FAQ

Faqs

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Why Stainless Steel?
Odor & Hygiene
Cleaning & Care
Litter Compatibility
Size & Fit
Behavior & Transitioning
Shipping, Warranty & Returns
Why Stainless Steel?
Odor & Hygiene
Cleaning & Care
Litter Compatibility
Size & Fit
Behavior & Transitioning
Shipping, Warranty & Returns
Why Stainless Steel?
Why choose a stainless steel litter box over plastic?
Plastic pans get claw and scoop scratches that trap urine salts and bacteria, so odors return even after washing. Stainless steel is non-porous — it doesn't absorb liquid, resists scratches, and can be sanitized back to neutral. It costs more up front, but a plastic box often needs replacing every 6–24 months while stainless steel is built to last far longer.
Is stainless steel safe for my cat?
Yes. Our litter boxes are made from premium stainless steel — free of BPA and plastic additives — and one-piece molded with rounded, fully rolled edges. The smooth, non-porous surface also helps prevent feline chin acne and doesn't trap allergens.
Will a stainless steel litter box rust?
Not with normal use. Following our recommended cleaning tips, the stainless steel pan is designed to last a lifetime. White rings or a cloudy film where urine sat are just cosmetic marks, not rust — they wipe off. Avoid leaving standing bleach, salt, or wet steel wool on the surface.
Won't stainless steel be cold for my cat?
Not in a way that bothers cats. Their paws rest on the litter bed, not the metal, and the pan warms to room temperature. In summer, the natural cooling is actually a plus.
Will my cat's claws scratch the surface?
Stainless steel is far more scratch-resistant than plastic. Unlike plastic, it's less prone to developing micro-grooves where bacteria and odor can hide.
Are stainless steel boxes noisy?
A steel pan can make a soft clatter if your cat digs against the sides. A litter mat underneath both quiets it and catches stray grit. It's a small trade-off for a box that resists warping, cracking, and odor build-up better than plastic.
Odor & Hygiene
Does a stainless steel litter box really control odor better?
Yes — stainless steel doesn't absorb ammonia. Plastic absorbs urine smell and holds it in scratches, so the box itself becomes the smell source. Steel is non-porous, so once you wash it, it's truly neutral again. You still need to scoop daily, but the pan stops adding its own smell.
Why does my house still smell like cat even after I clean?
A lingering smell in an empty, rinsed plastic pan means the pan itself is the problem — the material has absorbed odor into its scratches. Switching to a non-porous stainless steel pan usually removes that background smell. See the full guide on why your home smells like cat.
Is stainless steel antibacterial?
Stainless steel is naturally hygienic — its smooth, non-porous surface leaves no place for bacteria and fungus to hide, and it tolerates hot-water and boiling-water disinfection. It stays naturally hygienic without relying on chemical coatings.
Why does my cat's poop smell so bad, and how do I cut odor in humid weather?
Diet is the biggest lever on poop smell, but the box matters too: steel doesn't trap the smell the way plastic does, and a well-dried steel pan resists odor build-up in humid weather.
Cleaning & Care
How do I clean a stainless steel litter box?
Wash with mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse and dry thoroughly before adding litter. For long-term storage, keep the pan dry in a cool, ventilated place. Avoid steel wool, hard scouring pads, and corrosive chemicals like bleach — they can scratch the surface or damage the finish. Full deep-clean guide here.
How often should I deep clean it?
About every 2–6 weeks, depending on how many cats use it and their habits. Sifting sets should have all pans washed and fully dried before nesting.
Can I use bleach, vinegar, baking soda, or the dishwasher?
For daily cleaning, mild dish soap and warm water are best. For stubborn mineral scale, a 1:1 white vinegar and warm water solution works well. Avoid bleach and hard scouring pads, which can damage the surface — and never mix bleach and ammonia.
What are those white rings, rainbow film, or water spots — is it rusting?
No, those are cosmetic marks, not rust: white rings come from air-drying tap water, a cloudy or rainbow film from where urine sat, and fingerprints from skin oil. Real orange rust only appears on cheap, unlabeled metal. Wipe with a 1:1 white vinegar and warm water solution and towel dry.
How do I remove urine stains or mineral buildup?
Urine contains minerals that can leave scale or stains over time. Soak the area in a 1:1 white vinegar and warm water solution for 15–30 minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly. It's safe, non-toxic, and leaves no odor.
Should I use a litter liner with a stainless steel box?
Generally not needed. Liners can trap moisture and defeat the non-porous advantage of steel, and claws can rip them. If you do use one, choose a fitted, tear-resistant liner and check it regularly.
Litter Compatibility
What type of litter can I use in a stainless steel litter box?
It depends on the model. Our clumping sifting boxes work with clumping clay, silica crystal, and corn-based litters; our pine sifting boxes are built for pine pellet litter. Because steel is non-porous, the pan itself won't absorb odor regardless of which litter you use. Pick the model that matches the litter your cat already likes.
