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Keeping your cat's litter box clean is essential for ensuring their health and keeping your house smelling fresh, but daily scooping can be an unpleasant job. Some people may also find it a physically difficult task. Purchasing one of the best automatic litter boxes that does the majority of the cleaning for you can be a convenient solution.
For this guide, we spoke to veterinarians and cat behaviorists for advice on what makes a good automatic litter box, which is also known as a self-cleaning litter box. We then tested nine models, ranking each on key features including safety, ease of use, and cleaning efficiency. The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is pricey, but it's hands-down the best automatic litter box we tested. It is appropriate for cats of most sizes and needs, equipped with smart features and tracking via app, and operates quietly.
Ultimately, when choosing among the best cat litter boxes, the right one for you and your felines will be safe, accessible, and large enough for them to use comfortably. It should scoop and store waste with minimal odor and sound and be easy to deep clean.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best automatic litter boxes
Best overall: Whisker Litter-Robot 4 - See at Chewy
Best dust-free: CatGenie A.I. - See at Amazon
Best budget: Petsafe Scoop Free - See at Chewy
Best overall
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 has a whisper-quiet design and offers ample size and feline-friendly features suitable for small, large, and mobility-impaired cats.
- Self-cleans and requires minimal upkeep
- Smart features include app notifications and weight monitoring
- Has odor-locking waste drawer
- 90-day trial and 1-year warranty
- Available in two colors
- Takes some time to introduce cats properly
- Some cats may be frightened by the shape or automatic cleaning features
- Not suitable for kittens under 3 lbs.
- Expensive
- Requires clumping litter
- Seniors must climb a step to access the box
Despite its hefty price tag, the Litter-Robot 4 performed so effectively that it landed in the top spot among the best automatic litter boxes. The device uses laser and weight sensor technology to accurately detect your cat's litter box use. When your cat exits, the unit rotates around a sifting cylinder to separate waste, then disposes it into a drawer and returns clean litter to the globe.
The companion smartphone app tells you when the waste drawer is full and how much clean litter is left. Depending on the number of cats and litter boxes in your home, you'll only need to empty the waste compartment every couple of weeks or so. And you'll only need to deep clean the box every one to three months.
Automatic litter boxes scare some cats, says Dr. Leanne Lilly, a veterinarian and assistant professor of behavioral medicine at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. But the Litter-Robot 4 keeps sound at a whisper level, making it more cat-friendly. If you're a light sleeper, you can set the app to sleep mode to prevent the unit from cycling.
This box is also one of our recommendations for the best large litter boxes, and it's a good option for cats with limited mobility. If your kitty needs an extra boost, you can purchase a waste drawer with an attached step. Plus, Whisker offers some of the best litter box furniture to conceal the box if its sleek, modern design doesn't complement your decor.
Whisker has improved the Litter-Robot 4's design to resolve issues from previous generations, like leaks and jamming. Still, this version occasionally cycles without a cat entering, and if you place it on carpet instead of a hard floor, it gives inaccurate cat weights unless you place the machine on the Litter-Robot Carpet Tray (sold separately for $30). If you'd like to spend a little less and don't need the smart features, the Litter-Robot 3 may be a great option. It can detect cats over 5 pounds and ranks high in safety. However, it has a slightly smaller entrance.
Read our full Whisker Litter-Robot 4 review.
Best dust-free
The CatGenie A.I. uses a wastewater system and reusable plastic granules as litter. This no-dust litter box option eliminates the need for additional cleaning.
- Washable granules never need replacement
- No dust
- Doesn't require deep cleaning
- Can use as an open or hooded box
- Never need to scoop or empty waste
- Must hook up to water line
- Has long and loud cleaning cycle
- Cats may not like washable granules or smell of cleaning solution
The CatGenie A.I. makes nasty clouds of dust a thing of the past. This box uses washable, nontoxic granules as litter. Once your cat leaves the box, the CatGenie flushes away liquid waste and scoops out solid waste, disposing of both using your wastewater system. It then washes the granules and dries them. You never need to replace these granules unless your cat tracks too many out of the box. I've topped mine up just once or twice in the past few years. However, you'll need to replace the SaniSolution cleanser cartridge every three to four months. There's also no need to deep clean this box.
