We love our cats, but cleaning their litter boxes… not so much! Especially since some cats need more than one litter box. So if you also live in an apartment and are tired of cleaning your cat’s litter box, I suggest you discover a wonderful accessory: self-cleaning litter boxes. Since we discovered the concept of self-cleaning cat litter boxes, there’s no going back for us. Moreover, it’s a relatively affordable “luxury”. However, whether you prefer online or in-store shopping, you will quickly find yourself lost amidst all the options! Especially since there are different types of self-cleaning litter boxes. To make your life easier, we’ll explain everything in this article!
Our Top 5 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
Time-saving, hygienic, and comfortable, self-cleaning litter boxes are a real gem. Their automatic operation uses less litter than a traditional model, leading to less waste. This also makes them economical and eco-friendly.
With so many benefits, which brand of self-cleaning litter box should you choose?
| Litter boxes | Features | Where find the product ? |
|---|---|---|
| Petsafe Scoopfree | Automatic and electic litter boxes | >> On this website |
| Petsafe Simply Clean | Clumping litter, reduced odour, whisper-quiet. | >> On this website |
| Litter robot | Futurist design | |
| PETKIT Self Cleaning | App control, futurist design | >> On this website |
| Smatsift | Best price (manual) | >> On this website |
#1 Petsafe Scoopfree Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The Petsafe Scoopfree litter box is one of the most efficient automatic and electric litter boxes on the market.
- Spacious: The available space is suitable for cats over 6 months old thanks to its large interior.
- Adaptable to your pet: The litter box is equipped with sensors that automatically trigger cleaning between 5 and 20 minutes after your cat has used it. You can adjust this setting based on your cat’s profile.
- Odor neutralization: The Petsafe litter box is highly absorbent and eliminates odors in the box.
- Durable: Its disposable litter trays remain effective for a month.
- Convenient: Just find a cozy spot and plug in the litter box!
#2 The New Generation Petsafe Simply Clean
Petsafe has released a new model of automatic litter box: the Simply Clean!
The principle remains the same with a sleeker and more attractive design. This model will blend more seamlessly into your apartment compared to the Scoopfree.
#3 The Litter Robot 3 Open Air Model
The Litter Robot is the most innovative electric self-cleaning litter box. Patented several times, it is highly efficient.
Designed to accommodate one or more cats over 2.5 kg, it features a rotation and sifting system that keeps the space clean.
Its sound signal alerts the owner when the waste drawer needs to be emptied. Litter Robot guarantees 2 weeks of autonomy for one cat and 10 days for two.
You will quickly fall in love with its very modern look.
#4 The Alternative to Litter Robot: PETKIT Self Cleaning
The Litter Robot model is fantastic, but its main issue is its limited availability. When it’s available on Amazon or elsewhere, don’t hesitate to order it!
However, this can be frustrating, so we found another model with similar design and operation (and good ratings): the Trixie.
#5 The Smartsift Litter Box: The Cheapest Option
The Smartsift litter box does not have a motor, making it quieter.
Although its mechanism is manual, it is easy to use. A rake sifts the litter and drops the waste into an odor-control drawer.
This drawer contains a charcoal filter. The only drawback is that the device uses trash bags (although they are biodegradable) that need to be regularly disposed of.
What is a Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box?
Let’s go back to basics. A self-cleaning cat litter box is simply a litter box that has a manual or automatic cleaning system.
The Advantages of a Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The main advantage of a self-cleaning cat litter box is reducing the need to maintain the litter box.
In practical terms, having a litter box that cleans itself is ideal if you have little time for this task (or, let’s be honest, if you don’t really want to do it). Or even if you plan to be away for a few days.
Traditional litter boxes need daily maintenance. The cat owner has to remove the animal’s droppings and change the litter regularly. Otherwise, the cat might decide to do its business elsewhere.
An automatic or electric self-cleaning cat litter box cleans itself. You only need to empty the waste drawer when it’s full! This saves a lot of time and effort for you and provides a clean toilet for your cat, even when you’re not home.
