Probably the least enjoyable part of owning a cat is dealing with a litter box. They’re unsightly and smelly, not to mention they can be a real pain to clean. One of the best solutions to your litter box woes is to invest in a hooded or covered litter box. Whether you want to fully disguise the box or just cover it so there’s a buffer between you and the stink of your cat’s fresh poo, there’s a covered litter box to meet your needs. Here are reviews covering the best hooded litter boxes on the market to help you find the perfect box for your home and lifestyle.
The best overall hooded litter box for cats is the Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box, which is available in three colors. It has a slightly pearlescent finish, giving it a more elegant appearance to help it fit in with your home décor. This box is 50% larger than a normal litter box, giving your kitty plenty of room to move around inside, and it has textured stairs leading into the box itself. The design keeps waste and litter in the box and the texture on the stairs helps clean your cat’s feet. The lid seals tightly on the base to prevent leaks, and there is a space in the top of the dome for a carbon filter to help reduce smells.
The internal portion of this box has curved walls, which can be difficult to clean. Although this box should not leak, urine can still get into the track where the lid and base fit together, so this requires extra cleaning.
Pros
Three pearlescent colors available
50% larger than the average litter box
Textured stairs help clean your cat’s feet
Design keeps litter and smells in the box
Lid and base fit together tightly and don’t leak
Space in the lid for a carbon filter
Cons
Curved shape may be difficult to clean
Urine can get into the track where the base and lid fit together
2. Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box & Scoop – Best Value
The best hooded litter box for the money is the Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box & Scoop. This litter box includes a litter scoop that hangs on a hook outside of the box. The lid has a large hole, making it easy for your cat to get in and out. The lid functions as a grate to help catch litter on paws and allows it to fall back into the box. There are rubber feet on the bottom of the box, holding it in place and preventing sliding. Although this box isn’t truly disguised, it is unusual enough to not automatically be identifiable as a litter box.
This box has an oval shape, which takes away some of the space of a traditional litter box. The rounded edges may be difficult to clean. This box may be difficult for kittens, senior kitties, and kitties with mobility problems to use.
Pros
Best value
Includes a litter scoop that hangs on a hook attached to the box
Large lid entry makes coming and going easy for most cats
Lid has a grate feature to keep litter in the box
Rubber feet prevent sliding
More attractive than traditional boxes
Cons
Less internal space than a traditional box
Rounded edges may be difficult to clean
May be difficult for some cats to use
3. Whisker Litter-Robot Wi-Fi Auto Cat Box – Premium Choice
The premium choice for a covered litter box is the Whisker Litter-Robot Wi-Fi Enabled Self-Cleaning Cat Box. This smart litter box is available in two colors and is fully self-cleaning, you just need to empty the fully enclosed, carbon-filtered waste drawer when the machine tells you it’s full. This box is Wi-Fi compatible and will let you know about your cat’s usage and waste levels. It automatically runs after it senses any weight over 5 pounds. It can be set to run 3 minutes, 7 minutes, or 15 minutes after your cat leaves the box. This box is designed to support up to four cats on one Litter-Robot.
This smart litter box does come at a very premium price. Since it has a weight minimum of 5 pounds, it is not a good option for kittens and small adult cats. Some cats may have difficulty getting into the box and specially designed stairs must be purchased separately.
Pros
Two colors available
Self-cleaning
Waste drawer is fully enclosed and carbon-filtered
Wi-Fi app will let you know when cleaning and maintenance should be performed
Wi-Fi app will keep you up to date on your cat’s box use
Can be set to run at various times after your cat leaves the box
Supports up to four cats
Cons
Premium price
Not a good option for cats under 5 pounds
Some cats have difficulty get into the box
Stairs are sold separately
4. Nature’s Miracle Corner Cat Litter Box – Best for Kittens
If you have a kitten and need a hooded litter box for it, the Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Box may be just what you need. This box is angled so it can fit perfectly into a corner, helping you keep it out of the way in your home. It’s made with antimicrobial, non-stick surfaces on the inside, making cleaning the box easy. The entrance has a lip that makes it easy for small kittens to get into the box. It has a space for a replaceable charcoal filter that is made to last up to 3 months. There are latches that secure the lid tightly onto the base.
