Dog Proof Litter Box: Our 4 Recommendations for Curious Canines

We see you out there: pet parents of dogs who raid the cat’s litter box. You want a dog-proof litter box, but where to start?! And just why are dogs eating out of your cat’s litter box anyway? 

Growing up, my neighbor’s dog probably thought his name was “no no” because he relentlessly pursued the cat’s litter box. That was then, and times have changed. Dogs still attempt to enter the cat’s litter box, but some products can prevent the unwanted behavior.

In this article, we spotlight preventative measures, our top selections of dog-proof cat litter boxes, and tips on how to stop a dog from eating cat poop. Get ready for solutions to this icky problem.

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Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

There are a few main reasons dogs like to eat cat feces. It may make sense to your dog, as they see cat poop as just another snack. Pet parents realize this behavior is gross and unsanitary, with health risks involved.

Medical Issues

Dogs with an undiagnosed or underlying medical issue may have a hormonal or endocrine imbalance causing the feces-eating behavior.  Malabsorption disorder or a pancreatic or thiamine deficiency may be to blame. Talk to your vet about blood work and your concerns. You may notice undigested food in your dog’s feces, which is why a poop sample is always worth checking. 

Behavioral Concerns

Grossness alert, but it’s true: Some dogs develop a habit of eating cat poop from the litterbox. Habits are hard to break. If your dog thinks he is getting a reward, the behavior continues. Be sure your dog gets enough stimulation, including mental and physical exercise. A bored dog is not a happy dog, so give them something to do that includes you. 

Natural Instinct to Scavenge

Dogs like to scavenge, as this is a part of their ancestors’ DNA that got passed down through DNA. Cat feces is rich in protein and fat and may appeal to your pooch. You might even see your dog eat rabbit or duck poop, etc. If the animal poop has parasites, your dog will ingest them. Eating strange objects is called coprophagia. 

Nutritional Deficiencies

If your dog’s food doesn’t meet their nutritional needs, they may eat from the cat’s litter box. Sometimes this is seen in dogs who eat a home-cooked diet. Dogs may seek cat poop or other non-food items to supplement. Feeding your dog a nutritionally balanced diet approved by a veterinary nutritionist or your vet is essential. 

Pro Tip: Talk to your vet about pica, a condition where dogs consume non-food items like rocks, dirt, and even cat poop. 

How to Keep Dogs Out of the Litter Box

Before discussing dog-proof litter box choices, here are some tips for keeping dogs out of any litter box.

Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation

Dogs who get enough mental and physical activity are often too tired or preoccupied to care about attacking the cat’s litter box for snacks. 

Train Your Dog 

A dog is never too old to learn something new, especially if you are patient and kind with your methods. Train your dog with commands like “leave it,” which also come in handy on walks and off-leash play.

Clean the Litter Box More Often

If you wait too long to clean the litter box, your dog will have more time to access the goodies inside. Clean it more often, or try the next tip for busy households. 

Use a Self-Cleaning Litter Box

A self-cleaning litter box does the messy work for you and keeps Fido far from his coveted cat poop. It removes waste so you don’t have to scoop manually. Talk about a win-win!

Don’t Allow Your Dog Access to the Litter Box

Elevate the litter box to a location your cat can access but the dog cannot. You may also restrict access with a dog or baby gate as long as your cat can access the litter box. 

Use Dog Proof Litter Boxes

In the section below, we break down our several dog-resistant cat litter boxes for your consideration.

Use an In-Home Camera

Webcams and cameras have come a long way. When you spot the dog near the litter box from an in-home pet camera, you can encourage it with a “no-no.”

Our Top Dog-Proof Litter Box Picks

Here are four of the best litter boxes to keep dogs out. There’s something for every budget and style in our list.

1. Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Key Features: The Litter Robot 4 features QuietSift self-cleaning cycles that won’t startle skittish cats. The control panel has five buttons and an LED display for simple use. Not scooping can save up to 50 percent of cat litter. Suitable for up to four cats. 

Specs: The litter box’s entryway measures 15.75” x 15.75” and weighs 24 pounds. It is powered by 15-volt DC.

Special Features: Features the SafeCat system with OminiSense Direction that uses lasers to analyze four safety zones with weight sensors and anti-pinch software. 

