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iPrimio Stainless Steel Litter Box Review (contact for free product)
Cats are deeply interested in their environment– from cats’ fascination with hair bands to most cats’ love for climbing to survey a room. But they also crave comfort and a clean litter box. So when I saw iPrimio Stainless Steel Litter Box featured, I was curious if it was as good as it claims– and if my picky cat would even use it.
While all animals, there’s a range in how adventurous and open to change cats are. Whether you’re swapping out cat food for a special diet or even replacing old toys, these changes can be positive, but they also risk making your cat anxious, especially if done quickly.
That’s been reported by cat owners who claim their cats hate them working from home. The article from Mental Floss reports on countless cat owners who claim their feline friends are uneasy with humans at home for more hours. As lockdowns and shifts in employment shifted more towards remote work, it turns out that routines changed not only for people but cats as well. And while owners may feel cat misbehavior is a sign of them hating owners, it’s more about cats’ love for routine.
My cat Asher is used to be working from home, as I’ve taught remotely since pandemic shutdowns. But he’s notoriously skittish about change. So while I knew I wanted to replace his small, plastic litter box, I was a bit nervous about how he’d react– and if such a switch would even be worth the extra cost.
I’ll guide you through the ins and outs of selecting a new litter box, and then I’ll give you an honest review about what Asher and I thought about the iPrimio Stainless Steel Litter Box.
Do Cats Prefer Open or Closed Litter Boxes?
The first decision you need to make is whether to buy a closed or open litter box. While open litter boxes are common, closed, or hooded, litter boxes have gained traction as a way to reduce odor– and some simply find them more aesthetically pleasing. However, as with all choices, you need to consider not only the immediate surface-level benefit but also the way your cat will respond.
Do Closed Litter Boxes Smell Less?
The appeal of hooded litter boxes? You’re unlikely to notice odors. They do smell less than open litter boxes in general. However, this is not all positive. Odor alerts you to a problem– often that you need to clean the litter box. With a hooded litter box, you may be less mindful about maintaining it.
Do Cats Dislike Hooded Litter Boxes?
If all cats refused to use hooded litter boxes, it’s unlikely that they would continue to be sold. Just like humans, cats have slightly different preferences and tolerance levels. A cat that’s introduced to a hooded litter box first or very early as a kitten is more likely to take to a hooded litter box vs a cat who has grown accustomed to an open litter box. A 2013 litter box preference study revealed that 70 percent of cats are content with both hooded and open litter boxes. But with a sample size of under 30 cats and not much other research, it’s safe to say: it depends.
Your cat might even prefer a hooded litter box, as a place that feels secure and private. Other cats may refuse to use it. Much has to do with your cat’s temperament. However, open litter boxes are less chancey.
What is the Standard Size of a Litter Box?
Litter box size is important, even if you have just one cat. Litter box size plays a factor in how often you’ll need to clean and how comfortable your cat is. The standard size of a litter box is anywhere from 18 to 24 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide. Of course, this size doesn’t mean that it’s the ideal fit for every cat.
How Do I Know if my Cat Litter Box is Too Small?
Your cat is the best indicator that your litter box is too small. A cat using a small litter box will kick out litter nearly every time, creating a mess on your floor. This happens if it’s too messy as well– but if your cat is always kicking out litter, it’s their way of messaging that they require more space. Another rule of thumb is that the litter box needs to be longer than your cat. From tail to head, your cat should be able to fit comfortably inside. Add an extra half-inch to an inch to ensure that your cat has enough space and doesn’t feel cramped.
Is a Larger Litter Box Better?
While larger isn’t always needed, it usually offers some benefit. The larger the litter box, the more space your cat has. This provides a more comfortable space but also supports healthy litter box habits. This doesn’t mean you have to buy the largest box possible– and the space you have is another factor. You’ll also need to use more litter at one time, making larger litter boxes ever so slightly more expensive to maintain.
What is the Best Material for a Cat Litter Box?
Materials matter for litter boxes. Materials make a difference in the cleanliness of litter boxes, as well as durability. Most litter boxes are made out of either plastic or some form of metal. As you can imagine, there is no one solution for every cat owner.
