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Danny's Cats

Litter and hygiene

Self-cleaning litter box

Also called Automatic litter box

Updated

What is a self-cleaning litter box?

A self-cleaning litter box is a powered box that separates waste from clean litter on its own after a cat leaves, usually by rotating a drum or globe that sifts clumps into a sealed drawer. Sensors, most often weight sensors, tell it when a cat is inside. You still empty the drawer, add litter and wash the box.

How does a self-cleaning litter box work?

Most run a cleaning cycle after a cat leaves: they turn a drum or globe so the clean litter passes through a screen and the clumps drop into a drawer. Whisker's Litter-Robot 4 works this way, and Whisker says it uses laser and weight sensors to detect a cat. A second design, PetSafe's ScoopFree Crystal Pro, drags a rake across a tray of crystal litter and pushes waste into a covered end of the tray.

Because the sensors work by weight, every model has a minimum cat weight, usually around 3 pounds, and many have a maximum too. Check both against your cat before buying.

What litter does a self-cleaning box need?

Sifting models need clumping litter, because only a solid clump can be separated from clean litter. Whisker recommends clumping clay for its Litter-Robots and advises against plant-based, pellet and non-clumping litters. Raking models like the Crystal Pro use their maker's own crystal litter trays instead. Cornell Feline Health Center advises switching litter gradually, mixing small amounts of the new into the old, so plan the change before the new box arrives.

Does a self-cleaning box replace a second litter box?

A self-cleaning box does not replace a second litter box. Cornell recommends as many litter boxes as cats, plus one, and the AAFP and ISFM house-soiling guidelines want boxes in separate places. A self-cleaning box counts as one box, however many cats its maker rates it for.

What to look for

  • A cat weight range that fits your cat, at both ends
  • The litter type the box needs, and whether your cat already uses it
  • How long the maker says the drawer lasts, and for how many cats
  • A semi-automatic or timer mode, if your cat may need time to get used to it

Losing sight of your cat's habits

When waste vanishes on its own, it is easy to miss a change in how often your cat goes. Cornell says any cat having trouble using the litter box consistently should be checked by a veterinarian, so keep watching, or use the box's visit log if it has one, and call your vet about a change.

Questions about self-cleaning litter box

Can kittens use a self-cleaning litter box?

Kittens usually cannot use a self-cleaning litter box in automatic mode. These boxes detect a cat by weight, so most need a cat of around 3 pounds before they run on their own. Whisker offers a semi-automatic mode for smaller kittens. Until then, a regular low-sided box is the simpler choice.

Will a self-cleaning litter box tell me if my cat is sick?

A self-cleaning litter box cannot tell you if your cat is sick. Some log visits and weigh your cat, which can help you notice a change, but none can diagnose anything. If your cat is visiting much more or less often, straining, or going outside the box, see your veterinarian.

Where this comes up

Sources