The 7 Best Automatic Litter Boxes of 2024
The prospect of automatic litter boxes is alluring—no more scooping litter!—but are they really that good? We conducted tests on 17 different automatic litter boxes in our New York testing lab and with eager feline volunteers at home (three automatic litter boxes were placed side by side in one tester’s basement, allowing her cats to select their favourite). Wet modeling compound “poops” for controlled simulations as well as actual cat behaviour in at-home settings were used to assess each for everything from performance to odour management.
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 was our undisputed winner, unseating the Litter-Robot Connect 3, which had been our previous top choice. Whisker’s Litter-Robot has undergone a complete makeover with an array of helpful functions, an intuitive UI, and a silent operation that won’t frighten away your kitties. It’s also quite simple to clean.
Although we had a preference, there are a few more automatic litter boxes that are as good options that can have a smaller footprint or a less expensive price tag.
Best Overall
Whisker Litter-Robot 4
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is a thorough improvement over the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, our previous “Best Overall” robotic litter box, rather than just a minor tweak. During laboratory testing and weeks of additional testing with live cats, our testers frequently complimented the Litter-Robot 4 on its capabilities, design enhancements, and general usability.
Although the exorbitant cost of the litter robot is difficult to stomach, Whisker has gone above and above to provide a premium user experience in order to offset the premium pricing. The Litter-Robot 4 comes completely constructed in the package, so setting it up is really simple. All you have to do is plug it in and download the Whisker app, which syncs with the gadget using a QR code on the back.
However, the Litter-Robot 4’s design—which places a more square-shaped base on top of a wide-open circular entrance—is probably the first thing you’ll notice about it. Compared to the previous Litter-Robot it is a major improvement as its entryway is much narrower—more than five inches narrower. Our home tester found that cats are more than happy to interact with the futuristic-looking apparatus, and the litter box’s entrance seems inviting, even intriguing.
The tester expressed their curiosity well. “My three cats took to it very quickly after the initial fear and confusion about it seemingly coming to life on its own!”
To operate, the Litter-Robot 4 keeps a supply of litter on top of a sturdy fabric hammock. The inside sphere slow-rolls, depositing the litter through a sieve that removes solid waste and puts the clean litter back in its original spot after your cat relieves itself. After that, the cat litter clumps are placed into a reservoir tray underneath.
weight and motion
The entrance’s sensors monitor weight and motion, making sure the Litter-Robot never starts a cleaning cycle while a cat is inside. Because it can distinguish between cats based on weight, this enables it to measure the amount of trash that is sorted and even generate personalized statistics for several cats. Kittens under three pounds only require caution, but until your cat is old enough to register, you can turn off the automatic sifter and clean manually by pressing a button.
Large, vibrant buttons adorn the Litter-Robot 4’s control panel, although there is a slight learning curve because to the abundance of cleaning and configuration options. There is a power button as well as buttons that say “Cycle,” “Reset,” “Empty,” and “Connect” for WiFi. Each button has various uses. The Cycle button, for instance, starts a cleaning. Alternatively, you can press and hold the button for three seconds to start a “Sleep Mode,” which prevents a cleaning cycle from starting for eight hours. Beneath the buttons, a large, amiable light bar provides a wealth of information. It can show whether a function has been paused or even if a cat has been inside the machine for an extended period of time. Although quite simple, it can be a little overwhelming at first. One tester thought it was best to start a routine clean, but instead they unintentionally emptied the entire litter.
“There are a lot of colored lights to learn, which all signify different things, but once I got that down, I found them very helpful,” the examiner stated.
Cleaning the Litter-Robot 4
Additionally, cleaning the Litter-Robot 4 was a breeze. Even an overfilled reservoir can be easily emptied by simply lifting up the bag’s sides and using the excess height to tie it off because the bags used in the reservoir are tall enough. The reservoir’s bottom features a QR code that opens a retail connection, making it simple to buy replacement bags, smell filters, and even litter (though our store-bought generic litter worked very well and doesn’t require special litter).
