for the essentials, start here.
the switch to stainless.
are stainless steel litter boxes worth it?
They are made for the long run.
A smooth, non-porous surface gives moisture and old odour less to hold onto, while durable 304 stainless steel can be cleaned back to fresh, again and again.
The upfront cost is higher than plastic. The idea is fewer replacements, less lingering odour and a simpler daily routine.
are stainless steel litter boxes better than plastic?
They offer a more durable alternative.
Plastic litter boxes also begin with a non-porous surface. Over time, daily digging and scooping can leave scratches and grooves where residue becomes harder to remove.
Stainless steel resists everyday wear, stays non-porous and is easier to reset with a thorough clean.
do stainless steel litter boxes help with odour?
They help prevent the box itself from holding onto old odour.
Stainless steel does not absorb urine or odour into the material the way a worn, scratched plastic tray can. It will not remove the smell of fresh urine or stool, so daily scooping and the right litter still matter.
Think less lingering odour, rather than no odour at all.
why do you use 304 stainless steel?
Because not all stainless is made equal.
304 stainless steel offers greater resistance to corrosion and pitting than many lower-grade alternatives, including commonly used 201 stainless steel.
We choose genuine 304 for the part doing the hard work, then pair it with a smooth internal finish that helps clumps lift with less sticking.
can a stainless steel litter box rust?
304 stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, but no stainless steel is completely maintenance-free.
Bleach, chloride-based cleaners, contamination from steel wool and harsh chemicals can damage the protective surface over time.
Gentle cleaning, thorough rinsing and drying help keep it looking its best.
is the litter box scratch-proof?
No surface is completely scratch-proof.
Our stainless steel is resistant to everyday wear, but cosmetic marks can still happen through normal scooping and use. Avoid steel wool, abrasive powders and harsh scourers.
Light marks generally affect appearance, not performance.
is the surface non-stick?
We describe it as easy-release, rather than chemically non-stick.
The smooth internal finish helps firm clumps lift more cleanly from the base, with less sticking and scraping. Results can vary depending on the litter formula, litter depth and how long the clump is allowed to set.
do I need litter box liners?
Not with our solid-base litter boxes.
Litter can be placed directly into the clean, dry stainless steel tray. The smooth surface helps clumps release without a disposable layer, so there is no need to keep buying liners.
Sieve models should be set up according to the instructions for that design.
does stainless steel prevent bacteria?
Stainless steel does not sterilise itself.
Its benefit is a smooth, non-porous surface that is easy to wash thoroughly and gives residue fewer scratches and crevices to settle into.
Regular scooping and cleaning are still part of the routine.
is the entire litter box made from stainless steel?
The main litter tray is made from stainless steel, as is the included scoop.
Depending on the model, high-wall lids, enclosed hoods, entry steps, mats and filter components may be made from other durable materials such as ABS or EVA.
Check the individual product page for the exact materials and inclusions.
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finding their fit.
which Barely There litter box is right for my cat?
One routine does not fit all.
rectangular: A familiar shape with more straight-line length.
round: Corner-free curves and room for cats that like to circle and turn.
XXL: More space for larger, longer-bodied cats and cats that prefer a roomier setup.
low entry: A gentler step in for older cats and cats with reduced mobility.
tall round: Higher stainless steel walls for cats that toilet high, spray or dig enthusiastically.
enclosed: Added visual privacy and containment, with a removable hood.
sieve: Purpose-designed options for either wood pellets or clumping litter.
what size litter box does my cat need?
A useful starting point is a litter box around 1.5 times your cat’s body length, measured from their nose to the base of their tail.
They should be able to enter, turn, dig and squat without feeling crowded.
Measure your cat and the intended space before ordering, particularly when considering one of our XXL designs.
which litter box is best for a Maine Coon, Ragdoll or large cat?
Start with our XXL range.
The XXL rectangular box provides more straight-line length, while the XXL round box offers a wide turning area for cats that circle before toileting.
