We know you’d do anything for your kitty, no question about it. But no one loves scooping up their poop from the litter box every day! Technology really pulled through in this case, giving us the genius invention of self-cleaning litter boxes.
If we’re being honest, you need this technology way more than your cat does. Automatic litter boxes do pretty much all the work, getting rid of the only con of owning a cat. Plus, most of them look like futuristic spaceships, while others can pass as Japanese toilets.
Sure, these contraptions can be pretty pricey, but we’ve done the research. Read our reviews and buyer’s guide to get the best bang for your buck.
Most automatic litter boxes are Wi-Fi-enabled, making them hard to operate with a weak connection. But that’s not the case with the Wi-Fi-free CATLINK Self-Cleaning Automatic Litter Box. It doesn’t require any connection as you can control it using its physical buttons.
This CATLINK option is pretty good at odor control, thanks to the carbon filter in the waste box. You can also connect it to a rechargeable odor purifier, which will go off after each cycle. The litter box also features double UV sterilization.
But the best part is yet to come! The CATLINK litter box has three sensors to ensure the cleaning cycle doesn’t begin with the cat still in the litter. That means even your 3-pound kitten can use it safely, which is why we think this is the best automatic cat litter box for self cleaning.
Pros
Easy to set up
Excellent odor control
Connects to rechargeable odor purifier
Three sensors for maximum security
Cons
Could have better customer service
2. Pet Zone Smart Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Best Value
Although it doesn’t dazzle with bells and whistles, it gets the job done pretty efficiently. The Smart Scoop senses when your cat uses the litter and empties it half an hour later. Instead of a rolling cylinder, it uses a rake to push the clumps into its reservoir.
Even though it doesn’t have the fancy tech found in most litter boxes, the Smart Scoop works quietly. It also comes with six plastic bags, just enough to last a month. It does have an open top, but its carbon zeolite filter means you don’t have to worry about the smell.
Its only fault is that it doesn’t come with storage for plastic bags and the included scoop. Some reviewers have also commented on the flimsy plastic construction.
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 isn’t just an upgrade of the Litter-Robot 3; it’s a premium choice. If there’s anything you didn’t like about Robot 3, Robot 4 surely has a solution. But of course, you’ll have to pay more for it.
If you’re willing to overlook the price, you’ll find a lot to love about this contraption. The manufacturer did a lot to justify the boggling cost with minimal setup, expert tracking, and foolproof odor control. It comes pre-assembled, so you only need to plug it in to get it going.
At first glance, its wide-open entrance will catch your kitten’s eye, making it more welcoming than its previous mode. Since its sensors track both weight and motion, it never starts a cleaning cycle while a cat is in the litter. This also allows the device to track the litter habits of multiple cats.
Its intuitive interface is another reason to overlook the price. It features big colorful buttons for “Empty,” “Reset,” “Cycle,” and more. It even lets you lock the physical controls to prevent kids or pets from tampering with the settings.
Pros
Includes a night light
Easy to operate via the app
Easy to clean
Intuitive interface
Cons
Very expensive
Takes up a lot of space
4. PetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
This litter box uses premium crystal litter instead of clumping clay. Made from silica gel, this type of litter absorbs moisture like a sponge. Depending on the settings, the litter box also removes the waste as soon as possible. You can set it to start cleaning as soon as five minutes after use.
If you only have one cat, you’ll need to replace the disposable waste tray only once a month. However, that means you’ll need to buy a new tray every month. The ScoopFree is cost-friendlier than other options on this list, but the extra costs can add up!
Also, cats have a harder time adjusting to crystal litters than other types. You can expect the adjustment period to be longer than usual, so follow the given instructions to help your cat adapt.
The CatGenie A.I. Automatic Cat Box is truly one of a kind. It’s one of the most advanced automatic litter boxes on the market today. If you’re not a fan of the mess litter creates, you’ll be happy to know this option is litter-free!
It uses reusable, washable granules and does everything on autopilot. Just connect the litter box to a cold water outlet and let it remove the waste. It will wash the granules with a vet-approved SaniSolution and blow-dry them to provide fresh and clean litter. That means you’ll only need to replace the granules and SaniSolution a few times a year!
The CatGenie AI even comes with a Fresh Scent SaniSolution Cartridge, which lasts over a month. You also don’t need to worry about replacing waste trays since it simply flushes away.
Since it functions like a toilet, it looks like one too. That means it may not look tasteful in your living room, and you’ll need to put it in the bathroom.
