Last Updated: 1 month ago

Are you wondering if ScoopFree reusable cat litter tray is worth it?

Then you’ve come to the right place.

Here I look at whether you should go for a disposable or reusable tray and how to make the most of your choice.

Just keep reading.

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

ScoopFree Reusable Cat Litter Tray

PetSafe ScoopFree Reusable Tray for Cat Litter Boxes

ScoopFree Self-Cleaning litter box is one of the best self-cleaning litter boxes due to its simple design, quick maintenance, and quiet operation.

PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box, Second Generation

However, once you start using ScoopFree, you realize that purchasing a disposable tray every couple of weeks can be too expensive.

So, what is ScoopFree’s reusable cat litter tray, and is it worth investing in one? The reusable box functions in the same way the disposable crystal litter tray does, but you can use it over and over again.

First, let’s talk about how the ScoopFree self-cleaning box works and how much disposable litter trays will cost you.

How Does ScoopFree Work?

PetSafe ScoopFree Reusable Tray for Cat Litter Boxes

ScoopFree Original Self-Cleaning Litter box consists of a raking mechanism and a cardboard tray with a built-in waste compartment, which helps reduce the hassle of scooping.

Unlike traditional boxes, this automatic cat litter box works only with crystals instead of regular cat litter

The working mechanism is simple.

  • You fill the disposable tray with crystals, attach the built-in rake, and fit the waste cover. Then you plug the toilet box in.
  • A sensor detects the cat’s presence inside the toilet box and engages the rake after 20 minutes.
  • The automatic rake moves over the litter tray to pick up the solid waste and dispose of it inside a built-in waste trap. This saves you from having to always use a litter scoop.

Check this video to see ScoopFree in action.

As such, your cat has clean crystal litter to use during their next bathroom visit without you lifting a finger to scoop the mess. That makes it also one of the best cat toilet boxes for odor control.

So, what’s the deal with the disposable litter tray?

As I already said, the original item you get is made of heavy-duty cardboard, which will get dirtier and dirtier as your cat uses the toilet box. You will end up having more cat litter mess to deal with than when using the sturdy plastic tray.

And while crystals are excellent at absorbing urine and dehydrating solid waste, they have a saturation threshold, after which you need to replace them with fresh ones.

How Often Do You Need to Change the Disposable Litter Tray?

PetSafe ScoopFree Reusable Tray for Cat Litter Boxes

In general, the manufacturer recommends “changing the tray every 20–30 days if you have one cat, every two weeks for two cats, and every 7-10 days for three cats.”

However, the disposable tray doesn’t last as long as the manufacturer promises. As this reviewer says, “The litter box stayed dry for between a week and 9 days between my two cats.”

As such, you need 2-3 trays on average per month, which increases the overall cost of maintaining your ScoopFree. And here’s where the reusable trays come into the picture.

What Are ScoopFree Reusable Tray Features?

ScoopFree’s reusable litter pan is made from durable plastic with a leak-proof design to ensure cat urine won’t leak through the floor.

More importantly, the tray has an antimicrobial additive to keep unwanted smells from stinking up the house and prevent bacterial growth.

It also has magnets to secure the waste shield over the waste compartment for superior odor control.

And the tray is easy to clean and maintain because it has rounded corners which means it doesn’t have nooks where bacteria, urine, or feces can accumulate or get trapped. 

Check this video to see the ScoopFree reusable tray in action.

ScoopFree Disposable Tray vs. ScoopFree Reusable Cat Litter Tray

To help you figure out which tray is best for you, I will compare both products that you can use in this automatic litter box and discuss their press and cons.

#1 Cost

As I already said, you need 2-3 disposable trays per month for a multi-cat household. These disposable trays have a high price tag because they come with crystals.

You can expect to pay $23 per tray, which means you need to invest up to $70 per month or over $800 a year for multiple cats! That’s a small fortune to spend on disposable trays and cat litter. 

On the other hand, ScoopFree reusable trays cost up to $60, so it’s a much cheaper option. However, the reusable tray comes with only one bag of crystals. And here’s where it gets tricky.

Unlike traditional clumping litter, crystal brands are quite expensive – you can expect to pay around $12 per 4.5-bag or $70 for a 40-pound one. Which is much more expensive than other types of litter, such as clay litter.

You need one 4.5-pound bag of ScoopFree’s premium crystal litter per cat with your ScrooFree self-cleaning box. That’s an additional $12 every month for one cat or $33 for three cats.

So, if you have one cat, you’ll pay $276 per year if you use one disposable tray per month while using a plastic one will cost around $200 a year ($60 for the tray and $140 for litter).

Looking at the price comparison, it’s cheaper to invest in a plastic tray, especially when you have multiple cats because disposable ones won’t last much in a multi-pet household. 

And you can save a bit of money by subscribing and having the product delivered every month.

#2 Maintenance

When we consider maintenance, disposable litter boxes have all the advantages because all you have to do is remove the tray and replace it with another one.

And as you can see from this video, changing the cardboard litter tray doesn’t make you more than a couple of minutes before the toilet is ready for your cat to use.

There’s no need to pour in the clean litter, use a litter scoop to remove stuck crystals from the bottom or wash the tray to remove the unpleasant smell of cat waste.