Breed and weight are useful clues, but your cat’s body length, height and preferred movement will give you the better fit.
round or rectangular litter box: which is better?
Neither shape is universally better.
A round box can feel natural for cats that circle and reposition before toileting. Its corner-free shape also leaves fewer tight areas for clumps to settle.
A rectangular box offers more straight-line length and may feel more familiar to cats already using a traditional litter tray.
Choose around the way your cat moves.
open or enclosed litter box: which do cats prefer?
It depends on the cat.
Open litter boxes provide more visibility, airflow and headroom. Enclosed boxes offer visual privacy and can help contain litter scatter.
Our enclosed hood is removable, so you can begin with the box open and add the hood once your cat is comfortable.
which litter box is best for a senior cat?
Our low-entry round litter box provides a gentler step in and out for older cats and cats with reduced mobility.
Place it somewhere quiet, stable and easy to reach, ideally on the same level where your cat spends most of their time.
A sudden change in toileting behaviour or difficulty entering the box should be discussed with your veterinarian.
which litter box is best for a cat that sprays high?
Our tall round litter boxes have higher stainless steel walls to help contain urine, litter and enthusiastic digging.
Choose the footprint based on your cat’s size and the turning space they need.
High walls improve containment, but no litter box can guarantee against every toileting position.
how many litter boxes do I need?
A common guideline is one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
Place them in separate locations rather than directly beside one another. This gives each cat more choice and helps prevent one cat from blocking another cat’s access.
An XXL litter box provides more room, but it does not replace the need for separate toileting spaces in a multi-cat home.
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litter + the daily routine.
what cat litter can I use in a stainless steel litter box?
Our solid-base stainless steel litter boxes can be used with most common litter types, including:
• tofu and plant-based clumping litter
• cassava litter
• clay litter
• paper litter
• crystal litter
• wood pellets
When introducing a new box, begin with the litter your cat already knows. Changing the box and litter at the same time can make the transition less familiar.
what is the best litter for a stainless steel litter box?
The best litter is one your cat will use consistently.
A firm-clumping, low-dust formula usually makes the most of the smooth stainless steel surface because well-formed clumps are easier to lift cleanly.
Unscented options may also feel more familiar and comfortable for scent-sensitive cats.
can I use wood pellets in a stainless steel litter box?
Yes.
Wood pellets can be used in a solid-base stainless steel litter box. For a system that separates wet sawdust from intact pellets, choose our dedicated wood-pellet sieve litter box.
what is the difference between the two sieve litter boxes?
They are designed for different litter types.
wood-pellet sieve
Designed for non-clumping wood or pine pellets. Wet pellets break down into sawdust, which falls through the sieve into the lower tray.
clumping-litter sieve
Designed for clumping litter. The sieve can be used during a deeper refresh to separate reusable clean litter from waste.
Both designs still require regular scooping and cleaning.
can I use clumping litter in the wood-pellet sieve box?
No.
The wood-pellet sieve is designed around pellets that break down into fine sawdust.
For tofu, cassava, clay or another clumping formula, choose the clumping-litter sieve or one of our solid-base litter boxes.
how much litter should I put in the box?
Follow the depth recommended by your litter brand.
As a general starting point, add enough litter for your cat to dig and cover comfortably without regularly scraping the base bare. This is often around 3 to 6cm, depending on the litter formula and your cat’s preferences.
Avoid overfilling sieve models, as too much litter can affect how the system works.
why is clumping litter sticking to the bottom?
This can happen when:
• the litter layer is too shallow
• the clump is scooped before it has set
• the litter forms soft or fragile clumps
• your cat digs to the base before urinating
• urine reaches the edge of the tray
Try adding a little more litter, allowing the clump to set according to the litter instructions and lifting it at a shallow angle rather than scraping directly downwards.
how often should I scoop the litter box?
Remove clumps and stool at least once every day.
