Cats are amazing creatures who make us smile with all of their antics and crazy things they do on a daily basis. With many different breeds to choose from, they all have their own unique personality, an get treated like one of the family.
Although cats are pretty low-maintenance pets, there are some tasks that even the most passionate of cat lovers dislike. One of those tasks is cleaning your cats litter box.
Scooping smelly waste from a box is never much fun, but it is a task that has to be done as it can be unhealthy for both your cat and yourself if left unattended.
The solution to this is an automatic self-cleaning litter box. Self-cleaning litter boxes not only keep themselves very clean as they detect each time your cat has used it, they also save you a ton of time keep cleaning them out, especially if you have multiple cats.
In this post we are going to look at the best self-cleaning box in various different categories to give you as much information as possible that will enable you to make a decision on which one to purchase.
Best overall: Litter-Robot 3 Connect Litter Box
Runner up: PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra
Best budget: Petsafe Simply Clean
Best Smart: PetSafe ScoopFree Smart
Best for multiple cats: LitterMaid Automatic Multi-Cat
Best Overall Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Litter-Robot 3 Connect Litter Box
KEY FEATURES:
- Helps reduce litter box odor
- Great for cats 5 lbs and up
- Remotely monitor litter box usage
- Save time and money
- No special accessories needed
- Sleep mode
- Adjustable cycle timer
The Litter-Robot 3 Connect is one of our favorites and we had to put it as the best self-cleaning litter box. Visually it looks like something from a Sci-Fi movie, but does it do the job?
It certainly does! Not only does it make the cleaning process more convenient, but it also allows you to monitor your cats bathroom habits via an app on your phone.
This is extremely important because it allows you to spot any health conditions or illnesses that your cat may have.
Any kind of clumping litter can be used with the litter robot, and it is also suitable for multiple cats and individual cats that are between 5-20 pounds.
One thing to consider is the size of the box. The overall design is extremely large, so it extremely important that you have somewhere to put it before purchasing. The dimensions can be found below.
How Does It Work?
A countdown is started as soon as your cat leaves the box. When the countdown finishes, the inner lining of the hood start to rotate. This enables fresh cat litter to go through the sift. whilst the waste gets collected via the carbon filtered bottom compartment.
This bottom compartment can be lined with a plastic bag that can be thrown away once full. You know when it is full because the device will send a notification to your phone.
Overall this is a fantastic self-cleaning litter box with tons of features, a 90-day money-back guarantee, an 18-month warranty, and is easy to setup.
Read our full Litter-Robot 3 Connect Review here
Dimensions: 24.25 x 29.5 x 27 in
Weight (Empty): 24lbs
Pros:
- Useful information and readings.
- Blocks foul odors with it's carbon filtered bottom compartment.
- Any kind of clumping clay litter can be used.
- Suitable for multiple cats.
- Has a battery backup.
Cons:
- Very large design.
- Sometimes stutters when rotating.
- High entrance. This means it isn't suitable for all cats, especially older cats.
Runner Up
PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box
KEY FEATURES:
- Self-cleans up to 2 weeks.
- Adjustable cleaning program.
- Excellent odor control.
- Crystal litter: Dust-free and low-tracking.
- Privacy hood.
The runner up on list is the PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box. It is very popular litter box that uses pre-filled disposable trays of crystal litter and is available in three different colors.
The crystal litter does an exceptional job of absorbing moisture and locking in odor which means no more bad smells! It also doesn't give off dust, as well as being low-tracking.
How Does It Work?
You can set the timer to 5, 10, or 20 minutes to start the automation process once your cat has left the litter box. Once they exit, solid waste is swept into the covered receptacle by automatic rake which is incorporated in the disposable tray.
This grooms the crystals which means the next time your cat needs to use the litter box, they will have fresh litter. This is great because cats can get very picky and refuse to use dirty litter boxes.
You may worry and think, what if my cats uses the litter box during a cleaning cycle?
A clever feature has been put into place where the rake's timer automatically gets reset using detection sensors if your cat enters during a cycle.
All that is required from yourself is to simply dispose of the litter tray and replace with a new one every couple of weeks. This is the guidelines for a single cat.
You may also be interested in the PetSafe ScoopFree Original Automatic Cat Litter Box.
Dimensions: 27.5 x 19 x 17 inches
Weight (Empty): 21lbs
Pros:
- Quiet operation.
- Very reliable.
- Good odor control.
- Use counter.
- No scooping or cleaning.
- Low-tracking.
- Leak protection.
Cons:
- Some cats may not like the silica gel litter.
- Disposable trays can become expensive.
Best Budget
Petsafe Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Automatic Litter Box
KEY FEATURES:
- Bowl rotation.
- Covered waste bin + two layers of odor defense.
- Quiet motor.
- Easy to clean: Recycled plastic bags.
- Great customer support.
Everybody loves a bargain, especially if you are on a tight budget. If you cannot afford a self-cleaning litter box such as the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, our best budget buy is the Petsafe Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Automatic Litter Box.