That said, it has the longest cleaning cycle of the best automatic litter boxes we recommend. It takes about 30 minutes, which may be too long if you have multiple cats and one needs to use the box shortly after the other exits. The noise of the cleaning cycle may also scare some cats away. While my cats loved watching the cleaning cycle and using the litter box at first, they eventually lost interest. I suspect they prefer litter with smaller, softer granules.
This litter box requires both electrical and plumbing connections. You'll connect the water intake hose to a sink, toilet, or washing machine and then connect the drain hose to a toilet rim or drainpipe. You can use the companion app to cycle the CatGenie at specific times rather than automatically once your cat leaves the box. Some users said they programmed theirs to cycle once per night since the warm drying phase can produce an odor, particularly after a cat poops in the box. If your cat tends to spray high, fling litter, or prefers a private toilet, you can purchase the GenieDome and Sidewalls set as add-ons or with the premium CatGenie package.
Best budget
The simple design of this litter box didn't intimidate our tester cats, and the box works hard to keep the pan constantly clean and fresh.
- Easy to set up and use
- Covered compartment holds solid waste
- Uses odor-absorbent and dust-free proprietary litter
- Tracks how often a cat uses the box
- Disposable trays can be easily thrown out
- Front-entry and top-entry models
- Uses crystal litter only
- Waste compartment is small
- Lots of litter tracking
- Must buy disposable litter trays
The Petsafe Scoop Free is one of the few automatic boxes with both good reviews and a design that resembles the large boxes recommended by vets and cat behaviorists. Despite its basic appearance, Scoop Free meets our testing standards for performance, safety, and cat-friendly features for around $200. It's designed for use with crystal litter and disposable leak-proof trays, both sold by Petsafe. However, if you're uncomfortable with the extra cost and waste produced by the replacement trays, you can purchase a reusable tray. Disposable litter trays do have some perks, though. Swapping the used tray for a fresh one and wiping down the unit makes deep cleaning this litter box a breeze.
The Scoop Free doesn't have a waste compartment like the other raking units we tested. Liquid waste is absorbed and left in the tray, while solid waste is raked into the covered litter tray 20 minutes after your cat exits the box. Petsafe recommends replacing the litter tray every 12 to 14 days. However, this timeframe will depend on your cat's usage, and you may need to remove solid waste before then. The rake moves solids into the waste trap effectively, but if your cat has diarrhea or a soft stool, it could leave you with a smelly mess.
You can choose from three box designs: open, covered with a front entry, or the model we recommend as one best top-entry litter boxes. We tested the open design, which our experts prefer over covered litter boxes. All boxes have an entry point just over 6 inches from the ground, which may be too high for some cats with mobility issues. My cats had never used crystal litter before, but they loved this box and used it without issue.
The first Scoop Free litter box we tested arrived with a faulty safety sensor, but there were no issues with the replacement box we received.
Read our full Petsafe Scoop Free litter box review.
What to look for in a self-cleaning litter box
Based on information from our experts, research, and testing, we recommend considering these essential features when choosing among the best automatic litter boxes:
Accessibility: Some cats will need a more easily accessible box due to age, medical conditions, or mobility limitations. Geller suggests looking for a box with a ramp or ramp attachment, like the one you can purchase for Litter-Robot 4. If your cat has mobility issues, you may want to skip the Scoop Free box. According to the manual, it's not intended for use by very senior cats or cats with physical limitations.
Size: The best litter box for your cat should be 1.5 times their length, measured from their nose to tail, according to our experts. Although we prioritized litter boxes with spacious interiors, most automatic litter boxes simply aren't big enough for large breed cats, based on these size recommendations.
Litter depth: Cats have a natural instinct to dig and bury their waste, and they prefer at least 2 to 3 inches of one of the best cat litters to do so, says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. However, we discovered that most automatic litter boxes offer a shallow litter depth. The CatGenie and Scoop Free models provide only an inch of substrate below their maximum fill line, while the Litter-Robot offers up to 2 inches. If your cat prefers to dig in deep litter, an automatic box may not be ideal for their needs.
Ease of assembly and cleaning: When testing boxes, we considered setup features like assembly time, user-friendly design, and the ease of routine cleaning. We also evaluated litter tracking and designs that minimize messes in the home. The best automatic litter boxes require minimal effort on your part.
