Litter & Litter Boxes
Best Stainless Steel Litter Boxes
Stainless steel litter boxes are sold on the promise that metal won't hold odor the way scratched plastic can. We looked for evidence and found none: the feline vet guidelines on litter boxes don't discuss box material at all [1]. What they do cover is size, cleaning and sides, and that's how we judged these boxes.
We picked three: an extra-large box with high walls, a smaller all-steel open pan, and a covered steel box with a lid.
A stainless steel litter box is worth buying mainly if you want a box you won't have to replace as it ages. The case against old plastic is real but modest: VCA's veterinary behaviorists advise replacing an old box that still holds odor after years of use [3], yet no study we found compares odor from steel and plastic boxes. Size matters more than metal. Buy a box at least 1.5 times your cat's length [1], with sides that suit how your cat moves.
Our 3 picks at a glance
- Best OverallWoofiGo XL Stainless Steel Litter BoxLongest pan here at 23.5 inches, with a high plastic wall and a scoopCheck price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
- Best All-Steel Open PanKirecoo Large High-Sided Stainless Steel Litter BoxOne-piece steel pan with 6-inch sides and rounded edgesCheck price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
- Best Covered Steel BoxAIPERRO XL Enclosed Stainless Steel Litter BoxSteel box with a lid, plus a litter mat and metal scoopCheck price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
How we chose these steel boxes
We searched Amazon for stainless steel litter boxes. Many results were unbranded look-alikes, so we kept branded listings and read each one in full.
We compared each box's listed size against the AAFP and ISFM house-soiling guidelines [1], and the covered box against a study of covered versus open boxes [2]. For litter itself, see our odor-control litter guide.
What the vet guidelines say about litter boxes
Size first. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines recommend a rectangular box 1.5 times the length of your cat, measured from nose to base of tail [1]. For a cat that's 18 inches long, that means a box about 27 inches long. None of our picks quite gets there, so choose the longest one that fits your space.
On cleaning, the same guidelines say to scoop at least once a day and wash the box every 1 to 4 weeks. Use soap and hot water only, and avoid strong chemicals and ammonia-based products [1].
High sides help: the guidelines say a high-sided box gives some security and catches urine from cats that stand to pee. A box with one side cut low is easier for older cats or cats with joint problems to get into [1]. If your cat seems stiff or avoids the box, ask your vet.
On lids, the guidelines say cats are about evenly split between large covered and open boxes. They still recommend open boxes where possible, because they're easier for you to check and scoop [1]. A study of 27 cats given one of each, with both boxes scooped daily, found no overall preference [2].
Does a stainless steel litter box help with smell?
Possibly a little, over time. Here is the honest split between what is established and what is marketing:
| Claim | Evidence level | What we found |
|---|---|---|
| Old plastic boxes can hold odor | Vet advice | VCA advises replacing an old box that still holds odor after years of use [3]; AAHA says to replace boxes as needed [7] |
| Steel doesn't hold odor the way scratched plastic does | Plausible, untested | Steel is non-porous and doesn't wear the same way, but we found no study measuring it |
| A steel box is "odor-free" | Marketing | Odor comes from waste left in the box; no box material removes it |
| Daily scooping and regular washing control odor | Guideline | The AAFP and ISFM guidelines put both first [1] |
We searched the AAFP, AAHA, Cornell and VCA guidance and PubMed for box material studies and found none.
So a steel box mainly changes how long the box lasts, not how it smells this week. If your plastic box smells after a full wash, steel is a sensible replacement. If it smells only between scoops, the fix is the routine and the litter; see our odor-control litter guide.
What size stainless steel litter box does my cat need?
Measure your cat from nose to base of tail and multiply by 1.5 [1]. AAHA's 2021 guidance measures to the tip of the tail and notes that most manufactured boxes are too small [7], so the base-of-tail figure is a floor, not a target. That is a real limit with steel: even the XL boxes we looked at are about 23 inches long.
| Cat length, nose to base of tail | Minimum box length | Our picks that reach it |
|---|---|---|
| 11 in (kitten or small cat) | 16.5 in | All three |
| 14 in | 21 in | WoofiGo XL (23.5 in), AIPERRO XL (23 in, if that size is what arrives) |
| 15.5 in | 23.25 in | WoofiGo XL only |
| 16 in | 24 in | None |
| 18 in (typical large adult) | 27 in | None |
Box lengths as listed on each Amazon listing. The AIPERRO listing gives two sizes; the Kirecoo is 17.5 in long.
For a large or extra-large cat, a high-sided steel box will be shorter than the guideline. AAHA notes that larger storage containers can be used instead [7]; some owners use a steel box as a second box and a long bin as the main one.
WoofiGo XL Stainless Steel Litter Box
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
This is the biggest box here: 23.5 by 15.6 inches, with a curved high wall (the listing gives its height as both 6 and 12 inches). That's the closest of our picks to the 1.5-times-your-cat guideline [1], and the high wall fits the guidelines' point about cats that stand to pee [1].
