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The best self-cleaning litter boxes you can buy: Expert tested
Cat people like myself love their cats dearly. And as much as we enjoy their company and cuddles, cleaning up after them is a less enjoyable task. Plus, the average cat uses anywhere between 28-40 pounds of litter per month -- that high price stacks up as a cat owner.
Also: Everything you need for a smart pet setup
However, a robot litter box can be an effective solution for both you and your feline friend. They decrease odor and provide a cleaner place for your cat to do its business, and some models can also save you up to 50% more litter than a traditional scooping litter box. The automatic litter boxes on the market today feature compatible apps and even built-in features to keep track of your kitty's health. They're a much smarter option over scooping poop daily from a plastic box.
What is the best self-cleaning litter box right now?
I compiled this list by extensively researching and hands-on testing with some of these suggested automatic litter boxes. My top pick is the Whisker Litter-Robot 4, based on my own experience using it with my cat, Norbert. However, I also included other self-cleaning litter box options at different price points so you can quit scooping up after your kitty and let a robot do the work for you.
The best self-cleaning litter boxes of 2024
- Quiet
- Built-in smart scale
- Compatible app
- Expensive
This automatic litter box changed the game for me after using it, and I will never go back to a regular litter box. It's much quieter than other robot litter boxes I have seen, and the free compatible app provides great insights into your cat's health and routine.
Review: Whisker Litter-Robot 4
The Whisker app lets you know when your cat is in the box, when a cleaning cycle is happening, and when a cleaning cycle is complete, as well as an entire history and your cat's average usage. I also love the smart scale built into the Litter-Robot 4, which automatically records your cat's weight each time they use it so that you can keep track of any concerning weight gain or weight loss.
I also noticed I smell my cat's litter much less--if at all--with this litter box, which is refreshing, to say the least.
Overall, 92% of Best Buy customers who reviewed this litter box said they would recommend it to other cat owners and gave it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 tech specs: Dimensions: 29.5 x 22 x 27 inches | Power: 15 Volt DC | Weight: 24 pounds | # of cats: Up to 4
- Affordable
- Odor control
- Simple to operate
- Must buy specific reusable litter trays in order to use it
As you can guess, automatic litter boxes can be costly due to the technology involved. But if you're looking for a simpler solution that won't break the bank, this option from PetSafe is a great budget pick at $280. Using sensors, it automatically removes waste after your cat does its business. When it's time to clean the box, you simply throw out the disposable tray.
The disposable trays that come with the litter box are filled with crystal litter that helps with odor control and reduces dust-tracking. In addition, a built-in health counter tracks how many times your furry feline uses the box, to detect any abnormal bathroom behavior.
Also: The best automatic pet feeders you can buy
ZDNET managing editor, Alison DeNisco Rayome, has been using this litter box for years, and she highly recommends it as a budget option. "The counter works accurately, and is helpful for reminding us when we need to change out the tray (for our one cat, it's about once every 3-4 weeks)," she said, adding, "You do need to buy the crystal litter, which is pricier than regular litter. But to me, it's well worth it to not have to do any scooping."
Customers who have used the PetSafe litter box also agree, as this model is the #1 best seller on Amazon in the self-cleaning litter boxes category.
PetSafe ScoopFree Litter Box tech specs: Dimensions: 20.38 x 7.13 x 28 inches | Power: N/A | Weight: 16 pounds | # of cats: 1
- Easy maintenance
- Flushes waste to get rid of it completely
- Customizable cleaning cycles
- Requires DIY hookup to cold water and electrical outlet
- Not as large as other options
If you're looking to forgo having to deal with your cat's waste altogether, the Catgenie AI Automatic Cat Box is a great option. It is a flushable litter box, meaning you hook it up to a drain hook in your bathroom or laundry room and it will liquify solids and literally flush away the waste while also washing itself clean. It's even shaped like a real toilet.
The litter box has a four-step process that includes scooping, washing, flushing, and hot-air drying after each use. To clean, simply choose between automatic or manual settings depending on your preferences by the accompanying app.
The CatGenie app gives you insight into when your cat went to the bathroom, provides access to customer support, and even uses artificial intelligence to analyze your cat's bathroom behavior to make recommendations about optimizing your settings and maintenance habits for peak performance and comfort.
Pet owners who have used the CatGenie Deluxe say that you might have to buy drain extensions to make it fit with your setup, but once it is installed, it's as easy as cleaning a human toilet.
CatGenie AI Deluxe Automatic Cat Box tech specs: Dimensions: 24.5 x 19.25 x 21 inches | Power: 120-volt AC | Weight: 35 pounds | # of cats: 1-2
- Smart capability
- Good customer support
- UV sanitation
- Limited money-back guarantee
- Narrow design
When you have a smart home, Smarty Pear's Leo's Loo Too is the best solution for your automatic litter box. It allows full control of the device with the mobile app, or you can ask Alexa or Google to start a cleaning cycle. It uses UV sanitation to remove bacteria. Like the Whisker model, this robot litter box also has an accompanying app and activity and weight tracking.
It comes in fun colors like green, blue, and pink. Plus, bamboo filters keep odors inside the litter box's built-in waste drawer, so you don't have to worry about unfavorable smells filling up the room.
Those who have purchased this litter box at PetCo praise the customer support to help with issues like connecting with Amazon Alexa, Wi-Fi issues, and more.
Smarty Pear Leo's Loo Too tech specs: Dimensions: 24 x 22 x 27.5 inches | Power: N/A | Weight: 27.5 pounds | # of cats: Up to 2
- Accessory additions to choose from
- 1-year warranty included
- Can be used with up to 4 cats
- Not ideal for cats under 5 pounds
This model from Whisker is a little cheaper than the Litter-Robot 4, but still has much of the same technology. Plus, Whisker offers tons of accessories for your litter box, such as stairs to help older cats reach the box, a litter trap mat, a camera mount to keep an eye on your kitty, and even cleaning spray and wipes.
