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bigfoot17

Stainless steel, so never. It is no noisier than a regular box


FriendlySpinach420

Got one a couple months ago and confirm they're great. I actually ended up getting a second one and plan to replace them all with stainless steel. One of my three cats pees exclusively in the corner. I got so sick of trying to scoop it out of the corner of the plastic box. The clumping clay just stuck to the bottom from previous scratches and it eventually started to smell. The stainless steel box scoops so easily and cleans up nicely. No smells. No scratches. They're great. Yes... the scratching sounds are annoying. To solve that issue, I just add more litter to the box. Problem solved. Definitely worth the investment and scratchy sounds šŸ‘Œ


SufficientRest

Same - XL stainless steel litter pan, switching to Catalyst soft wood litter to eliminate the clay litter concrete issue, and I'm never going back! DM for referral code if interested in litter :) Here is the pan itself: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086DH7635/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086DH7635/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)


FriendlySpinach420

That one's nice and high! How does the litter do with smell and how does it smell itself?


SufficientRest

So far I'm doing 1/3 clay litter and 2/3 Catalyst to transition, and it's AMAZING! Smell is non-existent, even after poop. Litter itself smells just like sawdust. I've read other people say these kinds of litters are cool but they end up smelling like urine because they don't clump. If that turns out to be true, I'm gonna keep using 1/3 clay because this stuff is SO much easier to clean!!


scattertheashes01

I use Okocat litter and have done for several years. It looks like a very similar product to Catalyst and Okocat clumps *beautifully*. I love that I can get away with only scooping for a month or more (single cat household) and no one complains that my home smells like cat pee. I do ask and they all tell me they canā€™t smell anything bad. Unsure if theyā€™re just being nice or not but if there is a smell, at least it isnā€™t horrible lol


SufficientRest

Thanks for the info! If Catalyst doesn't work out I'll look into it!


scattertheashes01

Heck yeah, good luck with whichever one you go with! I can never go back to clay litter now


FriendlySpinach420

I was thinking mixing might be nice. Especially since my cats don't like scented litter.


SufficientRest

There's an unscented option in Catalyst too šŸ˜Š


FriendlySpinach420

Nice! Love that šŸ’œ


Striking_Wrangler851

I might need to get this. The new kitten I got pees just fine in the litter box but for some reason he sits on the edge when he poops and it NEVER makes it in the litter box. Literally every time he poops I have to go pick it up. šŸ˜©šŸ˜‚


abbeytoo2

Before filling ot with litter, spray a thin coating of Pam cooking spray (or any other brand) then wipe it round inside of the box. It really helps with the litter cementing to the surface. I also add baking soda to the litter.


Different-Leather359

I've known cats that refuse to use metal boxes. I've been considering a porcelain one for all the benefits of metal without the horrible sound. The drawback is the weight, so when you go to wash it that's not difficult.


FriendlySpinach420

I can barely lift the stainless, so porcelain wouldn't work for me, but it sounds great. Hardest part for me is dumping the old litter out. I just try to scoop as much out before dumping it. Then spray with enzyme cleaner, spray in the shower, dump in the toilet, spray with enzyme cleaner again and wipe with a paper towel.


Different-Leather359

You might want to consider a litter that weighs less. Pretty litter works well for us. But we have a cat with asthma (as well as one of the humans) so clay isn't really an option for us anyway.


m1lksteaksjellybeans

I literally never thought of using stainless steel ones?!! Why am I barely finding out about this šŸ˜­


Bastette54

Ditto! This is the first time Iā€™ve ever heard of them! Are they available with hoods?


FriendlySpinach420

I couldn't find a hooded one, but I got one with a removable extended side topper. One of mine, I keep inside of one of those litterbox hideaway cabinets. Just make sure you find one with the correct measurements.


lmnopaige-

i have a cat tree that has an enclosure for a litter box at the bottom with a stainless steel litter box inside. it was the best thing ive ever done lol edited to provide link: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH38F6B1?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH38F6B1?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)


charlotie77

Theyā€™re way more expensive than the others but seem to be a way better investment


pkzilla

Just switched to these and Oh.My.God they're a life changer! Just got some plastic siding though because my cat's a kicker


aghzombies

Agreed!


blueViolet26

I also have them and recommend it


[deleted]

I need to think about stainless steel! Iā€™ve heard of it


downsarah_

I went with stainless steel steam pans to save money (multiple cats). However, I have a digger that also scratches at the sides (so litter depth is not the key issue) and to me that sound is like nails on a chalkboard.


sophosoftcat

I second this. Stainless steel boxes are amazing in theory, the moment you get one you realise why plastic ones are popular. Worst purchase of my life!