Due to the small size of the litter basin, this box is ideal for smaller cats of around 15 pounds, and uses any clumping litter of your choice.
How Does It Work?
A slow-moving conveyor system which is extremely quiet, constantly operates by sifting through the litter to remove any waste. A full rotation of the system is completed each and every hour.
Unlike some of the other self-cleaning litter boxes on our list, this particular litter box doesn't use any sensors. We were a bit unsure of the operating system at first as we thought it may disturb or scare the cats.
But the rotation is so slow that most cats should be kay with the process. Keep in mind that there are always going to be some cats that are frightened and refuse to use it.
As this is a budget option, it doesn't do as good of a job at reducing litter tracking as some of the higher end models. For this reason, you may want to invest in a litter matt.
The waste container can be lined with recycled plastic bags. This litter box has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty. It's also important to note that it should be left unplugged if you have a kitten that is younger than 6 months old.
Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 21 inches
Weight (Empty): 13.7lbs
Pros:
- Works with any hard clumping litter.
- Relatively quiet.
- Suitable for multi-cat use.
- Great use of carbon filter pads.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- No sensors.
- The design may be uncomfortable for your cat.
- Not suitable for larger cats over 15 lbs.
- No battery backup.
Best Smart
PetSafe ScoopFree Smart Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
KEY FEATURES:
- Smart phone app.
- Automatically cleans for weeks.
- Tracks your cats health.
- Never touch or see waste.
- Sleek modern design.
This is the smart version of the Petsafe ScoopFree litter box and is available either with a cover or without a cover. The covered version costs slightly more than the uncovered version.
This litter box has it's own app that you can download onto your smartphone which means you can control the litter box and view all of the data on your cats bathroom habits.
If you have one cat then this is perfect. The only real downside is if you have more than one cat, it cannot differentiate between the two which means there isn't separate data for each cat.
How Does It Work?
The way in which this litter box works is basically the same as the Petsafe ScoopFree litter box. The waste gets pushed into a compartment using a rake that moves back and fourth.
A disposable litter tray is used with the box that is uses silica crystal litter and can be inserted via a slot at the bottom.
Dimensions: 27.6 x 19.1 x 6.2 inches
Weight (Empty): 18.6lbs
Pros:
- Gives excellent data and allows you to track your cats bathroom habits.
- Activate raking manually via a button.
- Very effective odor control.
- Easy to use.
- Great price for a smart litter box.
- The litter used is fantastic quality.
Cons:
- Not all litter can be used.
- Some people report that the motor is a little noisy.
- Not ideal for kittens or multi-cat use.
Best for Multiple Cats
LitterMaid Automatic Multi-Cat Litter Box Self-Cleaning
KEY FEATURES:
- Automatic scooping with rake.
- Designed for multiple cats over 15 lb.
- No daily scooping. for up to 7 days.
- Keeps odor contained.
- Easy setup.
- High walls to prevent spillage.
- Paw cleaning ramp to prevent tracking.
- Includes 4 waste receptacles, 4 carbon filters, 1 scoop and rake cleaner.
Some of the litter boxes on this list are not suitable for multiple cats, so we made sure to cover one that is. Welcome to the LitterMaid Automatic Multi-Cat Litter Box that is specific for multi-cat use.
How Does It Work?
A cleaning cycle is activated after a sensor detects your cats use. Like some of the other self-cleaning litter boxes on our list, solid waste is separated by a rake moving back and forth which pushes it into a disposable waste receptacle.
If you don't want to keep getting receptacles, you can also line it up with a plastic bag. It's important not to overfill the box with litter, because this may overwork the motor. If this happens then the cleaning process will be ineffective.
Dimensions: 27 x 18 x 10 inches
Weight (Empty): -
Pros:
- Any hard clumping litter can be used.
- No daily scooping required.
- The carbon filters help keep odor under control.
- Excellent for multi-cat use.
- Large design and can also be used by large cats over 15lbs.
- Battery backup.
- Reasonably priced.
- Comes with a scoop.
Cons:
- Not suitable for kittens less than 6 months old.
- Waste compartment is not as large as some of the other litter boxes.
- Can be a little noisy.
How do self-cleaning litter boxes work?
Most self-cleaning litter boxes feature a sensor that detects when a cat leaves the litter box to enable it to start the cleaning process.
The cleaning process involves a rake that moves back and forth which sifts through the waste which then gets deposited into a receptacle. Most self-cleaning litter boxes use clumping litter and some use their own custom litter.
With so many variations available on the market, it's best to look at each specific litter box to see how exactly it works.
Things to Consider When Looking For An Automatic Cat Litter Box?
- Effective Cleaning: The litter box should do a quick and effective job and removing both waste and odor. Cats will refuse to use a litter box if it is dirty or smelly.
