Self-cleaning cat litter boxes, also known as automatic litter boxes, clean up cat waste for you and are particularly useful in households with multiple cats. However, with an array of types and functions to choose from and multiple offerings from brands like Litter-Robot, PETKIT, and more, it's difficult to know which is right for you and your cat.
At mybest, we think the best automatic cat litter box is a one that minimizes the burden of cleanup and allows you to easily check on your cat’s health. We will also explain the best way to choose a self-cleaning litter box, realized via our thorough review process, so you can use it as a reference when purchasing.
Sheri Rydyznski is a professional pet care service provider who operates Fetch.Sit.Stay. Cincinnati. LLC. When she’s not busy providing care for clients, she is an avid audiophile, curious traveler, entertaining raconteur and content creator for @fetch_sit_stay. She lives in the Greater Cincinnati, OH area with her husband and spirited tortie, Mischief.
Maki is a lecturer in the Animal Clinical Nutrition Education Research Lab at the Yamazaki University of Animal Health Technology's Department of Veterinary Nursing. She specializes in the nutrition of dogs and cats, conducting research and educational activities on cat pet food, hydration, and urination behavior. Maki is affiliated with the Japanese Society of Veterinary Nursing and the Japanese Society of Pet Animal Nutrition and holds qualifications as a veterinary nurse and a pet nutritionist. She has been awarded three times for her presentations on veterinary nursing education and animal nutrition at academic conferences by the Japanese Society of Veterinary Nursing. She is also the author of "The Great Book of Good Things for Cats" (published by Shufu no Tomo).
Eiichi Ishikawa is a first-generation olfactory measurement operator, which is nationally recognized in Japan, making him an expert on smells. Eiichi is also a licensed odor control advisor. After working at two companies specializing in odor control, Eiichi launched his own firm as an odor detective, working with various TV shows, magazines, and major companies to test the deodorizing properties of various products as well as provides technical guidance.
Since joining mybest, Nanako Sekiguchi has mainly overseen pet-related content. She has experience testing and comparing more than 350 pet products, from cat litter to pet strollers. Utilizing her own experience of living with dogs and cats, she strives to create content from both the perspectives of pets and their owners so that they can select products for a more comfortable and enjoyable life.
For ease of cleaning, we set the standard for user satisfaction as a product that accurately collects only the soiled litter, regardless of where the cat excretes.
We established the criteria for a product with excellent ease of maintenance as one that minimizes the burden required to significantly reduce daily cleanup.
We defined a product that makes health monitoring easy as one that is designed to accurately obtain all data on weight, number of visits, and duration of stay, enabling owners to notice any abnormalities immediately.
We defined the standard for a product to have excellent odor control as one that prevents the smell of cat waste to the point that it is not noticeable in daily life.
We set the standard for a product with excellent ease of operation as one equipped with convenient, easy-to-use features as well as user support, giving owners peace of mind.
We have defined the criteria for highly satisfactory products with excellent App Usability as "Those evaluated as more user-friendly by testers who have cat-raising experience and are attentive to their cat's health."
As products that provide sufficient quietness while in operation, the standard that users can be very satisfied with is defined as "products that have little operational noise no matter where they are placed, such as in a bedroom or workroom."
We set the standard for products that excel in safety and satisfy users as "products that function correctly with safety features and can be used without worrying about tipping over or concerns for cats."
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Table of Contents
Automatic cat litter boxes can be expensive, so you may wonder whether they’re worth the price. Here, we will introduce the pros and cons of self-cleaning litter boxes.
All the products featured in this article come with safety features and performed well in our tests. We also didn't find any parts that might lead to injuries, so if you set it up correctly and follow the manufacturer's instructions, you can confidently use any of these litter boxes for your cats.
Maintaining the box itself can be quite difficult, so if you're not certain you can clean it regularly, or if you only have one cat, a regular litter box may be better.
However, for those concerned about handling waste and odors, an automatic litter box can reduce the burden, making it worth considering.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes.
To maintain a hygeniec litter box, regular cleaning is essential. However, maintaining automatic litter boxes can be a chore due to their size and structure. Here, we will share the key features to prioritize to ensure easy maintenance.