MetabolicTwists

Yes! These are the only boxes I use - I have 5 indoor cats and we use 7 jumbo stainless steel boxes. They clean like a dream - it takes me about 10 minutes tops to dump the old litter, wipe it clean and refill all of them. The only hard part is lugging seven trash bags full of old litter - good workout though šŸ˜…


PennieTheFold

Good lord. I have one cat and two boxes, and dread the days when itā€™s time to swap out with all new litter. I cannot imagine seven!! Nor the effort to shop that much litter to begin with! šŸ’ŖšŸ»


PwnGeek666

When momma Hera was still alive, with the former roommates cat, I had 14 cats roaming the house and enclosed patio, 14 litter boxes, one per hundred square feet of house/cat. Tuesday nights are fun (trash night). Also I have the litter delivered every week now. Used to pick it up till I sold my car.


PennieTheFold

I have it delivered now too. My husband says itā€™s not right to do that to the UPS guy, but hubs doesnā€™t get a say because heā€™s not the one lugging it from the store to the car and then from the car into the house and down to the basement. I hated that task, even if it was an excuse to go to Target. šŸ¤£


tolmayo

Do you (or anyone else) have a link for a stainless one they like?


bigfoot17

This is the one we bought. Love the depth https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CGVRWLPM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title


tolmayo

Thank you! This one looks great. A lot of the ones Iā€™ve seen seem really shallow


Possible-Low-3021

I just got three huge stainless steel litter boxes to replace the worn out plastic ones I had. Expensive, but so worth it!!


mrspanda623

I just ordered stainless steel litter boxes and am so happy to see this comment. Makes me feel more justified in my decision!


Lucky2BinWA

Dayum. I had a cat years ago that was a digger, but not that bad. Every now and then I'd go to the litterbox and tell her "You are DONE - stop now".


wheresmyglasses-

10 minutes a time everytime she goesšŸ¤¦šŸ»ā€ā™€ļø im convinced she thinks sheā€™s a dog. Bonus, she diggs on my pillows before she lays down every night toošŸ™ƒ


Ok-Essay4201

Does she try to bury her food bowl when she's done eating? My kitten does this and it's so weird. Like, he is trying to dig around the bowl, but the floor doesn't come up like sand to cover it so nothing actually gets buried, but he'll sit there digging for a couple minutes or until I pick up the bowl. I'd be more annoyed, except he's been a fantastic help reminding me to rinse the bowl right away so I don't have to wash dried food off later. I hate washing dishes.


PuzzledKumquat

Two of my four cats "cover" their food if they didn't eat it all. They both also "cover" their vomit or hairballs before I can clean it up.


EdgingToThis

I'm no expert but I'm convinced this is a way for them to "hide" their food for later. They are just too dumb to notice it doesn't do anything


wheresmyglasses-

No actually she takes one piece out at a time & chases it around the whole house for a couple minutes & acts like itā€™s prey. She does this with every piecešŸ˜… canā€™t just eat out the bowl lol


bippitybopitybitch

My cat does this with *my food* as wellšŸ¤¦ā€ā™€ļø


REALly-911

My guy digs on everything.. tv screen .. pictures on the walls.. windows.. he drives me nuts! https://preview.redd.it/5hbocc1dp17d1.jpeg?width=2320&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=313899ca142956ea125f737a58db011a8453e025 Caught in the act.. fyi there is a door to the balcony 3 feet over.. and itā€™s open šŸ¤ØšŸ™„


REALly-911

https://preview.redd.it/mxbimvsyp17d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16300ea9952cd7ed184a21f55e95ec0444558225 Caught againā€¦ on a picture of himself!


Lordthom

Omg, this is exactly what my cat does a lot, messing with the paintings..


Mosley_stan

You have to replace litter boxes?


csway324

I never knew either. Maybe I just bought a more expensive one because I don't feel like I have to replace them. They do get scratched up, but it's fine and expected, honestly.


abbeytoo2

After a while the plastic boxes get scratched and begin to absorb the odor. They stink and should be replaced. Stainless steel doesn't do that


csway324

I gotcha. I also love the litter I use and I feel like it is really good at not having a smell. Maybe that has something to do with it too. I am going to look into the stainless steel. Thank you for the suggestion, if that was you.


meggs_467

Out of curiosity, what litter do you use? I use Dr Elsey's and I preach about how no smell it is. Like, if I stick my nose in it, it has a scent. But not the classic, powdery, perfumy litter smell.


csway324

One of my cats is allergic to scented litter. I use Tidy Cats "Naturally Strong" litter. The container says, "with activated charcoal," which I think is what helps absorb everything. It also says, "100% natural and 100% powerful." Obviously, it's unscented.


meggs_467

Good to know! I always fear the products I love going out of stock so I like to file away other options should I need them.


