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This easy-to-use litter box claims to have odor-control and scoop-free properties, and reviewers can attest to this claim. Read More
Well-suited for multi-cat households, this litter robot separates waste from clean litter and can be controlled via WiFi. Read More
This flexible device can dispose of waste automatically or on a schedule, plus it can be used with a variety of cat litters. Read More
While a self-scooping litter box sounds good, in theory, this one is poorly designed. Read More
Taking care and disposing of cat litter can be messy and time-consuming. While cats are adorable furry creatures that are largely self-sufficient, they rely on humans to keep their litter boxes tidy, clean, and most importantly, healthy.
Scooping litter can be dusty, and even more dusk often gets kicked up as cats enter or exit a litter box, which is where cat litter mats come in handy. Unsurprisingly, many pet owners are now turning to automatic litter boxes, especially since they don’t always have time to clean the litter everyday. These smart devices help keep litter areas mess-free while making cats and their owners happy.
Amazon offers a variety of self-cleaning litter boxes that suit different needs. We thoroughly researched a variety of products to bring you the best cat litter box with self-cleaning capabilities, as well as steer you away from the worst. Check out these top-rated devices that can make managing and getting rid of cat litter a breeze.
Here are the best self-cleaning litter boxes you can buy right now.
Editor's Note: The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
As an overview, these automatic litter boxes work by collecting feline waste in the litter and dropping it into a waste compartment, making it easy for you to get rid of waste and prevent the need to scoop litter everyday.
We've reviewed various types of automatic cat boxes on the market. Here are the best tested self-cleaning boxes you can buy right now:
Includes a ScoopFree litter tray
Convenient and easy to use
Operates quietly
Expensive
No odor or scooping
App makes it easy to monitor litter
Fits 4, all-size cats
Expensive
Short warranty
Issues with cat sensor
Sleek design
Smartphone controls
Accommodates up to 4 cats
Potentially too large
Hit-or-miss odor control
Accident protection system
Automatic or scheduled cleaning
Compatible with multiple cat litters
Expensive
For cats under 18 pounds
Active charcoal filter
Self-scooping mechanism
Scooping mechanism takes up too much space
Entryway doesn't keep litter in
When purchasing a self-cleaning litter box, consider the space you want to place it in, the size of your cats, and how many you have. For example, a large litter box may not fit in a small bathroom, so you should measure your space prior to purchasing. You should also consider the shape of the litter box. If you plan on sticking the litter box in a corner, then a corner-shaped little box would likely fit there nicely.
If you have a large cat, such as a Maine Coon, or multiple felines in your home, you may want to opt for a big litter box so your cats can do their business comfortably.
A reliable self-cleaning litter box will do all of the work for you (that’s the whole point of purchasing one anyways, right?) Most self-cleaning litter boxes require you to empty just the container—otherwise you’ll have a scoop-free experience. After these self-cleaning litter boxes clean waste, there should be no noticeable odor or clumps in the litter.
The best self-cleaning litter box for your cat will depend on how much money you are willing to spend, how many cats you have, and if you prefer high-tech or simple features. For the best budget-friendly self-cleaning litter box, we love the Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Litter Box. For the tech-savvy pet owner, we find that the Litter-Robot 4 is a solid choice, although it is quite expensive, but its features will make you wonder how you went so long without it.
Although automatic litter boxes make cleanup, monitoring, and organization much easier, like anything, there are some drawbacks. First off, they can be noisy, so those with sensitive cats may find that their feline friend is fearful of the automatic litter box, at first. In addition, automatic litter boxes may also have technical issues, not be able to fit in small rooms, and are costly.
When it comes to owning one or multiple cats, cleanup becomes another chore. No one likes needing to constantly scoop litter and vacuum it off the floor. For those who want to live their lives easier and aren’t afraid to invest in a more premium litter box, then self-cleaning litter boxes are worth it. These automatic litter boxes may not be worth investing in if you’re on a budget, or if you have cats that are sensitive to loud noises.
How long the cycles for automatic litter boxes last will depend on the brand. On average, you’ll need to switch out the trays every month or so. It is uncertain how long automatic litter boxes will continue to work before issues arise, but their high-quality, high-tech will give them a longer lifespan than regular litter boxes.
Ashley Zlatopolsky is a Detroit-based writer, editor and content strategist.
Lily Hartman
Staff Writer, Search
Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.
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