How to Get Your Cat to Switch to and Love a Stainless Steel Covered Litter Box
Is your cat totally ignoring that new stainless steel covered litter box you just bought? Or worse — leaving a “protest” present right next to it? Don’t stress. I get it. Cats are picky pros, and switching their bathroom feels like moving house to them. The good news? Most cats can adapt just fine if you do it the right way.
I helped my own two cats switch from an open box to a stainless steel covered one, and it wasn’t nearly as dramatic as I expected. Today I’m sharing all the practical tips with you — step by step, no fluff — so your cat can start treating the new box like their five-star private bathroom.
Why So Many Cat Parents Want a Stainless Steel Covered Litter Box?
A stainless steel covered litter box does a great job of trapping smells and stopping litter from flying everywhere. It’s also super durable, doesn’t absorb odors, and won’t rust. Got dogs or little kids who like to dig? This box turns into a “keep out” zone. Plus, it looks cleaner and more modern in your home.
But cats see things differently. Their noses are way more sensitive than ours — about 100 times better. Sometimes the lid traps smells inside, making the box feel like a stinky elevator to them. Have you ever wondered why some cats jump right in on day one, while others act like the box doesn’t even exist?
Studies show that about 85% of cats don’t really care about the cover as long as the box stays clean. The real key is cleanliness, not the fancy material or the lid.
Stainless Steel Covered Litter Box vs. Open Box: Quick Comparison
Before you switch, figure out why you’re making the change. Here’s a clear side-by-side look:
| Feature | Stainless Steel Covered Litter Box | Open Litter Box |
|---|---|---|
| Odor Control | Excellent — keeps most smells inside | Okay, but you have to scoop often |
| Litter Tracking | Almost none — floors stay cleaner | Litter flies everywhere |
| Privacy | Feels safer for some shy cats | Open view, but can feel exposed |
| Airflow | Not as good — can get stuffy | Great — smells escape easier |
| Cat Acceptance | Most cats are fine (85%), but some feel trapped | Preferred by most cats naturally |
| Best For | Multi-cat homes, homes with dogs, or tidy lovers | Senior cats, kittens, or cats with joint issues |
| Cleaning | A bit harder (take apart to wash), but material cleans easily | Super easy — just scoop |
| Durability | Extremely high — no scratches, no rust, lasts years | Plastic can wear out and hold smells |
My honest take: If your cat is a “power sprayer” or you want less mess and better hygiene, a stainless steel covered box is worth trying. It beats cheap plastic in the long run. But if your cat already seems stressed, stick with open. In my opinion, a clean box always beats a fancy one.
Prep Work You Need to Do Before Switching
Don’t throw out the old box yet! Cats hate sudden changes.
- Pick the right size: The box should let your cat turn around easily (about 1.5 times their body length from nose to base of tail). Stainless steel boxes can feel heavier, so check the entry height.
- Don’t change the litter yet: Use the exact same litter at first. You can mix in new litter later.
- Keep the spot the same: Place the new stainless steel covered litter box right next to the old one in the same spot. Cats remember location more than style.
- Get rewards ready: Have treats, catnip, or their favorite toy handy. Positive reinforcement works wonders.
- Follow the N+1 rule: In multi-cat homes, have one more box than the number of cats.
FYI: Never switch the litter box and food (or move houses) at the same time, or your cat will totally rebel.
5 Easy Steps to Make the Switch (Super Practical Version)
Step 1: Put them side by side (3–7 days) Set up the new stainless steel covered litter box without the lid right next to the old one. Add a bit of used litter from the old box so it smells familiar. You can even gently scratch the litter to show them “dig here.”
Step 2: Lure them in After meals or playtime, gently place your cat near the new box (don’t force them). Use treats or a wand toy to encourage them. The moment they use it, praise them like crazy and give a treat. Make them feel like rock stars.
Step 3: Add the lid Once your cat uses the new box a few times, put the lid on at night (remove any door flap first to make it easier). Most cats will go in on their own the next day.
Step 4: Slowly remove the old box When your cat is happily using the stainless steel covered litter box, start moving the old one a little farther away each day (10–20 cm at a time) until it’s gone. Give this step at least two weeks — don’t rush.
Step 5: Keep it clean Scoop at least twice a day and do a full litter change once a week. Stainless steel covered boxes need regular scooping, or your cat will smell the old stuff and walk away.
See? The whole trick is keeping things familiar while slowly adding the new stuff. Cats aren’t robots — they need to feel safe.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
- Cat poops right next to the box? Don’t scold. Gently put them in the box and praise. Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner that removes all smell.
- Won’t even look at the stainless steel covered litter box? Try sprinkling a little catnip inside, or leave the lid off longer and add it gradually.
- Senior cat or kitten won’t jump in? Choose a low-entry model or add a ramp.
- Multi-cat fights? Make sure each cat has their own bathroom zone.
If your cat avoids the box for more than a week, take them to the vet. Urinary issues, arthritis, or stress can all cause bathroom strikes.
What If Your Cat Still Won’t Use It?
A small number of cats just don’t like covered boxes (around 15% clearly prefer open ones). Don’t force it. You can try:
- A half-covered stainless steel design
- A top-entry stainless steel style
- Or just go back to open — your cat’s happiness matters more than your neatness goals.
One of my cats refused the lid no matter what. After 10 days I gave up, and the next day he happily used a big new open box. Respect your cat’s personality — that’s real love.
Wrapping It Up: Patience + Smart Steps = Happy Cat, Clean House
Switching to a stainless steel covered litter box doesn’t happen overnight. But if you go slow, keep everything clean, and use lots of praise and treats, over 90% of cats make the switch just fine. Remember: Cats really just want a clean, safe, and familiar bathroom — not necessarily the one humans think looks cool.
What kind of litter box does your cat use now? Drop your transition stories in the comments — let’s help more cat parents skip the headaches!
FAQ (Quick Answers to Common Questions)
Q1: Is it normal if my cat ignores the stainless steel covered litter box for a few days?
Totally normal! Most cats need 3 to 14 days. Stick with the side-by-side setup and rewards, and be patient.
Q2: Can a stainless steel covered litter box cause stress for my cat?
It can for some cats, especially shy ones who like to watch their surroundings. Studies show 85% are okay with it, but if your cat starts peeing outside the box, switch back to open.
Q3: Can I change the litter and the stainless steel covered litter box at the same time? Strongly no! Change only one thing at a time, or your cat will get totally confused.
Q4: How do senior cats adapt to a stainless steel covered litter box?
Pick a low-entry, extra-large size. Start with the lid completely off and add it slowly once they’re comfortable.
Q5: What if smells build up faster in the stainless steel covered litter box?
Scoop twice a day or more. Stainless steel doesn’t hold smells like plastic, but you still need to stay on top of cleaning. An activated charcoal pad can help too.
Q6: How should multi-cat homes handle the switch to stainless steel covered litter boxes?
Give each cat their own box and introduce them one cat at a time to avoid fights.
There you go — litter box drama solved! 🐱 Got a specific situation with your cat? Leave a comment and I’ll help brainstorm more tips.
