Best Automatic Cat Litter Box • Reviews & Buying Guide (September 2024)

	Product	Price	Overall Rating	Quality	Durability	Appearance	Maintenance	Value for Money	length	width	height	color	cover	recommended litter	cat weight	control panel	cat detection	programmable	dust-free	odor control	waste receptacle	weight	warranty
	CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box	Check Price	4.5	5.0	4.5	4.0	4.5	4.5	24.5 in	19.2 in	21 in	Gray / white	Optional	Washable plastic granules	Up to 15 lbs	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Drain	26 lbs	2 years
	PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box	Check Price	4.9	5.0	5.0	5.0	4.5	5.0	27.5 in	19 in	16 in	White / taupe	Yes	Low-tracking crystal litter	Up to 15 lbs	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Disposable tray	18 lbs	1 year
	LitterMaid LM680C Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box	Check Price	4.7	4.5	5.0	4.5	5.0	4.5	10 in	17.8 in	24.6 in	White	No	Corn cob litter	Up to 15 lbs	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Disposable receptacles	13 lbs	1 year
	PetSafe Simply Clean System Automatic Cat Litter Box	Check Price	4.2	4.5	4.0	4.0	4.5	4.0	26 in	19 in	10 in	Beige	No	Clay litter	Up to 15 lbs	No	No	No	No	Yes	Washable waste bin	12.8 lbs	1 year

Cats don’t ask for much besides a cat scratching post, cat food and some catnip inside their favorite cat toy – if they ask for anything at all. Can you even imagine any sane feline bringing you its cat harness and cat leash asking for a walk?

They usually demand things. One such thing is clean cat litter. If it isn’t clean enough, you’ll soon find presents around the house that let you know you need to clean their area.

Cleaning a cat litter box is the least favorite thing to do on every cat owner’s to-do list. Thankfully, like an automatic cat feeder or a cat water fountain, automatic litter boxes exist to make your life easier.

When using self-cleaning litter boxes, scooping poop becomes a thing of the past. Connected to a power source, the box will rake cat waste into a collection tray or bin throughout the day. The cleaning cycle is based on a timer or program setting.

These automated self-cleaning cat litter boxes are available in various sizes and have an array of features. Perfect for cat owners who are on the go and don’t have time to clean litter boxes or who just detest having to clean up behind their cats, you can skip cleaning for several weeks with some of the larger models.

Selection Of The Best Automatic Cat Litter Boxs

Here are the best automatic cat litter boxs for most people according to Outlinist:

CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box

(rated 4.5 / 5)

Quality

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Maintenance

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Here’s a topic you don’t want to talk about in company.

You don’t even really want to think about it. But we have to, because when you’re a cat lover you just have to get on and deal with it.

This review is about the best litter box for apartment or houses for those people who don’t really want to talk about litter boxes.

It’s too much to say you’ll never have to deal with this again, but what if this was not a nasty every day thing?

Could there be an automatic cat litter box that’s self-cleaning and actually works well?

Information

One of the best litter boxes for multiple cats, this box will handle up to three average-sized cats.

Self-cleaning is exactly what the CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box is. This cat box is designed so that dealing with litter becomes a matter of changing the sanitation cartridge and refreshing the granules every now and again.

If that seems like a good idea to you then the CatGenie litter box might be the perfect product for you – or your cat that is. This litter box removes waste and then washes and dries the granules and box afterwards.

You will need to hook it up to a water supply and it requires access to electricity, but the hookup is easy needing little more than a pair of pliers. The makers suggest that either a bathroom or laundry room is the best location.

length	24.5 in
width	19.2 in
height	21 in
color	Gray / white
cover	Optional
recommended litter	Washable plastic granules
cat weight	Up to 15 lbs
control panel	Yes
cat detection	Yes
programmable	Yes
dust-free	Yes
odor control	Yes
waste receptacle	Drain
weight	26 lbs
warranty	2 years

One of the best litter boxes for multiple cats, this box will handle up to three average-sized cats. The cats should be over six months old. The product is best placed on a large tray as the granules tend to migrate, so trying to find some way of limiting their transfer around the house makes sense.

