Are you tired of constantly scooping your cat’s litter box?
An automatic self-cleaning litter box could be the perfect solution to make your life easier and keep your home odor-free.
After extensive research and testing, I’ve selected the top automatic litter boxes that can save you time and hassle.
As a cat owner myself, I understand the importance of finding a litter box that works well for both you and your feline friend.
The best self-cleaning litter boxes use sensors to detect
when your cat has finished their business and automatically rake, sift or flush away waste so you don’t have to scoop anything yourself.
This can be a game changer for maintaining a clean and fresh-smelling home.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best automatic litter boxes, including budget-friendly options and high-tech models with smart features.
I’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right self-cleaning litter box for your needs and answer common questions about using these innovative devices.
Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box Overall: Litter-Robot 4
After thoroughly testing multiple automatic litter boxes over several months, the Litter-Robot 4 emerged as my top overall pick.
This sleek, futuristic device offers excellent performance, odor control, and smart features that make it well worth the investment for cat owners looking for a truly hands-off litter box solution.
A Fantastic Machine That Aced All Of My Tests And Delivered On Its Promises
Footprint: 22 x 27 x 29.5 inches
Weight: 24 pounds
Power source: Electric
What you’ll love:
- Excellent, top-of-the-line odor control
- Ultra-quiet operation
- American-made product
Keep in mind:
- Takes up significant space
- High upfront cost
The Litter-Robot 4 is the latest iteration of Whisker’s popular automatic litter box line, and it delivers major improvements over previous models.
As someone who has owned both the Litter-Robot 3 and 4, I can confidently say the newest version is worth the upgrade.
One of the biggest enhancements is the much larger opening and interior chamber.
According to Jacob Zuppke, president and CEO of Whisker, this redesign was focused on improving the cat’s experience.
He explains, “What if you went into a port-a-potty that was too small for you to get in and turn around? You wouldn’t want to touch anything in there.
Why would we not make a cat’s litter box large enough for the cat to get in and turn around?”
This increased size made a noticeable difference for my cats.
Even my largest 15-pound boy had plenty of room to comfortably enter, turn around, and cover his waste – something that wasn’t possible in some of the other self-cleaning boxes I tested.
he ability for cats to engage in their natural covering behavior resulted in much better odor control.
The Litter-Robot 4 also features an upgraded laser sensing system that works incredibly quickly.
I have curious kitties that like to watch the cleaning cycle, so I appreciated how fast the sensors reacted to shut off the rotation if a cat approached.
This helped alleviate any safety concerns.
In terms of maintenance, the extra-large waste drawer means you don’t have to empty it as frequently.
The improved odor control also allows you to go longer between deep cleans.
When it is time for a thorough cleaning, the process takes about 30 minutes and requires disassembling the unit to wash the components.
While not the most fun task, it only needs to be done every few months.
The “smart” capabilities of the Litter-Robot 4 were far superior to other models I tested.
It connects to a free app that monitors litter and waste levels and sends notifications when a cleaning cycle finishes or the drawer needs emptying.
It can even track your cats’ weights to identify which cat is using the box in a multi-cat household.
Perhaps most impressively, this was by far the quietest automatic litter box I tested.
The cleaning cycle is barely audible, which is great for skittish cats or if you need to place the unit near living areas.
While the Litter-Robot 4 comes with a premium price tag, the quality construction, excellent performance, and time-saving features make it a worthwhile investment for many cat owners.
The fact that it’s manufactured in the U.S. with full supply chain control adds to the peace of mind.
The main downsides to consider are the large footprint and high upfront cost.
However, if you have the space and budget, this top-of-the-line automatic litter box delivers on its promises and can truly transform your cat care routine.
Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box For Design-Conscious Pet Owners: Leo’s Loo Too
If aesthetics are a top priority, the Leo’s Loo Too by Casa Leo offers a sleek, modern design that won’t be an eyesore in your home.
This automatic litter box performed well in my tests while adding a stylish touch.
