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Top-entry litter boxes have become popular for one simple reason: less litter on the floor. Cats step in through the lid and climb back out across a textured surface that knocks litter off their paws. Two of the most popular models are the Modkat Top-Entry Litter Box and the IRIS USA Top Entry Litter Box. The Modkat vs IRIS choice mostly comes down to budget, design and a few practical details.
Our Quick Picks
- Best ValueIRIS USA Top Entry Litter BoxCheck Price on Amazon
- Best Premium PickModkat Top-Entry Litter BoxCheck Price on Amazon
Short on time? These are our top choices. Full reviews and comparisons are below.
Modkat vs IRIS at a Glance
| Feature | Modkat Top-Entry | IRIS USA Top Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Price level | Premium | Budget |
| Design | Modern, design-led | Simple and functional |
| Lid | Grated lid to catch litter | Grooved lid to catch litter |
| Liner | Reusable liner option | No liner system |
| Scatter control | Excellent | Very good |
| Cleaning | Lift lid, scoop, liner can be removed | Lift lid, scoop, easy to wash |
| Best for | Style-conscious owners | Value seekers |
Scatter Control
Both boxes do a good job of keeping litter inside. The Modkat’s grated lid is particularly effective at catching granules, while the IRIS lid’s grooves also trap a lot of litter. Owners of both usually report a big drop in tracked litter compared to open boxes. Adding a litter mat where your cat jumps down catches the rest.
Size and Comfort
Check the interior dimensions against your cat’s size. Larger cats need room to turn around, and some big cats find top-entry boxes tight. Both brands offer size information, so measure your cat from nose to base of tail before choosing.
Cleaning and Maintenance
You lift the lid to scoop on both. The Modkat’s optional reusable liner makes full litter changes easier, since you lift the liner out. The IRIS is a simple plastic box that is easy to rinse and wash. Plastic eventually scratches on any box, so plan to replace it or the liner periodically.
Our Picks
1. Modkat Top-Entry Litter Box — Best Premium Pick
A stylish top-entry box with a grated lid and optional reusable liner. Great scatter control and a design that looks at home in modern spaces.
- Excellent scatter control
- Modern look
- Reusable liner option
Worth knowing: Higher price. Not ideal for kittens or senior cats.
2. IRIS USA Top Entry Litter Box — Best Value
An affordable top-entry box that delivers most of the benefits of premium models: less scatter, contained mess and a tidy look.
- Budget-friendly
- Good scatter control
- Easy to wash
Worth knowing: Simpler design. Check the size for large cats.
Which Should You Choose?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the best-looking option | Modkat |
| Want the lowest cost | IRIS |
| Like easy full changes with a liner | Modkat |
| Are testing whether your cat accepts top entry | IRIS (lower risk) |
| Have a large cat | Compare interior sizes carefully |
Is a Top-Entry Box Right for Your Cat?
- Good for: healthy adult cats, homes with dogs who raid the litter box, and owners tired of scattered litter.
- Not ideal for: kittens, senior cats, cats with arthritis, or very large cats.
- Transition tip: leave the lid off for a few days so your cat gets used to the box, then add the lid.
The Bottom Line
Choose the Modkat if you want the best design and scatter control and do not mind paying more. Choose the IRIS if you want a proven, affordable top-entry box. If you are unsure your cat will like top entry, the IRIS is a lower-risk way to find out.
Best Litter for Top-Entry Boxes
Top-entry boxes work best with a clumping litter that forms firm clumps and does not stick to paws. Very lightweight or fine-grained litters can be carried out more easily, while larger-granule litters tend to drop through the lid. Unscented litter is a safe default, since enclosed boxes can concentrate fragrances. Keep litter depth at about 2 to 3 inches, and avoid overfilling, which brings litter closer to the lid and increases scatter.
| Litter type | How it works in top-entry boxes |
|---|---|
| Unscented clumping clay | Reliable, firm clumps, some dust when pouring |
| Larger-granule clay | Drops off paws easily, low tracking |
| Corn or wheat | Lighter, may track a little more |
| Paper pellets | Very low tracking, but non-clumping |
Placement Tips
- Leave clearance above the lid so your cat can jump in comfortably.
- Avoid placing it under low shelves or counters.
- Put a litter mat in front of where your cat jumps out.
- Choose a quiet spot, away from food and water.
- Make sure the lid is stable and does not wobble when your cat lands on it.
Durability and Replacement
Both boxes are made of plastic that will eventually scratch from scooping and digging. Scratches trap odor, so plan to replace the box or liner about once a year, or sooner if smells linger after washing. A metal scoop with rounded edges is gentler on the plastic than one with sharp corners.
Alternatives to Consider
If top entry turns out not to suit your cat, a high-sided open box gives good scatter control with an easier entry, and a furniture enclosure can hide a regular box in a living space. For less daily scooping, a self-cleaning box is another option. Our roundup of the best litter boxes for small spaces compares several of these side by side.
Related Guides
- 5 Best Litter Boxes for Small Spaces and Apartments
- 5 Best Cat Litter Boxes in 2026: Open, Covered, High-Sided and Top-Entry
- 4 Best Cat Litter Mats in 2026 to Stop Litter Tracking
- How to Clean a Litter Box: Daily, Weekly and Deep-Clean Routine
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Modkat worth the money?
If you value design and a liner system, many owners think so. The IRIS offers similar function for less.
Do top-entry litter boxes reduce tracking?
Yes. Cats climb out across a textured lid that catches a lot of litter from their paws.
Can kittens use top-entry litter boxes?
Very small kittens may struggle to climb in and out. Use an open, low-entry box until they are bigger.
How do I get my cat to use a top-entry box?
Start with the lid off, add used litter from the old box, then put the lid on once your cat is using it.
Do top-entry boxes keep dogs out?
They help, since most dogs cannot easily reach in through the top.