If you’re looking for the best self-cleaning litter boxes for multiple cats, I’ve got you covered!

Today, I’ll cover automatic AND manual ones! You’ll find out what makes them so popular.

Read on for in-depth reviews on each of these machines!

I’ll even talk about what to look for when choosing your self-cleaning litter box.

Let’s get started!

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Top 12 self-cleaning cat Litter Boxes at a glance

Ready for those in-depth automatic cat litter box reviews?

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 Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Crystal litter is 99% dust-free, which is good for you and your cat.
• ScoopFree Original Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – The safety sensor ensures your cat won’t get hurt.
• Smarty Pear Leo’s Loo Covered Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – The box is large enough to accommodate up to four cats, perfect for multi-cat houses. 
• ScoopFree Ultra Top-Entry Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – The device rakes the waste into a covered trap to eliminate odor.

Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!

One quick word about the specifications for each box: cleaning frequency depends on how many cats you have. I gave the average time between cleanings.

10 of the Best Automatic 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.

Let’s talk specifications, pros, and cons to determine if it’s worth the cost. 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 & drawbacks of the Litter-Robot III

Benefits	Drawbacks
Uses a patented self-cleaning method that relies on gravity to get the job done.	The most obvious con is the price. It’s the most expensive automatic litter box on this list by a long shot.
Also has a WI-FI “Connect” version that actually lets you track your cat’s potty habits.	It’s fairly bulky, so you’ll need a lot of space for it. Definitely not a space-saver litter box!
No more scooping, ever! Thanks to the collection system, you just slide out the waste drawer and dump it when indicated.	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.
Total odor control, since it removes the waste right away and tucks it behind a carbon filter in the collection drawer.	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!
Large enough for cats up to 25 pounds, which makes it perfect for a Maine Coon or multiple cats.	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.
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.

►►►Check out the video below to see how it works◄◄◄

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 3-4 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 difficulty cleaning the box. ” (1)

Get access to premium support, automatic accessories deliveries, free robot upgrades, and more for $29/month at iRobot.com! Sign up now and receive a up to $100 off your Activation Fee!

2. PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

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 & drawbacks of the PetSafe Automatic Litter Box

Benefits	Drawbacks
Crystal litter is 99% dust-free, which is good for you and your cat.	Uses proprietary litter, and a 6-pack of replacement trays costs more than half the price of the system to begin with.
Simple to clean, just remove the tray and toss it.	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.
Adjustable cleaning delay. You can set it for 5,10 and 20 minutes.	The rakes that move the litter tend to get rusty.
Virtually odor-free, thanks to the crystals and the tray system.	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.
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.

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. 

►►►Check out the video below to see how it works◄◄◄

TRY READING: Litter-Robot vs Petsafe

3. ScoopFree Original Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

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 & drawbacks of ScoopFree Original

Benefits	Drawbacks
ScoopFree uses crystal litter, so there’s less dust and tracking around the house.	Unlike the Ultimate ScropFree automatic box, the Original doesn’t feature an adjustable cleaning cycle.
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.	While it uses less litter, you need to purchase disposable trays and some cats can wreck them quickly with their claws
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 rake has some issues with large clumps.
The disposable litter trays are great for quick clean-up.	Not suitable for kittens under six months of age.
It uses less litter than traditional boxes and is one of the most affordable automatic boxes for large cats.	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.
Low maintenance since you have to change the tray every few weeks.
Optional hood if you want to give your cat privacy. (2)

Check out the video below to see how it works.

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 Covered Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

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 & drawbacks of Smarty Pear Leo’s Loo

Benefits	Drawbacks
The box starts the cleaning cycle after your cat exits the unit, so your feline will always have fresh litter to use.	It uses custom Kitty Loo Bags for the waste compartment (available through the manufacturer), which can be costly in the long run.
The display is user-friendly, allowing you to figure out how to operate it in minutes.	It has a high entry, so it’s not the best for cats with mobility issues.
No need to wonder when you need to empty the waste drawer, thanks to the alarm and screen notification.	According to reviewers, the waste drawer is too small, and you often have to change the bags.
All the waste is stored in a closed compartment with a charcoal filter to absorb the nasty odors.	Not very eco-friendly since you can’t use anything but clay clumping brands.
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

Check out the video below to see how it works.

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. 

