Looking for a detailed CatGenie Self-Cleaning litter box review to help you decide if it’s right for you?
I completely understand and have you covered!
After all, the CatGenie is totally different from just about every other litter box out there.
We’ll go over everything you need to know about the features, pros and cons.
Let’s get started!
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
READ MORE: Cheaper Alternative to Cat Litter
Check this comparison table for a quick guide. Read the review for further details.
Quick Navigation
What is the CatGenie Self-Cleaning Litter Box?
The CatGenie Self-Cleaning Litter Box is an automatic system that looks almost exactly like a human toilet…and works very much the same way.
Their claim to fame is that you’ll never have to touch litter again. We’ll find out just how true that is below.
First, though, check out the box below for some basic features and specs.
- Product Dimensions: CatGenie is 19.25" wide in front. 17.5" wide top, 21" high, 24.5" deep allowing for hoses. Water Supply Hose 8' long, Drain Hose 10' long. Must be installed where access to cold water line and waste line is accessible.
How much is the CatGenie?
As you can see in the box above, the CatGenie itself costs $379.00.
The initial cost isn’t the only factor to consider, though.
You’ll need to buy extra litter, filters, and other parts at some point as well. Let’s take a look at how those add up.
CatGenie Washable Granules
The CatGenie Washable Granules average $23.99 per box, + about $5 for shipping.
Each box lasts between 3-5 months, depending on the number of cats using it and their bathroom habits.
That means you can expect to spend between $70-$110 a year on the granules.
- For use with CatGenie Self-Washing Cat Box
- Dust-free, non-toxic natural and synthetic materials
- Use to replenish cat box when level runs low
- Septic safe
- Box lasts 2 to 5 months
CHECK: Best Vacuum for Cat Litter
CatGenie 120 SaniSolution
The CatGenie 120 SaniSolution averages $25.99 + $4.99 for shipping per SmartCartridge, which lasts up to 240 washings.
Let’s break that down a bit to see how much it’ll run you for the whole year on average.
It’s really hard to find a straight answer about how many times a typical cat uses a litter box each day, but most experts put it at about 3-5 times overall.
If you have just one cat, that means he’s going about 1,100-2,200 times a year, give or take.
That means you’ll need to buy new SaniSolution about 5-9 times a year, which will run you about $145-$260 a year total.
- Keep your CatGenie running properly
- Same ingredients used by veterinarians to clean their exam rooms
- Lasts for up to 240 washings when using Cat Activation
- Alerts you when SaniSolution is low
Check other cat litter box that cleans itself!
CatGenie Maintenance Cartridge
The CatGenie Maintenance Cartridge runs about $20.99 + $5 S&H.
The good news? You’ll only need to buy it once a year, twice tops.
- Removes lime and grime
- Each Cartridge is good for 1 year (4 cleanings each cartridge)
- Process takes 1 hour
- Always remove after use
So, how much does the CatGenie cost overall? Between the system itself and all the required accessories, expect to pay about $500+650 the first year, then $240-390 every year after that.
Don’t forget: the system uses water to clean itself, and a lot of it according to some users.
If you don’t have a well, you’ll need to add the extra fees on your water bill to the overall yearly cost.
By comparison, I pay about $350 a year for regular clumping litter and litter box accessories for my three cats and their plain hooded box.
Now that you have a good idea whether or not you can afford the CatGenie, let’s find out if it’s worth the cost.
CatGenie Litter Box benefits
- It’s one of the only totally self-cleaning litter boxes that removes the waste and sanitizes itself.
- Since it’s self-cleaning, you also don’t have to bust your back bending over to scoop it out!
- The granules feel like regular cat litter, so they won’t freak out your cat.
- Those granules are also dust-free, which means your kitty isn’t inhaling dust every time he kicks up the litter.
The biggest pro, of course, is the fact that you truly don’t have to touch the litter as often.
While it’s a stretch to say “never again,” it is feasible to go a month or more without touching it.
READ MORE: All Pine Litter Box Reviews
Cons of the CatGenie
While the CatGenie has a pretty extensive fan base there are some downsides to it aside from the steep initial price.
- It MUST be installed next to a water supply as you’ll need to connect it in order for it to work as intended.
- You’ll also have to set it up next to your toilet or your washing machine drain pipe.
- The cleaning cycle is very loud, especially if you let it go in the middle of the night.
- It’s only good for households with 1-2 cats.
While these tend to be the most commonly mentioned cons, there’s a whole other issue regarding malfunctions.
Basically, when the litter box fails, it does it in an epic way that results in “baked poop.” Unfortunately, this issue seems to be fairly common.
That said, the pros tend to outweigh the cons when customers talk about the CatGenie Self-Cleaning Litter Box.
Before we get into my final recommendation, let’s go over a few frequently asked questions.
READ MORE: All about the Omega paw litter box replacement parts
CatGenie Litter Box FAQs
1. How do you install the CatGenie?
As mentioned above, you’ll need to install the CatGenie near both an incoming water supply and either a toilet or outgoing water supply (like the one on your washing machine).
While you can do this yourself, I’m not confident enough to tell you how. I can’t even install new faucets!
This video does a great job of explaining it, though:
2. How long does the CatGenie take to clean?
The CatGenie takes between 30-40 minutes to clean according to most users, and it’s quite loud throughout the cycle.
Don’t worry, though, it has sensors to ensure that it doesn’t start when you’re cat is using it!
Take a look at the video below to see it in action.
3. How does CatGenie get rid of poop?
The short version? It flushes it out of the litter box and into your toilet. For the longer version, check out the video below.
4. Is CatGenie septic safe?
According to the CatGenie website, it is septic safe because only a few granules and the wastewater get flushed.
As we saw in the video above, the solids get liquefied. The granules biodegrade after about 9 months.
Final Recommendation
Like all appliances (and this is basically an appliance), the pros and cons can differ drastically from user to user.
Some customers complain that the system fails quickly, uses way too much water, and has an archaic interface.
Others say that their box lasted over a decade with no issues and that the CatGenie has completely changed their lives.
Only you can decide if it’s worth the overall cost, but I can tell you that if I had only one cat and the room in my bathroom, I’d definitely invest in it!
- Product Dimensions: CatGenie is 19.25" wide in front. 17.5" wide top, 21" high, 24.5" deep allowing for hoses. Water Supply Hose 8' long, Drain Hose 10' long. Must be installed where access to cold water line and waste line is accessible.
Do you have anything to add to our CatGenie Self-Cleaning litter box review? Share below!
Nicole is one of the writers here on CatVills. She’s been a cat lover most of her life and-at one point- counted five felines as part of her family. Today, she’s proud cat mom to two indoor kitties and caregiver for a slew of ferals.
Find her on Linkedin. Read her latest articles.
Learn more about Nicole Here
Last update on 2022-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
