Spend AED 100 more for Free Shipping!
15% off code “FIRSTORDER15” 
Cat Litter Box Guide: Covered vs Self-Cleaning
Covered, self-cleaning or open tray? Our UAE cat litter box guide compares the types, sizes and prices — with placement tips for apartments and where to buy.
Which cat litter box is best?
The best cat litter box is the one your cat will actually use — which usually means big enough, easy to enter and kept clean. For most UAE homes, a large covered (hooded) box balances odour control with privacy. Confident owners who want the least daily effort lean towards a self-cleaning box, while shy cats and kittens often prefer a simple open tray. The main choices are:
- Open tray — simplest and cheapest, easy for kittens and seniors, but less odour containment
- Covered / hooded box — contains odour and stray litter, gives cats privacy; the popular all-rounder
- Top-entry box — reduces tracking and scatter, keeps litter out of sight
- Self-cleaning / automatic box — rakes waste for you, ideal for busy owners who want minimal scooping
Compare the full range in our cat litter box collection.
Types of litter box explained
Open trays are inexpensive, well ventilated and easy to clean — perfect for kittens learning to go, or multi-box setups. Covered boxes add a removable hood that traps smell and stops litter spraying onto the floor; look for one with a carbon filter. Top-entry boxes have a lid with a hole on top, which dramatically cuts tracking as litter falls off paws on the way out. Self-cleaning boxes use a sensor and rake to sweep clumps into a sealed compartment minutes after your cat leaves, so you empty a tray only every few days.
Covered vs self-cleaning: which should you choose?
This is the decision most owners agonise over. Covered boxes are affordable, reliable and quiet; self-cleaning boxes cost more but save daily scooping. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Covered / hooded | Self-cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Daily effort | Scoop once or twice a day | Near hands-free; empty every few days |
| Price | Low to moderate | High |
| Odour control | Good (better with a filter) | Very good — waste sealed quickly |
| Best for | Most cats and budgets | Busy owners, multi-cat, minimal scooping |
| Watch-outs | Needs regular scooping | Nervous cats may need time to adjust |
Choose a covered box if…
You want a proven, affordable option, have a cat that likes privacy, and don't mind a quick daily scoop.
Choose self-cleaning if…
You travel or work long hours, want the least daily maintenance, and your cat is confident around gentle motion and sound.
Size, placement and how many you need
A box should be at least one-and-a-half times your cat's body length so they can turn around comfortably — most cats prefer a bigger box than owners expect. Follow the one box per cat, plus one extra rule to prevent territorial issues.
- Place boxes somewhere quiet and easy to reach, away from food and water bowls.
- In apartments, a well-ventilated spot such as a bathroom or utility area helps with odour.
- Avoid noisy corners near washing machines, which can put cats off.
- Kittens and senior cats need low entry sides — an open or low-front tray works best.
The one-plus-one rule
Two cats need three boxes. Spreading boxes across different rooms reduces stress and litter-box avoidance in multi-cat homes.
How much do litter boxes cost in the UAE?
| Type | Typical price (AED) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Open tray | AED 25–80 | Kittens, seniors, extra boxes |
| Covered / hooded | AED 90–250 | Most homes, odour control |
| Top-entry | AED 120–280 | Reducing litter tracking |
| Self-cleaning | AED 400–1,500+ | Hands-free convenience |
Keeping the box clean and odour-free
Whatever box you pick, cleanliness is what keeps a cat using it. Scoop at least once a day, wash the box with mild unscented soap on a regular schedule, and replace the cat litter fully when you do. Pair the box with a good clumping or crystal litter and a litter mat to catch stray granules.
Stock up on the right clumping litter and litter accessories such as mats, scoops and deodorisers to make the routine effortless. Setting up for a kitten? Add a low tray from our litter box range and browse kitten food too.
Filters and mats help
A carbon filter in a covered box and a mat at the entrance are two low-cost upgrades that noticeably reduce smell and tracking in UAE apartments.
Where to buy a litter box in the UAE
The Pets Club carries open, covered, top-entry and self-cleaning litter boxes with free delivery across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and every Emirate. Shop cat litter boxes here and pair them with matching litter and accessories in one order.
Frequently asked questions
Are covered litter boxes bad for cats?
No — most cats are happy in a covered box as long as it is large enough and cleaned regularly. Some shy cats prefer an open tray, so if your cat hesitates to enter, try removing the hood to see if usage improves.
Are self-cleaning litter boxes worth it?
They are worth it if you value convenience and want minimal daily scooping, especially in multi-cat or busy households. They cost more upfront and take a short adjustment period, but many owners find the time saved is worth it.
How many litter boxes do I need?
Follow the one-per-cat-plus-one rule: one cat needs two boxes, two cats need three. Spreading them across rooms reduces stress and accidents in multi-cat homes.
Where should I put the litter box in an apartment?
Choose a quiet, well-ventilated spot that is easy for your cat to reach, away from food and water and away from noisy appliances. A bathroom or utility area often works well in UAE apartments.
🐱 Shop Cat Litter Boxes at The Pets Club
Open, covered, top-entry and self-cleaning boxes — with free UAE delivery.
Shop Litter Boxes