Cat Does Not Use Covered Litter?

Question

I have 2 cats that I adopted at different times using Craigslist pet category. The first cat came with an uncovered litterbox and did not make a mess when using it, beside the occasional pieces of litter from her feet. The second cat ( actually kitten ) came with a large covered litterbox (with swing door ). Over a few days, I got them to be good friends and share food/water/sleeping space/etc.
The second cat started using the first cats litter and made a mess as she kicks the litter way up in the air. So I removed the uncovered litter and taught them to share the covered litter.
However, the first cat will not enter the covered litter, I have to take the top off, which defeats the purpose. Any ideas on how to get her to use the litter while the top is on? Otherwise I will be vacumming up a pound of litter a day from the second cats littler throwing Olympic event.

Thanks!

Answer 1

if you cat has no where else to go they will use the covered litter box......it might be the swinging doors it does not like... I have 2 cats and one litter box, it is fine to do.....my cats don't make a mess they are older but still you should not have a problem with covered box......give the cat time to get use to the cover if he has never had one b4. and good luck

Answer 2

The litterbox rule is: # of cats + 1. So you need to have more boxes. Don't try to make the first cat use a covered box if she doesn't like it. You could be making a real problem for yourself if you insist on that. Many cats do not like covered boxes.

Answer 3

Cats can be very picky. Maybe you should put down a small carpet to catch what the 2nd cat trails out of the litter. I doubt the 1st cat will use the covered one if she wont do it now.

Answer 4

I'm sorry but I don't know what to tell you. I know what you mean though. My cat kicks litter way up in the air too. I hate him when he does that, but I simply clean it up. If you cannot stand it however, you may have to give your cat away to someone with more patience. Good luck.