The ease of maintaining an automatic cat litter box comes down to how easily you can remove the parts that get dirty. So, look for boxes that allow you to remove three key parts without tools: the dome, the litter storage area, and the drainboard.
The dome, where the cat enters, needs to be removed for cleaning. We recommend boxes that connect either magnetically or with hooks, as these are the easiest to take off and put back together tool-free.
Of course, the litter area itself also requires frequent cleaning. The drainboard or grate separates the soiled cat litter and feces from the unused litter, which dirt tends to stick to. Being able to remove and wash these parts makes it easier to prevent odors and dirt buildup.
The general guideline for washing the main body is once a month, but ideally, you should clean it as soon as it gets dirty. Neglecting this can cause an accumulation of odor and dirt, making your cat hold its waste and potentially causing sickness. It's important to choose something easy to maintain not only for you but for your cat’s health and well-being.
Traditionally, cats do not like to use a dirty toilet again. The automatic litter box is an advantage to keep cleanliness at all times, but it would be a complete disaster if the box itself gets dirty. Regular maintenance should be considered.
Another feature that will make your life as a pet owner easier is one that completely disposes of the litter for you.
All you’ll need to do is set a garbage bag in the dust box and press a button on the app or the device to fully dispose of all the litter inside. Without this feature, you need to hold the dome and throw the contents away from the open part. Save yourself the hassle and check the detailed information in our rankings to choose a model with this feature.
Note that you should throw out and replace all the kitty litter once a month to maintain the hygiene of your cat's toilet environment.
While automatic litter boxes can also monitor your cat's toilet habits, the data they collect varies from product to product. Below, we will introduce three key elements you may want to measure and record, along with recommended products.
To detect changes in your beloved cat's health as soon as possible, choose a litter tray that can measure three things: weight, the frequency of excretion, and how long they spend inside.
Weight is a fundamental health parameter. With the ability to record your cat's weight every time it uses the litter box, it will be easier to notice any changes. Automatic litter boxes typically measure to the nearest 100 grams.
The frequency monitor records the number of times your cat enters the toilet. While you can't distinguish whether it's urination or defecation, if you know the average healthy frequency, you'll be quick to notice any abnormalities.
The dwell time records the number of seconds your cat spends in the litter box. Depending on the cat, this actually can discern whether it's urination or defecation, and an increase in dwell time could help you recognize signs of constipation or urinary tract disease.
Detailed information in the ranking indicates whether each feature is available, so be sure to check it out.
During tests of the weight function's accuracy, we found that there can be some discrepancies depending on the product or measurement location. Additionally, occasional adjustments to the weight function may be necessary. Don't rely too heavily on the numerical values from automatic litter boxes, and be diligent in making corrections and managing if there are significant errors.
The basic premise is that the most reliable sources are the pet owners themselves or health checks at the vet. It's fine to leave some parts up to the automatic litter box, but please routinely check your cat's weight and test the condition of the waste in the tray yourself.
The most appealing feature of PETKIT's PuraMax is the ability to easily understand each cat's excretion data on the home screen of the app. The color-coded graphs and usage history allow you to visually grasp the data for each cat. Moreover, long-term graphs are easy to view, enabling you to assess weekly, monthly, and annual data.
In tests for the app’s ease of use, we received feedback such as "It's convenient to be able to easily filter the data for each cat" and "The app functions are abundant, and it seems easy to use daily once accustomed".
Although there’s room for improvement, this is a relatively easy-to-use product among those available and the most convenient option for understanding your cat’s health status.
The most important thing is that the pet owner finds it easy to use. Depending on the person, there might be too much information or the text might be too small, so please refer to the product images and choose according to your own preferences.
While we love our pets, cleaning up after them isn’t always the most pleasant experience. In this section, we will introduce some key points to help those who would like to limit waste cleanup as much as possible.
If you want to handle waste as hygienically as possible, we recommend products that use sealed bags. This helps contain odors from the tray, limiting any unwelcome smells in the room.
