Searching for a new self-cleaning litter box for my cat was on my agenda for a long time but I was hesitant. On one hand, self-cleaning litter boxes for cats would save a lot of time and hassle. Especially when we travel or come home late from work.
But I wasn’t too sure about which were the best self-cleaning litter boxes. In this article, I compare the 10 best automatic litter box for cats to help you make an informed choice.
If you have no idea what to look for, you’re in luck. I decided to share my reviews of the ones I have tried for my cat.
These self-cleaning litter boxes can help to ease your workload (who needs another chore on the list!?). And of course, anything to make your sassy feline happy right? Yes, I did think getting one would make my kitty Lilo love me a little more. Don’t forget, they can be good for your health too. With the ultimate litter box we tested, we were more than happy to ditch the old litter box!
20% off subscription orders
What Automatic Cat Litter Boxes Did We Test?
We scoured the market and put 18 self-cleaning cat litter boxes to the test in order to compile a definitive list of the Top 11 in 2023. Only the finest models made the cut. We tested automatic litter boxes and selected based on a number of crucial factors, such as technology, ease of use for cats, smart technology, stylish design, app evaluations, dimensions, cost, and feedback from cat owners in pet forums and communities. Unfortunately, several brands were found to have unsatisfactory customer service and received numerous negative reviews from previous customers.
- Litter Robot 4 Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box (see review)
- Litter-Robot Open Air III Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box (see review)
- PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- CatGenie A.I. Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box
- Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box
- PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box (see review)
- Littermaid Automatic
- PetSafe Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Box
- Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Box
- Catit Design Sifting Pan
- Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat
- CATLINK Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- Pura X Automatic Litter Box (see review)
- Leo’s Loo Too
- Lavviebot S (not bad but way too expensive,review)
- PetLoo Smart Cat toilet
- Simply Clean Automatic Litter Box
- PuraMax automatic litter box
- Famree
- PetJC
- Petree
10 Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes in 2023 After Weighing Up Our Test Experience, Reviews and Consumer Feedback
Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Check Latest Price Here – Get $50 off
For me, the Litter-Robot 4 was long awaited! Because I really liked the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, I was very curious to see if the latest Litter-Robot 4 would live up to my expectations. Spoiler: it certainly did. This is the all new version of the Litter-Robot 3 and definitely the top self-cleaning litter box right now.
Fill it with litter and you’re ready to go! I loved the QuietSift technology of Litter-Robot 4 which means it operates so silently at night without waking anyone when our cat enters the litter box. You can even monitor your cat’s litter box usage and weight with its SmartScale feature. The self-cleaning sifting system expertly sifts and separates clumped litter and waste from the clean litter, leaving the waste in the drawer beneath.
Litter-Robot 4 certainly doesn’t lack any features, coming with an automatic night light and even a sleep mode which allows you to pause cycling. My cats find it easy using the Litter-Robot 4 at night, thanks to the automatic night light. It’s unsurprising that Litter-Robot 4 has received so many raving customer reviews who prefer it over the standard litter box. If you want something that’s easy to set up and start using, this litter box is easy to do so.
The Litter-Robot 4 boasts cutting-edge laser and weight sensors that ensure your feline’s safety while the unit is automatically scooping waste. These sensors also transmit a comprehensive record of your cat’s litter box usage and current weight to the Whisker app. This is made possible by the OmniSense™ detection alert system, which provides you with up-to-the-minute updates on the real-time litter levels within the Litter-Robot 4 and the waste drawer. However, it’s worth noting that the advanced lasers might be a bit too efficient at times, causing brief pauses during cleaning cycles, which usually resume in just a few seconds.
Without the convenience of real-time notifications on our phones for every cleaning cycle, we would have been unaware of the Litter-Robot’s daily operation. Additionally, we measured the sound produced during cycling for the Litter-Robot 4 to be around 40-55 decibels, whereas the Litter-Robot 3 Connect registered at a significantly louder 60-62 decibels.
