If you are a cat owner, then you must know that one of the worst parts is scooping and cleaning your little fluff nuggets’ litterbox. The repetitive, gross work of scooping poop is something that no one enjoys. Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was such a thing as an automatic litter box that cleans itself?
Well, you have come to the right place, by choosing one of the best automatic cat litter boxes in this post, your pooper scooper chores just got a little easier.
Thanks to robotic self-cleaning litterboxes it doesn’t matter you are too busy, or just a little lethargic, keeping your kitty’s bathroom clean has never been easier. And we all like a clean toilet right? Whether we have two or four legs.
Here in this article, we share our kitty litter robot reviews to help you find the best automatic pooper scooper for cats so you can make an informed decision. Let’s start with our top pick.
You may also enjoy:
- Best toys to play with your cat remotely
- obexx Smart Pet Camera Review
- Litter Robot vs Cat Genie A.I.
- CatGenie A.I. Review
- Litter Robot 3 Review
- Petkit Pura X Review
*The product links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to you. Please see our disclosure page for more information.
Top Picks
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 10 self cleaning boxes for cats
1. CatGenie A.I. Self-Washing Cat Box
The CatGenie A.I. Self-Washing Cat Box automatically washes, scrubs, and purifies itself after every use with its no-litter, no heavy pots of litter to store or carry either, just your favorite catnip as an added bonus!
The Self-Cleaning feature is perfect for those who don’t want to come home from a long day at work to find 2 small crime scenes in their house. Better yet for those feline obsessive-compulsive individuals out there: The time you spend tending the box is now spent playing and stroking your fluffy friend!
The CatGenie A.I. is also perfect for those who want to be eco-friendly and not use traditional clay litters which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills.
How it works: The CatGenie A.I. is equipped with a sensor that detects when your furry friend has done their business. Once activated, the CatGenie will go to work scooping and liquefying the solids for easy disposal down the laundry drain or toilet! Perfect for odor control.
The CatGenie A.I. also uses water and cat-safe, veterinarian-approved SaniSolution to wash and purify the Washable Granules. The CatGenie then flushes all solid waste out of your home for good!
What’s more, the CatGenie A.I. is an IoT (Internet of Things) device that employs artificial intelligence (A.I.) to track your cats’ bathroom habits, keep track of how well your CatGenie is functioning, and notify you when supplies are running low.
The CatGenie App uses the data it collects to help you keep your cat healthy and happy. It employs “machine learning” to assist with cleaning more effectively, monitor your cat’s health and wellness, as well as create a cleaning schedule that is bespoke to you and your cat.
Overall, the CatGenie will give your cat a clean bathroom experience that is less smelly and much easier to maintain!
- AEliminates cat litter from your life. Uses litter-like, Washable Granules that never need changing
- Provide hands off convenience
- Easy set up and use
- Includes 2-Year Warranty. Customer Support Available 7 Days Per Week.
- Noisy operation
- Long cleaning cycle; takes 30 minutes to complete
- Litter granules do not absorb odor
- 1 CatGenie A.I. WiFi Connected Unit, 1 Box Washable Granules, 1 SaniSolution Cartridge
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Litter-Robot 3
The original Litter-Robot was a game-changer in the automatic litter robot world. It was one of the first, fully automatic solutions available. While the others have been catching up, these guys have been iterating and improving to what is their latest upgraded model, the Litter-Robot 3, currently one of the best automatic litter boxes on the market.
Its patented sifting process automatically separates your cat’s waste from the clean litter, so you never have to scoop again. Just empty the waste drawer when full.
The Litter-Robot 3 is WiFi-enabled and controllable via the Whisker app, so you can start a clean cycle remotely, reference usage statistics to monitor your cat’s health, and more. The automatic clean cycle and carbon filter helps reduce odors compared to standard litter boxes.
The textured ramp surface, fence, and trap mat help reduce litter tracking by catching litter on the way out. The Litter-Robot 3 is designed and assembled in the USA, and is backed by a full 3-year warranty.
The Litter-Robot 3 is reasonably priced as premium self-cleaning litter boxes go (read expensive) but have the longest track record of improvements out there. The included accessories also help reduce odors and tracks, making it one of the best automatic cat litter box units on the market today.
