Searching for a self cleaning litter box 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.
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.
Here are the best automatic litter boxes:
- Litter Robot 4
- Litter-Robot Open Air III
- PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- CatGenie Self Flushing Cat Box
- Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box
- PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- Littermaid LM980 Mega
- PetSafe Simply Clean
- Omega Paw
- Catit Design Sifting Pan
- Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat
Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes in 2022
Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box
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For me, the Litter Robot 4 was long awaited! Because I really liked the Litter-Robot 3, I was very curious to see if the latest Litter-Robot 4 would live up to my expectations. Spoiler: it certainly did. I loved the QuietSift technology which means it operates so silently at night without waking anyone. You can even monitor your cat’s weight with its SmartScale feature. This box certainly doesn’t lack any features, coming with an automatic night light and even a sleep mode which allows you to pause cycling.
If you’re wondering, here are the main extra functions that Litter Robot 4 has:
- Monitor your cat’s weight and the level of litter with Litter-Robot 4
- Connect to the Whisker app
- QuietSift, EasyClean and SmartScale functions along with a clever MultiCat design
- Great for as many as four cats
- Reduces airborne and surface dust
Litter-Robot 3 Automatic Cat Litter Box
Dimensions: 26.8 x 24.4 x 29.1 inches
My Rating: 4.8
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- 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
Petsafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Dimensions: 27.4 x 19 x 7 inches
My Rating: 4.7
- 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 Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box
Dimensions: 24.5 x 19.2 x 21 inches
My Rating: 4.5
- 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.
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Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box
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imensions: 26.5 x 16.9 x 7.6 inches
My Rating: 4.3
The Pet Zone self cleaning cat litter box comes with an smart sensor which triggers the activation of the cleaning cycle. 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:
- This litter pan is known as the most popular option for multiple cats. This cat box is auto flushing, self-cleaning and comes with a smart sensor to activate the cleaning cycle. The scooping and motor rake run for 15 minutes after your feline leaves with a quiet and powerful motor.
PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
If you have many 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. There are even four weight sensors that will sense if your cat steps into the box itself. Another four anti-pinch infrared sensors are positioned inside the drum as well.
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Litter Maid LM980 Litter Box
Dimensions: 26.5 x 16.9 x 7.6 inches
My Rating: 4.6
- Solid, sturdy drive mechanism that is very durable
- Rake can be easily removed for cleaning
- Easy and quick to set up and start using
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Features:
- New and improved design! A lot more durable
- Large sized design with high walls
- Has safety bar which stops rake in case of blockage
- Easy to clean & set up
- Carbon filters reduce odor
- Great for multiple felines. Even your pet who’s above 15 pounds.
- Multi-cat households!
- Comes with lots of accessories: removable rake, removable tray, battery back-up, 4 sealed waste receptacles and 4 carbon filters
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PetSafe Simply Clean Continuous-Clean
Dimensions: 26 x 19 x 10 inches
My Rating: 4.5
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 LM580 Classic
Dimensions: 17.2 x 9.3 x 24.3 inches
My Rating: 4.4
This self-cleaning litter box from Littermaid takes away the need to scoop daily and keeps the home smelling fresh. It comes with a compact designing and has a removable robotic rake which removes the waste.
Features:
- Ideal for single cat households
- Comes with adjustable programming
- Odor-free
- Comes with detachable rake mechanism
- Very quiet compared to others
- The rake is very effective and quick
- Its design is longer, wider, and deeper so it holds more litter for your convenience
This automatic litter box scoops your cat’s waste into a closed and disposable receptacle which has a carbon filter in it to absorb and remove odors. The dual-motion sensors scoop and remove waste easily.
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Pet Zone SmartScoop
Dimensions: 26.5 x 16.9 x 7.6 inches
My Rating: 4.2
Technologically advanced, this self cleaning cat litter box scoops from the kitty box. It then deposits it into a waste bin minutes after your cat leaves the box. The Self-Cleaning Activated Carbon Filter in the bin helps to eliminate odor. Low maintenance and easy to clean, all you have to do is remove the rake, waste bin and slide off the motor unit.The self-cleaning 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
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Catit Design SmartSift Sifting Pan
Dimensions: 26.6 x 19.3 x 18.5 inches
My Rating: 4.0
This Catit 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
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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. It’s also very easy to set up and refill.
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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
Is It Worth Buying a Self Cleaning Litter Box?
- Cheaper to purchase
- Quiet and safe to use
- Saves time
In this day and age where we are all so busy, who wants to spend time dealing with kitty waste? It’s a lot easier and more efficient to automate the cleaning process and free up your time for other more 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.
- Hygiene
- Pamper your kitty
- Get rid of odor
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.
How Do Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Work?
What Kind of Automatic Litter Boxes Should I Get?
There are so many different styles of 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 cat 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.
- Consider the features
It goes without saying that the more features you want to be included, the more you’ll end up spending. For many cat owners, certain features are non-negotiable. If your cat is messy with litter, a covered or hood is probably one of those things.
Or, if your cat is skittish around mechanical things, automatic litter boxes might scare them if it starts scooping too soon. Certain features will make a litter box either very easy to clean or somewhat more difficult.
If making litter duty easy is a top priority, look for a box that’s easy to empty itself. There are plenty of manual litter boxes that take very little effort on your part, so don’t discount it until you look further.
- 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!
How It Works
- Power Sources?
Some automatic electric boxes need you to plug them into an electrical source. Is that something you would like? Is the spot where you’re going to put it accessible to any electrical power points?
- Scooping Time
It’s a standard that most have a sensor. This sensor activates minutes after your cat exits the box. Some models come with a timer.
- Type of Litter
Does the box you want only work with certain types of litter? This isn’t usually a problem but it can be an obstacle if your cat decides it doesn’t like the self cleaning box. Also, it impedes your flexibility of which brand you like.
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. Of course, the first tip is to put it somewhere that is easy for your cats to find. And make sure there’s enough room.
A Safe and Quiet Environment
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. Getting the best litter box for cats is certainly 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
- Don’t be afraid to get hands on
Younger cats especially need some direction. Show them the litter is for digging by raking your hands lightly through. In the beginning, it’s going to be your job to ‘escort’ your cat.
Final Verdict
Are self cleaning boxes worth it? Definitely a resounding yes! 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 it 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, feel free to ask in the comments!
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?
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!