The box is programmable so it will still work when you’re away for a few days. Imagine not coming home to a huge mess; that’s a good thought.

This CatGenie cat box requires a “Sanisolution” cartridge and washable granules, one of each comes with the product and will need to be replaced. How often depends on the number of animals using it, but you can expect to replace at least quarterly.

Pros

Setting a program means you can leave for a couple of days and not have to worry the neighbors with this little extra task.

A litter box that automatically scoops out waste is a great idea all by itself. But one that cleans itself too seems like a gift, doesn’t it? Here are some of the positives which this manufacturer has added to their brilliant idea for cats.

• Removes waste and cleans itself without you involved: This is a good starting point for any litter box. The fact that you don’t have to deal with waste or smell has to be a plus. From a hygiene perspective for the entire household this is a big positive.
• Cats take to it quickly and seemingly easily as well: As you know you’re never going to tell a cat what to do, so it’s good news that most cats seem to adapt well to the box. Note that there are several cleaning settings so your cat doesn’t get scooped up too (more on that later).
• The ability to program cleaning times is a big positive: This is the one thing that really gives you freedom. You know your cat’s habits, so setting a program means you can leave for a couple of days and not have to worry the neighbors with this little extra task.
• Sanisolution cartridge conveniently comes with and without scent: This is a question of personal preference. The cartridge does need to be there, it is an essential part of ensuring the granules stay fresh and useable. But if you prefer your cleaning products scent free there is that option.
• Programming has three options for convenience: You can set the litter box to clean after the cat uses it (there’s a 10 minute delay), or 4 times a day, or whenever you push the button. No matter what the circumstances there is a cleaning option to deal with it.
• Each cartridge provides somewhere between 120 and 240 wash cycles: It is at 240 when set to cat activation. You will find what works best for your situation. But the cartridge does not need replacing so frequently as to be onerous, and it is probably less than buying regular cat litter.

Cons

Like any product, some points of this CatGenie could be better. Many of the reported problems are related to getting it hooked up properly. Just follow the installation guide and you should be able to avoid the worst mistakes. Here are a few downsides to be aware of.

• This is not one of those hidden cat litter boxes: This is a sizeable unit. Check out the pictures on line where it is placed next to a regular toilet and you will get a sense of the size. However, size reflects function as this box cleans, scrubs and dries.
• Granules can get everywhere in the whole house: While they perform their job well, the granules can get between the cats toes and then to everywhere. Put it on a tray to limit this as much as possible. Luckily it doesn’t hurt if you mistakenly stand on it.
• The dome and walls are extra but perhaps worth it: There is an additional dome and walls available which help keep the whole thing contained, but add to the size. It is worth it for the compactness if you have the space.

	CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box	PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box Review »	LitterMaid LM680C Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box Review »
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
length	24.5 in	27.5 in	10 in
width	19.2 in	19 in	17.8 in
height	21 in	16 in	24.6 in
color	Gray / white	White / taupe	White
cover	Optional	Yes	No
recommended litter	Washable plastic granules	Low-tracking crystal litter	Corn cob litter
cat weight	Up to 15 lbs	Up to 15 lbs	Up to 15 lbs
control panel	Yes	No	No
cat detection	Yes	Yes	Yes
programmable	Yes	No	No
dust-free	Yes	Yes	Yes
odor control	Yes	Yes	Yes
waste receptacle	Drain	Disposable tray	Disposable receptacles
weight	26 lbs	18 lbs	13 lbs
warranty	2 years	1 year	1 year

Summary

The box needs a water supply and power, and an out-flow pipe, so it’s best installed in either the bathroom or the laundry room.

If there is one huge benefit of the CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box it is not having to deal with a litter box. That sort of says everything you need to know in a nutshell. This CatGenie cleans, scrubs and dries the granules which only need to be replaced about quarterly (approximately).

