Are covered litter boxes better for odor?

They contain odor better from your perspective, but only if you scoop daily and use a filter. Skipping cleanings lets ammonia build up inside, which can actually make a covered box smell worse and deter your cat.

Do cats prefer open or enclosed litter boxes?

It varies. Many cats like the privacy of a cover, but some feel trapped or dislike the trapped odor. If a cat avoids a covered box, try an open one, and always make sure the box is large enough.

The Best Enclosed and Covered Litter Boxes for Cats (2026)

4 min readReviewed by Dr. Jane Mitchell, DVM

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A covered box hides the mess and traps litter scatter. Here is how to pick one your cat will happily use, plus our favorites.

What to look for

Enclosed boxes contain odor and stray litter and give shy cats privacy, but size is critical. The interior should be at least one and a half times your cat's length so they can turn and dig without hitting walls. Look for a tall dome or high sides for cats that stand or spray, a wide doorway so large cats enter easily, and a top or front that lifts fully for scooping. Good ventilation and a removable carbon filter prevent the humid, ammonia-heavy air some hoods trap inside.

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Top picks

The [Enclosed Cat Litter Box](/products/enclosed-cat-litter-box) contains scatter and odor while giving your cat a private space, and its lid lifts off for easy scooping. Pair it with a clumping litter that seals odor, such as [Fresh Step Odor Shield Clumping Cat Litter](/products/fresh-step-odor-shield-clumping-cat-litter), so the enclosed air stays fresher between cleanings. Place a [Gorilla Grip Extra Large Cat Litter Mat](/products/gorilla-grip-extra-large-cat-litter-mat) at the doorway to catch the granules that cling to paws on the way out and keep the surrounding floor clean.

How to choose for your home

Large breeds and multi-cat homes need the biggest interior you can fit, since a cramped hood makes cats avoid the box or eliminate over the edge. If a cat has stopped using a covered box, the cover itself may be the problem, so try an open one to compare. Homes with dogs benefit from top-entry or high-doored designs that keep dogs out of the litter. Tight bathrooms favor a corner or front-entry shape over a bulky top-lift dome.

Cleaning and odor tips

Scoop at least once daily, because enclosed boxes trap odor that concentrates fast in the covered space if you skip a day. Replace the carbon filter on schedule and wash the whole hood monthly, since urine builds up on the walls where you cannot see it. Do not overfill; two to three inches of litter is plenty. Leave the lid off for a few minutes after cleaning to air it out, and always dry it fully before adding fresh litter.

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Frequently asked

Are covered litter boxes better for odor?: They contain odor better from your perspective, but only if you scoop daily and use a filter. Skipping cleanings lets ammonia build up inside, which can actually make a covered box smell worse and deter your cat.
Do cats prefer open or enclosed litter boxes?: It varies. Many cats like the privacy of a cover, but some feel trapped or dislike the trapped odor. If a cat avoids a covered box, try an open one, and always make sure the box is large enough.