Moreover, since the bag comes out sealed, all you have to do is tie it up and throw it in the trash. By eliminating the need to touch any dirty parts, you can clean up quickly without the risk of it getting on your hands.
Dustbins with non-sealing bags allow waste odors to rise as soon as you open them. Plus, the inside of the bag can get messy during the waste removal process, so you could end up dirtying your hands when tying up the bag.
Another option is to choose a dustbin equipped with an odor-eliminating fan or a compartment for deodorizers. However, bear in mind that these features may not have a significant effect.
If you're hoping for deodorizing power, the best thing to do is change the cat litter. But keep in mind that it’s difficult to completely eliminate unpleasant odors from the litter box itself.
The key to minimizing unpleasant smells and dirt is certainly thorough cleaning. Maintenance is indispensable in preventing dirt and odors from accumulating.
We’re sure many people considering a self-cleaning litter box are wondering how noisy they are. Here’s what to look for if you plan to put it in a quiet place, such as a bedroom or study.
A noise level of 45 dB can be likened to that in a quiet library or an inner city late at night. Therefore, automatic litter boxes that emit this near-silent level (or less) shouldn’t disturb you while you're sleeping.
Noise levels over 45 dB, meanwhile, are as loud as an air conditioner unit or quiet snoring, which can be bothersome to some people during rest or concentration periods. It’s best to avoid litter boxes in this range if you’re noise-sensitive or a light sleeper.
Fortunately, we didn't come across any excessively noisy products during our tests. So if you plan to place the box in the living room, utility room, or other space where you don't prioritize quietness, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Most products have a sleep mode setting. If you're bothered by the noise, you can stop it from operating during the night.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cleaning Performance | Ease of Operation | Ease of Maintenance | App Usability | Health Monitoring | Odor Control | Noise Level | Safety | Width | Depth | Height | Weight | Entrance Height | Entrance Size | Dust Box Capacity | Recommended Number of Cats Per Box | Smartphone App | Compatible Cat Litter | Recommended Weight | Processing Type | Material | Weight Measurement | Records Potty Frequency | Records Potty Duration | Cat Identification Feature | Safety Features | Deodorizer Pocket | Dome Washable | Dome Dismantlable | Complete Litter Disposal | ||||||
1 | PETKIT PuraMax | ![]() | 4.62 | mybest's Top Choice: Easy to Maintain and Use for You and Your Cat | 4.90 | 4.50 | 4.50 | 4.40 | 4.55 | 4.70 | 4.63 | 4.68 | 24.4 in. | 21.18 in. | 21.73 in. | 487.2 oz. | 7.87 in. | 10.03 x 7.87 in. | 7 L | Up to 2 cats | Clumping mineral-based, Clumping soy-based | Up to 18 lb. | Dome vertical rotation type | ABS Plastic | |||||||||||
2 | PetSnowy Snow+ Self Cleaning Litter Box white&brown | ![]() | 4.59 | A Great Option for Odorless, Hands-Off Cleanup | 4.65 | 4.39 | 4.75 | 4.30 | 4.55 | 4.80 | 4.41 | 4.55 | 29.5 in. | 20 in. | 25.6 in. | 720 oz. | 8.7 in. | 8.7 x 8.7 in. | 10 L | Up to 4 cats | Clumping mineral-based, Silica gel | 3.3 - 20 lb. | Dome horizontal rotation | ABS | |||||||||||
3 | whisker Litter-Robot|Litter-Robot 4 Black | ![]() | 4.34 | Easy to Maintain and Good for Larger Cats Thanks to Its Wide Opening | 4.65 | 4.50 | 4.34 | 3.90 | 3.94 | 4.55 | 4.45 | 4.55 | 22 in. | 27 in. | 29.5 in. | 384 oz. | 15.75 in. | 15.75 x 15.75 in. | 12 L | Up to 4 cats | Clumping mineral-based | Min: 3 lb. | Dome horizontal rotation | unknown | |||||||||||
4 | MEEGEEM Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box |S1 | ![]() | 3.97 | Simple and Stable, but Only Limited Data Tracking | 4.34 | 4.42 | 3.88 | 4.10 | 3.09 | 4.50 | 4.04 | 4.78 | 22 in. | 22 in. | 26 in. | 251.04 oz. | 12 in. | 9.84 x 8.66 in. | 15 L | Up to 2 cats | Clumping mineral-based, Clumping wood-based, Clumping paper-based, Clumping soy-based | 2.2 - 22 lb. | Dome horizontal rotation | unknown | |||||||||||
