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View 5 More +We give Catlink Scooper SE a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Self-cleaning litter boxes for indoor cats have been around for a few decades, but the technology has improved over the years. The rake system of the old days became a rotating globe to improve efficiency. Noisy moving parts became quieter. And improved safety features were implemented. But it was only within the last five years that “smart” litter boxes hit the market. These new devices provide a level of intelligent technology that not only simplifies the lives of pet owners, but also provides important insights into the health of our kitty companions.
The Scooper SE by Catlink is one such product that I recently tested with my own cat Luna. It has proven efficient, quiet, and capable of delivering valuable information directly to my phone. Not only does this smart litter box remove the daily hassle of litter scooping from my life, but it also keeps track of my cat’s weight and the frequency and duration of her litter box visits – all important things to know for owners that like to stay on top of their pets’ health.
Overview
| Product Type: | Automated litter box with phone app |
| Best Suited For: | Older kittens, cats accustomed to enclosed litter boxes, cats with mobility issues |
| Price Range: | Moderately priced |
| Contents: | Scooper SE litter box, power adapter, 1 roll of trash liners, 1 deodorizing disc, instruction manual, quick-start card, stickers, alternative litter screen |
| Specs: | 24.25 lbs; 21.46” high x 23.58” wide x 20.98” deep exterior; 9.45″ high x 8.38″ wide entrance |
| Options: | One size in white only; must use clumping, tofu, or mixed litter only |
| Assembly: | Arrives assembled except for deodorizing component; Must pair with Catlink app |
| Cleaning: | Disposable trash liners; removable globe for thorough washing; wipe base with damp cloth |
| Warranty: | One-year complimentary warranty |
| Returns: | 90-day return policy, customer pays return shipping, cleaning fee may apply |
Our Experience
Since I got baby Luna in 2020, we have only used one type of litter box – the standard plastic tray. No special technology, just “get in and go.” That has worked for us, but cleaning the litter box has always been unpleasant. That’s why I decided to finally give a “smart” litter box a try.
I have to say, setting this device up was far from easy due to the process of pairing the device to the phone app. Each failed attempt produced an alert on my phone suggesting I might be using a 5g internet bandwidth and informing me the device is only compatible with 2.4g. As an experiment, I took the Scooper SE to a family member’s house and attempted the pairing process again. When the device connected to my phone right away using their internet, I knew my bandwidth was the problem and began Googling. After a couple days of reading tech articles, I finally solved the problem by logging into my router via my laptop (which I have never had to do before) and disabling the 5g bandwidth in two different screens so that the router only produces a 2.4g band output. At long last, when I attempted the pairing process again – success!
Since introducing the Scooper SE to Luna, she has decided that an enclosed litter box is not so bad, but she still sometimes prefers her basic plastic tray. I like that she has the option, but I appreciate it when she uses the Scooper SE because it means less work for me! I also like being able to keep track of her weight. And the new litter box does a great job of odor control by containing the waste in an air-tight compartment as well as continuously deodorizing the globe.
Sometimes waste does slip under the screen at the back of the globe during rotation and does not get deposited in the waste bag. Also, the instruction manual is unclear on the correct disassembly process to clean the globe while offering no guidance on how to change the trash liner. The manual doesn’t offer any insight into how to use the app either. But some of this can be overcome by watching the array of YouTube videos available about this device.
Some things I really like about the Scooper SE is that it reduces airborne litter dust in the room, you can use any trash bag that fits the ring in the waste compartment, and I can opt for the manual mode which allows me to visually keep track of my cat’s stool consistency and urine output. And while it doesn’t alert me when I need to add more litter, the device does alert when the waste bag is full. So, although setup was an annoyance for me personally, everything is working smoothly now, and Luna and I are happy to have this intelligent litter box as an option in our household.
Pros & Cons
- Low entry point
- Double odor control
- Recognizes multiple cats
- Manual mode option
- Real-time monitoring
- Remote controlled by app
- Incompatible with 5g internet
- User Manual lacks detail
Key Features
Phone App
Catlink provides a free app for Apple or Android users that manages any of their smart products, which includes litter boxes, feeders, and water fountains. The app and their devices are not compatible with 5g internet bandwidth, but rather must be paired using 2.4g, which could be a hurdle to overcome depending on your internet provider and router. The Scooper SE can function in manual mode without pairing to the Catlink phone app, but using it without the app reduces the device’s benefits for both you and your cat.
Once the Scooper SE is paired to the phone app, you can set up a profile for one cat or multiple cats and will be notified every time a cat uses the litter box and the duration of their visit, which can let you know early on if your cat is experiencing a urinary or bowel issue. The app also keeps track of your cat’s weight, another valuable health insight. And because of Scooper SE’s sensitive weighing components, it can differentiate between multiple cats that share the same box. Another plus when using the app is the ability to operate the device remotely from your phone, adjust certain settings, and even order accessories.
Cleaning Modes
The Scooper SE has a manual mode, which can work with or without the app. This mode allows you to clean the litter box at any time and is recommended when you first introduce this device to your cat in order to avoid startling them. There is also an auto mode, which allows the litter box to self-clean after it detects your cat has visited. The delay between when the cat exits the globe and the device begins rotating is set by default to 5 minutes, but can be adjusted through the app to as little as 1 minute or as much as 30 minutes. Finally, there is a scheduled mode if you prefer to have the box self-clean up to four times a day at set times.
