Possessing a kitty buddy might be a very delightful experience. Cats are the finest pets because they are affectionate, quirky, and mysterious. Whether they are enormous or small, their antics will have you laughing (or cursing!) in no time. Cats might be adorable, but cleaning their litter box is never an enjoyable process. And abandoning it is detrimental for both you and your cat.
In our technological age, there are now litter boxes that provide high-tech solutions for this disagreeable task. Self-cleaning litter boxes detect when your cat has used them and clean themselves, eliminating the need for daily scooping. If this is one of your least favorite tasks, or if you simply don't have the time to do it, automatic litter boxes can be well worth the investment.
What to consider before purchasing a self-cleaning litter box
Size:
Two elements must be addressed here: the size of the litter box
(footprint and height) and the size of your cat. A larger cat requires a
larger box, especially if it is enclosed, so it can easily turn around.
Some automatic litter boxes are rather tall: Ensure that your chosen litter box will fit by measuring the available space.
Litter:
Some self-cleaning litter boxes require a specific type of clumping
litter, and most (if not all) do not accept natural paper or wood pellet
litter. If you choose a litter box that uses a different litter than
what your cat is accustomed to, you must allow your pet time to
acclimatize. Typically, mixing some of the old litter with the new
litter helps cats acclimate, but be sure the new litter box will
accommodate this.
Money-back guarantee: Self-cleaning litter boxes are often pricey, so it's good to know you may return the item and choose one that is a better fit.
App-based notifications:
If you want an app to tell you when to empty the trash can or when to
add additional litter, seek for models with Wi-Fi connectivity; these
are often more expensive than those without apps.
Monitoring capabilities: A pet's potty habits can reveal much about its health, and some automatic cat litter boxes record each cat's trips.
How do self-cleaning litter boxes work?
Almost all self-cleaning litter boxes require clumping litter, either your preferred brand or one specified by the manufacturer. Sensors detect when your cat uses the litter box and when it leaves, and a few minutes later the cleaning cycle begins. In most litter boxes, a rake sifts over the soiled litter, collecting any clumps left by the cat, and dumps them into a receptacle that then closes, confining the odors and clumps. Self-cleaning litter boxes use electric motors that initiate the cleaning process; they are extremely quiet but not fully silent.To determine the finest self-cleaning litter boxes, we conducted tests in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab for setup, easy cleanup, and clump removal. In our pet-free laboratory, we simulated a cat using the litter box with water and a little weight to activate the sensor; outside of the laboratory, we saw cats using the litter box in their own homes. In addition, we contacted cat owners who now use self-cleaning litter boxes, studied their favorites, and cross-referenced online evaluations of the most popular options. Here are the self-cleaning litter boxes recommended by the Good Housekeeping Institute:
1. Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Automatic Litter Box
The inexpensive PetSafe Simply Clean Automatic Litter Box is excellent for cats weighing up to 15 pounds, though it should be unplugged for kittens younger than 6 months. The whisper-quiet, slow-moving conveyor system functions continuously, sifting the clumping litter of your choice to remove waste and complete a full cycle every hour. Recycled plastic bags can be used to line the trash can, eliminating the need for costly accessories. This litter box includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.
Buy: Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Automatic Litter Box
2. Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
As its name suggests, the LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box is designed for use with numerous large cats (weighing over 15 pounds). High walls prevent cat litter from being kicked out while your cat is hiding, and the paw-cleaning ramp helps prevent litter from being tracked outside the litter box. The electric rake works with any clumping litter, and the waste bin can hold up to a week's worth of waste. Carbon filters in the self-contained trash containers contain odors with the clumps.
This litter box comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty against faults.
Buy: Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
3. ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Say goodbye to trash bags and litter dust! The popular PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box utilizes pre-filled disposable trays of crystal litter with superior odor-locking and moisture-absorbing qualities. The hooded litter box is available in three different colors and comes with a one-year warranty. It also features a health counter that records how often your cat uses it to warn you to any health problems.
Five, ten, or twenty minutes after your cat has used and vacated the litter box (you set the timing), the automatic rake sweeps solid waste into the covered receptacle included into the disposable tray and grooms the crystals so that your cat has fresh litter for its next use. Detection sensors restart the rake's timer if a cat enters during the cleaning cycle. In households with a single cat, the litter tray should be discarded and replaced every few weeks.
Due to the moisture-absorbing capabilities of the crystals, it is not recommended to install this litter box in a humid environment, such as a bathroom.
Buy: ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
4. Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Cat owners are familiar with Nature's Miracle's odor control solutions, and this automatic litter box is no exception. A motion sensor detects when your cat has left the litter box, and a rake automatically collects clumps into odor-controlled receptacles; carbon filters contain odor. The extra-large box comes with a one-year warranty against faults and is suitable for larger or more cats.
Its high walls prevent litter from spreading, and a paw-cleaning ramp decreases tracking, although the majority of reviewers agree that a larger mat is required to eliminate all tracking. The detachable rake and supplied scoop and rake cleaning tool make cleanup a breeze. You can use any premium clumping litter, but Nature's Miracle's brand of super-absorbent clumping cat litter has a fresh linen scent.
Buy: Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
5. A.I. Self-Washing Cat Box
The CatGenie A.I. fully removes the need for litter. This unique litter box employs special granules that are raked to remove solid waste, then cleaned with a sanitizing solution and blown dry, so that your cat always has clean, fresh litter. The granules are produced from natural elements that are decomposed by bacteria in a landfill or septic tank, making them septic-safe. Another consumer favorite, the litter box is simple to install in your bathroom or laundry area utilizing a cold-water connection and a drain – no plumber is required. The washable granules (which are biodegradable if flushed) and SaniSolution must be replaced several times per year.
The CatGenie app allows you to track the frequency of your cat's bathroom visits, which can help spot early health issues, and provides cleaning cycle progress updates. CatGenie 120 is a less expensive option if you do not require the app. You can choose to have the litter box cleaned every time your cat uses it or at predetermined periods throughout the day. A privacy dome can be purchased separately.
Buy: A.I. Self-Washing Cat Box
