prevent your dog from getting into the cat litter box is to keep your cat in a gated area. Your dog should not have any access to your cat area. There are also indoor dog gates sold today that are designed in such a way that your cat can slink through while still being able to keep the dog out.
Remove the temptation
Cat litter left lying around is going to be a temptation to your dog. One good way of preventing your dog from getting into the cat litter box is to clean the litter box as soon as your cat is done with the deed. Clean cat litter boxes are not appealing to dogs and if the litter box is empty, there is no reason to eat excrements and spread the poopy smell all over the home.
Get stool deterrents
Another good way of preventing your dog from getting into the cat litter pan is to get stool deterrents. These products are specially made for canines that are unable to stop themselves from consuming cat litter, or even the poop of other dogs. Pet parents surely do not want to kiss their dogs after they have just consumed cat waste. Stool deterrents are a good investment.
Make sure your dogs have proper nutrition
One reason why your dog is showing an increased interest in cat litter is that they are not getting enough nutrition from their food. If this is the case, it might be time to change your dog food. Check the nutritional labels on the back of the package and determine which ingredients your dog really needs. You may also get some help from your veterinarian.
Get an auto-cleaning litter box
There are cat litter boxes that are designed to self-clean, automatically getting rid of cat litter after your kitty does his business. However, if you have a fairly fast-moving dog, he may still be able to get in a bite or two before any cleaning takes place.
Raise the cat litter box
A cheap and simple option to prevent your dog from getting into the cat litter box is to place the cat litter box on a raised surface, such as a countertop or a table that only your cat has access to. This situation may not be very ideal for some pet parents as it is a bit gross to have the cat litter box on the countertop.
A Guide to Dog Proof Litter Boxes
How do you select from a wide array of dog proof litter boxes? The sheer number of options available in the market today can easily send your head spiraling. How do you ensure that you pick a reliable dog proof cat litter box? How do you ensure you get the best dog proof litter box available? Well, you need to look at more than just the price point.
Height
There are many things to consider when it comes to the height of the litter box, and they are the age, personality, and health status of your cats. Litter boxes that are between 5 and 7 inches in height are ideal for felines that do not have the habit of kicking the litter out of the litter box.
Litter boxes that are between 8 and 12 inches in height are ideal for felines who are into spray-marking, and likes to kick litter out of the box as the taller sides will contain everything inside. However, your cat should not have to struggle when getting in and out.
If you have a cat that has some mobility issues or a young kitten, the solution are litter boxes that are low on one side so it is easier for them to climb in and out.
Design
We wouldn’t normally think of cat litter boxes as design material but this also doesn’t mean that we should not consider design when we get one. You want something that keeps waste safely away from dogs, but also something easy on the eyes.
Space
You can get something that is rated as the best dog proof cat litter box, but at the end of the day, if your feline does not use it, it’s all for naught. Make sure that you have a litter box that is big enough for your cat or cats to fit in. One thing to consider when it comes to space is the number of cats you have in the house.
Lifestyle
If you are always on the move, it is a better idea to pick from a list of portable and lightweight litter boxes. You should also invest in leak-resistant and odor resistant cat litter boxes as you surely wouldn’t want cat excrements and odor inside your car.
Cleanup
Cleanup is something that not a lot of cat owners love to do, but it is something that must be done. What you do not want are cat litter boxes that need you to constantly remove the poo. If you have are constantly out of the house because of work, it makes more sense to purchase an automated litter box.
Covered or uncovered
Should you get a covered litter box cat or opt for the uncovered box? Some cats dislike covered boxes because they feel trapped. Even when they are eliminating wastes, they want to be able to escape easily should something happen. However, cat owners prefer a covered box because it keeps the unpleasant smells inside. If you get a covered box, you need one with an opening big enough to let your cat through easily.
Choosing the correct cat litter
Having the right cat litter is just as important as having the right dog proof litter boxes. There are various types of cat litter that suit specific needs so it makes a lot of sense to get one that perfectly fits your cat’s needs.
- Soya or tofu cat litter – 100% biodegradable litter
- Silica gel crystals litter – produces less waste than other types of cat litter
- Paper cat litter – ideal for cats that do not like the feel of hard litter
- Clay-based cat litter – comes in a variety of selections and is the cheapest litter
Can a dog use a cat litter box?
One of the most important tasks a dog owner has to do is to take their pup out several times a day not only for exercise but also to go about their business. There are times when the constant need to go out is inconvenient for some people.
Fortunately, there are pee pads that help in keeping the house smelling great. But, can your dog use a litter box? Do litter boxes help in preventing your dogs from making such a mess? Or is it only for cats? There are plenty of people who think that dog owners who use cat litter boxes are just plain lazy but it actually does make a lot of sense.
Canines or someone who owns a dog but has mobility issues need a simple solution and a good back up plan in case there is inclement weather is the dog proof litter box. However, it is important to note that cat litter boxes should not be treated as a permanent alternative to taking your dog outside for a walk.
