Petfusion BetterBox NON-STICK Litter Box Product Review
A “Teflon” Litter Box?! Meet the PetFusion BetterBox LARGE Litter Box
I first found out about the PetFusion BetterBox when a long time reader, Lynn, told me about them. I was suprised that I hadn’t heard about them from PetFusion when they were first released (usually manufacturers let bloggers know about their new product lines) – so immediately, I went to check them out and request a sample for review because we have reviewed PetFusion’s scratchers, and they are awesome.
BetterBoxes had been on the market for over 6 months when we received one to review 2 months ago.
About the BetterBox
The BetterBox is made of ABS plastic and features a non-stick coating – which reduces sticking up to 70% – and from our experience in scooping it, that is true. In other words, we did have several instances where I was scraping the pee clump from the bottom of the box. But 70% of the time, I was not. I found that the level of the litter was instrumental in a pee clump sticking or not. Why? Because my cats dig, pee and then cover – so sometimes they dig and hit the bottom of the box. So it doesn’t stop 100% of sticking. Because of the sticky reduction – it makes it easier to clean and also helps to eliminate bacteria for the cats to encounter when they are in the box.
The BetterBox measures 22.6 x 18.1 x 8.0 inches and has a low entry for the cats to enter the litter box – only 5” off the ground. It has a little lip all the way around the top to help you grip it easily.
How We Like the BetterBox
I do not dislike them – but I do prefer the NVR Miss litterboxes for our litter box needs. Certainly, no one litter box is perfect for all. I have already had many readers write me and tell me how much they love these boxes. And overall, they have been great – it’s just that I personally prefer the NVR Miss. Honestly, I wish I could combine the NVR Miss and the Betterboxes into one. I love the sides of the NVR Miss – helps TREMENDOUSLY with litter scatter – more than I remembered.
BetterBox Coating History
Interestingly enough, during the review process a got an email from a reader about her PetFusion litterboxes losing their coating – I asked her for a photo. I then forwarded it to PetFusion to ask about it and here’s what they said:
“Yes, our 1st production run, where units sold Nov 2016 through Jan 2017 had an issue with about 5% of the units. We worked with our factory to get the right paint thickness and appropriate drying time to fix this flaking issue. Now, if the customer uses a metal scoop, there may be some scratching, but no flaking.
We replaced any unit where the customer had this issue. Please let your friend know they can do the same. Just ask them to reach out to me.”
I wanted to include that because there are some complaints on Amazon about that production run – and I think it’s important to know that PetFusion has replaced all the ones they knew about. That’s a top notch company in my opinion.
When we first got ours, as you will see in the arrival/unboxing video below, it had what seemed like a residue on it. I didn’t want to pour litter into the boxes without understanding the residue. PetFusion said the coating itself is a silicone water epoxy that passes all the required safety tests (EPA, FDA, USDA and European REACH). It’s possible that they cleaned the box before packaging and didn’t completely dry. So I wiped down the boxes with a warm wash cloth before I poured in litter.
BetterBox 12- Month Warranty
12 MONTH WARRANTY for any issue resulting from a manufacturer defect
PetFusion BetterBox LARGE Litter Box Unboxing/Arrival Video
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8WFii06LgU[/embedyt]
PetFusion BetterBox LARGE Litter Box Final Product Review Video
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3x2nte-k8Y[/embedyt]
Buy the PetFusion BetterBox LARGE Litter Box
PetFusion offers two buying options for cat owners – buy 1 box or buy a set of 2. If you are interested in a BetterBox, I would suggest the set of two – because vets recommend to have 1 litter box per floor per cat plus 1. So if you have 1 cat, you should have at least 2 litterboxes. Sure, many owners get away with one litter box per cat per house. I have 5 litterboxes for 2 cats. I grew up in a house where my mom was opposed to having too many litterboxes – and she had a cat that peed on beds and more because of it. I will always take more litter boxes over cleaning up cat urine in places like beds.
