Litter box choice is one of the few pet-product decisions where your cat's opinion matters more than yours — a box your cat won't reliably use isn't solving the problem, no matter how well it controls odor. Here's what actually differs between the common styles.
Why enclosed boxes have become popular
An enclosed, airtight design does a genuinely better job of containing both odor and litter scatter than an open pan, which is why they've become a common upgrade for households where the litter box is in a living space rather than a separate utility room. Our Enclosed Cat Litter Box - Odor Lock uses an airtight design with a scratch-resistant exterior and an easy-clean removable tray, aimed specifically at keeping smell from spreading into the room.
Entry point matters more than people expect
Some cats are hesitant about a single, narrow entrance, especially in a multi-cat household where one cat might block access to another. A dual-entry design gives cats a choice, which can reduce avoidance behavior. Our Elf Cat Litter Box - Dual Entry offers both top and front entry points in a fully enclosed, odor-controlled design, with an easy-clean drawer tray for daily maintenance.
Signs your cat doesn't like the current setup
- Hesitating at the entrance or going partway in and backing out
- Eliminating just outside the box rather than inside it
- Avoiding the box when another cat is nearby or has recently used it
If you're seeing these signs, it's worth trying a different entry style, a larger interior, or simply adding a second box in a different location before assuming it's a behavioral issue — access and comfort are often the real cause.
Multi-cat households: more boxes than cats
The commonly cited rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one extra, placed in different locations rather than side by side. This reduces the chance that one cat guards or blocks access to the box for another.
Maintenance still matters more than the box itself
Even the best-designed enclosed box needs regular scooping and periodic full cleaning — odor control features reduce smell between cleanings, they don't replace cleaning. An easy-clean removable tray, which both our litter boxes include, makes that regular maintenance faster.
Related: if you're also dealing with potty training a puppy or kitten, or managing incontinence, see our Dog & Cat Training Pads and Disposable Female Dog Diapers.