Top-entry litter box

A top-entry litter box is a covered container with an opening cut into the lid rather than the side, so the cat climbs in and out from above. Litter that would normally cling to paws gets brushed off through the mesh or slotted top on the way out, which is why this style is popular in small apartments where litter tracked across a shared living room floor is a constant complaint.

It works best for younger, agile cats that can comfortably jump up and in. Older cats, kittens, or cats with joint issues can struggle with the height and the tight top opening, and a cat that already dislikes enclosed spaces is unlikely to warm up to a top-entry design any faster than a hooded one.

Look at the entry hole size relative to your cat, since larger cats can get stuck or simply refuse to use a box that feels too tight, and check that the box separates for cleaning without tools. A common mistake is buying one for a household with more than one cat, since the single narrow entrance makes it easy for one cat to block or ambush another.