The beefy parts are much great. The Litter-Robot 4 doesn’t feel delicate or breakable, even with its high-tech appearance. Alternatively, if you would like, you can take out the entire barrel and hose everything down. Comparable in design, the tray underneath is simple to remove and clean in the sink.
From the integrated night light to the rest of the design, everything is well-thought-out. Although it may seem strange to declare that using an autonomous litter box was enjoyable, the Litter-Robot 4 amazed us at every turn.
We did observe some drawbacks with the Litter-Robot 4. The most obvious is the higher likelihood of offensive odours. Although the Litter-Box 4 includes a number of functions that reduce odours, you can also separate your cat’s waste from the cat litter, which is largely responsible for the stench in a regular litter box, by sifting it out of the main cylinder.
“There is no litter covering up the waste because the clumps get dumped into the bottom drawer,” our tester observed, citing the outcome as a more “prominent” scent each time they opened the compartment.
Problem we’ve discovered
This is a problem we’ve discovered with the majority of automatic litter boxes; they remove trash into a different tray, which eliminates your litter’s ability to absorb scents. In order to combat this, the Litter-Robot 4 seals its waste drawer inside a section that has an integrated carbon filter. Though you can purchase extra packs of Whisker OdorTraps, it’s always a little annoying to spend a lot of money on a product and then always need to purchase other, exclusive accessories.
The Litter-Robot 4 and its predecessor are similar in that they have very huge silhouettes. If you live in a tiny flat with cats, you should measure first and make sure you have adequate space for the Litter-Robot.
There are two colors available for the Whisker Litter-Robot 4: black and white. For easy climbing, you can choose to add an optional step or a slotted “handle” on the front. The Litter-Robot 4 comes with a one-year warranty as well as a risk-free ninety-day trial period during which you can use it in your own house.
Dimensions: 29.5 x 22 x 27 inches | Entry: 15.75 inches | Weight: 24 pounds | Colors: White, black
Litter-Robot 3 Connect Cat Litter Box
The Litter-Robot 3 Connect is still a very good device, even if we believe the Litter-Robot 4 is a significant advance over its predecessor.
We have evaluated four different Litter-Robot 3 Connect models over the course of years of trying out autonomous litter boxes, giving us a significant amount of long-term testing time with the device. Out of the four, we had one that had a somewhat frequent “bonnet” problem, meaning that the machine thought its top panel was open. Customer support from Litter-Robot was prompt, offering both problem guidance and a replacement unit. The problem eventually went away on its own after the part was removed and reattached a few times. Overall, following nearly three years of nonstop testing, we continue to have faith in the Litter-Robot 3 Connects quality.
In comparison to the Litter-Robot 4, the Litter-Robot 3 is marginally wider (by more than 2 inches), less aesthetically pleasing, and somewhat louder overall. However, given its lower cost, you might want to give this older Litter-Robot model some thought.
For most customers, the more important question is whether a more recent competitor of the Litter-Robot would be a better choice than an older model. After a lengthy testing period in the same home, we pitted the well-liked Leo’s Loo Too against the Litter-Robot 3, and our tester declared that he preferred the Leo’s Loo Too. Her cats did as well, choosing it over the Litter-Robot time and time again.
Best for Multiple Cats
PETKIT PuraMax Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
The PETKIT PuraMax’s extra-large capacity can save you from having to replace the litter chamber as frequently if you have numerous cats. Our testers only needed to clear the litter compartment of the PuraMax once a week when it was being tested in a home with three cats. There are large trash bags with a drawstring handle included.
The PetKit PuraX Self-Cleaning Litter Box, which is our pick for the Best Odour Control, is smaller than this app-controlled, self-cleaning litter box. Both automatic litter boxes have many of the same excellent characteristics, such as a very silent cleaning cycle. In keeping with its greater capacity, the PuraMax boasts improved odour control techniques as well. These include an automated deodorizing sprayer that spritzes the interior when your cat is finished, and a firmly sealed waste section with a built-in chamber for an odour-eating block.