We received the Petfusion Betterbox for review from the manufacturer. Receiving the free product did not influence this honest post.
What do you think of the PetFusion BetterBox? Is it a litter box you would be interested in checking out? Are you pleased with your current litter box? Why or why not?
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
Great product review post & video, Jenny! These truly seem like a good solution for some folks who don’t need a high-sided litter box. I lurve that PetFusion stands behind their product and appears to have great customer service, too! However, for Miss PSB, I’ll stick with the NVR Miss Litter Boxes for their high sides as she tends to really dig a lot and the high sides really prevent a lot of litter scatter cleanup for me! 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
Hi Patti, yes – if I could combine the PetFusion Betterbox with the NVR Miss litterboxes – I think we would have one hell of a perfect litterbox! I’m hoping PetFusion will come out with one with higher sides – more like walls than sides =)
Sounds awesome! Ii agree! If they do come out with one with higher sides I would definitely be interested in trying them! 🙂 <3
Hehehe! Cousins, Miss Pink Sugarbelle and Gracie arr si much alike digging in their NVR Miss boxes!
Lol…They are just a couple of Diggery Diggersons! 🙂 <3
Great review Jenny! Sorry I must have missed this one when I was on vacation. The Pet Fusion Company is amazing to offer replacements for the customers who got the boxes that peeled. These look really nice and would get some in a heart beat, but need one with the height of the NVR Miss box because occasionally when little Miss Illaria is stressed by her big sister, Mari, she peeds standing up. It even went over the NVR Miss side just enough that it ran on the mat below and I thought it had sprung a leak until I saw her do it. Love the NVR Miss boxes as much as you do and that is also a very wonderful company as well. We also use the Rubbermaid Tough boxes because of their coating and the fact that they repel continuous scraping for a much longer period than regular plastic ones. Anytime I see one of those with the high sides, I buy it since they aren’t always available at the Walmart here.
About the slide litter, am wondering what the ingredients of it are too and if they are nontoxic and will have to investigate that because Grace digs to the very bottom no matter how deep! ♥
Hi Teresa,
Nope – you didn’t miss this – it published today!
Thank you for your comment and interesting how Grace digs no matter how deep.
Jenny
P.S. The lowered entry area would be nice for cats who can’t leap into tall boxes because of age and health problems, also for kittens. My Sarah Sally scatters litter like crazy, so we need the high side barriers here.
I started using totes as litterboxes for my first big cat, Gizmo (a Ragdoll, naturally). Those totes were Rubbermaid, super durable and heavy duty. When they became unavailable, I switched to the cheap totes… same dimensions, still last a long, long time. Recently, I tried the new Arm & Hammer Slide litter and found it really effective. I have another type (Clump and Seal) in the other litter box for now, just testing to see if my kitties would accept the new variety. The boxes get equal use, so I will probably switch to Slide when we’re done with what I have on hand.
Hey Beth,
Thank you for sharing. Another reader asked me about the Slide litter and it made me wonder what is used in it to make it “slide” – and if it’s a chemical and the cat is continuously exposed to it, etc. then what will happen as the cat continues to ingest it over time by licking? I just get scared about these new litters that haven’t proven themselves on the market health safety wise.
My mom also uses totes – and the pee gets stuck like cement in the corners because Caymus and Murphy pee standing up. They used to squat but changed to peeing standing up over time.
Jenny
Hi, Jenny and all of you!
I have high-poopin’ Rufus — a 2-1/2 year old toddler. He tries everything to make the litter boxes (2 ) more fun … for him. Digging, thinking about digging and re-digging. I use Petmate’s high-back jumbo litter boxes, originally from Petco and replacements online later and much less expensive! Teflon-coated if safe could be a good thing, but since I use crystal litter, it’s not an issue. Because of his apparent disco dance in the box, there is occasional spot of poop on the side, very easily wiped off with a damp paper towel. For the cost-conscious, I highly recommend this product.