5 | Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too Avocado Green | ![]() | 3.90 | Handles Cleanup Easily, but It’s Hard to Grasp the Cat’s Health Condition | 4.90 | 4.09 | 3.63 | 3.90 | 3.00 | 4.45 | 4.04 | 4.73 | 22 in. | 24 in. | 27.5 in. | 440 oz. | 14.4 in. | 9.05 x 9.05 in. | 6 L | Up to 2 cats | Clumping cat litter | Max: 55 lb. | Dome horizontal rotation type | Plastic |
Width | 24.4 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 21.18 in. |
Height | 21.73 in. |
Entrance Height | 7.87 in. |
Dust Box Capacity | 7 L |
Complete Litter Disposal |
What we loved
What we didn't love
PETKIT is a brand dedicated to creating products with both smart design and great functionality. The PuraMax also offers the option to add a specially designed deodorizer, so if you're concerned about smells, check it out.
In the disposal tests, this product processed waste every time, no matter where it was. The safety function was also excellent, keeping the box stable even if jumped on. With no dangerous parts, you can use this box with peace of mind.
The dome can be easily removed using the magnetic cover and hooks, and both the litter storage area and grate are simple to remove and therefore keep clean. Since the litter box is at the front, it is easy to open, with a full discard function that makes it very user-friendly.
As for the app, the home screen is clear and intuitive, and its features are abundant. It offers data capture for weight, number of excretions, and duration, with individual graphs for each cat that make it easy to keep track of all your pets’ health. The scale is also very accurate, never exceeding 100 grams. However, some terms used are confusing, and the sheer amount of features may be overwhelming for some.
The odor emitted was barely noticeable a week after initial use, most likely because the opening is smaller than in other products. There was a faint smell during the emptying process, but not enough to be uncomfortable. Finally, with an operating noise of just 43.7 dB, this very quiet litter box won’t disturb you, even if placed in a bedroom or study.
Whether you have one cat or several, this is the best automatic cat toilet that is easy to use and keeps clean and hygienic.
Weight | 487.2 oz. |
---|---|
Entrance Size | 10.03 x 7.87 in. |
Smartphone App | |
Compatible Cat Litter | Clumping mineral-based, Clumping soy-based |
Recommended Weight | Up to 18 lb. |
Processing Type | Dome vertical rotation type |
Material | ABS Plastic |
Safety Features | |
Deodorizer Pocket | |
Dome Washable | |
Dome Dismantlable |
Width | 29.5 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 20 in. |
Height | 25.6 in. |
Entrance Height | 8.7 in. |
Dust Box Capacity | 10 L |
Complete Litter Disposal |
What we loved
What we didn't love
If you’re still on the fence about an automatic litter box, consider the Snow+ Self Cleaning Litter Box from California-based PetSnowy, which offers a 30-day trial period.
During our tests, this litter box handled all solid cat litter without any problems. The safety features also worked well, and we found no potentially harmful parts. However, its taller height makes it somewhat unstable, causing concern that it could tip over if jumped on. This brought its score down in the evaluation.
The dome is easily detachable just by lifting it off, and the litter storage and grate can also be removed by hand. It's simple to manage accumulated waste thanks to the opening, plus it comes with the coveted full litter disposal function.
The app is user-friendly, with appealing colors, large icons, and all the information you need on the home screen. With a maximum error of only 100 g, even with movement, it’s safe to say that the scale accuracy is excellent. Also, since it allows you to monitor weight, frequency, and duration, managing your cat's health will be a breeze.
With a barely noticeable odor and a pre-sealed waste bag function, you can clean up quickly without unpleasant smells. The operating noise of 45.9 dB is relatively quiet, but it may bother people who are very sensitive to noise. You may want to avoid placing this one in the bedroom or office.