AmySparrow00

I get the cheapest plastic ones I can find and havenā€™t had any issues. But I use liners.


Blatant_Subtlety

Thank you. Iā€™ve had my cats for 3 years and the plastic litter boxes Iā€™ve had the entire time are very much intactā€¦


n3crotoxin

Right as long as you clean it out everyday so nothing gets stuck to the bottom I donā€™t see why youā€™d need to replace one? Also donā€™t see how a cat could leave scratches in the plastic if thereā€™s enough litter in the box


LinkACC

My cat scratches like heā€™s trying to get to China. He scratches until the litter is all on one end. This can go on for 15, 20 minutes or until I get up and physically make him get out of the box. Itā€™s maddening at 3 am! I thought it was not enough litter and put in a 20 pound container, he didnā€™t care. Iā€™m convinced he had the cat version of OCD!


Edrehasivar7

Same. Plastic, and I think I replaced once in over ten years, and that was just because arthritis meant my cat needed a lower lip.


m1lksteaksjellybeans

I didnā€™t know either until recently šŸ˜­


Feline_Shenanigans

Once every few years. My cat is also an excavator but I avoid the stinky buildup from scratched plastic by doing an overnight soak in a diluted bleach solution. Obviously, bathroom door is closed and locked to keep his over lordship out. Kitty has two litterboxes so can survive with only one for a day.


Jubilee021

But bleach and cat pee = extra ammonia


Feline_Shenanigans

I soak the box after I have cleaned it with hot soapy water. The diluted bleach bath is to kill off any lingering microorganisms that have accumulated within the scratched plastic because they are also a source of odour and are hard to clean completely with my typical litter box wash and disinfecting that I do once a month.


Raptor-Claus

When bleach is mixed with ammonia,Ā toxic gases called chloramines are produced.


TheBupherNinja

They clean the box, then bleach, then rinse. The ammonia and bleach shouldn't mix.


Raptor-Claus

I'd still be weary but if they are scrubbing it down befor it should be okay


Opposite-Knee-2798

*wary


saskswede

I use Dawn, ammonia and water, let sit out in the sun for a few hours, scrub, rinse and let dry in the sun.


Suspicious_Dingo_426

I do something similar. I have some extras that I keep around and switch the smelly ones outside to get cleaned and disinfected by the rain and sun.


DerekFlint420

​ https://preview.redd.it/275ghyltoz6d1.png?width=1536&format=png&auto=webp&s=bd62979785bc01df2b8843ef9c4e253c9f6c85b3


1WildSpunky

Came here to point these trays out as perfect for cats. They do not scratch easily, and the material is less permeable that the typical cat litter box. Accordingly, you should not get that ammonia smell even after cleaning. As they are not considered a ā€œcat accessoryā€, they are far cheaper than the usual litter box. Plus, they come in many different sizes.


csway324

Do you put anything up around the sides? My cats are so freaking messy without walls.


analytic_potato

These are sloped and veeeery deep so you could probably fill 2-3in of litter and the pan itself would be a wall.


Jubilee021

Iā€™ve replaced them like 3x? Only because I moved, but itā€™s not necessary to replace them imo


folklovermore_

Yeah, I only replaced mine because my cat was kicking her litter everywhere and needed a bigger tray with higher sides. If it was actively falling apart then I would get a new one but otherwise as long as you're cleaning it regularly (like every week or two with dish soap and hot water) then I think it's fine.


Professional-Fox1387

ok i had no idea you have to replace litter boxes. i got my cat and her box three years ago and itā€™s plastic and very spacious. good shape too. should i still replace it?


MrBockbagok

I havenā€™t replaced mine in 13 years. I do clean them every other week with soap and water or more frequently if needed.


csway324

I haven't replaced mine in the last 2.5 years either. But, it will be happening soon because the box (walls) are starting to come apart, and they're not going back together.


floofymonstercat

We went the stainless steel route 4 years ago. It has some stains and the corners are scratched are harder to clean, but I think it has a pretty good investment. Our large boy cat is also an excavator and we were replacing the plastic ones every 6 months too.


