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7 Best Automatic Self Cleaning Litter Boxes – 2024 Reviews & Buyers Guide

Ashley Bates

By Ashley Bates

cat coming out of the Pet Daddy Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box

As cat owners, we are continually looking for products to make things easier around the house. Cleaning your kitty’s litter box has to be among the most taxing things you have to do. After all, it’s stinky, messy, and a pain in the butt.

Thankfully with advancements in the cat industry, we now have automatic self-cleaning litter boxes! So, what are they all about—and are they worth the hype? We have answers. Let’s take a look at our reviews so you can get to know these products in detail.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
PetSafe Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box PetSafe Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
  • Open concept
  • Refills of crystal litter
  • Senses cat
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Pet Zone Automatic Litter Box Pet Zone Automatic Litter Box
  • 1-year warranty
  • Quiet electrical system
  • Affordable
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Pet Daddy Auto Cat Litter Box Pet Daddy Auto Cat Litter Box
  • Door flap to trap odor
  • Advanced detection technology
  • Non-stick bottom
  • Best for Kittens
    PetSafe Smart Auto Cat Litter Box PetSafe Smart Auto Cat Litter Box
  • Sleek design
  • App that detects changes in bowel movements
  • Leak-proof bags
  • Litter Maid Multi-Cat Litter Box Litter Maid Multi-Cat Litter Box
  • Top entry
  • Fully automatic
  • All litter types
  • The 7 Best Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

    1. PetSafe Auto Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Best Overall

    PetSafe ScoopFree Original Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

    Litter box type: Open
    Refills included: Yes

    We think the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is the best self-cleaning cat litter box overall—and we checked out a lot of fantastic products. In our opinion, it was the easiest to use and the most effective—making it perfect for all your cat’s bathroom needs.

    The open concept works well with an easy step-up platform with thick sides. There’s less room for error when it comes to tracking. Your cat can climb inside with ease, so it’s suitable for kittens and seniors, too.

    The rake automatically sifts through the litter box so that you can have a hands-free experience. It has a sensor that shows when your cat is inside the box, so the rake does not activate at this time. Each order comes with two refills of ultra-absorbent crystal litter, making this the best automatic litter box for multiple cats.

    Pros
    • Open concept
    • Refills of crystal litter
    • Senses cat

    Cons
    • No side shields


    2. Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box – Best Value

    Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box

    Litter box type: Open
    Refills included: No

    Check out Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box if you are looking for the biggest bang for your buck. This litter box has hands-free waste disposal, so you don’t have to get messy. It also comes with a month’s supply of no-touch plastic cat litter bags to get you started.

    This automatic cat litter box has an angled deflector that keeps all of the mess inside of the box instead of trailing. You don’t have to use a specific kind of cat litter. However, they do recommend using lightweight litter. You can plug it into a regular outlet for occasional cleaning.

    We were impressed at how quiet this design was, making it perfect as frequent electrical noises bother you in the home. We think that you will love the accessible nature of this litter box, especially considering the price.

    This litter box also comes with a 1-year limited warranty to correct any manufacturer defects. So, you won’t have buyer’s remorse.

    Pros
    • 1-year warranty
    • Quiet electrical system
    • Affordable

    Cons
    • No fancy features


    3. Pet Daddy Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Premium Choice

    Pet Daddy Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box

    Litter box type: Enclosed
    Refills included: Yes

    If you don’t mind paying the piper, the Pet Daddy Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box might be worth the investment since it’s the best electric cat litter box we could find. Its powerful system comes with all you need to get started—with advanced technology, you can count on.

    This entire concept reduces or eliminates odors in the home with a completely enclosed design that has a flap in the front to trap odors inside. There is an automatic sensor that detects when the box needs to be scooped and cleaned accordingly.

    You can wait up to 7 days between changes, and this box will alert you when it is time for a refresher. We loved the non-stick rubber bottom to hold the product in place. Plus, it’s effortless to take apart to clean when you need a scrub down.

    This litter box is made to last, providing advanced technology to scoop, clean, and detect when your kitty does his business. But not everyone will want something so fancy.

    Pros
    • Door flap to trap odor
    • Advanced detection technology
    • Non-stick bottom

    Cons
    • Might not need the extra features


    4. PetSafe Smart Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Best for Kittens

    PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

    Litter box type: Hooded
    Refills included: Yes

    If you have a messy kitty, the PetSafe ScoopFree Smart Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is a gem to have around the house. You can connect this litter box by using an app on your phone. It is a pretty unique thing since it monitors your cat’s overall health.

    It has a hands-free cleaning cycle that begins 20 minutes after it detects that your cat has used the litter box. It uses its technology to rake the waste into a trap. You can see the activity log and view any bowel or urine changes that might strike concern on your phone.

    The disposable bags are leak-proof, and you don’t have to worry about seeping waste or overwhelming smells. The entire design is attractive, so you don’t have an eyesore in your home—plus, it also gives your cat privacy.

    If your cat has had any digestive issues, this might be a really smart idea, considering it monitors for you. You can notify your vet of any changes. However, if you don’t need the extra information, another option might work better for you.

    Pros
    • Sleek design
    • App that detects changes in bowel movements
    • Leak-proof bags

    Cons
    • Might not need all features

    Related: 7 Best Litter-Robot Alternatives: Which Is Better?


