I’m going to confess something right up front: even people who should know better — yes, including me — can get momentarily seduced by a clever pet product.
It starts innocently enough. A friend adopts a sweet, slightly timid cat — already a hero in my book for opening her home to a feline leukemia–positive kitty who’s had a rough start in life. Naturally, she wants to do everything “right.” She’s attentive, loving, and — importantly — a diligent litter box scooper.
But then comes the idea.
“What if we made the litter box… prettier?”
Or more discreet. Or tucked away. Or hidden inside a charming little cabinet that looks like furniture.
And just like that, we’ve gone from meeting a cat’s needs to meeting a human’s aesthetic preferences.
Let me save you the suspense: the cat wanted absolutely nothing to do with it.
Listen to the full Cat Chat episode, “Take the Lid Off That Litter Box!” for more of my conversation with Mikel Delgado about why cats often reject covered litter boxes.
The Problem with Covered Litter Boxes
I spoke with cat behavior expert Mikel Delgado about this exact situation, and her response was immediate and unequivocal: not a fan.
Neither am I.
Because here’s the truth: those covered boxes, cabinets, and “litter furniture” pieces are not designed for cats. They’re designed for us.
We humans think in terms of privacy. When we use the bathroom, we want doors, locks, maybe even a little peace and quiet.
Cats? Not so much.
Cats are far more concerned with safety than privacy.
When a cat uses the litter box, they’re in a vulnerable position. Their instincts are telling them:
Can I see what’s going on around me?
Is anything — or anyone — approaching?
If I need to run, can I get out quickly?
A covered box — or worse, a litter box inside a cabinet — takes all of that away.
Suddenly, their visibility is limited. Their escape route is restricted. And they’re essentially trapped in a small, enclosed space.
Imagine being in a bathroom with no windows, one tiny door, and no idea what’s happening outside. Not exactly relaxing, right?
Mikel explains this beautifully in the full episode — especially why “privacy” is a human idea, not necessarily a feline one.
And Then There’s the Smell
There’s another piece people don’t think about: odor buildup.
Even the most dedicated scooper — and my friend scoops twice a day! — can’t eliminate what happens when odors are trapped in an enclosed space.
From a cat’s perspective, that box can become less and less inviting.
And when a litter box isn’t inviting?
That’s when you start seeing “accidents” elsewhere in the house.
Which, of course, are not really accidents. They are a cat’s way of saying, “This bathroom situation is not working for me.”
Keep It Simple
Want to know what I recommend instead?
A large, open litter box.
Easy access.
Plenty of space.
Clean, scooped regularly.
And an unscented litter your cat actually likes using.
This is where Dr. Elsey’s litter fits so nicely into the conversation. They make a wide variety of litters for different cats and different households, but the important thing is that they’re unscented — because that’s what cats generally prefer. We may be drawn to “fresh linen” or “spring meadow,” but cats are not shopping for a candle. They want a clean, comfortable, predictable place to go.
And that matters. Because when cats like their litter box setup, they keep using it — and when they keep using it, they are much more likely to stay happily in their homes.
One of my favorite practical hacks? A basic under-bed storage bin. It’s inexpensive, roomy, and easy to replace when it gets worn. No doors. No lids. No obstacles. Just a generous, open space your cat can step into without feeling trapped.
The Good Intentions Trap
Here’s where I’ll give us all a little grace.
Sometimes we say yes to these ideas because we want to support someone who’s doing a good thing. We don’t want to be the voice of doom. Or we hope — just maybe — that this time it’ll work.
But cats are wonderfully consistent creatures. Their needs don’t change just because a product looks nice online.
The litter box is not something to hide, disguise, or decorate around. It’s one of the most important spaces in your cat’s life.
So go ahead: take the lid off.
Give your cat a clean, open box, an unscented litter, and an easy escape route.
Your cat will thank you — probably by continuing to use the litter box, which is really the best thank-you note any cat can write.
Want the full story — including my own moment of litter-box shame? Listen to the Cat Chat episode here.
p.s. My friend Rebecca repurposed the litter box cabinet into a place to keep all of Bowie's toys, food and his brush!