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A covered litter box may appeal to many pet parents, especially those with side pee-ers or cats who often miss the mark. Proponents of these kitty litter boxes claim they’re mess-free, reduce litter tracking, and help cats feel comfortable. Many cat experts, however, advise against using them, saying they’re counterintuitive to normal bathroom behavior. But here’s where it gets sticky. A study in 2013 showed that cats found covered litter boxes perfectly fine. So, what’s a pet parent to do? And what should we believe?
To find out what the science says, we turned to cat behaviorists and research to understand the ins and outs of litter boxes. With their help, we explain why you may want to think twice before choosing a covered one for your feline family member and what to get instead.
Covered vs. Open Litter Boxes: The Study
In 2013, researchers tested 27 indoor cats. They gave each cat two litter boxes: one covered and one uncovered. The two boxes were placed next to each other, and each box had the same clay-clumping litter inside. None of the cats had a history of home behavioral problems, and any cat that lived with other cats was separated during the two-week study. Pet parents were also assigned to scoop and weigh all waste daily, which researchers then compared.
The result? The amount of waste in each box was statistically the same. And, the majority of the cats—19 out of the 27 to be exact—used both litter boxes equally. So, cats should be okay with using covered litter boxes, right? According to cat experts, not exactly.
Uncovering the flaws
In 2024, Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, PhD, scientist and cat behaviorist at Feline Minds, challenged the study, pointing out some flaws in the research, including the following.
- Eight of the cats in the study had strong feelings toward a particular box, showing that some cats do have individual preferences.
- Both boxes were huge, measuring 32.5 inches long and 19.75 inches wide. As Delgado points out, most covered litter boxes on the market are nearly half this size (and way too small for cats). Because both the covered and open litter boxes were incredibly large, Delgado suggests it may have impacted their feelings. Cats tend to prefer larger litter boxes, so the cats in the study may have felt differently if the covered boxes in the test were the size of what’s actually available.
- Similarly, pet parents scooped the litter box daily. Cats are more keen to use clean litter boxes, but Delgado says that in real life, covered boxes are less likely to undergo daily cleaning. In fact, research suggests that cat guardians tend to clean covered boxes every five days or so.
- The cats were alone. The cats in the study were either the only cats in the home or separated from the other cats in their household. Delgado says that one of the main reasons cat experts don’t recommend covered litter boxes is that they prevent cats from seeing what’s happening around them. She suggests that the cats in the study may have shown a greater preference for the open box if there had been other pets in the house.
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Should You Buy a Covered Litter Box? Experts Weigh In
Shani Campbell, a certified feline training and behavior specialist at Wild at Heart Cats, supports Delgado’s concerns regarding covered boxes. She points out that when cat behaviorists try to understand what cats want and need in an unnatural environment (inside a home), they study cats in their natural environment (outside).
So, while some think cats want privacy when using the bathroom, observing them in their natural habitat shows the opposite. For instance, Campbell points out that cats don’t usually do their business in caves or enclosed areas. “Cats feel very vulnerable when eliminating, and they need to see possible threats coming from all angles,” she says. This is especially important when you have multiple cats.”
Alternatives to covered litter boxes
Campbell adds that she would never recommend a covered litter box but would ask cat guardians why they are considering one instead.
“If it’s because of dogs or children, I would recommend an elevated box or a designated room with a baby gate to block access,” she says. “If their cat kicks litter everywhere, I would ensure they aren’t using too much litter. Most cats prefer just 1-2 inches of litter inside the box.” She says that if their cat tends to spray or urinate vertically, a high-sided cat litter box could help prevent messes outside the box. A cat litter mat or a box with a tray could also help stop cats from tracking litter around the house.
Ensuring your cat is comfortable
“Most litter boxes sold in stores are entirely too small,” says Campbell. “Litter boxes should be at least one-in-a-half or two times the size of your cat from their nose to the base of their tail.” To that end, she says that the best litter boxes for large cats are extra-large boxes.
Campbell also encourages pet parents to give their cats a variety of litter boxes to see what they prefer. She adds that there really shouldn’t be an adjustment period either. Your cat will let you know what they like best. “If your cat hesitates around their litter box, it probably isn’t the best option for them,” she notes.
Final Thoughts on Covered Litter Boxes
While some cats may find a covered litter box to be just fine, research suggests they don’t promote natural cat behavior. While ultimately the decision will come down to you and your cat’s preferences, we recommend choosing litter boxes based on our expert’s recommendations, giving our cats large boxes with plenty of room and variety. As Campbell puts it, “A cat’s litter box is one of their most prized possessions, and we want our cats to love their boxes and not just tolerate them.”