Make clean up so much easier
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Cats make wonderful pets-they’re playful, soft, and relatively self-sufficient. Yet, as you probably know, scooping up kitty litter is a less-than-glamorous part of being a cat owner. But if you don’t stay on top of cleaning a litter box, it can create all kinds of problems for both you and your fur baby.
Luckily, you can purchase a self-cleaning litter box that does the dirty work for you by essentially eliminating the need for manual scooping. Whether you have multiple cats or just one, we’ve researched the market and tested top products to help you find the right option for your feline friends.
Below are the best automatic litter boxes.
Best Overall: PetSafe Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The ScoopFree Ultra uses leak-proof disposable trays with plastic lining. Every few weeks, you can remove the tray, toss it out, and replace it with a new one. To keep odors at bay, PetSafe recommends using its Crystal Litter, which dehydrates solid waste and absorbs urine. A hooded cover is also recommended to help control immediate smells and keep cat litter from spilling out. If you’re looking for a litter box solution that’ll make your life easier, this might be your best bet.
Best Budget: Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan
This litter box comes complete with two reinforced antimicrobial plastic pans and a sifting tray. When it’s time to clean the litter box, dump the dirty litter from the top pan into the empty pan with the sifting tray on top. Then, lift the sifting tray to sift out the clumps, dispose of the waste, and then switch the pans. Now, the cleaned litter will be on top, followed by the sifter, and empty pan on the bottom.
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Best Large: Litter-Robot 3 Connect Cat Litter Box
The Litter-Robot 3 detects when your cat comes in and out. After each use, it automatically sifts the waste into a drawer underneath. Not only does this make pet care easier, but it also allows you to use less kitty litter. While it takes up more space than other litter pans, this automatic litter box has a sleek, futuristic appearance. Plus, it connects to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to monitor your cat’s usage from anywhere.
Additional Features
Some automatic litter boxes are app-connected to alert you when they need emptying or maintenance. While it takes up more space than other litter pans, this automatic litter box has a sleek, futuristic appearance. Plus, it connects to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to monitor your cat’s usage from anywhere.
Best for Multiple Cats: CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Cat Box
Bear in mind, you’ll need an electrical outlet and a cold-water hookup. For this reason, setting it up in your bathroom or laundry room might be your best bet. Instead of actual litter, it uses septic-safe washable granules that never need changing. When your cat goes to the bathroom, urine drains through the granules, and solid waste is liquified and flushed away. After that, a sanitizing solution cleans the granules and tray. And just like that, it’s ready for another use.
Best Odor-Control: Premier Pet Auto-Clean KITTY LITTER BOX System
It works with clumping clay litter to transfer waste onto a conveyor belt and then into the waste bin, making for an effortless, virtually mess-free disposal. But what makes this product stand out is its activated carbon filter. The filter is designed to absorb odors and keep your home smelling fresh-all you have to do is replace the litter every few weeks. The system comes with a year’s supply of carbon filters, and since you don’t need to scoop or refill the bin on a day-to-day basis, it uses less litter than most traditional litter boxes.
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Best Value: LitterMaid Single Cat Self-Cleaning KITTY LITTER BOX
The waste receptacles have a tight seal, which makes for easy disposal and helps with odor control. A charcoal filter also works to contain smells. With high walls and a paw-cleaning ramp, it’s designed to prevent litter from getting onto your floors. This litter box comes in two variations: single cat and multi-cat. If you have multiple felines in your home, check out the multi-cat version.
Best Features: Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
This litter box also has a removable waste receptacle with carbon filters for easy disposal and odor-control. Additionally, an LED nightlight helps both you and your pets see it in the dark. Similar to the LitterMaid box, this cat box comes in both single and multi-cat size options. While the manufacturer recommends its super-absorbent litter, you can use any brand of clumping kitty litter.
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Final Analysis
If you’re searching for a reliable automatic litter box that takes the hassle out of cleaning, pick up our best overall pick the PetSafe Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box. Complete with a built-in cleaning cycle and sensor to track your cat’s movements, this kitty litter box won’t let you down. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Petmate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Pan is perfect for you.
What to Consider When Shopping for an Automatic Litter Box
Litter Compatibility
Most automatic litter boxes require clumping cat litter, so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to use more natural litters like wood-based pellets. Some boxes have even more specific requirements, so it’s a good idea to check what type of litter you’ll need before you buy.
Size
Automatic litter boxes are usually bigger than traditional tray-styles. It’s always a good idea to measure the space where you plan to place your
Additionally, keep your cat’s size in mind. Bigger kitties tend to prefer a more spacious box, while kittens or older cats may have harder time stepping into boxes that have entrances elevated from the floor. Not only does this make pet care easier, but it also allows you to use less kitty litter. Tech-savvy cat owners may want these features, but they may be more fuss than other users want.
