Self-cleaning litter boxes are becoming more and more popular with cat parents. Keeping your cat’s litter box clean and hygienic is vital to prevent messes and bad smells. A fresh litter box will also reduce the risk of you and your family coming into contact with pathogens that are present in urine and feces. Traditional litter boxes are messy and unpleasant to clean, leading many cat owners to turn to self-cleaning litter boxes.
Our vet advisor, Dr. Addie Reinhard, DVM carefully considered potential features of self-cleaning and weighed the importance in each to find the best on the market. She identified the Litter-Robot WiFi Enabled Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box as the best of the best, and most likely to satisfy cat owners. This litter box is so advanced, you’ll even have an app on your phone to monitor waste levels and remind you to change the litter. Read how she chose the top 5.
For the very best self-cleaning litter box on the market, look no further than the Litter-Robot WiFi Enabled Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box.
Adopting an adult cat and a kitten are similar, but there are plenty of pros and cons that will differentiate them. Be careful when you pick your fur baby and make sure you’re fully prepared to give your kitten or adult cat the specialized care that he or she needs.
Our Vet’s Top 5 Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Vet’s Picks | Model | Rating | Covered | Litter Type | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Litter-Robot WiFi Enabled Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box | Crystal or Clay | Adjustable schedule | ||
| Best Budget Buy | Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box | Crystal or Clay | Manually Controlled | ||
| Best Covered | PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box | Crystal | After each use | ||
| Best Open | CatGenie A.I. | Washable Granules | After each use | ||
| Best for Crystal Litter | PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box | Crystal | After each use |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
Who Should Buy a Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- Busy pet owners – If you find yourself pressed for time or forgetting to clean the litter box, then you may greatly benefit from a self-cleaning litter box that requires less maintenance. A little flexibility on the litter’s changing schedule is invaluable.
- Easily disgusted cat parents – There are no two ways around it, if your cat does his business inside, you’ll have to deal with it. If urine and feces are particularly gross to you, you’ll want to minimize your contact, and a self-cleaning litter box can certainly help with that.
- Those who appreciate efficiency – Even if you have no issue cleaning the litter box, you’ll still likely appreciate a self-cleaning litter box – after all, even if you have the time, aren’t there other things you’d want to spend that time doing besides handling your pet’s waste?
- If scooping the litter box is challenging – Cat parents who have difficulty bending over to scoop the litter box, such as older adults, may benefit from a self-cleaning litter box.
Who Should Not Buy a Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- Outside cats – It may go without saying, but the cat that doesn’t use the “facilities” inside won’t need any indoor “facilities” provided to him. Likewise, if you have an indoor/outdoor cat who only does his business outside, you don’t need a self-cleaning litter box.
- Rare users of litter boxes – While the self-cleaning litter box is undoubtedly convenient, it does, naturally, come with a steeper price tag. If your cat primarily does his business outdoors, then an advanced litter box might not be worth the investment.
Research Tips (From a Veterinarian)
You may be wondering how to choose the best self-cleaning litter box. A good self-cleaning litter box can save you time, but I know from personal experience that a bad self-cleaning litter box will only cause more headaches. The following features are vital to consider when selecting a self-cleaning litter box for your cat.
- Choose a large box – Choose a self-cleaning box that has ample room for your kitty. In general, cats like bigger litter boxes. Avoid small litter boxes because this may lead to accidents around the outside of the box.1
- Find a product with a warranty – Because self-cleaning litter boxes are often automated and electronic, there is a potential for them to break. Look for a product that comes with a 1- to 2-year warranty.
- Look for a short scooping time – Especially in households with multiple cats, a fast scooping time is ideal. The longer the scooping time, the less time your cats will be able to use the box.
- Consider noise level – A quiet litter box is ideal. A loud litter box could scare your cat. Even worse, if the litter box is too loud, your cat may avoid it completely leading to accidents in the house.2
- Assess the ease of installation – You will want to find a self-cleaning litter box that is easy to assemble and install.
- Consider a cover – Most cats prefer uncovered litter boxes, but some cats prefer covered. Choose the litter box that your cat will most appreciate.3
- Evaluate long-term cost – You may want to calculate the long-term cost of owning a self-cleaning litter box. Some self-cleaning boxes can be used with relatively inexpensive litter and cleaning cartridges, while others require specific litter and expensive replacement supplies.
- Consider the ease of cleaning – Even if a litter box claims to be self-cleaning, there will still be some regular maintenance. Try to find a box that is relatively easy to deep clean.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $175-$400
How much you spend on your self-cleaning litter box depends greatly on the quality of the box and the technology features. For example, the cream of the crop, highest in litter box luxury could cost upwards of several hundred dollars, while you could get a good budget buy for under $50 (see our budget pick below). Most self-cleaning litter boxes are within the $175-$400 range. The more you spend, the less involved with your pet’s bathroom events you will be.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pango Pets
I am a small animal veterinarian, and I own four cats, so litter boxes are part of my daily routine. I have experimented with many different forms of litter and litter boxes which allows me to assess self-cleaning litter boxes based on years of personal and professional experience. These products were selected based on key features including reliability, quality, ease of use, and size. Only products from the most reputable pet companies were selected, and most importantly, I only chose products that I believe your cat will enjoy using. – Dr. Addie Reinhard, DVM
The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes: Full Reviews
For the very best self-cleaning litter box on the market, look no further than the Litter-Robot WiFi Enabled Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box.
