Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats
(Updated January 2025)
Are you looking for a self-cleaning litter box that keeps your home fresh and your cat happy? We’ve reviewed the top self-cleaning litter boxes for 2024 to help you find the perfect one for your feline friend. With expert insights and thorough testing, we’ve ranked the best options based on performance, design, and ease of use.
1
Best Overall
PetSafe ScoopFree® SmartSpin™ Self-Cleaning Litter Box
(Exceptional)
$$$$
- Tracks your cat's weight and usage via the SmartSpin™ app
- Sealed waste drawer for 4x better odor control
- Quiet motor operation
- Uses regular clumping litter
- Sleek, modern design with faux wood legs
Why We Love It:
This self-cleaning litter box offers fantastic odor control, and the app integration adds peace of mind by monitoring your cat’s health. The setup is easy, and its quiet operation keeps your home peaceful.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Great for Large Homes
2
PetSnowy Snow+ Self-Cleaning Litter Box
(Outstanding)
$$$$
- Automatically packs waste for easier cleanup
- Sealed waste drawer for 4x better odor control
- Quiet operation
- Works with all clumping litters
- Modern design fits into any home decor
Why We Love It:
The PetSnowy Snow+ Self-Cleaning Litter Box offers superior odor control and prevents leakage from high-spraying cats. We also love that it doesn’t actually LOOK like a litter box, so it fits into your home’s decor just about anywhere you choose to put it.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
3
CATLINK Self Cleaning Litter Box - Scooper Luxury Pro-X
(Outstanding)
$$$$
- Four smart modes for automatic scooping
- Detects and identifies individual cats
- Real-time health monitoring and reports for each cat
- Triple odor-removal system
Why We Love It:
The CATLINK Luxury Pro-X is one of the few automatic litter boxes to offer advanced health monitoring for multiple kitties. Combined with the triple odor-removal system and the highly customized cleaning modes, it’s one of the best options for multi-cat families.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Best For Large Cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
4
Leo’s Loo Too Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
(Very Good)
$$$$
- Whisper-quiet sifting technology (30 decibels)
- App integration for remote control
- Alexa and Google Voice Assistant compatibility
- Programmable UV light for disinfection
- Large waste drawer for easy maintenance
Why We Love It:
Leo’s Loo Too is a stylish, smart litter box with advanced safety features and a UV light to keep the litter box clean and fresh. While slightly smaller, it’s a great alternative for those looking for modern design and efficiency.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Best For Large Cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
5
PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box
(Good)
$$$$
- Pre-filled with PetSafe crystal cat litter
- Disposable litter trays for easy maintenance
- Automatically cleans for up to 30 days
- Rakes waste into a covered compartment
- Simple setup and no scooping required
Why We Love It:
The PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Litter Box offers convenience with its disposable litter trays and ease of use. It’s ideal for single-cat households, though it may require more frequent changes for multiple cats. While the ongoing cost of disposable trays may add up, it remains a solid choice for those looking for an affordable, no-scoop solution.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Best For Large Cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
Honorable Mentions:
While these litter boxes didn’t make our top 5, they’re still worth considering:
CatGenie A.I. Self-Washing, Self-Flushing Litter Box
(Good)
$$$$
- Self-washing and flushing system, no traditional litter
- Requires installation to plumbing
- Uses washable granules and SaniSolution for cleaning
Why We Love It:
A unique, hands-off solution that washes and flushes your cat’s litter. Ideal for those who don’t mind the initial setup and ongoing costs but want maximum automation.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Best For Large Cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Litter Box
(Good)
$$$$
- 12 safety sensors, app-controlled
- Odor-removing system, suitable for multi-cat households
Why We Love It:
PETKIT Pura X offers excellent safety features and odor control. Though a bit noisier, it’s perfect for tech-savvy cat owners who want smart control over their litter box.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
LitterMaid Automatic Multi-Cat Litter Box
(Fair)
$
- Automatic scooping rake, ideal for multi-cat households
- Carbon filters for odor control, but needs frequent maintenance
Why We Love It:
A very affordable option with basic self-cleaning functionality. Great for multi-cat homes, but it requires more hands-on upkeep than higher-end models.
