Last Updated: 7 months ago
If you’re looking for the best self-cleaning litter boxes for multiple cats, I’ve got you covered!
Today, we’ll cover automatic models! You’ll find out what makes them so popular.
Read on for in-depth reviews of each of these machines!
I’ll even talk about what to look for when choosing your self-cleaning litter box.
Let’s get started!
Self-Cleaning cat Litter Boxes at a glance
Read on to find out which boxes are among the most reliable, starting with our #1 pick!
- Litter-Robot III – Uses a patented self-cleaning method that relies on gravity to get the job done.
- PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Crystal litter is 99% dust-free, which is good for you and your cat.
- PetSafe ScoopFree Uncovered Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – The safety sensor ensures your cat won’t get hurt.
- Smarty Pear Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – The box is large enough to accommodate up to four cats, making it perfect for multi-cat houses.
- PetSafe ScoopFree Top-Entry Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – The device rakes the waste into a covered trap to eliminate odor.
10 Best Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes
Automatic litter boxes use three main cleaning mechanisms: raking, rotating, or flushing.
1. Litter-Robot III
The Litter-Robot III Open Air is definitely the most highly-rated robot litter box and one of the best self-cleaning litter boxes for multiple cats, but it’s also the most expensive by a long shot.
FYI, you might also see this called Litter-Robot 3 (instead of the Roman numerals) as you shop.
Important Specs
- Overall Size: 29.2″ x 24.1″ x 26.7″
- Potty Area Size: 17″
- Type of Litter It Uses: Any clumping litter
- How often does it need to be emptied: About once a week, depending on how many cats you have.
- Ease of Assembly: No assembly required, so pretty darn easy!
- Warranty: 18-36 months
Benefits
- Uses a patented self-cleaning method that relies on gravity to get the job done.
- It also has a WI-FI “Connect” version that actually lets you track your cat’s potty habits.
- No more scooping, ever! Thanks to the collection system, you just slide out the waste drawer and dump it when indicated.
- Total odor control, since it removes the waste right away and tucks it behind a carbon filter in the collection drawer.
- It is large enough for cats up to 25 pounds, which makes it perfect for a Maine Coon or multiple cats.
- It is suitable for up to four cats, providing them with fresh litter every time they use the box.
- 90-day in-home trial to see if you like it. If you don’t, send it back with no questions asked.
Drawbacks
- The most obvious con is the price. It’s the most expensive automatic litter box on this list by a long shot.
- It’s fairly bulky, so you’ll need a lot of space for it. Definitely not a space-saver litter box!
- You need to use a very exact amount of litter for optimum performance, and it’s tricky to figure out just how much that is.
- Replacement liners are pretty costly for what they are. A pack of 20 will run you $25, which is like paying $1.25 for what is essentially a tiny garbage bag!
- Replacement components are on the expensive side. For example, two small rubber seal strips will run you $12.99, and need to be replaced about twice a year.
Recommendation
While this particular automatic litter box is out of my reach because of the price, it’s pretty much the “dream machine” for those who can afford it!
In fact, it’s the highest-rated by quite a large margin! While most robotic litter boxes fall between 3 and 4 stars with customers, this one hits the high 4 to 5-star mark every time.
One thing to keep in mind, though: make sure you can afford the litter box and the upkeep. Take note of the cons. Replacement liners and parts aren’t cheap.
What Are Cat Parents Saying?
Most cat owners praise Litter-Robot for its performance, design, and functionality, especially the WiFi model.
As this reviewer says, it’s perfect for controlling unpleasant odors, and it’s easy to take it apart for cleaning. And Whisker’s app is great for monitoring your cat’s habits.
Another reviewer also shares, “I can see how this would be an awesome choice for people who work long hours, have multiple cats, or have difficulty cleaning the box.”
2. PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- AUTOMATICALLY REMOVES WASTE: No scooping, cleaning or refilling your...
- UNBEATABLE ODOR CONTROL: Crystal litter removes smell by absorbing...
- NO MORE MESSY FLOORS: Low-tracking crystals are 99% dust free and...
The ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box is one of the most popular budget-friendly automatic litter boxes on Amazon. Let’s find out why.
