Automatic litter boxes come with the appealing promise of eliminating the need for manual scooping, but do they live up to expectations? To find out, we conducted rigorous tests on 19 automatic litter boxes at our New York testing facility and in real-world settings with the help of volunteer cats. Our assessment covered a range of criteria from efficiency to odor management, utilizing both actual cat use and simulated scenarios with wet modeling compounds to represent waste.
The standout performer was the Whisker Litter-Robot 4, which surpassed our previous favorite, the Litter-Robot Connect 3. This latest iteration of the Whisker Litter-Robot enhances its predecessor in numerous aspects, featuring a host of user-friendly functionalities, a straightforward interface, and quiet operation to avoid unsettling cats. Additionally, it boasts exceptional ease of cleaning.
While the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 emerged as our top choice, we also identified several other automatic litter boxes that deserve attention for their compact designs or more affordable pricing.
Our Top Picks
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 at Litter-robot.com ($699)
PETKIT PuraMax Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box at Amazon ($599)
Casa Leo leo’s loo too automatic litter box at Amazon ($550)
Best Overall
Whisker Litter-Robot 4
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is not just a minor update but a significant overhaul of the previously acclaimed “Best Overall” automatic litter box, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect. Through rigorous lab testing and extensive real-cat evaluations over several weeks, our team consistently praised its array of features, design enhancements, and overall usability.
Despite its steep price tag, the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 justifies its premium cost with an unmatched user experience. Starting with an incredibly straightforward setup—arriving fully assembled, requiring only plugging in and app downloading via a QR code—this model stands out immediately.
Its design catches the eye first, boasting a broad, circular entrance on a squarer base, a design leap from its predecessor’s narrower entry. This more inviting entrance has proven to be cat-friendly, with our in-home tester noting their cats’ quick adaptation and curiosity towards the device.
The Litter-Robot 4 operates on a simple yet effective principle: it holds a litter layer over a durable fabric hammock, which, after use, rotates to sieve out waste and return clean litter. Waste is then collected in a tray below. Equipped with motion and weight sensors, it ensures no cleaning cycle starts with a cat inside, differentiating pets by weight for personalized data.
The control interface, featuring large, colorful buttons for various functions, might require a learning curve due to its many settings. However, its intuitive light bar indicator simplifies operation once familiarized, even though initial adjustments may be needed.
Cleaning the Litter-Robot 4 is straightforward, thanks to easily removable components and a reservoir that’s simple to empty, even when full. The device’s robust build and the option to hose down the entire unit underscore its durable design.
Yet, the Litter-Robot 4 isn’t without its flaws. One notable drawback is the odor issue; separating waste from litter means losing some odor control. While a built-in carbon filter and optional Whisker OdorTraps help, the need for ongoing purchases of additional accessories can be a downside.
Its large size may also pose a challenge for those in smaller living spaces, making pre-measurement and space consideration crucial.
Available in white and black, with customization options like a front handle or climbing step, the Litter-Robot 4 also comes with a 1-year warranty and a 90-day trial period, offering a no-risk opportunity to integrate this advanced litter solution into your home. Dimensions: 29.5 x 22 x 27 inches | Entry: 15.75 inches | Weight: 24 pounds | Colors: White, black
Our Ratings
- Ease of Use: 5/5
- Capacity: 4/5
- Design: 5/5
- Ease of Cleaning: 4/5
- Odor Elimination: 2/5
Still Worth It?
While we recognize the Litter-Robot 4 as a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, the latter remains a high-quality option.
Throughout our extensive experience with automatic litter boxes, we’ve conducted long-term tests on four Litter-Robot 3 Connect units. During this period, we encountered a recurring “bonnet” error in one unit, which falsely indicated the top panel was open. Litter-Robot’s customer service promptly offered troubleshooting tips and a replacement option. The problem was eventually fixed by detaching and reattaching the component several times. After nearly three years of ongoing evaluation, our confidence in the Litter-Robot 3 Connect’s durability stands firm.
Despite being slightly bulkier, less aesthetically pleasing, and somewhat noisier than the Litter-Robot 4, the Litter-Robot 3’s lower price point may still appeal to some buyers.
A key consideration for consumers is how the older Litter-Robot models stack up against newer competitors. In a side-by-side comparison between the Litter-Robot 3 and the popular Leo’s Loo Too, conducted over an extended period within the same household, our tester and her cats showed a clear preference for Leo’s Loo Too, choosing it consistently over the Litter-Robot.