Overall, this is a great option to consider for those who are sensitive to odors or have a strong aversion to handling waste.
Weight | 720 oz. |
---|---|
Entrance Size | 8.7 x 8.7 in. |
Smartphone App | |
Compatible Cat Litter | Clumping mineral-based, Silica gel |
Recommended Weight | 3.3 - 20 lb. |
Processing Type | Dome horizontal rotation |
Material | ABS |
Safety Features | |
Deodorizer Pocket | |
Dome Washable | |
Dome Dismantlable |
Width | 22 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 27 in. |
Height | 29.5 in. |
Entrance Height | 15.75 in. |
Dust Box Capacity | 12 L |
Complete Litter Disposal |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Litter-Robot 4 by Whisker has been meticulously designed for comfortable use by cats of all sizes. Besides self-cleaning litter boxes, the brand also sells automatic feeders and cat litter, so you can grab everything you need at once.
This product scored well in our tests for waste removal and safety, making short work of all used cat litter and offering fully functioning safety features. The wide opening also makes it easy to clean. Again, however, while the larger size is a plus, it’s less stable and thus a worry if your cat decides to jump on it.
Other plus points are that its dome is easily removable by simply pressing the side button, and it also comes with a full litter disposal function.
The app has good-sized icons and text, but some elements are difficult to use intuitively, as it takes a while to locate and access the functions you need. It’s also not ideal that it can only record weight and visit frequency. On the upside, it offers the desired maximum 100 g weight error.
It contained odors well, even after a week, but when you pull out the litter disposal the accumulated waste is exposed. This caused the smell to linger when cleaning up, which is a disadvantage. Finally, while the operating noise is fairly quiet at 45.5 dB, it could still disturb some people. This litter box functions well but is best placed in rooms where noise isn’t an issue.
Weight | 384 oz. |
---|---|
Entrance Size | 15.75 x 15.75 in. |
Smartphone App | |
Compatible Cat Litter | Clumping mineral-based |
Recommended Weight | Min: 3 lb. |
Processing Type | Dome horizontal rotation |
Material | unknown |
Safety Features | |
Deodorizer Pocket | |
Dome Washable | |
Dome Dismantlable |
Width | 22 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 22 in. |
Height | 26 in. |
Entrance Height | 12 in. |
Dust Box Capacity | 15 L |
Complete Litter Disposal |
What we loved
What we didn't love
MEEGEEM specializes in automatic litter boxes for cats. This model features a radar sensor that pauses operation when a cat approaches.
During our tests, it had no issues collecting waste, though we noticed litter can easily get underneath the dome. This was one of the best performers in safety tests, as it did not move an inch even with the weight of a cat jumping on it. With no worry about it tipping over and no unsafe parts, your furry friend won’t come to any harm.
As for maintenance, the grate and litter drawer can be removed by hand, but you’ll have to unscrew the dome for a full clean, which could soon feel like a hassle. Fortunately, the dust box is at the front for easy access and there’s a complete litter disposal function to make up for it.
The app is a mixed bag. While intuitive and user-friendly on first impression, it uses a strange combination of upper and lowercase letters and confusing function names like 'clean' and 'clearance'. It can also only record and display weight in kilograms and does not measure in 100 g units. For keeping track of your cat's health, this may be insufficient.
Although we couldn't detect much odor escaping from the dome, the litter box and accumulated waste were left exposed. The fact that smells easily linger during cleanup isn’t ideal. Additionally, the operational noise of 49.6 dB would be noticeable in a workspace or bedroom, so it won’t suit those placing it in these parts of the home.
Weight | 251.04 oz. |
---|---|
Entrance Size | 9.84 x 8.66 in. |
Smartphone App | |
Compatible Cat Litter | Clumping mineral-based, Clumping wood-based, Clumping paper-based, Clumping soy-based |
Recommended Weight | 2.2 - 22 lb. |
Processing Type | Dome horizontal rotation |
Material | unknown |
Safety Features | |
Deodorizer Pocket | |
Dome Washable | |
Dome Dismantlable |
Width | 22 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 24 in. |
Height | 27.5 in. |
Entrance Height | 14.4 in. |
Dust Box Capacity | 6 L |
Complete Litter Disposal |
What we loved
What we didn't love
A more style-focused option, Casa Leo’s Loo Too is available in a choice of four colorways: gray, blue, pink, and this smart avocado green.