Similar to the Litter-Robot, the PuraMax cleans itself by tossing litter over grates that segregate waste from your cat and return the cleansed litter to the main chamber. The PuraMax never clogged during our testing, and we didn’t need to clean the interior. Because of its several cleaning settings, we were able to program it to repeat after each usage, giving our three test cats access to a brand-new litter box each time they came in.
The integrated sensors and automated cleaning mode successfully identified when a cat was entering and leaving the house during our real-world testing, which took place in a house with three cats of different weights. You may also easily start a cleaning session whenever you want to, using the mobile app or the litter box. We did discover, though, that using the app was generally less enjoyable than using the Litter-Robot version.
According to our testers
The app, according to our testers, is overly focused on persuading you to buy accessories and is visually crowded. Additionally, the PuraMax was not always able to distinguish between the cats utilizing the device, even though it requested comprehensive information during setup. The app’s notifications were also a little less helpful than we would have liked; it alerts you whenever a cat enters the house and when the litter box goes through a cleaning cycle, which makes it too simple to overlook the warning that the trash can is full.
The PuraMax is an excellent choice for households with more than one cat. Because of its 10 by 8-inch doorway, we believe that anyone that has a large cat—such as a Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest—should give the PETKIT PuraMax serious consideration. Additionally, the PuraMax’s entrance is only eight inches above the ground, making it simpler for elderly cats or cats with limited mobility to utilize. Naturally, this spaciousness comes with a price: the Pura Max is quite large, measuring slightly over two feet in width.
Dimensions: 21.2 x 24.4 x 21.7 inches | Entry: 10 x 8 inches | Weight: 24 pounds | Colours: White
Best Odour Control
PETKIT Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
By employing an internal cylinder to fully rotate the litter reservoir so that it passes through a filtering screen and removes cat waste clumps, the PETKIT PuraX and our Best Overall pick, the Litter-Robot 4, are strikingly similar. It can be programmed to carry out this task manually, on a timer, or automatically once a cat has finished using the gadget, just like the Litter-Robot.
In testing, the PuraX also demonstrated excellent performance. The PuraX has an appealing design, is easy to clean, and functions quietly—sometimes giving the impression that your pooping cat is piloting a small starship.
The biggest drawback observed by our tester was the smaller entry hole—just over half the diameter of the Litter-Robot 4’s huge opening. If you have very large cats, this may make the PuraX a less appealing alternative. Although the PuraX can handle cats weighing up to 18 pounds, one tester found it difficult to convince all four of their cats to use it consistently.
However, there were also a few instances in which the PETKIT PuraX was superior. The tube that lets you add fresh litter from the machine’s top is one of our favourite small design details; it reduces the amount of bending you need to do to maintain your litter box’s functionality.
Best Overall choice
The PuraX outperformed our Best Overall choice in one important area: it was exceptionally good at consuming odours. The PuraX disposes of waste into a sealed tray at the bottom of the apparatus, just as the Litter-Robot. However, the PETKIT litter box uses an automatic deodorant spray in place of a carbon filter. The PuraX emits fewer odours than any other litter box we tested, and the results are consistently impressive.
“I kept this in my living room for testing and there was no odour from the box, which was amazing!” remarked the tester.
Additionally, the PuraX and Litter-Robot 4 differ in a few design aspects, so choosing one over the other is largely a personal preference. When it comes to the device’s UI, this is most apparent. With just two buttons to operate a small OLED display embedded in the front of the litter box, the PuraX has a more simplistic interface than the Litter-Robot 4, which has large, bright indications that let you access most features immediately. It was deemed useful by our tester, although a bit too restrictive.
Our tester said, “It would be nice if the menu icons showed text with the icons.” “It’s a little hard to remember if not using them often or without the manual.”
Similar to this, we liked the Whisker app above its PETKIT equivalent, even though the PuraX app has a lot of helpful information, such as the ability to track your cat’s weight and potty breaks.
Dimensions: 25.4 x 21 x 19.9 inches | Entry: 8.6 inches | Weight: 33 pounds | Colours: White
Best Smart Home Ready
Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too
The Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too is designed in the traditional manner of automatic litter boxes. Solid clumps are left behind by the spinning barrel as it passes through a grate and are then emptied into a lower reservoir. The extremely quiet and inconspicuous cleaning procedure of the Leo’s Loo Too let our two test cats get used to using it right away.