Are Plastic Litter Boxes Safe?
Plastic litter boxes are both lightweight and economical. It’s no wonder many opt for plastic litter boxes– as I did initially. Some raise concerns, not just about plastic litter boxes, but plastic in general that contains BPA, a chemical that’s been used since the ’50s but has been linked to potentially harmful effects for humans. Opinions are mixed, but you can read about the National Institute of Environmental Health’s statement on BPA here.
But the more commonplace concern with plastic litter boxes applies to BPA-free plastic as well. Plastic is prone to staining, trapping smells, and it’s less sturdy. With these factors, it can be tricky to maintain and you’ll likely need to replace it sooner. So if you do buy a plastic litter box, know it certainly has downsides as well.
Our Stainless Steel Litter Boxes Worth it?
Enter the influx of litter boxes that are heftier–both in price and weight. Stainless steel has become one of the most popular alternatives to plastic litter boxes. The first thing you’ll notice is a price difference: these can be double, triple, or even more than the price of a plastic litter box. They also tend to come in larger sizes, so that’s also a factor.
Beyond that initial price point, the good news is that stainless steel litter boxes do offer notable advantages. Stainless steel litter boxes, at their best, are more durable and sanitary than plastic. They repel odors, don’t typically stain or discolor, and are not prone to cracking. Litter also adheres to plastic materials more readily than metal.
However, if you have a small space, you may find it hard to find a smaller stainless steel litter box for your space.
Is the iPrimio Stainless Litter Box Worth It?
The iPrimio Stainless Steel Litter Box grabbed my attention for a few reasons. For one, my cat was using a plastic litter box that left much to be desired. While I may have an especially fastidious cat, he’d often kick litter out of his box, even with regular cleaning. Add to that that the sides often became caked with debris and that the box was the one I’d bought for him a year ago, when he was still a kitten, and I knew it was time for a change. At the same time, Asher is very much a cat of routine, and he can easily become stressed– even if those changes are for the better.
Still, a small litter box that became messy quickly and a mat that also required frequent upkeep didn’t bode for the best environment for either of us. With a vision or both of a larger litter box and one that didn’t require as much upkeep, iPrimio’s litter boxes seemed appealing. I say litter boxes, as this popular brand has different varieties– as an iPrimio Non-Stick Litter Scooper, which I also reviewed.
I ended up buying the iPrimio Ultimate Stainless Steel Cat XL Litter Box, an Amazon Choice product with over 2,400 customer ratings. I will focus on that litter box for this review, but I do want to point out your options.
What Stainless Steel Litter Boxes Does iPrimio Sell?
Amazon is the number one online retailer for iPrimio litter boxes. Aside from a separate enclosure, you’ll have one of three options: a fairly standard stainless steel XL box, one with enclosure sides, and a set.
The iPrimio Enclosed Sides Stainless Steel Cat XL Litter Box is also an Amazon Choice product. The idea is to provide a hybrid between a closed and open litter box. The sides may help with an odor some, and further control keeping litter inside the box. I didn’t feel I needed this feature for my needs, but it might be a solution for one if you’re torn between an open vs closed litter box.
Does the iPrimio Stainless Steel XL Litter Box Live up to Expectations?
I ordered the iPrimio Stainless Steel XL Litter Box from Amazon and received it in a few business days, securely packaged. The litter box was larger than I imagined, with 23.5 by 15.5 by 6-inch dimensions. It’s also lightweight for its size, weighing in at around 4 pounds. My litter box arrived in a new, perfect condition.
After unwrapping the litter box, there wasn’t much to do– no assembly required. I immediately noticed the sleek metallic exterior and the rubber grips on all four sizes. I considered slowly transitioning my cat from using his old litter box to a new one, but I decided to just go for it on a leap of faith. I filled the new litter box with the Arm & Hammer Double Duty Litter that Asher is used to, then placed the old litter box outside on my porch. I wanted to make sure I still had it, expecting it might take him some time to adjust– or that he might refuse to use the iPrimio Stainless Steel Litter Box entirely.
