Is it possible to have a dog proof litter box? Of course it is and with a little internet searching you can find all kinds of ways that people have used to keep there dogs from raiding the cat box for a tasty treat, at least in their eyes. But fortunately for you that isn’t going to be necessary because we have done all the research for you. Hopefully by the end of this page you will have found an easy convenient way to curb your dog’s nasty little habit.
Why Eating from the Litter Box is Unhealthy for Your Dog
There are many theories on why dogs use the little box as a snack bar. Some say it’s because of something missing from the dog’s diet and the high protein content of the cat feces others say it’s because they just like it. But no matter
the reason I think we can all agree that it is a messy nasty habit. And in case you didn’t know can be potentially dangerous for your dog. For example if the cat that your dog is eating after has any viral diseases or infestations like worms they can become infected as well. Another problem could be the cat litter itself. Most litter is designed to clump when it gets wet which makes it easier to clean but unfortunately can cause internal damage to your dog’s intestines or stomach.
You can buy a product like Grannick’s Bitter Apple® spray which helps deter dogs from the litter box but unfortunately it is common for it to have the same effect on cats.
How To Keep Dogs Out Of The Litter Box
I
f you would really prefer not to buy a new dog proof litter box then you basically have one option and that is to put the litter box in a dog proofed area of your house. Here are several ways of going about dog proofing a spot. By the way these suggestions could help with providing your cat with a safe feeding area as well.
- Putting a baby gate in the doorway of a bathroom, closet or other chosen location. The gate will need to be high enough for the cat to go under but low enough to keep the dog out or need to be like the one pictured here with a built in pet door (click picture for more info). Of course this would only work if your dog is much bigger than your cat.
- Keep the litter tray on an elevated surface whether it is a counter, a table or shelf as long as it’s high enough that the dog can’t reach.
- Some people have luck with just keeping the litter box clean. Basically remove the waste as soon as the cat is finished doing its duty.
- If you are a DIY’er or don’t mind spending a little money you can have someone cut a small hole in the door to the room your cat pan is in. Sort of like a doggie door for the cat, just make sure it’s small enough that the dog can’t fit.
- Another option is to mount a small hook attached to a bit of chain to the door your cat box is in. Then an eye bolt to the door frame the gap just big enough for the cat.
The Best Dog Proof Cat Litter Box
Now if you have tried unsuccessfully at making a designated kitty area or just don’t like the idea of altering your home then your last option is to buy a dog proof litter box. These boxes are usually designed one of two ways. Both are enclosed boxes with a hole cut in the side or top for the cat to enter but the designer box enclosures have a separator wall on the inside kind of like a maze and the other style does not. Both types work very well but if you have a particularly aggressive dog then the maze style is recommended. So even if the dog can get its head inside the hole it still can’t get to the litter.Another benefit of the box enclosure type is that they look more like a cabinet or nice piece of furniture rather than a place for the cat to go potty.
As far as picking a top or side opening it is really determined by the dog you have. If you have a medium to large dog the side entrance should work fine but if you have a small breed of dog you will probably want a top entrance box. One thing that should be pointed out though is that some cats that are used to going in a side entrance might be stubborn about using the top entrance. Here are a few examples of both types of boxes.
Top 5 Best Top Entry Litter Boxes
Top entry litter boxes are very popular with many cat owners and for good reason. They have many benefits that regular litter boxes just don’t have, for you and your cat! A few examples of these benefits include privacy for shy cats, reduction or complete elimination of tracking and they are good for detouring dogs. Another benefit is keeping you from having to see the kitty mess all the time as well as reducing odors. If top entry litter boxes sound like something you would be interested in but would like more information take a look below and you will find 5 of the most popular models available.
Clevercat Top Entry Litter Box
Dog Proof
Eliminates Tracking
Reduces Odor
Top Entry Litter Box Cover (birch, clear finish)
Solid Birch Plywood
Can Be Top Or Front Entry
Lightweight Easy to Remove Litter Box
IRIS CLH Hooded Litter Box w Scoop and Cleaning Grate
Easy To Clean
Prevents Spills and Mess
Scoop And Paw Cleaning Grate
Modkat Litter Box
Easy To Clean
Comes In 6 Colors
Reusable Liner
Greatly Reduces Tracking
Another Option Is Litter Box Furniture
Or You Can Make Your Own
If you are good at wood working you may be able to make your own wooden dog proof litter box like the ones shown above. Or even if you’re not so handy some people make one with a big Rubbermaid tote and use a utility knife to cut a hole in the top or the side of the tote. This works very well but can be very light weight and knocked over by larger dogs.