I posted here a few months ago about getting my LG small combo. I was worried about my cat getting in if I left the door open between cycles and shedding in there. He hasn't.

I've been using it for several months. No mildew smells. I noticed another thread about lint removal and have bookmarked the link on how to fix it. Thanks for that! I wondered where the lint was going. I have three black cats and expected to get more than I have been. I do get lint around the door and sometimes sticking to my sheets. I recently thought of adding a microfiber cloth to the dry cycle to catch lint for me, but I haven't tested it yet.

I absolutely love my tiny laundry closet. In fact I decided against hanging a curtain or putting in a door. My 'hamper' is a tiny antique crib filled with several fabric bins at the foot of the bed. My closet is just to the left of the laundry, so putting things away is a breeze.

Notice, the cat doesn't get into the washer. He has taken the space at the top of the cupboard as his own instead. I though he might and put an old blanket up there for him.