Breeds suitable for litter box training
Dogs can be easily trained to use kitty litter boxes, in theory. However, for obvious reasons, larger dogs will not feel very comfortable even with using the best litter box, but they are practical solutions for smaller breeds such as the following:
- Chihuahuas
- French bulldogs
- Beagles
- Yorkies
- Maltese
- Pugs
- Corgis
- Shih Tzus
- Miniature Pinschers
- Boston Terriers
What is the best cat litter box to keep the dogs out of?
Dogs may have a variety of reasons for eating cat litter but it doesn’t mean that you should just stand by and watch while things happen. You will be happy to know that there is a variety of cat litter boxes designed to keep dogs out and make the lives of cat lovers a lot easier.
1. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Box
This jumbo hooded cat litter box comes with a door flap that provides your cat privacy, keeps the litter inside the box, and keeps dogs away. The Catit jumbo hooded cat litter box is easy to clean, thanks to the large hood that easily lifts up, giving you easy access. The hood also has a snuggly fit so you need not worry about accidental leaks.
The litter pan is removable, so you can clean the litter without the need to wash the whole dog proof litter box. This also comes with a carbon filter that sits on top of the unit, so that odor is kept to a minimum. Less odor means fewer temptations for your dogs and a much better smelling house.
Features
- Foldable door
- Large size
- Carbon filter
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2. Petmate Top Entry Litter Pan
The Petmate top entry litter pan looks like a mini-fortress that is specially designed with the kitty in mind. Your cat is sure to get privacy with the fortified high walls. This dog proof litter box can accommodate cats of different sizes and is also strong enough to withstand any curious dog.
When your cat wants to relieve itself, all it needs to do is climb to the top and enter the box through the wide entrance. Regardless of how messy your kitty is, the litter stays inside. The top is also made with a grated and texture surface that collects any remaining litter from your cat’s paws.
This dog proof cat litter box from Petmate comes with a lot of features but is surprisingly affordable which makes it a fantastic product for cat owners everywhere. The only downside is that it only comes in gray, but gray is a versatile color so you should not have problems getting it to blend with the rest of the décor.
Features
- Top entry design
- Slotted, hinged top
- Made with recycled plastic
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3. Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome
Another excellent product from Petmate, one of the best brands of litter boxes in the market today, this clean step litter dome keeps dogs away from poop and prevents your kitty from making such a mess.
The steps help minimize cat litter tracking because it wipes your cat’s paws as they exit the litter box, and the dome shape provides your cat with privacy when they need to do their job.
This comes in brushed nickel, pearl white, and titanium colors so you can select one that easily matches the colors in your home.
Features
- Charcoal filter
- Enclosed dom
- Large design
- Step design that minimizes cat litter
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4. Petsafe Scoopfree Original Self Cleaning Litter Box
This self-cleaning litter box detects when your cat has finished the call of nature, thanks to the sensors. The crystal litter dehydrates waste and also absorbs urine to eliminate odors, plus the litter box covered litter trap keeps smelly waste out of sight
This litter box minimizes the work for owners because there is no need to scoop, clean, or refill the cat litter box, allowing them to focus their attention on things that really matter. When you do need to clean, all you need to do is remove the tray and throw it away. Each tray comes with a plastic lining that keeps leaking and has a lid for quick and easy disposal.
Features
- Auto-sensors
- Eliminates mess and smell
- Self-cleaning
- Offers leak and litter track protection
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5. Iris Jumbo Litter Box
This hooded cat litter box is an excellent choice because it comes in a large size, making it suitable even for larger cats or multiple cats. The hinged door mechanism or pet gate prevents your dog from snooping in and reaching the litter area.
The Iris jumbo litter box can be easily moved from one place to another, thanks to the handle and secure buckles for ease of portability. Cleaning is made easy because of the quick access lift top, and the unique scoop clip feature keeps the scoop hidden and stored away.
Features
- Large size
- Comes with a flap door that contains litter box
- Curved sides which make cleaning easy
- Portable
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6. Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Hooded System Starter Kit
This dog proof cat litter box is easy to use and comes with an open hinge that gives your cat easy entry. The open hinge also functions as a hood that maintains privacy. The pellet system keeps unwanted odors at bay so your home smells good. The specially designed Breeze litter pads last for a full seven days if you have a single cat at home.
The anti-tracking litter pellets dehydrate solid waste and prevent tracking so waste remains where they belong, inside the litter box.
Features
- Ammonia blocker to prevent odors
- Easy-open hinge
- Disposable pads that absorb urine
- Hooded system for your cat's privacy
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7. Modkat Flip Litter Box with Scoop and Reusable Liner
This front entry cat litter box is made from durable plastic and comes with high walls so that cats can relieve themselves in peace. The enclosed unit has a magnetic lid with double hinges that can either be opened halfway or fully, depending on your cat’s preference.
