The Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes For Cats
There's a good chance that no one in the world enjoys scooping the clumps out of their cat's litter box. It's germy, smelly, and tedious work. And the task continues to be necessary week after week. Thankfully, if you're ready for an investment, you can skip the litter scooping for the rest of your life. How? By using a self-cleaning cat litter box. While the market is filled with a plethora of options, we've narrowed the search down to five of our favorites.
What to Look For
Considering size, price, and useful features, we gathered and reviewed the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes on the market today. From the start, we found ourselves drawn to the Whisker Litter Robot 3 for its automatic design, odor control, and included accessories. We were also impressed by the Petree version for its ability to be checked in on and controlled via a smartphone app. Which version will reduce your litter responsibilities the most? Simply read on to find out.
Whisker Litter Robot 3 Bundle
Everything you need and more
This self-cleaning cat litter box automatically separates the clumps from the clean litter, leaving them in a drawer for you to dump out. If you connect it to your home’s wifi, you can control it from an app on your smartphone. This includes starting cleaning cycles and being notified when the waste drawer is full. This pack, in particular, also comes with all of the necessary accessories — 3 carbon filters for odor control, 25 drawer liners for easy cleanup, a ramp, a fence, and a litter trap mat.
Pros:
- Provides usage statistics for health monitoring
- Works with multiple cats, even if territorial
- Non-stick interior
Cons:
- Cannot touch the wall during use
Petree Smart Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
This self-cleaning cat litter box offers the convenient ability to be controlled via a smartphone app. You can track your cat’s use, as well as tell the device to shovel, pour extra litter, or deodorize. The box itself stands out as well due to its ability to work with all types of litter. And the automatic scooping cycles are extremely quiet, so you don’t have to worry about noise disruptions in your home.
Pros:
- Multiple safety sensors in place for your pet
- Active oxygen and essential oil deodorizers included
- Compact on the outside but spacious on the inside
Cons:
- Requires assembly, but only a few simple steps
ELS Pet Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Clean as can be
This self-cleaning cat litter box is larger than average, making it ideal for homes with multiple felines. It runs cleaning cycles each time a cat steps out, and you can also run them yourself from a smartphone app. The clumps empty into a tray, which is large enough to hold waste for up to two weeks at a time. And a unique UV clean cycle helps keep odors at bay.
Pros:
- App offers health monitoring
- Detects kittens down to 3.3 pounds
- Extremely quiet
Cons:
- Only works with clumping cat litter
PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Out in the open
If your cat prefers open boxes, don’t worry. You don’t have to miss out on the convenience that self-cleaning cat litter boxes bring. This litter box from PetSafe works by scooping waste into a disposable tray, so all you need to do is toss the old one in the trash and replace it. If you don’t need to check on your pet’s waste for health reasons, you don’t need to see it at all. The included litter crystals also help to solve common litter box problems, like reducing odors and not sticking to pets’ feet when they jump out of the box.
Pros:
- Top-entry and front-entry covers available
- Built-in health counters and motion sensors
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- Must use PetSafe litter trays
Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Roll and go
If you want to use a self-cleaning litter box without the high price point, this version from Omega Paw is worth looking into. It’s not electronic, but all you need to do to clean it is roll it 360 degrees. All of the clumps then collect in an easy-to-dump-out tray. It only weighs 4.5 pounds before the litter is added, so almost anyone can flip it around. The hooded design also offers privacy for your cat while they relieve themselves.
Pros:
- Extremely low price
- No accessories required
- Works will most clumping litters
Cons:
- Large cats may feel cramped inside
Frequently Asked Questions
Are self-cleaning cat litter boxes safe?
Yes, all of these devices have built-in features to keep your pets safe. They have sensors that tell them when cats are inside, so they will not clean at that time. Some have doors that close during the cleaning cycles as well. It is important to check the weight limits, however, as some kittens may be too small to be detected by these safety features.
Can I use any type of litter?
This depends on the specific product you purchase, but most self-cleaning cat litter boxes can be used with all types of clumping litter. Some can be used with non-clumping litter as well. Others, however, need to be used with the exact products they come with.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.