How many litter boxes do I need?
Our experts say to provide cats with at least one litter box per cat, plus an additional box — even when using automatic litter boxes that remove waste right away. "You want every cat in the household to be able to eliminate at the same time. One extra is in case a cat prefers to urinate in one and defecate in the other, which isn't uncommon," Lilly says.
Will my cat use an automatic litter box?
Many cats will use an automatic box with the right introduction, but some cats will never make the switch. It's important to consider your cat's personality and preferences, Geller says. Cats with a history of litter box selectiveness or skittish behavior may not want to use automatic boxes, and you'll want to offer a box your cat will comfortably use. Otherwise, you'll likely end up with regular messes outside the box. Additionally, Geller advises against placing litter boxes near startling sounds. For example, you might consider installing a CatGenie in a bathroom close to the rooms where you and your cats spend most of your time and away from noisy appliances, like the washing machine.
How can I get my cat to use an automatic litter box?
Geller recommends introducing the new box slowly and with positive reinforcement. In other words, praise your cat and give them a treat when you see them checking out the box or interacting with it. Once your cat gets comfortable around the automatic litter box, add litter to it without turning on the self-cleaning function. Use a litter they're familiar with so they know exactly what the box is for. Then, begin by manually cycling it a few times a day while interacting with your cat in a way they enjoy. For example, pet them and praise them while operating the box. This can help desensitize them to the sound and movement.
How do I introduce my cat to an automatic litter box?
To transition your cat to using an automatic box, Geller says to start by placing it near their old litter box. However, don't put any litter in yet. Allow your cat to explore the box on their own terms and don't pick them up and place them inside. When you see your cat interacting with the litter box, praise them. After you add litter and your cat has used the box a few times, turn on the cleaning feature. Then, gradually move the traditional box farther away from the new one — just a couple of inches per day. During this transition period, praise your cat for desired bathroom behaviors with treats, play, affection, or verbal praise, Geller says. Only remove the old one once your cat chooses to regularly use the new box.
Do vets recommend automatic litter boxes?
According to Johnson, cats have a natural instinct to hide eliminations and prefer boxes that reduce the chances of encountering another cat's waste. Automatic litter boxes remove waste after each use to quickly provide a clean litter box — but they may not be ideal for cats with mobility issues, a history of litter box problems, or diseases that affect their urine or stool, Lilly says. In fact, monitoring elimination frequency and quality can be a crucial step to detecting feline health issues early. Whisker CEO and President Jacob Zuppke says technological updates planned for Litter-Robot 4 may help address these concerns. For instance, AI-based behavioral learning can help track cats' bathroom habits. By analyzing data from litter box usage, the AI system learns each cat's unique patterns and habits and can alert you to changes that may suggest a health concern. That said, we didn't consider smart features like this when choosing the best self-cleaning litter boxes.
How often do you have to clean an automatic litter box?
According to Whisker, the Litter-Robot 4 should be deep cleaned every one to three months. Freeman says that cleaning litter boxes with soap and water every week or two is ideal, however.
What is the best automatic litter box?
The best automatic litter box is safe, accessible, and has an interior large enough for your cat to comfortably turn around and do their business. It should scoop and store waste with little odor and noise, and it shouldn't require much extra maintenance from you. For this guide, we selected the Litter-Robot 4 as the best automatic litter box overall, due to features like its spacious interior, quiet operation, accessibility features, and sleek design. We also included the budget-friendly PetSafe ScoopFree and the dust-free CatGenie. However, the best automatic box for you and your cat will depend on your budget, as well as your cat's specific needs and preferences.
How do self-cleaning litter boxes work?
Self-cleaning litter boxes keep boxes clean and prevent unpleasant household odors by using various mechanisms to remove waste. For example, Litter-Robot 4 rotates a sifting cylinder to separate the waste from clean litter and deposits waste in an odor-trapping drawer. CatGenie, on the other hand, flushes away waste and uses washable granules as litter. The ScoopFree box rakes clumps of waste into a covered compartment 20 minutes after your cat exits the box.
Are self-cleaning litter boxes worth it?
If your cat has a history of litter box issues, arthritis, mobility issues, or health conditions that require bathroom monitoring, our experts say it may not be worth investing in a self-cleaning cat litter box. If your cat doesn't have any issues with using various types of litter boxes, however, an automatic box can help minimize your hands-on time with the litter box while also ensuring your cat always has a clean box to use. This both saves you time and suits your cat's natural instincts and hygiene needs. When choosing the best self-cleaning litter boxes, we took into account their price tags, return policies, and warranties. Our recommendations include options with a minimum 45-day return policy and a one-year warranty, just in case it doesn't work out for your home.