7 Best Self Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes That Don’t Stink!
These automated litter boxes can save you on cleaning time, litter purchases and more! These are our favorites.
I love my cat, so I’m obligated to clean her litter box. However, this doesn’t mean I like it. In fact, next to doing dishes, it’s my least favorite daily chore, which is why I’ve always been intrigued by the best self cleaning cat litter boxes.
Along with reducing odor and tracking, the pet device can save you in cleaning time, as well as in money on litter. Honestly, that’s reason enough to consider one.
What are the best self cleaning litter boxes?
- Best overall self cleaning litter box : Litter-Robot 4
- Best Top rated self cleaning litter box : Litter-Robot 3
- Best self cleaning litter box for odor control : PuraX Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- Best self cleaning litter box for allergies : CatGenie A.I. Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- Best open lid self cleaning litter box : ScoopFree Complete Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- Most quite self cleaning litter box : Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box
- Best affordable self cleaning litter box : Omega Paw Premium Roll ‘n Clean Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
What are self cleaning litter boxes?
I’m going to assume that most of us have better things to do than clean our pet’s toilet. Along with being stinky, it’s tiresome, especially if kitty demands a fresh box before every use. Self cleaning litter boxes eliminate having to deal with any of that by automating the process.
Most use sensors to detect when your pet uses its box. Afterwards, it rakes or sifts the waste into an enclosed bin at the bottom of the machine. This keeps the main box cleaner and removes the need to handle a pooper scooper every day. Neat, right?
Do self cleaning litter boxes really work?
Self cleaning litter boxes do work but there are some things to consider before purchasing one.
There are a lot of automated litter boxes on the market, and not all are equal. Sometimes urine clumps can become jammed in the cleaning mechanism — super annoying — forcing you to deal with the dirty litter you bought the machine to avoid. Other things to consider are:
- Will your cat(s) be alarmed by the sound or movement the machine make when cleaning
- Some auto cleaning litter boxes have a cover, which some cats don’t like
- Self cleaning litter boxes are pricier than traditional litter boxes
Self cleaning litter boxes are great option if your schedule doesn’t allow for cleaning after every use. They are also good if you have a multi-cat household.
To keep yourself from selecting a subpar machine, look for reviews of excellent customer service, money-back guarantees and other safeguards. They’re all indicators that you’re purchasing from a trusted manufacturer. Also note if the box requires a specific kind of litter. If so, ask yourself if you’re prepared for the additional cost or time in purchasing it. Some cats are persnickety when it comes to having their litter of choice changed, so you may have to train them to get used to a new brand.
What is the best self cleaning cat litter box?
When shopping the best self cleaning litter boxes you’re sure to come across Litter-Robot by Whisker. They’re sort of the Rolls-Royce of the industry. If you don’t know, now you know.
Litter-Robot has two models to choose from: Litter-Robot 3 and Litter-Robot 4. Although both have great reviews, the Litter-Robot 4 is constantly mentioned in all lists on the subject. It’s not inexpensive (hello, we’re talking a Rolls-Royce style litter box here), but reviewers say it’s worth it.
Many pet owners with one more than one cat say the automatic litter box saves tons of time in cleaning duty. People love not having to deal with daily scooping, saving money on litter, and enjoying a fresher smelling home.
Besides removing cat poo and piddle, the Litter-Robot 4 is also designed to prevent cats from dragging litter bits when they leave the box. If you’re constantly sweeping up after you pet — I know I am — then you understand how amazing this is.
The machine also has a smart operation, so you can monitor your cat’s health. While this won’t let you skip a vet annual, it gives helpful info to share with your practitioner, as well alerts you on changes in their weight. Again — super helpful.
The machine’s design is very chic and user-friendly (both for pet and pet owner), and it helps to keep a more hygienic home. If you deal with allergies or a compromised immune system, investing in a device to avoid the smell of ammonia or allergens is worth major consideration. Also, it’s just nicer when quality cat time means more cuddling and less of sifting through their you-know-what.
This article originally appeared on our sister site, Woman’s World.
Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes
Litter-Robot 4
Best overall self cleaning litter box
Why we like it:
- Reduces litter tracking
- Odor prevention
- Good for single and multi-cat homes
Was there any doubt what self cleaning litter box would make our top spot? The Litter-Robot 4 deserves all its flowers, and here’s why: it works. That is according to hundreds of 5-star reviewing cat owners, and cat experts. The automatic litter box has an advanced litter-sifting technology to remove urine clumps and excrement without you lifting a finger. The rotating machine automatically senses when your pet enters and leaves the box, gently turning as it clears out all the waste and dumping it in the enclosed bin below. The action not only keeps these unpleasant realities out of sight but reduces smell.
One of the major reasons we like the Litter-Box 4 is its smart design, and we’re not just talking the feline data it sends your phone. No, we’re talking about its downward dome shape, as well as the little cat step in the front, both which help keep litter inside the box and off your floor! We do, however, want to mention how it also gives important data about a cat’s health. Simply download the Whisper app, and the wi-fi enabled machine will give your pet’s weight. It also will alert you to how much waste and litter is in the box, so you know when it’s time to change the bottom bin.
Finally, the Litter-Robot 4 is a fav because it’s really gorgeous and modern — and that’s saying a lot for a litter box. Regardless of your home’s style, it will fit right in! Available in black, as well as white, it comes with a 90-day home trial, ships free, and is so good at sifting, you’ll be upset you didn’t try it sooner.
Promising review: “I have given hours back to my life by have multiple units. Not only is time saved, it is saving the mobility of my back and knees from having to clean the boxes. The smell of the air is much fresher…and most importantly, my cats are happier and not showing rebellious ‘miss the box on purpose’ behavior.”
