Buying an Automatic Cat Litter Box? Read This Guide First!

Owning a cat has numerous psychological and even physiological benefits for humans. But cleaning up cat poop surely isn’t one of them. That’s why you might want to invest in an automatic cat litter box.

It is scientifcally proven that cat owners have lower blood pressure and fewer chances to become depressed. Also, scientists have discovered that cats purr at the frequency around 25 Hz which stimulates bone and tissue regeneration. Plus, kitties are super cute, so it is guaranteed that they will put a smile on your face after a stressful day at work. As soon as they start rubbing against your legs and exposing their fluffy belly, you will forget about all your problems. Except one. The dirty litter box waiting for you.

Nobody likes cleaning litter. We are all aware that there are many harmful bacteria around and in the litter box, so feline experts, veterinarians, and designers joined their forces to make your life much easier. They developed self-cleaning litter boxes that will do this unpleasant daily task for you.

Reasons to Buy an Automatic Cat Litter Box

First of all, even if you are not squeamish by nature, automatic cat litter box will keep your home odor free while you are away from home. You will be carefree, knowing that your cat is not thinking outside of the box. Kitties are very tidy, so if they notice that their “toilet” is smelly, they will do their thing elsewhere. You can’t blame them, basic hygiene is necessary for felines as well as for humans.

Secondly, there are many different dangerous microorganisms crawling around your cats’ litter box. This can be especially harmful to pregnant women and small children, due to their weak immune system. Toxoplasmosis and similar parasitic diseases can be easily avoided just by staying away from the feline’s feces. Let the machine do the dirty work to keep you safe from this kind of infections.

Knowing that there are so many different models of automatic litter boxes on the market, you can pamper yourself and your cat(s) with this innovative way of taking care of the litter. Using a scoop to pick the clumps and feces would be similar to manually washing the laundry or dishes. If you know that there is a way to automatize this boring daily activity, there is no a single reason to continue in an old fashion manner.

Picking the Right Automatic Cat Litter Box

Automatic litter boxes come with many different features.  Picking the right one can be a little bit tricky. There are numerous factors that can influence your decision like size, shape, noise level, type of litter, warranty, price etc. Some models are very simple and easy to program while others offer more complex solutions. Most of them have built-in kitty sensors that will automatically start the cleaning cycle several minutes after your cat leaves the unit. Kitties’ size and preferences can also be a limitation because some models are not suitable for larger cats. If your household has multiple cats, their number should also be taken into a consideration.

Here is a list of questions that will help you decide what kind of automatic cat litter box to buy:

• How big is your apartment?
• Is your cat already accustomed to a certain type of litter?
• How old is your cat?
• Is your cat healthy?
• Is your cat large or small?
• How many cats do you have?

The Size of Your Apartment

If you have a huge house or a very large apartment, you can skip this part. Any type of automatic cat litter box will do the trick. However, if you live in a studio, or in one bedroom apartment that can be a limiting factor when picking a perfect solution for your cats’ needs.

Look for a silent option that is not bulky in size, like ScoopFree Ultra Automatic Cat Litter Box. It has a short cleaning cycle that lasts less than one minute. It also comes with a privacy hood, so you will not have to watch your cat while doing her thing. Some automatic litter boxes have a sleep mode that delays the cleaning cycle, to make sure that you will not be disturbed during the night.

Different Types of Cat Litter

There are three main options when it comes to the cat litter: clumping, non-clumping and silica gel (also known as the crystal litter). If you know your cats’ preferences, it can make the transition to automatic cat litter box so much easier. You can also choose the innovative CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box that uses washable granules instead of the standard cat litter. This is the first cat ‘toilet’ on the market. Granules are long lasting so you will not have to buy, carry or change the litter ever again.

Want to know more? Read our full CatGenie Review here

Cats’ age and health condition

Cats usually hunt in the dark so they have a very good night vision. But as they age, this function weakens and they might need some help when orienting during the night. If you own an older cat, buy an automatic cat litter box with the night light built-in, to make sure that she can find it in the dark before it’s too late. This will prevent her from pooping and urinating somewhere else.

If you are concerned about your kitties’ health, choose an electronic litter box with so-called health counter that tracks the frequency of usage, like ScoopFree Ultra Automatic Cat Litter Box, for example. This will help you notice any changes in your cats’ metabolism and inform the vet timely. Early symptoms of certain health conditions can easily go unnoticed until severe complications start to appear. This is why it is very important to keep track of your cats’ daily routine.

Want tot know more? Read our ScoopFree Review

Size does Matter

If your cat is larger than the standard size, some automatic litter boxes just might not fit. On the other hand, there are certain models, like the Litter-Robot III Open-Air automatic cat box, that are suitable even for felines that weigh up to 20 pounds. If you own a small kitty lighter than the 5 pounds, you should choose the electronic cat box with the manual start option because she might not be heavy or tall enough to activate the cat sensors. Some models have cat sensors that detect kitties’ eyes while others are triggered by the weight change after the cat leaves the box.

