Best Automatic Cat Litter Box

Let’s face it – there’s not one person who enjoys cleaning up after their pets whether outside or in the litter box. It’s just not a fun task. It’s smelly, disgusting, and potentially harmful for you! There are many ways it can be made easier through clumping litter, strong odor technology, or an easy-to-use scoop, but what if the box could do it itself? You’re in luck! There are great options out there for self-cleaning litter boxes that will make your life a whole lot easier, healthier--and it will keep the house cleaner too!

‍

Buyer’s Guide

Now, this almost sounds too good to be true: a litter box that cleans itself with all the work totally hands off? They do exist, but it’s important to make sure you’re getting good quality for what you’re paying. There’s no point in spending a lot of money if the box isn’t long-lasting or has a weak design. We are here to help provide you with tips on how to get the most out of your purchase of an automatic cleaning litter box. Good for your health! Saves money on litter.

Options and styles

There are many options and styles to choose from, but maybe you have no idea where to begin! Automatic litter boxes will do the work of cleaning the litter for you! They will usually deposit the waste into a bag or compartment, which you can remove later. But, there are still some that do everything--such as a self-flushing box. Also, with an automatic box, there is still the option of having a hood on the box or an open air style. Depending on your cat’s preference and their size, you still have those same options to choose from.

In terms of style, you can go with the old classic litter box look, or you can go for something a little more unique. There are a few options that look like a toilet, so that can be a fun addition to your house. Or, you can purchase ones that are more tray-like or more like a little house. It’s up to you!

Look at the lasting value (+ warranty)

This is a good rule of thumb before you purchase anything. Automatic litter boxes will generally be a bit pricier than your average litter box, so it’s worth checking to see whether the product has a warranty in case something happens, and you need to replace it. But, also check to see how long the product is meant to last. Is it made of durable materials? Check out reviews online of the product to make sure you’re getting the right thing. If the point of this type of litter box is to reduce the amount of time you’re working on it or thinking about it, then make your life easier by choosing a box that will last longer, and you won’t need to head back to the store a year later.

How to remove old litter – do I need to clean it at all?

Although it is possible to get a litter box that does absolutely everything, for the most part, yes, you will need to put forth a bit of effort to remove waste from these automatic litter boxes. But, usually, it’s only once a week, and depending on the box, it will be in an easy and accessible bag or tray where you don’t have to scoop or make contact with the litter at all. Again, it is a good idea to check the product to figure out how to clean it out. You want to choose one that isn’t an extra hassle to clean even if it’s less frequent. You want a product that is easy to figure out and quick to clean. Also be sure to check if you need bags, trays, or filters to go with the product since that will add to your purchase amount. Some of these self-cleaning litter boxes have an area with a bag or tray where the old litter is pushed into.

In many of the boxes, the litter is raked through to clean out old waste, and waste is put into a compartment. That compartment is sealed off, so that you don’t get a lingering smell in the air. There is a sensor in the box which knows when the cat is inside or outside and when the cat has left waste to be cleaned up. It can be so simple, it’ll be easy to forget about! So, keep that in mind as well.

Choose the right litter

Since there is a mechanism that will sift or rake through the litter, there will often need to be a certain kind of litter inside. Check the product label to figure out which type of litter is needed for that type of box. To keep the hassle on your end low, consider purchasing a self-cleaning box that can work with many types of litter. It will make your life easier as well as reduce costs. Using an automatic litter box is intended to cut down on litter use and expense, but if you can only purchase one type of expensive litter to go in the box, then it’s not really worth it. Also, don’t shrug this aside. The type of litter is very important when using these litter boxes. They will not be able to function properly if the right type of litter isn’t used.

Look at the power options

Think about your house and where you want the litter box to be before you purchase one of these litter boxes. Since it will be doing the work for you, it needs a power source. Batteries can be very convenient, but let’s say you go on a vacation, and the battery dies while you’re away. You could be coming home to a smelly house. Or, let’s say you have no place to put the litter box in your house where there is also an outlet. Electrical can be convenient, but not so much when you have to trail a cord along your floor where you could trip on it.

Acclimating your cat to the new, potentially noisy litter box

For many of these products, there will be a noise involved during the cleaning process which may range from acceptable to annoying. It’s not really possible to test the sound before purchase, but check out the product review to see what it says about it. This may not bother you, but if your cat is extra skittish, then it could result in litter box avoidance. Then, your life will have gotten just a little grosser. So, think about your cat’s personality and what they would be ok with before making your purchase.

Also, you may need to acclimate your cat to this new box. Cats can be finicky about their litter box, so realize that it may take a little time to get used to the new contraption, especially if they’re going from an old school style litter box. If you see that your cat is avoiding the box, then spray pheromones inside or add catnip to the litter to attract them. You can also take some waste from the old box and put it into the new box to make your cat feel comfortable in the new space.

Your cat’s safety

Another thing to think about is your cat’s safety when using the box. This is why you want to purchase high-quality self-cleaning boxes because there is a moving system inside, and you want it to operate properly. It should not be moving when your cat is inside the box where they could get caught in the mechanism. Be sure to thoroughly check out the box to make sure its safe for your cat’s use. Since it has a few extra parts, just check if there’s anything you need to be aware of that could be potentially dangerous for your cat.

Size of cat or multiple cats

This is always an important consideration when purchasing a litter box. Litter boxes will range in effectiveness depending on the height and weight of your cat, age of your cat, and if you have multiple cats using one box. You need there to be enough space for the cat to move around comfortably inside and feel safe to go to the bathroom. While self-cleaning litter boxes are super convenient, they won’t be if they don’t actually fit your cat. Check the product to see what kind of cat it is effective for or if there are any warnings about large or small cats. Some boxes may not be good for kittens since there could be some hazards.

Checklist for Best Automatic Cat Litter Box

• Options and styles: from hooded to open air, you can choose from a variety of automatic litter box styles
• Look at the lasting value and warranty: Make sure your product is worth the money and will be in it for the long haul
• How to remove old litter: there is still some work to do. You will need to either remove filled bags or trays
• Choose the right litter: some boxes won’t work with some kinds of litter. Check the product to make sure you find the right litter that goes with your new box!
• Look at the power options: battery-operated or electrical? Think about your house and what you prefer
• Acclimating your cat: the boxes are potentially noisy, so you may need some time to get your cat used to the new litter box.
• Your cat’s safety: choose a box that is safe for your cat and high quality enough that it won’t jam or get caught in the fur or feet of your furry friend!
• Size of cat or multiple cats: litter boxes are most effective when they are paired with the correct cat. If your cat is bigger, you need a bigger box. If your cat is too young, you may want to avoid certain self-cleaning litter-boxes.