A busy or multi-cat box may need to be scooped more often. Top up clean litter as needed to maintain a comfortable digging depth.
how often should I replace all of the litter?
There is no single schedule for every litter.
The right timing depends on the litter formula, number of cats, how often the box is used and how well it stays fresh after daily scooping.
Follow the litter manufacturer’s guidance and complete a full refresh sooner if the litter becomes damp, dusty or difficult to keep clean.
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care and maintenance.
how do I clean a stainless steel litter box?
Empty the tray, then wash it with warm water, a small amount of mild unscented dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
Rinse thoroughly, dry and refill.
Simple is best.
how often should I wash the litter box?
Scoop daily and wash the box as part of your regular full litter refresh.
The exact timing will depend on your litter, the number of cats using the box and whether residue has reached the surface.
Clean it sooner after spills, loose stool or visible build-up.
how do I remove white urine scale or mineral marks?
Use a one-to-one mixture of white vinegar and water on the affected area.
Leave it briefly, wipe with a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly and dry.
Do not leave acidic cleaners sitting on the surface for extended periods, and never mix vinegar with bleach or another cleaning product.
can I use a stainless steel cleaning spray?
Yes, provided it is suitable for stainless steel and safe for use around pets.
Avoid strongly fragranced, abrasive or chlorine-based products. Rinse away any cleaner residue and dry the box before adding fresh litter.
can I use bleach on the litter box?
We do not recommend bleach for routine care.
Bleach and other chloride-containing cleaners can damage stainless steel and contribute to staining or pitting, particularly if they are left on the surface or not rinsed thoroughly.
Warm water and mild dishwashing liquid are usually all the box needs.
what cleaning products should I avoid?
Avoid:
• bleach and chloride-based cleaners
• steel wool
• metal scouring pads
• abrasive powders
• harsh oven or bathroom cleaners
• strongly fragranced disinfectants
These can scratch the finish, damage the steel or leave a scent your cat may dislike.
can I use the stainless steel scoop without scratching the box?
Yes, but use a gentle scooping motion rather than forcefully scraping or gouging the surface.
The included stainless steel scoop is made for the daily routine, although light cosmetic marks may still develop with normal use.
how do I prevent water spots?
Rinse the surface thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth after washing.
Water spots are usually mineral residue left behind as water evaporates. They are cosmetic and do not mean the stainless steel is rusting.
how should I care for a black litter box?
Use the same gentle routine: warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners and rough scourers to help preserve the appearance of the black finish.
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before it arrives.
how do I introduce my cat to a new litter box?
Keep the first setup familiar.
Place the new box near their current box or in the same familiar location. Add the litter they already use and leave the old box available while they investigate.
Change one part of the routine at a time and let curiosity do the work.
Never place your cat inside or force them to remain there.
how do I introduce an enclosed litter box?
Begin with the hood removed.
Once your cat is confidently using the open tray, add the hood and allow them to investigate it at their own pace.
Keeping the same litter and location can make the change feel smaller.
what if my cat will not use the new litter box?
Do not rush or punish them.
Check the box size, entry height, litter texture, litter depth, cleanliness and location. Remove the hood if the box is enclosed and keep their previous tray available while you work out what feels different.
If the avoidance is sudden, continues, or comes with straining, crying, frequent attempts or blood, contact your veterinarian promptly.
where should I put the litter box?
Choose somewhere quiet, private and easy to access.
Keep it away from food, water, noisy appliances and areas where your cat could feel cornered.
In a multi-cat household, spread boxes across separate locations so each cat has a clear path in and out.
can I move my cat’s litter box?
Yes, but move it gradually where possible.
Shift it a small distance at a time so your cat can continue finding it. For a larger move, place a second box in the new location before removing the original one.
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orders + support.
what comes with my Barely There litter box?
Every design includes its main stainless steel tray and a stainless steel scoop.