Also, we’ve covered some of the main differences between Litter-Robot 3 vs Litter-Robot 4 features:
- Use Litter-Robot 4 to monitor your cat’s weight and the level of litter
- Monitor your cat’s litter box usage and litter levels
- Learn more about your cat’s litter box habits
- Connect to the Whisker app that helps you monitor Litter-Robot 4
- QuietSift, EasyClean and SmartScale functions along with a clever MultiCat design
- Litter-Robot 4 is great for as many as 4 cats
- Reduces airborne and surface dust
- Litter-Robot 4 comes with a very tightly sealed carbon-filtered waste drawer that’s very effective at keeping odors away
Litter-Robot III Open Air Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Check Latest Price Here – Get $50 off
- Self-cleaning (Start to work after 7 minutes after your pet leaves)
- Odorless
- Unique patented sifting system
- Designed to reduce odor – great odor control
- Easy to use & clean
- Great for multiple felines
- Big opening – comfortable and spacious
- Night light!
- Great litter box if you have multiple cats
- Has an auto night light
- Comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee with an 18-month warranty – no harm trying!
- Top sturdy construction on the market
- Very effective odor control compared to other models
- No other special accessories required! Literally start using
- Very well enclosed cat litter box which means no more cat litter mess!
- It’s not noisy and doesn’t scare my pet
- Prevents litter tracking!
- Automatic litter box self cleaning is very effective
Leo’s Loo Too Automatic Self-cleaning Cat Litter Box
Leo’s Loo Too is the latest self-cleaning cat litter box sensation from Smarty Pear. This innovative product has taken the cat-loving world by storm since its January 2022 release. I’ve been lucky enough to test it out, and I have to say, I’m smitten!
With its impressive features, it’s no wonder cat owners are raving about Leo’s Loo Too. You can control it remotely through the Smarty Pear app, see what your cat is up to daily and check out their trend logs. The litter box also boasts a three-layer safety protection system and a programmable UV light that’s great for disinfection and odor control.
With a bigger drawer capacity compared to its predecessor, Leo’s Loo, and whisper-quiet sifting technology with a noise level of 30 decibels, you can be sure your cat will love it as much as you do. Not to mention, you can also connect it to Alexa or Google Voice Assistant. Leo’s Loo Too also boasts a sleek design, with parts that are easy to take apart for simple cleaning.
If you have a bigger cat, you might find that Leo’s Loo Too is a little too small. But otherwise, it’s a great alternative to Litter-Robot.
Petsafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Furthermore, you have the flexibility to use the litter box either covered or uncovered, depending on your cat’s preference. The litter box is also equipped with trays that are leak-proof and effectively trap unpleasant odors. It is compatible with crystal litters which not only absorb liquid waste efficiently but also dehydrate solid waste more rapidly and have superior odor control compared to traditional clumping litters. Once your cat exits the litter box, the cleaning cycle initiates 20 minutes after your cat leaves the litter box.
- Really easy to set up
- Choose your own cleaning cycle time delay for 5, 10, or 20 minutes
- Comes with a privacy hood
- It’s rather quiet compared to other brands
- Comes with a long electrical cord
Product Features:
- Premium Blue Crystal litter controls odor really, really well!
- Compatible with crystal litter
- Dust-free
- Use any type of cat litter
- Does not stick to paws
- Rakes waste into covered compartment
- Safety sensors
- Disposable litter trays
- Adjustable timer for rake
CatGenie A.I. Washing Self Flushing Cat Litter Box
- Really easy and quick to put together
- Low maintenance and easy to use
- No more tracks!
- No more odor!
Product Features:
- Flushes cat waste and is great at cleaning itself!
- 100% dust-free!
- Washable granules are used instead of clay so your kitty can still dig and cover to its heart’s content
- Includes biodegradable & recyclable cartridge
- Several activation choices
- Perfect for 1-2 cats but no more than 3
- Households with multiple cats!
- Electric litter box – needs to hook up to electricity and cold water
I recommend you install this cat box in a bathroom where there’s access to cold water. It flushes away the waste after use and is great at cleaning itself without you having to do anything.