The box needs a water supply and power, and an out-flow pipe, so it’s best installed in either the bathroom or the laundry room. You will also need to replace the cartridges which contain sanitizing solution. This lasts for a minimum of 120 washes. The wash cycle is about 30 mins.

If you’re done with buying and cleaning old-fashioned clay litter, this automatic cat litter box is well worth considering.

Buy CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box

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PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box

(rated 4.9 / 5)

Quality

Durability

Appearance

Maintenance

Value for Money

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Taking care of a cat litter box is a dirty job especially if it’s you who has to deal with it.

But now there are automatic cat litter boxes that take care of most of the unpleasant parts of cat care.

If a litter box that cleans itself sounds like the thing you need, there are a number of products on the market that take a number of different approaches.

Cats are finicky creatures and what works for one won’t for another.

The trick is getting one the cat is happy with and you are too.

Information

The original crystals have a light, outdoorsy scent, but there is also an option to purchase lavender scented crystals if you prefer.

PetSafe has been around since 1991 making pet behavior, containment and lifestyle products to make pets happy and keep their owners pleased. The PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box is their answers to the no scoop litter box need.

This ScoopFree kitty litter box has an automatic raking system that efficiently moves the waste into a sealed, leak free container which you replace when needed. The ScoopFree ultra automatic cat litter box is designed for cats older than 6 months, but you can turn off the raking system so kittens can use it.

The box requires connection to an electrical outlet and is better used in the laundry room or bathroom. It comes with a privacy hood that creates a neat unit. There are two color options for the hood; taupe and purple and both are semi-opaque.

length	27.5 in
width	19 in
height	16 in
color	White / taupe
cover	Yes
recommended litter	Low-tracking crystal litter
cat weight	Up to 15 lbs
control panel	No
cat detection	Yes
programmable	No
dust-free	Yes
odor control	Yes
waste receptacle	Disposable tray
weight	18 lbs
warranty	1 year

It is not really a hidden cat litter box as it is over two feet wide and stands more than a foot high. But if not scooping is your goal, this is one of the best cat litter boxes available.

This unit works with crystals rather than clay litter. The original crystals have a light, outdoorsy scent, but there is also an option to purchase lavender scented crystals if you prefer. All you need to do is assemble the parts, and plug it in. You should then be able to leave it for weeks. Then you replace the disposable tray with a new one and the cycle begins again.

A cute feature is how you can reorder additional disposable trays. It’s a nice, smart touch from PetSafe to make that easy too.

Pros

No one wants cat litter around the house. Should any get caught between the cat’s toes, the anti-tracking mat takes care of it before your cat heads off around the house.

PetSafe has obviously put some thinking and science into their product. They must have watched hours of cat behavior to produce it. Here are some of the features of this unit which might help you decide if this is one of the best cat litter boxes for your loved pets.

• Health Tracker gives you insight into your cat’s health: A nice added extra, the health tracker keeps track of usage which might alert you to problems that show themselves via your cat’s habits. It is not necessary, but it is helpful for some cat owners.
• Design lends itself to a high standard of odor control: Cat owner know boxes can be noxious. The combination of design and crystals is adept at dealing with this part of the problem. The aim is for the cat to be comfortable and for you to be unaware of the cat litter box.
• This is a contained unit, so there are no leaks: If a self-cleaning litter box is to work properly, it has to be leak proof, and this one has a design that works. The liner in the under-tray along with the hood design prevent the possibility of leaks, which is a major advantage.
• Anti-tracking mat stops crystals from being transported everywhere: No one wants cat litter around the house. Should any get caught between the cat’s toes, the anti-tracking mat takes care of it before your cat heads off around the house. Crystals can be emptied back in to the box.
• Dash Reorder Button makes sure you have a tray: This is somewhat cutesy and strictly speaking not essential, but the dash reorder button means you never forget to reorder a new tray as one is running out. You never forget because you just have to push the button when needed.
• Environmentally friendly credentials: The disposable trays are made of materials that will decompose over a relatively short time period rather than hard plastic which lasts for eons. So when you place the lid on and throw it in the trash you’ll feel good knowing that you’re not adding more plastic waste to the environment.