- Automated clean cycle and carbon filter helps reduce odors
- Design and assembly in the USA
- 3 Year Warranty
- Reasonable priced, premium self-cleaning litter boxes go
- It is big
- You still need to empty the poop drawer underneath
- LITTER-ROBOT CORE ACCESSORIES BUNDLE: Includes the Litter-Robot 3 Automatic Litter Box, Litter Trap Mat (black), Fence (black), Ramp (grey), Waste Drawer Liners (25), Carbon Filters (3) & WhiskerCare
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Catlink Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
The Catlink Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is a top-of-the-line product that is perfect for multiple cat households.
The integrated device of radar, infrared sensor, gravity sensor, and anti-pinch infrared sensors ensures that cats will be safe while using the litter box. In addition, the one-key litter dropping function makes changing the cat litter and cleaning the ball bin convenient.
The Catlink APP allows cat keepers to check ambient temperature and humidity as well as set up and control the litter box remotely. The 24-hour record and 7-Day/12-Month health report with visual graph provides a wealth of data for cat owners.
The double odor removal system eliminates unpleasant odors, formaldehyde, and ammonia. The removal rate is up to 90% or more.
The size of the automatic litter box is 23.62*22.83*27.95 inch, and it fits cats from 3.3lb to 22lb. The thoughtful design, including the smart device that automatically illuminates, makes this product perfect for elderly cats with poor eyesight.
- Multiple levels of safety to protect your pet.
- One-key litter dropping function makes changing the cat litter and cleaning the ball bin convenient.
- The Catlink APP allows cat keepers to check ambient temperature and humidity as well as set up and control remotely.
- It cannot fit larger cats
- Expensive
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. 2nd Generation PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Smart WiFi Connected
The PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box is a great choice for cat owners who want to make their lives easier. The litter box is automatic and cleans itself after your cat uses it, so you never have to scoop or touch dirty litter again.
The litter box is also connected to the My PetSafe app on your smartphone, so you can monitor your cat’s health and her litter box from anywhere, even when you’re not home. The app also tracks your cat’s litter box activity and sends you reminders when it’s time to change the tray or order more.
You get a number of options when buying, including covered litter boxes or open.
The PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box is a great choice for anyone who wants to make their life easier and keep an eye on their cat’s health at the same time.
- Automatic to make your life easier
- Connected to a smartphone app for notifications and tracking
- May still need to scoop poop close to the edge
- The odor still escapes
- APP-CONNECTED LITTER BOX: This litter box is connected to the My PetSafe app on your smart phone so you can monitor your cat’s health and her litter box from anywhere, even when you’re not home
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. CatGenie self-cleaning litter box
The CatGenie is the best automatic litter box for multiple cats; the automatic flushing keeps it clean and makes more than one cat use the same litterbox without any problem.
The self-flushing cat litter box uses special plastic granules that can be washed after use. Cat genie is an environmentally-friendly automatic kitty litter tray, and it works like a self-flushing toilet.
If you are tired of cleaning your cats’ litterbox and want to go full autopilot, then CatGenie is the best option. It automatically disposes of the cat litter in the sewage system and keeps the area clean and odor fresh.
It works like your washing machine, and it takes 2 water hoses; one for the clean water for automatic flushing and the one is for the sewage to keep the litterbox clean. The best thing is it disposes only of the litter, not the granules, these are reusable, so it does not affect your pocket every other week.
How does CatGenie dispose of cat waste?
CatGenie is smart enough to detect the cat business and act accordingly. It uses 2 different cleaning processes; one for handling cat feces, and the other function is handling the urine.
Handling cat feces
There is a metal scooper to remove cat feces, once the cat has done his business, the base of the litterbox starts rotating. The scooper filters the plastic grains, and if there are any stools in the box, the scooper catches them. Once the scooper finishes his business, the feces are transferred to the waste box and then flushed into the sewage.
Handling cat urine
CatGenie uses a different process to handle cat urine; once your cat has finished its business in the litter box, the grains are submerged in water. The water cleans the litter grains, disinfects them and removes the odor, after that the water is disposed of in the sewage.
Overall, the CatGenie self-cleaning litter box is a perfect fit to replace the old traditional litterbox. If you wanted to pimp your cats’ throne to the maximum, you can even upgrade with this nifty dome to really make your fluffy friend feel like royalty.
Installing your CatGenie self-flushing litter box
Now, it must be said that the CatGenie will require installation that does involve a certain level of plumbing skill. The recommendation is to either install it in your bathroom or close to your washing machine to make this as easy as possible. If you would like more information on installing your CatGenie, click the link here to view the installation PDF. If you are uncomfortable with it, I would certainly recommend hiring a professional for ease of mind.
