The Best Automatic Cat Litter Boxes
Cleaning up kitty litter is one of the messiest parts of cat ownership, but it doesn’t have to be. With modern technology, plenty of advances in litter box designs make the job easier. If you’re intrigued, you may want to think about purchasing an automatic cat litter box. These handy tools do the dirty work so that you don’t have to. We’ve put together a list of the best ones on the market so you can take care of your kitty’s mess without breaking a sweat.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best automatic cat litter boxes on the market, we considered size, design, price, and tech features. For example, if you want the most advanced tech and app capabilities, the Whisker Litter-Robot 3 is a great option. If you want something a little more affordable, the PetSafe scoop-free self-cleaning cat litter box has a simple design that’s more akin to a standard litter box. Read on to see all our top picks and find the litter box that’s right for you and your furry friend.
Whisker Litter-Robot 3 Core Bundle
Shake it up
This device may look more like a space pod than a traditional cat litter box, but its cleaning powers are out of this world. This self-cleaning litter box automatically sifts to separate the waste from the clean litter. The carbon filter helps to reduce odor, and the ramp and trap work to catch any lingering litter that may be attached to your cat’s paws on the way out. The automatic cycle uses sensors and starts to sift a few minutes after your cat leaves. With this litter box, cat waste can stay out of sight and out of mind.
Pros:
- This one litter box can serve up to four cats, so it’s perfect for houses with multiple pets.
- You can use the Whisker app to control cleaning and get notifications when the waste drawer is getting full.
Cons:
- It may take a while for your cats to start using this regularly, and they may look at it like it’s a toy due to the sifting motion. But once they get the hang of it, their messes become easier to clean.
Petkit Pura Max Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
The future is now
For tech-savvy cat owners, this may just be the litter box of the future. This self-cleaning litter box comes with the Petkit app that allows you to control the litter box from anywhere. It features three cleaning modes that you can activate from your phone, including a scheduled cleaning mode where you can plan future cleanings and a manual cleaning mode that cleans on-demand with the press of a button. The rubber interior works to prevent sticking, and the detachable smart spray helps cut down on odor. With the complete system in place, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more convenient and hassle-free way to deal with cat waste.
Pros:
- This litter box works with all kinds of clumping cat litter, so you don’t have to buy a specific kind.
- The Pura Max automatic waste removal function automatically pauses when it senses your cat approaching.
Cons:
- The gap between the liner and the casing may cause some leakage, but this is a rare occurrence.
PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Don't break the bank
The world of automatic cat litter boxes can be an expensive place. If you’re looking to take the plunge but are hesitant because of the high price, this may be a great solution for you. This litter box from PetSafe features a lot of the same functions that other brands flaunt but at a more affordable price. This box uses crystal litter to remove odor and can self-clean for weeks at a time. For a low-odor, low-effort, low-price litter box, this bargain is about as good as it gets.
Pros:
- Crystal litter is less likely to stick to paws after use, so it cuts down on mess.
- Each crystal litter tray can last up to 30 days for one cat, which is much longer than some other brands.
Cons:
- This litter box doesn’t work with clay or clumping cat litter.
Hillpig Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Wipe your feet
Cleaning the litter box isn’t the most pleasant activity, but sweeping up scattered cat litter on the floor is just as frustrating. If you’re looking to purchase an automatic litter box and cut down on runaway litter, this may be the box for you. This extra-large litter box is fit for houses with multiple cats and is fully compatible with your smart device via an app. It also features a grated drawer footboard to catch any lingering litter on your cat’s paws. This igloo-shaped box even has smart sensors that send data to your phone, so you can track your cat’s activities and litter capacity.
Pros:
- The waste container can go up to 20 days between emptying, so it’s great for busy schedules.
- It works with all kinds of clumping cat litter, so you don’t have to worry about buying a specific type of litter.
Cons:
- This may be a bit bulky for some spaces.
CatGenie Automatic Cat Litter Box
Time to flush
If you’ve hit your breaking point with cat litter and want to scrap the whole process, this litter box is here to help. Even though this may look like it uses traditional cat litter, it actually uses septic-safe washable granules that never need to be changed. This litter box connects to the water line and waste pipe, much like a traditional toilet. After each use, this box washes the contents with SaniSolution and water and sends the waste down the drain. Then it dries the box with hot air, leaving the granules clean, fresh, and ready for the next use. If you always wished your cat could use the toilet like humans, this is the litter box for you.
Pros:
- This litter box uses artificial intelligence to monitor your cat’s usage and send data to your phone via the CatGenie app.
- The drier works to remove odors when used with the GenieDome.
Cons:
- Connecting hoses to the pipes may be complicated and limit where you can place the litter box in your home, but it makes for a hassle-free litter solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cat litter should I use?
Most cats prefer smaller particle litter that’s odorless. It’s also best to get low-dust litter since it’s better for their (and your) lungs. There are pellet and crystal-type litters, and plenty of other trends on the market, but you can’t go wrong with a clumping clay litter.
Where should I put my litter box?
Although there’s no right or wrong place, many cat owners choose to put their litter boxes in the bathroom or basement since they’re more solitary places that typically have tile floors. There’s nothing stopping you from putting it in the living room or bedroom, but the smell may be more distracting, considering that they’re usually high-traffic areas.
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