Autumn Vetter, veterinarian and clinical professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, spoke with Inverse about the benefits of stainless steel litter boxes.
According to Vetter, stainless steel litter boxes have an edge on plastic litter boxes due to the material’s durability. While deep scratches in plastic can create holes for bacteria, stainless steel litter boxes are largely impervious to scratches.
Vetter noted that stainless steel litter boxes are often found in hospitals and shelters, places where communicable diseases are more easily spread. However, she added that this extreme level of hygiene isn’t necessary for the average cat household.
“Plastic litter boxes, while perhaps not as easy to clean or as ideal to use in a hospital setting, are much cheaper and more practical for a cat parent to have in their home,” Vetter said.