Important Specs
- Overall Size: 19 1/8 in. W x 27 5/8 in. L x 6 3/8 in. H
- Potty Area Size: 14 in. W x 15 1/2 in. L
- Type of Litter It Uses: Proprietary disposable tray with crystals
- How often does it need to be emptied: Change tray about every two weeks
- Ease of Assembly: Super simple, just pop the hood on and slide the tray in place.
- Warranty: One year, but only for manufacturer defects
benefits
- Crystal litter is 99% dust-free, which is good for you and your cat.
- Simple to clean, just remove the tray and toss it.
- Adjustable cleaning delay. You can set it for 5,10 and 20 minutes.
- Virtually odor-free, thanks to the crystals and the tray system.
- Available with or without a hood, so if you have a larger cat you can go for the hood-free system.
- A 10-foot long cord lets you place it pretty much anywhere and not just up against an electrical outlet.
Drawbacks
- Uses proprietary litter, and a 6-pack of replacement trays costs more than half the price of the system to begin with.
- Multi-cat homes end up replacing the litter significantly more often than single-cat homes, which means you’ll be paying even more money in the long run.
- The rakes that move the litter tend to get rusty.
- Cats who really dig in their boxes can completely wreck the cardboard tray. They do sell a permanent tray to combat this, but it’s kind of pricey.
Recommendation
After the Litter-Robot above, the PetSafe ScoopFree system is the most highly rated among customers, making it an ideal budget-friendly option.
While I don’t love the fact that it uses proprietary litter, when you consider the cost of regular clumping litter compared to how often you change it, it actually works out okay.
And as you can see from this video, it’s a piece of cake to change the litter box bed whenever it gets too dirty. And as the reviewer says, the box doesn’t smell as bad as traditional ones.
3. PetSafe ScoopFree Uncovered Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- AUTOMATIC CLEANING: Experience the convenience of an automatic self...
- ODOR CONTROL: Say goodbye to unpleasant odors with this automatic cat...
- CLEANER HOME: Enjoy a cleaner home with the self cleaning cat litter...
ScoopFree has another great automatic litter box for large cats who hate covered toilet boxes.
Let’s see what makes it so special and how it differs from the Ultra cat box model.
Important Specs
- Overall Size: 19-1/8” x 27-5/8” x 6-3/8”
- Potty Area Size: 14” W x 15-1/2” L
- Type of Litter It Uses: Crystals
- How often does it need to be emptied: Change the disposable tray about every two weeks.
- Ease of Assembly: Super simple, no tools needed.
- Warranty: one-year limited warranty, non-transferable
benefits
- ScoopFree uses crystal litter, so there’s less dust and tracking around the house.
- It automatically rakes the litter 20 minutes after your cat finishes its business and deposits the solid waste into a closed waste receptacle for superior odor control.
- The safety sensor ensures your cat won’t get hurt by the rake, making it one of the best self-cleaning litter boxes for multiple cats.
- The disposable litter trays are great for quick clean-up.
- It uses less litter than traditional boxes and is one of the most affordable automatic boxes for large cats.
- Low maintenance since you have to change the tray every few weeks.
- Optional hood if you want to give your cat privacy.
Drawbacks
- Unlike the Ultimate ScropFree automatic box, the Original doesn’t feature an adjustable cleaning cycle.
- While it uses less litter, you need to purchase disposable trays and some cats can wreck them quickly with their claws
- The rake has some issues with large clumps.
- Not suitable for kittens under six months of age.
- Crystal litter is great at controlling odors, but you need to change it once it reaches saturation point, or it’s going to smell worse.
What Are Cat Parents Saying?
In general, cat owners have a position opinion of ScoopFree Original Box, and they’re happy with its performance and design.
As this reviewer says, the box significantly reduces tracking and litter scattering around the house, and cats quickly get used to it.
But you may need to change the litter more frequently than the manufacturer recommends to avoid unpleasant odors.
4. Smarty Pear Leo’s Loo Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- AUTOMATIC CLEANING: The Loo detects when kitty has finished in the...
- ODOR CONTROL: 100% of users agree—the Loo Too helps control odor*....
- HEALTH MONITORING APP: The connected app tracks kitty’s weight and...