    5. Litter Maid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box

    Litter Maid Multi-Cat Litter Box

    Type: Fully Automatic
    Entry: Top Entry
    Number of Cats: Multiple
    Litter Type: All

    The Litter Maid Multi-Cat Litter Box is another great pick when it comes to self-cleaning litter boxes for multiple cats. This box features an open design making it easy for larger-sized cats to use. Like other self-cleaning systems, this litter box activates a few minutes after your cat leaves the box. The waste is then raked into a tray where it waits until you remove it. Included carbon filters help keep unwanted odors at bay until you are ready to dispose of things. The high walls of this box design also help avoid additional clean-up. You’ll also find this box is more affordable than many of the fully automatic self-cleaning products on the market, making it one of the best cat litter boxes for multiple cats.

    Pros
    • Carbon filters fight odor
    • Large size for bigger cats
    • Works with any clumping cat litter
    • Offers a backup battery

    Cons
    • Cannot be used by kittens
    • Slightly loud
    • Litter should be changed weekly due to the small tray size 


    6. PetSafe Auto Self Cleaning Hooded Cat Litter Box

    PetSafe ScoopFree Original Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Ultra

    Litter box type: Hooded
    Refills included: Yes

    If you want a self-cleaning litter box that reduces tracking, check out the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Hooded Cat Litter Box. Your cat can access this box from the top, so your floors stay clean, and the smells remain in.

    You can remove the entire hood for cleaning—it’s super easy. You just snap the sides and pull it off to access the inside. The whole setup takes no time at all. The top has a grated surface to reduce any tracking, and the internal motion sensors know when your cat uses the potty.

    It comes in three color selections: purple, taupe, and gray. So, you can choose the color that works best with your home décor. The only issue here is some cats with physical limitations might not be able to access it as they should.

    Pros
    • Top-loaded
    • 3 colors
    • Easy to clean

    Cons
    • Not for cats with mobility issues


    7. CatGenie A.I. Self Washing Litter Box

    CatGenie A.I. Self Washing Litter Box

    Type: Fully Automatic
    Entry: Top
    Number of Cats: Multiple
    Litter Type: Special Granules

    Our pick for a premium choice self-cleaning litter box for multiple cats is the CatGenie. The CatGenie A.I. Self Washing Litter Box’s ingenious design uses washable granules to help you avoid using normal cat litter. Each time your cat visits this box to relieve themselves, the box, waste, and granules are washed clean using a sanitation spray that is veterinarian approved. With this design, your cat no longer has to worry about unwanted clumps or waste in its litter box. This self-cleaning box helps eliminate added costs for litter, the need to personally clean your cat’s box, and of course, unwanted odors, making it one of the best cat litter boxes for multiple cats.

    Pros
    • No litter to buy
    • Uses smart technology
    • Special granules are included with the purchase

    Cons
    • Not designed for cat breeds weighing over 15 pounds
    • More expensive than most automatic litter boxes

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Automatic Litter Boxes

    Easy of Use

    The entire reason you want to opt for an automatic litter box is to make your life easier. Getting a litter box that is easy to use and very straightforward is the best bet. It can have all kinds of fancy features, but they need to be elementary to navigate, so you don’t have to fuss with it.

    Price

    Even though you might pay more for an automatic litter box, you still want it to be cost-effective. Making sure that the price matches the quality will give you peace of mind during purchase.

    Specific Refills

    Some automatic litter boxes come with specific refills that are specific to that product. This might work for some people, and others might not be too crazy about the concept. It’s best to check prices on refills to see how it compares to traditional litters.

    Effectiveness

    Getting a litter box that is timed helps ensure that it is cleaned out in a timely fashion, so no smells or odors are lingering around your home.

    Types of Automatic Litterboxes

    Hooded

    Hooded litter boxes are perfect for cats who love to flip their litter across the room. There are self-cleaning litter boxes that have this feature so you can not only control odors but also keep the litter box fresh.

    Open

    The traditional open concept works well for single-cat households. If the automatic litter box continually gets rid of the waste, you can keep your home smelling fresh.

    Top Entry

    Top entry litter boxes are relatively new and are also a great way to reduce tracking. These types of litter boxes work best for cats who already have litter training experience—so, there is no added confusion about where they need to use the potty.

    Enclosed

    Some automatic litter boxes have an entirely enclosed design with a flap on the front that your cat can go in and out of for easy use.

    While this is an intelligent design, especially in terms of containing smell, not all cats use it well. Seniors or kittens might have trouble getting the concept down or might not be strong enough to push through the flap.

    Sometimes even the best litter box setup needs a helping hand in combating invasive smells. Our Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer naturally breaks down odors at the source. This effective litter additive can help all types of cat litter last longer, saving you money, and is safe for all life stages. Best of all, it's 100% biodegradable and fragrance-free.

    Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder
    • Bio Enzymatic Cat Litter Freshener - Smart formulation uses natural ingredients eliminating cat...
    • Save Money - Stuff for cats isn’t the cheapest. With this litter box odor eliminator, you’ll...

     

    Conclusion

    Of all the products we loved, we still think that the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is the best overall. It is simple to use—efficient without all the extra bells and whistles. Plus, it’s middle-of-the-road pricing so that more cats can enjoy it.

    If you’re looking for the biggest savings, the Pet Zone Smart Scoop Automatic Litter Box is a terrific choice, too. It runs smoothly, quietly, and efficiently, making your life much easier at a fraction of the cost.

    No matter what you choose, hopefully, your days of rigorous scooping are over.

    We truly hope that this article helps you find the best automatic litter box for your cat!

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