Depending on the model, your order may also include a high-wall lid, enclosed hood, entry step, litter-catching mat, non-slip pads, additional stainless steel trays, a sieve or activated-carbon filters.
Check the what’s included section on the individual product page before ordering.
where are Barely There litter boxes designed and made?
Barely There Litter is Australian-founded and our range is designed in Australia around the needs of cats and modern homes.
Our stainless steel litter boxes are manufactured in China by specialist manufacturing partners to our product and material specifications.
how quickly will my order be dispatched?
In-stock orders are generally dispatched within 1 to 2 business days, excluding weekends and public holidays.
You will receive a tracking email once your order has left the warehouse.
how long does Australian delivery take?
Australian delivery is generally estimated at 2 to 8 business days after dispatch.
Regional and remote destinations may take longer. Delivery timeframes are estimates and can be affected by the carrier, weather, public holidays and peak periods.
how much is Australian shipping?
Australian shipping starts from $20 and is calculated according to the total weight of your order.
The available shipping option and final rate will be shown at checkout.
which delivery carriers do you use?
Australian orders are sent using Australia Post, Aramex or CouriersPlease.
The carrier is selected according to the delivery address, parcel size, weight and service availability.
do you deliver to PO Boxes and Parcel Lockers?
Yes.
PO Box and Parcel Locker orders are sent with Australia Post. Enter the complete address and account details exactly as they appear in your MyPost account.
what happens if my order includes an in-stock item and a pre-order?
Available items may be dispatched first, with pre-order items sent separately once they arrive.
You will receive separate tracking details for each shipment.
what is your return policy?
Eligible change-of-mind returns can be started within 14 days of delivery through our online Returns Portal.
To be accepted, the litter box must be completely unused. No cat or litter may have been inside it, even briefly. It must also be undamaged and returned with every component and all of its original packaging.
A $50 return handling fee applies. This covers tracked return shipping, warehouse inspection and the repacking required before the item can be offered through our seconds sale.
All returns must be registered through our Returns Portal and sent using the return label provided. Please do not send your order back to the address shown on the original delivery label.
Start your return: https://barelythere.loopreturns.com/#/
Faulty, damaged or incorrect products are handled separately.
can I return a litter box after my cat has used it?
We cannot accept a change-of-mind return once a cat or litter has been inside the box.
This is due to the hygiene, size and condition requirements of returned litter products.
These conditions do not limit your rights if the product is faulty, damaged, incorrect or otherwise covered by Australian Consumer Law.
can I exchange my litter box for another size?
Sizing exchanges are considered case by case and depend on stock availability.
The litter box must be unused, undamaged and properly packaged. No cat or litter may have been inside it.
Return and replacement delivery costs may apply.
what if my order arrives damaged, faulty or incorrect?
Email us as soon as possible with:
• your order number
• a description of the issue
• clear photographs
• a short video where useful
We will review the information and help arrange the appropriate next step.
Email: hello@barelytherelitter.com.au
how can I contact Barely There Litter?
Email us at hello@barelytherelitter.com.au or use the chat box on our website.
Include your order number when contacting us about an existing order so we can help more quickly.
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shipping + delivery.
where do you ship?
We ship Australia-wide, New Zealand and selected models to Singapore.
AU and NZ orders are sent from Sydney, Australia, using Australia Post.
SG orders are sent via SingPost.
International deliveries may be completed by the local postal service in the destination country.
how quickly will my order be dispatched?
In-stock orders are generally dispatched within 1 to 2 business days, excluding weekends and public holidays.
You will receive a tracking email once your order has left the warehouse.
when will my order arrive?
Orders are dispatched from Sydney Metro with Australia Post, CouriersPlease or Aramex. Estimated delivery times begin after dispatch.
Standard Post
- NSW: 2–4 business days
- ACT: ~2 business days
- VIC: 2–5 business days
- QLD: 2–7 business days
- SA: 2–5 business days
- WA: 4–10 business days
- TAS: 3–8 business days
- NT: 4–13 business days
- New Zealand: 4–7 business days
*Remote Far North QLD locations may take up to 12 business days.