Like the Litter-Robot 4, the automatic sifting process removes dirty litter from the clean, keeping foul smells out of your home. You also have the option to control the litter box from the Whisker app.
The main difference between the Litter-Robot 3 and the Litter-Robot 4 is that the 4 has an enlarged waste drawer and a wider opening, as well as a quieter sifting cycle.
Even though this model isn't as quiet as the Litter-Robot 4, customers noted they were not bothered by the sound even if placed in a prominent place in their home, and that overall, they save money on having to buy litter since using the Litter-Robot 3.
Whisker Litter-Robot 3 tech specs: Dimensions: 24.25 x 27 x 29.5 inches | Power: 15 Volt DC | Weight: 24 pounds | # of cats: Up to 4
What is the best self-cleaning litter box?
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is the best overall self-cleaning litter box, thanks to its thoughtful and quiet design and smartphone capabilities. To see how it compares to the other options on our list, here's an overview of size and price.
Self-cleaning litter box | Price | Dimensions | # of cats |
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 | $699 | 29.5 x 22 x 27 inches | 4 |
PetSafe ScoopFree Litter Box | $280 | 20.38 x 7.13 x 28 inches | 1 |
Catgenie AI Deluxe Automatic Cat Box | $489 | 24.5 x 19.25 x 21 inches | 1-2 |
Smarty Pear Leo's Loo Too | $650 | 24 x 22 x 27.5 inches | 2 |
Whisker Litter-Robot 3 | $549 | 24.25 x 27 x 29.5 inches | 4 |
Which is the right automatic litter box for you?
The best self-cleaning litter box for you depends on your preferences, number of cats, amount of space, and price point. Here we offer expert suggestions to help you find the right automatic litter box for your budget and needs.
Choose this automatic litter box... | If you want... |
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 | The best overall option. It is super quiet and has a large opening for cats of all sizes. |
PetSafe ScoopFree Litter Box | A budget-friendly litter box for under $300. It even helps with odor control and litter mess. |
Catgenie AI Deluxe Automatic Cat Box | A self-cleaning litter box that flushes waste by using your home's drain hooks. It's four-step cleaning process includes scooping, washing, flushing, and hot-air drying. |
Smarty Pear Leo's Loo Too | A self-cleaning litter box that's compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant. It also has a UV sanitation cleaning cycle. |
Whisker Litter-Robot 3 | An alternative option from Whisker. You can add different accessories to the litter box to make it easier for your cat to access it. |
Factors to consider when choosing the best self-cleaning litter box:
We kept the following important factors in mind when narrowing down products and making our top picks.
- Size: Self-cleaning litter boxes are often larger than traditional ones, and can take up a decent amount of space in your home. Be sure to check measurements and consider the footprint that your robot litter box may leave.
- Sifting process: The best automatic litter boxes incorporate an advanced sifting process that can separate the dirty litter from the clean, saving you precious time.
- Budget: We keep cost at the forefront when weighing the best self-cleaning litter box. Not only is there an upfront investment in the machine itself but there are also maintenance costs like waste bags and special litter.
How did we test these self-cleaning litter boxes?
When choosing the best automatic litter boxes, I considered my own experience with some of the products, as well as other ZDNET team members who have used a self-cleaning litter box in their homes. ZDNET does extensive hands-on testing of self-cleaning litter boxes, including ease of use/installation, size, sifting/cleaning process, and more. We test these in real-world situations, especially focusing on user (our furry friends) sentiments.
For products we have not gone hands-on with, we do, extensive research into different products and brands, taking into consideration user reviews (both good and bad), competitor analysis, and more.
What are self-cleaning litter boxes and how do they work?
Self-cleaning litter boxes, also known as automatic litter boxes, are a type of litter box for cats that uses technology to automatically clean and dispose of waste. They are designed to make the process of cleaning a cat's litter box more convenient and less time-consuming. They are also helpful for people who travel frequently, or for those who have physical limitations that make cleaning a traditional litter box difficult.
These litter boxes use sensors to detect when a cat has used the box, and then activate a cleaning mechanism, such as a rake or a scoop, to remove the waste and deposit it into a sealed compartment. Some models also have self-cleaning mechanisms, such as using UV light to sanitize the box. Some of the newer models also come with a phone app that allows you to monitor the box and schedule cleaning times.
How often should I clean my automatic litter box?
Cleaning periods may vary from one machine to the next, so be sure to check the manufacturer's manual to see what kind of litter is recommended for your self-cleaning litter box. It also depends on how many cats are using the litter box.
Usually, the self-cleaning litter box will indicate when the waste bin is full, and on average, it'll take about a week to get full, so you'll have to empty out the waste about once a week.
Do self-cleaning litter boxes smell?
Even the best automatic litter boxes are subject to foul odors, but many incorporate features to help reduce or eliminate bad smells, whether it's an advanced sifting process or a certain kind of litter that's used.
Most of the litter boxes on this list have odor-reducing technology, but we'd still recommend placing your litter box in a more secluded area of your home since smells can get out.
Do cats like self-cleaning litter boxes?
As you may know, cats are very particular animals. In my experience adjusting my cat to his new litter box, it took him a little over a week to fully use his new automatic litter box. I put his old regular litter box next to his new one (still in the same place as his litter box always has been) but made sure it was filled with waste and was not clean, so he would naturally choose the cleaner litter box next to it.
It also helps to put some of the dirty litter from the old litter box into the new one so your cat smells the familiar scent.
Are there alternative self-cleaning litter boxes worth considering?
There are other options out there aside from our top picks. In our search, we also found these great automatic litter boxes that may also be worth a second look.