And as you can see from this video, 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

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 & drawbacks of ScoopFree Top-Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Benefits	Drawbacks
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.	Some cats don’t like crystals and can get their paws hurt when they dig.
The box features a grated surface to prevent crystals from sticking to your cat’s paws, and it reduces tracking around the house.	You can’t adjust the rake timer, unlike the other ScoopFree Ultra model.
Thanks to the built-in health counter, you monition how often your cat uses the bathroom. (3)	Some owners report that the crystals don’t last as long as expected and start to smell in a couple of days.
If your cat doesn’t like the top-entry hood, you can exchange it for the regular privacy cover or not use it.	The rake needs frequent cleaning.
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.

Check out the video below to see how it works.

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 Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

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 & Drawbacks of Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Box

Benefits	Drawbacks
Nature’s Miracle automatic litter box features a smart-detection sensor to remove the waste into the waste bin after each bathroom visit.	Not as well-designed as ScoopFree since it frequently jams and the rakes can’t reach the bottom, according to customers’ reviews
The high walls are perfect for containing the litter inside the box and preventing it from scattering all over the floor.	Loud and noisy
It features a cleaning ramp to trap litter particles from your cat’s paws and reduce tracking around the house.	You need to empty the waste bin too often to keep odors at bay
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.

Check out the video below to see how it works.

Recommendation

Most cat owners have mixed opinions of Nature’s Miracle product They like the automatic feature but agree that the design has flaws. 

And as this reviewer shows, 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

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 & drawbacks of LitterMaid’s Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Box

Benefits	Drawbacks
One of the best automatic litter boxes for multiple cats because it’s large and can handle cats over 15 lbs.	Not suitable for kittens and cats under 5lbs since they will be too light to trigger the sensor.
The box has high walls to prevent your cat from scattering sand all over the floors and making a mess.	The rake has problems with stubborn clumps sticking to the bottom of the box and can’t pick some small litter clumps.
It has a convenient paw-cleaning ramp to capture any particles stuck to your cat’s paws.	As the review below shows, the rake misses some areas of the litter bed, where clumps and waste can accumulate.
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.	You need to buy waste receptacles or cover the ones you have with a liner.
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.

Check out the video below to see how it works.

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

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 & Drawbacks of Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box

Benefits	Drawbacks
The rake cleaning mechanism has a smart sensor to detect when your cat exits the litter box to start the cleaning cycle.	Cats have to be 6 pounds to use it
You can use it both with clumping litter and crystals – whichever your cat likes the best.	Small waste bin, so you have to empty it every week.
The box comes with a one-month supply of litter bags.	Short cord, according to customer reviews
You don’t need disposable trays or cartilage – all you need are garbage bags for the waste bin.	Rusty grate
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.

Check out the video below to see how it works.

ALSO READ: Litter Robot Bags Alternative

Recommendation

Most cat owners like Pet Zone’s self-cleaning litter box and are satisfied with its performance, design, and durability.

But as this reviewer says, 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 Litter Box

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 & Drawbacks of Cat Genie

Benefits	Drawbacks
Zero contact with waste and zero regular cleaning are required since waste gets flushed away.	You’ll need to hook it up to a water supply, so you’re limited on where you can place it.
It’s probably the coolest litter box you’ll ever see!	You also need to “connect” it to your toilet or laundry machine waste line so that the waste can get “flushed” away
Small enough to use in apartments.	A rather significant number of customers complain that the machine malfunctions and ends up “baking” your cat’s poop.
Reusable litter cuts down on the amount you have to buy.	Taking it apart to clean it is kind of a pain and you’ll need to do it pretty much monthly.
Uses environmentally friendly litter.	It’s only ideal for 1-2 cats, and not large enough for big kitties like the Maine Coon.
The washable granules are also good for cats with sensitive skin or allergies.	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.

And as this reviewer says 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.

►►►Check out the video below to see how it works◄◄◄

10. Catlink Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

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 & drawbacks of Catlink litter box

Benefits	Drawbacks
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’s more expensive even than Litter-Robot.
It features three cleaning modes – auto, scheduled, or one-click – so your cats will always have fresh litter to use.	High entry, which can be an issue for older cats
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.	It’s large, so it’s not the best choice for owners with limited space
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.

Check out the video below to see how it works.

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 as you can see from this video, it’s perfect for large or chubby cats.

I 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. 

Manual Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

Not all best self-cleaning litter boxes are automatic. Some models self-clean without the use of electricity by triggering a manual mechanism. 

And they can be a great choice for kittens and shy cats. Let’s check them out. 

11. Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box

To avoid confusion, let me repeat – the Omega Paw Elite Self-cleaning Litter Box is NOT a robotic litter box.

So, read on to find out exactly HOW it self-cleans.