Express Post
- NSW: 1–3 business days
- ACT: 1–2 business days
- VIC: 1–3 business days
- QLD: 1–4 business days
- SA: 1–4 business days
- WA: 1–6 business days
- TAS: 1–4 business days
- NT: 3–5 business days
- New Zealand: 2–5 business days
Delivery times are estimates only. Regional and remote locations, peak periods, weather disruptions and customs processing may cause delays outside of our control. Other international destinations generally take 6–27 business days.
Preparation time for pre-orders and personalised embroidery orders must be added separately.
how much is shipping?
Australian shipping starts from $20 and is calculated according to the total weight of your order.
The available shipping option and final rate will be shown at checkout.
If you are from New Zealand or Singapore, please add your items to cart to see the cost of delivery.
which delivery carriers do you use?
Australian orders are sent using Australia Post, Aramex or CouriersPlease.
The carrier is selected according to the delivery address, parcel size, weight and service availability.
do you deliver to PO Boxes and Parcel Lockers?
Yes.
PO Box and Parcel Locker orders are sent with Australia Post. Enter the complete address and account details exactly as they appear in your MyPost account.
when will my pre-order be dispatched?
The estimated dispatch date for each pre-order is displayed on its product page when you place your order and in your order confirmation email. This date refers to when we expect the stock to be ready for dispatch, not when it will arrive at your address.
Once your pre-order leaves us, you will receive your tracking details.
what happens if my order includes an in-stock item and a pre-order?
Available items may be dispatched first, with pre-order items sent separately once they arrive.
You will receive separate tracking details for each shipment.
how do I track my order?
Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a tracking link by email. Tracking may take a little time to update after the parcel is first lodged. You can also check its progress through our online tracking portal.
If you have the Australia Post app and your order uses the same phone number, email address and delivery address connected to your MyPost account, the parcel may appear automatically in the app and send you push notifications.
For eligible deliveries, the Australia Post app may also let you redirect your parcel to a 24/7 Parcel Locker or update your delivery preferences, such as Safe Drop or no authority to leave.
can I change my shipping address?
If you placed your order within the last 30 minutes and still have the checkout page open, you can use the self-service option to edit your order details.
Otherwise, email us at hello@barelytherelitter.com.au as soon as possible with your order number and correct address. We can update it if the order has not yet been dispatched.
Once our carriers have received your parcel, we cannot guarantee that the address can be changed. However, if it is shipped with AusPost you may be able to request a redirection through your MyPost account via the Australia Post app.
what happens if nobody is home when my order arrives?
If your parcel is eligible for Safe Drop and the Australia Post driver finds a secure, weather-protected location, it may be left there. Through the AusPost app, you can select, change or remove your Safe Drop preference up to one hour before delivery.
For eligible parcels, the app may also let you redirect your delivery to another address, a Post Office or a 24/7 Parcel Locker before it is onboard for delivery.
If a signature is required or there is nowhere safe to leave the parcel, it will usually be taken to a nearby Post Office or Parcel Locker. The AusPost app will provide collection instructions and may also show an attempted-delivery photo.
Parcel Locker deliveries must generally be collected within two business days. After that, they are transferred to a nearby Post Office, where they are usually held for up to 10 business days before being returned to the sender.
If your order is shipped with Aramex or CouriersPlease, you'll receive a 'we missed you' card to reschedule your delivery or it may be available for pick up at a depot (they will let you know your options).
my tracking says delivered, but I haven’t received my order. what should I do?
First, check around your property, letterbox, Safe Drop locations, building reception and with anyone else at your address.
If delivered with AusPost – open the delivery in the AusPost app to view the proof-of-delivery (POD) image, where available. This may help you identify exactly where the parcel was left. If you do not have the app or cannot see an image, contact Australia Post with your tracking number and request proof of delivery.