Pros
Includes one Fresh Scent SaniSolution Cartridge
Monitors multiple cats
Cleans with water and vet-approved SaniSolution
Uses reusable granules
Cons
The app can be buggy (according to reviews)
Requires assembly
6. Smarty Pear Leo’s Loo Too No Mess Automatic Cat Litter Box
If you have a smart home, you need Smarty Pear Leo’s Loo Too No Mess Automatic Cat Litter Box. It syncs with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to run the litter box with voice control. Room starting to smell a bit? Just tell Alexa to turn on the odor control feature!
This product is one of the most affordable rolling cylinder systems we’ve listed. It operates quietly and is pretty easy to clean. Although its app isn’t as fun as the Litter-Robot one, its smart home compatibility gets the job done.
The Loo Too also uses UV sterilization, so you never have to worry about microbes from the waste drawer. If we’re being honest, this seems like overkill since the waste remains in plastic bags. It’s still a nifty feature considering litter box bacteria can cause infections.
Automatic litter boxes are packed with features, which can also be their downfall. They get complicated to use, but the LitterMaid Single Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box is as easy as it gets. It’s the perfect cost-friendly option for single-cat households!
Unlike the other options on our list, the LitterMaid doesn’t use a rolling cylinder sieve. Instead, it relies on a rake cleaner to push the waste clumps into the reservoir. Don’t worry about litter spillage since the product comes with high walls and a paw-cleaning ramp.
However, customers have commented on the flimsy construction of this litter box. But frankly, that’s all you can expect from a self-cleaning litter box at this price.
Pros
Includes rake cleaner
Paw-cleaning ramp for cleanliness
High walls to avoid spillage
Eliminates daily scooping
Cons
No signals to empty the container
Flimsy material
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Automatic Litter Box
If you’ve only ever used traditional litter boxes, automatic options can seem like a whole new world to explore. Keeping certain factors in mind, such as capacity and litter compatibility, can help you make an informed purchase. Here’s a complete buyer’s guide to finding a self-cleaning litter box that suits your cat:
Size
Traditional litter boxes are 12 x 16 inches, so they don’t take up much space in your home. They don’t even occupy vertical spaces since most are only 6 inches high. But that’s not the case with automatic litter boxes.
These contraptions are pretty large. Their base holds a complex mechanism that rolls the spacious container and sieves the litter. So, before you splurge on an automatic litter box, consider whether your house can hold it.
Even if you do have just enough room to fit the litter box, you don’t want your space to look crowded and cramped. If you have a small area, consider automatic litter boxes that use rakes since they have a low vertical profile. The LitterMaid® Single Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box is a great example!
On the other hand, cylinder-shaped litter boxes are tall and imposing. You’ll definitely need a large space to home an option like the Litter-Robot Whisker Litter-Robot 4.
Capacity and Age Restrictions
The next most important thing to consider is the litter box’s capacity. That refers to two things: the amount of litter it can hold and how much your cat should weigh to use it safely.
Automatic litter boxes can typically hold between one to 15 pounds of litter at a time. The more cats you have, the more litter you need. For example, the Litter-Robot 4 has a 13-pound litter capacity since it’s made for multi-cat households. The Petree box, on the other hand, holds only 1 pound of litter since it can only monitor one cat’s activity.
In a different context, you should also check the litter box’s cat weight capacity. Many automatic litter boxes have a minimum weight requirement, and you may wonder why. That’s because their sensors have a weight limit allowing them to detect animals.
If your kitten is too small to detect, the rolling cylinder inside the litter box will begin moving and injure your kitten. That’s why most automatic litter boxes require your cat to be at least 3 to 5 pounds to use it safely! But what you really need to look for is the maximum weight capacity.
For most options on our list, this caps out at 15 to 20 pounds. Luckily, most adult cats only weigh 10 pounds, so your furry friend can safely use any automatic litter box. In fact, some options, such as the CatGenie AI, even allow two cats to use the box simultaneously. This is also why you must consider the litter box’s age restrictions. If the box says it’s not suitable for kittens, believe it.
Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock
Litter Compatibility
Besides litter capacity, you’ll also need to watch out for litter compatibility. Luckily, most options on our list are compatible with all litter types. Not only is this convenient for you, but it also makes the transition much easier for your kitty.
Still, there are exceptions. Most automatic litter boxes can’t work with wood-based litter or pellets that may soften quickly. These litter boxes typically have a rolling cylinder mechanism, sieving out the hard clumps from a uniform litter. So, clumping clay litter is definitely a foolproof option.
Certain options on the market use non-standard types of litter, such as silica crystals. Unlike clumping litter, they don’t leave clay dust around your home and have great odor control. However, cats take more time adjusting to silica crystals than other litter types.
Adjustment Period
Cats are quite finicky when it comes to their litter; it’s no secret. The manufacturers of automatic litter boxes know this, so they estimate an adjustment period for their products. You’ll also find instructions on how to help your cat adapt to the new litter box.
