Cat Owners

kikilieb

Can't speak for all cat preferences (since I only have two and am obviously not one), but mine absolutely hated the hooded litter tray we initially bought, and spent large amounts of time trying to knock the top off. They seem to prefer to stand actually on the edge of the litter tray than right inside it (presumably to stop their little cat feet getting dirty), and obviously this isn't possible with a hooded litter tray.

Your cat(s) might be completely different though - see if it's well-received (if it's already litter trained and is used to a different type, possibly not very), and if not you can always switch to the regular kind. As long as you empty it regularly, there shouldn't be any problems (and if you don't have a "sociable" place to keep it - ours is in the garage to avoid any problems on this front - odour masking cat litter works quite well).

This^ My cats like to stand on the edge as well. Also, within six months to a year old they would have been way to tall for the hood anyway (my cats are very tall!)

Also, i found that i didn't like the way the hood trapped odors. Of course i don't want the odor throughout the house but with regular (daily) cleaning and a nice brand of litter, that hasn't really been a problem.

I recommend "Swheaties" litter (not sure if i spelled correctly) - It is very effective and supposedly friendly to the earth (you can even flush it down the toilet in small pieces)

I hope you get the kitty - they are a joy to have around the house

Sgriffin2382

I have two hooded ones, one for each cat, and they love it! The one they prefer the most is the dome shaped one. More room to move around in (I have fat cats). The best part is the stairs to get in and out. They catch the stray bits of litter on their feet. Enjoy your fur babies!!

Here is a link for it : http://www.amazon.com/Booda-Dome-Cleanstep-Cat-Titanium/dp/B0002DH8L4

jennifer52484

I have two cats.. at first I just had a stand alone kitty litter box. When we went to sell our home, I purchased a woven wood-like litter box cover. I think my cats like it. They get their privacy and most cats like to be in small places anyway. It also contains the smells more and mine looks more like a piece of furniture. I got mine at walmart for like $24 or something like that.

Rwtmo

If you don't have much room, one of these is useful



http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_litter_litter_boxes/hooded_litter_box/litter_boxes_without_filter/214086

You just put an ordinary tray inside.

EmCarroll1990

My cat had no issue with the hooded ones. We had to get one because with just the tray he'd shoot his litter and droppings across the floor.

JenW1973

I have used both with my cats. They didn't care either way. Currently we have a hooded one. I'm about to attempt to train them to the use the toilet, though.

flyingwrite

I tried the hooded litter box when my three were kittens. It lasted about a day. The Maine Coon pooped in my Zen Garden sand box. He would walk over to the litter box, stick his head inside and obviously decide I was trying to Napalm him, walk away and pee on my bed. With cats, just like beer, I've found open containers work best. :drinker:

Schraudt814

Mine has the hooded one and he seems to like it...

are you getting a cat or a kitten? If you get a young kitten, I found when I got mine that most litter trays are too big for them for the first few months. I ended up getting just a shallow tupperware container at Target and using that. After that, the transition from shallow tray to hooded litter box was no problem at all. It will take some time for you to learn your cat's preferences...but you can be sure if they do not like what you get they will let you know- quickly.

That's exciting though so good luck and have fun getting to know your kitty!

ajball90

Can't speak for all cat preferences (since I only have two and am obviously not one), but mine absolutely hated the hooded litter tray we initially bought, and spent large amounts of time trying to knock the top off. They seem to prefer to stand actually on the edge of the litter tray than right inside it (presumably to stop their little cat feet getting dirty), and obviously this isn't possible with a hooded litter tray.

Your cat(s) might be completely different though - see if it's well-received (if it's already litter trained and is used to a different type, possibly not very), and if not you can always switch to the regular kind. As long as you empty it regularly, there shouldn't be any problems (and if you don't have a "sociable" place to keep it - ours is in the garage to avoid any problems on this front - odour masking cat litter works quite well).

My cat does the same thing standing on the edge of the litter tray, so I personally wouldn't buy a hooded litter tray. Also, she was already litter trained when I got her, so I would feel mean changing to a hooded one, because it would be so different. But really its up to you, because both are good, just depends what the kitten is already used to when you get her.

asasser2002

I had a hooded litter box at one time.. more of a pain to clean it out.. it does contain the mess though. Now, I just use a good ole Sterilite storage container - only $6. It's about 12" tall I guess and it contains the mess without me having to fight with a lid everytime I need to scoop! Keeps the dogs out of it too. If you get a kitten they can adapt to pretty much anything... adult cats not so much. Please don't shop... ADOPT!

Schraudt814

Please don't shop... ADOPT!

THIS! Please

clh126

Not only do my cats use a hooded box which prevents them from flinging litter all over (yeah, I'm looking at you Snowball), but I got this nifty one that has a built in sort of filtering system that's really easy to use so I don't have to scoop, just tilt and empty the tray http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Paw-Self-Cleaning-Litter-Pewter/dp/B005E2S77C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1339073053&sr=8-3

jgondor

i have two litter boxes--one covered, one not--and even though my cats use both, they tend to use the uncovered box more often.

jojo52610

Yep I have the hooded one with no door both my kitties are fine with it I also have two dogs the hood keeps them out of the box too.
My male always kicks litter all over the place so the hood is better.