Want to know more? Read our Litter Robot III Open Air Review

Helping Your Cat with a Transition to an Automatic Cat Litter Box

Cats are creatures of habits, so it might take some time and patience for your kitty to become accustomed to her new gadget. Here are a few tips and tricks to help her accept the self-cleaning litter box:

• Use cat treats to award your cat after she goes to the new litter box for the first time.
• Don’t throw away her old tray until she accepts the new automatic version.
• Instead, put them close to each other to let the cat now that this part of the room is her toilet area.
• Put the electric litter box away from your cats’ food and water.
• Some kitties are timid, so consider placing her new litter box away from the front door. She might get frightened if a strange person enters the room while she does her thing. It can make her reject the automated litter box and start defecating elsewhere.

Almost every reliable manufacturer offers 90 days money back guarantee just in case that you and your kitty are not satisfied with the product. You have nothing to lose. Find an adequate automatic cat litter box and give it a shot. You will be amazed after you discover how fun and easy cat ownership can be now that you don’t have to scoop the poop and smell the used litter. The machine will do everything for you.

Save time and stop cleaning the cat litter box. What? Yes. Really! The ScoopFree automatic litter box does all the work for you.

ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box Review

If you have a cat, you are probably putting your nose and hands near your cat’s toilet at least once a day. Harmful bacteria and the litter dust are flying around the house every time the cat starts digging before she uses the litter box. To make sure that you will never have to go through this routine again, experts and feline lovers educated at MIT created the miraculous ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box.

This revolutionary auto litter box will also be your little helper while you are away from home, making sure that your house or apartment stays odor-free and preventing the litter dust from spilling around.

Product Description

The ScoopFree is fully automated, super simple and easy to use. Its bottom part is actually a removable tray cartridge filled with Premium Blue Crystal Litter. This crystal litter will immediately absorb the urine and successfully control the odor. Solid waste will be eliminated by built-in rake and locked into a special covered trap to prevent the unpleasant smell. The self-cleaning mechanism has an adjustable rake delay and it can be set to activate 5, 10 or 15 minutes after the cat has left the unit. The cleaning cycle is very short and it lasts less than one minute. Every 20-30 days you will have to change the cartridge by pulling the tray out and replacing with the new one.

The ScoopFree has several innovative features that will help both you and your cat. It comes with a privacy hood, so your cat can feel isolated and more comfortable while doing her thing. It also has a very useful health counter that tracks the frequency of use. Many feline health conditions are related to excessive urinating and defecating. This counter will help you notice changes in your cats’ daily routine, so you will be able to consult with a vet and prevent or treat the condition timely.

You will not need tools or manuals to assemble the ScoopFree litter box.

Even a little girl can do it. Just take the unit out of the box, put it on top of the cartridge, gently press to click and plug it in. After you set the rake delay, this automatic litter box will be ready for your cat to use.

Scoopfree official video

Click here to see price on Amazon

Features

• Self-cleaning and fully automated electronic litter box
• Easy to assemble
• Disposable tray filled with Premium Blue Crystal Litter
• Adjustable cleaning delay
• Comes with privacy hood for the comfort of your cat
• User-friendly control panel
• Health counter to help you track the frequency of use
• Locked compartment for solid waste
• Dimensions without the hood: 19” H x 27-3/8” L x 7” H
• Height with the hood included is 16-3/4”
• Litter area surface is 14” x 14” square

Warranty

The ScoopFree comes with 90 days money back guarantee and 1-year product replacement guarantee. If your cat can’t adjust to crystal litter in three months, just return the product.

The Good

• No need to touch and scoop the litter
• Disposable trays are easy to change
• Trays should be changed only ones in 20-30 days if you have one cat
• Premium Blue Crystal Litter absorbs the urine quickly and controls the odor
• Health counter will inform you how often a cat used the auto litter box
• There will be much less litter dust around the unit
• Cleaning cycle lasts under the one minute
• Rake is carefully designed and have a cat-safe shape
• Long power cable

The Bad

• If you have more than two cats, it is recommended to have more than one box
• Cats like to dig and create piles, so it can stop the rake from functioning properly
• The litter area can be a bit small for larger cats
• If the cats are used to classic litter, it might take some time for them to accommodate to the crystal litter
• Softer waste can sometimes get stuck in the rake

Conclusion

Cleaning the litter box has never been easier. The ScoopFree will change your unpleasant daily task into an easy monthly routine. Plus, you will not have to touch the dirty litter and scoop the clumps and waste. Once in 20-30 days, when it’s time to change the tray, lift the upper part of the unit, remove the cartridge, cover it and throw it away. Then slide under another tray with fresh crystal and that’s it. You will be able to forget about your cats’ litter box during next few weeks, except when you check the health counter. Just set the rake delay to 5, 10 or 15 minutes, and fully automated cleaning cycle will take care of everything. No more odor, litter dust and dirty work in your house.

