Do Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Work?

Self-cleaning litter boxes have taken the world of cat lovers by storm. The prospect of an easier routine is enough to make anyone with a cat stop in their tracks. So, do self-cleaning litter boxes work?

Self-cleaning litter boxes work, but you must still clean them regularly, or else they won’t work. You must empty the soiled litter compartment at least every 2 to 4 weeks . The downside of automatic litter boxes is that they are loud and aren’t ideal for kittens and underweight or unhealthy cats. 

Self-cleaning litter boxes don’t work if you fail to keep up with cleaning them. Follow along as we explore everything you must know about self-cleaning litter boxes before you buy one. 

How Does An Automatic Litter Box Work?

Automatic or self-cleaning litter boxes work via sensors and a rake. The sensors detect dirty litter and the rake sweeps the litter aside. In some cases, the dirty litter falls into a separate compartment below, and in other cases, it is stored on the side.

Many self-cleaning litter boxes require clumping litter, as that makes it easier for the rake to collect. Some homeowners mistakenly neglect the container when it's full of soiled litter. Neglecting the waste compartment is just as bad as failing to clean a regular litter box. 

The rake mechanism may also fail if the litter compartment is too full. Blockages can also stop the sensor from detecting soiled litter. It’s also important to put your automatic litter box on an even surface, or else it may not work. 

Self-Cleaning Litter Box Pros And Cons

Like anything, self-cleaning litter boxes are far from perfect. You can easily make an argument that they are lifesavers, but some people find them inconvenient. Self-cleaning litter boxes carry many pros and cons to consider, such as:

Pros

• Less maintenance. While you must take care of self-cleaning the litter box, it requires less attention than a standard box.
• Reduce odors. It takes much longer for your house to smell like cat waste if you have a self-cleaning litter box. 
• They make it easier to leave town. You don’t have to worry about teaching a house sitter to change the litter with a self-cleaning box. That is unless you go out of town for longer than 2-4 weeks. 
• Save time. Changing the litter box after a long day at work is quite annoying and hard to keep up. You still must change self-cleaning litter boxes regularly, but nowhere near as frequently as standard boxes. 
• Litter spreads less. Some people switch to self-cleaning boxes to stop litter from spreading throughout their homes. Litter can still come out of a self-cleaning box, but it’s not as prominent. 

Cons

• Noisy operation. Self-cleaning litter boxes are sometimes loud, and it can be annoying. You also risk scaring your cats if they aren’t used to the sound. 
• You cannot monitor the litter. The mechanism within the box filters dirty litter out before you get the chance to check it. It’s necessary to monitor your cat’s urine and solid waste sometimes if they have health problems. 
• Physical limitations. Some self-cleaning litter boxes have a unique layout that makes it difficult to access. This can be a problem if you have old cats who aren’t as flexible as they used to be. That’s especially true if they frequently have emergencies where they must quickly access a litter box. 

How Often Should You Empty A Self-Cleaning Litter Box?

Ideally, you should clean your self-cleaning litter box at least once every 2-4 weeks. It ultimately depends on several factors, such as how many cats you have. Other factors, like the size and type of self-cleaning litter box you have, are also important. 

It’s also essential to follow the directions that come with the box. Some boxes may say to change it every 4 weeks, but that’s a minimum suggestion. There’s a good chance that the box will be dirty within 2 weeks, and 4 weeks is the absolute longest you can wait.

However, your cats will appreciate it if you clean the box once every 1-2 weeks. Clean your self-cleaning litter box daily if your cats are sick or have parasites. Once they recover, you must thoroughly clean the box in case there are traces of parasites. Otherwise, they may get sick again. 

Does A Self-Cleaning Litter Box Need Special Litter?

Some self-cleaning litter boxes need special litter, such as clumping litter. That’s because clumping litter makes it easier for the box’s mechanisms to handle dirty litter. Luckily, you can find clumping litter at nearly any store that sells regular cat litter. 

However, some self-cleaning boxes require litter beads, which you cannot find everywhere. Carefully research self-cleaning litter boxes before you buy one. Read lots of reviews and figure out which type of litter it requires. It may not be worth buying one if you need special litter you cannot find in your town. 

Are Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Worth It?

Self-cleaning litter boxes are worth it if you struggle to keep up with your standard litter boxes. It’s also worth buying a self-cleaning litter box if you work odd hours. You can at least depend on your automated litter box to sift dirty litter even if you won’t be home until late at night. 

However, you must consider whether a self-cleaning litter box is necessary. For example, it may not be worth spending hundreds of dollars for a self-cleaning litter box if basic maintenance is easy for you. That said, self-cleaning litter boxes are invaluable for homeowners with physical limitations and time constraints. 

Are Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Safe for Kittens?

Self-cleaning litter boxes aren’t always safe for kittens because of the layout. For example, some self-cleaning litter boxes have stairs that cats must climb. From there, they may need to descend into a small chamber to use the litter.

This can be difficult for a kitten or even a senior cat to navigate. Some self-cleaning litter boxes specify that they aren’t meant for kittens or underweight adult cats. It’s worth starting your kittens off with a small, easily accessible box before moving up to a self-cleaning one. 

Summing It Up

Self-cleaning litter boxes are mostly ideal if you work long hours or have physical limitations. You must still clean your automatic litter box, but not nearly as often as you would with a regular litter box. However, self-cleaning litter boxes cost hundreds of dollars and don’t entirely prevent bad odors. 

Related Guides:

• How To Get Cat Litter Out Of Carpeting (Wet, Dry, or Even Dirty)
• House Smells Like Cat Litter But No Cat? (Possible Causes & Fixes!)