Stainless Steel Litter Box: Pick the Best for Your Cat
Many cat owners have been using plastic litter boxes for years—possibly decades. It’s worked fine so far. What’s the point in messing with success? Every time they need a new litter box, they do what anybody else would—go get another $5 one. But what if we told you there actually was a better way forward? A litter box that doesn’t hold on to odors, is easier to clean, reduces the risk of virus transmission, and is better for the environment? Welcome to the world of stainless steel litter boxes. Let’s get started!
What is a Stainless Steel Litter Box? Why Get One?
A stainless steel litter box is just that: a litter box made out of stainless steel for your cat, ferret, hedgehog, chinchilla, or other mid-sized pet.
Stainless steel is an alloy, which is a combination of at least one metal and one other element. It almost always consists of iron, carbon, and chromium (at least 10.5 percent). The chromium (and occasionally other metals) give the alloy its corrosion-resistant properties.
Corrosion resistance is not the only benefit of a stainless steel litter box. Stainless steel also:
- Is much more durable than than other materials
- Doesn’t gather scratches or tiny nicks as easily as plastic
- Is relatively easy to clean
- Doesn’t retain smells
- Is more sustainable than plastic
- Doesn’t leach forever chemicals into your home
Top 5 Stainless Steel Litter Boxes: How We Chose
The stainless steel litter boxes we chose to present in this article checked several boxes:
- We felt each litter box was completely safe and functional for our felines.
- The brands and their websites were reputable and had fair return policies.
- Almost all products came with scoops and other equipment.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Less Litter Box + Floor Mat
Material | Certified Austenitic stainless steel, 100% platinum silicone |
Size | 19.75” x 10” x 11” |
Price | $378 |
The first stainless steel cat litter box we’ll explore is this sleek-looking product from Less Litter. The round shape better accommodates cats’ natural movements while they are eliminating their waste. The stainless steel used for this litter box is surgical-grade and polished to dampen noises.
Highlights
Including a rubber mat to catch stray litter and waste materials was a huge plus in our view; the mat also helps the box stay in place. We encountered no sharp edges when inspecting it.
Things to Consider
This litter box is best for medium and large cats. Because the walls are relatively high for comfort and protection, smaller felines might struggle to enter the contraption.
2. MeexPaws Medium Litter Box
Material | Stainless steel, plastic, PVC |
Size | 20.5” x 13.8” x 18” |
Price | $40 |
If you want a more affordable option for your pet’s litter box, consider this one from MeexPaws. You’ll get a three-sided splash guard along with a sturdy little metal scoop. The mat is also quite nice.
Highlights
If you’re finding that the splash guards are not high enough, MeexPaws sells a higher splash guard. The opening is also low enough for even smaller cats to climb over.
Things to Consider
This litter box has some plastic and PVC materials, which are not the friendliest on the environment. You’re still making an eco-friendly choice with the stainless steel litter box, but that might be something to weigh against other options.
3. Frisco Cat Litter Box
Material | Stainless steel |
Size | 23.4” x 15.5” x 6.1” |
Price | $60 |
Frisco’s stainless steel cat litter box you see here is a standard pan-style box with rubber applications on the bottom to prevent slipping and sliding. Chewy, everyone’s favorite online pet supplies retailer, sells this product.
Highlights
Creating a Chewy account can save you a good bit of money if you regularly buy pet products. Along with a number of first-time discounts, you get early access to deals and chances to give back to animal shelters across the country.
Things to Consider
The stainless steel pan is the only thing you get with this purchase—no mat or splash guards.
4. Suitfeel Enclosed Litter Box
Material | Stainless steel, styrene |
Size | 23.6” x 15.7” x 12 |
Price | $90 |
We included this large litter box to accommodate cats of all sizes. You’ve got the standard stainless steel pan with three sturdy sides to keep everything that SHOULD be in the litter box…in the litter box.
Highlights
The splash guard is sturdier than a lot of the other ones we tried out, which also means your cat might be less able to disrupt it or knock it down.
Things to Consider
If you want to save a few bucks on this item, get the plain gray colored splash guards instead of the green or pink ones.
5. Courpal Extra Large Litter Box
Material | Stainless steel, plastic |
Size | 16” x 16” x 24” |
Price | $100 |
Need a stainless steel litter box with a lid? We recommend no other one than this from Courpal. The lid has semi-enclosed and fully enclosed options, along with a space to put activated charcoal or other odor absorbers.
Highlights
We found this litter box to be one of the best for the money. We were impressed with the lid’s capabilities and the equipment we received alongside the pan.
Things to Consider
Shipping within the U.S. is free for all Courpal products. The 24-month warranty is another plus.
How to Choose One
Your priorities might not be the same as another pet owner’s, but you might want to consider the following when shopping for stainless steel litter boxes online:
- Materials: Stainless steel is an eco-friendly option for litter box pans, but splash guards and other accouterments might consist of plastic.
- Price: How much money do you want to commit on the front end?
- Size: If you need an extra large litter box, make sure there’s a place to put it!
Buying a stainless steel litter box is one way you can reduce your carbon footprint as a pet owner. That’s not the only benefit, though, as you’ll have an easier time cleaning the pan. Did we mention it cuts down on the smelliness?
We’re very glad we switched to stainless steel litter boxes for our pets, and we’re confident you’ll feel the same way.
Featured image via Chewy