Petsafe ScoopFree Smart WiFi Model
Let’s move on to some cheaper options. Petsafe Scoopfree Wifi’s super power is that it can clean automatically for a few weeks without you needing to scoop or refill anything! Its My Petsafe app can be downloaded onto your smartphone and you can use it to monitor what your cat’s doing as well as the state of the litter box. You can even activate the scoop from the app!
If you’ve had a hard time deciding between a covered or uncovered litter box, this Smart WiFi model is your answer. You can actually choose to use it covered or uncovered according to your cat’s preference. With leak-proof trays that prevent odors, this box works well with crystal litter too.
Catlink Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
-
-
Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box
-
The Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box is a marvel of economy and engineering. Its smooth gears, swift operation, and powerful motor are a testament to the design and engineering behind it. Unlike other self-cleaning litter boxes, the Pet Zone Smart Scoop is surprisingly quiet, causing no trauma to cats. In fact, it has been tested to be 75% quieter than its competitors, with a sleek design and modular construction for easy maintenance and cleaning.
The Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic litter box comes with an smart sensor that triggers the activation of the cleaning cycle. It’s designed to automatically clean itself 15 minutes after use. The dual system incorporates regular litter and this litter gets raked to one side for easy scooping into the waste drawer. Though occasional larger clumps of waste may become stuck, this occurrence is not frequent. The waste unit will efficiently rake the litter for clumps and waste, which are then collected and deposited in a collection bin. When the wastebasket is full, simply remove the tray, tie up the bag, and replace it with a new one. The Pet Zone’s raking and scooping deflector also offers an extensive cleaning process. Overall, It’s known for being very quiet and easy to disassemble for cleaning.
- One of the quietest models
- Also comes with a month’s supply of No Touch plastic bags
- Comes with one year warranty
- Lowest cost to operate
- Rated “best performer” by a third party test lab
- Requires less litter to be used
- Stays clean, making it hygienic
Product Features:
PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
If you have multiple cats, this PETKIT Pura X sure works well. Use an app to control this self-cleaning cat litter box and it’s even compatible with different cat litter. Feel free to use mixed litter, bentonite clay litter or plant litter. With 12 built-in high-precision sensors that are made to respond swiftly, you know that your cat will be able to use this self-cleaning litter box safely and comfortably.
Using two types of sensors (thermal sensor and infrared sensor), Pura X knows exactly when to stop the cleaning cycle if your cat comes near the entrance.
The thermal sensor is positioned at the entrance of the unit and immediately stops when any cat comes close to the box. Simultaneously, two infrared sensors are positioned on either sides of the entry area so it can detect the moment your cat enters the box. Four weight sensors at the base also stops any cycling the minute it detects any weight in the unit. Another four anti-pinch infrared sensors are positioned inside the drum as well.
With PETKIT Pura X, you’ll also get remote alerts which includes letting you know of any emergencies. Talk about a smart device!
PetSafe Simply Clean Continuous-Clean
This automatic litter box is a unique system from Petsafe that cleans and removes wastes. It has a built-in waste container via a slow-moving rotating Conveyor System.
Product Features:
- Reduces odor and bacterial
- Simple to set up
- Uses less clumping litter
- Quiet operation
- Doesn’t need purchasing special bags needed
- Does run on low voltage AC power adapter
- Suits felines up to 15 pounds
- 1 year warranty
- The waste is sifted through and is made to move up the conveyor belt and right into the waste container. Self cleaning. Remove waste container and dump waste in the trash to clean.
LitterMaid Automatic Multi-Cat Litter Box Self-Cleaning Scoop with Ramp
This self-cleaning litter box from Littermaid takes away the need to scoop daily and keeps the home smelling fresh. This high-quality and innovative product has a ramp design that helps to prevent litter from being scattered outside the box, keeping your home cleaner. The multi-cat design means that this litter box is suitable for households with multiple cats, making it a great value.
We love that it’s simple to set up and operate, making it a convenient choice for busy cat owners. The multi-cat design is also cost-effective, saving you money in the long run, as you won’t need to buy as much litter or spend as much time cleaning.