- Offers 100% automatic litter box cleaning
- Reusable plastic granules
- No more manual scooping
- Eliminate the odor
- Automatic flushing
- Perfect if you have multiple cats
- Can take about 20 minutes to fully clean itself
- It’s a little loud so make wake you up if close to your bedroom and activated at night.
- The installation takes some effort and organisation
- At 18 inches wide by 24 inches deep, it’s not small
- Automatic cat box flushes waste away and washes itself clean
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. PetSafe Scoopfree Ultra self-cleaning cat litter box
The PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra is an automatic cat litter box cat that comes next in our list of robotic cat litter boxes. If you are tired of cleaning the litterbox or your cat is so messy and keeps pooping around then you need to read along.
This is one of the finest litter boxes you will find around it not only keeps the litter box clean for the next poop of your kitty, but also control the bad odor.
The PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra has a disposable litter tray with blue crystals embedded on top, the layer of blue crystals absorbs urine and cleanses the odor.
It has a waste compartment that collects all the feces once the cat has finished his business. You can set the sensors for 5 to 20 minutes after the cat leaves the box. In case you have more than one cat or your cat visits the box again in the time of cleaning the sensor will be restarted and the cat can use the box as long as she wants.
The blue tray is disposable, and it can be removed to clean or replace if it is too dirty; you just need to slide the tray out and replace it with a clean one.
How ScoopFree ultra disposes of waste?
Whenever your cat visits the litterbox to urinate on the blue crystals, they absorb the urine and deodorize it to keep the odor clean. On the other hand, whenever the cat poops on the blue crystals, the scoop collects them and disposes them into a waste compartment.
- It is very easy to setup
- Scoop works fine without any jamming
- No bad odor
- Blue crystals don’t create a mess around the litterbox
- You can adjust the time delays for cleaning cycles
- Good for lazy parents
- It makes disposing of waste easy
- It is more expensive than the conventional litterbox
- If you own more than one cat, it becomes more expensive.
- The waste trap is not sealed. So, it can cause some trouble
- Not good for big cats
- Automatically removes waste: No scooping, cleaning or refilling your cat's litter box for weeks
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
The PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is one of the most advanced and innovative cat litter boxes on the market. The thermal, infrared, weight and anti-pinch sensors make it one of the most secure boxes available, while the independently researched purifying liquid removes any unpleasant odors.
The box also has two modes: Auto-cleaning Mode and Scheduled-cleaning Mode. The remote control and data monitoring through the PETKIT App make it easy to keep an eye on your cat’s litter box.
The OLED display screen also makes it easy to check the status and data of your PURA X. On the downside, while it does look elegant, it is large, so finding space for it may be difficult.
- Thermal, infra-red, weight and anti-pinch sensors make it one of the most secure boxes available
- Independently researched purifying liquid removes any unpleasant odors
- OLED display screen makes it easy to check status and data
- Box is large so may be difficult for some owners to find space
- Purax Smart Litter Box: Not only automatic poop scooping, but also automatic deodorization, instead of cleaning litter every day, now you only need to do 30 minutes cleaning once every 2 weeks-8...
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Omega Paw Elite Roll ‘n Clean litter box
The Omega Paw’s Roll’ N Clean litter box is a little different from the others on this list in that it works on the principle of roll-and-shift and would be considered semi-automatic. To be honest, this one isn’t a robot at all, but I wanted to include it as it is a fantastic alternative if the fully automatic options are a little out of your budget and you’re looking for an alternative to traditional litter boxes.
Omega Paw is not an automatic cleaning litterbox, but despite the fact, it is a much better option than the manual litterbox. The litter cleaning doesn’t involve any manual scooping, and the litterbox can clean itself with little effort.
Omega Paw has many handy features like a privacy hood so your feline can complete his business in complete privacy. It also includes a hidden pullout waste container that can collect the waste once you roll over the litterbox.
It is designed for cats of all breeds and sizes, and it comes in two sizes medium and large, which makes sure every cat fits in it. Additionally, if you own more than one cats, it is also perfect for you, just roll over the box to clean the litter.
How it works?
The working of Omega Paw’s Roll’ N Clean is very simple; you just need to roll the box over to the side of the waste container. Once you roll over all the mess will fall into the container, and when it comes in its original position, the only clean litter will be left in the container. Now you just need to throw the waste into the trash.