Although the Casa Leo robotic litter box is not as pleasant to use as the sleek Whisker app, it is nonetheless quite compatible with a wide range of smart homes. If you want to use voice controls to trigger your litter box, the Leo’s Loo Too is the best choice because it can sync with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa. It was also simple to set up the Leo’s Loo Too app.
Casa Leo litter
The Casa Leo litter box is a great option for anyone. Who is worried about microorganisms because it uses UV sterilization. Which blasts light rays into the trash drawer that kill the majority of bacteria and viruses. Since waste is kept in plastic bags, this sounds excessive, yet some people could find it appealing.
Even with the big waste drawer that allows you to go up to a week without emptying. The Leo’s Loo Too had great odour control. A multi-cat home is likely to see the reservoir fill up rapidly, though; our tester. Who had two huge cats, had to replace the bag about every 48 hours. You may program the Casa Leo to clean itself after every usage with a variety of cleaning modification settings. So your cats will always wake up to a clean litter box.
There is a 90-day free trial period for the Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too. Which comes in four colors: Avocado Green, Baby Blue, Leo Gray, and Pretty Pink.
24 x 22 x 27.5 inches in size, 27.5 pounds in weight, 8.5 inches of entry. And the following colours: avocado green, baby blue, Leo Gray, and lovely pink.
Best Budget
Pet Zone Pet Zone Smart Scoop
After your cat uses the litter box, the Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box detects it. And cleans it half an hour later. It works by scraping the box with a rake and then scooping any clumps it finds into a reservoir.
The Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box, according to one tester. “Doesn’t dazzle with bells and whistles, but absolutely does the trick.”
Remarkably quiet as well, the Pet Zone rakes over the box in a leisurely cycle. That effectively collects the majority of waste. Additionally well-designed and resistant to muck (a cleaning tool is given), is the rake itself. Six plastic bags are included with the unit to get you started. When the compartment is filled, the bags are simple to put in and take out. A carbon zeolite filter is also included. And it slots into a bracket located on the underside of the waste reservoir lid.
Noting its substandard plastic structure, we were less satisfied with the overall build quality and expressed concerns regarding long-term durability. But even after months of use, our machine was still functioning well. “It doesn’t have the fanciest design, but it’s good for what it is. And what you pay for,” a tester commented.
One drawback is that there isn’t much additional litter for cats who prefer to dig. And bury because the litter box is somewhat shallow. We also wish the included scoop could be kept somewhere.
Despite the fact that the Pet Zone Smart Scoop has few features overall, everything about it functions flawlessly. Including the odour filter, which our tester used for weeks without smelling anything.
Measuring 26.5 x 16.88 x 7.63 inches and weighing 9.3 pounds, with gray and green colors
Best with Crystal Litter
Pet Safe Scoop Free Complete Plus Litterbox
In 2020, we reviewed a previous iteration of the Pet Safe Scoop Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box. And most of our observations remain valid today. Whether your cats are ready for crystal kitty litter, which employs non-clumping silica beads that absorb liquids instead of hardening. Is the key decision you’ll need to make. Among its many benefits are its potent odor-absorbing qualities and its absence of grit or dust. However, there can be an adjustment period because not all cats enjoy crystal litter. Moreover, crystal litter is typically more costly.
ways to make the most
However, one of the best ways to make the most of it if you know your cat is ready for crystal litter is with the Pet Safe Scoop-Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box. Twenty minutes after your cat finishes using it, the automated litter box rakes through the litter. Transferring solid waste to a different compartment. Meanwhile, the silica crystals absorb urine and other scents. For a home with just one cat, all you have to do is slide out the entire tray. Cover it, and discard it once a month. The comb gently works its way through the litter to filter out solid waste. And the automatic cleaning is very quiet. Your cat’s excrement is never something you have to touch, and you seldom ever get an opportunity to notice it.