Our Ratings
- Ease of Use: 4.5/5
- Ease of Cleaning: 4.8/5
- Odor Elimination: 4/5
- Value: 3.5/5
- Litter Scoop Design: 5/5
Best for Multiple Cats
PETKIT PuraMax Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
For households with multiple cats, the PETKIT PuraMax stands out with its extra-large capacity, reducing the frequency of litter compartment changes. In our tests within a three-cat household, the litter compartment needed emptying only about once per week, facilitated by the spacious and easy-to-use drawstring trash bags.
This app-controlled, self-cleaning litter box is an upscaled version of the PetKit PuraX Self-Cleaning Litter Box, previously celebrated for its exceptional odor control. Both models boast similar high-quality attributes, including a notably quiet cleaning process. The PuraMax, designed to accommodate more waste, features advanced odor control technologies such as a sealed waste compartment with a chamber for odor-neutralizing blocks and an automatic deodorizer that sprays after each use.
Like the Litter-Robot, the PuraMax operates by tumbling litter across a grate to sift out waste and return clean litter to the main area. Our testing revealed that the PuraMax consistently operated without clogging or needing internal cleaning, offering multiple cleaning cycles to ensure a fresh litter box for each cat visit.
Real-world testing with three differently sized cats demonstrated the PuraMax’s effective automatic cleaning and sensor capabilities, accurately detecting cat movement. The device and accompanying app allow for on-demand cleaning initiation, although the app experience was deemed less intuitive than that of its Litter-Robot counterpart, with a focus on accessory sales and less precise cat differentiation and notifications.
The PuraMax is also an excellent choice for households with large breeds like Maine Coons or Norwegian Forest Cats, thanks to its 10 by 8-inch entrance and low entry height, ensuring easy access for older cats or those with mobility issues. However, this spaciousness means the PuraMax requires significant room, measuring over two feet in width.
Dimensions: 21.2 x 24.4 x 21.7 inches | Entry: 10 x 8 inches | Weight: 24 pounds | Colors: White
Best Odor Control
PETKIT Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
The PETKIT PuraX closely mirrors the functionality of our top choice, the Litter-Robot 4, utilizing an internal cylinder that rotates the litter reservoir through a filtration screen to sift out cat waste. This process can be manually activated, set on a timer, or triggered automatically after use, similar to the Litter-Robot’s mechanism.
In our evaluations, the PuraX matched the high performance standards set by the Litter-Robot 4. It operates quietly, is straightforward to clean, and boasts a sleek design that humorously makes it appear as though your cat is piloting a small spacecraft.
However, a notable drawback identified was the PuraX’s smaller entryway, significantly narrower than the Litter-Robot 4’s spacious opening, potentially making it less suitable for larger cat breeds. Although designed for cats up to 18 pounds, one of our testers with cats of various sizes reported inconsistent use by all their pets.
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On the other hand, the PETKIT PuraX shines in certain aspects, notably its top-loading chute for adding new litter, simplifying maintenance. Its standout feature over even our Best Overall selection is its odor control capability. Unlike the Litter-Robot’s carbon filter, the PuraX utilizes an automated deodorant spray, offering superior odor containment in our tests.
“Our tester was amazed by the absence of odor while the PuraX was in their living room for evaluation.”
Design differences between the PuraX and the Litter-Robot 4 extend to their user interfaces. The PuraX opts for a minimalist approach with a small OLED display and two-button navigation, contrasted with the Litter-Robot 4’s more intuitive, larger indicators. Our tester found the PuraX’s interface functional but somewhat restrictive.
“A clearer indication of menu functions, perhaps with text labels, would enhance usability,” remarked our tester, pointing out the challenge of remembering the icons’ functions without frequent use or the manual.
While we prefer the Whisker app over the PETKIT counterpart, the PuraX app does provide valuable insights, including tracking your cat’s weight and bathroom habits.
Dimensions: 25.4 x 21 x 19.9 inches | Entry: 8.6 inches | Weight: 33 pounds | Colors: White
The Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too adheres to the traditional automatic litter box design, featuring a rotating barrel that sifts through litter, separating solid waste into a lower chamber. Our two test cats quickly became comfortable with the Leo’s Loo Too, notably due to its exceptionally quiet cleaning process.
While the accompanying app isn’t as polished as the Whisker app, the standout feature of the Casa Leo litter box is its broad compatibility with smart home systems. With integration capabilities for Amazon Alexa and Google Home, the Leo’s Loo Too emerges as the top choice for users who prefer voice command functionalities for their litter box. The setup process for the app was also straightforward.