Why It’s Suitable 

Dogs are less likely to enter the self-cleaning litter box because the opening won’t accommodate larger dogs and the self-cleaning mode scoops the poop fast. 

Highlights

• Available in black or white 

Things to Consider

• The company recommends using clay-clumping litter, but small beads and crystals may work to pass through the screen.
• On the pricey side. 
• It may take a period of adjustment for some cats to acclimate.

2. ModKat Top Entry Litter Box 

Key Features: The top entry feature is less appealing to dogs. Reduced litter tracking for tight spaces and pet parents who don’t have a lot of room. Features a swivel lid for easy access and a seamless base for leak prevention. The reusable liner lasts up to three months.

Specs: It measures 16.0” x 16.0” x 15.0” and weighs 6.5 pounds. Its lid capacity is 30 pounds, and the top entry width is 9.5 inches.

Special Features: Comes with a hanging litter scoop, uses type A reusable liners, has an odor filter holder (comes with two filters), and the package converts to an interactive cat toy.

Why It’s Suitable 

Its sleek, upright design keeps most dogs out. It accommodates most cats up to 12 pounds and is perfect for side pee-ers. It is both functional and looks good in any space. 

Highlights

• The swivel lid allows for easy scooping, with any stray litter falling back inside.
• The design looks great in any decor.
• Cats love it, but dogs can’t access it. 
• Nicely priced and not overly expensive.

Things to Consider

• Not ideal for senior cats or those who have trouble jumping.
• Three color choices.

3. Frisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box with Tray

Key Features: This high-walled litter box is ideal for keeping larger dogs out and helps prevent spray or scattering outside the box. The wide and low-profile entrance is easy for cats but difficult for dogs to access. It is made with BPA-free recycled plastic for eco-minded cat parents.

Specs: It measures 29.73 x 17.5 x 17.64 inches and weighs 9.31 pounds.

Special Features: It easily cleans with soap and water, so there’s no big mess to clean up. The clever lid makes it easy to scoop and set a new, fresh litter tray. Options are available with or without the inner litter tray.

Why It’s Suitable

This product is no-nonsense and affordable. It comes with the enclosed litter box, litter tray, scoop, and scoop holder. It can also work for two cats who share a litter box while keeping dogs out.

Highlights

• Affordably priced and clever design.
• The litter box has a completely removable lid for easy access.
• Ideal for adult cats of all sizes.
• No assembly required.

Things to Consider

• This litter box is not designed to be stacked.
• Not recommended for kittens.

4. Merry Pet Cat Washroom Bench

Key Features: This bench doubles as a cat washroom, so to speak. It is made of walnut and has a removable partition for additional storage or space. It is designed to look good with any decor and features wainscoting details and natural wood grains. Thanks to this washroom unit, dogs are less likely to access cat litter and its contents.

Specs: The product measures 31.4″L x 21.25″W x 22.6″H and weighs 30.4 pounds.

Special Features: The entrance to the cat washroom bench can be placed on either side of the unit to suit the room in which it is used. It is designed to accommodate any size litter box, making it ideal for any cat parent. Minimal assembly is required, with instructions and hardware included.

Why It’s Suitable 

Dogs are less likely to gain access unless they are tiny. It can even accommodate extra-large automatic litter boxes for pet parents who prefer that option. 

Highlights

• Well-built, attractive unit that is easy to assemble.
• Looks more expensive than the pricetag.
• A cat bed can be placed atop the unit for comfort and luxury. 

Things to Consider

• Some assembly required

Extra Tips for Multi-Pet Homes

If you have multiple pets who like to try to access the cat’s litter box, here are some things to consider implementing:

1. Block rooms with baby or pet gates as needed.
2. Keep the cat litter box in a dedicated, low-traffic area.
3. Use top-covered or self-cleaning litter boxes for the best results.
4. Clean the litter box more often if you don’t have a self-cleaning model.
5. Install cat doors to keep dogs out of certain rooms.
6. Keep dogs entertained so they aren’t tempted to roam into the litter box for snacks.

Cat Litter Box to Keep Dogs Out

Using the correct litter box to keep dogs out is a critical step. Dogs with a medical issue or who have access to the litter box may still seek kitty poop. 

With a combination of a dog-proof litter box, training, a veterinary checkup, and close monitoring, you and your family can manage this common issue in multiple pet households. 

Feature photo by Nicholas Fu/Pexels