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Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Automatic, self-cleaning litter boxes promise to reduce the work involved in keeping your cat’s litter box clean. Unfortunately, not all of them live up to the hype and some simply aren’t worth the price. Sometimes you can’t tell until you try it for yourself, but luckily you don’t have to!
After weeks of research, months of long-term testing, and many long hours spent scrubbing out and troubleshooting boxes that didn’t make the cut, I’ve narrowed the list down to six units with the potential to save you time and make your cat happy.
While no one automatic litter box is perfect for everyone, the following products met the Cats.com standards for build quality, performance, and overall customer experience. Read on for the details.
At a Glance: Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes to Buy
677
hours of
research
15
brands
vetted
6
features
reviewed
6
top
picks
In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Overall Best
10.0
Picked by 4 people today!
Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Litter Box
- One of the most reliable automatic litter boxes on the market
- Good build quality and an effective design
- Intuitive functionality and easy assembly
$699 At Litter Robot
Budget Option
9.8
Picked by 4 people today!
Litter Robot III Open Air Automatic Litter Box
- Reliable and consistent performance for most users
- Costs $150 less than the Litter-Robot 4
- Easy to assemble and program with the Whisker app
$549 At Litter Robot
Best Budget
9.8
Picked by 2 people today!
PetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- Reliable and not prone to jamming
- Quiet, quick operation
- Offers good odor control
Best Self-Flushing
9.6
Picked by 31 people today!
CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box
- Flushes waste away down the drain or toilet
- Can be cleaner and less odor-prone than standard litter boxes
- Has a dedicated following of people who have loved it for years
Most Cat-Friendly
9.5
Picked by 21 people today!
CATLINK Scooper Young Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- Barrier at the entrance minimizes litter tracking
- Includes two types of sifting panels (1 for clay and 1 for mixed tofu pellets)
- Operates with a super quiet motor
Honorable Mention
9.4
Picked by 18 people today!
Petkit Pura X
- Sifting functionality worked consistently and thoroughly
- More affordable than other similar litter boxes
- Works with any clumping litter
Why Should You Trust Us?
Over the past four years, I’ve personally tested more than a dozen automatic litter boxes with my two cats, Wessie and Forest. Before putting them to the test, I spent hours researching the products to learn how they were designed and manufactured. I also scoured the Internet for customer reviews to identify frequent customer complaints and to get a feel for the general customer experience with each company.
Also Read:10 Things You Should Know Before Buying an Automatic Litter Box
When testing self-cleaning litter boxes, I take notes on everything from how long it took to set up the unit to how often I needed to empty the waste receptacle. I made observations about litter scatter, odor control, and overall performance. My cats, of course, provided their opinions—in some cases by refusing to use certain models at all.
Based on this extensive research and hands-on testing, I’ve selected the following automatic cat litter boxes as the best you can buy.
Top Picks Explained
The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes: Our Top 6 Recommendations
With a company reputation for quality and a variety of features that outperform the competition, Whisker’s Litter-Robot 4 remains my top pick . From reliable performance to strong customer service, Whisker and its self-cleaning litter box have a lot to offer.
In addition to this top recommendation, I’ve selected five other automatic litter boxes that offer functional features and customer experience that set them apart from the rest.
Read on to find out which automatic litter box meets your needs.
#1 Overall Best: Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Litter Box
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
$699 At Litter RobotRead Our Full Brand Review
- Price: $699
- Dimensions: 27 x 22 x 29.5 inches
- Works With: Any clumping cat litter
- Key Strengths: A feature-rich, reliable, WiFi-enabled litter box that works with any clumping cat litter
- Ideal For: People who want to spend more to get the best performance
In a marketplace dominated by companies that offer minimal customer support, make misleading claims, and seem to have little or no ability to improve their products, Litter-Robot (Whisker) is among the few that seem to stand behind what they sell. One of the pioneers in the self-cleaning litter box space, the company has designed and manufactured its own products for over 22 years. Every Litter-Robot is covered by a 90-day in-home trial and a free 1-year warranty.