As a general rule of thumb, you should leave the old litter box next to the new one during the adjustment period. Nervous cats will rely on the smell to trust the new litter box, especially if you scoop some of the old litter into the new box.
Many manufacturers even suggest turning your automatic litter box off for the first few days. You can scoop it like a normal litter box while your cat adjusts to its presence. Once your cat’s comfortable, you can turn it on.
Most automatic litter boxes are Wi-Fi-enabled and app-controlled. This makes them way more convenient than traditional options.
This feature notifies you when the waste box is full and also tracks how many times your cat uses the litter. It assists you in addressing any health concerns if your cat uses the litter too often or not enough.
The app also sends you notifications for various events. You’ll receive one when your cat enters the litter box; some even have weight sensors to detect which cat it is. You’ll also receive alerts when you need to empty the waste box or top up the litter!
Still, it’s worth noting that Wi-Fi-enabled models are pricier than app-free ones. If you’re not a fan of the shocking price tag and Wi-Fi features, go for the LitterMaid® Single Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box.
Monitoring
Most automatic litter boxes are app-controlled, but not just to send alerts. They also track your cat’s activity! That’s right; these litter boxes have expert sensors to monitor all sorts of things. You’ll see insights on how often your cat uses the litter, which cat has entered the box, and even how long they stayed.
Your cats’ litter habits can tell a lot about their health. With your automatic litter box tracking their every move, you’ll know when someone is making too many trips to the bathroom. The app will also show you waste levels and the frequency and duration of cleaning cycles.
Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock
Money-Back Guarantee
Self-cleaning litter boxes are convenient and feature-packed, but they don’t come cheap. Some customer reviews suggest that the sensors weaken over time, making the purchase useless. The last thing you want is to pay hundreds of dollars only to never use your litter box.
Luckily, all the options on our list have generous money-back guarantees!
You can easily return your litter box if the machine stops working within the specified period. Don’t forget to keep all the packaging in any case.
Additional Costs
It’s no secret that self-cleaning litter boxes are a hefty up-front investment. But those hundreds of dollars are often only the initial price. There are certain additional costs associated with these machines.
For example, if your litter box uses disposable trays, you’ll need to buy a new one every month. Meanwhile, plastic bags need to be replaced every week. With other systems like the CatGenie AI, you’ll need a new SaniSolution cartridge monthly.
These costs can definitely add up, so check your monthly budget to gauge whether an automatic litter box is right for you. It may seem cheaper to use any disposable tray or bag. But these machines work best with what’s specifically designed for its reservoir.
How We Selected Our List of Automatic Litter Boxes for Self-Cleaning
Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the Automatic Litter Boxes for Self-Cleaning for Cats. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with Automatic Litter Boxes for Self-Cleaning for Cats. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats
Conclusion
Cleaning litter can be a hassle, but not when you have an automatic litter box. These boxes do the dirty work so you can enjoy the better parts of owning a cat. If you’re having trouble choosing, it’s a good thing our list of reviews has it all!
Jeff is a pet parent who loves writing. He is a data privacy tech professional with 20 years of experience leading teams at various Fortune 100 startups. Jeff's hobby is photography.
Feline leukemia, or FeLV, is a virus that is the second leading cause of death in cats. It’s a serious condition that must be dealt with throughout an infected cat’s lifetime. Luckily, a vaccine that prevents cats from getting it...
Cats do the craziest things when we least expect it, and that’s part of why we love them so much. There’s rarely a day that passes where your cat doesn’t leave you in giggles! Their eating habits tend to mimic...
Ever wondered why your cat turns into a nighttime ninja, pouncing and attacking when you’re trying to get some sleep? It’s a mystery that many cat owners face: “Why does my cat attack me at night?” These midnight madness sessions...
Cats can do certain things that leave us feeling puzzled. One common behavior that cats often engage in is rubbing themselves against people and objects. It is not always entirely clear why cats will do this, but cat behaviorists and...
If you’re the owner of a cat that ventures outdoors, you’ve probably come across a few interesting offerings left for you when they return home. Cats are natural hunters, stalking and playing with whatever small animal that they happen to...
‘Tis the night before Christmas and all through the house—there’s a disturbing crunching noise coming from underneath the tree, where you find your feline crunching on the tape from the wrapped presents! You’re probably puzzled because you feed your cat...
Have you ever had to ask yourself “why did my cat pee on my bed”? Us too. As cat owners, we love our cats but we don’t love their pee. It’s pungent and difficult to remove from places outside of...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a form of advanced diagnostic imaging that generates clear 3-D pictures of the soft tissues in the body. If you want more information about your cat’s central nervous system, ears, nose and other soft tissues,...
Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.
You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter
Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.
You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
