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Top 7 Best Automatic Litter Box For Self Cleaning [May 2023 Update]

What's the least thing you like about owning a cat? If you said “cleaning the cat litter boxes” then you're in good company!

But just because your cat's litter box sits delicately concealed in your home somewhere doesn't mean you should neglect it.  On the contrary, keeping a clean and tidy cat box is important not only for your cat's health, but for the health of everyone else in your house, too.

Plus, a clean box helps you avoid the unpleasant and awkward issue of foul odors emanating from your cat's, eh, indoor potty.

If you're tired of having to clean out the litter boxes so often, and if delegating this chore to your partner or one of your kids hasn't been working, fortunately there's a high-tech solution waiting for you.

These are the best Automatic litter boxes

1. Litter-Robot 4
2. CatGenie A.I. Self-Washing Cat Box
3. PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box
4. Littermaid LM980 Mega Self-Cleaning Litter Box
5. Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box
6. PetSafe Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Litter Box
7. Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Sounds like something from the future? Scratch that: the future is here.

Our Pick – Litter-Robot 4

This self cleaning litter box sifts and deposits your kitty's waste into a drawer after every use. It's an ideal option for multiple cats and suitable for felines of all sizes (5 lbs and up).

The Litter-Robot 4 comes with a notification system to alert you when the waste drawer is nearly full, and in the meantime controls unpleasant odors.

The product looks adorably futuristic and affords your feline the privacy she needs to do her duties.

Some users note its large size makes it tough to fit into smaller homes, and the open door design can cause litter to be accidentally kicked out, the latter of which can be prevented by purchasing a fence or ramp accessory (do note that this comes with a complimentary fence).

You will be happy to know that this newest product from Litter Robot features an enhanced litter-sifting technology which limits dust and ensures a clean space for their delicate paws, while the complimentary fence will greatly lessen litter tracking. Also, this product features OdorTrap system (optional) to neutralize the litter box odor and the SafeCat system which is the enhanced version of the previous model with the waste and litter levels being tracked real-time. Lastly, it also boasts QuietSift cleaning cycle, it also comes in an enlarged waste drawer, and a wider opening to cater your pet's comfortability.

The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box Reviews: 7 Top Brands

So, what is the best litter box for cats? We've looked around to find 7 of the top-selling brands around. Which one is best for your cute companion?

1. Litter-Robot 4

The Litter-Robot 4 model is considered by many to be the best cat litter box that is 100% self-scooping. The manufacturing company offers a 90-day money back guarantee, plus a warranty for 1 year or 3 years but you have to pay additional $100 for it.

Why You'll Love It

• Requires less litter—expect to use as little as 50% of what you normally would require!
• Its wide opening makes it easy for your precious lion to get in and out
• It's sturdy, reliable, high-quality, and well designed
• Specially designed to eliminate unpleasant odors
• Cleans quietly and automatically, timed to begin 7 minutes after your kitty exits
• Features an indicator light to tell you when to empty the box
• Complete with a unique waste-removal mechanism that's both convenient and hygienic
• Ideal for households with multiple felines

There's even a handy night light if nature ever calls when it's dark out!

The Robot 4 is one of the priciest models available. But, like most things, you get what you pay for! It's reliable and durable, which means you're less likely to run into maintenance issues. And remember, it comes with a warranty and a money back guarantee.

Pet owners who have tried this model have also commented on a few other potential issues with this device:

• It's large and can be tricky to fit in a small apartment
• Cats can kick litter out of the open door (solution: purchase a ramp accessory available for this product)
• Too much or too little litter in the machine will prevent the machine from working properly—fortunately, there's a convenient fill-to line which you can quickly check once a week and re-fill as necessary

The Litter-Robot 4 is the best automatic cat litter box for felines weighing at least 5 lbs and up (there is no weight limit for this robot). If you're someone who needs or wants to avoid cleaning out a cat box as much as possible for whatever reason (convenience, time constraints, medical conditions, etc.), then this may be the best choice for you.

2. CatGenie A.I. Self-Washing Cat Box

Let your cat relieve herself and satisfy her covering instincts with these washable and reusable granules instead of normal throw-away litter. This thing looks and works just like a little feline toilet!

With CatGenie, your cats have an automatic cat box that's more hygienic than your own bathroom. CatGenie not only flushes away waste, it also washes and hot-air dries itself clean after every use. All you do is tell CatGenie when to clean itself (choose between automatic or manual modes).

