5 Best Top-Entry Litter Boxes (2026): Less Mess, Less Tracking

If you’re tired of sweeping litter every day, finding pee on the outside of the box, or catching your dog snacking from the litter box (yes, really), a top entry litter box might be the simplest fix.

Your cat jumps in through a hole in the lid and climbs back out the same way, walking across a grated lid that knocks litter off their paws. The high walls mean kicked litter and high peeing stay inside. And dogs usually can’t get in.

They’re not right for every cat, though (more on that below). We compared popular models on tracking reduction, size, ease of scooping, odor, build quality and owner feedback to find the best ones.

How we choose: Our picks are based on manufacturer specifications, hands-on testing published by established pet review outlets, and large numbers of verified owner reviews. We don’t accept payment from brands for placement.

📋 In This Guide

1. Quick Picks
2. Comparison Table
3. 1. IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box: Best Overall
4. 2. IRIS USA XX-Large Top Entry Litter Box: Best for Large Cats
5. 3. Modkat Top-Entry Litter Box: Best Premium Design
6. 4. Arm & Hammer Top Entry Litter Box with Microban: Best for Odor Control
7. 5. Modkat XL Litter Box: Best Front + Top Entry
8. Is a Top Entry Litter Box Right for Your Cat?
9. How to Switch Your Cat to a Top-Entry Box
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. The Bottom Line

Quick Picks

• Best Overall: IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box
• Best for Large Cats: IRIS USA XX-Large Top Entry Litter Box
• Best Premium Design: Modkat Top-Entry Litter Box
• Best for Odor Control: Arm & Hammer Top Entry Litter Box with Microban
• Best Front + Top Entry: Modkat XL Litter Box

Comparison Table

Litter box	Entry	Best for	Price
IRIS USA Large	Top	Most cats	Check Price
IRIS USA XX-Large	Top	Big cats	Check Price
Modkat Top-Entry	Top	Modern homes, easy cleaning	Check Price
Arm & Hammer Top Entry	Top	Odor control	Check Price
Modkat XL	Top or front	Flexibility, bigger cats	Check Price

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1. IRIS USA Large Top Entry Cat Litter Box: Best Overall

The IRIS top-entry box is one of the best-selling litter boxes online, with tens of thousands of reviews and a strong average rating. The lid has grooves that scrape litter from your cat’s paws as they climb out, so less of it ends up on your floor. The high walls keep kicked litter and high peeing inside.

It comes with a scoop, it’s made in the USA, and it’s affordable. Several 2026 round-ups name it the best top-entry box for most people.

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2. IRIS USA XX-Large Top Entry Litter Box: Best for Large Cats

Same smart design, more room. The XX-Large gives big cats more space to turn around and dig comfortably, which matters, because a cramped box is a common reason cats go elsewhere.

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3. Modkat Top-Entry Litter Box: Best Premium Design

The Modkat is the stylish option: an award-winning modern design that looks good out in the open. It comes with a reusable liner that makes deep cleaning much easier, a scoop, and a leak-proof body.

It costs more than basic boxes, but owners love how easy it is to clean and how good it looks in an apartment.

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4. Arm & Hammer Top Entry Litter Box with Microban: Best for Odor Control

This box adds Microban antimicrobial protection built into the plastic, which helps fight the odor-causing bacteria that make plastic litter boxes smell over time. The lid has a filter design to help clean paws, and it’s made in the USA from recycled materials.

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5. Modkat XL Litter Box: Best Front + Top Entry

Not sure if your cat will like jumping in from the top? The Modkat XL lets you choose top or front entry (the lid adjusts), so you can start with the front and switch to the top once your cat is comfortable. It’s larger than the standard Modkat and includes a reusable liner.

It’s often recommended for cats that pee high, because the high walls and liner keep everything contained.

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Is a Top Entry Litter Box Right for Your Cat?

Great for:

• Cats that kick litter everywhere
• Cats that pee high or over the edge
• Homes with dogs or toddlers
• Small spaces where tracking is a big problem

Not good for:

• Kittens (too small to jump in and out safely)
• Senior cats or cats with arthritis, joint pain or mobility issues
• Very overweight cats who struggle to jump
• Cats with a history of avoiding covered boxes

If your cat is older or less agile, choose a low-entry open box instead. If you’re not sure, the Modkat XL lets you try both entry styles.

How to Switch Your Cat to a Top-Entry Box

1. Don’t remove the old box right away. Place the new box next to it for a week or two.
2. Use the same litter your cat already likes.
3. Start with the lid off (or with front entry, if available) so the box feels familiar.
4. Put the lid on once your cat is using it, and reward them with a treat.
5. Remove the old box only when your cat is using the new one consistently.

Most cats adjust within a few days to two weeks. If your cat starts going outside the box, go back a step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do top entry litter boxes really reduce tracking?

Yes. Cats walk across the grated lid on their way out, which knocks off a lot of the litter on their paws. Add a litter mat underneath for even better results. See our best cat litter mat guide.

Do cats like top entry litter boxes?

Many cats adapt easily, especially young, active cats. Some prefer open boxes. Introducing it gradually next to the old box gives the best chance of success.

Are top entry litter boxes good for large cats?

They can be, if the box is big enough. Choose an XX-Large model and make sure your cat can jump in and turn around comfortably.

Do top entry litter boxes smell more?

Covered boxes can hold odor inside, so scoop at least once a day and change the litter regularly. For more tips, read how to get rid of litter box smell.

Are top entry litter boxes good for senior cats?

Usually not. Jumping in and out can be hard on older joints. A low-entry open box is kinder for senior cats.

The Bottom Line

• For most cats, choose the IRIS USA Large Top Entry. It’s proven, affordable and effective.
• For big cats, choose the IRIS XX-Large.
• For style and easy cleaning, choose the Modkat, or the Modkat XL if you want the option of front entry.

Less litter on the floor, less pee over the edge and no more dog snacking. For the right cat, a top-entry box is a daily quality-of-life upgrade.

Related: 5 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes for Multiple Cats

Product details are based on manufacturer information and published reviews at the time of writing and may change. Always check the current product listing, including dimensions, before buying.