Using reusable plastic trays means you’ll have to dispose of the saturated crystals and pour new ones instead of getting rid of the entire tray.

And while crystals don’t generate as much dust as clay, you still have to deal with a little bit of dust when pouring the litter inside the tray.

Vet Info states that “silica gel litter crystals don’t throw up dust the way that traditional clay litters do, so they may be more suitable for cats and owners with respiratory problems.” [4]

Moreover, you’ll need to wash and clean the tray and the covered waste trap in the same way you care for a traditional litter box to remove waste buildup and unpleasant smells.

#3 Odor Control

As I already mentioned, ScoopFree reusable sturdy plastic tray has an antimicrobial surface to prevent bacterial growth and provide better odor control. This is great if you want a clean, fresh-smelling litter box.

So, it’s much more effective in controlling unpleasant scents than a disposable cardboard tray. Not to mention that urine cat soak through the cardboard if you don’t change it in time.

Still, it’s easy for cats to scratch the tray’s surface when they’re digging in the box, and bacteria can accumulate in these scratches.

So, it’s likely you’ll have to replace the reusable litter tray in a couple of years once it starts to smell bad or gets too damaged.

#4 Convenience

You never know when your cat will make a mess, and you’ll have to replace your disposable tray. Imagine what would happen if you didn’t have one available!

That’s not something to worry about when you’re using a reusable tray. You just clean and replace the crystals, and the toilet box is ready for use.

#5 Durability

As I already mentioned, ScoopFree reusable tray is made from cardboard boxes. Owners with enthusiastic diggers can see the problem with a cardboard tray – it’s easy for cats to rip it.

Disposable trays can also leak if there is too much liquid waste build-up before you can change them.

While cats can also scratch the plastic surface of the reusable tray, they won’t be able to destroy it so quickly. This increases the litter tray life span.

What ScoopFree Reusable Alternative Are There?

Besides ScoopFree reusable cat litter tray, you’ve got two more options that you can use with your ultra self-cleaning litter boxes.

Forever Litter Tray

forever litter tray

The Forever tray is similar in design to the original and can work with first and second-generation ScoopFree toilet boxes, including the “smart” version.

The main pro of Forever Litter Tray is that it’s cheaper than ScoopFree’s version because it doesn’t come with litter and features an anti-scratch surface. Making it an excellent product.

Moreover, Forever Tray also has an antimicrobial plastic surface for ultimate odor control, curved inner corners for easy maintenance, and a stain-resistant surface.

Customers are also pleased with this durable plastic tray and its clean design. As one Reddit user says, “I broke down and purchased the Forever Tray and have never been happier.” (3)

It is easy to install. See how it’s done in this video.

Forever Litter Trays - The Original, Precision Fit Reusable Replacement Tray for Petsafe ScoopFree Since 2006. Designed in The USA. Fits All PetSafe ScoopFree Machines.
  • DESIGNED IN THE USA by an American company, founded in 2006
  • HIGHEST QUALITY PRECISION FIT compattible with all Petsafe Scoopfreee...
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The Litter-Bagger

litter bagger

Litter-Bagger is another excellent alternative you can use instead of the ScoopFree reusable tray. It’s a bagging system that allows you to scoop the dirty crystals into a bag under the automatic toilet box.

You don’t need to change the tray at all or move it. But the unit requires some assembly, and it’s more expensive than other options.

The Litter-Bagger® for Scoopfree® Litter Boxes. Replaces Disposable Crystal Litter Trays, Bags Litter Waste for You.
  • An automated waste bagging system for your Scoopfree!
  • Reduces odor as waste is dumped into bag under the machine
  • Keeps waste collection area almost totally clean

ScoopFree Reusable Cat Litter Tray: FAQs

Is ScoopFree litter safe for cats? 

Yes, ScoopFree’s crystals are safe for cats because they are made from silica gel, which is non-toxic to felines, even if your cat eats some of it. 

How long do ScoopFree trays last?

Depending on how many cats use ScoopFree’s toilet box, a disposable tray can last from 20 days for a single cat to 5-6 days for more than 2-3 cats.

Where Can You Buy ScoopFree’s Reusable Tray? 

You can find disposable and reusable ScoopFree trays through Amazon, Chewy, or the manufacturer and the shipping is usually free.

Conclusion

ScoopFree self-cleaning toilet box is an excellent choice for maintaining your house clean, reducing unpleasant odors, and saving time on scooping.

And ScoopFree reusable litter tray can cut down your expenses in the long run since it’s durable, easy to maintain, and convenient. This type of litter box is great for cat parents that are short on time.

Yody Blass, a companion animal behavior expert, says that cat parents “working long hours or overnight shifts, or for those with an illness or disability, a self-cleaning litter box can be very helpful.”

What do you think about the ScoopFree reusable cat litter tray? Do you use one, and are you happy with its performance? Please share your experience with us in the comment section. 

cat inside a high-side litter box with scoopfree reusable cat litter tray
Olfa T
Olfa T

Olfa knows how to get things done and has a keen business sense that others admire. She’s always on the go, coming up with new ideas! Her ability to anticipate the needs of her readers and deliver information that they want is what makes CatVills such a success. She loves cuddling her cat Picaciu. He is her inspiration.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API