To my surprise, my cat took to it almost immediately. After sniffing the box, my cat was using the box with no complaints. Even better, many of the promised features I had a chance to see in action. My cat wasn’t kicking out litter, litter didn’t adhere to the sides or bottom, and, half a week later, the box has no odors.
What features does the iPrimio Stainless Steel XL Litter Box offer?
But I want to discuss each feature iPrimio Stainless Steel XL Litter Box advertises- and compare it with the reality when you’re using the litter box. I’ll go over each feature as it’s labeled on its Amazon listing– and my honest take.
Extra Large and Ergonomic Design
There’s no doubt about it: for one cat, this is a handsomely sized litter box. My cat, who weighs 11 pounds, has more than enough room and appears far more comfortable than in a standard-sized plastic litter box. There are larger sizes out there, but the size is impressive. The ergonomic design refers to the plastic, rounded grips. These make it easier to transport the litter box, but I wouldn’t say they are a must-have unless you plan to move it a long distance. One bonus is that it adds a barrier to the litter inside. All told, it’s a nice feature but probably not necessary for most.
Odor and Stain-Free
I have noticed a subtle difference in terms of odor– but admittedly, with one cat, great litter, and regular cleaning, I never had a terrible odor issue, even with my plastic litter box. One thing I noticed immediately was how litter doesn’t cling to the sides or bottom. This leads to a cleaner appearance and less upkeep. After many days of use, the litter box sides look brand new. Scoping out litter no longer requires me to scrape sides, a common problem I had previously. While that doesn’t mean it’s 100 percent anti-stick, the design is made quite well– and I can certainly say it’s a vast improvement vs plastic. Plus, it is easy to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: If you’re in a pinch, other things can be used as litter boxes. Aluminum is a reasonable choice for a few reasons. Aluminum is a lightweight, durable metal that makes for easy upkeep. Aluminum isn’t prone to corrosion, rusting, or cracking. It’s also far easier to clean than plastic and likewise doesn’t absorb odors or stains as plastic does. However, I do recommend buying an actual litter box. Litter boxes are sized with cats in mind. Something too small can cause your cat discomfort, discourage healthy litter box use, and cause more mess on your floor or mat.
Answer: This question depends on what you mean by reinforcement. If your litter box is unstable and wobbly, this poses challenges and risks for your cat using it. You can temporarily address this problem by placing cardboard boxes (flattened) or similar material under your litter box. A mat may be a wiser choice, as it can provide some security but isn’t prone to water damage. However, you should replace such a litter box as soon as possible.
Some also use the term reinforce in terms of training. Training your cat to use a new litter box depends on the cat. Some cats will automatically use the new litter box once the other box is taken away. Others require a gradual introduction, and using the litter they’re used to is helpful.
Answer: While some cat owners do have one extra-large litter box for 2 cats, it’s best to have one litter box for every cat you own. This keeps them cleaner– and may allow cats to feel they have their own space.
Final Advice & Thoughts
Coming in not sure what to expect, I was quite pleased– and remain pleased– with my new iPrimio Stainless Steel Litter Box. For the most part, it does live up to its marketing, and I also think this is a far better solution than many commercial litter boxes for most people.
One question is if the price is worth it. I browsed Amazon for other stainless steel litter boxes and found some cheaper alternatives, such as the standard Yangbaga Stainless Steel Litter Box. At nearly half the price, it seems like a steal, not to mention that it’s highly rated. But the devil is in the details. Not only do you give up the ergonomic grips, but you’re also opting for a much smaller litter box. This litter box measures just 16 by 4 by 2 inches. This could be a good option for a small kitten or an elderly cat that has trouble stepping into deep litter boxes. However, I still think that the iPrimio Stainless Steel Litter Box is the best deal for the average cat.
More purrfect readings on the links below:
5 Best Dust Free Cat Litter Options You’ll Really Appreciate
Best Vacuums for Cleaning Kitty Litter
Stop Cats from Treating Your Yard Like a Litterbox