CatGenie requires NO LITTER, only cat-approved, septic-safe Washable Granules that never need changing. When kitty goes, liquids drain through the non-absorbing Washable Granules.

CatGenie scoops and liquefies the solids for safe and easy disposal down the laundry drain or toilet then cleans and hot-air dries the Washable Granules, all for your cat's comfort.

Why You'll Love It

• 100% self-cleaning, self-sanitizing, and self-drying—hands free for you
• Offers some of the highest available reliability among self-cleaning litter boxes
• Instead of traditional litter, this cat box uses dust-free washable granules (washed right in the device!), saving you time and money
• Washes itself clean with Veterinarian-approved SaniSolution and water
• Materials are high quality, safe, and long-lasting
• Considered the best litter box for multiple cats (up to 3)

Some Disadvantages & Things to Consider

• The CatGenie does require a cold water line, drainage, and outlet in order to work, so installation can be a bit of a hassle
• Users have noted that sometimes the waste drainage system can get clogged up with kitty hair—but consider it one more incentive to maintain a regular grooming routine for your furball (especially if she's long haired)
• It's normal for there to be a foul odor emanating from the unit during the cleaning cycle (consider installing the unit away from high-traffic areas in your house)
• It's one of the more expensive models

The CatGenie is great for people who care about hygiene and who would like as little involvement with their cat litter boxes as possible. If you have a spare bathroom or some other space with cold water access and an outlet, it'll work great for you.

You'll just need to be aware that clogs in the drainage system can happen, a potential problem that will need attention. Fortunately, you can mitigate this problem by regularly grooming and brushing your kitty.

3. PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box

This self-cleaning cat litter box uses a highly absorptive crystal litter that dries out solid waste and absorbs urine to avoid leaks. A rake cleans out the disposable tray thanks to an automatic timer (which has 3 settings to choose from), and dumps the cat waste right into a closed compartment.

Why You'll Love It

• Pledges to offer 5 times better odor and moisture control compared to other cat litters
• The concealing privacy hood offers a private space for your fur ball and decreases the likelihood that she'll track crystal litter around the house
• It's less expensive compared to other auto systems, but still considered fairly high quality
• It's sufficient to cleanly absorb up to 20 days worth of urine, or until the disposable litter tray needs to be tossed
• You can even use it to monitor your cat's digestive health since it keeps track of how many times she uses the box!

Some Disadvantages & Things to Consider

• While the it is one of the leaders in odor control, the litter crystals themselves can have a noticeable scent of their own. Avoid this issue with a quick stir of the crystals about once a day, and keeping the box in a well ventilated area
• If your kitty scratches a ton, she may end up accidentally scratching the cardboard at the bottom of the disposable crystal litter tray, which could lead to leaks. It's rare, but if you're concerned about it happening, you can opt to put a permanent plastic tray under the crystals—just means you'll have to be a bit more involved in the cleaning process

So, if you're willing and able to buy the disposable crystal litter tray that go with the unit, and are looking for ideal cat waste odor control, this model could be the right choice for you. Expect to change out the crystal litter tray about every 10-20 days if you live in a single cat home (it may not be feasible if you have many felines).

4. Littermaid LM980 Mega Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Do you have tons of kitties roaming around your house? Do you have plenty of litter boxes to accommodate them all? The Littermaid LM980 Mega is a great option. As its name implies, it can hold up to 50% more cat litter compared to other brands and is recommended for multiple cats.

Why You'll Love It

• The automatic clean system comes complete with an easy-to-remove rake for occasional cleaning
• High walls, cleaning pad, and ramp prevents litter from being kicked or carried out
• It contains carbon fiber filters to help minimize odors
• This cat litter box offers a safety bar to stop the rake in the event of a blockage
• Comes with a battery back up, 4 carbon filters, and 4 sealed waste receptacles
• Designed to be used with multiple cats over 15 pounds
• It's affordable

Disadvantages & Things to Consider

• Has a lifespan of about 2-4 years only
• You may have to clean it out occasionally due to waste blockages
• Some users have noted the motor strength doesn't seem super durable, and it can be a bit on the loud side (try putting this box somewhere away from the main areas of your home)
• You'll have to make sure you don't put too much litter inside since the sensors can get dusty
• Not ideal for cats who create a lot of waste and/or animals with urinary issues

Are you not afraid of some maintenance on your kitty's box? If you're not looking to completely eliminate your scooping duties but are simply hoping to do them less often, the Littermaid LM980 could be your next purrrrfect purchase.

5. Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box

Where bathroom meets high tech! The Self cleaning litter box with a smart sensor for triggered activation of cleaning cycle. Includes one-month supply of no-touch plastic bags. Also comes with 1 year warranty.

Why You'll Love It

• It's versatile—works with virtually any brand of clumping cat litter
• The motor is quiet as the machine collects waste left on the surface
• It's relatively easy to disassemble for as-needed cleaning
• The cat box has angled deflector with fins and raised height ensures clumps stay inside litter pan. Cat odor is eliminated with carbon zeolite technology

Disadvantages & Things to Consider

• Some owners find they need to empty the waste bags daily, depending on how much waste their animals produce
• Motor issue. Some clients had problems with the motor even if it was still new.

If you're looking to go from litter boxes cleaning routine of every day or two to every 4 to 6 days, and if you're into high tech gadgets that can help you “hack” your kitty's health, this automatic cat box may be just what you've been looking for. Just be prepared to scrape urine clamps from the bottom of the tray, since the rake may miss the smaller clumps.

6. PetSafe Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Unlike competing brands, the PetSafe device runs continuously thanks to a rotating litter bowl. This maximizes its hygienic benefits.

Why You'll Love It

• Comes with a 1-year warranty
• Thanks to the continual waste removal mechanism, you can get more “use” out of your litter since there's less of a chance for foul-smelling bacterial growth
• You can easily expedite the waste removal process by lining the waste bucket with any kind of plastic bag
• It's a super quiet motor (impressive given that it runs continuously!)
• The unit is small and affordable, making it a great choice for pet owners in apartments or other small spaces

Disadvantages & Things to Consider

• Got a big kitty? She probably won't fit—this unit is designed for a single cat weighing 12 pounds or less
• If your furry friend is particularly finicky, she may not like the movement (despite how slow it is)
• Occasionally, the device may make a grinding noise—fix by cleaning litter out of the space between the base and the rotational plate
• If you use cheap litter with this product, waste may clump under the sifting device

While compact and hygienic, this device does need a bit of daily love and maintenance. Otherwise, it may be a great option for you and your small and healthy kitty.

7. Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Rounding up our list is this super affordable and easy-to-use auto-cleaning litter box from Omega Paw.

Why You'll Love It

• It's easy enough to use that anyone in your house can be part of cat litter duty! Simply roll it upside down and then right side up—remaining waste clumps are shuttled into a disposable waste tray
• You don't need electricity, filters, or water hook-ups
• It's the most affordable of the bunch
• It's big and private, perfect for your shy and/or large kitty

Disadvantages & Things to Consider

• No, it's not truly “automatic,” since it does require manual action from you—but you still don't have to come in direct contact with dirty kitty litter on a daily basis!
• On occasion, clean cat litter may fall into the disposable waste tray, which is a bit wasteful from a financial aspect
• Litter tracking is not unusual with this roly-poly design, but a mat beneath the unit should help reduce this problem significantly

So, for the pet owners who are looking for a super affordable, effective, and easy-to-use litter box that removes the need to frequently come in contact with dirty kitty litter, the Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Box may have a great place in your home. If your kitty is on the larger size, you may also want to look into this option, since she'll definitely have ample room inside!

3 Reasons Why You Should Own An Automatic Cat Litter Box

If you've never thought about owning a new litter box that self cleans instead of a traditional litter box, here are 3 reasons you may change your mind:

An automatic cat litter box saves time.

Feline friends make great pets for busy homeowners. Why? These animals are highly independent and can handle being on their own for extended periods of time—most of them, anyway.

But if you're traveling, slammed with work, coming home late, or running in and out of the house between work and family commitments, then cleaning out the cat litter box/litter boxes is probably the last thing on your mind.

With electric litter boxes, you'll deal with way less hassle and mess, which can save you valuable time every week. It's like a “set it and forget it” way to keep you and your feline friend happy.

An electric litter box is good for hygiene.

Having a box that cleans itself can help keep your cat cleaner, too. No more “Oh shoot” moments when you realize you forgot to empty out the cat's litter box again!

Using an electric litter box is a great way to pamper your furry friend!

Many cat owners have resorted to teaching their feline friends how to use the actual toilet. But this can be a pretty frightening for most cats—and a frustrating process for most pet parents!