The Modkat flip litter box also comes with a hanging flat front edge scoop and angled basket for an easy cleaning solution. The foldable lid allows easy access to the bottom of the box so you can remove items without difficulty.
Features
- Seamless and watertight
- Liner band that keeps the liner in place
- Large size suitable for large cats
- Double-hinged magnetic lid
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8. Amazon Basics Hooded Cat Litter Box
This dog proof cat litter box is the best choice for any cat and dog owner. It helps keep the dirt inside the box and prevents cat litter from being spread all over your home. The plastic swinging cat door gives your cat easy access and the hood can be easily lifted for easy cleaning. The plastic material can also be wiped with a damp cloth to remove stains.
This dog proof cat litter box already comes with a carbon filter that can be easily replaced to reduce unpleasant odors. If you want to travel with your little kitty, you need not worry as this also comes with a top handle.
Features
- Made with stain and odor-resistant plastic material
- Comes with a movable hood that ensures cleanliness and provides your cat with privacy
- Available in 6 different options
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9. Nature's Miracle Oval Hooded Flip Top Litter Box
If you are constantly traveling with your cat, then it makes sense for you to get one of those portable litter boxes. This oval hooded flip top litter box is one of the best choices because it has a handle for easy grip and portability and you need not be afraid of spilling contents and need not be bothered with cat odors.
What appeals more to busy parents aside from the price is that it comes with a non-stick surface that eliminates odor and litter build-up. Cleaning is also convenient because it is very easy to reach inside and get to all corners with the snap latches and flip-top front opening.
Features
- Unique oval shape
- Easy to clean
- Prevents dogs from getting in
- Comes with a built-in odor neutralizer for cat litter solution
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10. Iris Top Entry Litter Box with Scoop
This dog proof litter box comes with a unique and stylish design that sets it apart from others. It looks good and is available in several colors so it can pass as home decor too. It features a large top opening for your feline’s easy entrance and exit and the size gives your pet plenty of room to move around.
It comes with a scoop that that hangs outside the litter box for quick access, should you need to do some cleaning, and the grooved lid helps in litter tracking so your cat’s paws are both clean before he goes in the other areas of the house.
The non-skid rubber feet keep the box in place while you clean.
Features
- Large opening
- Stylish design
- Prevents litter scatter
- Keeps dogs out
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11. Merry Pet Cat Washroom Bench
One of the most popular options sold today, this provides a multifunctional option for pet owners looking for more than just a regular litter box. It doubles as a washroom bench that can be used for the storage and organization of different products for your kitty, and it looks like a pretty living room furniture too.
It has a side entry that is big enough for cats and it also comes with partitions where you can put the cat food, With its large dimensions, it can also easily fit plenty of litter boxes in.
This dog proof cat litter box comes in four colors, gray, walnut, black, and white, and is built with a material to last a long time. The only downside to this litter box furniture is that it is quite heavy, weighing 80 pounds so it is probably not a good idea to move it around the house.
Features
- Made of high-quality wood
- Makes a good addition to the household
- Durable
- Removable partition wall
- Keeps litter box covered
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12. Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The Omega Paw litter box works through what the manufacturer calls a “roll to clean” technology. The cat uses the box to do his business and once he is done, all you need to do is roll the box to the side so that the waste clumps and moves into the chamber.
Roll the litter box back again and clean litter goes back into it. When the chamber starts to smell or is full, you can just slide it out and throw the trash away.
This self-cleaning dog proof cat litter box comes in two versions, Elite and Original. The Elite model comes with a few extra features such as chrome accents and a little step on the entrance that helps knock the litter off your cat’s paws.
Features
- Strong clip design
- Patented self-cleaning technology
- Easy to use
- Doesn't need any electricity, filters, or liners
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13. Clevercat Top Entry Cat Litter Box
The Clevercat litter box has a top entry design with a lid for easy kitty navigation. The top lid ensures dog proofing and also takes out any extra litter from your cat’s paws so that they can safely return to other areas of the home.
The enclosed design ensures that the smells do not get out and contains urine leakage. The light gray color also makes it very easy to add the litter box into any room of the house.
Features
- Unique top-entry design
- Keeps dogs out
- Reduces odor and keeps your home fresh
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14. Pidan Igloo Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Lid
A uniquely designed litter box inspired by none other than the Eskimo igloo, the Pidan igloo cat litter box looks good in any room and is more than just a pleasing piece of cat furniture. The long sand leakage corridor prevents cat litter from splashing or being taken out.
The covered, enclosed space gives cats privacy to do their business and also prevents your dog from getting in and helping himself to the “treats”. The cat igloo house box has an entrance wide enough for an average cat to get in and dig around comfortably.
Easy to clean, all you need to do is lift the lid and start scooping waste inside the box.
Features
- Beautiful and minimalist design
- Slightly elevated entryway
- Jumbo litter box room
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