Quick Answer
The hood on the Purobot Crystal Duo reduces litter scatter, contains odors, and gives shy cats privacy. It is optional and easy to remove if your cat prefers an open view.
Why the Hood Exists
The Purobot Crystal Duo ships with a removable hood that snaps over the top of the open litter basin. Its main jobs are three: contain airborne dust and odor, keep litter from flying out when your cat kicks, and provide a sense of enclosure for cats that prefer a hidden bathroom. The hood does not affect the self-cleaning cycle or the AI camera—those work with or without it.
Some cats, especially in multi-cat homes, feel more secure when they cannot be seen while eliminating. The hood addresses that without turning the unit into a fully enclosed box, so air still circulates freely.
Trade-Off: When the Hood Might Not Help
If your cat is large or has mobility issues, the hood reduces the entry height slightly. A tall cat may bump its head or feel cramped. In that case, running the unit without the hood is perfectly fine—the open-top design is one of the product's selling points.
The hood also adds a small step to cleaning: you must lift it off to access the waste drawer or wipe the basin. For owners who clean daily, that extra step can be annoying. The trade-off is worth it if odor containment matters more to you than convenience.
Diagnosis: Hood or No Hood?
- Symptom: Litter scattered outside the box or noticeable odor between cleaning cycles.
- Likely Cause: Your cat kicks litter when digging or covering waste, and airborne particles escape the open basin.
- Corrective Action: Install the hood by aligning the tabs on the back of the unit and pressing down until it clicks. It snaps on and off without tools. Test with the hood on for 3–5 days. If your cat hesitates to enter, remove the hood and try again later.
- Stop or Choose Another Option: If your cat refuses to use the box with the hood after multiple attempts, run the unit hoodless permanently. The self-cleaning and camera features work identically. Consider a fully enclosed litter box only if odor is still an issue without the hood.
Product Facts
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Purobot Crystal Duo with Hood: The Purobot Crystal Duo is the world's first automatic litter box with an AI-powered camera for urinary health monitoring, alerting you to potential FLUTD issues. The hood does not block the camera, so you get health alerts whether or not you use the cover.
Purobot Crystal Duo with Hood
