Dog proof litter box - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Matthew · 02-20-2008, 06:22 AM

Hi All-
I have been anxiously following the thread on Maggie May. I noted that early on, some of you noted that your dogs get into the litter box, or are fascinated with the clumping litter and/or poo in there.
I used to have the same problem with my dog. I thought about putting the pan up high (not good- too unstable and scared the cat), getting a LitterMaid automatic box (expensive, and there is an 8 minute delay before it scoops up the poo). Then I found my saving grace: a Clevercat Top Entry Litter Box.
This is a large, deep litter box with a cover on it. The cover has one round hole in one end of the lid, where the cat enters. They do their business in private, and jump out. When the box is placed against a wall with the hole closest to the wall, there is no way big, medium, or small dogs can get into it. The angle is such that the litter is too far down for a dog to get at it, or the bin is too high for a small dog to reach up to. By having a cover on it as well, the smell is reduced greatly, leaving less "cues" for the dog that a fresh "snack" is in there.
I have used the Clevercat for almost three years now, and it ended the fascination with cat poo or litter for my dog. Easy to clean as well. Only downside is the lid can be a bit stubborn in coming off sometimes.
I got mine at a Petsmart store, but I have seen them at other pet stores, and online as well. Not expensive at all (I think mine was about 30.00 in 2005).
Just a thought for all of us who might have both species existing in the same household, and worry about litter snacking. I know that Maggie May's story is different (naughty girl), but if it helps at least one person... it is a good thing.
Maggie is in my thoughts. Stanford is rooting her on to a full return to health.
And, BTW, the dog I mentioned in my last post (abandoned by neighbors) has been adopted by another student, and left last night for a new life with his new mom and feisty new sister. So another happy ending. I am considering setting up my own adoption agency for lost and abandoned pets! LOL
Matthew

keri1973 · 02-20-2008, 07:56 AM

I actually made something like this for like $15. I got inspired from that litter box and a wood litter box enclosure (very expensive) I saw on the internet. I'll post pics if anyone is interested.

sherrijmkassie · 02-20-2008, 08:20 AM

Hi Matthew ,

I am no help on the dog proof litter box but wanted to say great news on the dog that found a new home. I kept going back to the other thread looking to see how you made out with your latest save a dog mission .

KathyK09 · 02-20-2008, 08:41 AM

I didn't realize they made top-entry litter boxes. We have the same problem with our bichon. We had to put up a baby-gate to block the litter box. The cats can jump over it to get to the litter box - so it works.

But I wonder if there is less mess with the litter!?! My cats step out of the litter box and little pieces of litter end up on my floor (in spite of having a matt for them to step out onto).

What a GREAT idea!

keri1973 · 02-20-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KathyK09

I didn't realize they made top-entry litter boxes. We have the same problem with our bichon. We had to put up a baby-gate to block the litter box. The cats can jump over it to get to the litter box - so it works.

But I wonder if there is less mess with the litter!?! My cats step out of the litter box and little pieces of litter end up on my floor (in spite of having a matt for them to step out onto).

What a GREAT idea!

That is exactly why I tried this because of the litter tracked! It is like night and day now with mine!

Matthew · 02-20-2008, 06:04 PM

Yes, I get much less litter being tracked out. Of course, my boy and girl use Feline Pine, which I swear by if they will accept it. Mine did with little fuss.
I love this type of box, store bought or home made. Makes a huge difference in all our qualities of life.

Matthew · 02-20-2008, 06:06 PM

Thanks, Sherri. Yes, it is a bit weird without Bam-Bam here running around, but he seemed to be so happy to meet a good human and a playful dog. Got right in the back of the rescuers SUV, and off he went, with his new "sister" in the back with him. I AM SO HAPPY FOR HIM.

02-20-2008, 06:22 AM	#1
Matthew Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Northport, AL Posts: 123	Dog proof litter box Hi All- I have been anxiously following the thread on Maggie May. I noted that early on, some of you noted that your dogs get into the litter box, or are fascinated with the clumping litter and/or poo in there. I used to have the same problem with my dog. I thought about putting the pan up high (not good- too unstable and scared the cat), getting a LitterMaid automatic box (expensive, and there is an 8 minute delay before it scoops up the poo). Then I found my saving grace: a Clevercat Top Entry Litter Box. This is a large, deep litter box with a cover on it. The cover has one round hole in one end of the lid, where the cat enters. They do their business in private, and jump out. When the box is placed against a wall with the hole closest to the wall, there is no way big, medium, or small dogs can get into it. The angle is such that the litter is too far down for a dog to get at it, or the bin is too high for a small dog to reach up to. By having a cover on it as well, the smell is reduced greatly, leaving less "cues" for the dog that a fresh "snack" is in there. I have used the Clevercat for almost three years now, and it ended the fascination with cat poo or litter for my dog. Easy to clean as well. Only downside is the lid can be a bit stubborn in coming off sometimes. I got mine at a Petsmart store, but I have seen them at other pet stores, and online as well. Not expensive at all (I think mine was about 30.00 in 2005). Just a thought for all of us who might have both species existing in the same household, and worry about litter snacking. I know that Maggie May's story is different (naughty girl), but if it helps at least one person... it is a good thing. Maggie is in my thoughts. Stanford is rooting her on to a full return to health. And, BTW, the dog I mentioned in my last post (abandoned by neighbors) has been adopted by another student, and left last night for a new life with his new mom and feisty new sister. So another happy ending. I am considering setting up my own adoption agency for lost and abandoned pets! LOL Matthew

02-20-2008, 07:56 AM	#2
keri1973 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 629	I actually made something like this for like $15. I got inspired from that litter box and a wood litter box enclosure (very expensive) I saw on the internet. I'll post pics if anyone is interested. __________________ Kayli Camden Minnie , Milo , Harley and Shooter

02-20-2008, 08:20 AM	#3
sherrijmkassie The Queen is back Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 3,918	Hi Matthew , I am no help on the dog proof litter box but wanted to say great news on the dog that found a new home. I kept going back to the other thread looking to see how you made out with your latest save a dog mission . __________________ Sherri , Cinnamon & Chai. RIP Kassie. .

02-20-2008, 08:41 AM	#4
KathyK09 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Northeast WI Posts: 97	That's GREAT! I didn't realize they made top-entry litter boxes. We have the same problem with our bichon. We had to put up a baby-gate to block the litter box. The cats can jump over it to get to the litter box - so it works. But I wonder if there is less mess with the litter!?! My cats step out of the litter box and little pieces of litter end up on my floor (in spite of having a matt for them to step out onto). What a GREAT idea!

02-20-2008, 06:04 PM	#6
Matthew Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Northport, AL Posts: 123	Yes, I get much less litter being tracked out. Of course, my boy and girl use Feline Pine, which I swear by if they will accept it. Mine did with little fuss. I love this type of box, store bought or home made. Makes a huge difference in all our qualities of life.

02-20-2008, 06:06 PM	#7
Matthew Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Northport, AL Posts: 123	Thanks, Sherri. Yes, it is a bit weird without Bam-Bam here running around, but he seemed to be so happy to meet a good human and a playful dog. Got right in the back of the rescuers SUV, and off he went, with his new "sister" in the back with him. I AM SO HAPPY FOR HIM.