Compared to its predecessor, the Litter-Robot 3, the LR4 offers a stronger sensor system, a greater ability to track your cat’s litter box activity, and more potential for future integrations.
Because its rotating design uses gravity to its advantage, the Litter-Robot avoids the jamming and caking issues common among other automatic litter boxes.
The Litter-Robot features a set of intuitive on-unit controls—something many of the litter boxes we tested didn’t have—as well as an app. The Whisker app comes with plenty of helpful features, starting with the ability to trigger a manual cycle. The waste drawer indicator is fairly reliable, though not perfect, and you can also monitor the litter level inside the box. You also get weight monitoring, an activity log, and numerous setting adjustments.
While it’s the most advanced litter box on this list, the Litter-Robot 4 isn’t perfect. In some respects, it’s more frustrating than the Litter-Robot 3.
During our tests, our biggest issue was a leaking problem. A gap between the globe and base allows urine to trickle in between, even with the included fence in place.
Fortunately, the company has done a few things to correct the problem. The current fence is better than the one that was originally launched, and the company has also developed a further-improved fence that is made to stop leaks more.
Besides this design flaw, we’ve read a lot of reports from customers frustrated with sensor issues and malfunctions, though it seems that this has been largely resolved through firmware and app updates. While it’s not perfect, and the Litter-Robot 3 was more consistent, the company seems to be attentive to these issues and further improvements should be on the way.
What We Liked:
- One of the most reliable automatic litter boxes on the market
- Good build quality and an effective design
- Intuitive functionality and easy assembly
- The waste drawer is secure and odor-tight
- Replacement parts and DIY guides available online
- Connects to your iOS or Android device for remote litter box monitoring
What We Didn’t Like:
- The Litter-Robot litter bed is small and might not accommodate larger cats
- Great performance comes at a cost – the Litter-Robot currently costs about $700
- May have launched too soon, leading to a few sensor and design issues
#2 Best For Multiple Cats: Litter-Robot 3 Open Air Automatic Litter Box
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
$549 At Litter RobotRead Our Full Brand Review
- Price: $549
- Dimensions: 27 x 24.25 x 29.5 inches
- Works With: Any clumping cat litter
- Key Strengths: A feature-rich, reliable, WiFi-enabled litter box that works with any clumping cat litter
- Ideal For: Those who like Litter-Robot but want to save with a cheaper unit
While the Litter-Robot 3 is less advanced than the Litter-Robot 4, with a simpler sensor system and fewer app integrations, it offers reliable performance and is less prone to leaks. As an older model, it also costs about $150 less.
The Litter-Robot 3 uses the same gravity-driven sifting system and features the same globular design. The most noticeable difference in terms of appearance is that it has a vertical, oval-shaped opening in contrast to the Litter-Robot’s much larger round opening. The size of the litter bed inside the unit is the same, measuring about 14”x14”.
This model has a larger waste drawer than the Litter-Robot 4 and still has the same carbon filter to help reduce odor.
Both the Litter-Robot 3 and 4 utilize a weight-based sensor system, but the Litter-Robot 4 has an added laser-based system that enables the unit to detect smaller cats. The Litter-Robot 3 minimum sensing weight is five pounds versus the 4’s three-pound minimum. Additionally, its pinch sensor needs regular maintenance to avoid malfunctions, while the bonnet sensor tends to send false alerts in the app.
Priced at $549, the Litter-Robot 3 is still fairly expensive but, with proper maintenance, we’ve seen these units work well for years. It also helps that Whisker offers replacement parts and DIY repair guides on their website so you can continue to maintain the unit after the warranty has expired.