Pet Zone SmartScoop
The self-cleaning automatic rake moves forward to scoop the clumps forward and then puts them into the waste bin. The waste bin comes with a no-touch waste bag so that the waste can be disposed of easily.
Product Features:
- Eliminates odor
- Easy to empty
- Uses any clumping litter
- 6-month supply of activated carbon filters
- All parts are removable
- Comes with one year warranty
- Low maintenance
Catit Design SmartSift Sifting Pan
This Catit automatic sifting cat pan which allows you to forget all about maintenance. It has a pull-and-refresh system which you simply pull the lever to get rid of the waste. You simply have to pull down the lever to activate a seamless and quiet process that efficiently and rapidly sifts and disposes of the waste for you.
Product Features:
- Scoops by pulling the lever
- No motorized pieces
- Less expensive
- Sealed design
- Suitable for your pet of all sizes
- Helps with litter tracking
Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Automatic Litter Box
If you’ve tried the LitterMaid LM580, you might find that this looks quite similar. The Nature’s Miracle box is in fact, bigger actually. It’s known to suit bigger cats or multiple cats. You’ll find it handy if you travel often or have a multiple pets. Personally, I love the night light. This self-cleaning box is also very easy to set up and refill.
-
Product Features:
- Use it with any cat litter brand
- Simple to set up and use
- Night light feature
- Doesn’t get stuck to the bottom or side
- Suits multiple felines up to 15 pounds
- 1 year warranty
Things To Consider When Buying a Self-Cleaning Litter Box
There are so many different styles of self-cleaning litter box on the market. While some boxes definitely do more work than others, there’s more to these boxes than just manual or automatic. Like any other litter box, there are plenty of factors to consider before you choose.
Considerations for your cat
If you get a self-cleaning litter box that is too small, you’ll see more of a mess. Felines need a certain amount of space to use the litter box. If it’s too small, they may have an accident outside of the box. Check the intended sizes before you buy. If you have an older or smaller cat, ensure the front entry is low enough for them to climb in.
Covered vs uncovered
Like regular litter boxes, self cleaning litter boxes come in covered and uncovered styles. Some felines need the hood to feel like they have privacy. Other kitties don’t like feeling closed in. Keep your cat’s temperament in mind when you choose. If you have a cat that really likes to dig and kick litter around, a covered box may be your best option.
Odor Control
Some boxes are actually connected to a water source and are able to flush away cat waste pretty much soon after. One good example is Cat Genie. This eliminates the risk of lingering odors. On the other hand, other automated litter boxes may have a higher likelihood of leaving unpleasant odors.
It’s for this reason that a waste receptacle is crucial – it should effectively contain the odor. In terms of waste drawers, size does matter. Ideally, you want one large enough that you only have to empty it every couple of weeks for optimal convenience.
Look at long-term upkeep
Warranties and guarantees can give you a lot of peace of mind. If something goes wrong, you can count on the manufacturer to fix it. That isn’t the only thing to look for, even if it is a good thing to have.
They still need some care once in a while. Manual ones do require a little more work when you clean, but significantly less maintenance over time. The more advanced the box is, the more components could end up needing care. Look into the process of emptying old litter, and keeping all the parts working properly.
Is it easy to clean? Yes, you can’t fully escape from cleaning. You still do need to clean your self-cleaning box once in a while. Choose brands that are easy to pull apart and wash. You might even find that most of the time, the simple models turn out to be the easiest to wipe out.
Size Matters
Think about how much room you have and where you’re going to store the automatic litter box. If you live in a smaller apartment, you might want to go with something a lot smaller and compact.
Also, consider the sizes of your felines. Some cats like a bigger space, and some likes smaller, cozier ones.
Have kittens or smaller breeds? Choose a smaller crate. Of course, ensure the side is easier to climb up and over. Keep in mind your kitten’s smaller stature. If you get one with walls that are too high, your kitty might not even use it at all. You’d feel so annoyed about wasting your money!
If you consider your feline to be an average size, go for a medium-sized litter box. Larger felines will love oversized self cleaning box more.