Can I use clumping litter in a pine sifter, or pine pellets in a clumping sifter?
No — the two systems have different-sized slots. Clumping litter needs fine slots; pine pellets need larger openings so the sawdust falls through. Running the wrong litter will jam the mesh or fail to sift. Match the box to your litter type.
How does the sifting system work?
You lift the top tray, the clean litter falls through the slots into the tray below, and the waste clumps or used sawdust stay on top to be dumped — a full clean in about 3 seconds with no scooping and no touching. With a pine sifter, urine breaks the pellets into sawdust that falls through the openings.
Do I need special or expensive litter?
No. Our boxes work with widely available litter — just match the type to the model. You'll likely use less litter overall because the sifter separates waste cleanly instead of dumping good litter.
Why are my clumps sticking to the bottom?
Sticking usually means the litter layer is too shallow or too wet. Keep litter at the recommended depth, and use a non-stick, polished steel pan with rounded corners so clumps don't grab in gaps.
Size & Fit
What size do I need for my cat?
A good rule of thumb: the box should be at least 1.5× your cat's body length so they can turn around and dig comfortably. Our standard models are about 20"×15" with 6" walls; XL models are 23.5"+×15.5"+ with 8"+ walls; XXL is larger still.
Will it fit a Maine Coon or other large cat?
Yes — our XL and XXL models are built for Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and other big breeds. Taller walls also contain kicked-out litter and urine spray. See our large-cat sizing guide.
How many boxes do I need for multiple cats?
The vet-recommended rule is one box per cat, plus one extra. For multiple cats you'll also clean the waste more frequently.
High-sided vs low-sided — which is better?
High-sided (8"+ and up) is better for containing kicked-out litter and cats who pee standing up or spray; low-sided is easier for kittens, short-legged breeds, and senior or arthritic cats to step into. If your cat sprays or digs hard, go high-sided; if entry ease matters, choose a low-entry or front-entry model.
Behavior & Transitioning
Will my cat actually use a new box? How do I transition?
Most cats take to it naturally, but to be safe: place the new box in the same spot as the old one, add a few cups of the old litter, and keep the old box beside it until your cat is using the new one. Avoid changing pan, litter, and location all at once.
How do I stop litter from tracking everywhere?
Combine three things: a high-sided or enclosed box, a litter-catching mat outside the entrance, and the right litter type. A sifting box that removes waste cleanly also means less loose litter getting kicked around. See our 14-method tracking guide.
My cat pees standing up or sprays over the side — what should I do?
Choose a high-sided or fully enclosed model with 8"+ walls, or a front-entry box with a solid back and top. This keeps the urine inside instead of on your wall. If it's a new behavior, also check with your vet — it can be a medical or stress signal.
Hooded (covered) vs open — which is better?
Open pans are the safer default: lids can feel like a trap to an anxious cat, hold in odor and dust, and hide health problems. Covered boxes suit cats that like privacy or spray high. If your cat already avoids the box, go open.
Why does my cat avoid the litter box or pee outside it?
Usually one of three things: the box is too small or dirty, the litter type changed, or something is causing stress (an enclosed box, a motorized cleaner, another pet). A roomy, clean, open stainless steel box with the same litter often fixes avoidance. If there's straining or blood — or a male cat can't urinate — that's a vet emergency, not a box problem.
Can a litter box help with cat stress or FIC?
A better box can remove one source of stress, but it's not a treatment. A clean, open, odor-neutral, roomy box helps a stressed cat, while a scratched plastic pan holding old urine smell adds stress. Always see a vet for urinary issues.
Shipping, Warranty & Returns
How do I qualify for free shipping?
Free standard shipping on orders over $55. A flat shipping rate applies to orders under $55. See our Shipping Policy for full details.
How long does delivery take?
All in-stock products ship within 3 days from our California warehouse. Delivery time depends on your location — West Coast typically 2–3 days, East Coast 3–7 days.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship within the contiguous United States only — international shipping is not available right now.
What is your return policy?
You can return within 30 days of delivery. Products and accessories must be unused, clean, undamaged, and in original packaging. Used or opened returns incur a 15% cleaning & restocking fee, and return shipping is the customer's responsibility. See our Return Policy for full details.
What if my item arrives damaged or defective?
If your item arrives damaged or broken, please email relevant photos or videos to support@furrbby.com and we'll help you file a claim.
What does the 12-month warranty cover?
Our 12-month warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship under normal residential use, for the original purchaser, from the date of purchase. Most issues are resolved with free replacement parts; if repair is needed, we offer a free repair or free reconditioned replacement unit (shipping not included). See our Warranty Policy for full details.
How do refunds work?
Refunds go to your original payment method within 5–7 business days of us receiving your returned unit (your payment provider may take up to 10 more business days). Original shipping fees are non-refundable.