Kittyluver - that's exactly why we should never believe everything we hear/see and why I advocate not believing everything you see on the internet as well. And when we repeat what we hear it is more often rumour/gossip than fact/advice.
Great post, furbum. I started another topic about our kitty's litterbox habit of flinging litter out of the box. It sounds like you have the same thing going on.Originally Posted by furbum
The problem with covered kitty boxes is that the smell can get trapped within the box making the cat not want to go into it. This is even more of a potential problem if there is a door on the box, if the litter is not odor-masking enough, if the cat(s) doesn't like to cover up, or if it isn't cleaned that often.
But, a lot of cats do prefer the privacy of a covered box despite it's drawbacks. I keep a covered box as well as two uncovered ones and I take special care to keep the covered box clean and it doesn't have a door (my kitties also like to stick their head out of the doorway, probably for the fresh air). There's a little odor-control pad embedded in the roof but I'm not sure how much it helps.
Usually, when all the boxes are clean my kitties tend to go in one of the uncovered boxes slightly more often, but when there are guests they are more likely to use the covered one.
My kitties are also really determined about getting the litter out of their boxes and even with the covered one they send it flying out the doorway. But, it seems that the more the litter flies, the better they like it
As long as it's cleaned and scooped regularly that shouldnt be a problem. After all, it should smell like a toilet to a cat! That's one of the things that makes them return to it and not go elsewhere. An overclean litter box can actually deter a cat from using it. As long as it's not really pongy! And even ones with doors aren't sealed units - there is a small gap between the door and the cover.