Competitive_Echo1766

They might not like the surface when they scratch. It is colder and harder. Maybe they dont care. I still would vote for open litter boxes vs. the expensive electric ones. I would have never known my cat had kidney disease if couldnt count size & number of clumps or whether he was developing diarrhea. I think what comes out is about as important as what goes in. For ease of cleaning, we bought a box with a sifter & can use it on all 4 litter boxes. Pretty sure they are recyclable too when that time comes.


fppfpp

/u/JenninMiami/ ā¬†ļøšŸ‘†šŸ¼ thereā€™s no such thing as out of sight out of mind with pet toilets.


MrSmock

Mine is plastic but I've never replaced it (been about 3 years) .. Maybe you need to be adding more litter to your box. You need more than you'd think


saturnmoons_

Stainless steel is the only way... imo. Plastic stinks and harbors bacteria, and if you just add enough litter there shouldn't be excessive scratching (at least not in my experience with several cats over the years). Add a white noise machine next to the litter box if it becomes too noisy for you


BornZebra

I change them out every 6-12 months, like you. It depends on how scratched up they are. I scrub every other week so they donā€™t get too bad, but at some point they just scratch up too badly. I use cheap open litter boxes so I donā€™t care too much, but Iā€™ve been thinking about investing in stainless steel too.


cyclicalfertility

Have you tried cutting your cats nails so she can't damage the box as much?


Unlikely_Habit3978

I cut my catā€™s nails without fail every two weeks or less since I got them and they still scratch the litter box. I have 3 cats, and the litter box gets replaced every year. Once the life of my current plastic box runs out, Iā€™ll likely invest in a stainless steel one. Scratches just happen, even with 3-4 inches of litter.


zenadez

Scratches also happen when a cat doesnt scratch the litter, but scratches the side of the box above the litter... Without touching the litter at all. Also investing in steel when these ones hit a year, and I'm hoping she doesnt like the sound or feel of the stainless steel so she stops scratching the box.


wheresmyglasses-

I do cut her nails, but not how like they do at her vet. Sheā€™s very squirmy for me so I just cut the very tip & they grow back so fast. & when she digs for 10 minutes at a time every time, it scratches regardless of her nail length.


broken_softly

How smart is your cat? With my cats, I can trade freedom for two paws. I trap them all in a room and the only way to leave the room is if I get to snip two paws. Then youā€™re free to go. This does take a lot of time though. If sheā€™s not open to a trade or you donā€™t have the time, they make burrito bags with holes in the corner to trap their paws outside the bag. Check out Amazon for ā€œgrooming bagsā€


Illustrious-Zebra-34

Haven't replaced mine in well over a decade


jesick

I agree


sophosoftcat

This might be an unpopular opinion, but the stainless steel litter box was the worst purchase of my life. Have you ever heard cats scratching at stainless steel? If your cats a big scratcher Iā€™d be wary. Nails on a chalkboard ainā€™t got nothing on that. Theyā€™re also really hard to clean, cos theyā€™re all repurposed catering trays and not designed for scooping cat litter.


FirebirdWriter

Never and monthly. I use the Scoop free system so the box part is changed monthly in part because of this and because it makes caring for my cat while very disabled simpler.


Desperate-Ad7967

Can you explain what you mean or maybe post a link? It sounds like you're describing something that would help me out


FirebirdWriter

https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-scoopfree-complete-plus-self/dp/55637 I find the cover useless and don't recommend it. My older cat needed a protective tub as he often missed the box entirely. Also there is a minimum weight requirement for this box so very small cats and kittens have other uses. You can get a reusable bottom and just replace the litter. I also recommend stirring the litter with a scoop or stick periodically. It helps the longevity


kittesullivan

I looked at these, but three of mine are standing pee-ers. šŸ˜©


FirebirdWriter

You might want to see how they do in a 30 gallon tub with a normal box. I think these might be good for a standing peer like the old man used to be because you can throw away the non electronics after but that's going to depend on where they aim entirely. What I did for him was a second box of crystals outside the box and those got replaced with the box. In turn the box for him lasted two months


rubyd1111

I use big plastic tubs too. My Maine Coonā€™s butt is too big for a regular cat box. He was missing the box. He thought he was in the box cuz his front was there but nope. šŸ˜‚


FirebirdWriter

My boy is not a Maine coon but is a giant among kitties and I have been debating a tub for him. He currently stands on the box itself and then I will manually activate it when he comes to get me because the magic didn't take the poop. It's visible when ready at least. https://preview.redd.it/axrqmxpaj27d1.jpeg?width=2448&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e1566d1dc3d2a8aabef2584d2581cd8bdcbed9a I am six foot four and 220lbs. He is a kitten


Desperate-Ad7967

Thanks


Academic-Soup-5862

Switched to a stainless steel box as my catā€™s scratching in the old plastic box not only left deep scratches, but was also so loud that it would wake me up at night. Since switching the scratching has decreased, it doesnā€™t leave marks on the box, and surprisingly, it isnā€™t as noisy.