Leo’s Loo automatic covered unit is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes for multiple cats due to its rotating cleaning mechanism.
Important Specs
- Overall Size: 25.6 x 24.8 x 26 inches
- Potty Area Size: 21 inches in diameter
- Type of Litter It Uses: Clay-based, clumping
- How often does it need to be emptied: When the alarm goes off
- Ease of Assembly: Simple
- Warranty: one year, 90-day trial
benefits
- The box starts the cleaning cycle after your cat exits the unit, so your feline will always have fresh litter to use.
- The display is user-friendly, allowing you to figure out how to operate it in minutes.
- No need to wonder when you need to empty the waste drawer, thanks to the alarm and screen notification.
- All the waste is stored in a closed compartment with a charcoal filter to absorb the nasty odors.
- It has excellent safety features – weight sensors and an anti-pinch failsafe to ensure your cat won’t get trapped inside during the cycle.
- The device is easy to clean since you can disassemble all significant components.
- The box is large enough to accommodate up to four cats, perfect for multi-cat houses.
- Beautiful and elegant design, perfect for any room you decide to put the box in, and extra features, such as a night light.
Drawbacks
- It uses custom Kitty Loo Bags for the waste compartment (available through the manufacturer), which can be costly in the long run.
- It has a high entry, so it’s not the best for cats with mobility issues.
- According to reviewers, the waste drawer is too small, and you often have to change the bags.
- Not very eco-friendly since you can’t use anything but clay clumping brands.
Recommendation
Cat parents say that Smarty Pear’s automatic litter box is very close in design and functionality to Litter-Robot. They praise it for its quiet motor and safety features.
The device is straightforward to use, and you can take it apart in seconds.
5. ScoopFree Ultra Top-Entry Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- AUTOMATIC CLEANING: This automatic litter box eliminates the need for...
- ODOR CONTROL: The automatic litter box self cleaning feature of the...
- PRISTINE FLOORS: This cat litter box self cleaning system ensures that...
ScoopFree has another excellent automatic litter box for multiple cats, which is perfect if you want to reduce tracking around the house.
Important Specs
- Overall Size: 27.6″ x 19.1″ x 15.6″
- Potty Area Size: 15 1/2″ long x 14″
- Type of Litter It Uses: Crystal
- How often does it need to be emptied: Every 20-30 days for one cat, every two weeks for two cats
- Ease of Assembly: Simple
- Warranty: one year
benefits
- The device rakes the waste into a covered trap to eliminate odor and keep the rest of the crystal clean for the next bathroom visit.
- The box features a grated surface to prevent crystals from sticking to your cat’s paws, and it reduces tracking around the house.
- Thanks to the built-in health counter, you monition how often your cat uses the bathroom.
- If your cat doesn’t like the top-entry hood, you can exchange it for the regular privacy cover or not use it.
- There is no need to get your hands dirty because you can throw the disposable tray whenever it gets dirty. But you can also use a reusable one to save some money.
Drawbacks
- Some cats don’t like crystals and can get their paws hurt when they dig.
- You can’t adjust the rake timer, unlike the other ScoopFree Ultra model.
- Some owners report that the crystals don’t last as long as expected and start to smell in a couple of days.
- The rake needs frequent cleaning.
Recommendation
Most cat owners have positive experiences with ScoopFree and are pleased with its design and cleaning mechanism.
And as you can see from this video, the unit is very easy to assemble, and you can install the privacy hood without any tools.
6. Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- AUTOMATICALLY SCOOPS AFTER EVERY USE: Equip with smart-detection...
- 24/7 FRESHNESS WHEN USED AND STORED AS DIRECTED: Waste receptacle...
- EXTRA-LARGE BOX: Designed for multiple cats over 15 lb. This litter...
Nature’s Miracle’s self-cleaning box is similar in design to ScoopFree, but its size makes it one of the best automatic boxes for large cats.
Important Specs
- Overall Size: 11″ x 28.25″ x 19.5″ inches
- Potty Area Size: 16″ x 14″
- Type of Litter It Uses: hard clumping brands
- How often does it need to be emptied: Every week
- Ease of Assembly: Simple
- Warranty: one year
benefits
- Nature’s Miracle automatic litter box features a smart-detection sensor to remove the waste into the waste bin after each bathroom visit.