If you own a cat, you probably spend at least several minutes a day on scooping the clumps and poop from the litter box. Plus, you have to clean the dust and dirt kicked out to the floor.

Save time and avoid smelly odors by investing in a fully automated solution, like the CatGenie Automatic Litter Box.

CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Cat Box Review

The CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Cat Box will remove all litter-related things
from your to-do list. It is the best automatic cat litter box which flushes like a toilet and removes the waste directly to the drain.

It is the best automatic cat litter box which flushes like a toilet and removes the waste directly to the drain.

You will not have to touch, clean, smell or buy the cat litter as long as you have this revolutionary auto cat litter box.

Product description

The CatGenie litter box is filled with special washable plastic granules that imitate the real cat litter. When your cat does uses the littter box, the liquid will instantly drain down into the reservoir at the bottom of the box. At same time, the waste will be removed into the hopper with a built-in scoop. After the flushing, the urine and poop will be mixed with the SaniSolution and flushed out of your home. One cartridge can hold enough SaniSolution for at least 120 flushes. Finally, the granules will be automatically dried with a hot air and ready for the next use. There will be no unpleasant smells and bacteria all over the house.
The cleaning cycle can be activated in three different ways. You can set a “Cat Start” using cat sensors which will detect cats’ eyes and start the cycle ten minutes after she leaves the box. You will make significant savings in SaniSolution in this mode. One cartage will be enough for even 240 flushes. Another option is to choose an “Auto Start” and set it to clean the box from one to four times per day. The CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing litter box doesn’t have a clock built in, so you will have to set up this option in a particular moment of time. For example, if you want the cleaning cycle to start every day at noon, you will have to activate it at noon for the first time. After that, it will be done automatically every 24 hours. To start the cleaning cycle manually, just choose “Push Start” and the auto litter box will be flushed only when you push the button.

The CatGenie litter box comes with a hose adapter so it can be easily connected to a cold water line.  The sewer hose will have to be placed on the toilet rim or into the laundry waste drain, so it can remove the waste down the sewer line. You will not need any tools to set up this amazing non-litter cat box, but for your comfort you can use a pair of pliers or a wrench.

Features

• Dimensions: 17” wide in the back, 19” wide in the front, 24” deep and 21” high
• Weight: about 25 pounds
• Delivered with sanitizer cartridge and washable granules
• Dome and sidewalls option (additional), to prevent the granules from spilling around the house
• Suitable for cats older than six months of age
• Not suitable for large cats
• Cleaning cycle lasts for 34 minutes – 17 for flushing and 17 for drying
• It comes with a “Cat Acclimation Guide” that can help your kitty get used to this product
• Not recommended if you have more than 2 cats

Warranty

The CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Litter Box has a 90 days money back guarantee, just in case you are not satisfied with a product. It also has a two years guarantee on parts and labor. Well-educated cat lovers from the CatGenie customer support team will promptly answer all your questions.

Well-educated cat lovers from the CatGenie customer support team will promptly answer all your questions.

The Good

• Fully automated cat “toilet”
• Easy to set up. Comes with an instruction manual.
• Easy to program; cleaning cycles can be programmed in three different ways
• Sleep time for 10 hours
• Washable plastic granules that have the texture similar to a real litter, so the cat can enjoy in digging and covering
• Non-absorbent and hypoallergenic permanent granules that never need changing
• Environment-friendly and safe for cats
• Both SaniSolution and granules are bio-degradable
• The waste goes directly to the sewer line
• Reliable high-quality product

The Bad

• Not fully assembled when delivered
• It is a bit loud, so it’s the best to keep it in the bathroom
• Not appropriate for large cats and kitties younger than six months of age
• Doesn’t have a built-in clock, so you will have to set it in a certain moment of time
• You might need additional parts if your hook up system is not standard
• Doesn’t work well if your pet has diarrhea

Conclusion

When you decide to buy the CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box you will never have to carry the heavy litter home and clean the litter box mess again.

This innovative auto cat litter box cleans, disinfects and dries itself, so you will be carefree when it comes to this formerly unpleasant task.

The CatGenie is a full-stop solution to cat toilet needs. Washable granules are a dust-free alternative to cat litter and they will not need to be changed.

SaniSolution is totally safe for felines and approved by vets.

Plus, everything is biodegradable and environment-friendly.

CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box will make cat ownership more hands-off than ever.

Automatic Cat Litter Box: Litter-Robot III Open-Air Review

The Litter-Robot III Open-Air is innovative self-cleaning, automatic litter box which will bring the ease of cat ownership to a whole new level.