What We Liked:
- Reliable and consistent performance for most users
- Costs $150 less than the Litter-Robot 4
- Easy to assemble and program with the Whisker app
- Large waste drawer with carbon filter to prevent odor
- Replacement parts and DIY guides available online
What We Didn’t Like:
- Much smaller entryway than the Litter-Robot 4
- Still expensive, priced around $549
#3 Best Budget: PetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
$199.95 At Chewy$199.95 At AmazonRead Our Full Brand Review
- Price: $164.95
- Dimensions: 5 x 20.5 x 11.5 inches
- Works With: Crystal cat litter
- Key Strengths: One of the most reliable automatic litter boxes on the market
- Ideal For: People who want to spend less money upfront, cats who like crystal cat litter
At well under $200, the PetSafe ScoopFree is one of the lowest-priced automatic litter boxes you can buy. Recurring costs can add up to $60 a month or more, but if your cat is already using a crystal litter, the lower price of the ScoopFree could make it an appealing alternative to more expensive units.
First off, it comes from a reputable brand. A mature and well-established brand, PetSafe offers a wide variety of products, and its customer service is known for being top-notch. The ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box has a reputation for consistent performance, earning a 4.1 out of 5-star rating on Amazon with almost 15,000 reviews.
A combination of a metal rake and crystal cat litter allows the PetSafe ScoopFree to outperform other raking boxes. While other self-cleaning boxes with rakes tended to jam up and miss clumps, the PetSafe ScoopFree worked consistently, scraping up solids and carrying them into a waste compartment. Because crystal cat litter adsorbs liquids, the litter stays dry and manageable without needing the liquid to be removed.
While it uses the same core mechanics as the original ScoopFree we tested a couple of years ago, the newer model incorporates a use counter to help you keep track of your cat’s usage habits. Considering that monitoring your cat’s litter box activity is such an important part of understanding their health, this is a much-appreciated feature.
The downside of crystal cat litter is that urine odor becomes more noticeable over time as the crystals become saturated. While PetSafe claims a single tray will last one cat up to a month, we’ve found they need to be replaced about twice as often. To cut costs, you can purchase PetSafe’s reusable litter tray and buy an alternative crystal litter, but it’ll still be about three times as expensive as using cheap clay litter.
What We Liked:
- Reliable and not prone to jamming
- Quiet, quick operation
- Offers good odor control
- A good choice for cats who like silica gel litter
- Features a use counter
What We Didn’t Like:
- The litter and trays become very expensive over time
- Not a great choice for cats who dislike silica gel litter
- When the litter gets saturated, odor control is virtually nonexistent
#4 Best Self-Flushing: CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
$429 At AmazonRead Our Full Brand Review
- Price: Out of stock
- Dimensions: 5 x 19.2 x 21 inches
- Works With: Proprietary plastic granules
- Key Strengths: The only flushing litter box on the market
- Ideal For: People who are interested in a self-flushing box and have the space, time, and patience for a system that connects to their water supply
The CatGenie A.I. is the only automatic litter box that connects directly to your toilet or laundry drain, whisking your cat’s waste away through the plumbing. After each use or according to a schedule of your choice, it will initiate a cycle, first scooping away any solids, then grinding them up and flushing them into your toilet or drain. After the washing cycle, the reusable plastic litter granules are dried, leaving a bed of warm, (hopefully) fresh granules for your cat to use.
While the idea of a self-flushing litter box is appealing, and it works most of the time, we found that it’s a big commitment that requires some special care and consideration.
First off, we found it difficult to find a place where the CatGenie could be connected. In two of the bathrooms we used, the cold water outlet was too far from the nearest power outlet. The CatGenie was also too big to comfortably fit in these spaces. Between these issues, it was difficult to find a spot to put it.
Its core functions can also present some issues. The Genie Hand almost never caught all of our cats’ poop, leaving it to get washed and dried. The heat involved in this cycle means that the poop gets warm and smelly. Similarly, loose stool and diarrhea won’t get scooped and can get baked onto the litter. Deep cleaning involves some water and getting your (gloved, presumably) hands dirty.
Because it requires the use of proprietary granules and non-refillable Sani-Solution cartridges, the CatGenie A.I. has a higher lifetime cost than either a standard litter box or some other automatic litter boxes. And the company is committed to making sure you have to pay for it—the CatGenie won’t work without a Sani-Solution cartridge in place.
