I think it is a personal choice, I prefer not to use them, I mean you have to clean them anyway. I find since you can not use as much sand, the box becomes more of a mess quicker and if your cat does not pee right in the middle and it goes close to the front of the box, the urnine will seep under the box....

I haven't used one b/c the friends I have who have them aren't thrilled with them. The rake doesn't reach all the way to the bottom of the box, so it often cuts through a clump and leaves half of it in the bottom of the box. Gross.

Thanks for responding. It is a non-issue at this point.

DH has "solved" the problem. He wanted a bigger box and I
wanted one with a lid. He brought home a huge pan and a dog house to sit it in. I am horrified, but I would rather laugh than cry.

The thing is actually set up in the bathroom. I have to climb around it to get to the shower. When I tell you this is the biggest box I have ever seen, that is an understatement. It is an actual dog house (2 pc) for small dog meant for outside use.

DD is teasing that we should light it with Christmas lights and a tree.

The funniest thing was one of the cats was sitting on the roof of the house last night. I was thinking that could be my Christmas card. 14 days to go and still no card....