Litter-Robot 3
Best Top rated self cleaning litter box
Why we like it:
- More than 14,000 reviews!
- 90-day home trial
- Significantly reduces odor
Although the Litter-Robot 4 won our top spot for the best self cleaning litter box, its predecessor, the Litter-Robot 3 isn’t anything to dismiss. It also connects to the helpful Whisker app, updating your phone with the status of the cleanliness of the box. It’s downward dome minimizes litter tracking too, and the sealed bottom bin reduces the unpleasant scent none of us like.
Great for multi-kitty homes, the machine won’t tell you how much a feline weighs, but when it comes to removing waste, it gets the job done. Many reviewers report being able to get rid of their other litter boxes, as well as praise it for its smooth operation. For extra security, purchase it with a 1-year warranty. Thousands of people absolutely love it!
Promising review: “After scooping “the box” for 35 years, I am so grateful this product exists! So quick and easy to change the box liner and the app alerts are wonderful. It takes a moment to get the hang of the process but that’s [fine]! Very happy humans and cats in this house!”
PuraX Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Best self cleaning litter box for odor control
Buy from Amazon, $499 (was $799.99)
Why we like it:
- Automatically deodorizes litter box
- Multi-sensors for cat safety
- Works with all clumping litters
One complaint people have with cats is the smell of their litter box, which I get. It can be horrendous, especially if you have the misfortune of being in the room when kitty goes number two. What we like about the PuraX Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is that it comes with deodorizers to keep things smelling sweet. Multiple sensors ensure your cat isn’t trapped in the box when waste removal starts, and then a separate compartment releases a fresh scent to nix stink.
The auto-cleaning litter box only needs to be changed of whatever clumping litter kitty likes every two to eight weeks, and the device also connects to an app to tell you when to change things out. According to some reviewers, however, don’t wait too long to empty. Waste sometimes traps in the cylinder and/or builds up.
Promising review: “My two cats took to the Pura X the first day – no transition problems at all. Both my 17.5 pound boy and my 16-year-old with diabetes and arthritis in her hind legs had no problem getting in or out and had enough room to do their business. The odor control is excellent, even without the liquid deodorizing spray.”
CatGenie A.I. Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Best self cleaning litter box for allergies
Why we like it:
- Great for cats who don’t like being in enclosed litter boxes
- Washable litter granules
- Self washing
If you’re sensitive to litter dust, this is going to be your new BFF. The CatGenie is truly self cleaning, removing the need for manual cleaning or much else. The washable granules have the texture of regular litter, so kitty can get their scratch on, but that’s where similarities end. Since it’s faux, there’s no tracking to deal with, and you save not buying the real stuff.
Once the cat uses the bathroom, the machine removes and liquifies all waste, which then can be flushed down the toilet. It can also clean the entire box with a vet-approved SaniSolution, as well as dispense hot air to dry it faster. You will need to have a dryer connection for this, which may be an issue if you’re without a laundry. However, for those who have one, it’s a great option.
The CatGenie has three different cleaning cycles and can be programmed to do its magic as often as you like. There’s an app to download too but that’s easy enough.
Promising review: “I am so glad I bought this cat box for my two cats. I love that it has three different settings, is cat activated, timer activated, and manually activated. I have it set to clean three times a day. I haven’t had to touch cat litter in two months and am so in love with it!”
ScoopFree Complete Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Best open lid self cleaning litter box
Why we like it:
- Works with crystal litter
- Leak protection for bottom
- More affordable
This self cleaning litter box is a more affordable option, as well as great for cats who don’t like enclosed litter boxes. It works with crystal litter, which won’t stick to kitty’s paws, and reduces tracking by 99 percent. The bottom of the box has a liner to prevent leaks. No app is required, so if you’re not into having another smart device, it’s definitely worth checking out. Although it may seem ho-hum compared to fancier automated litter boxes, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised by its operation as this happy customer was:
Promising review: “I was a little disappointed when I first received this because it looked too flimsy to be effective. To my surprise, it worked great! It’s low maintenance, easy to clean, and I only have to mess with it once a month. I’ve had mine about a year now without any issues. It’s a good buy.”
Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box
Most quite self cleaning litter box
Why we like it:
- Almost 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon!
- Carbon Zeolite filter for odor control
- Easy to put together
Most of us can’t stop everything to clean up after the cat goes, which is why it’s nice to have this Pet Zone Automatic Litter Box handy. It turns on 30 minutes after kitty exists, raking waste into a bin similarly to a mini bulldozer. According to reviews on Amazon, assembly is very simple, and the machine has a carbon filter to neutralize odor. Other selling points include six waste bags (regular paper bags can be used when they’re done), as well as a little rake to break up extra large clumps.
Promising review: “This thing works pretty good. I was quite surprised. We had no problem putting it together…It does well with two cats but you have to watch the bin and clean it out more often. I would buy this again.”
Omega Paw Premium Roll ‘n Clean Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Best affordable self cleaning litter box
Why we like it:
- Straight forward device
- Simple pull out tray
This is for all you self cleaning litter box curious folk who don’t want to spend much on your cat’s bano. The inexpensive automated litter box has no bells or whistles but operates smoothly, which is the most important thing. It has a basic raking mechanism that operates manually to remove clumped urine and excrement into the bin. Once full, pull out the bottom tray to dispose in the trash. Again, not super fancy or aesthetically appealing. However, it will get the job done.
Promising review: “I LOVE this litter box. If it breaks I will buy another one in a heartbeat. Cleaning the cat box takes less than a minute. Just roll it over, roll it back and empty the drawer. I usually roll it twice, pound a couple of times on the bottom and am done. I just wish I had found this years ago. It is truly WONDERFUL.”