Suitable For:
- Great For Small cats
- Great for Small Homes
- Best for Large Homes
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO AUTOMATIC LITTER BOXES
The concept behind automatic litter boxes is simple: they clean themselves, reducing the need for daily scooping. This technology helps keep your home cleaner and minimizes the effort required to maintain your cat’s litter area. The main goal is convenience for cat owners and a more sanitary environment for your pets.
HOW AUTOMATIC LITTER BOXES WORK
An automatic litter box typically follows these steps:
1
The Cat Uses the Box
When your cat enters the litter box, sensors detect its presence. Some models also measure the cat’s weight to trigger the cleaning cycle.
2
The Waste is Collected
After your cat exits, the system waits for a short period before beginning the cleaning process. This delay allows clumps to solidify for more efficient removal.
3
The Cleaning Process Activates
The litter box uses different mechanisms—such as a rake, rotating drum, or conveyor belt—to separate the waste from the clean litter.
4
Waste is Deposited into a Container
The collected waste is stored in a sealed compartment, which you can empty periodically without touching any litter.
CHOOSING THE BEST AUTOMATIC LITTER BOX FOR YOUR CAT
Finding the right automatic litter box depends on your specific needs. Consider these factors:
Cat Size and Weight
Some litter boxes are designed for larger cats, while others suit smaller breeds. Look for models with adjustable sensor settings for different cat weights.
Number of Cats in the Household
Multi-cat households may require a model designed for more frequent use and higher waste capacity.
Type of Litter
While most automatic litter boxes work with clumping clay litter, some models are compatible with crystals or alternative litter types.
Budget
Prices for automatic litter boxes can range widely, depending on features and durability.
COMPARING AUTOMATIC LITTER BOX FEATURES
Each automatic litter box offers a unique combination of features, with trade-offs involved:
Self-Cleaning Mechanism
Different models use raking, rotating drums, or conveyor belts to collect waste.
Odor Control
Features like carbon filters or sealed waste containers help manage odors effectively.
Ease of Maintenance
Look for models with easy-to-replace waste compartments and washable components.
Noise Level
Some litter boxes operate more quietly than others, which might be important for light sleepers or noise-sensitive cats.
PROS
Less Maintenance:
Fewer daily scooping tasks for owners.
Odor Control:
Better odor management with sealed compartments.
Ideal for Multi-Cat Households:
Handles frequent usage.
Cleaner Environment:
Automatic cleaning keeps the litter box fresher.
CONS
Initial Cost:
Automatic models are pricier than standard litter boxes.
Maintenance Requirements:
Regular cleaning of sensors and moving parts is necessary.
Potential for Malfunctions:
Mechanical parts may occasionally fail, requiring repairs.
CHOOSING THE BEST SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOX FOR YOUR NEEDS
Not sure where to start? Follow these steps to find the right model:
Choose a model that balances features with affordability.
Some cats may not take to automatic litter boxes right away. Look for models that offer manual modes to ease the transition.
Some models are larger and may not fit in compact areas. Make sure to measure your space before purchasing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do automatic litter boxes work for multiple cats?
Yes, many models are specifically designed for multi-cat households. These typically feature higher waste capacity and faster cleaning cycles to accommodate the increased usage. However, it’s essential to ensure that the litter box you choose can handle the waste volume without requiring frequent emptying. Look for models labeled as suitable for multi-cat homes to avoid overloading the system.
How often should you empty an automatic litter box?
The frequency depends on the model and the number of cats using it. For single-cat households, some models may only need to be emptied once every 7-10 days. For multi-cat households, emptying may be required every 3-5 days. Keep an eye on the waste drawer or notifications from the app (if applicable) to ensure it doesn’t overflow, as this can affect functionality and odor control.
What happens if the litter box malfunctions?
If your automatic litter box malfunctions, most manufacturers provide customer support, troubleshooting guides, or replacement parts. Common issues include blocked mechanisms, sensor errors, or software glitches (in smart models). Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent many problems. In cases where the box becomes unusable, check the warranty for repair or replacement options.