This litter box earned good scores for waste removal, collecting all the used cat litter. But it really impressed in the safety tests. Thanks to the wide sensor positioning, the safety functions turn on as soon as a cat approaches. The risk of tipping over is also unlikely and there were no parts that could cause injury, so you can leave your cat home alone without worry.
Once you've removed the cover, you can easily lift off the dome. However, you'll need to unscrew the grate, and you can't remove the litter section. The opening is also narrow. Although the litter tray is conveniently located up front, there's no full disposal function, so you'll have to lift the dome and dispose of the soiled litter each time. All of these points will make it more of a hassle to clean and maintain.
The app is simple and intuitive, but there’s very little information available. For example, it only records weight, and this data isn’t shown in a graph. Also, the measured weight can vary by up to 1.76 lbs depending on your cat’s position, so its accuracy isn’t great either.
While the dome contained odors both immediately and a week later, the smell tended to linger when testers opened it for waste removal. If you’re looking for something with an undetectable smell, this won’t fit the bill. Finally, the noise level of 49.6 dB might be slightly annoying in bedrooms or workspaces.
Weight | 440 oz. |
---|---|
Entrance Size | 9.05 x 9.05 in. |
Smartphone App | |
Compatible Cat Litter | Clumping cat litter |
Recommended Weight | Max: 55 lb. |
Processing Type | Dome horizontal rotation type |
Material | Plastic |
Safety Features | |
Deodorizer Pocket | |
Dome Washable | |
Dome Dismantlable |
mybest defines the best self-cleaning cat litter box as one that minimizes the burden of cleanup and allows you to check your cat’s health easily.
To find the best product, we collected five popular automatic cat litter boxes that were either top sellers or new releases from each manufacturer and used eight specific criteria to evaluate and rank them:
Cleaning Performance
Ease of Maintenance
Health Monitoring
Odor Control
Ease of Operation
App Usability
Noise Level
Safety
Products we tested
For ease of cleaning, we set the standard for user satisfaction as a product that accurately collects only the soiled litter, regardless of where the cat excretes.
The testers checked each product and marked them based on the following points, then converted their recommendation level into a score.
Collect only the wet part (hardened cat litter) and do not take excess cat litter
Does dirty cat litter get into places other than the tray?
Does it collect waste regardless of where the cat defecates?
We established the criteria for a product with excellent ease of maintenance as one that minimizes the burden required to significantly reduce daily cleanup.
The testers checked each product and marked them based on the following points, then converted their recommendation level into a score.
The maximum weight of parts to be removed during cleaning (excluding the dome)
The weight of the dome itself
Whether the dome can be disassembled
The size of the litter tray
How the parts can be removed during cleaning
The entrance size
Ease of removing the grate
We defined a product that makes health monitoring easy as one that is designed to accurately obtain all data on weight, number of visits, and duration of stay, enabling owners to notice any abnormalities immediately.
The testers checked each product and marked them based on the following points, then converted their recommendation level into a score.
Whether it records weight, visit frequency, and duration of stay
Ability to check visit time, frequency, and duration for multiple cats per day
Whether the data can be reviewed on a medium to long-term basis
Whether the values fluctuate depending on the location
Whether there is only a small margin of error
We defined the standard for a product to have excellent odor control as one that prevents the smell of cat waste to the point that it is not noticeable in daily life.
Eiichi Ishikawa, an odor judge, checked the smell omitted from the main body and the smell during waste disposal under the following conditions, then scored each product based on his recommendation level.