Additionally, the Leo’s Loo Too is an ideal selection for those concerned about sanitation, as it employs UV sterilization to sanitize the waste compartment, effectively eliminating most bacteria and viruses. Although waste is already contained within plastic bags, the added UV sterilization feature might attract users prioritizing hygiene.
Odor management is another strong suit of the Leo’s Loo Too, supporting extended periods between waste disposal. However, in homes with multiple or larger cats, the waste compartment may require more frequent emptying. Our tester, housing two sizable cats, needed to replace the bag approximately every two days. The device offers various cleaning settings, including the option to activate after each use, ensuring a consistently clean litter area for your cats.
The Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too is offered in four distinct colors: Avocado Green, Baby Blue, Leo Gray, and Pretty Pink, and includes a 90-day free trial period.
Dimensions: 24 x 22 x 27.5 inches | Weight: 27.5 pounds | Entry: 8.5 inches | Colors: Avocado green, baby blue, leo gray, pretty pink
Best Budget
Pet Zone Pet Zone Smart Scoop
The Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box detects when your cat has finished in the litter box and activates a cleaning cycle 30 minutes later. It employs a raking mechanism to sift through the litter, gathering clumps and depositing them into a waste compartment.
A tester highlighted that while the Pet Zone Smart Scoop might lack advanced features, it efficiently fulfills its purpose.
Notably, the Pet Zone operates quietly, with its rake slowly moving across the litter to effectively capture most debris. The rake is thoughtfully designed to prevent clogging, and the package includes a tool for cleaning. Initially, the product comes with six plastic bags to facilitate waste disposal, which are straightforward to replace. Additionally, it features a carbon zeolite filter installed beneath the waste compartment’s lid to control odors.
However, concerns were raised about the product’s build quality, particularly its plastic material, casting doubts on its longevity. Despite these concerns, our unit remained functional after extensive testing, with a tester remarking on its practicality and value.
A limitation noted was the litter box’s shallow depth, potentially unsuitable for cats that prefer deeper litter for covering their waste. The absence of dedicated storage for the included scoop was also mentioned as a drawback.
In summary, the Pet Zone Smart Scoop may offer limited features, but its effective odor control and functionality were praised, maintaining a clean and odor-free environment over several weeks of testing.
Dimensions: 26.5 x 16.88 x 7.63 inches | Weight: 9.3 pounds | Colors: Gray & green
Best with Crystal Litter
PetSafe ScoopFree Complete Plus Litterbox
We previously evaluated an earlier model of the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box in 2020, and our observations largely remain applicable. The primary consideration for potential users is the transition to crystal kitty litter, which consists of non-clumping silica beads designed for liquid absorption instead of forming clumps. Crystal litter offers notable benefits like superior odor control and minimal dust production. Nonetheless, it may not be favored by all cats, potentially necessitating an adaptation phase, and it generally comes at a higher price point.
If your cat is accustomed to crystal litter, then the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box presents an excellent method to leverage its advantages. The system automatically sifts through the litter 20 minutes post-use, segregating solid waste into a distinct area, while the silica crystals neutralize urine odors and other malodors. For those with one cat, the maintenance routine involves merely discarding the entire litter tray once a month. This model ensures an exceptionally quiet operation and an efficient waste removal process, practically eliminating direct contact with or sight of cat waste.
However, this convenience translates to the recurring expense of purchasing new crystal litter trays more frequently, which can accumulate over time. Although it’s feasible to manually empty the waste compartment without replacing the entire litter tray, this process was found to be cumbersome by our tester, requiring the removal of the device’s top section.
In a domestic environment, the PetSafe ScoopFree proved to be proficient in self-cleaning and maintaining a fresh atmosphere. Unlike bulkier models like the Litter-Robot 4, its more compact design is especially suitable for smaller living spaces, making it an ideal choice for apartment residents. There’s also a “smart” variant available, featuring a hood and Wi-Fi connectivity for app integration.
Dimensions: 27.6 x 19.1 x 15.7 inches | Weight: 19.3 pounds | Entry: 8.7 x 9.3 inches | Colors: Gray
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Final Assessment
For those seeking to eliminate the chore of litter maintenance, our top pick for an automatic litter box is the Whisker Litter-Robot 4. It represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering an intuitive user experience and silent functionality. However, for households with several cats, we suggest the PETKIT PuraMax. This model boasts a spacious interior, an ample waste compartment, and enhanced features for odor control.