- It eliminates the process of scooping
- No more dirty litter
- Good for lazy/busy cat moms and dads
- Cheap
- Good for shy felines
- Only works with clumping litter
- Only remove scooping, no help with throwing the waste
- It cannot remove odors
- Sometimes the shifting holes get clogged.
- SELF CLEANING ELITE LITTER BOX LARGE With extra features including Integrated Litter Step, Chrome Plated Locking Clips and Accents and signature Midnight Black color.
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. PetSafe Simply Clean self-cleaning cat litter box
Our final choice of self-cleaning litterbox for feline pet parents is PetSafe Simply clean litterbox. It is a fully automated system that is a perfect choice if you are too busy or lazy to clean the box daily.
PetSafe Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box slowly, but continuously rotates to clean the litter. It takes an hour to completely clean the litter and remove the odor.
It is easy to install and doesn’t need any special kind of supplies to collect the waste. You can collect all the waste in any bag and throw it in the trash.
An additional advantage of Pet Safe clean is that it is not very expensive and not make too much noise while cleaning.
Overall it is a good auto kitty litter box, but it does seem to polarize opinion somewhat. I would certainly recommend reading through some of the reviews on Amazon to get a wide range of opinions. A few users point out that the motor gives up after a year, but it is cheap and easy to replace. If you are the kind of person that is comfortable with some simple maintenance, then this wouldn’t be an issue for you.
PetSafe Simply Clean features
As we discussed, it is a completely automatic self-cleaning litterbox, and there is no scooping involved at all in the cleaning process. It is suitable for cats up to 12 lbs and due to the continuous cleaning movement, it can be used for multiple cat families.
To control bad smells, the waste bin is covered to help contain the odor and a replaceable carbon filter acts as a second layer of odor defense.
This model is also one of the quietest robotic cat litter boxes making it easy to forget about it.
How does the litter Petsafe Simply Clean work?
Petsafe simply uses a moving litter tray and a conveyor system. It starts rotating every other hour and in the conveyer in full force start collecting the garbage from the litterbox.
- Fully automated litterbox
- Easy to install
- No noise
- Clean odor
- Supports multiple cats
- No need for manual scooping
- Energy efficient
- Cost-effective
- It takes too long to clean the box
- The unit doesn’t include a litter trailing mat
- Worries about the longevity of the motor
- SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOX: Bowl rotates and sifts clumps from the litter, making a full rotation every hour and a half
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. LitterMaid LM680c automatic self-cleaning classic litter box
The LitterMaid M680C is another litterbox robot that will clean itself automatically after your cat has done his business. It includes a rake to rake up all the litter in the waste compartment; the rake also has a carbon filter that is used to reduce the odor and keep the environment clean.
It can be used for multiple cats, however, as the LitterMaid doesn’t wash the granules, you may find that two cats won’t be prepared to share the litterbox. As you know, cats can be stubborn beasts.
LitterMaid LM680c features
The LitterMaid LM680c collects waste and secures it in a sealed compartment to keep the box clean and odor locked away. It has a detachable rake that can be removed occasionally to clean the litter and place a new one.
It comes with a Litter Maid M680C main unit, Carpeted Ramp, 8 Plastic waste receptacles and carbon filters, a backup battery compartment, and 1 AC adapter.
How does LitterMaid M680C dispose of waste?
The LitterMaid M680C is totally automatic litterbox, the dual motion sensor of LitterMaid M680C activates itself 10 minutes after the cat leaves the box. There is a comb that removes the cat litter from the rake and disposes it into the waste box. The waste box has a carbon filter that helps in absorbing the odor and keep the air fresh.
You will need to manually clean the waste box and rake occasionally to keep the litter box clean, but the comb and rake are detachable which makes cleaning easier.
- It collects the feces of the cat and rakes them up into a container.
- No more manual scooping required
- Carbon filters keep the odor clean
- Cleaning the litter box is easy.
- Not suitable for big cats
- Not fully automatic
- Some times all the feces are not cleaner
- SINGLE CAT SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOX: This litter box has automatic scooping with a rake that removes waste for a clean, fresh start. It is designed for a single cat under 15 lb
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
11. Petree Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
The Petree Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box is a robotic litter box designed to be well suited to your cat and you. Several features of this nearly autonomous equipment make it an excellent choice for your home.
