Smart technology is now a big part of our lives and can be found in all manner of products ranging from televisions to mobile phones.
Its impact is also being felt in the pet sector too with an ever-increasing number of products permeating the market.
Typical examples include smart feeders, tracking devices, cameras and microchip cat doors.
You can also add self-cleaning litter boxes to this growing collection.
What Are Self Cleaning Litter Boxes?
Also known as automatic or smart litter boxes, self-cleaning litter boxes offer an efficient and convenient means of keeping your cat’s litter box clean.
These innovative devices use advanced technologies to automatically clean the litter box.
They work by using sensors to detect when a cat has left the litter box. Once vacated, the litter box is automatically cleaned
The process typically involves a rake or rotating mechanism that sifts through the litter, removing any waste and depositing it into a sealed container or compartment.
Some models also use special filters to remove odors.
How Long do Self-Cleaning Litter Trays Last?
The longevity of a self-cleaning litter box differs between products. The frequency with which it is used can also be a factor.
Generally speaking though, a high-quality smart litter box will last for several years with adequate maintenance and care.
This involves regularly cleaning the litter box, replacing the filters as well as other components as and when required.
Do Cats Like Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes?
A lot of cats have no trouble in adapting to a self-cleaning litter box.
Some felines may however be cautious initially – the noise of the cleaning mechanism might be a little disquieting.
However, most felines will quickly get used to their self-cleaning litter box, learning to associate it with their normal litter box rituals
How Do You Clean a Self-Cleaning Litter Box?
Cleaning and maintaining a self-cleaning litter box is relatively easy.
Most models come with removable trays or compartments for the waste which can be easily emptied and cleaned.
In most cases, the detachable rakes and cleaning mechanism is removable too.
To ensure good hygiene as well as longevity, you should regularly disinfect the litter box, usually with a mild soap and warm water.
The filters will also need replacing too.
What Type of Litter Can I Use with a Smart Litter Box?
Most forms of litter are compatible with self-cleaning litter boxes, including clay, clumping litter, crystal and biodegradable variants.
The key here is to choose a type of litter that can be easily scooped out, disposed and replaced.
Highly-Rated Self Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats
Are Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Worth It?
If you’re looking for an efficient, hygienic and convenient alternative to your standard litter box, then the answer is probably yes.
However, if you’re cat is rather particular about the location in which he chooses to expel, then maybe not.
Smart litter boxes aren’t exactly cheap either. They’ll set you back anywhere in the region of $50 to as much as $700.
For many owners, they’re just not worth the money, given that a standard litter box can be picked up for as little as $10.
Advantages of a self-cleaning litter box:
- Saves time and effort
- No more manual cleaning
- Reduces odors
- More hygienic than standard litter boxes
Disadvantages of a self-cleaning litter box
- More expensive than standard litter boxes
- Require power source
- Some cats might have a hard time adapting
- Susceptible to power outages or malfunctions
What are the Most Popular Smart Litter Boxes?
Here are some of the most highly-rated, popular smart litter boxes currently sold.
Litter-Robot III Open Air – The Litter-Robot III is designed to work with clumping litter and uses a patented sifting system to separate waste from clean litter.
It has a large waste drawer that can hold multiple weeks’ worth of waste. It also has a sensor that detects when your cat has used the litter box and will wait for your cat to leave before starting the cleaning cycle.
ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box – The ScoopFree uses disposable trays that are pre-filled with crystal litter.
This helps to control odors and makes cleaning up waste easy. It also uses infrared sensors to detect when a cat has used the box and will automatically start the cleaning cycle.
PetSafe Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Litter Box – This self-cleaning litter box uses a continuous-cleaning system to keep the litter box clean.
It has a unique sifting mechanism that separates the waste from the clean litter and automatically deposits it into a removable waste receptacle.
Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box – The Omega Paw uses a “Roll N Clean” design that allows you to simply roll the litter box over to one side, which separates the waste into a separate compartment.
This design is easy to use and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great option for busy pet owners.
CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box – This self-cleaning litter box uses a combination of granules and washable litter. It connects to a water source and drain and automatically flushes the waste away.
The CatGenie has a large capacity and can be scheduled to clean. Like all other models, it uses sensors to detect when a cat has used the litter box.
Final Thoughts
It is important to note that some self-cleaning litter boxes may require more maintenance and cleaning than others.
Certain models aren’t compatible with flushable cat litter products either.
So like any product, it’s always recommended that you read the reviews and research the product before making a purchase.