In your quest to find a litter box solution superior to manual scooping, there are several well-regarded and top-selling options worth considering. Below are our initial impressions of three alternative automatic litter boxes that were evaluated during the compilation of this guide.
Cleanpethome Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box: A notable bestseller on Amazon, this model shares similarities with the Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too. While we have not tested it personally, preliminary research indicates that it’s an affordable choice that generally performs well. However, it reportedly has some drawbacks compared to our top automatic litter box picks, such as misalignment issues between the cylinder and entryway and a noisier cleaning process. We aim to conduct more thorough testing on this model in the future.
Purina Tidy Cats Breeze XL Litter System: Among our preferred choices for multi-cat households, this system is not fully automatic but offers innovative hybrid features distinct from traditional litter boxes. It uses special pellet litter placed over a pad-absorbing tray to separate solid and liquid waste, effectively minimizing odors. While it doesn’t automate the cleaning process, it can significantly reduce unpleasant smells.
Omega Paw Elite Roll ‘n Clean Litter Box: This product introduces a unique concept—a litter box that separates waste by tumbling the litter into a compartment. However, our evaluation found it less convenient than anticipated, requiring multiple rolls to sift out waste completely and necessitating additional cleaning of the internal grate. The construction quality also left something to be desired.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Automatic Litter Box
Litter Compatibility
While many of the automatic litter boxes we suggest support various types of litter, there are notable exceptions. For instance, several models do not perform well with wood-based pellets or softer litters. Typically, automatic litter boxes function by sifting out solid clumps from consistent litter types, making clay-based, clumping litter a prime choice. For our evaluations, unless we were testing a litter box designed for unique litter types, we opted for Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra litter—a cost-effective, clay-based option known for its clumping efficiency.
We observed that automatic litter boxes with a cylindrical design often lead to more litter being tracked outside the box due to their open structure. This observation might make certain pellet litters or coarser-grained litters less likely to adhere to your cat’s paws and be spread throughout your home, a preferable option.
Silica crystal-based litter boxes are another recommendation, especially for those seeking to avoid clay dust. Silica crystals are effective at odor absorption. However, it’s advisable to gradually introduce your cat to crystal litter before transitioning to an automatic litter box to ensure they adapt comfortably to the new litter type.
Size
Automatic litter boxes generally require more space than traditional ones. Our top pick, the Litter-Robot 4, is quite large. Pre-measuring your allocated area is essential, though keep in mind that a litter box that fits might still make the space feel tight or cluttered. Automatic litter boxes typically fall into one of two designs: rotating cylinders or those utilizing electric rakes for cleaning. Cylinder models are taller and can dominate a small room, whereas rake-based litter boxes usually have a more compact, lower profile.
Additional Costs
Investing in an automatic litter box often means a higher initial cost, with prices ranging between $150 and $650, surpassing that of traditional litter boxes. Additionally, these devices frequently incur ongoing costs. We’ve made an effort to highlight instances where a litter box requires proprietary accessories, such as specific bags, which can add to the long-term financial commitment. While there might be alternative solutions like using standard trash bags, the litter box typically performs optimally with bags tailored for its specific design. Further maintenance expenses may arise from the need for odor-neutralizing filters or deodorizing sprays.
FAQs
How Can You Encourage Cats to Use an Automatic Litter Box?
To acclimate your cat to an automatic litter box, introduce the device gradually. Start by placing the new litter box near the old one, keeping it turned off initially. Fill it with litter to attract your cat with a familiar smell, even though you won’t use its automatic features right away.
After your cat seems comfortable with the new box, initiate the cleaning cycle a few times daily at consistent intervals, allowing your cat to familiarize themselves with its routine operation. Encourage your cat to use the box with praise, treats, or playtime when they do.
If your cat hesitates to use the box, consider adding catnip or a special training litter that attracts cats to the automatic box. Once your cat regularly uses the box, wait at least a week before removing the old litter box.
How Frequently Should Automatic Litter Boxes Be Cleaned?
Cleaning frequency for automatic litter boxes varies based on the model and the number of cats using it. However, a thorough cleaning and complete litter replacement should occur at least once a month, or more frequently in multi-cat households.
Do Automatic Litter Boxes Eliminate Odors?
While automatic litter boxes can minimize odors by promptly removing waste, eliminating all smells is unrealistic. The strength of odor can be influenced by your cat’s diet and health. With appropriate use—ensuring the box isn’t overwhelmed by too many cats and is regularly cleaned—the resulting odors should be fleeting and less intense than those from a standard litter box.