The manufacturers have gone all out with the safety features of this cutting-edge equipment with beneficial and user-friendly technology. For example, the PIR pyroelectric sensor is set to keep your cat safe while in the litter box so it can do its business easier. In addition, the PIR is designed to sense the specific body temperature of cats and nothing more.
Moreover, the Petree litter box is equipped with an infrared sensor that makes it know the cat is approaching, in, or out of the litter box. It also has microwave radar to help with the task. The aim is to ensure the electronics of the litter box are quiet when the cat is near or inside to avoid scaring the cat.
Petree Self Cleaning Litter Box also has a kitten protection system so cats of all ages and sizes can safely use the device. In addition, with a power-on self-check system, your robotic litter box can remotely alert you when the waste storage is due for disposal.
The Petree litter box will work with all types of cat litter on the market except crystal cat litter. Petree eliminates odors and purifies the air in and around itself by releasing ozone.
Petree litter box also has a remote-control app compatible with android and iOS. The app allows you to monitor your pet doing business in real time. It also supports Siri, google assistant, and Amazon Alexa.
With dimensions of 25.2” L x 20” W x 20” H, your Petree cat litter box is equipped to serve cats up to 18 lbs. So it is pretty suitable for multi-cat families as well.
The manufacturers provide a 1-year warranty on this robotic self-cleaning cat litter box. They also offer 24-hour customer service.
The new detachable design of the Petree litterbox is at least 30% smaller than that of competitors. So, the carbon footprint is reduced.
The Petree self-cleaning cat litter box is reasonably priced and easy to use. This product is especially helpful if you work long hours away from home.
- Multiple cats can use it
- Equipped with multiple sensors for the safety of your pet
- Equipped with kitten protection
- App remote monitoring
- Suitable for busy cat owners
- It does not allow for crystal litter use.
- The cat weight limit is set at 18 lbs.
- Automated Self-Cleaning: Petree revolutionizes pet care with its cutting-edge self-cleaning technology, which automatically sifts and isolates waste, eliminating daily scooping chores.
- Safety Assurance: Designed with your cat’s safety in mind, Petree features anti-pinch technology and operates quietly, ensuring that the cleaning cycle never disturbs or harms your beloved pet.
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Buyer’s guide – how to choose the best self-cleaning cat litter box
What makes a good robotic litter tray?
Before you shift from manual scooping and buy a new self-cleaning litterbox for your feline, you need to be sure you are not wasting your money. There are many products available in the market but if you do not buy the best one for your feline you will regret it.
Before you go shopping just go through the following things so you can decide what you really need.
What is the size of your cat?
If you have a large cat breed you will want to find the best self-cleaning litter box for large cats. Not all of them cater to large felines. I would recommend looking at the PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra or the CatGenie for larger cats. Not including tigers.
How many cats do you have?
If you have more than one cat, self-washing litter trays such as the CatGenie will certainly increase the chances of multiple cats being happy to use the same toilet. Another option could be the PetSafe Simply Cleandue to the continuous clean process.
Do you want to go fully automated or need a semi-automated litter box?
If you are just looking for a cat litter tray that is easy to clean the ceratinly consider the Omega Paw Elite. While it is not robotic, it definitely makes things easier without a large investment.
How much you want to spend on the box?
Obviously this is key. If you would like an all singing all dancing top of the range automatic pooper scooper for cats that you have to do nothing with, then it will, of course, cost more. The CatGenie fills that role. However, if you don’t mind emptying a tray from time to time, something like the LitterMaid M680C is a great option for cost vs. ability value.
A few more points for consideration before buying?
Aside from asking yourself the questions above, there are a few more points to consider before you finally choose the right automatic cat litter box.
The hood
It is important to decide whether you need a litter box with or without a hood. The hood provides additional privacy to your cat, and on top of that if she is shy she needs it. It will also reduce the mess and odor once your cat has completed his business.
Size
While we have mentioned above the importance of getting a self-cleaning litter box that your cat can fit in, it is also important to get one that can fit in your house. Some of the models can be quite large, so be sure to have planned where you want to keep it and checked it will fit. This is especially important for models such as the CatGenie that also requires a water connection.
Ease of maintenance
Another thing you need to keep in mind is how easy is it to maintain. Though there is nothing very technical or complex about self-cleaning litterbox, some of them have complex technical features.