A Sleek-Looking Device That Won’t Feel Out Of Place In Your Home
Footprint: 24 x 22 x 27.5 inches
Weight: 27.5 pounds
Power source: Electric
What you’ll love:
- Truly beautiful design
- Advanced odor control
- Good for smaller cats
Keep in mind:
- Louder operation than Litter-Robot 4
- Smaller opening may not suit larger cats
- Requires some effort to fill with litter
The Leo’s Loo Too manages to make a self-cleaning litter box look stylish.
Available in four modern colors (gray, green, blue and pink), you can choose an option that blends seamlessly with your decor.
Despite its large size, I found it didn’t look out of place in my home.
Performance-wise, this litter box operates reliably. The cleaning cycles ran like clockwork during my testing period, with no error messages or malfunctions.
It completes a cycle faster than the Litter-Robot since it rotates in one direction rather than reversing.
The connected app offers nice customization options.
You can control the number of rotations per cycle and set the automatic time delay anywhere from 6 seconds to 20 minutes after your cat exits.
There’s also an option to turn off automatic rotations and schedule cleanings instead.
Like the Litter-Robot, the app tracks litter box usage and can differentiate between cats based on weight.
It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls.
Odor control was excellent in my testing. The chamber design and filtration system do a great job containing smells.
The main downsides compared to my top pick are the noise level and smaller entrance.
While not obnoxiously loud, the cleaning cycle is definitely more audible than the whisper-quiet Litter-Robot 4.
The tighter opening may also be uncomfortable for larger cats.
Filling the litter box also requires a bit more effort due to the design.
However, if you prioritize aesthetics and have smaller cats, the Leo’s Loo Too offers a nice balance of style and function in an automatic litter box.
Best Value Self-Cleaning Litter Box: ScoopFree By PetSafe Self-Cleaning Second Generation Litter Box
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the PetSafe ScoopFree litter box provides a substantial upgrade from a traditional litter box at a lower price point than high-end models.
A Substantial Upgrade To The Traditional Litter Box With Incredible Odor Control
Footprint: 20 x 7 x 28 inches
Weight: 18.6 pounds
Power source: Electric
What you’ll love:
- Affordable price point
- Great odor control
- Simple to set up and maintain
Keep in mind:
- Fewer features than premium models
- Requires special crystal litter
- Smaller waste capacity
The PetSafe ScoopFree offers an accessible entry point into the world of automatic litter boxes.
While it lacks some of the advanced features of pricier options, it still provides significant convenience over manual scooping.
Setup is straightforward – you simply load a pre-filled disposable litter tray into the base and plug it in.
The box automatically senses when your cat uses it and initiates a cleaning cycle 20 minutes later to avoid startling them.
During my testing, the timing was incredibly consistent.
Like clockwork, the rake would sweep through exactly 20 minutes after my cat exited the box.
This model uses crystal litter rather than clumping clay litter.
The crystals absorb urine while the rake pushes solid waste into a covered trap.
I was impressed by the odor control – even though I could see moisture in the litter, I couldn’t smell anything.
The main trade-off for the lower price is a smaller waste capacity.
You’ll need to change the litter tray more frequently than you’d empty the drawer on a Litter-Robot.
However, the process is very simple since you just remove and dispose of the entire tray.
Cleaning is also much easier than the pricier models.
There’s no need for periodic deep cleans – you just wipe down the rake and replace the tray as needed.
For those wanting some “smart” capabilities without the premium price tag, PetSafe offers an app-connected version for about $70 more.
This allows you to monitor your cat’s bathroom habits through a litter-cycling tracker.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles, the PetSafe ScoopFree delivers on the core promise of reducing your hands-on litter box maintenance.
For many cat owners, it offers the right balance of convenience and affordability.
Other Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes I Tested And Researched
In addition to my top picks, I researched and tested several other automatic litter box models.