Cons

The thing with even the best self-cleaning litter box is you have to follow the instructions carefully to get them to work optimally. Once you do, all will be well. Here are three points we found to be just a little limiting.

• The crystals! You must use the crystals not kitty litter: It is reasonable. The design of the product is based on the crystal so if you use something else, it will not work as advertised. Don’t be tempted to use other products because you won’t like the results.
• Make sure you cat will use crystals before you buy: Cats are fussy, so it is worthwhile testing if your cats will use crystals before buying, or if you have a kitten start using crystals from the very beginning. If your cat will not use crystals, look at an alternative solution.
• Check the dimensions of the box and your cat too: Make sure that your cat and the box dimensions are compatible. For really big cats the privacy hood may make the box too small. Leaving the hood off isn’t optimal and isn’t the best use of it.

	PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box	CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box Review »	LitterMaid LM680C Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box Review »
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
length	27.5 in	24.5 in	10 in
width	19 in	19.2 in	17.8 in
height	16 in	21 in	24.6 in
color	White / taupe	Gray / white	White
cover	Yes	Optional	No
recommended litter	Low-tracking crystal litter	Washable plastic granules	Corn cob litter
cat weight	Up to 15 lbs	Up to 15 lbs	Up to 15 lbs
control panel	No	Yes	No
cat detection	Yes	Yes	Yes
programmable	No	Yes	No
dust-free	Yes	Yes	Yes
odor control	Yes	Yes	Yes
waste receptacle	Disposable tray	Drain	Disposable receptacles
weight	18 lbs	26 lbs	13 lbs
warranty	1 year	2 years	1 year

Summary

As long as your cats can or will get along with the crystals, this automatic cat litter box will take care of itself which is a big plus.

The PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box comes from a highly reputable company dedicated to producing quality pet products. The product is designed to be as uncomplicated as possible while diminishing the hassle and odor of traditional cat boxes.

As long as your cats can or will get along with the crystals, this automatic cat litter box will take care of itself which is a big plus. As you can actually leave it for weeks before you need to replace the tray, it is possible to go on vacation and have a neighbor just feed your pet friends.

Make sure that you check the sizing and be sure of crystals before you buy, but if those two are ok, then no more scooping for you.

Buy PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box

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LitterMaid LM680C Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box

(rated 4.7 / 5)

Quality

Durability

Appearance

Maintenance

Value for Money

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The best cat litter boxes are the ones that, once you have set them up, look after themselves for a while.

Self-cleaning litter boxes are a great idea for people who don’t want to spend their lives cleaning.

A scoop-free litter box is a great way to keep your home, your cat and the person who has to deal with the cat litter happier.

The goal of an automatic cat litter box is simple; negate the need for scooping or cleaning other than now and again.

The trick is finding a box that works for both you and your cat, and this LitterMaid model is a very good candidate.

Information

The setup of the box is straightforward and the manufacturer provides good instructions as well as a how to video online.

The LitterMaid LM680C Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box may not be the prettiest scoopless cat box; because of its ramp design it seems to take more space than is necessary. However, the aim of the ramp is to clear any excess litter from the cat’s paws. So, it makes up in functionality for what it lacks in aesthetics.

The manufacturer is clear that the product is for a single cat of less than 15 lbs. Getting the best from a scoop free litter box usually means sticking to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

One advantage of this product is that it will use any clumping litter rather than proprietary crystals or litter. Clumping litter reduces odor, which means you don’t need to add baking soda in litter box.

length	10 in
width	17.8 in
height	24.6 in
color	White
cover	No
recommended litter	Corn cob litter
cat weight	Up to 15 lbs
control panel	No
cat detection	Yes
programmable	No
dust-free	Yes
odor control	Yes
waste receptacle	Disposable receptacles
weight	13 lbs
warranty	1 year

The setup of the box is straightforward and the manufacturer provides good instructions as well as a how to video online, so really no one should have trouble with assembly.

