The Covered Cat Litter Box

Cats can make wonderful companions and pets, but do have some special requirements for proper care. Unlike dogs, most cats will not go outdoors to use the bathroom, especially if the weather is bad. Even cats that go freely from the inside of the home to the outdoors often prefer to stay inside during rain, even if it means leaving a puddle on the carpet. If this is your cat, or if you are planning on getting a pet cat and keeping him inside, the proper cat litter box will be needed.

Although there are a wide variety of litter boxes available, a covered cat litter box is often the best choice. There are a multitude of reasons for this. Cat litter box covers can help trap the odours that are produced by your cat’s waste, and keep them from spreading to the rest of the house. Even if you’ve already purchased a littler box, it’s often possible to find covers that will fit any size and style of litter box. Keep in mind that the trapped odours will be stronger, and your cat has a very sensitive nose. Cats will often stop using a litter box if it is not clean enough, so be sure to keep it scooped regularly. Also, you may want to add a layer of baking soda under the litter to trap odours as well.

You will need to consider the size of your cat when choose a litter box cover. A cat needs room to stand up, move around, and dig comfortably without feeling cramped or he won’t use the litter box. This may be difficult to anticipate if you have a kitten or have not yet chosen a cat. Generally, a cat will not have a problem with a litter box or cover that is too large, as they will appreciate the extra space. Box covers can also help some cats feel more comfortable using the litter box. Covers allow a cat to have more privacy, which is why some cats will shun uncovered litter boxes for dark closets or hidden corners.
Of course, not all covered litter boxes are created equal. They range from a basic plastic dome to self cleaning systems with HEPA filtration to remove as much litter dust and offending smells as possible. If you’re unsure if your cat will use a covered box, or what size you will need when the cat is full grown, you may want to start with the most basic model. Once you’re sure a cover is right for your cat, or if you have multiple cats, consider upgrading to a cover with at least a simple filter in the top of the box. This helps trap excess dust from the cat litter, and removes some of the smell.

The most advanced covered cat litter box will gather soiled litter in a closed container for easy disposal and spray the box clean, before laying a new layer of litter. These high tech self cleaning litter boxes may be easier for owners with no time to clean, or who have health issues that could be exacerbated by the dust or germs. The most effective of these systems may be expensive, but it’s now possible to find a working self cleaning cat litter box for as low as £40. Some cats may not use them if they are spooked by the noise of the cleaning unit, and they may need to be replaced more often as they can break, unlike a simple litter box with no moving parts.