This box is oversized and requires quite a bit of litter to fill it. The plastic is flexible and it’s not advisable to carry this box with litter inside of it since the weight may be too much. The side latches that hold the lid into place on the base are very tight, difficult to use, and prone to breaking.
Pros
Lip in the entrance makes it easy for kittens to use
Angled to fit perfectly into a corner
Antimicrobial and non-stick
Easy to clean
Includes a charcoal filter that is made to last up to 3 months
Latches secure the lid onto the base
Cons
Requires a lot of litter to fill it
Flexible plastic isn’t made to support much weight
The Catit Magic Blue Jumbo Litter Box is a great option for large breed or overweight cats. This box features a lid that latches securely onto the base and a translucent door that traps smells inside the box. The door lifts up on a track for easy cleaning access. The door can be removed if desired and the box will still trap odors. It includes an unscented filter pad that helps trap smells.
Due to the oversized nature of the box, it is not compatible with litter box liners. Some cats may not use this box with the door on it. It’s somewhat confusing determining where to install the filter pad on this box.
Pros
Great for large breed and overweight cats
Lid securely latches onto the base
Traps smells inside the box, even if the door is removed
If you’re looking for a box that blends into home décor seamlessly, the Good Pet Stuff Hidden Cat Litter Planter is the perfect pick. This litter box is disguised as a large terracotta-look planter with a realistic faux plant in the top. It’s large enough for large breed and overweight cats, and the large opening makes cleaning the box easy without removing the lid. The filtered vent system helps reduce dust and smells.
The lid can be difficult to get properly seated on the base, so it may be difficult to put back together when you take the box apart for deep cleaning. Some people have reported their cats attempting to chew on or eat the faux plant and the included moss that helps disguise the plant. Due to the overall design of this box, it takes up more space than a traditional litter box.
Pros
Blends into home décor
Faux plant is realistic
Box is large enough for large breed and overweight cats
Large opening makes cleaning easy
Filtered vent system reduces dust and smells
Cons
May be difficult to seat the lid on the base
Cats may attempt to chew on or eat faux plant and moss
For a litter box that blends into home décor but takes up less space than a planter, you might like the Kitangle Corner Kitty Cat Litter Box. This box is available in four colors and is designed to fit in corners perfectly. The entrance is 6 inches tall, helping to trap smells and keep litter in the box without making it too difficult for senior and lower mobility cats to get in and out. The lid is easy to remove for ease of cleaning and it is sturdy enough for your cat to spend time on top.
This box comes at a premium price and the rounded walls along the front of the box may make it difficult to clean. It may become dented or scratched in shipping, which can be very frustrating considering the price of the box.
Pros
Blends into home décor and is available in four colors
Fits perfectly into corners
Made to trap smells and keep litter inside
Low enough entrance for kittens, senior cats, and cats with mobility problems
The Frisco Flip Top Hooded Cat Litter Box features a lid that latches onto the base and a low entrance that’s easy for most cats and kittens to maneuver. It has a translucent door that helps keep litter and smells inside. It includes a disposable charcoal filter that helps keep smells under control. The door flips open for cleaning, giving you easy access.
The lid may not latch onto the base securely and the plastic is thinner than some other options, making the box somewhat flimsy. The door often hangs at an odd, partially open angle, which may let some smells out. Like other boxes with doors, some cats may not use this box.
Pros
Low entrance is easy for most cats and kittens to use
The ZEZE Space Capsule Cat Litter Box is an unusual litter box that looks like a pod of some sort. It’s not recognizable as a litter box, especially on first glance. It has a small, clear door that helps trap smells. The lid retracts partially into the base, making cleaning easy. There is a textured lip on the bottom of the entrance, helping to keep paws clean. It has an inner and outer shell, making the box sturdy, and it can be used outdoors.
This litter box may not be noticeable as a litter box on first glance, but it is eye-catching, so it may draw unwanted attention toward your cat’s litter area. The size and shape may make it difficult for larger cats to use, and the raised entrance may be too high for kittens, seniors, and cats with poor mobility. The rounded design may make cleaning difficult. Some cats may not use it because of the door.