Only the pan is stainless steel. The high wall around it is ABS plastic, clipped on with buckles, and the listing includes a scoop and a pedal it says reduces tracked litter.
Good to know
- Longest pan of our picks
- High wall for cats that stand to pee [1]
- Scoop included; sold by Amazon
Keep in mind
- The wall is plastic; only the pan is steel
- The listing calls the walls both "6 inch" and "12 inch", and the title says open top while the spec says covered
- Odor-free and "never rusty" are the listing's claims, not something the guidelines address
Kirecoo Large High-Sided Stainless Steel Litter Box
Sold by Kirecoo Direct, ships from Amazon.
If you want a box that is all metal, with no plastic parts listed, this is it. It's a simple open pan with 6-inch sides, a smooth rim and rounded edges, according to the listing.
It's smaller than the title's "Large" suggests: 17.5 by 13.6 inches. By the 1.5-times guideline [1], that suits a kitten or small cat, and the listing itself mentions small cats and kittens. The open top follows the guidelines' preference for open boxes where possible [1].
Good to know
- All stainless steel, per the listing
- Open top, easy to check and scoop [1]
- Weighs 2.27 pounds, per the listing
Keep in mind
- Small: 17.5 inches long, short for most adult cats by the guideline [1]
- No scoop listed
- The listing's claim that it won't hold smells is its own; we found no study on this
AIPERRO XL Enclosed Stainless Steel Litter Box
Sold by AIPERRO Store, ships from Amazon.
Some cats and people prefer a covered box. The guidelines say cats split about evenly between covered and open [1], and a study found no overall preference [2], so a lid is mostly your call. This one is stainless steel with a top cover and a 30° angled plate that the listing says keeps litter from being carried out.
It comes with a litter mat and an all-metal scoop that hooks onto the lid, and it lists a one-year warranty.
Good to know
- Lid for cats or homes that prefer one
- Mat and metal scoop included
- One-year warranty listed
Keep in mind
- The listing gives two sizes: 23 × 15 × 11 in and 20 × 13 × 17 in
- A lid makes daily checks harder, which is why the guidelines favor open boxes [1]
- "Leak-proof" and "no odor" are the listing's claims
- The title says enclosed with a lid; the spec calls it a pan litter box
The steel boxes side by side
| Product | Length × width | Sides | Top | Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WoofiGo XL | 23.5 × 15.6 in | High wall, plastic (listed as 6 in and 12 in) | Open | Scoop |
| Kirecoo Large | 17.5 × 13.6 in | 6 in (steel) | Open | None listed |
| AIPERRO XL | 23 × 15 in (also listed as 20 × 13) | Covered; 11 in tall overall (17 in per detail table) | Covered | Mat, metal scoop |
Specs as stated on each Amazon listing, checked September 2026.
How to clean a stainless steel litter box
Steel is easy to clean, which is the point of it. What you clean it with matters more to your cat than to the metal.
- Scoop at least once a day [1].
- Every 1 to 4 weeks, empty it completely [1]. VCA suggests washing about weekly and changing clumping litter every 2 to 4 weeks [3].
- Wash with hot water and a gentle, unscented detergent [4]. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines say soap and hot water only [1], and AAHA says hot water is best [7].
- Rinse thoroughly. VCA warns against cleaners that leave a residual odor [3].
- Dry it fully before refilling, so wet litter doesn't cake on the floor of the pan.
- Refill to at least 1.25 inches (3 cm) [1].
What not to use:
- Ammonia or vinegar. Cornell says they smell like urine to cats and can be irritating [4].
- Bleach. The ASPCA says bleach can deter your cat from using the box and can encourage urinating in that spot [8].
- Bleach mixed with anything else. The Washington State Department of Health says bleach plus ammonia gives off toxic chloramine gases, and bleach plus an acid releases chlorine gas [5]. Urine residue and some cleaners can add to the mix, so never combine them in a box.
- Scented sprays. The guidelines say cats often find deodorizers offensive [1].
If a spill or accident lands outside the box, an enzyme stain remover is the right tool for the floor.
High sides vs. low entry for senior and arthritic cats
High sides solve one problem and can create another. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines say high sides catch urine from cats that stand to pee, while a box with one side cut low is easier for older cats or cats with joint problems [1]. AAHA adds that edges shouldn't be so high that a kitten or senior cat can't get in and out easily [7].
