Is a covered litter box bad for my cat's health or safe to use?

Hi and thanks for posting. A lot of cats do not take to the covered litter boxes as well as open non covered boxes. I would take the cover off of it if possible and see if she uses the littler box with the top off. I'd try that first. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I am sorry to hear about your frustrations with your kitties! It could definitely be the change in litterboxes. Many cats are finicky about their bathroom behavior and changes may upset them. I would consider taking the top off the new box temporarily until they become used to it, and once they are using it regularly you can add the top. Some cats may never be comfortable with a covered litterbox, but hopefully with time they will become used to it. Also be sure you haven't changed the litter type at the same time as changes in litter type can also upset them. You can also try taking some soiled litter from a used litterbox to provide some scent that may encourage them to use the new box.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is often solved by trying a different cat litter and adding another litter box in the household. I think trying this would likely help you very much. He is also absolutely adorable! Good luck!

Ther are no health problems, however you may find that they are happier to have more than one litter box available to use especially as the little one grows into an adult cat. I would still give them the option of having a second litter tray available to use, so it willl be easier to make sure one of them at least is always clean and ready to use if needed.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you like :-) Yes, that could cause her fear of the box, and may keep her from using it correctly. She may not like the cover on the box. I would set up two more litter boxes in the house without covers on them, show her where they are by placing her in them, and see if that helps with her using the box.

In my experience this training is not very effective and should be ideally performed earlier in life. I don’t think there is any “litter tray lobby” (yet), si there is no consensus about it. I can’t see how it could be detrimental for cat. I would suggest to remain with the same old school method.

Poor Jesse! What a frustrating problem to have - it sounds like you're doing the best thing you can by putting him in a cage when you're not home, but it's unfortunate that he finds this stressful and lays in his litter box :( The good news is, laying in the litter box like this is not likely to cause any medical problems at all - cats often do this in the veterinary clinic when they are boarding and hospitalized, unfortunately, and it does not result in any health issues at all. It can definitely make them smell a bit, however! I would suggest doing some trial and error with different objects in his cage to see if you can find something that he prefers to lay in, rather than the litter box. He might like a cardboard box, upside down with a hole cut in the side so that he can go in and hide. A shoe box or some other type of box with high sides might also give him a good alternative to the litter box to lay in.