If you find this all confusing, bear in mind this general rule of thumb. The crate width should at least be the length of your pet. Do not get one that’s any smaller because more felines do not like spaces that are too cramped.
Don’t forget, your kitty isn’t just going to sit in there. It will need space to move, bury, scratch, and turn around!
Type of Litter Your Cat Likes
Does the box you want only work with certain types of litter? Take note that automatic litter boxes tend to not do very well with wood-based pellets, or other kinds of litter that gets soft. If you can, try to use the usual litter your cat is used to. This will just help your cat transition a little easier. If your cat is proving to be uncooperative, you could always entice them with a sprinkle of catnip within the litter box. As an alternative, you may want to consider reverting to a training litter, as it’s specifically formulated to attract cats and encourage them to use the litter box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Given the broad range of automatic cat litter boxes available, it’s not surprising that prospective buyers often have several questions before beginning their search. To help clear up any confusion, here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about using and understanding these products.
Whether it’s getting your cat comfortable with their new automatic litter box or grasping how it operates, these are just a few of the inquiries that may be on your mind.
Where Should You Place Your Self-Cleaning Litter Box?
Now, you have to decide where the most optimum place is to put your automatic litter box. The concept is the same with all the automatic litter boxes we tested. Of course, the first tip is to put it somewhere that is easy for your cat to use. And make sure there’s enough room.
A Safe and Quiet Environment: If it’s not safe or too noisy, your cat might shy away from automatic litter boxes. Try to put the litter box somewhere with fewer strangers and disturbances. Give it enough room.
Also, try to keep the automated box away from dryers or even dogs. Your cat might be too worried about being pounced on while doing its business.
If You Have A Garden: If you’re lucky enough to have a nice spacious garden, then it’ll be ideal to place your best self-cleaning box near the porch. It will give your pet plenty of room.
Privacy Is Best: It’s no secret that felines love their privacy, especially when they have to eliminate. Some private areas to consider are a spare bathroom or bedroom.
No Stairs: Especially for very young or very old cats, it’s not ideal to place the box in a bedroom upstairs. Try not to force your cat to climb the stairs to use the litter box. Older cats might also suffer from arthritis, causing them a lot of pain if they have to climb stairs.
Avoid Basements: Basements seem quiet and private enough. However, they are usually too dark and even damp for automatic litter boxes. This can lead to bacteria breeding in the self-cleaning litter box. Overall, not the best spot.
All Levels Might Be Necessary: If you’ve got quite a few cats, it might be necessary to place a self-cleaning box on every single level. When you get an automatic litter box, it can be a good long term investment.
Automatic litter boxes also have health benefits for you so why not? Try to understand your feline friend’s behavior and character to help you choose the right one too. We definitely love our cleaner environment now! If you’re looking for more, I also have a full review of traditional cat litter boxes.
Are Cats Afraid of Self Cleaning Litter Box?
Yes, sometimes, cats can be nervous. It’s important to understand how to train them if you want it to work. Here are some tips to help you litter train your cat.
Be patient: Patience really is the key to litter training. If you’re yelling and getting stressed out, your cat picks up on that. Then, using the box becomes a stressful, unwanted experience for them. Take your time, and be persistent. Most of all, be patient and monitor your cat.
Follow their cues: Most cats have some sort of ‘tell’ for when they need to use the new litter box. Often, you’ll see these signs pop up at certain times of the day. Most cats use the litter box shortly after eating, so pay special attention after meals or after they drink a lot.
When you see these cues, get your cat to the litter box. Monitor your cat. If your cat doesn’t have big signals, there’s nothing wrong with marking a chart when they do use automatic litter boxes. Obviously, the cat won’t be reading the chart looking for a prize, but you can get a feel for their most regular times.
Best litter box for large cats
Adjust Slowly: Don’t rush your cat. Let them get used to their new litter box before you even turn it on. Start by placing the new litter box in the room where the existing litter box is. Fill it with litter and let your cat slowly familiarize with it.
Is It Worth Buying a Self Cleaning Litter Box?