Because the CatGenie has more specific installation and maintenance requirements than the other automatic litter boxes on this list, we recommend checking out our full review before making up your mind.
CatGenie has been manufacturing its products for many years, and customer service is available by phone or email seven days a week.
What We Liked:
- Flushes waste away down the drain or toilet
- Can be cleaner and less odor-prone than standard litter boxes
- Has a dedicated following of people who have loved it for years
- Comes with an app for more control
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive at around $479
- Requires a water line hookup and drain access
- Takes up a significant amount of space
- Maintenance costs can be significant for granules and sani-solution
- An incomplete clean can create a mess
#5 Most Cat-Friendly: CATLINK Scooper Young Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
$499.99 At AmazonRead Our Full Brand Review
- Price: $399.99
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 23 x 28inches
- Works With: Any clumping cat litter
- Key Strengths: Excel in odor control
- Ideal For: Cats at least three months and must weigh between 3.5 and 22 pounds
CATLINK is a relatively new brand in China that launched in 2017. It seeks to streamline cat care products, which include an array of self-cleaning litter boxes, automatic feeders, and cat water fountains. To date, CATLINK products are sold in 42 countries.
CATLINK carries three models of self-cleaning litter boxes. We tested the CATLINK Young, a globe-style litter box that works similarly to the popular Litter-Robot. The company has developed apps to help cat parents monitor their pet’s health and behavior, such as drinking, feeding, and toileting habits.
During our tests, we found that it may not work for older cats, nervous cats, or homes with limited floor space. If you have an older or less mobile cat, it’s worth noting that the opening sits pretty high. To address this issue, the company sells a separate ramp to make entering and exiting the box easier.
The CATLINK boasts a sleek, futuristic aesthetic typical of automated pet devices. The no-fuss control panel is simple and easy to use. The cat detection system and cycling worked well, and the unit did a good job of sifting out clumps.
Unfortunately, the company’s customer support is somewhat lacking, a problem echoed in many customer reviews.
What We Liked:
- Barrier at the entrance minimizes litter tracking
- Includes two types of sifting panels (1 for clay and 1 for mixed tofu pellets)
- Operates with a super quiet motor
- Non-slip padding on the bottom to ensure stability during use.
- Comes with a one roll of 20 waste bags
What We Didn’t Like:
- The step needs to be bought separately, which may be necessary for many cats.
- Requires proprietary waste bags
- Small entryway may be problematic for bigger cats
#6 Honorable Mention: Petkit Pura X
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
$378 At AmazonRead Our Full Brand Review
- Price: $499.00
- Dimensions: 84 x 20.94 x 25.42 inches
- Works With: Any clumping cat litter
- Key Strengths: Decent sifting performance
- Ideal For: People who want a rotating sifting litter box but want to spend less on it
Our last recommendation is another Petkit model. While the Pura Max features a low-set drum set in a boxy base with a waste drawer on the side, the Pura X has the drum set higher in a taller boxy body, with its waste drawer positioned below the drum. The entryway is small and high off the ground, making it more difficult for cats to enter.
The rotating and sifting functionality is about the same as that of the Petkit Pura Max, and while it doesn’t have the same removable liner, it’s similarly ill-suited to cats who urinate towards the front edge of the box. There’s a big gap between the drum and housing, allowing liquid and litter to get stuck underneath the globe.
This is Pura X’s biggest flaw. The Petkit app works well, and the unit is relatively affordable compared to the Litter-Robot and even the Petkit Pura Max. If your cat is okay entering a litter globe set high off the ground and uses the middle of the box, rather than the edge, it could be a good self-cleaning solution for you.