- The high walls are perfect for containing the litter inside the box and preventing it from scattering all over the floor.
- It features a cleaning ramp to trap litter particles from your cat’s paws and reduce tracking around the house.
- The waste compartment has a carbon filter, so you don’t have to worry about nasty odors.
- It has a night light for extra visibility, so you won’t be tripping over the litter box at night.
Drawbacks
- Not as well-designed as ScoopFree since it frequently jams and the rakes can’t reach the bottom, according to customers’ reviews.
- Loud and noisy.
- You need to empty the waste bin too often to keep odors at bay.
Recommendation
Most cat owners have mixed opinions of Nature’s Miracle product They like the automatic feature but agree that the design has flaws.
The box is straightforward to use, but it’s far too loud, and the rake stops working out of the blue.
Still, it’s a very affordable option for multi-pet households, even if you have to press the clean button manually from time to time.
7. LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- MULTI-CAT SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOX: This litter box has automatic...
- LOW MAINTENANCE: When used as directed, the LitterMaid Multi-Cat...
- ODOR CONTROL: Once the rake removes waste, the waste receptacles with...
Do you have multiple large cats? Then LitterMaid’s self-cleaning toilet box for multiple cats won’t disappoint you with its design.
Important Specs
- Overall Size: 27″ x 18″ x 10″
- Potty Area Size: 16″ x 14″
- Type of Litter It Uses: hard clumping brands
- How often does it need to be emptied: Every week
- Ease of Assembly: Simple
- Warranty: one year
benefits
- One of the best automatic litter boxes for multiple cats because it’s large and can handle cats over 15 lbs.
- The box has high walls to prevent your cat from scattering sand all over the floors and making a mess.
- It has a convenient paw-cleaning ramp to capture any particles stuck to your cat’s paws.
- The rake cleaning mechanism traps clumps in the covered waste compartment to ensure your cats have a clean litter box to use all the time.
- It comes with four disposable waste bins, four carbon filters to reduce odors, and a rake cleaner to remove any left-over clumps.
- One of the most affordable self-cleaning litter boxes for multiple cats or large cats.
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for kittens and cats under 5lbs since they will be too light to trigger the sensor.
- The rake has problems with stubborn clumps sticking to the bottom of the box and can’t pick some small litter clumps.
- The rake misses some areas of the litter bed, where clumps and waste can accumulate.
- You need to buy waste receptacles or cover the ones you have with a liner.
Recommendation
Most pet parents are happy with LitterMaid’s self-cleaning box and say it works great with a few hacks.
As such, it’s an affordable option to try if you’re tired of scooping your cat’s toilet every day.
8. Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box
- CLUMPING, CRYSTAL OR PINE LITTER - This semi self cleaning cat litter...
- MESS & ODOR CONTROL – High walled sides decreases litter scatter,...
- EASY CLEAN - Simple disassembly for cleaning and maintenance with...
Pet Zone’s toilet box is one of the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes for multiple cats when you’re looking for something affordable and easy to use.
Important Specs
- Overall Size: 26.5″ x 16.88″ x 7.63″
- Potty Area Size: 13 1/2″ X 15″
- Type of Litter It Uses: Lightweight clumping litter or crystals
- How often does it need to be emptied: About once a week, depending on how many cats you have.
- Ease of Assembly: Simple, no tools needed
- Warranty: 12 months limited warranty
benefits
- The rake cleaning mechanism has a smart sensor to detect when your cat exits the litter box to start the cleaning cycle.
- You can use it both with clumping litter and crystals – whichever your cat likes the best.
- The box comes with a one-month supply of litter bags.
- You don’t need disposable trays or cartilage – all you need are garbage bags for the waste bin.
- The carbon filter traps odors, while the high sides keep litter inside the pan.
- Relatively easy to maintain and large enough to accommodate multiple cats.
Drawbacks
- Cats have to be 6 pounds to use it
- Small waste bin, so you have to empty it every week.
- Short cord, according to customer reviews
- Rusty grate
Recommendation
Most cat owners like Pet Zone’s self-cleaning litter box and are satisfied with its performance, design, and durability.