Pros
Modern design that doesn’t stand out as a litter box
Door helps trap smells
Lid retracts for easy cleaning
Includes an inner and outer shell for stability
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Cons
May draw attention
May be difficult for larger cats to use
Raised entrance may be too high for some cats
Rounded design may be difficult to clean
Some cats may not use this box due to the door
10. ScoopFree Covered Auto Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The ScoopFree Covered Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box uses easy to replace ScoopFree litter trays. It features a covered waste trap for storing solid waste and it has an auto shutoff if it senses your cat is in the box. The hood helps reduce smells and it has a “health counter”, which tracks how many times your cat uses the box.
This box has big limitations on the type of litter that can be used, and it’s intended to use the disposable ScoopFree litter trays, making it one of the least eco-friendly options. The trays must be replaced every 20 – 30 days, depending on the number of cats and box use. The solid waste compartment can get smelly after a while, and it is not made to be emptied until the tray is replaced. The manufacturer does not recommend using this box for kittens under 6 months of age, senior cats, or cats with mobility issues.
Pros
Litter trays are easy to replace
Covered waste trap reduces solid waste smells
Auto shutoff keeps it from bumping into your cat
Health counter tracks your cat’s usage
Cons
Can only use ScoopFree disposable crystal litter trays
Not eco-friendly
Trays need regular replacement
Can’t empty waste compartment until tray is being replaced
Not recommended for use with kittens under 6 months, seniors, or cats with mobility problems
The Clevercat Top-Entry Litter Box is made for use with cats of any size or age. The lid is textured to help reduce litter tracking outside the box. It’s leakproof and will deter small dogs from the box as well.
Even though this box is disguised, it looks like a plastic storage box with a hole in the lid, so it won’t fit in as a classy piece of home décor. The interior corners are curved, which can be difficult to clean. Although it’s made for cats of any age or size to use, it may be difficult for kittens, seniors, and low mobility cats to use. The oversized opening in the lid may make this box accessible to medium or large dogs.
Pros
Made for cats of any age or size
Textured lid reduces litter tracking
Leakproof
May deter dogs
Cons
Looks like a plastic storage box
Won’t fit in as home décor
Curved corners are difficult to clean
May be difficult for kittens, seniors, or cats with mobility problems to use
Oversized opening may make it easy for medium and large dogs to access the box
The Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box has an easy to clean design that reduces litter usage. It’s available in regular and large sizes for cats of all sizes. The waste trap is easy to remove and clean, reducing odors.
This litter box will only work properly with clumping or silica litter, and clumping litter that sticks to the box won’t work. To empty the waste into the waste trap, this box requires you to fully roll the box up onto its side manually. Even though this box is available in two sizes, the large size may be too small for many large breed and overweight cats. It can be difficult to fully latch the lid onto this box, which means litter will spill out the side when the box is tipped for cleaning.
Pros
Easy to clean
Reduces litter usage
Two sizes available
Waste trap is easy to clean
Cons
Must use silica or non-sticky clumping litter
Box must be rolled onto its side to empty waste
Not a good option for people who struggle to lift cat litter
Large size may still be too small for large breed and overweight cats
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Hooded Litter Box
Start Slowly – Cats can be exceptionally picky when it comes to litter boxes, so you’ll need to start slowly when you begin transitioning your cat over to a new box, especially if your cat is not used to a hooded box. When choosing a box, consider the number of cats the box or boxes will need to function for. Are you adding a box, replacing a box, or replacing all the boxes in your house?
Consider the Size – The size of your cats should also be a big consideration. Large cats may be more apt to go outside the litter box if they don’t feel like they can comfortably do their business in a box that’s too small for them. The same goes for small cats and kittens that may not be able to easily access a litter box that is too large or tall. If your cat is older or has mobility problems, you’ll need to choose a box that allows your cat access without stress or pain.
Type of Litter – Also keep in mind, you’ll need to choose a box that will work with the type of litter your cat is used to using. If your cat is particularly fond of clumping litter, then you don’t want to choose a box that will only allow you to use crystal litter. Giving your cat a new box with new litter and new smells is a recipe for disaster.
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Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best hooded litter box for your cat, these reviews should have taken some of the difficulty out of your decision making. The best overall pick is the Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box, which traps litter and smells inside. For the best value, try the Iris Top Entry Cat Litter Box & Scoop, which is functional and includes a litter scoop and hanging hook. If you have a kitten, then your best option is the Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Box, which will sit perfectly out of the way in a corner.
Featured Image Credit: Tiplyashina Evgeniya, Shutterstock
