The 7 Best Covered Cat Litter Boxes in 2023

Nadine Oraby

This (updated) guide reviews all of the best covered cat litter boxes this year.

Indoor cats need a litter box to use the bathroom comfortably. Most litter boxes are rectangular bins made of plastic for containing litter, but there are many variations to them – lowered entrances for elder cats, hooded covers to keep litter contained, heightened sides – that can improve the quality of life for you and your cat.

When it comes to choosing the right litter box for your cat, you’ll likely want one that’s easy to clean and stops the stink. Your cat may need privacy to do their business in an environment that’s secure. A covered litter box offers these benefits. It traps odors and keeps them contained while at the same time providing privacy for your cat when they’re relieving themselves. 

In this article, we’ve rounded up seven of the top-rated enclosed (covered) cat litter boxes using our 40-point inspection, plus some guidance for pet parents on what to look for.

The 7 Best Covered Cat Litter Boxes

Top PicksTop Features
#1. Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Litter BoxOdor-resistant polypropylene plastic
Replaceable carbon filter to reduce odors
Top handle for portability Comes in standard and large sizes
#2. Amazon Basics Hooded Corner Litter BoxComes in standard and large sizes
Space-efficient 
#3. IRIS USA Jumbo Enclosed Litter Box Suitable for larger cats
High walls that contain spraying and litter spillage
Grip handle for portability 
#4. Van Ness Odor Control Enclosed Litter BoxPolished, non-stick finish resistant to stains and odors
Replaceable zeolite air filter to absorb odors
Enclosed hood with two-way swinging door
#5. Amazon Basics Top-Entry Litter Box Made with 90% pre-consumer recycled materials
Non-slip filter lid prevents litter tracking
Suitable for smaller cats
#6. Petmate Basic Hooded Litter PanLower entry point providing easier access for senior cats
Replaceable carbon filter to lessen odors
Removable hood for easy cleaning
#7. Omega Paw NRA15-V5.0 Self-Cleaning Litter BoxRemovable tray for easy disposal of waste
Sifting mechanism that separates the waste from litter easily
Available in regular and large sizes to suit any cat

#1. Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Litter Box

  • Cat-litter box with a snap-on hood to contain litter inside the pan and ensure privacy
  • Swinging door that provides easy access for your cat
  • Backed by an Amazon Basics limited one-year warranty

This spacious, hooded litter box can cater to large cats without all the fancy bells and whistles. It is a large and durable litter box that will last your feline a long time. This litter box is made of stain and odor-resistant polypropylene plastic and has a removable hood that makes scooping and cleaning easy. It also comes with a replaceable carbon filter to keep the yucky smells non-existent.

#2. Amazon Basics No-Mess Corner Litter Box

  • The large size makes it perfect for cats weighing over 15 lbs
  • The wedged and triangular shape allows the box to be placed in corners
  • Replaceable carbon filter to suppress odors

This corner litter box provides your felines with a pretty spacious place to relieve themselves. It is big enough for most cats and we are sure it will be perfect for yours. It’s made of heavy-duty molded plastic and has a removable hood for easy cleaning and litter changing. The litter box comes in standard and large sizes and is among some of the best cat litter boxes you can find on Amazon.

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#3. IRIS USA Jumbo Enclosed Litter Box

  • The tall walls of the litter box contain spraying and tracking inside.
  • Its great size makes it a good choice for large cats.

This spacious covered litter box gives your cat plenty of space to take care of their business peacefully. The high sides, lid, and flap entry door help keep litter and spray contained. The curved bottom of the pan makes scooping it clean simple. It comes with a scoop and a grip handle that make moving and cleaning the litter box even easier.

#4. Van Ness Odor Control Enclosed Litter Box

  • High-quality polished, non-stick finish that is easy to clean and stain-resistant
  • BPA-free plastic
  • Includes a two-way swinging door that prevents litter tracking 

This enclosed litter box prevents litter and odor from taking over your house. It includes a replaceable zeolite air filter that absorbs and reduces litter odors. The litter box measures 19.5” L x 15.25” W x 17” H, so it might not be perfect for large cats. According to some users, it’s proven to be very effective for kittens and small cats. It is one of the best enclosed litter boxes on Amazon, and cat parents should definitely consider it if they have a small cat.

