Covered or uncovered litter box: what a landmark study says about a cat's actual preference
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
Choosing between an open litter box and a covered one often divides owners, torn between worries about escaping odors and concern for the cat's comfort. A landmark study directly measured cat preference when faced with both options. Find all our habitat guidance in the cat bedding and habitat section.
Contents · 4 sections
What a landmark study shows
A study by Grigg, Pick and Nibblett, published in 2013 in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, offered a group of domestic cats an open box and a covered box, otherwise identical, measuring which one was preferentially used as well as the frequency of eliminating outside the box (see the study). Contrary to popular belief, the study found no statistically significant preference for either type of box in the group observed, nor any notable difference in litter-avoidance behaviours.
What this means in practice
- The choice between covered and open mostly comes down to human convenience (contained odours, less litter scatter) rather than a strong, generalized behavioural need in cats.
- Other factors weigh far more heavily according to the literature on the topic: box cleanliness, size, location and the number of boxes available influence use much more than the mere presence of a cover.
- An individual cat can still have its own preference, even if the study finds no general trend: watching its reaction remains the best guide.
How to choose despite this
Prioritizing a large enough, easily accessible box first, as our cat tree guide covers for vertical territory more broadly, matters more than the type of cover. For a cat already prone to litter avoidance, our article on environmental enrichment and idiopathic cystitis covers the other levers to adjust first.
Frequently asked questions
Does a covered box trap more odour inside?
Yes, a cover limits odour spreading through the room, which explains its popularity on the human side without matching a measured need in cats.
Should I test both types before choosing?
That's a reasonable option if a cat shows signs of avoidance, even though the study suggests the type of cover isn't the statistically decisive factor.
Does box size matter more than the cover?
Based on the available literature on the topic, size and cleanliness stand out as more consistent factors than the presence or absence of a cover. Find all our guides in the cat hub.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Litter scoop with stand and bag roll in the handle (€20.90) · the whole shop
For your cat, at Le Félin (same family, zero commission): Arbre à chat tissu peluche (from €93.99)
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Cats universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.