The unit starts the cleaning cycle 15 minutes after it senses movement, no matter whether it’s your cat or not.
As such, it can be a bit loud, especially in the middle of the night.
9. CatGenie Automatic Cat Litter Box
- Automatic cat box flushes waste away and washes itself clean
- Uses litter-like Washable Granules not clay litter to satisfy cats...
- Requires hookup to cold water and electrical outlet
We can’t deny that the Cat Genie Self-Flushing Litter Box is definitely the coolest looking automatic litter box, but does it really work?
More importantly, HOW does it work? Let’s check out the specs, pros, and cons to find out!
Important Specs
- Overall Size: 19.25″x24.5″x21″
- Potty Area Size: 17″ wide
- Type of Litter It Uses: Proprietary Cat Genie Washable Granules
- How often does it need to be emptied: Never, but you do need to clean the unit every couple of months
- Ease of Assembly: A bit challenging since it needs to be connected to a water line and some sort of waste system (see cons section)
- Warranty: 2-year, limited to manufacturer defects
benefits
- Zero contact with waste and zero regular cleaning are required since waste gets flushed away.
- It’s probably the coolest litter box you’ll ever see!
- Small enough to use in apartments.
- Reusable litter cuts down on the amount you have to buy.
- Uses environmentally friendly litter.
- The washable granules are also good for cats with sensitive skin or allergies.
Drawbacks
- You’ll need to hook it up to a water supply, so you’re limited on where you can place it.
- You also need to “connect” it to your toilet or laundry machine waste line so that the waste can get “flushed” away
- A rather significant number of customers complain that the machine malfunctions and ends up “baking” your cat’s poop.
- Taking it apart to clean it is kind of a pain and you’ll need to do it pretty much monthly.
- It’s only ideal for 1-2 cats, and not large enough for big kitties like the Maine Coon.
- It’s rather loud!
Recommendation
I’ll be honest here, even though I think it’s the coolest litter box I’ve ever seen, this one isn’t for me. First, I have three cats, and two are rather large.
Also, the setup requirements make it a challenge for me. I don’t really have space next to my toilet or in my laundry room for the unit, even if it is compact.
However, if you have one kitty, the space near your toilet, and want something that you rarely have to clean, it may be a good choice for you.
It’s quite entertaining to watch how the CatGenie is flushing the waste into the toilet and it’s quite thorough in picking up clumps.
10. CATLINK Self-Cleaning Automatic Litter Box
- SELF CLEANING CAT LITTER BOX: After the cats leave the litter box, the...
- SAFE AUTOMATIC LITTER BOX FOR CAT: An integrated device of...
- REDUCES ODOR & FALLING LITTER: Our rechargeable odor purifier...
Catlink has an innovative self-cleaning toilet box, perfect for multi-cat households and owners who wish to track their pet’s bathroom habits.
Important Specs
- Overall Size: 23.6 x 22.8 x 27.9 inches
- Potty Area Size: No information, but it has an inner capacity of 57 L, so it’s quite large
- Type of Litter It Uses: Bentonite clay
- How often does it need to be emptied: Weekly for multiple cats or every 21 days for a single cat
- Ease of Assembly: Relatively easy
- Warranty: one-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee
benefits
- The unit distinguishes between cats and sends alerts when it detects changes in the bathroom habits, making it the best self-cleaning litter box for multiple cats.
- It features three cleaning modes – auto, scheduled, or one-click – so your cats will always have fresh litter to use.
- You can control the toilet box remotely through Catlink’s app or Alexa, and the waste big is huge, so you won’t need to empty it often.
- The unit has several features to ensure your cat’s safety, such as an anti-pinch sensor, abnormal alert, and panel lock, among a few.
- Charcoal filter and an optional chargeable odor purifier to get rid of unpleasant odors.
- It keeps track of your cat’s weight and issues health reports.
Drawbacks
- It’s more expensive even than Litter-Robot.
- High entry, which can be an issue for older cats.
- It’s large, so it’s not the best choice for owners with limited space.
