changing litter pan style

Question
Our 7 yr old RagDoll has always used an uncovered litter pan - we
use Fresh Step Crystals - non clumping - and the small amount of
dust that she kicks up is beginning to cause problems for me
(coughing, etc)... A friend suggests buying a covered pan, but I
wonder if she will use that... We once had a cat who refused to
climb in a covered pan, and just used the area around it for her
"business"... What do you think?
Thanks, Mary

Answer
Mary,

Most cats find the covered litter pans o.k. to use.  I suppose, every once in a while, there is a cat who will balk at the idea.  Most cats not only do not mind the covered litter pans, but feel somewhat more protected, instnctively, when they are doing their business.

One thing to keep in mind is to not make too many changes at once.  When you get your kitty the new covered litter pan, you may want to do it with a litter pan which has been used for a day or two.

A couple of other tips.  We use covered litter pans and use a rubbermaid dishpan inside the covered litter pan to hold the litter.  Our covered litter pans have lasted almost forever!  If you buy a somewhat larger size covered litter pan (Ragdolls are not small cats), your original litter pan may fit inside which would certainly make your kitty feel more at "home".

You might also investigate getting a diffferent type of litter which is more dust free.  A couple of different types are "World's Best Cat Litter", silica gel crystals, or pine wood pellets.  However, if you do change litters, you need to do it gradually, or your kitty might object and do their business elsewhere. An abrupt change in litter is a major reason otherwise good cats develop bad bathroom habits.

Best regards... Norm.