A worthwhile reminder: aside from the obvious challenges of “potty training” your kitty, felines also have a natural instinct to bury their waste. “Forcing” your cat to use the potty can actually deprive her of this inherent act.

If you think your furry friend will have a hard time adjusting to a new box, you don't have to write off an auto litter box as an option yet. The best products which come with auto-cleaning capabilities are cozy and comfortable for your kitty. With time, she may very well love her new potty!

Admit it: your pampered kitty acts like a cute little queen. Doesn't she deserve a clean and luxurious “throne”? Let her relieve herself as nature intended in a private, stylish, state-of-the-art console that will fit subtly into your decor.

Also Read: Best Automatic Cat Feeders 2023

A Few Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy One

Ready to browse the internet for the best self cleaning litter box? Before you do, you may want to ask yourself a few questions:

• When it comes to pet chores, how important is convenience? Understandably, a self scooping litter box tends to be a little pricier compared to traditional litter boxes. But many users agree that the amount of hassle and, well, yuckiness, that can be avoided with a self-cleaning cat litter box is far worth the investment.
• Do you often forget to change your cat's litter box or litter boxes, or dread the task so much that you put it off until the last minute? Take your own will power out of the equation. Using a box that does the hard lifting for you relieves you of your least favorite chore!
• How many pets do you have? If you live in a multi-cat house, a box that cleans itself can save you a ton of time! This is because you won't have to change out the litter as frequently. Even if you only have one feline friend roaming about, you can still expect to spend a fraction of the time on minding her litter boxes compared to what you would spend using a standard box.
• Are you comfortable troubleshooting an electronic device?  Auto litter boxes come with directions and the best ones are easy to set up and use. But if you're a bit of a technophobe, you'll want to make sure you're ready to handle a new automatic device in your house.

Conclusion: Automatic Litter Boxes Are a Great Solution for the Busy Pet Owner

You love your kitty. She's an important part of the family, and as such, she deserves all the proper care and attention she needs to be healthy and happy.

But let's be honest: cleaning out the kitty litter day in and day out can be a real drag!

Besides, sometimes life gets in the way. Maybe you get caught up at the office and come home late from work one day. Perhaps you're traveling out of town and don't want to bother your neighbor or house sitter with kitty litter duties. Maybe you've got a bunch of furry friends in your house, and the amount of cleaning, scooping, and tossing is driving you a little nuts!

You may even be struggling with a medical condition, and the thought of having to handle, touch, and clean the toilet of your feline every day just seems like far too much work.

By the end of the day, we all want the same thing: clean litter box! No matter what reason you have for wanting to cut down on your time managing your feline's indoor potty, an automatic cat litter box can be the answer to all your needs!

Automatic Cat Litter Box FAQs

How does it work?

Generally, automatic cat litter boxes (aka self-cleaning ones) have a receptacle beneath or at one end of the box itself. A mechanical rake moves through the litter and sifts out your kitty's waste products, depositing it into the receptacle. Odors are contained in the receptacle until you empty the receptacle by some sort of enclosure or top.

What type of litter should I pick for an automatic litter box?

Read the directions on your device, as it should specify what type of litter you'll need to use (e.g., clumping, crystals, non-tracking, etc.). Using the incorrect one may impair the function of the self-cleaning box.

Where should I place my cat litter box in my home?

The ideal place is in a low-traffic, low-noise area where your cat regularly goes. It should be on a hard and sturdy surface and easy for your cat to access in multiple ways.

How do I help my cat get used to her new fancy toilet?

You can get your animal used to her new high-tech litter box or litter boxes by placing a small amount of her waste from her old box inside the new one, in order to “familiarize” it. You may need to leave the electric litter box powered off for the first couple days until she's using it on her own. When you do turn it on, simply watch to see how she reacts to the noise of the mechanism. This may also take her a little time to get used to.

How do I teach my new kitten to use an automatic litter box?

Expect to start teaching your kitten how to use a litter box around 1 month old. In some cases, she may even come to you already trained by her mother! You'll need to show your kitty where the “toilet” is, and may need to follow the similar steps for re-training an older cat how to use a new box. Cats and kittens are more comfortable using litter boxes when they have privacy hoods, are easily accessible, and in an area of the home where no one can sneak up on them and surprise them while they're doing their business.

If you've been looking for an easier and quicker way to maintain your kitty's box, then we recommend reading through these self cleaning litter box reviews to determine which one of the many options available may be the best fit for you and your feline companion. Also, make sure you remember the points from this infographic. Click for bigger picture.