Being able to leave the box for a few days is really important so that you can take a vacation without worrying about your cat (or making the neighbor clean the box). This LitterMaid model has a three or four day limit, some people say even less. But you should be able to be away for a night or two at least.

This is one of the few boxes where there is no large adjustment period for the cat. As long as they can deal with the ramp (which most cats can) there is no real change at all.

Pros

A carbon filter is a natural way of controlling odors while avoiding that “air freshener” smell.

There are nice features to this product, like the paw cleaning ramp. But a really outstanding, market leading product should have plenty of these positive features. Here’s the six performance benefits that make this LitterMaid model stand out from the rest.

• Smart sensor to start the cleaning process start: The LitterMaid is triggered by a sensor which is cat sensitive. When the sensor is blocked for ten seconds, the process will kick off. If there is a block in the process it restarts easily without bothering the cat.
• Delay between trigger and the cleaning starting: The cleaning process has an automatic delay between the trigger and the start of the cleaning to ensure the cat is well out of the way and doesn’t get spooked by the process. This restarts too if the cat blocks the sensor.
• Carbon filters to stop litter box odor: A carbon filter is a natural way of controlling odors while avoiding that “air freshener” smell. The carbon naturally removes odors without the need for other chemicals or special litters. It is a neat and cleaver solution to this issue.
• You can add batteries into this unit just in case: If you are going to be away overnight you don’t want to be concerned that a power cut will prevent the cleaning cycle from starting. Putting batteries in the unit before you leave will make sure it works while you’re away.
• Being able to use any cat litter is a plus: Some units require that you use only their litter or litter equivalent. You can continue to use the litter your cat is used to, which will help the transition from one box to another. Cats can be picky and this helps.
• Clear guidelines on the box take away the guessing: Following instructions is the key to making automatic litter boxes work. The maker has done everything to take away any guess work on the volume of litter and where it should be. Just follow the instructions for the best results.

Cons

All products have their downsides. The only question is whether or not the downside matters to you. The battery backup power on this LitterMaid model might matter more to you than any downside for example. Here are three items which were less than perfect.

• This box is noisy: It seems odd that something so small could be so loud, but you will definitely hear when the cleaning cycle takes place. You do have the option to turn it off at night; it is loud enough you might want to.
• Size of the waste container: A few users noted that the waste receptacle is a little too small, and requires emptying on a daily basis. Clearly how frequently the container needs to be emptied depends on many variables (not least of which is what you feed your cat). But it’s worth noting.
• Rake is made of plastic instead of being metal: The theory is that plastic is easier to clean than metal, but metal is usually stronger and might possibly last longer. Regardless, the plastic rake works properly and should not cause any concerns.

	LitterMaid LM680C Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box	CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box Review »	PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box Review »
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
length	10 in	24.5 in	27.5 in
width	17.8 in	19.2 in	19 in
height	24.6 in	21 in	16 in
color	White	Gray / white	White / taupe
cover	No	Optional	Yes
recommended litter	Corn cob litter	Washable plastic granules	Low-tracking crystal litter
cat weight	Up to 15 lbs	Up to 15 lbs	Up to 15 lbs
control panel	No	Yes	No
cat detection	Yes	Yes	Yes
programmable	No	Yes	No
dust-free	Yes	Yes	Yes
odor control	Yes	Yes	Yes
waste receptacle	Disposable receptacles	Drain	Disposable tray
weight	13 lbs	26 lbs	18 lbs
warranty	1 year	2 years	1 year

Summary

Being able to run on batteries means that this box is not limited to the bathroom or laundry room like some other automatic cat litter boxes are.

LitterMaid has been in this business for a long time, and has a reputation for solid products which animals and their owners like. The LitterMaid LM680C Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box is another one to add to the list.

The carbon filter and backup battery option are nice added extras. Being able to run on batteries means that this box is not limited to the bathroom or laundry room like some other automatic cat litter boxes are. It can be anywhere that is convenient for you.

Other high points are its ability to use any cat litter which keeps it economical over the course of its lifetime. The ramp as a method of stopping the cat tracking litter helps too.