What We Liked:
- Sifting functionality worked consistently and thoroughly
- More affordable than other similar litter boxes
- Works with any clumping litter
- App allows you to differentiate between cats and track activity
What We Didn’t Like:
- Litter and waste can get stuck under the globe
- Small, high entry is not very cat-friendly
Automatic Litter Box Comparison
OVERALL BEST
Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Litter BoxView Product | BEST FOR MULTIPLE CATS
Litter-Robot 3 Open Air Automatic Litter BoxView Product | ||||
Number of Reviews 17,000+ | Number of Reviews 17,000+ | Number of Reviews 6,000+ | Number of Reviews 3,000+ | Number of Reviews 1,125+ | Number of Reviews 1,700+ |
Country Designed & assembled in the USA (factory in Juneau, Wisconsin) | Country Designed & assembled in the USA (factory in Juneau, Wisconsin) | Country Owned by Radio Systems Corporation, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee | Country Made in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania | Country China | Country Made in China |
Years in Business 23 | Years in Business 23 | Years in Business 32 | Years in Business 17 | Years in Business 7 | Years in Business 10 |
Warranty 18-month full-coverage warranty; extended 3-year warranty available | Warranty 18-month full-coverage warranty; extended 3-year warranty available | Warranty 1-year warranty | Warranty 2-year limited warranty | Warranty 1-year warranty | Warranty None |
Money-Back Guarantee 90-day in-home trial + money-back guarantee (must pay return shipping) | Money-Back Guarantee 90-day in-home trial + money-back guarantee (must pay return shipping) | Money-Back Guarantee 45-day satisfaction guarantee (credit for your purchase minus shipping costs) | Money-Back Guarantee 90-day money-back guarantee (Outgoing shipping costs are non-refundable) | Money-Back Guarantee 30-day return policy | Money-Back Guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee |
Payment Plan 3-, 6-, & 12-month plans available with Affirm | Payment Plan 3-, 6-, & 12-month plans available with Affirm | Payment Plan Payment plans may be available through Affirm | Payment Plan Payment plans may be available through Affirm | Payment Plan Not Available | Payment Plan Not available |
WiFi-Enabled Get notifications and monitor litter box habits with the Whisker app; individual cat recognition launching 2023 | WiFi-Enabled Get notifications and monitor litter box habits with the Whisker app | WiFi-Enabled Get notifications and monitor litter box habits with the WiFi-enabled version | WiFi-Enabled CatGenie A.I provides easy-to-setup WiFi connection. You can start your CatGenie A.I. right from the App | WiFi-Enabled Not Available | WiFi-Enabled Yes; works with Petkit app |
Sifting Technology Original patented gravity-driven litter-sifting technology | Sifting Technology Original patented gravity-driven litter-sifting technology | Sifting Technology Automatic rake sifts litter to remove waste | Sifting Technology Self-flushing, self-washing | Sifting Technology Comes with two types of sifting panels (1 for clay and 1 for mixed tofu pellets) | Sifting Technology Rotating gravity-driven sifting system |
Product Design Orbital design with large open entry | Product Design Orbital design with ovular entry | Product Design Open litter pan with optional covers | Product Design Open, uncovered circular design with optional hood | Product Design Globe-like body design | Product Design Covered design with small entry set off the ground |
What Should You Look For in an Automatic Litter Box?
cleaning model may be the right choice. But while there’s no shortage of options on the market, some of them simply aren’t up to snuff.
Before you invest several hundred dollars in a high-tech litter box solution, make sure it’s going to deliver on its promises. Here’s what to look for when shopping for an automatic litter box.
An Effective Design
While all automatic litter boxes promise to save time and make your life easier, our tests have found that most of them have design flaws that could make them more time-consuming than a regular box. That’s why it’s important to choose a self-cleaning box with a smart, effective design.
Look for ones that don’t have many open gaps and cracks that can collect waste or allow urine to leak down below the drum or litter pan. If you’re looking for one with a raking mechanism, make sure that the rake is able to reach the bottom of the pan and is strong enough to capture heavier clumps.
The litter box should also work quickly and quietly, ensuring that neither you nor your cat is disturbed when it runs a cycle.
Ease of Cleaning
While you won’t need to scoop an automatic litter box, you will need to clean it out periodically. It should be easy to pour out the litter and spray or wipe out the inside. That’s why we recommend choosing one with an automatic emptying feature and minimal crannies where waste can get stuck.
