As a cat owner, you know first-hand the care your feline expects. While your furry companions can fill your world with affection and love, they demand your undivided attention when it comes to their care and wellbeing. Especially when it comes to keeping their litter box clean.
But rather than dealing with the smell and constant scooping, consider keeping your cat happy by investing in a self-cleaning litter box. We’ve reviewed hundreds of products to find the 8 best options for your cat below.
Top Picks for Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
1. PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The PetSafe ScoopFree Litter Box is a best bet for a self-cleaning option. Just pour in the ScoopFree crystalized litter into the disposable tray. Automatic sensors detect when your cat leaves the box, kicking the self-cleaning action into motion. Clean-up is easy – just cover up the disposable tray with the lid and throw away.
Pros:
- Easy to use and lightweight
- Self-cleans with no manual scooping required
- Leak protection with tray lining
Cons:
- Open entryway (cover sold separately)
- Requires cleaning after three weeks
- Recommended to use for only one cat
2. PetSafe Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Litter Box
You can put away your scooper when you use the Simply Clean. Its quiet rotating motion sifts out waste, pushing through a nifty conveyor belt down into a removable receptacle. Clean up is easy, as you can just remove and dump the contents of the bin. The box continuously self-cleans as it moves every hour, helping to reducing odor and exposure to bacteria.
Pros:
- Simple and economical, with low power consumption
- Motor is fairly quiet
- Can use grocery bags to line the container
- No need for scooping
Cons:
- Grate may become dislodged, catching both waste and litter
- Litter may spill out as it is turned to the side
- Use for cats weighing less than 15 pounds
- Motor may burn out after high usage or if heavier cats use the box
3. Omega Paw Elite Roll ‘n Clean Litter Box
If you’re looking for a self-cleaning box that doesn’t use electricity or special filters, the Omega Paw Elite is a solid choice. Its simple design allows you to roll the litter box to the side, filtering waste through a screening grate into a removable bin.
Good to Know:
- Built-in step to catch litter as the cat steps out
- Works best with clumping litter
Pros:
- Simple design, with easy “roll” cleaning
- No moving parts to break
- Fresh and clean scent
Cons:
- Grate may become dislodged, catching both waste and litter
- Recommended for use for one cat
4. LitterMaid Classic Series Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Similar to the Nature’s Miracle, the LitterMaid Box detects when your cat leaves the box, and starts self-cleaning within 10 minutes. Want less mess? This box is made with high walls and a step to catch any litter on your cat’s way out.
Good to Know:
- Has a built-in step to catch litter as the cat steps out
- Use clumping litter for best results
- Has an optional sleep timer if you’d like to deactivate the litter box overnight
- Model is best for a single cat under 15 pounds
Pros:
- Easy to setup and use
- Removable automatic rake for cleaning
- Quiet motor
Cons:
- Motor may stop working after excessive use or too much litter
- Recommended use is for one cat
5. Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box
The Pet Zone Smart Scoop detects and kicks into action 15 minutes after your cat leaves the box. Using an automatic rake system, it scoops up your kitty’s waste and drops it into the lined bin, where it can easily be removed and thrown away.
Good to Know:
- Comes with a long power cord for better placement
- Can be fully taken apart for cleaning
- Includes a one year warranty
Pros:
- Very quiet motor
- Works with any clumping litter
- Good for multiple cat households
- Carbon filter for keeping litter box fresh
Cons:
- For multiple cats, tray may need to be cleaned every other day
- Doesn’t come with a cover
- Rake may have difficulty reaching the corners of the litter box
6. Catit SmartSift Litter Box
The Catit SmartSift uses a pull lever to rotate the internal pan and sift dirty litter. Waste is dropped into a lined container, where it easily can be removed and thrown into the trash.