- Monitor a Cats Health: Tracking your cats bathroom habits is a great way to understand your cats health status. Some of the self-cleaning litter boxes come with an app that sends notifications to your phone each and every time your cat uses it.
- Types of Litter: Some litter boxes only take certain types of litter. If this happens to be litter that your cat does not like, they will not use the litter box.
- One's That Don't Jam: Some automatic litter boxes are known to jam as gunk and dirt build up over time. It's best to do your research and check all of the reviews of the product before you buy.
- Budget: Automatic litter boxes come in a number of different prices, ranging from budget options to more expensive models. Certain boxes also use their own custom litter which adds to the cost. Again, do your research on each specific model before buying.
Benefits Of Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
You may be asking yourself, "are self-cleaning litter boxes worth it?" Here are all of the benefits:
- No more manual scooping.
- Less or no contact with cat waste.
- Reduces odor in your home.
- The litter box is always clean for your cat.
- You can go to work all day and not worry about your cats litter box.
- You can save money on litter (depending upon which model you choose).
How Do I Train My Cat to Use It’s Litter Box?
It can be very frustrating if you have just spent a lot of money on a self-cleaning litter box, only for your cat to refuse to use it. This is not uncommon because cats hate change, and the sudden appearance of automatic litter box along with the noises they make can frighten a cat.
Don't worry too much because a cat can be trained to use a self-cleaning litter box. You will just need a little time and patience for the following tips to take effect.
1. Keep the litter box unplugged at the start
The sound of an automatic litter box may frighten a cat, so it is best to keep it unplugged until they have used it a number of times.
2. Use treats
Place your cats favorite treats by the litter box so that they associate the box as something positive. Don't ever force them into the litterbox, just let them explore in their own time.
3. Place it next to their old litter box
When you first purchase a self-cleaning litter box, do not get rid of their old litter box straight away. If you do this it will just confuse your cat and they may not use the new litter box. Placing the new litter box side-by-side with their old one will allow them to associate the two.
Another good trick to use is to place a few clumps from the dirty litter, into the new litter box so that it has a familiar smell.
4. Stop cleaning the old litter box
As cats like to use clean litter boxes, you should stop cleaning their old one which will encourage them to use the new self-cleaning litter box. After they have used the new litter box a number of times, you can then completely remove the old one.
5. Keep using the same litter
A change in a litter box is bad enough, but a change in litter as well can be too much of a change for your cat. This isn't always possible because some self-cleaning litter boxes such as the PetSafe ScoopFree use their own custom litter.
Don't worry because there is a way around this. Before you switch to the new litter box, start placing some of the new litter into the old litter box to enable your cat to get used to the texture of the new litter. Gradually increase the amount until your using nothing but the new litter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do self-cleaning cat litter boxes really work?
Self-cleaning litter boxes do a fantastic job of removing waste and locking in odor. They are worth the investment and will save you a ton of time keep scooping out litter every day.
What type of litter should I pick for an automatic litter box?
Most self-cleaning litter boxes use clumping litter, but it is always best to check with the specific model, because some use crystals or non-tracking, and others use their own custom litter. Using the wrong litter can cause the litter box to stop functioning.
Where should I place my cat litter box in my home?
If possible, a litter box should always be placed in low-noise, low-traffic areas of your home where you cat can have privacy and they are not going to be disturbed. It should also be placed on a hard sturdy surface, and the opening should be easily accessible for your cat
Can kittens use self-cleaning cat litter boxes
Kittens can only use self-cleaning litter boxes when they are unplugged. The reason for this is because the sensors do not have the ability to pick up a kitten, which means the cleaning process could activate with them still inside of the device.
Another reason for them not to use it is because their poop may be too small for the rake which means the cleaning process will not be effective.
So if you have a kitten that weighs less than 5 lbs and is under 6 months old, keep the litter box unplugged.
Can I use a self-cleaning litter box for multiple cats?
A self-cleaning litter box is perfectly fine to use for multiple cats. As they do a fantastic job of removing waste and odor, a second cat will not be put off by another cats smell.
The only downside is that some self-cleaning litter boxes come with an app that enables you to track you cats bathroom habits and gives you data. The cannot differentiate between cats, so it does not give you the correct data.
How often should I empty a self-cleaning litter box?
Although automatic litter boxes clean themselves, you will still need to replace either the litter or trays that come with it which is usually every 1-2 weeks. The litter box may need to be cleaned or emptied more frequently if you have multiple cats.
Do I need to buy custom parts?
This all depends upon which type of litter box you choose. A good example of this is the PetSafe ScoopFree litter box that comes with disposable litter trays that need to be changed every three months. It's best to just check with the individual model to see what is required.
Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box Conclusion
So that is our recommendations of the best self-cleaning litter box. As you can see, they are worth the investment and will save you the hassle of keep scooping waste on a daily basis.
Over time we will continue to add to this list as we find self-cleaning litter boxes that are worthy of making the list. Do you have a self-cleaning litter box? Let us know your experience in the comments section below.