Both of my Kitties are rescued 1 is a Ferral Kitty and the other one I adopted is part BluePoint Siamese.

seal57

Please don't shop... ADOPT!

THIS! Please

This is what I'm plan to do.......

Been shopping and got a few things....One of our local cheapy shops has the hooded little trays on special for $15.00 but not sure how long this one would last...

Also looking at getting a pet carrier to bring him/her home and also for trips to the vet......Anyone have one of the foldable ones?..

I should mentioned that I live in Australia.....

JessieArt

I have a Clever Cat box. The hole is in the top. The cats jump up and climb in. No kitty litter on the floor. It rocks!

Lilip0p

We have a hooded one. I am owned by a Sphynx and they are known for their not some awesome poo! Litter itself is a must for me - always the Crystal litter.. it doesn't get all over the floor and stick to their feet like the other sandy stuff!

unsuspectingfish

Please don't shop... ADOPT!

THIS! Please

This is what I'm plan to do.......

Been shopping and got a few things....One of our local cheapy shops has the hooded little trays on special for $15.00 but not sure how long this one would last...

Also looking at getting a pet carrier to bring him/her home and also for trips to the vet......Anyone have one of the foldable ones?..

My brother had a foldable one and his cat destroyed it, but she destroyed EVERYTHING. If she didn't like you, you were screwed (luckily, she tolerated me).

xlolitabandita

Mine won't use it and end up making a bigger mess, so I stick with the open ones. Every cat is different, though...some cats like the privacy!

xlolitabandita

We have a hooded one. I am owned by a Sphynx and they are known for their not some awesome poo! Litter itself is a must for me - always the Crystal litter.. it doesn't get all over the floor and stick to their feet like the other sandy stuff!

I just wanted to say that it's awesome that you have a sphynx!

Mommy2Avaj

I have two cats and three litter boxes. All hooded. It didn't take them long to adjust to them. I got mine at the dollar store for like $15.

Jacwhite22

we have two hooded ones and they are great.....when we had one without the hood it stunk more and they kicked the litter out all over.

Front_Runner

My Bengal is fine with her hooded one. Thank goodness, too! She used to kick litter EVERYWHERE when I had a regular one. The hooded one saves me a ton of clean up!

Lilip0p

We have a hooded one. I am owned by a Sphynx and they are known for their not some awesome poo! Litter itself is a must for me - always the Crystal litter.. it doesn't get all over the floor and stick to their feet like the other sandy stuff!

I just wanted to say that it's awesome that you have a sphynx!

Thanks! She is a little touched in the head department and they are very UNcat like. Strange creatures... But we love her LOL

korsicash

Cats are wonderfully clean animals! I have three. They inherently like to bury their poo so put him in whatever type of litter box you get and move his front paws like he is digging. Do this a few times and he should have it down. I also kept mine confined for three days to the room in which his potty was and then reminded him about it for a while there after. Unless they are sick never had a problem there after. Since I have three I have both the open type of boxes and the hooded boxes. They all have their preferences of which they like more but if they have to go and the other is closer they will use it. Make sure you worry more about a decent diet then type of litter pan. Fancy feast, meow mix, dads and that stuff is crud and all the stuff you would never want them eating. Go to a petsmart or a petco and talk to the manager.

Malomar3

I'm in no rush to get my new family member as when I do I will be taking time off work so I can get him used to me and my budgies and is new home....

And while you are buying items for your new cat, be sure to pick up a good squirt bottle. Whenever he starts to go after the budgies, just squirt him. It sounds mean, but it really only takes one of two squirts and he will quickly learn to leave the birds alone. I have had cats, dogs, and birds all in the same household at the same time, without anyone getting hurt....it just takes a bit of training in the beginning.

seal57

If you don't have much room, one of these is useful



http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_litter_litter_boxes/hooded_litter_box/litter_boxes_without_filter/214086

You just put an ordinary tray inside.

Would love one of these but it's in the UK......It's always the way......There was on one amazon but they don't ship them us Aussies.....

seal57

I'm in no rush to get my new family member as when I do I will be taking time off work so I can get him used to me and my budgies and is new home....

And while you are buying items for your new cat, be sure to pick up a good squirt bottle. Whenever he starts to go after the budgies, just squirt him. It sounds mean, but it really only takes one of two squirts and he will quickly learn to leave the birds alone. I have had cats, dogs, and birds all in the same household at the same time, without anyone getting hurt....it just takes a bit of training in the beginning.

Thanks for the tip.....

Also, is it worth getting a special bed?...

Iron_Feline

My cats use the hooded litter tray - I think it's great.

I don't think you should get a special bed - they'll just ignore it in favour of the carboard box it came in :laugh:

Dark_Roast

The one that scoops the poo for you is the best one.