Important Specs

• Overall Size:18.5 x 21.5 x 20 inches for the Elite, other models are a bit smaller
• Potty Area Size: Unclear, but the opening is 8.5″ wide by 9″ high
• Type of Litter It Uses: Any clumping litter
• How often does it need to be emptied: About as frequently as you’d empty a non-clumping box
• Ease of Assembly: Somewhat challenging to get alignment just right
• Warranty: Unclear. You have to request it from customer service, which doesn’t bode well.

benefits & drawbacks of Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Benefits	Drawbacks
Since it uses a roll and clean system versus electricity, it has zero impact on your energy bill.	The obvious con: it’s not a robot, so it’s not really “self-cleaning” in the sense that it will automatically sweep away waste.
No need to worry about plugging it in anywhere, either!	It’s on the bulky side, so you’ll need a good chunk of floor space with extra room for rolling it.
No scooping required. Just roll it over, then back into position. Clumps go into the waste container and clean litter goes back into the box.	The internal compartment is a bit on the small side, making it a bad choice for large cats.
Easy to clean, just pull out the drawer and dump it into the trash.	A good chunk of customers complains that it’s hard to align just right, which results in both litter and odors escaping during the roll.
No proprietary waste bags or liners!	The seals aren’t tight and urine can escape through them if your cat pees high.
No motor means it’s as quiet as a traditional litter box.
Since it looks more like a regular box, your cat is less likely to reject it.

►►►Check out the video below to see how it works◄◄◄

Recommendation

If you have a petite cat and a small budget but still want something that mostly self-cleans, this is a great option.

While it’s definitely pricier than the average plain old litter box, it’s about half the cost of the cheapest automatic box.

And as you can see from this video, it’s easy to roll the Omega Paw box around to sift your cat’s waste. 

I actually had one of these many years (and many models) ago. I liked it but eventually replaced it because it wasn’t large enough for my big kitty.

12. Catit Smartsift Cat Litter Box

Catit has an excellent manual self-cleaning litter box, perfect for timid cats who can’t stand noisy automatic machines.

Important Specs

• Overall Size: 26″ x 19″ x 25″ 
• Potty Area Size: 19”L x 13”W x 17”H 
• Type of Litter It Uses: Clumping litter
• How often does it need to be emptied: Two weeks at most
• Ease of Assembly: Simple – check this instructional manual
• Warranty: No information

BENEFITS of Catit Smartsift Litter Box

Benefits	Drawbacks
Easy to use – just pull the lever to remove the waste clumps into the waste bin and refresh the clean littler into the main box	A bit pricey for a plastic litter box with no motor
Removable swinging door, which prevents your cat from scattering litter all over the floor	The entry is too high for kittens, seniors cats, and pets with mobility issues
Large and spacious, perfect for small, large, and multiple cats	Some users report lever issues
Integrated carbon filter for reducing unpleasant litter box odors	Too hard to clean thoroughly, according to some reviews
Easy to refill
It doesn’t use electricity so it won’t increase your bill

Check out the video below to see how it works.

Recommendation

In general, cat parents have a positive experience with Catit Smartsift Box, and they recommend it as one of the best self-cleaning litter boxes for large cats.

And since the self-cleaning toilet box doesn’t have a motor, it’s an excellent choice for kittens. As you can see from this video, cats take to it very quickly. 

What to Look for in the Best Automatic Litter Box

How big is the usable 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.

How “hands-free” is it really?

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.

What kind of litter does it use?

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.

How easy is it to put together?

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.

How loud is it?

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?

Now that we know what to look for, let’s check out my picks for the top 5 best automatic litter boxes!

Final Recommendation

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.

If $150+ is still out of your range, though, I’d go with the Omega Paw. While it’s not technically “self-cleaning,” it gives you the most bang for the least buck.

What are your thoughts? Do you have any other automatic litter boxes that I didn’t mention? Share below!

Resources

• 1. An Honest Litter Robot Review after Owning It for 5 Years – Floppycats^TM [Internet]. www.floppycats.com. Available from: https://www.floppycats.com/litter-robot-reviews.html
• 2. Do Cats Like Privacy When They Use the Litter Box? [Internet]. Omlet Blog UK. 2021. Available from: https://blog.omlet.co.uk/2021/06/02/do-cats-like-privacy-when-they-use-the-litter-box/
• 3. Health counter | Petsafe ScoopFree Original Self-Cleaning Litter Box User Manual | Page 7 / 16 [Internet]. www.manualsdir.com. [cited 2022 Mar 28]. Available from: https://www.manualsdir.com/manuals/647071/petsafe-scoopfree-original-self-cleaning-litter-box-scoopfree-ultra-self-cleaning-litter-box.html?page=7

Last update on 2023-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API