Use of cat pee diluted from used cat litter
Drizzle 30 ml of the solution into cat litter every 90 minutes
The same product is used for all cat litter
Smell 1 cm away from the dome and 30 cm away from the tray
Smell right after peeing
Odor 8 hours after peeing for 1 day (4 times)
Odor after 1 week of peeing for 1 week (20 times)
<Odor when changing the litter>
Odor when opening the litter box in which excrement has accumulated for one day (after 8 hours)
The smell of opening a dust box filled with a week's worth of excrement
No products were found to omit odor with the dust box closed
We set the standard for a product with excellent ease of operation as one equipped with convenient, easy-to-use features as well as user support, giving owners peace of mind.
The testers checked each product and marked them based on the following points, then converted their recommendation level into a score.
Variety of cat litter available
Ease of setup
Availability of a cat litter disposal function
Litter tray location
Box specifications
Warranty period
Availability of support center
We have defined the criteria for highly satisfactory products with excellent App Usability as "Those evaluated as more user-friendly by testers who have cat-raising experience and are attentive to their cat's health."
Our reviewers actually touched and tested both the apps and physical units of each product, and rated their intuitive usability. We then quantified our recommendation level for each product by giving it a score.
Intuitive operation
Is it easy to understand in terms of language?
Are there any stressful parts when using it on a daily basis?
Is the size of the text and icons appropriate?
Are there any stressful areas in terms of colors or fonts?
As products that provide sufficient quietness while in operation, the standard that users can be very satisfied with is defined as "products that have little operational noise no matter where they are placed, such as in a bedroom or workroom."
Using a noise meter, we measured the sound produced by the automatic cat toilet unit twice from a distance of 1m during operation and calculated the average value. We set the upper limit at 40dB, which is considered quiet enough not to disturb sleep. Quieter items are given a higher score as recommended products.
Test Equipment: Sound Level Meter (Rion General Purpose Sound Level Meter NL-27)
Test Location: Measured in a room with approximately 38dB
Excluding the sounds of the cat litter moving and falling, only the operating noise was recorded
We set the standard for products that excel in safety and satisfy users as "products that function correctly with safety features and can be used without worrying about tipping over or concerns for cats."
Maki Arakawa, a researcher who specializes in cat toileting habits and holds a veterinarian license, has checked the safety of various automatic cat toilets and scored the recommendation level for each product.
Ensure that all products are set up properly with no problems
Check the manual in advance and understand the safety features described
Do the described safety features function properly?
Is there any danger of a cat jumping on it and falling over?
Are there any parts that could cause injury to the cat?
Buying an (often expensive) automatic litter box is pointless if your cat won't use it, right? Check out our tips to encourage your cat to use their new washroom below.
To help your cat get accustomed to its new litter box, follow these four tips.
1. Aside from replacing the box itself, ensure there are no other changes:
Don’t change the location of its litter tray, and avoid changing the litter type or surrounding layout. Definitely avoid introducing a new litter box when moving home or redecorating, as this can cause stress for the cat.
2. Leave the toilet they used until now:
We understand you might want your cat to start using its new self-cleaning litter box straight away, but removing their current one can put them off using it at all. It's essential to leave your cat’s current litter tray in its usual place until they get used to the new one. Ideally, you should also provide one regular litter tray per cat, plus the new automatic one.
3. Make sure it’s not too small:
It’s crucial to ensure that the litter box isn't too small for your cat. Automatic versions may look large, but the dome part where the cat enters can be surprisingly narrow. Be sure to check that your cat has enough room to enter comfortably.
4. Observe for at least three weeks:
Cats dislike change, so it’s perfectly normal for them to take time to get used to their new toilet. Never force them in, and observe their behavior for at least three weeks to a month.
To allow your cat to use its new bathroom comfortably and without stress, please be mindful of these points when introducing an automatic litter box.
Whether a cat likes an automatic toilet or not largely depends on the individual. Generally, it's said that the younger the cat, the easier it is to get used to a new toilet. So if you're considering buying one, it's recommended to introduce it early.
No. 1: PETKIT|PuraMax
No. 2: PetSnowy|Snow+ Self Cleaning Litter Box white&brown
No. 3: whisker|Litter-Robot|Litter-Robot 4 Black
No. 4: MEEGEEM|Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box |S1
No. 5: Casa Leo|Leo’s Loo Too Avocado Green
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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