Automatic Litterbox Central

Have been reading with interest everyone's opinions on automated litter box brands, types, etc. and wondered if anyone else has the same problem I have?

I have two cats -- one 9 years old (female); one 3 years old (male).

Currently, I have 1 Litter Robot the male cat absolutely ADORES. I have never seen him use the litter box soooooo often as he does now. At first, he would even stop the cleaning cycle by leaning on the tray/step in order to "watch" what was happening . . . but I think he's well over that now.

My real issue is the female cat. While Minnie was properly exposed to the new, unplugged, empty and then filled with clean litter Litter Robot, she will NOT . . . I repeat NOT even go near it, let alone inside of it. I believe it has to do with her not liking her head being covered . . . as silly as that sounds. Heck, maybe if there was a light in the darn LR, she might go in -- who knows! Rather than torture her and myself, I have resigned myself to the fact that Sebastian gets the Litter Robot all to himself and Minnie has a plain, old, regular open style litter box and now, I ONLY have to scoop 1 box instead of two.

IF I could find an automated litter box without a hood that was RELIABLE -- had Litter Maid's before -- not going to happen again. I've taken a look at that circular one (Petsafe brand) but it barely looks big enough for a cat to position itself in it let alone dig and then aim to do her business. Not liking the expense involved with the automated litter boxes that use "disposable" consumables . . . trays, crystals, etc.

I tried letting the old style litter box get dirty, dirty, dirty -- thinking maybe Minnie would give up and use the Litter Robot -- but no . . . that wasn't going to happen. Figured I better give in before she found another place to go (no! no! no!).

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Barbara

Are you using the same litters in both the LR and the open box?

Yes, I am using the exact same litter in both the LR and the regular litter box.