Automatic Kitty Litter Box Reviews

Automatic kitty litter box reviews to help you make the best choice. Whether you have one fur baby, or are a crazy cat lady with many kitties, you’ll need somewhere for them to dig when they don’t go outside. This post is aimed at helping you make an informed decision on which box is most suitable for you and your cats

Are automatic litter boxes really worth it?

Before we look at a few self cleaning litter boxes, I want to share a few tips and things you should bear in mind before spending your hard earned money. Firstly, no one enjoys the daily chore of scooping out a soiled litter box. No matter how much you love your cat, it’s something most of us would rather not have to do.

Automatic litter boxes are a fantastic idea as long as you take into consideration your cat’s needs. A box that’s too small for your kitty, or picking one that’s badly designed, won’t work very well. In addition, the type of litter you buy is also important.

Are self cleaning litter boxes suitable for all cats?

automatic kitty litter box reviews-ginger cat using box

Self cleaning boxes aren’t suitable for kittens under 6 months old. In addition, some cats may be spooked by the noise. We’ll be looking at quieter models anyway. Most are extremely safe and there’s no danger of your cat being injured. Very elderly cats may need a low sided box, so it’s important to bear that in mind when making your choice. Training a cat to use a litter box is fairly easy, though if your cat’s not used to a self cleaning version, you should leave a normal litter tray nearby.

Once she gets used to the new self cleaning box she’ll probably prefer it anyway. No nasty smells to deter her!

How do self cleaning litter boxes work?

self cleaning litter box

Most automatic litter boxes work by using a rake that sifts out solid waste, moving it into a tray or container. This eliminates bad odours, encouraging your cat to use the box, and makes it easier for emptying. It’s important to get the right type of litter though, and each will have it’s own requirements.

PetSafe Scoop Free Ultra Automatic Self Cleaning Hooded Cat Litter Box – Includes Disposable Trays with Crystal Litter and Hood – 2 Colors

petsafe scoop free automatic self cleaning litter box

Petsafe scoop free self cleaning litter box uses disposable trays with linings. This makes it easy for you to dispose of waste, as no scooping is needed. Petsafe also uses crystal litter which is low dust, reducing the amount of tracking from your cat’s paws.

In addition, you get a health counter, so you can detect how often your kitty uses the litter box. Frequency of urination plays a key role in detecting serious health issues. Many feline health conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney failure can be managed if caught in the early stages.

You also get a timer so you can control how soon the litter is raked after your cat leaves the box. Safety features ensure raking doesn’t start until your cat has finished her business and left. It also ensures your kitty isn’t spooked by it. It is possible though, your cat may initially find the raking a source of amusement!! Some cats are very curious and anything new demands inspection

The hood is optional, but does give your kitty privacy as well as ensures your home is fresh smelling. You’re advised not to move the litter about in the box as it may cause unpleasant odours. The whole idea of using an automatic system is to cut back on pet parenting chores, not add to them!! Always read the instructions carefully before setting up any new system, as even minor errors reduce effectiveness.

Petsafe scoop free self cleaning hooded litter box key features.

  • includes 3 replacement litter trays
  • low dust crystal litter
  • low tracking on floors
  • Easy to clean
  • Low maintenance
  • Trays include lids for easy disposal.
  • monitor your cats health
  • 30 day money back guarantee

cons

  • Replacement disposable litter trays are expensive
  • You have to use crystal litter which some cats find hard to adjust to.

Average rating 3.9 out of 5

You can buy PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Automatic Self Cleaning Hooded Cat Litter Box here

LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box

littermaid multi cat self cleaning litter box

This self cleaning litter box is ideal for multi-cat households. Whether you have a single kitty, or several, the large size pan gives ample room for cats to dig and scratch around. You don’t need to worry about tracking as Littermaid comes with a ramp. This cleans your cat’s paws on exiting the box, helping prevent track marks on your floor.

Litter maid self cleaning litter box works by raking solid matter into a receptacle underneath the pan. This container has a lid which closes after waste has been deposited. In addition, carbon filters help manage any odour.

You don’t need to worry about raking if your cat goes back to the box after a few minutes, as sensors detect any movement. Cleaning will automatically start 10 minutes after your cat has exited the pan, giving your kitty plenty of time to back a second time. Cats will often return to a litter box for further digging to ensure their scent is hidden.

This product claims you only need to clean every 7 days, but you may need to change the receptacle more frequently depending on how often it’s used. Only hard clumping litter can be used, but any brand is ok.

LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box key features.

  • Generous size box
  • 4 waste receptacles
  • 4 carbon filters
  • paw mat
  • 1 scoop and rake cleaner
  • A/C adaptor
  • Cat litter isn’t included

Cons

  • Some buyers found clumps stuck to the bottom of the tray
  • Others found the box wasn’t deep enough to hold enough litter.
  • Some customers found the rake teeth to be weak and too far apart.