Recommendation
Most cat parents are happy with Catlink’s self-cleaning toilet box and say it’s worth the price, especially since it alerts you of any unusual bathroom habits.
They also share that the litter box arrives well-packed, and it’s easy to clean and maintain. And it’s perfect for large or chubby cats.
We also recommend this litter box because it keeps track of your cat’s weight so that you can notice on time if your kitty is losing/gaining weight.
What to Look for in the Best Automatic Litter Box
Size
While the overall size matters, you really want to hone in on the internal size – the part your cat actually uses (hence, usable size).
That goes for any litter box, but robotic boxes make it a little confusing because they look so huge on the outside.
Remember, a large part of the box is dedicated to the machinery that makes it robotic in the first place!
As you scroll through descriptions, look for words like “cat potty area” or “internal dimensions” to find out how much space your kitty has to do his business.
While bigger isn’t always better, you want to make sure your cat has enough room to stand, turn around, and dig.
Hands-Free
Why do you want an automatic litter box in the first place? To cut down on the amount of time you spend scooping poop, I bet!
So, you want to look for a litter box that handles waste efficiently and doesn’t leave behind a bunch of clumps that still have to be scooped!
You also want something with a good collection compartment. Preferably something that lets you either dump and go, or just pull out a bag and toss.
Type of litter it uses
While one of the boxes below does use special crystals, ideally you’ll want something that can handle your preferred litter.
Whether that’s clumping, clay, crystals or corn cobs is up to you. We all have our own ideas on the best cat litter!
Ideally, you’ll want a box that can take different types, just in case you need to (or want to) switch things up later.
Assembly
Even the best automatic litter box is worthless if you never get beyond the assembly stage, right?
Only you know your “assembly patience level,” so “easy” really is all relative.
I always read through reviews to find out how many people complained about the process because I have about zero assembly patience.
I’ve been known to burst into tears while putting together a simple plastic shelf!
You also want something that’s easy to take apart again! Why?
Well, first, you’ll need to clean all of the parts at some point. Second, you may need to replace something at some point and should know that it’s feasible.
Noise
Consider this: if you think the box is loud when you’re standing next to it, imagine how noisy it is to a cat sitting inside of it!
A box that’s too loud will freak your cat out and they won’t want to use it.
Plus, if you have multiple cats, do you really want to hear a motor whirring a zillion times a day?
Pan Size vs. Dimension Size
Most cat parents only check the unit’s overall dimensions to ensure it’s a fit for their cat’s size.
But the actual “pooping” area is smaller, which can make the box too narrow for your feline companion.
So, check the pan’s size to ensure it’s big enough for your cat to turn and do its business.
Cat’s Elimination Habits
Some cats use their toilet box, and you can hardly notice they’ve gone.
But others make a total mess out of it. You need a suitable scooping mechanism for your cat’s elimination habits.
A self-cleaning toilet box with a rake is better for cats who don’t like to dig a lot, while an automatic unit with a rotating cleaning cycle is bests for “enthusiastic” poopers.
Pros of Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
#1 Less Litter Usage
As I already explained, automatic toilet units start the clean cycle within minutes of your cat finishing its business.
They remove clumped waste before it dirties the rest of the granules/sand.
In this way, you’re going to save some money in the long run because you won’t need as much clumping litter or washable granules as usual.
#2 Less Scooping
They do all the hard work instead of you. All you have to do is empty the waste drawer once a week – no need to scrub urine clumps from the bottom.
And CatGenie doesn’t even require you to lift a finger. It automatically liquefies solid waste and flushes it down the toilet or laundry drain.
Of course, you’ll have to deep clean the unit once in a while to reduce unpleasant odors and remove accumulated dirt and bacteria.
But these types of automatic, self-cleaning units greatly reduce the time you spend maintaining your cat’s toilet, especially in multi-cat households.
#3 Monitoring Cat Habits
It’s easy to notice when your cat has an upset stomach, but can you tell how often your cat has peed with a traditional box? Not likely.
Many automatic toilet boxes allow you to monitor your cat’s bathroom habits through an app remotely. As such, it’s easy for the owner to notice if the cat is peeing/pooping more than usual.
And spotting urination problems on time can save your pet’s life and reduce vet bills because you’ll avoid complications.
