Expert: Tomay - 2/3/2005

Question
We have a rather large cat who has to duck to enter a covered litter pan and a smaller cat who easily fits into any litter pan but who pees over the edge of the uncovered litter pans and rather widely rakes the litter so it flies all over the place if we don't use a covered litter pan. We were willing to let our larger 18-pound cat squeeze into the covered pan until recent events (some out of the box peeing and pooping which may or may not be connected to the size of the litter pan) led our vet to inform us he suggests NEVER using a covered pan. Instead, he recommended we make or get an uncovered pan with extra high walls. Can you tell me where I can buy one of these or exactly how I can make one? And do you agree with his position (as covered pans are readily sold in every pet store I've seen)? Thanks for whatever info/insights you can provide!

Answer
Hello Evan,
There can be as many different opinions as there are vets (or groomers, for that matter!).  I have virtually always used covered boxes, and in the 30 years of cat parenting, have never encountered a problem with them.  I currently have a 17 pound cat as well as one who is around 11 or so, and they both use the covered box.  It's a corner unit that fits nicely in the corner of the room.  It came with a little  'door', but it was constantly getting knocked off, so I finally just left it off. Seems to work okay, while still keeping the box fairly 'aired' out.  There ARE very large litter boxes that have snap on 'higher walls' designed for this very purpose.  You may check with local pet shops to see if they carry these.  If you have a little time, you can go on line to petedge.com and check out what they have.  I purchase from them all the time, and am always pleased with the selection and service.  
Hopefully this will be helpful.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Tomay