Naturally, this entails purchasing a brand-new tray of crystal litter each month, or even more frequently. Therefore, even though the Pet Safe Scoop Free is far less expensive than our Best Overall automated litter box. The monthly cost of using the same pricey litter will quickly mount up. Although our tester discovered that emptying the waste reservoir without replacing the litter tray entirely is feasible. It is a cumbersome process that necessitates removing the device’s entire upper assembly.
We discovered that the Pet Safe Scoop Free is good at both odour management and self-cleaning in a domestic environment. Plus, unlike the Litter-Robot 4, the Pet Safe won’t take up a ton of space in your home. So it’s a perfect option for apartment residents. Additionally, a “smart” version is available that has a hood and an app that supports wifi.
27.6 x 19.1 x 15.7 inches in size; 19.3 pounds in weight; 8.7 x 9.3 inches of entry; Gray colour
Final Verdict
Our top pick for an automatic litter box is the Whisker Litter-Robot 4. Which is perfect if you want to eliminate the mess associated with cleaning litter. Its silent operation and practical interface make it a significant improvement over the previous Litter-Robot model. But if you have more than one cat, we suggest the PETKIT PuraMax, which boasts a roomier interior. A bigger waste section, and more advanced odour-fighting capabilities.
How We Tested Automatic Litter Boxes
We’ve put 17 automatic litter boxes through their paces in real homes. With cats as well as in our New York Lab. Our testers followed a multi-week technique and provided particular ratings and thinking logs as they went. This roundup’s scores and reviews are an amalgam of our lab-tested ratings and follow-ups conducted at home.
Our testers measured the time it takes to set up an automatic litter box, starting with ease of use. Our testers informed us if an app was bothersome or if the directions were unclear. It was then time to assess the litter boxes using a methodology intended to evaluate how user-friendly they were. This involved testing the interface of every box and subjecting it to a manual cleaning cycle.
After simulating solid waste with a blue modelling compound soaked in water. Our testers assigned a performance rating to each box. A vinegar-scented water was used to examine the effectiveness of a box in containing or getting rid of odours. We removed all of the litter and thoroughly cleaned each automatic litter box after. It had gone through numerous cleaning cycles and filtered several days’ worth of waste. The testers assessed the removal of odours as well.
In order to get an overall opinion of the goods. Testers were asked to rate their perceptions both before and after learning the retail price.
In further research, we conducted numerous long-term trials and comparisons with our preferred litter box. Cats were given the freedom to select from a variety of automatic litter box models in several test households.
The majority of the automatic litter boxes are ones we bought ourselves. But we have also kept track of the instances in which the manufacturers sent review models.
FAQ
How do you get cats to use an automatic litter box?
Before using even the quietest automatic litter boxes, let your cat get used to having a new one. Even the quietest models have moving parts that could spook your cat. Start your new litter box in the same room as your old one, but initially leave it unplugged. Although you won’t be using the automated functions just yet. Fill it with litter and let your cat investigate the comforting smell.
Once your cat is used to the new gadget, start a cleaning cycle two or three times a day. Ideally during the same hours. Allow your cat to get used to it as a regular part of their day. When you witness your cats using the new, automatic litter box. Be sure to reward them with play, treats, or praise.
Try adding some catnip to the automatic litter box if your cat isn’t using the new one. Additionally, there is training litter, which is meant to entice hesitant cats.
Wait at least a week after you notice your cats using the automatic litter box before getting rid of their old one.
How often should automatic litter boxes be cleaned?
The answer will differ based on the exact kind of litter box you have. And how many cats use it, but generally speaking. You should clean the box thoroughly and replace all of the litter at least once a month. More frequently if you have three or more cats.
Do automatic litter boxes smell?
By swiftly removing your cat’s waste, an automatic litter box can lessen odour. But it’s unreasonable to anticipate that the box will always smell nice. The amount of faces your cat eats and how healthy it is might affect how strong the smell is. Nevertheless, compared to an open, conventional litter box, the scents from your automatic litter box should be more fleeting. And less strong as long as it is not overloaded with more cats. Than it can manage and is cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.