Buy LitterMaid LM680C Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box

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PetSafe Simply Clean System Automatic Cat Litter Box

(rated 4.2 / 5)

Quality

Durability

Appearance

Maintenance

Value for Money

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Automatic cat litter boxes seem to come with rules. To get them to work properly you have to follow the instructions to the letter. If you don’t, the effects can be rather unpleasant.

But a scoopless cat box doesn’t have to be a complex piece of engineering.

This PetSafe box demonstrates that simplicity of design and approach works just as well.

Information

Note though that the conveyor belt moves slowly, but moves all the time. This may be something the cat will need to get used to.

The PetSafe Simply Clean System Automatic Cat Litter Box has an elegant approach to a not so elegant job. It isn’t all singing and dancing, you have to get involved and you have to do some of the cleaning. But you can let the maintenance slip for a while.

The unit is circular and sits quite close to the ground. There is a spacious bag unit which collects waste, and a conveyor which removes the waste into the bag. The design is simple with few bells and whistles but what you want is something that works.

The box needs to be connected to an electricity supply, but there is no programming or complex electronics. It simply works on an hourly schedule where the conveyor belt revolves and cleans up.

length	26 in
width	19 in
height	10 in
color	Beige
cover	No
recommended litter	Clay litter
cat weight	Up to 15 lbs
control panel	No
cat detection	No
programmable	No
dust-free	No
odor control	Yes
waste receptacle	Washable waste bin
weight	12.8 lbs
warranty	1 year

Note though that the conveyor belt moves slowly, but moves all the time. This may be something the cat will need to get used to. But it really is so slow that most cats don’t even really notice

It is really easy to assemble. It is sort of obvious, but just in case, the manual provides detailed instructions which are easy to follow. Putting it together does not need any tools at all. Anything that needs to be tightened has thumbscrews and is straightforward.

This PetSafe litter box is best suited for cats that are 15 lbs. or less, but can be used by more than one cat, which is helpful in a multi-cat household. The weight limit is important though, because of the circular design.

Pros

Whereas other automatic cat litter catchers sound more like a vacuum cleaner, even loud enough to scare your cat, the Simply Clean has a slow-moving belt.

The PetSafe Simply Clean box is not positioned as a be-all, end-all “you never need to deal with this again” automatic cat litter box. It is a product which really helps with a job which is no fun. Here are six things that make it worth considering.

• It’s very quiet: Whereas other automatic cat litter catchers sound more like a vacuum cleaner, even loud enough to scare your cat, the Simply Clean has a slow-moving belt. This means it has a continual, quiet hum rather than a huge, but short-lived, noise.
• This box is so simple it really doesn’t need attention: Other than emptying the waste bin and ensuring the litter level is correct there’s not much else you need to do. You can leave it alone for a day to two when you go on vacation without having to worry.
• The entire design is positioned quite low to the ground: This makes the unit relatively small and compact compared to other automatic litter boxes. The dimensions are 26 x 19 x 10 inches with the 10″ being the height of the receptacle not the tray. It is not a big, daunting unit for the cat.
• You can use absolutely any bag to collect the waste: Let’s face it, a machine running all day is not particularly green, but you can offset the power you used by using any rubbish bag for the waste, including recycled shopping bags. Your green credentials just shot through the roof!
• If your cat is timid, this litter box doesn’t threaten: This is a great automatic box for timid cats. The movement is slow so they will not notice it. The noise level is low so they will not be scared by an engine gearing up. Plus there are no high walls.
• Can use any clumping cat litter: Using special crystals or proprietary litter can get expensive. Being able to use the brand of litter your cat is happy with says a lot for the product and will probably mean quite a lot for your wallet over time too.

Cons

For its market positioning this is a very strong no scoop litter box. But like anything else there are things the buyer should know before they finally commit. Here are a few things about the PetSafe Simply Clean model which don’t score too high.

