The obnoxious task of cleaning their litter box is undoubtedly one of the most hated. Luckily, self-cleaning litter boxes are available to make life with our beloved cats easier. We have reviews of the top five self-cleaning litter boxes to help you find the best product for your needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
| Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall
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LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box |
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Best Value
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Omega Paw Roll 'n Clean |
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Premium Choice
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Litter-Robot 3 |
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CHECK PRICE |
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PetSafe Simply Clean Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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PetSafe ScoopFree Original |
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The 5 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes for Multiple Cats
1. LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box – Best Overall
| Litter box type: | Open |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Dimensions: | 27″ L x 18″ W x 10″ H |
LitterMaid Multi-Cat is our pick for the best overall self-cleaning litter box. It’s ideal for cats weighing more than 15 pounds. Plus, you don’t have to change the litter box for at least a week, which is perfect when you have multiple cats. After just two days of use, the distinctive ammonia smell will be a thing of the past.
Also, the size of this litter box is not too bulky, unlike other brands. On the other hand, you have to leave the unit unplugged if you have kittens under 6 months old, and some users have complained about the device’s noise.
- Great for multiple cats over 15 pounds
- Refills included
- Scoop-free cleanup for up to 7 days
- A bit noisy
- Not intended for use with kittens less than 6 months
2. Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean – Best Value
| Litter box type: | Open |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Dimensions: | 16.5″ L x 18.5″ W x 17″ H |
Are you on a budget but still want a litter box that allows you to self-clean with just a little effort on your part? If so, you’ll love this ingenious self-cleaning litter box, which is the best litter box for the money. Indeed, you will see that with just a few movements and for much less than an automatic litter box, you can easily clean your pet’s litter box. Another advantage of this model is that you do not need an electrical outlet. Therefore, there is no risk of a cleaning motor failure because everything is done ingeniously and easily.
However, some buyers have complained about the model’s relatively small size, which is unsuitable for big cats, especially if you have more than one. Also, the material doesn’t appear to be as tough plastic as our other reviewed options.
- Easy to use
- Traps odors well
- Limits dust
- Excellent value
- Material is not as strong as other models
- Too small if you have big cats
3. Litter-Robot 3 – Premium Choice
| Litter box type: | Open |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Dimensions: | 24″ L x 24″ W x 32″ H |
This futuristic-looking litter box is, with good reason, the best premium option you can get. It’s a real technological gem! You can program it using your phone when you want to clean the litter box. For example, if you have several cats, you can trigger the cleaning as soon as the litter box is soiled by one of your cats. So, the litter will be ready for the next one right away. In addition, the carbon filter helps mask unpleasant odors.
On the other hand, be aware that the price is very high. It is not for those on a tight budget, but there are some economic gains to be made by purchasing the Litter-Robot since you will reduce the cost of purchasing litter. As the litter box cleans itself, you no longer need to empty it completely regularly. In addition, a single litter box will be sufficient for three to four cats.
- Perfect for multiple cats
- Quiet mechanism
- WiFi option
- Easy to use
- Great odor control
- Very expensive
- Takes up a lot of space
4. PetSafe Simply Clean Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
| Litter box type: | Open |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Dimensions: | 20″ L x 10″ W x 21″ H |
The PetSafe Simply Clean Automatic Litter Box is a relatively economical choice, and it’s perfect if you have kittens or small cats. The automated system is quiet and allows you to use the clumping litter of your choice while effectively controlling odors.
However, some users complained that the earlier model worked better; in addition, the PetSafe litter box is unsuitable if you have larger cats.
- Easy to clean
- Quiet motor
- Great for kittens
- New version isn’t as good as the previous model
- Not suitable for cats over 15 pounds
5. PetSafe ScoopFree Original
| Litter box type: | Open |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Dimensions: | 28.5″ L x 20.5″ W x 11.5″ H |
The PetSafe ScoopFree Original is an interesting litter box because of its ergonomic shape: your cats can easily enter it, whether they are still kittens or seniors. In addition, this litter box has a health counter and motion sensors, which allows you to see how many times a day your cats use it for their needs.
This data can be useful during a follow-up check with your veterinarian in case of illness. On the other hand, the price is relatively high, and you will have to switch to crystal litter to maximize odor control.
- Great odor control
- Helps monitor your cat’s health
- Expensive
- You need to buy crystal litter
- Quite large
Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes for Multiple Cats
How Do Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Work?
There are two types of models with these litter boxes: the manual version and the automatic version.
- The manual version: This litter box is cylinder-shaped and equipped with a unique grid system which, when inverted 180 degrees, separates the collected waste and stores it in a drawer. So, the pet parent only has to roll the box on one side to remove the excrement and turn it on the other to put everything back.
- The automatic version: This litter box is equipped with a rake connected to an automatic sensor system. The sensor can detect when your cat enters and leaves the litter box. Shortly after their departure, the self-cleaning system kicks in, and the rake, powered by a motor, pulls the waste into a tank. The tank should be emptied once a week. As everything ends up in a bag, you stay as far away from bad smells as possible!
How to Choose the Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Your Cat’s Needs
To make the best possible choice, make sure to choose a size of a self-cleaning box suitable for your cat. Just take the measurements of your kitty and compare them to the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. Although you shouldn’t buy a litter box that is too small, for obvious reasons of comfort, the reverse is also true.
If your litter box is too large, it will be more difficult to handle and will cost you more in the long term in terms of litter costs (because the interior volume will be larger than necessary). Finally, make sure your pet’s weight is appropriate for the litter box you plan to purchase.
For example, if a self-cleaning box is made for a cat weighing 12 pounds or less, you must choose another model if your pet weighs more.
Tips For Using Your Self-Cleaning Litter Box Properly
- Some self-cleaning litter boxes require the use of a specific type of litter: read the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing!
- Always follow the instructions for how much litter to put in the box.
- Your cat may be a little scared by the noise of the engine. If they don’t want to use the new litter box, consider adding some “waste” from the previous box. The smell will remind them that this is the place to defecate.
- Turn off the self-cleaning feature until your cat gets used to the litter box.
Summary
No longer having to pick up the little “gifts” your cats leave in their litter box daily is amazing. It’s easier than ever now, thanks to the self-cleaning litter boxes manufacturers now make available to cat lovers. Of the options we reviewed, the LitterMaid Multi-Cat and Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean caught our attention the most. The Littermaid Multi-Cat litter box was our best overall pick, and the Omega Paw Roll’n offers the best option for the money.
Featured Image Credit: Litter Robot, Unsplash
Contents
- A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
- The 5 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes for Multiple Cats
- 1. LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box – Best Overall
- 2. Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean – Best Value
- 3. Litter-Robot 3 – Premium Choice
- 4. PetSafe Simply Clean Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- 5. PetSafe ScoopFree Original
- Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes for Multiple Cats
- How Do Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Work?
- How to Choose the Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Your Cat’s Needs
- Tips For Using Your Self-Cleaning Litter Box Properly
- Summary
