Pet Supplies Safety Concerns Poor Durability Trending Down

Lee's Aquarium & Pets Kritter Krawler Small Animal Exercise Ball, Color Varies

By Lee's Aquarium & Pets 11 reviews analyzed Updated Oct 2023 85% confidence
3.8 /10
Quality
2.0
Value
3.0
Design
2.5
Function
1.5
Durability
1.0

In a Nutshell

  • Not safe for small animals due to overheating and spinal risks.
  • Poor quality and durability.
  • Lack of functionality and harmful design.
  • Positive feedback limited to customer service issue resolution.

Quick Verdict

The Lee's Aquarium & Pets Kritter Krawler Small Animal Exercise Ball has significant safety issues and is not recommended for small animals. The quality and functionality are poor, and there are serious concerns about the well-being of pets using this product.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 11
Would Recommend 9%
Would Buy Again 9%
Avg Lifespan Less than a month

Pet Compatibility

🐕 Dogs
Caution
🐈 Cats
Caution

Critical Warnings

critical

Spinal injuries and overheating

Prevention: Do not purchase or use the product.

high

Incasapturable

Prevention: Avoid leaving the pet to use for prolonged periods.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Customer Service (1)

    The company responded positively to a product issue, replacing a broken item.

  • Hamster Enjoyment (1)

    Some small animals like hamsters seem to enjoy running around in the ball.

Cons

  • Safety Concerns (5) critical

    The ball can cause overheating and spinal injuries to small animals.

  • Poor Design (3) major

    The design of the ball is not suitable for small animals, causing discomfort and potential harm.

  • Size Inaccuracies (1) minor

    The ball's size is often not as advertised, leading to discomfort for pets.

  • Durability Issues (2) major

    The ball is not durable and can break easily, causing frustration for owners and potential harm to pets.

Quality Trend: Declining

There is a strong sentiment that the product quality has declined, especially regarding durability and safety.

Older Reviews Said:

Somewhat negative.

Newer Reviews Say:

Strongly negative and consistently negative.

Who Is This For?

Best For

  • Pet owners looking for a fun exercise option for their hamsters — Some hamsters enjoy running in the ball, though this is a rare positive mention.

Skip If

  • Owners of guinea pigs, chinchillas, or other small animals — Serious safety concerns and potential harm to these animals.

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan Less than a few months

Factors: Poor manufacturing, Inadequate materials, Owner handling

Cleaning Methods

Machine wash
Hand wash
Spot clean

Floor Compatibility

Hardwood
Tile
Carpet
Vinyl
Laminate

Rating Distribution

1.6
11 reviews
5★
27%
4★
0%
3★
0%
2★
9%
1★
64%
bats (6) bad (6) spine (3) mit (1)

Common Questions

Are exercise balls safe for small animals?

No, exercise balls are generally not safe for small animals due to the risk of overheating and spinal injuries, especially for guinea pigs and chinchillas.

What sizes are available for the Kritter Krawler ball?

The product mentions variations in size, but reviews indicate that the 'Jumbo' size is too small for its description, indicating that size descriptions may be misleading.

Highlighted Reviews

— Cici 1 found helpful

"So I ordered this ball once and it came broken so I was bummed. But chewy came through for me and sent me a new one completely free. Very happy customer. Thanks chewy!"

— Kimberley

"These are horrible for pigs and other small animals! These can actually cause fatal injuries to Guinea pig spines. Cause overheating to all. Shame on chewy!!!! I expected better. I need to reconsider buyinb from this company now. Shame!"

Bottom Line

Due to significant safety concerns, we strongly advise against purchasing this product for your small pet.

3.8 /10
Below Average