The Best Self Cleaning Little Boxes
Cats are wonderful, fun pets, but caring for one means dealing with a universally-hated chore: cleaning the litter box. Fortunately, self-cleaning litter boxes have made digging around with a flimsy plastic scoop a thing of the past. These litter boxes detect when your cat has used it and automatically remove the waste. This reduces the hassle of cleaning, and your kitty will appreciate their clean litter box. We’ve done the heavy lifting and looked into the best self-cleaning litter boxes available so that you can find a great option for you and your pet.
What to Look For
When researching the best self-cleaning litter boxes, we looked for three key features: a strong cleaning rake that removes all waste, excellent odor control, and a simple, user-friendly setup. Topping our list is PetSafe’s ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box. It’s durable, comes with litter that controls odor and moisture for weeks, and even features a phone app that monitors your cat’s health. We also loved the option from LitterMaid, because it is designed with a tray to prevent your cat from tracking litter through your house. Keep reading to learn more about all the best self-cleaning litter boxes on the market.
PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box System
This litter box cleans every last scrap of waste, so you won’t need to scoop, clean, or refill it for weeks at a time. The special crystal litter absorbs liquid and dehydrates solid waste, so it has much better odor-reducing powers than standard clumping litter. It’s also dust-free, so your cat won’t accidentally track little gritty pawprints all over your nice clean floors.
Pros:
- If you have one cat, you’ll only need to change the litter out about once a month.
- The tray of absorbent crystals does a great job at controlling odor, so the box won’t start to smell.
Cons:
- This box only works with crystal litter, not clay or clumping litter.
Omega Paw Elite Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Wallet-friendly
This unique model proves that self-cleaning litter boxes don’t need to be expensive to be effective. It features a patented grill that catches waste when you tip the box and deposit it in a small box that you then slide out and empty. The enclosed design is especially great for cats who want privacy because they won’t feel exposed while using this box.
Pros:
- This box is designed with durability in mind and has sturdy sides as well as a strong rake to remove waste.
- Because this litter box isn’t electric, you can place it anywhere in your house, and you don’t have to worry about power outages.
Cons:
- This box doesn’t self-clean automatically, so you’ll have to manually tip the box to sift the litter.
LitterMaid Single Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
If you only have one cat, this litter box is the perfect option for your pet. It’s outfitted with motion sensors so that it cleans automatically when your cat exits, and it works for seven days at a time before you need to empty it. The waste bin is also lined with a charcoal filter that removes odor so that the box always smells fresh.
Pros:
- Because this box is designed for one cat, it’s smaller than other models and doesn’t take up too much space.
- This box has an open design, so it’s easy to remove collected waste.
Cons:
- Its relatively short cable means you’ll need to put the box right by an outlet or use an extension cord.
Whisker Litter-Robot 3 Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
If you want a litter box with it all, this high-tech option fits the bill. The set comes with the litter box as well as a litter trap mat, a ramp for easy access, a fence, replacement carbon filters, and waste bags. You can also customize the cycle timer so that it doesn’t cycle during the night. Plus, it features an automatic night light that’s helpful for older cats.
Pros:
- The automatic cleaning cycle and carbon filters reduce odor, while the ramp and mat trap stray litter and keep your house neat.
- This box integrates with an app that notifies you when the waste bin is full, so you don’t need to check it.
Cons:
- This option is pricier than other self-cleaning litter boxes, but it has everything you need.
PetKit Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
The more the merrier
Cleaning up after one cat is a chore, but cleaning up after three or four is even more work. This litter box is suitable for up to four cats, and the air freshening liquid helps remove odors. The cleaning cycle is also very quiet, so it’s less likely to scare your cats or wake you up during the night than louder models.
Pros:
- Although this litter box is tall, the base is narrow, so it doesn’t take up a ton of floor space.
- This litter box is compatible with several types of kitty litter; you don’t need to buy a specific type or brand for it to work correctly.
Cons:
- Clocking in at nearly 40 pounds, this litter box can be a bit cumbersome to move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do self-cleaning litter boxes work?
Although the specifics depend on the model, self-cleaning litter boxes have a rake that sifts through the litter to remove waste. It’s then put into a closed receptacle on the outside of the box, which you can take out when it gets full. The quick cleaning and separate trash bin significantly reduce odor, so you won’t have to worry about any unpleasant lingering smells.
Is a self-cleaning litter box really worth it?
Although self-cleaning litter boxes are pricier than the traditional plastic tray, they’re an investment that can help both you and your cat. Cats can be very finicky about having a clean litter box, so a self-cleaning box is great if you’re gone during the day. Besides reducing the stress of cleaning, your cat won’t be tempted to relieve themselves around your house since their litter box will stay pristine.
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