Stainless Steel Vs. Plastic Litter Boxes For Cats: The Best Option Depends On Your Situation

When your BFF is a cat, you can enjoy certain advantages compared to their canine counterpart. You don't have to make time to walk them, their purrs can have healing properties, and the chances of them pooping on your floor are slim. But of course, with this third benefit comes the litter box considerations. Most pet owners are aware of the various available styles, such as top-entry litter boxes and self-cleaning litter boxes, but what fewer know is that plastic isn't the only material option; litter boxes also come in stainless steel. Deciding which material is best for you depends on the number of cats you have and your personal preferences.

Just as with plastic, stainless steel litter boxes offer several convenient features and style options. These include enclosed top-entry top-entry litter boxes and open high-sided styles. Your feline might be fine with either material, but stainless steel may be recommended over plastic only in certain situations that may not apply to you. Regardless of which material you choose, both have pros and cons to consider.

Stainless steel litter boxes offer benefits that plastic ones don't. It's more durable, stronger, and easier to clean, and with its non-porous nature, litter and waste won't stick to the walls as easily as it does with plastic. The sturdy, non-porous walls can also withstand your cat's sharp claws without being scratched, unlike plastic. This lowers the chance of bacteria accumulation, making the box more hygienic. Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is that stainless steel doesn't absorb odors like plastic does.

These benefits can be especially advantageous in a setting with multiple cats. The hygiene advantage can also work in conditions where contagious cat illnesses might be common, such as a local animal shelter. Even if you don't work at an animal shelter, you may embrace these stainless steel pros if you share your home with three or more cats, especially if the cats go outside and are exposed to more potential pathogens.

Despite these boons, stainless steel has a couple of not-so-great attributes as well: the cost and the weight. While some options hover around $20, others cost $50 or more. You can find plastic litter boxes for as little as $5 in their most basic style. Steel is also heavier than plastic, which you may find inconvenient during purchase or if you'll be moving the box regularly.

When you assess the list of reasons to buy plastic over stainless steel, the list may be short, but you might consider a couple of those reasons important, like overall product availability. There are endless options with plastic litter boxes, including the aforementioned covered and top-entry ones. This means you'll likely find more plastic litter boxes than stainless steel overall, which you may find beneficial if you want a no-hassle shopping experience.

Another reason to choose plastic over steel is if you only have one or two indoor cats. The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that about 63% of cat parents keep their feline friends indoors. If you're part of that 63%, a plastic litter box should be sufficient for your needs. That is, as long as you scoop your litter box daily, and replace the litter and clean the entire box regularly.

A few of the disadvantages of plastic compared to steel, however, is that it can crack over time, which can contribute to the risk of odors. This adds to plastic's aforementioned cons, including its "scratchability," less-durable nature, and odor-absorbing and bacteria-trapping potential. The good news is, you can simply recycle the box and buy a new one as needed. Regardless of what you decide, your cat will appreciate having a comfortable place to go.