Open or Enclosed? 3 Key Points to Help You Choose the Litter Box Your Cat Will Love

Picking a litter box seems straightforward, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Open and enclosed designs each come with their own pros and cons, and the right choice really depends on your specific situation. Let’s walk through three easily overlooked factors—by the end, you’ll know exactly which type suits your feline friend.

First, consider space requirements. The biggest advantage of an open litter box is its small footprint, making it ideal for renters or homes with limited floor area. Cats can turn around and do their business without feeling cramped, and for kittens or smaller breeds, this open design helps keep stress levels low.

That said, open boxes have their downsides—litter gets kicked out everywhere. If you’re not keen on sweeping daily, placing a mat underneath can catch most of the scatter. Enclosed litter boxes come with a hood and a flap, so they take up more room; you’ll need at least a half-metre square of clear space. If you have the space, an enclosed model does a better job of containing litter spray, but avoid buying one that’s too low—larger cats may find it uncomfortably snug.

Second, look at odour control. Enclosed litter boxes do trap some smell thanks to the lid, but don’t assume you can slack off on cleaning. If you skip scooping for more than two days, the odour will still seep through the cover—and sometimes it’s even more pungent than with an open box.

Open boxes allow smells to disperse quickly, but with daily cleaning and a good deodorising litter, they can keep the air fresh just fine. One small detail to watch: if the entrance of an enclosed box has a one-way swing flap, some cats may get their paws caught, which can put them off using it altogether. In that case, it’s best to remove the flap or switch to a softer material.

Third, factor in your cat’s personality. Some cats are very private and feel more secure in an enclosed box, where they can do their business without being watched by other pets or people.

But for particularly timid cats, an enclosed space can actually heighten anxiety—especially for a newly adopted cat that might be too scared to step inside. In that scenario, start with an open box as a temporary solution, then gradually transition to an enclosed one once your cat settles in. There are also fastidious cats that refuse to use a dirty enclosed box; they’d rather hold it in than go in. For these picky ones, an open box is often the better bet.

When shopping, consider bringing your cat to the pet store to test a few samples and see which type catches its interest. If you’re ordering online, start with a basic model and adjust based on real-life use. For instance, if your cat keeps pacing around an enclosed box without going in, it might find the entrance too small or the ventilation poor—switching to a semi-enclosed or larger open box usually fixes the issue. Don’t blindly follow trendy influencer picks; some fancy designs look great but make scooping a chore.

A final reminder for cat parents: no matter which box you choose, cleanliness is what truly matters. Even the best litter box will become a source of protest if left uncleaned for three days. Do a full litter change weekly and scrub the box with pet-safe disinfectant monthly—these basics will keep the litter area from turning into a household hazard.

For multi-cat households, remember the "number of cats + 1" rule: two cats need at least three boxes. This prevents territorial disputes and inappropriate elimination.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with fellow cat lovers—we’d all love to hear your tips and experiences too.