• Slow-moving belt is both a positive and a negative: The belt simply revolves 360° every hour. You can work out for yourself what that means in terms of how quickly waste is moved out. But ask yourself is it better than the alternative? At least you aren’t the scooper.
• The box really needs a mat, and that’s another purchase: The low height means there is a tendency for litter to get spread around. If you are considering this box, save some heartache and buy a decent sized mat to go underneath it.
• You need to ensure the correct volume of kitty litter: It is not an onerous task, but for the sake of product longevity, make sure that the amount of litter in the tray never drops below the minimum line. This might limit your time away to days rather than weeks.

	PetSafe Simply Clean System Automatic Cat Litter Box	CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box Review »	PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box Review »
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
length	26 in	24.5 in	27.5 in
width	19 in	19.2 in	19 in
height	10 in	21 in	16 in
color	Beige	Gray / white	White / taupe
cover	No	Optional	Yes
recommended litter	Clay litter	Washable plastic granules	Low-tracking crystal litter
cat weight	Up to 15 lbs	Up to 15 lbs	Up to 15 lbs
control panel	No	Yes	No
cat detection	No	Yes	Yes
programmable	No	Yes	No
dust-free	No	Yes	Yes
odor control	Yes	Yes	Yes
waste receptacle	Washable waste bin	Drain	Disposable tray
weight	12.8 lbs	26 lbs	18 lbs
warranty	1 year	2 years	1 year

Summary

Its belt-operating cleaning system may be a bit slower than others, but there is a lot to recommend this non-complex machine.

If you’re wondering how to keep a litter box odor free, the answer lies in the litter as well as the waste sitting open to the air. With the PetSafe Simply Clean System Automatic Cat Litter Box, the PetSafe company has created an economic litter box which deals with most of the issues.

Its belt-operating cleaning system may be a bit slower than others, but there is a lot to recommend this non-complex machine. It’s great for timid cats, it does not sound like a plane is landing, and it does the job.

The Simply Clean’s ability to use any type of litter and any type of rubbish bag give it some green-credentials, or at least offset its power usage. This automatic cat litter box is a solution worth looking at.

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Buying Guide

Power Source

Automated litter boxes are powered by electricity, batteries or both. Your power source can determine the location of the box. If you are going to get an electric powered device, you’ll have to put it in a location where an outlet is available.

For those who travel often, a unit that offers both options can give you peace of mind. By putting batteries in the device before leaving, you can ensure it will work while you are away from home.

Can the box hold your cat(s)?

Getting the correct size litter box is about more than making sure your cat can fit into it. If you are the proud owner of multiple feline friends, you’ll need a box that can handle disposing the increased amount of waste. Some of the best units can hold up to 3 cats (of average size).

Extra-large cat litter boxes also give your cat lots of room to do their business. If the box is too small, your cat will not have room to be comfortable or turn around to scratch over the litter.

Programmable Settings

Heading out of town? Your neighbors will be thankful they only have to put the kitten food out near the cat scratching pad. One less thing to worry about while you’re gone the next couple days.

You’ll definitely appreciate the freedom you feel when having the ability to choose the days and times the litter box is cleaned. If you are using one box for multiple cats, you can set it to clean itself more often.

Required Cat Litter Type

Is your pet particularly picky about her litter? The best litter box for picky cats is the one that accepts your pet’s current favorite crystals. Automated self-cleaning litter boxes, however, may require a specific kind of litter. Some may tell you to only use their litter, while others will only take clumping litter or crystals.

Using the incorrect cat litter can cause your machine’s cleaning cycle to perform improperly. You’ll have to use the one directed by the instruction manual.

Size of the Waste Bin

One of the main reasons cat owners get a no scoop litter box is to avoid the daily maintenance that comes with using a traditional cat litter box.

If this is a reason that resonates with you, look for a model featuring large bins. They will hold more of your cat’s waste which translates to less time spent cleaning it. You can even find some capable of taking your cleaning from once a day to once every 3 weeks (if not longer)!

Ease of Cleaning

The more parts the model has, the more parts you will have to take apart, clean, sanitize and put together again. When purchasing your new unit, it’s wise to think about the different pieces and attachments you’ll have to maintain when necessary.