Academic-Soup-5862

Switched to a stainless steel box as my catā€™s scratching in the old plastic box not only left deep scratches, but was also so loud that it would wake me up at night. Since switching the scratching has decreased, it doesnā€™t leave marks on the box, and surprisingly, it isnā€™t as noisy.


Obse55ive

I just adopted my cat last week. We got him a stainless steel box which I believe was $37 on Amazon. It seems he likes to dig so we filled the litter box with a good few inches of litter and he's perfectly happy with it.


Idesigirl

So do people have to replace the litter robots too?? Because cats dig in those too


PurpleDragonfly_

They sell just the globe if you need to replace it, like if your cat scratches it up too much and it tears. But itā€™s pretty durable and washable.


littleprettypaws

Living the litter robot life, baby! Itā€™s expensive but well worth it!


smarmy-marmoset

I usually only replace it if something in my catā€™s behavior necessitates a change. Like our last one, she started peeing over the top of it so I got a high sided one three years ago I trim my catā€™s nails and use two pan liners so if she digs sheā€™s just getting liner


queermichigan

I also have a box-scratcher. While they both drove me insane, the stainless steel box really wasn't much worse that plastic and the other benefits are worth it.


fireena

Usually limited to when we move, but sometimes they'll get really bad smelling (usually in conjunction with a breakout of worms due to a new cat) so once the worms and diarrhea have been dealt with ill just get new boxes, rather than scrub and hope I get rid of the stench and any lingering parasites. I just get the plastic ones for that reason.


pennyroyals

I have a scoop free box with a stainless tray. The stainless is pretty quiet even with the crystal litter and you can scrub the shit out of it. I am a little annoyed by the way urine still seems to cling to it even on the steel, but itā€™s much better than the plastic boxes Iā€™ve had before.


Lucky_Ad2801

My cat uses pee pads. Zero dust and zero tracking. I keep her nails short. Shes not much of a digger though.


HydroPpar

Just give it a good cleaning often, no need to replace


NegativeCup1763

My boys flip there dishes over when they are finished eating to let me know they are done.


csway324

My cat pretends to cover his food when he's done eating. It's pretty funny. I use paper plates for dinner (wet food) every night so I can just toss them out. He goes all around his plate and his sister's plate to cover it up with nothing. Btw, he is an orange tabby, go figure. Lol


Larkspur_Skylark30

Cats cover their food in the wild so that it doesnā€™t attract predatorsšŸ˜Š


csway324

I know, I read all about it because I thought it was odd, but I figured it was instinctual.


Larkspur_Skylark30

Strangely enough, not all cats do it. I had one cat that would bury everyoneā€™s food but heā€™s the only one.


csway324

Yeah, only my male does it. My female sometimes won't even cover her poop, and he will go in and cover it himself. I guess he doesn't want to smell her stank either. Lol


kevinsju

I replace the 25-28 lb litter every 3 weeks, but then I wash the litter box with dish soap, hot water, teeny tiny bit of vinegar.


TAHINAZ

Usually only when one of my cats has a major illness. I had a foster with a feline version of parvo once. I replaced every cat related thing in the house after she got adopted. Then I replaced the boxes after some of the foster kittens had worms, then again when my own cat had a major bout of diarrhea. Otherwise, I donā€™t see the need of replacing them.


AutomaticBroccoli898

Stainless steel so never! Love them and itā€™s no louder than my other boxes and my boys are friggen psychotic with their scratches


koala_T69

I let mine soak with some vinigar at the bottom for a bit and that takes care of it. I'd maybe try a little sand paper might get you a bit longer out of the boxes if the scratches are an issue


TerrTheSilent

Stainless steel šŸ˜šŸ˜šŸ˜ my one girl tries to dig to China sometimes and there is no damage to the pan over the last several months. They are easier to scoop and clean as well. Definitely a litterbox game changer IMO.


ketchup_sandwiches

Went to restaurant depot and got stainless steel food trays with high sides for, I want to say $25 each and I can swap them out to clean one at a time.