Cat Activity Tracking
Your cat’s litter box is one of your most valuable windows into their health, which makes scooping time a great opportunity to learn how your cat’s doing. A good self-cleaning litter box incorporates cat activity monitoring features. An app with an activity log, especially one that specifies your cat’s weight as well as how many times they’ve used the box, will help you to keep track of changes in your cat’s habits and flag potential issues sooner.
Fits Your Budget
One of the top questions people ask about automatic litter boxes is “Are they worth it?”.
The answer to that question involves a cost-benefit analysis that only you can perform. It’s a good idea to recognize that the most expensive boxes aren’t always the best. Realize, also, that the long-term cost of the litter box is more than the number in the Chewy checkout.
Like a cheap printer that costs you hundreds of dollars a year in ink, some automatic litter boxes, like the CatGenie, require special supplies that may end up costing a lot more than a regular box full of cheap litter.
On the other hand, some expensive units can save you money over time. The Litter-Robot, for example, is known to keep cat litter cleaner for longer, and it’s compatible with virtually any clumping cat litter. While the upfront cost is high, it may end up helping you save money over time.
Made and Sold by a Reputable Company
With units starting at $150 and going up to $700 or more, a self-cleaning litter box is a major investment. The best ones come from companies that stand behind their products, offering at least a 1-year warranty and responsive customer service.
How to Help Your Cat Start Using a New Automatic Litter Box
Between operating noises and unexpected movements, a self-cleaning litter box may be jarring to your cat. To avoid “protest poops” outside of the box and an unhappy cat, make a gradual transition, gently acclimating your cat to their new box.
First, place the automatic litter box in a familiar, comfortable area where your cat feels safe. Start with the unit turned off to let your cat become comfortable with it. If you start with the litter box turned on, the noise and motion of a cycle could scare them off.
Instead of removing the old litter box immediately, keep it in the same room but stop cleaning it. Help your cat to recognize the new box by transferring a scoop of dirty litter. In time, your cat should choose the cleaner box. Once your cat is using their new automatic litter box, turn it on and let them see it cycling between uses. After a few weeks, your cat should be comfortable with the new box.
Remember that some cats will never love their automatic litter box. In our tests, some cats liked the automatic boxes, and others didn’t. One of our cats consistently used a traditional litter box when given the choice. Forcing your cat to do something they don’t want to do is never a good idea, so we recommend always providing an alternative litter box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do automatic cat litter boxes really work?
It depends on which one you get! A well-made automatic litter box effectively cleans after each use and allows you to skip scooping. However, a lot of automatic litter boxes are more hassle than convenience, so it’s important to pick the right one.
What is the best litter to use for a self-cleaning litter box?
While some self-cleaning litter boxes require special litter, most of them work best with high-quality, hard-clumping litter. Most don’t work well with pellet-style litter, non-clumping litter, or litter that creates soft clumps.
Do self-cleaning litter boxes smell less?
Because a good automatic litter box cleans after each use and stores the waste in a sealed compartment, it will smell less than a regular box. However, our tests have found that a poorly-designed automatic litter box can end up smelling a lot worse than a regular box. Bad automatic litter boxes tend to have nooks and crannies where waste can get stuck, meaning that it’s harder to get them thoroughly clean.
Can you use regular litter in a self-cleaning litter box?
It depends on the self-cleaning litter box. Most are compatible with any type of clumping cat litter, while others only work with crystals. Some automatic litter boxes require proprietary litter only available from the manufacturer.
Do cats prefer clean litter boxes?
Absolutely! Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and love being clean, so it’s only natural that they prefer clean litter boxes. Compared to inconsistent manual scooping, an automatic litter box can help to create a fresher, more comfortable bathroom for your cat.
Are cats scared of automatic litter boxes?
Some cats are startled by the noise and movement of an automatic litter box. That’s why it’s a good idea to acclimate a cat to their new box before turning it on.