Price: Geller says a major drawback of automatic cat litter boxes is their price tag. These boxes don't come cheap. "If you have a cat who has a long history of being picky about her box, an automatic litter box might be a failed investment," she says. We tested automatic boxes at a range of price points and evaluated our selections with return policies and warranties in mind.
How we tested the best automatic litter boxes
To get more guidance on choosing the best automatic litter boxes, we consulted four experts and used their criteria to narrow down our picks.
Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Leanne Lilly is a fear-free certified veterinarian and assistant professor of behavioral medicine at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.
Rachel Geller is a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc.
Dr. Denise Johnson is a fear-free certified veterinarian and cat behavior consultant (CCBC) at IndeVets who specializes in behavioral health and low-stress handling.
I tested each litter box for two weeks, assessing factors like ease of use, accessibility, noise, tracking, and overall cleaning efficiency. I stopped testing any boxes that weren't safe for my cats to use. For example, the Pet Zone Smart Scoop didn't have safety features, so I eliminated it from testing shortly after setup.
- Cleaning test: I evaluated how well each box performed its main functions: how often the box cleaned itself, if any waste remained after cleaning, how long the cleaning process lasted, and how often the litter box required maintenance. A daily sniff test determined whether the box kept odors under control.
- Ease of entry test: I gave higher consideration to litter boxes with accessible entrances — low-entry or a ramp or stairs — to suit small cats and seniors or mobility-impaired cats. I also observed my cats using the litter boxes, noting which entry point they chose and any hesitation associated with entering.
- Size of the interior: The interior of a litter box should be one and a half times the size of a cat, says Johnson. This length provides cats plenty of room to turn around and do their business. I gave higher consideration to boxes with larger interiors that could accommodate cats of different sizes.
- Noise test: The sound of an automatic litter box could startle cats, resulting in them finding other places to urinate and defecate, Lilly explains. To test the noise level of each litter box, I downloaded the application "Sound Meter" and recorded the maximum and average decibel rating of each litter box while it completed a full cycle.
- Ease of use: During the testing period, I noted how much maintenance each litter box required. I also factored in any additional purchases, like special litter, waste bags, or cleaning supplies.
- Safety: I immediately removed from consideration any boxes that had faulty safety features or didn't come with safety features. I noted the sensitivity of the safety features and documented if they worked as advertised. A noteworthy example is the Litter-Robot 4, which uses both motion-detecting lasers and weight-sensor technology to detect cats. The Scoop Free and CatGenie use motion-detecting lasers.
- Setup: I recorded how long it took to set up the litter box and whether I needed help from the user manual, app, or customer service. I also considered customer service accessibility and responsiveness.
- Tracking: During the two-week testing period, I collected loose litter on the floor to compare tracking volume. I also recorded how far away the litter ended up from the litter box.
- Exterior design: I considered the size and aesthetic qualities of the litter box, focusing on features cat parents might consider important and visually appealing. Examples include modern and sleek design, color options to complement home decor, and quality materials.
Self-cleaning litter box FAQs
What is the top-rated automatic cat 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 due to features like its spacious interior, quiet operation, accessibility features, and sleek design. We also included the budget-friendly Petsafe Scoop Free and the dust-free CatGenie. The best automatic box for you and your cat will depend on your budget and your cat's specific needs and preferences.
Will my cat use an automatic litter box?
Many cats will use an automatic box with the proper introduction, but some will never 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 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, Geller says to praise your cat for desired bathroom behaviors with treats, play, affection, or verbal praise. Only remove the old one once your cat uses the new box regularly.
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 Lilly says they may not be ideal for cats with mobility issues, a history of litter box problems, or diseases that affect their urine or stool. In fact, monitoring elimination frequency and quality can be crucial 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 automatic 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. However, Freeman says cleaning litter boxes with soap and water every week or two is ideal.
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 Scoop Free 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 litter box. If your cat has no issues 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 saves you time and suits your cat's natural instincts and hygiene needs. When choosing the best self-cleaning litter boxes, we considered their prices, return policies, and warranties. Our recommendations include options with a minimum 45-day return policy and a one-year warranty.
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," says Lilly. "One extra is in case a cat prefers to urinate in one and defecate in the other, which isn't uncommon."
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].