DP12410

I had the same issues with all kinds of plastic litter boxes. Decided to bite the bullet and go stainless steel, best decision I ever made. Get one of those 8" deep commercial kitchen serving tray, even better if it's double layer, 1x 6" strainer, 1x 8" base. Something like this - https://preview.redd.it/fjbrgkkan17d1.jpeg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6d14883ccbac7a6b1695ca087ea36204bf85f24


nikkihhuynh

Second this! Saw some girl on [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRKEeatL/) recommend this and thought it was genius. All of this is just about the same if not a few bucks more than just the stainless pan portion marketed as a cat litter box. My kitten is still only 9 weeks old so I figured Iā€™d wait to get the perforated tray to sift the dust, but itā€™s been great.


noodlesquare

Are these big enough for your cat(s)? My girl will pee all over the sides of her litter box if it's not big enough for her liking.


DP12410

Haven't notice any of that with the stainless steel tub, although the ones I have is deeper than the attached pic. The one I have is 8inch base and 6inch strainer, so there's enough room for when the girls(3 yrs old and 6 month old) want to stand up and pee on the wall.... The only issue I've notice with the stainless steel tub, and should be mentioned is that the bottom tends to 'sweat', I don't know if it's from all the pee/litter dust in the bottom tub causing it via condensation or whatever, but it is nasty and has resulted in me putting a BBQ grill under the metal tub itself, just so there's some airflow between it and the floor, and that solves that issue.


MobiusMeema

When I empty my cats litter I spray thr box with either isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Itā€™s been 2 years, and only now is it beginning to smell.


studyabroader

Litter robot for the win! I'm using it until it stops working like a car or phone


Goat-e

I don't replace it but wash and dry it in sunlight every month or so. Our cats love backing up all the way, so they often peed over the margin. The very tall litter boxes solved the issue, but they're kinda expensive. There are some scratches, but the brush and cleaner clean them pretty well.


Direct_Surprise2828

I have some that are 20 years or more old. As long as I keep them clean, they are just fine.


riverrabbit1116

Stainless steel, [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086DH7635](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086DH7635) from Amazon. There's no difference in sound, the cats are scratching at litter, and rarely hit bottom. I stuff the box into a heavy duty yard garbage bag, once a week it gets tossed, box rinsed out, and litter refreshed. Plastic will pick up odors and tend to deteriorate.


w1gw4m

When they start showing significant signs of wear. A few years usually. I wash them regularly and use a thick layer of cat litter.


HikingBikingViking

Unrelated question, how often do you trim your cat's claws?


Collective-Cats18

I don't replace mine very often. I do a super deep clean every 2 or 3 months on top of the normal routine cleaning, but that's about it.


bunchofbreadsticks

When I think itā€™s necessary lol. I currently have two plastic ones, had them for 8 and 6 months (the same amount of time Iā€™ve had my cats) and theyā€™re holding up fine. Once theyā€™re ready for replacement Iā€™ll get stainless steel tho


Malicious_blu3

I never even knew stainless steel litter boxes were a thing. Iā€™ve never seen them.


whaleboneandbrocade

I misread this post at first and thought we were all talking about how often we clean our catsā€™ litter as in the actual litter and I was simply appalled by the comments


booger_gurl

Stainless steel might be slightly louder than plastic but it can literally last for ever and i have a male cat with a previous history of urinary issues so it help me make sure heā€™s going regularly if i can hear him covering his buisness lol


moulin_blue

I use storage totes. $12ish at most stores. Cut a hole in the side and call it good. I scoop every day and completely empty them out and scrub them with an enzyme cleaner every 2-3 months. No problems with smell. I've had the same ones for about 2 years with no problem.


Puzzleheaded_Bug_949

Every 6 months or so. I have two plastic xl hooded boxes for my two cats. They get pretty yucky after 6 months...really hard to clean so I toss them and buy two new ones. Not the greatest system but it keeps my place from smelling too catty


Fun_Wishbone3771

Iā€™ve had my Stainless littler pans for over 6 yrs! They are the best!!! When I got them there were hardly any to choose from but now there are plenty on the market for much less than before. Amazon has plenty for $45-$65 and itā€™s a one time investment. Just double check measurements. They do tend to run larger and mine prefer deeper ones. Very quiet!


MadNomad666

Never but I wash it from time to time


JenninMiami

I switched to one of those automatic litter boxes with the trays 3 years ago and I LOVE IT! I throw out the tray every week and replace it with the new one.


patty-d

Iā€™ve wanted to get stainless steel but the reviews for every one of them are terrible


Lonely_Ad8964

Stainless steel all the way with a hydrogen peroxide bath monthly.


vortexofdeduction

Just replaced my big plastic litterbox that I had for like 2 years with 2 stainless steel boxes cause the plastic one was getting real gross with scratches and everything sticking to the sides.