Joint disease is common enough to plan for. Cornell's Feline Health Center cites X-ray findings that 90% of cats over 12 showed evidence of degenerative joint disease, and says one of the more obvious signs is trouble hopping in and out of the litter box [6].
| Your cat | What to look for in a steel box |
|---|---|
| Young adult that stands or backs up to pee | High sides or a high back wall; the WoofiGo's high wall fits this, though it is plastic |
| Kitten | Low sides it can step over [7]; the Kirecoo's 6-inch sides may be a climb for a very young kitten |
| Senior or stiff cat | A low entry on one side with higher walls elsewhere [1]; check the entry height in the listing |
| Large cat with joint problems | Length first, then a low entry; you may need a long bin with a cut-down side [7] |
If your cat has started hesitating at the box, going just outside it, or seems stiff, ask your vet. Cornell says early signs of joint disease are stiffness and a subtle drop in activity [6].
Edges, weight and other steel-specific checks
A few things matter on steel that don't on plastic:
- Edges and rim. Steel can be cut sharp. Look for a rolled or rounded rim; the Kirecoo listing describes a smooth rim and rounded edges.
- What is actually steel. The WoofiGo's high wall is ABS plastic clipped to a steel pan, per its listing. Plastic parts can wear the way any plastic box does [3].
- Weight. The Kirecoo weighs 2.27 pounds per its listing. A light pan on a hard floor can slide when a cat jumps out; a litter mat underneath helps.
- Corners. Seams and tight corners are where clumps stick. A one-piece pan with rounded corners is quicker to scrape clean.
- Lids. The AIPERRO's cover is steel. Covered boxes can trap odors if they aren't cleaned often, VCA says [3], so scoop it daily.
Want the box out of sight? A steel pan fits inside some cabinets; our litter box enclosure guide lists interior sizes where the makers give them.
What to check on a steel litter box
Length first
Measure your cat from nose to base of tail and multiply by 1.5 [1]. Most steel boxes fall short for a big cat, so buy the longest that fits.
High sides, easy entry
High sides catch urine from cats that stand [1], but a low entry makes it easier for older cats or cats with joint problems to get in [1]. If your cat seems stiff or avoids the box, ask your vet.
What's actually steel
Some "stainless" boxes have plastic walls or lids. Check which parts are metal.
Cleaning
Scoop daily and wash every 1 to 4 weeks with soap and hot water, never ammonia-based cleaners [1].
Which steel box to buy
- Best Overall: The WoofiGo XL is the longest pan here with a high wall, though the wall is plastic.
- Best All-Steel Open Pan: The Kirecoo is all steel and open, but small: best for kittens and small cats.
- Best Covered Steel Box: The AIPERRO is for cats and homes that prefer a lid, with a mat and scoop included.
Stainless steel litter box FAQ
Are stainless steel litter boxes better than plastic?
We couldn't find evidence either way. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines don't discuss box material [1]; claims that steel doesn't hold odor come from the sellers. Size, daily scooping and regular washing are what the guidelines stress.
What size litter box does my cat need?
The guidelines recommend 1.5 times your cat's length from nose to base of tail [1]. For an 18-inch cat, that's about 27 inches.
Should I get a covered or open litter box?
How often should I clean a stainless steel litter box?
Scoop at least once a day and wash the whole box every 1 to 4 weeks with soap and hot water, avoiding strong chemicals and ammonia [1].
How many litter boxes do I need?
The guidelines give a rule of thumb of one more box than the number of cats, and suggest two boxes in separate spots even for one cat [1].
Can I use bleach on a stainless steel litter box?
We'd skip it. The ASPCA advises against bleach for litter boxes because it can deter your cat from using the box [8]. Never mix bleach with ammonia or acids: the Washington State Department of Health says those combinations release toxic chloramine or chlorine gas [5]. Hot water and a gentle detergent are enough [4] [1].
What is the best litter box for a senior cat?
A long box with a low entry. AAHA says edges shouldn't be too high for a senior cat to get in and out easily [7], and the AAFP and ISFM guidelines suggest one side cut low for older cats or cats with joint problems [1]. Cornell cites X-ray findings of joint disease in 90% of cats over 12 [6]. If your cat seems stiff, ask your vet.
Is a storage bin better than a stainless steel litter box?
For a big cat, often yes, because of length. AAHA notes that most manufactured boxes are too small and that larger storage containers can be used instead [7]. A steel box is easier to keep looking clean for years; a bin is easier to get long enough. Some owners use both.
How often should I replace a plastic litter box?
Sources
- AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats, Carney HC et al., Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 16:579–598 (2014). journals.sagepub.com
- Grigg EK, Pick L, Nibblett B. Litter box preference in domestic cats: covered versus uncovered. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 15(4):280–284 (2013). journals.sagepub.com
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Cat Behavior Problems: House Soiling, Horwitz D and Landsberg G. vcahospitals.com
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling. vet.cornell.edu
- Washington State Department of Health — Dangers of Mixing Bleach with Cleaners. doh.wa.gov
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Is Your Cat Slowing Down?. vet.cornell.edu
- AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines (2021) — General Litter Box Considerations. aaha.org
- ASPCA — Addressing Litter Box Problems. aspca.org