The best automatic cat litter boxes don’t require maintenance at all as they are self-washing and flushing. Some, however, may require semi reqular cleans. Be sure to know what to expect before you buy otherwise you may end u disappointed at how much you still have to be involved.
Ongoing costs
Some robotic litter trays have an ongoing cost. Whether it is requiring a specific brand of kitty litter or an increase in utility bills from needing a constant supply of electricity, there are often hidden costs involved, so be sure to know what you will be expecting to pay to keep your litter tray active.
Final thoughts on the best automatic cat litter boxes
Cleaning a litterbox and removing bad smells has never easy, but now it is definitely simpler with the best best automatic litter boxes. These litterboxes not only keep your house clean but also reduce your workload of scooping the waste out of the litterbox.
As a cat owner, I know how hard it is to keep a litterbox clean, and how messy it can be if you lack the motivation to scoop the poop.
An automatic self-cleaning litterbox can reduce your troubles, worries, and tedious work of cleaning the messy litterbox. If you are an owner who hates cleaning the mess of your cat, dislikes the odor but loves your feline then one of the above-mentioned litterboxes should disappoint you.
FAQs
How do you pour litter into these automated litter boxes?
Generally, there are two ways to load cat litter. The first way is from the top. Automated litter boxes have different designs depending on the brand you buy. The litter boxes that resemble traditional ones are open and shaped like a shallow bowl.
These types don’t require a special procedure. Just take the litter bag and dump the required amount in. easy!
Other types, shaped like a little house for your cat, utilize different methods for loading. They will have to be loaded from the front at the entrance for your pet.
How long does it take for a robot cat litter box to self-test?
Most self-cleaning litter boxes take just under a minute to self-test. If the system takes longer than a minute, it may indicate a problem with your litter box.
How long does the robot litter box take to self-clean after the cat finishes using it?
Most self-cleaning cat litter boxes usually come with a phone app. And in the phone app, there is a timer set for the self-cleaning to kick in between 1 and 15 minutes.
This comes in handy if you have a cat that scares easy. It’s important to note that most robot cat litter boxes also come with a do-not-disturb button. This feature keeps the litter box from self-cleaning until you activate it manually.
Which self-cleaning cat litter box is better – the open type or the closed type?
The best cat litter for you depends on you ultimately. Manufacturers design effective and convenient litter boxes to ensure you have the best experience with your cat.
But if you are particularly sensitive to seeing your pet do the business, you may like to buy the one with a dome or cover, so you don’t see your pet defecating.
Does it need to be set up near an electric outlet?
As your automated litter box needs electricity to work correctly, you may need to install it near an outlet. But if your outlets are preoccupied, you could use an extension box.
What do I do if the litter box entrance is too high for my kitten to climb?
If the litter box entrance is high for your kitty, you may need to provide some improvised steps for the kitten to use.
Does the app inform you when the freshener cubes or litter need to be changed?
Unfortunately, the apps for self-cleaning cat litter boxes do not yet offer a feature that alerts you when to change the cat litter or the freshener when they are exhausted.
This is something we all would like to see in future iterations of this robotic pet-care technology.
But now, you may have to rely on your sense of smell. Then after your first few experiences with the offensive smell emanating from the litter box, you should be able to schedule changes for the litter and deodorizers before anything nasty happens. Good luck!
How do I get my cat to use the electronic litter box?
There are many things to do if you are trying to get a first-timer cat to use the litter box. First, it is important to have your cat close when setting it up.
This should desensitize your cat to this new ‘thing’ in the house. Attract your kitty using treats to come around when setting up the litter.
If the litter is already set up before your cat acclimates to it, sit next to the litter box, gently put your hand in and pull out a few times to suggest to the cat how harmless that space is. Then gently grab your cat after some nice good stroking and place it in the litter box.
It is also constructive, with an especially frightful cat, to turn off the power to the device for the first few days after setting up, so the cat isn’t scared away by the LEDs, beeping, or noise of the automatic cleaning.
However, you must slowly introduce those features to your cat when they get comfortable using the litter box as the days roll on.
Matt is the founder of the Little Robot Shop, who has spent much of the last decade hacking home cleaning with various robots and devices to make keeping his home clean as easy as possible. Not an easy task with two young children.
When not working on the Little Robot Shop website or YouTube channel, he works as technical support and product specialist for a fast-growing digital company. He does his best to get his younglings to code, which will be an essential skill in the future.
