A top entry litter box gives your cat privacy, significantly reduces litter scatter, and contains odours more effectively than open or front-entry designs. If litter tracking across your floors is a daily frustration, or your cat is a vigorous digger that sends litter over the sides of a standard tray, a top entry cat litter box is one of the most practical solutions available.
Modern Pets stocks litter boxes, shipped Australia-wide with free metro shipping on orders over $99.
Standard open trays and hooded litter boxes with front entries allow cats to kick and dig litter freely, spreading it across surrounding floors with every visit. A cat litter box top entry design addresses this directly. Your cat enters from above, does their business, and exits back through the top opening. The litter stays inside the box rather than being flicked out through an open front.
The built-in tracking mat on the lid of our top entry boxes adds a second layer of protection: any litter that clings to your cat's paws is caught by the mat as they step off the lid, rather than being carried across your floors.
Because the only opening is at the top rather than at the front, odour dispersal is significantly more contained than in an open tray. The cat's body partially covers the opening while they are inside the box, and the enclosed design means odour rises rather than spreading at floor level where it's most noticeable. For owners in smaller homes, apartments, or open-plan living spaces where the litter box is close to living areas, this containment makes a genuine difference.
Many cats prefer to toilet in a sheltered, enclosed space; instinctive behaviour rooted in vulnerability during elimination. A top entry cat litter box provides a fully enclosed interior that feels secure and private, which can encourage more consistent litter box use from cats that are reluctant to use open trays in busy or exposed locations.
In multi-pet households with dogs, a top entry litter box is one of the most effective practical solutions for preventing dogs from accessing the litter box: a common and unhygienic problem that a standard front-entry box offers no real defence against. Most dogs cannot access a top-entry box that requires a jump to enter from above.
Our top entry litter boxes are made by Moderna, a leading pet accessories brand known for high-quality, thoughtfully designed pet products used in Australian homes and recommended by vets and pet care professionals.
Key features:
Top entry litter boxes suit most adult cats, but there are a few situations where they're worth thinking through before purchasing:
They work well for:
Consider carefully for:
As a general guide, if your cat is a confident jumper with no mobility concerns, a top entry cat litter box is likely to be a positive change for both them and you.
Most litter types work well in a top entry litter box. Clumping litter is particularly practical, as the seamless base makes scooping and cleaning straightforward. A litter depth of 5–8cm is appropriate for most cats; too shallow and cats will scratch the base uncomfortably, too deep can make some cats reluctant to dig properly.
Position the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home, away from food and water bowls and in a location your cat already visits. For multi-cat households, follow the standard welfare recommendation of one litter box per cat plus one additional. A single top entry box in a household with multiple cats may create access competition that discourages use.
If your cat is transitioning from a standard front-entry box, give them time to adjust:
1. Place the new top entry box next to the existing tray so your cat can investigate it without losing access to a familiar toileting option
2. Allow your cat to explore and sniff the new box at their own pace over several days
3. Once your cat is entering the new box reliably, remove the old tray
4. Avoid moving the box to a new location at the same time as introducing it; change one thing at a time
Most cats transition within a few days to a week.
Note: For cats with mobility limitations, joint conditions, or litter box avoidance issues, consult your veterinarian before changing litter box style.
A top entry litter box is a fully enclosed litter box with a single opening in the lid rather than a front entry hole. Your cat jumps onto the lid and climbs down into the box through the top opening, then exits the same way.
This design dramatically reduces litter scatter (litter is kicked inward rather than out through a front opening), provides better odour containment, gives cats full privacy during use, and prevents dogs in multi-pet households from accessing the box.
Most cats take to a top entry cat litter box readily, particularly cats that already show a preference for enclosed or private toileting spaces, ie. cats that sleep in caves, use hooded litter boxes, or seek out quiet corners.
Cats that prefer wide-open trays and dislike feeling enclosed may need more time to adjust. The key is introducing the new box gradually alongside the existing tray rather than making an abrupt switch.
Yes. Our top entry litter box features a generously sized lid opening designed to accommodate cats of all sizes comfortably, including larger breeds such as Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and British Shorthairs. Always check the specific product dimensions against your cat's body size before purchasing. Internal floor space should allow your cat to turn around comfortably inside the box.
Yes, significantly more than open trays and comparably to most hooded front-entry boxes. Because the only opening is at the top and odour rises rather than spreading at floor level, a top entry cat litter box contains odours more effectively in everyday use. Regular cleaning remains the most important factor in odour management regardless of box style. Scooping solids daily and doing a full clean weekly maintains the containment benefit of the enclosed design.
Top entry litter boxes are generally not recommended for very young kittens, as the jump required to enter and exit may be too challenging for a kitten still developing coordination and confidence. A low-sided open tray is the standard recommendation for kittens until they are reliably litter trained and jumping comfortably. Once a kitten is established and physically confident, transitioning to a top entry design is straightforward.
Most litter types work well, but clumping litter is particularly practical given the seamless base and rounded interior that make scooping clean and quick. Silica crystal litters and biodegradable options also work well. Use a depth of 5–8cm for most cats.
The Moderna top entry litter box is designed for straightforward cleaning. The seamless base and walls prevent liquid seeping into joins, and the rounded non-stick internal edges mean waste doesn't adhere to corners. For a daily clean, use the included scoop (which attaches to the lid).
For a full weekly clean, remove all litter and wash the box with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before refilling. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can leave residue that deters cats from using the box.
Free metro shipping applies to orders over $99. Contact our team on 1300 268 060 or at customercare@modernpet.com.au to confirm shipping eligibility for your postcode.
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