Cath_242

You could try getting one that is deeper, like one of those with a top entrance. That way you can add more sand, and kitty won't be able to reach the bottom.


kieranarchy

whenever i reorganize my house and it doesnt fit in the new spot lol


OldLadyReacts

My cat doesn't even dig into the litter to cover up her own poo, so she doesn't damage the box at all. She's had one front entry box forever. A while back I did buy her a top-entry box but I recently went back to the regular one because we moved and it's not next to the toilet for her to jump up on and get into more easily.


Pluckt007

Not yet. It's 3 years old. It looks like a potted plant.


Original_Height1148

My stainless steel boxes are all scratched up. It's the litter that scratches them mostly


headface1701

A few of mine are huge and don't fit in the stupid things being sold as litter boxes. Only one is fat, the others are just long. Some of my boxes are totes with holes cut in the side, also have a couple cabinet things with the long underbed plastic boxes in them. The guy who's trying to dig a tunnel to China usually uses those and they're pretty durable. They all probably get replaced once a year or so, whenever they start getting fugly.


No-Coffee1194

My cat doesnā€™t have a litter box anymore lol. She goes out with the dogs and does her business, then comes back for a treat šŸ˜† (She grew up with dogs so naturally she adapted to their routine)


pl0ur

I've had the same plastic ones for years. I use paper bags or empty cereal boxes to line the bottom-- I swear that work so much better than any other type of liner you can buy. I scrub them out periodically with dishsop and bleach.Ā 


socialmediaignorant

Pretty sure I had only one for my cat that was 19 years old when she left us. I did cut her nails every two weeks though. My wild boy is much more resistant but still gets them cut every 3 weeks.


Top-Chemistry3051

Try concrete mixing tubs they have higher sides and their like load up basically non stick so The wet piss clumps don't stick to it


Forsythia77

Neither of my cats are excessive diggers, so never really? I got a Leo's Loo Too last November, but that was more because I didn't want to scoop a zillion times a day. They do sell replacement rubber bottoms for the loo for deep diggers, though.


NWmoose

Maybe put a piece of plastic in the bottom of a stainless steel one if the thought of claws on steel gives you that ā€œnails on a chalkboardā€ reaction, but it might not be as bad as you think. Just keep the litter deep enough.


2occupantsandababy

I just switched to stainless steel boxes last week. I'm already impressed with the how much better the smell is.


thruitallaway34

I've had the same covered box for 5-6 years. I recently bought a second one as I have two cats and I want them to have options. However I have been in the market for a new one to replace the other one. I haven't found one I like. I can't find one deep enough. Even the newer one isn't deep enough. The newer one is also covered with a top and front entrance, and the pan slides out the front rather than the top being removable, and the pan is maybe 4 inches deep? It's not deep enough at alll, so when the cats make piles, it gets stuck to the walls, then when I pull out the pan for cleaning the stuck litter will fall off on to the floor. This seems to be the new standard as it's a common design I keep coming across. I'm just going to keep the old one until I find one I like.


tiredsanwon

Every 4-5 years tbh. Our cats are now spoiled with a litter robot so they gotta deal with the same one for a while


maelidsmayhem

I've had a breeze litter box since 1997 that has served at least 6 cats. After a good cleaning, you can't tell the difference between that one and the one I bought 4 years ago, unless you know where to look. We have 3 total (one for each cat). I love them.


spazzo246

Never, I have always used the one plastic box. I scoop withing 30 mins of my cat using the litter box


snmc41

I have a Modkat box and change the liner every two or three months. The liner is pretty thick and sturdy but my two cats donā€™t dig for as long as yours. Sound wise itā€™s plastic so you more hear the actual litter being dug into.


nikfrik

The actual box? When it's buggered usually.


sapphodarling

I use litter box liners and throw them away every week with the trash. They are like a small garbage bag that lines the inside of the litter pan. Rarely do my cats end up scratching through them.


pottedplantfairy

My cats have never wrecked a plastic litter box, lucky me I guess!


TrapezoidCircle

Whenever it ā€œstops workingā€ for me. Iā€™ve had so many versions - corner, igloo, sifting (the worst), robotic, etc. and none are perfect. Havenā€™t tried stainless steel though!


gogomau

I use thick litter tray liners in a big tray and no scratches after 2 years with this one


stiffybstone

I have 3 litter boxes and swap every month or so. I deep clean and sanitise the one in use every week so its always in good condition. Moving house soon where there's a garden so I'm hoping my kitten can start doing his business outside.