Good to Know:
- Use clumping litter for best results
- Waste bin should be cleaned every other week
- Requires no electricity or batteries to operate
Pros:
- Design keeps litter and dust inside box
- No motorized parts that can break
- Uses an internal carbon filter to absorb smells
- Can store up to two weeks of waste in bin
Cons:
- May not be suitable for households with large or multiple cats
- Side lever can be hard to turn
- Interior pan can shake or move when a cat is inside
7. Our Pets Smart Scoop Bluetooth Litter Box
Looking for a high-tech option that can also help to keep your cat’s litter box clean? Consider the Our Pets Smart Scoop Intelligent Bluetooth system. Using infrared sensors to detect when your cat has left the litter box, the automatic raking system kicks into effect after 15 minutes. As it scoops up the waste and drops it into the receptacle, you’ll receive Bluetooth notifications as to any changes in your cat’s bathroom behavior. The litter box can also automatically alert you when the bag needs to be changed or if another animal is nearby.
Good to Know:
- Includes a two year warranty
- Expect to empty the waste receptacle every four to five days with one cat
Pros:
- Uses any clumping litter
- Bluetooth notifications when litter box needs changing
- Suitable for multiple cats
Cons:
- Rake may not reach the bottom or edges of the litter box
- Bluetooth may be spotty
- Pricier than other self-cleaning litter boxes
Self-Cleaning Litter Box Buying Guide
When comparing different self-cleaning litter boxes, what should you look for? Is there special litter you have to use? In our buying guide, we answer these and other important questions to help you make the best possible purchase.
What is a Self-Cleaning Litter Box?
Self-cleaning litter boxes are designed to automatically clean a cat’s waste. Not only does this save you the hassle of daily scooping, but also keeps litter clean and your home smelling fresh. Often referred to as “automatic litter boxes”, these boxes offer a variety of features and come in multiple shapes and sizes.
How Do I Choose the Best Automatic Litter Box for my Cat?
Choosing the best option depends on your specific cat: for those that like privacy, look for an enclosed box. Otherwise, purchase an open box for cats that like a little freedom. If you have more than one cat, considering purchasing a heavy-duty box that can handle more waste, which can save you the energy of removing waste every couple of days.
If you have older cats, or very young kittens, be sure to consider the design of the container. Large steps or high sides may be difficult for certain cats to get in and out of.
Properly measure the area where you’d like to place the box to ensure your new litter box will fit properly. Additionally, if you’re using a litter box that needs an electrical or water hookup, be sure that this location in your home can accommodate this. Cats are creatures of habit so keeping their litter box in the same vicinity can help prevent messes!
Is Special Cat Litter Required?
Not necessarily. Every model is different, with the type of litter depending on the box you purchase. Some will need special litter or proprietary crystals, while others will work perfectly with any store-bought clumping litter. Be sure to carefully read the directions to ensure that you’re using the right product.
Will My Cat Use a Self-Cleaning Litter Box?
Let’s be honest – cats can be picky. Moving to a self-cleaning litter box can be tricky if your cat is attached to their existing box.
To help your cat make the transition, consider these suggestions below:
- When setting up the new litter box, take a small amount of waste and put this into the new box. This will help guide your cat to the new location.
- If you purchase an electric or battery powered box, but your cat is skittish around new noises, considering unplugging it for a few days to get your cat used to it.
- For finicky felines attached to their old litter box, try placing both the old and new boxes side by side, leaving the old one dirty. While this can be smelly in the short term, your cat should migrate to the new clean box over time.
Motors and Sensors – Will These Hurt My Cat?
They shouldn’t, but read the instructions on the box carefully. Most automatic litter boxes have sensors that detect when your cat enters and leaves the box. The majority of models also have a cleaning mechanism that’s programmed to start 10-15 minutes after your cat has left the box.
What happens if you have more than one cat going in and out? Sensors should still be able to detect this without a problem. For additional peace of mind, automatic litter boxes typically also have a fail-safe mechanism that’ll prevent it from moving if your cat is still in the box.
