Covered or Open Litter Tray? What Cats Actually Prefer

There is no single answer that suits every cat. Research comparing covered and open litter trays has found that most cats show no strong preference either way, and among the cats that do have a preference, some favour covered trays and some favour open ones. What matters far more to most cats is that the tray is clean, big enough, in a quiet spot and filled with a litter they like. So the right choice depends on your individual cat, your home and how often you can clean.

This guide walks through what the evidence says, the real pros and cons of covered and open trays, and how to choose for large cats, nervous cats, older cats and multi-cat homes.

Do cats prefer covered or open litter trays?

Short answer: as a group, no clear preference has been shown. Individually, some cats do care.

A 2013 study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (Grigg and colleagues) gave 28 cats access to both a covered and an uncovered tray, cleaned daily. Most cats used both without a strong preference. Eight cats did show a preference, split evenly: four for covered and four for open. The researchers concluded that blanket advice to always use uncovered trays is not well supported, and suggested offering cats a choice to find out what each individual prefers. They also noted that keeping trays clean appeared to matter a great deal, and that a minority of cats may avoid covered trays filled with scented litter.

A smaller French field study published in 2019 found that the indoor cats it observed used covered trays more than smaller open ones. That result is often quoted as “cats prefer covered trays”, but the open trays in that study were smaller, so tray size may explain part of the difference.

The honest summary: cats are individuals. Use the evidence to rule out myths, then watch your own cat.

Covered vs open litter trays at a glance

Why covered trays can help

• Less mess: the hood keeps scattered litter and high urine streams inside the tray.
• Some cats like the shelter, particularly in a busy house.
• Keeps dogs and small children out, especially top-entry designs.
• Looks tidier in a shared living space.

Why covered trays can cause problems

• Trapped smells: what smells contained to you can be strong inside the hood. Cats' noses are far more sensitive than ours.
• Out of sight, out of mind: it is easy to scoop less often when you cannot see the litter.
• Size: many hooded trays are too small for large cats to turn around and crouch without their head touching the lid.
• Ambush risk: in multi-cat homes, a cat inside a single-entry box cannot see who is waiting outside.
• Flap doors: some cats dislike pushing through a flap. Many owners take the flap off until the cat is used to the tray.

Odour and ventilation: what actually reduces smell?

Scooping does, far more than a lid. Battersea advises scooping deposits daily, and the 2013 study found daily cleaning kept most cats happy with either tray type. To keep odour down:

• Scoop at least once a day, more often in multi-cat homes.
• Wash the whole tray regularly with hot water and washing-up liquid. Battersea warns that strong disinfectants such as bleach can be unpleasant and even harmful to cats.
• Avoid heavily scented litters and deodorisers. Strong perfume can put some cats off, especially inside a hood.
• Replace carbon filters on hooded trays as directed.
• Keep litter depth around 3cm. International Cat Care notes research suggesting cats favour roughly this depth.

Choosing for different cats

Large cats

Size matters more than style. International Cat Care and Battersea both suggest a tray around one and a half times the length of your cat from nose to base of tail. Few standard hooded trays meet that for a big cat, so large breeds often do better with a large, high-sided open tray, or an extra-large covered tray with plenty of head room. Check internal dimensions, not just the outside measurements.

Nervous or shy cats

A nervous cat needs a quiet, safe-feeling spot most of all. Some feel more secure in a covered tray; others feel trapped. If your cat is anxious, place the tray where they can see the room's entrance, away from noisy appliances, and consider offering both types to see which they use.

Older cats and cats with arthritis

Look for a low entry. High sides, top-entry trays and tall step-ins can be hard on stiff joints. An open tray with one low side is often the kindest option.

Kittens

Start with a small, low tray they can climb into easily, then size up quickly as they grow.

Multiple cats

The widely used guideline, given by Battersea and Cats Protection among others, is one tray per cat plus one extra, spread around the home rather than lined up in one room. Open trays, or covered trays with two openings, reduce the chance of one cat cornering another.

Where should you put a litter tray?

• Somewhere quiet and private, away from doors, windows and busy walkways.
• Away from food, water and the cat's bed.
• Not next to washing machines, boilers or other noisy appliances.
• In multi-cat homes, in several different areas, not all together.
• Easy for you to reach, so cleaning actually happens.

Owner convenience: be honest with yourself

A covered tray is often chosen for the owner rather than the cat, and that is fine as long as the cat is happy with it. If you are out long hours and cannot scoop more than once a day, an open tray makes it obvious when cleaning is due. If litter scatter is your main problem, a high-sided open tray or a covered tray with a large interior may solve it without the downsides of a small hood.

Self-cleaning trays can save time, but Battersea advises caution because some cats are put off by them. If you try one, introduce it gradually alongside a familiar tray.

How to find out what your cat prefers

1. Place a covered tray and an open tray of similar size side by side, with the same unscented litter.
2. Scoop both daily.
3. After a week or two, see which one gets used more.
4. Keep the favourite and, if you need a second tray anyway, keep both.

Contact your vet if your cat suddenly starts going outside the tray, strains, or visits frequently with little result. These can be signs of a medical problem rather than a tray preference.

Examples from our range

Our litter trays collection includes both styles. Some examples:

• Large open-style tray: 60 x 40cm stainless steel semi-closed tray with a low entry.
• Covered with a filter flap: 51 x 37cm hooded tray with filter and removable flap.
• Larger hooded front-entry: 34 x 56cm hooded litter box.
• Two ways in and out: XL stainless steel tray with dual entry, helpful in multi-cat homes.

Frequently asked questions

Do cats like covered litter boxes?

Some do, some don't, and most don't seem to mind either way. Research found no overall preference, so watch your own cat or offer both.

Are covered litter trays better for smell?

They contain smell in the room, but odour can build up inside the hood. Daily scooping is what really controls smell.

Why won't my cat use a covered litter tray?

Common reasons are a tray that is too small, a flap door, scented litter, a dirty tray or feeling trapped. Try removing the flap, switching to unscented litter and scooping more often.

What size litter tray does a large cat need?

Aim for about one and a half times your cat's length from nose to base of tail, and check internal dimensions. Many large cats do better in a big open or high-sided tray.

How many litter trays do I need for two cats?

Three is the usual recommendation: one per cat plus one extra, placed in different areas.

Should I put a lid on my cat's existing tray?

Only if your cat is happy with it. Add a covered tray alongside the existing one first, rather than changing the only tray overnight.

Is a top-entry litter tray a good idea?

It can reduce scatter and keep dogs out, but it is not suitable for kittens, older cats or cats with stiff joints.

Written and checked by the Hackerprice® editorial team. Guidance draws on published research (Grigg et al., Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2013), International Cat Care, Battersea and Cats Protection. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Last updated: 8 October 2026.