#4 Superior Odor Control
Even when you empty the dirty clumps in the trash right away, it’s almost impossible to eliminate the unpleasant litter box odors from the traditional litter box.
But automatic toilet boxes contain the solid waste inside a drawer/litter tray or liquify it immediately.
As such, as this reviewer of Litter-Robot says, all nasty odors are well-contained.
#5 Trial Period
Besides monitoring your cat’s bathroom habits, many automatic toilet boxes have features that make life easier, such as sleep mode and night light.
Moreover, some brands offer a trial period so that you can return the unit if your feline friend doesn’t get used to the new cleaning mechanism.
And you get at least a one-year warranty, so you can return the product if it malfunctions or your cat hates it.
#6 Great for Busy Pet Owners
Finally, automatic cat toilet boxes are a great choice for pet parents who have to leave their cats alone for a couple of days.
Thanks to the self-cleaning feature, you don’t have to worry about the toilet getting too dirty for your cat to use.
And these types of boxes can also work great for some multi-cat households.
Cons of Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
#1 Supplies
As I already said, you don’t need any special supplies when using Litter-Robot (kitchen bags make great liners), but that’s not the case for all self-cleaning toilets for cats.
Some boxes require special cat litter or washable granules to run, which are more expensive than traditional brands.
And some need additional branded supplies, such as disposable trays and a special filter for odor control.
#2 Still Require Maintenance
While self-cleaning toilet boxes reduce the time you spend scooping, they require frequent maintenance to remain odor-free.
For example, you need to wipe down the rake to remove any stuck clumps or feces.
Moreover, you have to clean the unit thoroughly every couple of months to remove accumulated bacteria, dirt, and odors. And if you don’t maintain the box well, you risk it shortening its life.
#3 Not All Cats Like Them
Some felines don’t like the loud noise the automatic box makes, the entry point, or the type of litter it uses.
So, it’s hard getting them used to the new box, and the chance of house soiling is greater.
#4 Not the Best for Kittens or Small Cats
Most automatic toilet boxes have weight sensors that detect when the cat is inside the unit.
That’s why they don’t work well for kittens or small cat breeds, which weigh too little to trigger the sensor.
#5 Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Boxes Are Expensive
In general, a self-cleaning cat litter box works the best for single-cat households.
It can work in multi-cat houses, but you need to get a more expensive unit, able to deal with multiple felines.
Moreover, these toilet boxes take more space than traditional ones, so they aren’t the best option for cat owners with limited space.
FAQs
HOW DOES A SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOX WORK?
Self-cleaning boxes come in many designs and styles, but they all work by flushing, sifting, or raking your cat’s waste to pick up the clumps, not allowing it to linger inside the main unit.
Most modern models have sensors that detect when your cat is inside the unit and turn on the cleaning cycle once your cat exits the box. Then the waste is either contained in a drawer or flushed down.
So, your cat has fresh litter every time they visit the toilet, which decreases the chance of your cat looking for an alternative bathroom spot.
How Often Do You Have to Clean a Self-Cleaning Litter Box?
In general, you need to empty the waste compartment every week if you have a single cat or every couple of days if you have multiple. Self-flushing systems need maintenance twice a year.
DO CATS LIKE AN AUTOMATIC LITTER BOX?
If boxes are kept sufficiently clean, most cats will not show a preference. So, most cats won’t have a problem with an automatic toilet as long as you introduce it slowly.
HOW MANY CATS CAN USE A SELF-CLEAN LITTER BOX?
It depends on the type of self-cleaning toilet box you purchase. Some are a good fit for one or two cats, while others accommodate up to four.
Is Litter Robot Good for Multiple Cats?
Yes, Litter-Robot is good for up to 4 cats. Keep in mind that for each additional cat using the toilet, you will need to increase how often you empty the waste drawer.
Final Word
The Litter-Robot is #1 by leaps and bounds, so if you have the budget for it, I would definitely go with that one!
However, not all of us have $500+ to spend on a litter box. For those on a mid-range budget, I really think the PetSafe ScoopFree is your next best bet.
What are your thoughts? Do you have any other automatic litter boxes that I didn’t mention? Share below!
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Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API