If you still cannot locate your parcel, email us at hello@catharnessaustralia.com.au so we can help investigate.
returns.
am i eligible for a return?
Eligible products purchased directly from the Barely There Litter website can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
To be accepted, your litter box must be:
- completely unused
- free from damage, marks or scratches
- returned with every original component
- returned in all of its original packaging
Most importantly, no cat or litter can have been inside the box, even briefly.
If the box has been used, we cannot accept it as a change-of-mind return for hygiene reasons.
Returns must be started through our online Returns Portal.
items that cannot be returned
The following are not eligible for a change-of-mind return:
- any litter box that has had a cat or litter inside it
- items that are damaged, scratched, marked or altered after delivery
- products missing their original packaging or components
- products purchased from an in-person event
- final sale/seconds sale items where clearly stated at the time of purchase
Faulty, damaged or incorrect products are handled separately and your rights under Australian Consumer Law still apply.
what happens next?
Start your return through our Returns Portal using your order number, post code and email address used at checkout.
Once your return is approved, follow the instructions provided through the portal and use the return label supplied.
All returns must be registered before being sent back. This allows us to track the parcel, match it to your order and make sure it reaches the correct warehouse team.
Once the litter box arrives, our fulfilment team will inspect the product, packaging and components before the return is finalised.
how to repackage my parcel for return
As close to how it arrived as possible.
Your litter box must be returned with all original protective packaging, inserts, cartons, accessories and components.
Please make sure:
- the product is completely clean and unused
- every component is included
- protective packaging is placed back around the product
- the original carton is securely sealed
- nothing is loose inside the box during transit
Our litter boxes are large and can be easily marked or damaged if they are not repacked correctly, so the original packaging is an important part of the return condition.
how much does return shipping cost?
A $50 AUD return handling fee applies to eligible change-of-mind returns unless your order is covered by Checkout+.
The fee helps cover:
- tracked return shipping
- warehouse handling
- inspection of the returned product and packaging
- repacking the item so it can be offered through our seconds sale
Because litter boxes are large and bulky, the actual freight and handling cost of a return can be considerably higher. We subsidise part of that cost to keep the return fee more manageable.
what about faulty items?
If something is not right when your order arrives, use our Returns Portal and choose the reason as "Item was damaged".
We’ll review everything and work with you on the appropriate next step.
Faulty, damaged and incorrect products are handled separately from change-of-mind returns and are not subject to our standard $50 return handling fee where your rights under Australian Consumer Law apply.
what is checkout+?
Checkout+ is an optional pre-paid returns service available on eligible Barely There Litter orders.
Checkout+ lets you pre-pay eligible return shipping at a subsidised rate, instead of paying the standard $50AUD return handling fee later.
If you purchased Checkout+, it will appear on your order confirmation and our Returns Portal will recognise it automatically.
Checkout+ does not change:
- our 30-day return period
- the condition your product must be returned in
- product eligibility or exclusions
Your litter box must still be completely unused and returned with all original packaging and components.
how do instant exchanges work?
An instant exchange allows your replacement item to be arranged before your original item has arrived back with us.
Your card details are securely held while the return is in transit. Your card will not be charged as long as you use the return label provided through the portal and send the original item back within 30 days of submitting your return.
If the item is not returned within that period, your card will be charged for the new product you've exchanged and received.
can i return my order to the address on the original shipping label?
No.
Please do not send your litter box back to the address printed on the original delivery label.
All returns must first be registered through our Returns Portal and sent using the instructions and return label provided.
This makes sure your parcel reaches the correct warehouse, can be tracked and can be matched to your order when it arrives.
Returns sent independently may be difficult to identify and can significantly delay processing.
need further assistance?
We’re here if you need a hand before starting your return.
Email us at hello@barelytherelitter.com.au or chat with our team through the website.
If you already have an order, include your order number so we can help a little faster.