The Litter-Robot WiFi Enabled Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box has such impressive features that it may seem like a product of the future. The robot name is not unearned, and the mechanical features it uses are all-encompassing. The automatic cleaning process begins sifting waste out of the litter just moments after your kitty exits the box. The company claims it reduces litter usage by up to 50 percent, so it could potentially pay for itself over time.
It also comes with access to a free app that, once installed on your phone, will monitor the waste levels of the waste drawer. And emptying said drawer is a simple matter of pull and dump – it couldn’t be easier! You can use this one litter box for up to four cats in your home.
- Smart app for waste monitoring and reminders
- Adjustable schedule for cleaning
- Control panel locking
- Dependant on electricity
- Requires restocking bags for waste removal
- Takes up a lot of space
The Omega Paw Roll’N Clean Cat Litter Box is easy to maintain; just roll the box and pull the waste from it with the included and incorporated scoop. You’ll replace the scoop after you’re done, and the lack of electricity means it won’t add to your home’s energy consumption (or electric bills). It also doesn’t require replacement liners or filters, so the cost of ownership is lower compared to many self-cleaning litter boxes.
The term “self-cleaning” is a bit liberally used with this litter box. You won’t have to physically scoop the litter, but you will need to roll it and the box will sift through it for you. You’ll find it easy to do, but more involved and hands-on compared to some of our other picks. You will need to monitor the litter box closely so you know when there’s waste to remove. Although it is large enough for most cats, the size is slightly misleading due to the sifting grate, which will limit the useable space for your cat.
- No liners or filters to replace
- Can be immersed in water or hosed down to clean
- Cleans in seconds
- Some physical exertion required
- No entrance cover
- Some dust and debris released during cleaning
If your cat prefers a little privacy while using their litter box, check out the PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box. This hooded litter box self-cleans for weeks without the need for scooping, cleaning, or refilling. It also comes complete with PetSafe’s non-tracking crystal litter for reduced mess and odor.
Other key features include a plastic tray lining that protects against leakages, an adjustable rake timer, and a built-in health counter to track litter box usage. Reviewers of this product say it’s easy to use and offers excellent odor control.
- Self-cleans for weeks
- Health counter and adjustable rake timer
- Includes non-tracking crystal litter
- Excrement occasionally “sticks”
- Crystal may be more difficult for cats to adjust to
The CatGenie Self-Washing Self-Flushing Cat Box features a functional and convenient design that flushes like a toilet. It works by scooping out solid waste, flushing, and washing dirty litter, and drying the granules so they’re ready for the next use.
The litter box can be programmed with three cleaning options to keep it fresh around the clock. It also includes litter-like permanent granules that are 100% dust-free and never need changing. This product is suitable for up to three average size cats and has a one-time easy DIY setup. Overall, it’s a great choice for cat parents who want to eliminate the need to change the litter.
- Convenient self-cleaning design flushes like a toilet
- Cleans and dries granules
- 3 programmable cleaning options
- Cleaning based on waste size
- Strong smell released when drying litter
PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box uses the crystal litter that, while it may be a bit of an adjustment for your cat to get used to, makes the overall mess of your home dramatically improved. Not only is there no dust, but the smell will also be minimal, as well. Some reviews report that the disposable tray that can be used by this self-cleaning litter box is so convenient it’s well worth the steep cost of replacing frequently, but should that be a concern, they do also have reusable trays that work just as well, and you can purchase inexpensive crystal litter.
The rake on this litter box is easily cleaned, but you will need to keep in mind, just like most all litter boxes, self-cleaning or not, raking up certain wastes is more involved than others. That is to say, if your cat gets sick or has diarrhea, you’ll need to clean the rake.
- Disposable tray for easy cleanup
- Additional raking at the touch of a button
- Minimal maintenance
- Disposable tray is pricey for multiple cats
- Loud operation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a self-cleaning litter box and how does it work?
Do self-cleaning litter boxes really work?
Can you use clumping cat litter in an automatic litter box?
How often do you change the cat litter in a self-cleaning litter box?
- The Humane Society of the United States. Solving litter box problems. Humanesociety.org. Accessed April 1, 2021.
- ASPCA. Litter Box Problems. Aspca.org. Accessed April 1, 2021.
- Just Cats Clinic. Urinating Outside the Litter Box: What to do when it’s behavioral. Justcatsclinic.com. Published June 11, 2015. Accessed April 1, 2021.