If you own a cat and you don’t like to put your hands in the dirty litter or if you are often away from home, Litter-Robot III Open-Air will take care of this unpleasant task for you.

There will be no more unpleasant odors and harmful bacteria in your house.

Product Description

The Litter-Robot III Open-Air is the latest top-notch product based on the successful Litter-Robot platform. This self-cleaning litter box is comfortable even for large cats. It has modern design and many simple but useful features which will make the litter routine easier for you and your cat.

Customer reviews of previous versions of the Litter-Robot (like the Litter Robot LRII) were taken into a consideration when this improved model was made.  The Litter-Robot III Open-Air has a large entry which will give your cat an open-air comfort, without the ability to spill the litter all around the room.

When a cat enters the large ergonomic globe, sensors on the floor will be activated and a few minutes after she leaves the electronic litter box, cleaning cycle will start. The Litter-Robot III has an adjustable timer which will postpone the cleaning cycle for 3, 5, or 7 minutes. This way the dirty litter has enough time to form strong clumps.

After, the globe will start rotating to separate the waste that will fall down into the special drawer from the clean litter which will stay in the globe. When the litter is clean, the globe will return to its normal position, so the cat will be able to use it again.

If your kitty weighs less than 5 pounds, you will need to start the cleaning cycle manually, by pressing a button.

After a few days, when the plastic bag in the waste drawer gets full, the sensors will activate. This triggers a blinking light as a signal for you to change the bag.

Even if you own an older cat, it will be easy for her to use the Litter-Robot III Open-Air because it has a night light built in. Your pet will be able to find it in the dark.

Although it is very quiet when compared to other automatic litter boxes, it also comes with an 8-hour sleep mode option.

It also has a control lock function, so your cat will not be able to accidently press any buttons. With this amazing product, you will never have to scoop the poop again.

Features

• Fully automated and self-cleaning litter box
• Dimensions: 29.2” H x 24.1” W x 26.7” D
• Suitable for cats weighing from 5 to 20 pounds
• Large ergonomic globe for the comfort of big cats
• Open-air oval entry size: 15.2” H x 10.7” W
• Cat sensors on the floor activate when the cat enters the globe
• Cleaning cycle wait-timer that can be set for 3, 5 or 7 minutes after the cat leaves the globe
• ON/OFF button
• “Lock controls” option so the cat can’t accidently press buttons while jumping around
• Night light to navigate older cats in the dark
• 8-hour sleep mode
• Waste fullness light indicator that lets you know when to replace the bag
• Odor filter on the waste drawer
• Rubber mat on the entry which will catch the litter, preventing it from falling on the floor
• Color: Bisque

Warranty & Guarantee

When you buy Litter-Robot III Open-Air automatic cat box it comes with a full 90 days money back warranty. If you are not satisfied with this amazing product within the 90 days you will get a money refund from the manufacturer.

The Litter-Robot III Open-Air also comes with an 18-month full guarantee and the possibility to extend this period to 36 months. In the rare case, it does break down. It is a very reliable product, made in the USA.

The Good

• It comes to your door fully assembled. Take it out of the box, plug it in and it is ready to use.
• Very user-friendly and easy to program. You can also lock the buttons, to prevent your cat from interfering with the program.
• Saves you 50% on cat litter!
• Nightlight will help the elderly cats in the dark
• Very quiet for an auto litter box, plus it has a sleep mode which will prevent the cleaning cycle from starting during the night
• Can be cleaned manually by pressing a button, if needed
• Special lining will keep the inside of the globe extra clean
• Waste drawer has built in sensors which will inform you when it’s time to change the bag
• Odor filters prevent the bad smells from spreading around the house
• Great solution if you have multiple cats
• Comes with money back guarantee, 18 months warranty and a very clear user manual

The Bad

• It is a bit large, so it will need a lot of space in your home. However, it has a nice modern design making it easy to fit into the ambient of any room.
• Suitable only for cats heavier than 5 pounds. If your cat is too small you will have to start the cleaning cycle manually.
• The night light is too bright, so you might want to keep this electric litter box out of your bedroom
• It works only with clumping litter. If your cat is used to another type of litter, it might take some time for her to adjust (we recommend this one, #1 best seller on Amazon for a reason).
• You will need to put in the exact amount of the litter in order to make it work properly. However, there is an indicator line inside the globe
• It’s a bit expensive. But it is also long lasting and very reliable. Remember, you get what you pay for!

Conclusion

Cats are very clean animals, so if you don’t clean their litterbox regularly, they will do their thing elsewhere.

On the other hand, you would probably like to avoid touching the waste and dirty litter.

The best solution is to let the revolutionary Litter-Robot III Open-Air auto litter box do the dirty work for you while you can enjoy other more pleasant activities with your cat.

Your house will be clean, without any litter dust and waste dirt on the floor, and your cat will enjoy the open-air feeling.