Pet Product Review: Modkat Litter Box

Dec 23rd 2009

Cat owners have long attempted to minimize the stink, unsightliness and stray litter granules associated with traditional litter boxes. Two alternatives are to teach your cat to use the toilet (good luck), or invest in the CatGenie, a fairly expensive and complicated apparatus that sifts through the litter and flings the poo away, but requires connection to a power source, water line and a drain.

The ModKat purports to be a simpler solution, billing itself as "the world's smartest looking, most functional cat litter box." It's hard to argue with the first claim, as the primary-colored cubes won't look out of place in any Ikea-furnished apartment (especially if you've still got your old iMac sitting around).

The ModKat is intended to limit litter tracking by offering entry from the top. The cube's roof features a generously sized entrance, as well as a grate designed to catch stray litter upon exit. We weren't sure if our cat would balk at climbing in from above to do her business, but she had no problem at all and adapted immediately. According to ModKat's FAQ, this is typical.

The box is slightly wider than our regular litter box, but otherwise the design is great. It comes with a reusable tarpaulin liner and a scoop that hangs from the box's side when not in use. When it's time for cleaning, you press a button on the side and the roof swivels down, allowing easy access.

At $180, the Modkat is pricey but worth it. Think of it less as a litter box and more as a piece of functional art.