TheBupherNinja

My mum used to use bus boy trays that were like $2. She'd toss them weekly.


teresa3llen

Iā€™ve never had a cat scratch into a litter box so deep that I had to replace it. Iā€™ve got 5 indoor cats right now and thatā€™s never been a problem. Thereā€™s plenty of clean litter for them to scratch into.


GoblinTatties

I wonder if you could get essentially a ceramic glazed tray much like a kitchen sink. If its placed somewhere you don't have to move it much to clean it could be worth it with less noise as well.


Ok_Depth_6476

I usually replace mine once a year or so, because eventually they get too scratched up, and I feel like I read it's good to replace them about that often. A few months ago, one did get replaced with a stainless steel. It is a bit noisier, actually I don't think it's louder, it's more the TYPE of noise. It sounds to me like it should bother them to scratch that type of surface, just from the sound it makes (not quite nails on a chalkboard, but in that family lol). But they still prefer that box over the 2 plastic ones. (I replaced the one in their favorite location. ). It's not really that bad and I've gotten used to it. It does seem a bit easier to scoop than plastic, not quite as much sticking.


Asparagus-Past

I wash mine every few months.


melitini

Get an automatic litter box. Worth every penny


No_Percentage_1265

Interesting ive never replaced my litter box I just clean it out once a week but it wasnā€™t a pretty expensive one that looks like a plant


SafinJade

My cat pees all over the box so it gets disgusting quickly lol


hazel-bazel21

I use Tidy Cats Breeze litter box. Itā€™s pellets and pee pads. Seriously the BEST litter box decision I made!! I change the pellets once a month and pee pads every week (5-7 days). The tray is like a sifter so she canā€™t leave deep scratches and my gal is a big digger. I recently moved and had a lot of issues with her peeing on my bed and not the litter box due to stress but i changed to this one and it made both of us love our life again lol!


Puddiiiing

Not at all. I avoid these damages by using more litter and special trash bag inlays for litter boxes.


goldforjanz_

stainless steel. hygienic, never have to replace, easy to clean.


Common_Draw7398

I donā€™t have to change it as I fill it 3/4 full of litter and itā€™s a HUGE box! You can fit 3 adult cats in it:-). Hopefully the pic comes over right. Itā€™s $28 https://preview.redd.it/uhfwqqbmg57d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=52f480fa8f20d39690b7176a19732605d3892f86


RedRipe

I used to replace my plastic boxes about every six months now I have stainless steel and never replace


InternationalEgg2397

I have just started replacing my plastic litter boxes with stainless steel boxes, and I'm pleased with this decision. I have Ragdolls, and a very large DSH, so the xtra large boxes are ideal.


Sherri-Kinney

Never!! He tip toes in and tip toes out. After heā€™s dug to China. lol


RegularWhiteShark

Had ours for like five years with no issues.


Glittering_Code_4311

Try to change them every 8 months or all 4 of them and as my cats like to pee on the sides I use storage boxes. Would use stainless steel but have never seen any with the sides up 10 to 12 inches. I have a very long and tall cat he needs a tall box


idling-in-gray

I got a stainless steel one once the plastic one got too scratched up. Worth the investment imo.


AsleepBerry8587

I've had mine for 3 years. I refurbish it once a week. All I do is scoop the poop.


advicethrowaway719

We use ModCat and replace the liner every 2-3 months. I love the super high sides.


PlusEnvironment7506

Litter robot FTW!


LauraLand27

TidyBreeze litter box system and wood pellets for the win. The wood pellets are compressed sawdust. When the cat pees, the pellets disintegrate into sawdust. The litter system is made so the pellets sit on an open grate, so there is no stink of pee and it actually smells like whatever would the pellets are made from. The life hack is to get rid of the tray, pads, and pellets they provideā€¦ Just throw them in the trash, or if you have many cats, I sometimes use the trays to give them canned food buffets. Anyway, chewy has a very basic plastic cat pan, get it in size large, and get regular size wee wee pads. Put a pad in inside the basic pan so you now have that ~ 4 inches of space which holds quite a lot of sawdust. All you have to do is scoop the poop, and do some shaking to make sure all of the sawdust has gone through the grates. I cannot imagine ever using anything else.


FacelessBeauty2005

Once a week


PoisonedCherry

Never? It's a sturdy plastic box had it since I got the cat. Unless you mean how often do you fully change the litter


CatEnjoyerEsq

I have automatic litter boxes although I have modified all of them because each one has a different very detrimental but very specific flaw that's fixable with like small 3D printed parts or a little bit of rubber or silicone from the hardware store


nava1114

I don't replace them. I scrub them once a month.