In this day and age where we are all so busy, who wants to spend time dealing with kitty waste? Buying an automatic litter box makes it more efficient to automate the cleaning process and free up your time for other important things. You won’t find yourself scooping the automatic litter box every single day. Instead, you’ll only be scooping once in a while. Time to ditch the traditional litter box!
Hygiene: For your kitty and for you as a cat owner. Using an automatic litter box means you do not have to come into contact with kitty litter. If you use non clumping cat litter, you’d know that they can get filthy and out of control quickly even if you scoop daily. The urine-soaked clay left behind makes it unpleasant for your home and your cat.
Pamper your kitty: As owners, our kitties don’t ask for much. They want love, food, and a basic clean bathroom. They have their favorite toys. These auto litter boxes provide a better fresh-smelling and cleaner environment. Don’t forget, pets have a much more sensitive sense of smell than us. If you want compare it to our human world, it’s like using a proper, fresh toilet as compared to a portable bathroom!
Get rid of odors: Since your litter box self-cleans, you won’t have cat waste sitting there for hours. You’ll really appreciate better odor control especially if your cat’s box is placed in your living room or guest room.
Final Verdict: Choose From The Best Automatic Litter Boxes of 2023 On This List!
Is a new self-cleaning box worth it? It’s definitely a resounding yes to buying a self-cleaning litter box! When you see signs your cat needs to go, pick them up (calmly) and take them to the box. Set them in, and stay with them while you wait for them to do their business. Feel free to bring a favorite toy or a treat.
In a nutshell, I have laid out these self-cleaning litter box reviews for you to ponder over. Overall, I have to say the Litter-Robot 4 is the top pick and the most worthy investment. You’ll love how easy Litter-Robot 4 is to use and maintain, its technology is just impressive, and the design is beautiful. Say goodbye to cleaning the litter box! I hope my Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats roundup has been useful to you in your research. If you have any more questions about which litter box to get, feel free to ask in the comments! Get your automatic litter box right now and experience the difference yourself!
The Omega one is the best litter box for multiple cats and it’s dirt cheap too! We replaced ours once only because the dog chewed a hole in it, not because we had any problems with the litter box. It’s very easy to replace the sand and holds up pretty well. We have three cats so ours gets a lot of mileage and it’s in tiptop condition after more than a year – we have the large one since our cats like to share it sometimes.
We have 10 cats and a bunch of regular ordinary litter boxes throughout the house and on our screened-in back porch. We would LOVE to get an automated litter box, but would one work for our herd? If so, which would be best? Thanks for any advice you can give me.
We’ve got so many cats at home. This is a life saver!! Did not want to spend the money at first but received as a gift. Now I’ll make sure I will replace my cat litter box when this one dies lol
I hesitated at first too but am so glad I got them 🙂
Thank you for this article, Leigh! Lots of information and helped me to decide which one. I got the Litter Robot one. Totally worth it – no regrets 🙂
No problem! You’ll love it!
I have a very large, rather fat kitty. I would love to get an automatic litter box, but which one would be big enough for him?
Thanks for the info. I know this is beyond the scope of this site, but I was hoping for video demos of the cleaning action in operation.
When I got my current cats, I bought the toilet training rings. I’ve had a toilet trained cat before and was hoping for success again. Lexie was young and did pretty well, but Callie never made it through the last two stages. Also, if they didn’t orient themselves properly, the tinkle and poo landed on the floor.
Next I got a Cat Genie, and had moderate success with it. Callie was doing well, and aside from some ongoing anxiety caused by the moving parts, she seemed to accept it. Lexie tried it a few times, but she is a large breed and the ‘bowl’ simple isn’t big enough for her. Her solution was to potty on the floor nearby.
I started looking for sifting boxes but the pet store didn’t have any. In lieu, they showed me a self-cleaning one similar to one featured here.
So, I’m still on my quest for a solution we can all live with. I remember the good ole days, when we just let kitty go outside.
Best. LaVonne
Does anyone have experience with larger cats and the litter robot iii? My cats are around 20 pounds and I’m wondering if they would even fit.
Very informative. Thank you!