While these didn’t make my final cut, some may still be worth considering depending on your specific needs:
- Litter-Robot 3 Connect: Very similar to my top pick, but with slightly less odor control and a smaller waste capacity. Still a solid choice if you want to save some money on a Litter-Robot.
- CatGenie A.I. Self-Washing Cat Box: Unique system that flushes waste through your plumbing. I didn’t test due to complex installation, but it’s intriguing for those willing to hook it up.
- LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box: Budget option I opted not to test due to poor customer reviews. May revisit in the future.
- Catlink Self Cleaning Litter Box (Young Version): Similar to Litter-Robot design but didn’t perform as well in my tests. Small waste drawer and issues with waste sticking to chamber.
- Petkit Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box: Cool design, but my cats didn’t like the small opening. May work better for smaller cats.
- Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Cat Litter Box: Tested as a potential budget pick but found it messy and high-maintenance, especially for multiple cats.
How I Tested The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
To thoroughly evaluate these automatic litter boxes, I conducted extensive hands-on testing with the help of my three cat “assistants” – Alfred, Harvey and Bruce.
Here’s an overview of my testing process:
- Testing period: Each litter box was used for 3 weeks
- Setup: Tested multiple boxes simultaneously, placing 2-3 around my home to mimic normal litter box placement
- Performance evaluation: Monitored waste removal effectiveness, cycle reliability, and app connectivity (when applicable)
- Odor control: Left waste in drawer for 1 week to assess odor containment
- Cleaning ease: Performed daily wipe-downs and timed deep-cleaning process
- Litter usage: Tracked how quickly litter needed replenishing
- Cat preferences: Observed which boxes my cats gravitated towards or avoided
- Noise levels: Assessed loudness of cleaning cycles
- Size considerations: Evaluated footprint and chamber size for different cat sizes
I also factored in price, warranty coverage, and overall value when making my final selections.
How To Choose A Self-Cleaning Litter Box
When shopping for an automatic litter box, keep these key factors in mind:
Size Considerations
- Overall footprint: Measure your available space and choose a model that fits.
- Chamber size: Ensure the opening and interior are large enough for your cat to comfortably enter and turn around.
- Waste capacity: Larger drawers mean less frequent emptying, especially important for multi-cat households.
Litter Compatibility
- Most automatic boxes work best with clumping clay litter
- Some require special litters (like crystal)
- Consider sticking with a litter type your cat already likes
Safety Features
Look for:
- Delayed start after cat exits
- Auto shut-off if cat re-enters during cleaning
- Sensors to detect obstructions
Smart Capabilities
- App connectivity can provide helpful insights into your cat’s bathroom habits
- Alerts for full waste drawers or low litter levels
- Usage tracking to spot potential health issues early
Noise Level
- Quieter operation is better, especially for skittish cats
- Consider placement in your home when evaluating acceptable noise
Warranty Coverage
- Look for at least 1-year warranty
- Consider extended coverage options for pricier models
Ease of Maintenance
- Frequency of waste drawer emptying
- Simplicity of deep-cleaning process
- Availability of replacement parts
By carefully considering these factors along with your budget and your cat’s preferences, you can find the ideal automatic litter box for your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to use special litter in a self-cleaning litter box?
It depends on the specific model. Many work with standard clumping clay litter, while others require crystal or other specialized litters.
Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How many self-cleaning litter boxes do you need?
The general rule is one box per cat, plus one extra. For example, two cats would ideally have three litter boxes.
Not all need to be self-cleaning – you can mix automatic and traditional boxes.
Do cats like self-cleaning litter boxes?
Most cats adapt well to automatic litter boxes, but some may need time to adjust.
Introduce the new box gradually alongside their familiar litter box.
Let them explore the new box unplugged at first before activating the cleaning cycles.
With the right automatic litter box, you can significantly reduce the time and effort spent on this necessary but unpleasant chore.
The models highlighted in this guide offer a range of features and price points to suit different needs and budgets.
By choosing a high-quality self-cleaning litter box, you can enjoy a cleaner home and more quality time with your feline companions.