Lastly, these types of “litter houses” use much less litter and produce less waste than a traditional box. It’s useful, economical, and eco-friendly.
The Drawbacks Compared to a Traditional Litter Box
While self-cleaning litter boxes reduce the number of weekly cleanings, their functions remain limited.
Indeed, cleaning the bottom of the box is still your responsibility. The litter box cleans itself, but the base still requires your intervention. This is true for any model of self-cleaning litter box you purchase.
The Different Types of Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes
Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box
An automatic litter box, like the Petsafe model, automatically directs feces and urine to the waste drawer in the litter box.
You no longer have to maintain it daily, but only once a week or every two weeks. The silica traps odors, urine, and feces. Then, a rake pushes them to the waste drawer. Such a litter box can be equipped with a manual system: you will need to activate it to make it work. Alternatively, it can also be electric.
Electric Self-Cleaning Litter Box
An electric self-cleaning cat litter box operates on power and makes cleaning the litter box even easier. Here too, the cleaning of the litter box is automatic. However, thanks to an electric system, you don’t need to intervene. The litter box cleans itself, and your only task will be to empty the waste drawer when it’s full.
The rake responsible for pushing the cat’s waste into the drawer works independently, powered by the electric system.
Manual Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Much more affordable than automatic models, you can find manual self-cleaning litter boxes. These require more effort on your part.
How to Choose the Right Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box?
Choosing your self-cleaning litter box depends on several criteria.
The Cat’s Physical Condition
The animal’s weight must match the device you purchase. Indeed, a self-cleaning cat litter box designed for a six-kilogram cat cannot be used by a ten-kilogram cat! Opt for a larger model if your cat’s weight exceeds the limits of the device.
The Size of the Litter Box
Self-cleaning litter boxes come in various sizes. Consider the dimensions, especially if the space where you plan to place it is narrow. Also, the automatic or electric self-cleaning litter box you choose must fit your cat’s size. Don’t choose a box that’s too small, or your cat might refuse to use it.
Choosing Between an Electric or Non-Electric Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Self-cleaning litter boxes can be electric. In this case, they run on batteries or plug into an outlet. You need to decide whether to regularly change batteries or plug the litter box into a power source. Analyze the best option, considering the budget for batteries if you choose this option.
Alternatively, you can opt for an automatic or manual litter box if you don’t want to rely on power.
The Noise Level of the Litter Box
For both your and your cat’s well-being, the noise level of the litter box should not be overlooked.
First, think about your ears. A litter box with a noisy motor can quickly pollute your environment and make you regret your purchase.
Second, if the litter box is noisy, your cat won’t like it either. A noisy litter box can scare your cat, causing it to refuse to use it and rendering your investment useless. Prefer self-cleaning litter boxes like Smartsift, Litter Robot, or Petsafe to ensure a quiet and suitable litter box for your cat!
How to Train Your Cat to Use It?
For better adaptability, consider where to place the cat litter box in your home. The location choice is crucial. Ensure that the spot is suitable for your cat. Quiet, accessible, and away from their sleeping area are the three rules to follow!
To help your cat understand that this is their litter box, place it far from their food bowls and put them in the area after they finish eating.
How to Clean an Automatic Litter Box?
Cleaning a self-cleaning litter box… Yes! Even though it makes your life easier, its maintenance is still important! This helps extend the life of the device.
To clean a self-cleaning litter box, you need to clean the inner grates and edges, remove the litter bags, and clean the drawer and box. A bonus eco-tip: baking soda will help you clean your cat’s litter box effectively and in an environmentally friendly way.
The goal is for your cat’s litter box to be clean and healthy, ensuring your cat is happy and healthy. So, what are you waiting for to try a self-cleaning litter box?
Is There a Cheap Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box?
The more features and options a litter box has, the higher the price.
You can find a cheap automatic or electric cat litter box by limiting the features and focusing only on the essentials.
Where to Buy Your Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box?
You can certainly buy your self-cleaning litter box in a specialized store. However, you might not find all the models (unfortunately).
We recommend turning to online shopping to ensure you find your favorite model at the best price.