Safety Features
Catlink litter boxes are made of non-toxic materials that do not leech or off-gas harmful chemicals into your kitty’s environment. They are also equipped with multiple sensors to prevent injury to your cat. These sensors – which include gravity sensors, anti-pinch sensors, microwave sensors, and infrared sensors – stop the device from rotating the instant a cat is detected inside the globe or even at the entryway. By implementing multiple safety features to prevent trapped or pinched cats, Catlink has ensured that their litter box is one of the safest on the market.
About Catlink
| Manufacturing: | Produced in and shipped from China |
| Product Variety: | Litter boxes, feeders, water fountains, and accessories |
| Warranty/Returns: | One-year warranty and 90-day return policy (does not include accessories) |
| Shipping: | Free shipping on all US orders |
Catlink was founded in 2017 by a group of techies led by Zhang Xiaolin, an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the pet industry. Eager to bring intelligent pet products to market, they launched their Shanghai-based brand globally in 2019, and quickly found success.
By 2023, Catlink ranked as the #1 seller on Amazon Prime Day and the company was also featured on the Forbes Chinese Emerging Brand list. What started as a smart litter box line has since expanded to include smart feeders and smart water fountains. Through technology, Catlink has solved many common problems faced by cat guardians, including travel complications, litter box cleanliness, and feeding hassles. But even more importantly, Catlink found a way to capture and communicate important data to pet parents who might not otherwise be aware of impending health concerns in their cats.
Is Catlink Scooper SE a Good Value?
The Scooper SE is priced similarly to comparable intelligent litter boxes on the market. It is not the most expensive, nor the cheapest, but it provides all the data you need about your cat’s litter box habits. This device also implements a range of impressive safety features to ensure no kitties are harmed while using this self-cleaning unit. For an ultra-safe litter box that cleans effectively while providing useful health data, the price of the Scooper SE is on point. But consider the complimentary 12-month warranty and superb customer service, and the value of this brand is easy to see.
How We Tested
After our struggle to set up this product and Luna’s notable initial curiosity, I was worried to discover she didn’t seem interested in actually using it. Sure, she would stick her head in and have a look around, but that was it. So after a few days of keeping the new device and the old litter box side-by-side, I removed the old litter box one evening at bedtime and shut Luna in the bathroom with her new throne – as a former veterinary professional who saw lots of litter box avoidance issues, I was fearful if she had the option to go pee under the stairs, she might take it rather than use the new Scooper SE. Fortunately, when I awoke the next morning, I had an app alert informing me Luna had visited the new litter box. It’s been a couple weeks now and Luna has both her old plastic tray and the new Scooper SE to choose from. She alternates her usage between the two, which I think is healthy behavior, and goes to show that in a multi-cat household, some cats might prefer this device over others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a warranty?
Catlink provides a generous 1-year warranty with all their smart products. The warranty allows for free repairs of eligible devices, or a replacement if repair is not possible. Certain damages are not covered by the warranty, so it is important to take documenting photos and contact Catlink’s customer support as soon as possible if there is an issue.
How often will I have to change the waste bag?
This will vary depending on the cat, but Catlink indicates the waste bag should need changing approximately every 14 days. This length of time will obviously be decreased if multiple cats are using the litter box.
What information will this litter box provide about my cat?
The Catlink Scooper SE records your cat’s weight each time they use the box. This is helpful to know, particularly in aged or ill kitties but also to ensure your cat is not becoming overweight, a common problem with house cats. The device will also notify you through the app each time your cat uses the litter box and how long they spend inside the globe. This data can be an indicator that your cat is constipated, suffering a urinary tract infection, or even experiencing a urinary blockage, which is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Are there any size restrictions as to what cats can use this litter box?
While the Scooper SE can be used by most cats, it is not ideal for very small kittens or very large cats. Kittens or cats weighing less than 4 lbs may not be detectable by the unit’s safety sensors. If you have an animal this small, you must use the device in manual mode and will need to regularly check inside the globe to see if your pet has used the litter. While Catlink states that cats up to 22 lbs can use this device, cats that are this large might find the globe too cramped to feel comfortable using.
What if my cat won’t use this litter box?
Not all cats will take to this litter box right away, but there are steps the owner can take to increase the chance of success. Catlink recommends introducing the new smart litter box next to the old one, using some of the old litter in the new box, and allowing waste to build up in the old box, which should encourage the cat to use the cleaner litter in their new Scooper SE. It is also important to start out using the device in manual mode – that way your cat will not be startled if they are near the new litter box when it starts the self-cleaning process. But, if all else fails, there is a generous 90-day return policy on all of Catlink’s smart devices.
Conclusion
The Catlink Scooper SE proves a useful tool in caring for indoor cats. It not only improves the litter box experience for cat owners but provides important health insights that signal when critical veterinary care may be warranted. As with all emerging technology, this device does come with a learning curve, but once setup is complete, the Scooper SE simplifies litter box maintenance so you can spend more time enjoying your feline companions.