Some components, like plastic, are easier to maintain than metal; at least that is the general thought. Keep in mind, however, that metal is usually stronger and more durable that other materials, meaning your box may last longer.

Odor Control

Cat owners know just how toxic a litter box can be. In fact, many people decide not to have cats as pets because of the not-so-healthy air and unpleasant smell caused by the ammonia released from a cat’s urine.

Quality litter and carbon filters will go a long way to help with this issue, but boxes that seal and eliminate waste also help reduce odors. The best litter boxes for odor control sift, completely remove waste and smooth the litter to keep unwanted smells at bay.

Effective Cleaning

When you get any small appliance, you expect it to work. The same is true of an automatic litter box. The type of cleaning mechanism the box uses will determine how much cleaning is still on your plate.

A sifting cat litter box tends to clean the best, but the turning motion can intimidate your pet. Scoopers are good but can leave crumbs around the area (a cat litter mat helps with that). Raking systems work well but waste can get stuck causing more maintenance issues you’ll have to take care of.

Litter Box Design

Getting a new cat bed or cat collar can cause a fuss. It can be difficult to introduce change to a cat; it’s important to make their transition to the new box as seamless as possible.

Choose a design similar to what your cat is familiar with. They may prefer a deeper box or something wider. No matter how convenient an automated litter box is for your life, your cat will have the final say on whether or not to use it.

Cat Sensors

Boxes with sensors can detect when your pet enters and exits. It will usually have a timer that is set to start cleaning after the cat has been gone for a certain number of minutes. It’s important that a model can sense your cat.

Equally important is that the sensor system includes a failsafe that doesn’t allow the cycle to run if the cat is in the box. Smarter sensors will even reset the timer if your cat steps back into the box.

To Hood or Not to Hood

If your cat likes their cat carrier or cat cage as much as taking baths, they may need an uncovered box. Uncovered boxes are easier for a cat to enter, but cats enjoy hooded covers for the privacy levels.

Getting a hooded unit large enough for big cats is a must; it is easy for a cat to feel cramped inside. Removable covers also make cleaning easier and your cat can use it if they have a recovery cat cone.

Price of Refillable Materials

Automatic litter boxes for cats can be expensive. If you’re not careful, you can spend a lot on proprietary litter. You’re already buying cat flea treatment and just bought another cat tree. Know what you’ll need to keep stocked.

Besides litter, other things that may need to be refilled are disposable trays, filters and bags (no-touch bags cost more). Some units require little to nothing and reduce waste, others clean too much and end up costing you more as you keep replacing items.

Litter Box Dimensions

It’s surprising how large and complex some of these boxes are. Some are for larger cats, others are for multiple cats, so the size can vary a great deal.

Knowing where you will place the unit is important before purchasing. You’ll want to make sure it can easily and discreetly fit where you want it to go. The best litter box for an apartment may be tall and narrow if space is tight. Size will reflect how much it can do, however.

Installation Process

Cleaning up constantly after your cat is already a pain you’re trying to get rid of, so try not to complicate the matter with an overly-difficult unit that takes hours to install. Installation should not be a project in itself.

Reading reviews is a great way to know just how awful or easy putting a unit together will be. Easy installation isn’t the most important, but you don’t want to get discouraged from using the unit before you even give it a try!

Noise Levels

With the many moving parts involved in self-cleaning boxes, they can get pretty loud. Any unit that is under 50 decibels is less likely to annoy you or scare your pet from using it.

The faster and quieter the box scoops, removes and resets the litter, the less time the noise will last. Models with more timer options can also lessen the amount of times noise is heard. The best automatic cat litter box scoops and processes waste fast and doesn’t intimidate your pet.

Our pick for the best automatic cat litter box is: CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box. This choice was made after spending 39 hours researching automatic cat litter boxs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Our pick for the best automatic cat litter box is: CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Automatic Cat Litter Box. This choice was made after spending 39 hours researching automatic cat litter boxs.

Check Price

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