Yes, covered litter boxes can be bad for many cats because they trap odors and ammonia, trap dust, restrict airflow, limit a cat's escape and visibility (making them feel vulnerable), and are often too small, leading to discomfort and potential avoidance or respiratory issues. While some owners like them for odor control and litter scatter, cat behaviorists generally recommend large, open litter boxes for better ventilation, safety, and cleanliness, especially in multi-cat homes.
There are obviously cats who don't mind using a covered box, but in general, behavior experts advise against the use of them, especially in a multicat household or if your cat is experiencing a litter box issue. Consider an open, spacious litter box for better airflow and accessibility.
The results were clear—in general, cats have no preference. Once the study was over, the researchers were able to determine that overall there was no preference between covered vs. uncovered boxes; however, some individuals did like one over the other.
Open vs. covered litter boxes
The first decision to make is whether you want an open or covered litter box. Open litter boxes are spacious and provide easy access for your cat. They are a great choice for cats who may feel confined or claustrophobic in covered spaces.
So for healthy adults, the risks are very small. If you clean your cat's litter box as often as you should (at least once a day), you should never have a problem. Those with Asthma and pulmonary illnesses like COPD are at greater risk. Still, it's a small risk.
The golden rules for litter boxes are: provide one box per cat plus one extra (N+1), place them in quiet, accessible spots on each floor, scoop daily, offer unscented litter, ensure 2-3 inches of depth for digging, keep them away from food/water, and avoid covered boxes if cats dislike them. Cleanliness, placement, and adequate quantity prevent stress and accidents, promoting good feline hygiene and behavior.
Litterboxes boxes should be placed in quiet private places that are easily accessible to the cat. Litter boxes should not be located in high traffic areas where the cat may be disturbed by children or ambushed by other pets.
New Cat? Set Realistic Expectations! You can expect that it will take your cat some time to get used to the new routines and environment. The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your cat to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months.
Second, I've heard covered litter pans compared to port-o-potties; this comparison makes complete sense to me: nothing is worse than being trapped in a small, enclosed space with highly unpleasant odors. A cat's natural instinct is to avoid malodorous, over-saturated litter areas.
To become infected yourself, you must somehow ingest an infected cat's feces while it is actively shedding parasite eggs. This is possible if you don't wash your hands after cleaning a litter box, or accidentally ingest anything that met with infected cat feces. Toxoplasmosis is not transmitted through the skin.
For happy cats, follow the "N+1" rule (one litter box per cat plus one extra), place boxes in quiet, accessible spots away from food/water, scoop daily, fully clean monthly, use unscented clumping litter (2-4 inches deep), and generally avoid covered boxes and liners, ensuring boxes are large enough for comfortable turning.
Luckily, cats do not pee outside the litter box—including on beds—out of anger or to punish you. Rather, urinating on a bed instead of in the litter box is often the result of either a medical condition or stress and anxiety. These issues can be addressed with the help of your veterinarian—and a little bit of patience.
Our experts most often recommend clumping cat litter. Its ease of scooping and better odor control lend themselves to a more hygienic litter box.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
Cats have individual preferences, but many instinctually prefer open litter boxes for better visibility and escape routes, feeling trapped or ambushed in covered ones, while some cats (especially shy ones) might prefer the privacy of a covered box, though it can trap odors and dust. The best approach is often providing a large, clean, uncovered box with 360-degree views or testing both types to see what your cat prefers.
Before the invention of kitty litter in the late 1940s, cat owners filled pans or trays with sand, sawdust, dirt, or old newspapers. Before clay box filler, cat owners filled their cat pans with everyday materials like sand, pictured here.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
Digestive problems. Constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive issues that can cause a cat to feel a sense of urgency or pain when pooping can lead to the cat avoiding the litter box. Arthritis. Mobility issues such as arthritis may make it difficult for cats to get into a litter box.
For many cats, the best option is an uncovered litter box placed in a quiet and convenient location. We often make the mistake of trying to provide so much privacy that we end up creating an uncomfortable or unsafe set-up. Additionally, with a covered box, it often doesn't get checked and scooped enough.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
Cats may initially feel stressed or anxious when rehomed. Most cats learn to form new bonds and adjust over time. Providing a stable and comforting environment helps ease their transition.
The most difficult age for a cat can vary depending on the individual. But generally, adolescence (around four months to two years) is often considered the most challenging phase. During this period, cats undergo significant physical and behavioural changes.
Crystalline silica dust, the other ingredient in most clumping litters, is a known carcinogen for both humans and household pets when inhaled. According to OSHA.gov, “Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
Best Places to Put a Cat Litter Box