#5. Amazon Basics Top-Entry Litter Box

  • A top-entry litter box that provides your cat privacy and discretion
  • Made with 90% recycled plastic
  • Wide openings for entrances that cater to larger cats

This spacious litter box has an entrance at the top for your feline friend and provides a deep base for them to relieve themselves in privacy. The large size makes it a viable option for cats of varying sizes. The deep base and unique design enclose the litter area, keeping litter and spray contained efficiently. The box also prevents tracking and the grated non-slip filter lid at the top captures litter from paws before the cat exits – sending litter back down into the box.

#6. Petmate Basic Hooded Litter Pan

  • Large size and roomy interior
  • Removable hood that makes it easy to clean
  • Replaceable carbon filter

The Petmate Hooded Litter Pan takes all into account: price, appearance, and quality craftsmanship. The basic size features a lowered entry point that provides easy access for senior cats. The large size will suit senior and overweight cats who might have more trouble relieving themselves. The high walls keep litter contained and also prevent litter tracking. It also contains a carbon filter that absorbs odors and you can remove the hood for easy scooping and cleaning.

#7. Omega Paw NRA15-V5.0 Self-Cleaning Litter Box

  • Easy cleaning mechanism that separates the waste from the litter on its own
  • No scooping required
  • Litter step that catches and contains litter from the paws of your cat

Besides being a regular litter box, the Omega Paw NRA15 has many additional features like a patented self-cleaning sifting grate, litter step, and chrome-plated locking clips. The box cleans itself by the use of the sifting grate that separates the waste from litter with no scooping required. It is made of recycled plastic and is allergen-free.

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Buyer’s Guide

There are several factors you’ll want to consider when purchasing a covered cat litter box. We have some tips to make sure that you create the perfect bathroom setup for your feline companion.

Size and Your Cat’s Preferences

Your cat should be able to use the litter box with ease and comfortably turn around. It’s always best to preview the size and dimensions of the litter box you’re planning to order.

While speaking to Discover Magazine, Fiia Jokela, a veterinarian at Chicagoland Veterinary Behavior Consultants, iterates that improper litter box management can induce stress in cats. Jokela recommends the box to be “at least the length of a cat and a half of their body, at a minimum.” A 2014 research study also proved that larger litter boxes were indeed favored by cats. 

Some of the litter boxes we’ve listed are spacious enough to accommodate large cats but we strongly advise you to measure your cat before getting a litter box. Most importantly, what your cat prefers matters more than anything else. If your cat is showing signs of stress related to their bathroom options, it might be time to try a different type of litter box, change the litter type, or move the box to a new location altogether.

Drawbacks to Covered Litter Boxes and Consistent Cleaning

Covered litter boxes need to be scooped at least twice per day and deep cleaned once a month. The cover of the litter box traps unpleasant odors inside that can cause your cat to deter away from the litter box and have a bad experience. If scooping daily isn’t an option, consider getting a self-cleaning covered litter box.

“Cats are at their most vulnerable when using the litter box,” explains Dr. Elizabeth Bales, a veterinarian at Tably, why some cats might not use a covered litter box. She further adds that while some cats like the experience of a covered litter box, others may feel more stressed by a confined litter box with only one entry and exit. They need to be able to survey the area for danger and might feel unprepared for an attack if they live in a multi-pet household.

Portability and Accessibility for Easy Cleaning

Litter boxes are bound to get messy and smelly, so it’s important to choose a box that is easy to access, scoop, and deep clean. Look for a litter box with a removable hood that can come off for you to change the litter or scoop the waste out easily. If you still have trouble removing odors, check out this video.

If you’re going to be moving the litter box a lot, you’ll also want to consider its weight and structure. Choose a litter box that you know would be feasible for you to clean and move around.WebMD advises cat parents to move the litter box to a quiet, low-light location where the cat is able to see anyone approaching and escape if they have to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How tall should a covered litter box be?

A covered litter box should be at least eight inches in height so that litter and waste don’t spill over the sides. Some cats love burying their waste, which causes litter to sprinkle around the area of a regular litter box. However, entrances should be lower to the ground so that your cat can comfortably enter and exit.

Do cats like covered litter boxes?

Many cats use and prefer a covered litter box. However, if it is not cleaned daily, your cat may stop using it and start eliminating elsewhere. While some cats in households with multiple pets prefer the extra privacy that litter boxes bring, others may get bathroom stress if they cannot survey their surroundings.

How to get your cat to like its new covered litter box?

Allow your cat a few weeks to adjust. If they continue to use the old litter box over the new one, they’re telling you that they prefer one over the other. You can also get an open litter box with high walls to prevent the litter tracking problem without utilizing a covered litter box.

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