Average rating 3.1 out of 5

You can buy LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box here

CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box

automatic kitty litter box reviews-cat genie

Cat Genie is the first ever self washing cat litter box. You won’t ever need worry about carrying heavy bags of litter again, or endure unpleasant odours. It even looks like a regular toilet, and is very easy to fit. Everytime your cat uses the box, waste is liquefied and hygienically flushed away.

This means no mess to clear up, saving you time. The granules are very safe, dust free, and washed using veterinarian approved sanisolution. After cleaning, they’re dried using a hot air dryer, leaving them warm and ready for the next use.

The granules last for up to 2 months depending on usage, and the same goes for the sanisolution. Though Catgenie claim their product is easy to install, it is for those with some DIY experience. If you’re a complete novice you have got illustrated instructions, but you may still need some expert guidance.

You will need a cold water outlet, whether in the laundry room, or bathroom, and not mind a pipe going under the toilet seat.

Cat genie self flushing, self cleaning toilet key features

  • Flushes waste and self cleans
  • Uses dust free, washable granules.
  • includes 1 box of washable granules
  • includes sanisolution
  • environmentally friendly
  • Customisable settings
  • You get T adapters for setup
  • Clear instructions
  • 2 year warranty

Cons

  • Though Cat genie claims set up is very simple, this does depend on how handy you are.
  • Cleaning takes between 30-40 minutes which in a multi-cat household could mean a few kitties crossing their legs!
  • You’d have to live with a small pipe going under the toilet seat unless connected in the laundry room.

Average rating 3.8 out of 5

You can buy Cat genie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box here

Is an automatic litter box the right solution for you?

automatic kitty litter box reviews-cat using self cleaning box

I hope you’ve enjoyed these automatic kitty litter box reviews, and it’s given you some insight into what’s available. Though my cat doesn’t use an automated litter box, I think my preferred choice would be Cat genie. Even though it’s expensive, if your cat doesn’t go outside it could be a good investment.

I’ve always hated cleaning the litter box, especially during winter when my cat rarely ventures outside. The idea of a self cleaning box is an attractive option! However, it may take a little while for your cat to get used to a self cleaning box. Some are quieter than others, but all make a noise while cleaning. If your cat is like mine and spends a lot of time outside each day, you may be better off sticking with a normal litter box. It depends on your situation and what you can afford.

If you’ve found this post useful, please share. Feel free to share this pin on your “pets” board.

In addition, if you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, please leave your comments in the box below.

Wishing you a purrfect day:)

Kathy

8 thoughts on “Automatic Kitty Litter Box Reviews”

  1. This article was great. I don’t have any cats, but I found the information to be very informative and the formatting and images are just wonderful. I especially like the pictures of the system that looks like a toilet. And your information about different types of systems, and which cats they are not suitable for, is something that everyone needs to know.

    I didn’t even know self-cleaning litter boxes existed before I read this. Great job, and I look forward to reading more of your great content.

    Reply
  2. We used to have a cat when I was a kid, but although I feel stupid saying it, I had no idea such a thing existed. The one in the second image down looks really cool, albeit in a geeky “Space Age” kind of way.

    Reply
  3. Hey Kathy, I had to smile at this post with my Siamese cat sat her on the chair arm trying to talk to me.

    We have had her just over a year and she as never done anything “naughty” in that department. Straight into the tray first time, but I would never have thought about a toilet like the ones you have reviewed, in fact, I didn’t know they existed. Call me naive or what?

    Great idea and I’m sure they are very popular especially for ones who treat their cats like babies.

    I’m with you on the CatGenie, but a quick look on Amazon and noticed some above $500.

    Great post and thanks for sharing.

    Mick

    Reply
    • Thanks Mick:) Glad you enjoyed my post, and yes, my cat’s the same and always uses the tray:) Many cat parents haven’t heard of self cleaning litter trays, but they’re a great invention!

      Reply
  4. Hi Kathy,

    Looking at the other comments, I see that I’m not the only one who had never heard of self-cleaning or automatic litter boxes. This article was super informative, and if I do ever get a cat again, I will definitely look into this, as cleaning a litter box and dealing with a litter box’s existence in my house was always my least favorite part of having a cat. Having one of these would be amazing.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Jade

    Reply
    • Thank you Jade:) Yes, I don’t think self cleaning litter boxes are common knowledge.I have to agree, I hate cleaning out litter boxes as well. Thankful my cat goes outside now it’s warmer weather:)

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Join Our Cat Loving Community!

Get Cat Care 101, Plus regular blog post updates...

We respect your privacy.