Automatic Litter Box Reviews – The Time Saving, Effortless Way To Keep Your Cat’s Litter Box Clean!
Tired of scooping every day? These automatic litter box reviews cover the models worth buying and how to choose one.
Unless you have the same luck as my mother does with her cat Angel, you probably are in search for a better alternative than having to clean your cat's litter box on a daily basis. Quick backstory on Angel, she is extremely low maintenance even for a cat. While she's super snugly indoors she loves to go outside on a daily basis for her kitty adventures and 9 times out of 10 she does all of her business outside and barely uses her litter box. If this was the case with all cats the automatic litter box industry would go out of business because there just wouldn't be a need for it.
Now for everyone else who has a furry little friend that is more than happy to use their litter box multiple times a day (and sometimes it seems like they're going trying to get into the Guinness book of records for record breaking quantity and size), cleaning up after your cats can be a daunting task to keep up with. If you are looking to save time and simplify the process an automatic litter box is definitely worth considering and well worth the money. There are several things to take into consideration when looking for the best automatic cat litter box and we've put together a list of some of the best automatic litter box reviews to help get you started.
At a Glance
Quick Picks From Our Automatic Litter Box Reviews
Top Pick
CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box
Self washing and self flushing, no litter to buy.
Best Value
PetSafe ScoopFree® Self Cleaning Litter Box
Crystal trays last weeks with no scooping.
Best for Multiple Cats
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 with Step & Fence (successor to the Litter-Robot III Open-Air)
Rotating globe sifts waste after every visit.
Comparison Chart of Automatic Litter Box Reviews
Want the full scoop? Click any model name, or scroll down, for a detailed review of each litter box, including pros, cons and who it's best for.
Automatic Litter Box Reviews
PETKIT PuraMax 2 Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Best for: Smart features for less
Best for: Smart features for less
PETKIT PuraMax 2 Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
The PETKIT PuraMax 2 is a rotating self-cleaning litter box that sifts out waste a few minutes after your cat leaves and drops it into a sealed bin, so you are not scooping every day.
It uses several sensors to check that your cat is clear before each cycle, and the app tracks visits and lets you set cleaning schedules. It works with regular clumping litter, and with thousands of reviews it is a well proven alternative to the pricier models here.
Pros
- Rotating drum sifts waste automatically
- Multiple safety sensors
- App tracking and schedules
- Works with clumping litter
- Very well reviewed
Cons
- App setup takes a few minutes
- Large footprint
RotatingAppMulti catClumping litter
PetSafe ScoopFree® Self Cleaning Litter Box
Best for: Low effort on a budget
Best for: Low effort on a budget
PetSafe ScoopFree® Self Cleaning Litter Box
This self cleaning litter box is easy to load, doesn't need to be emptied for weeks and is significantly cheaper than the Cat Genie and Litter Robot. Instead of traditional litter it uses crystal litter trays that are disposable. Each tray lasts about 2-4 weeks depending on how many cats are using it.
After your cat goes to the bathroom, the crystal litter absorbs the urine and begins drying out any solid waste. About 20 minutes after your cat leaves the litter box it will automatically rake through the crystals and push the waste into the covered waste trap. When it's time to change the tray all that you need to do is lift the litter box remove the tray and cover it with the leak proof lid that it comes with and replace it with a new tray. To help maximize the use of the trays you want to make sure that the litter box isn't placed in areas with high humidity such as the bathroom.
Overall this is a great, hassle free, self cleaning system that is significantly cheaper than Cat Genie and Litter Robot. However, it will give you the ongoing expense of purchasing the replacement trays. See the price of the replacement trays here. The ongoing cost of this should be taken into consideration. Especially if you'll be using it for more than one cat because the trays will need to replaced more frequently. On the other hand the Cat Genie does cost more for the litter box but only needs the Sani Solution, just something to keep in mind for cost comparison. While the Cat Genie is my number 1 pick for the best automatic litter box, with it's unique disposable tray system this would be my second pick.
Pros
- Truly a scoop free litter box
- Uses disposable tray that don't need to be changes for several weeks
- Urine and odors are absorbed by crystal litter
- Easy to replace soiled disposable tray with fresh one
Cons
- Ongoing cost of replacement trays
- Trays wear out faster with several cats
Crystal trayNo scoopingWeeks per trayBudget
CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box
Best for: House Pet Help's top pick
Best for: House Pet Help's top pick
CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box
This hands down is the closest thing to a truly automatic system. The Cat Genie basically functions like a human toilet for cats. It works by taking the waste and liquefies and sends it down the toilet (or drain) without you needing to do anything. That means that there aren't any waste storage receptacles for you to empty or clean and because it self flushes and self cleans you don't have to worry about odor at all. In my opinion this is one of the best automatic litter boxes on the market for cats.
As if all of that isn't amazing enough, because it uses permanent granules you don't have to purchase litter. The granules (which are similar in look to litter) do not, I repeat do not need to be changed.
After the Cat Genie liquefies the waste it then uses SaniSolution (which is vet approved and safe for the environment) to thoroughly wash the granules and then it's built in dryer to remove any moisture.
The Cat Genie should not be used for kittens under 6 months. It also is designed to work with 1-2 cats but can work with up to three average sized cats. My recommendation would be to only use it for three cats is if one of your cats is like my Mom's cat Angel who does most of her business outside.
Set up requires connecting it to a cold water line using the supplied T-Adaptor and plug into a 120-volt ac electric outlet sharing the cold water line for the toilet or washing machine. The only thing that you need to purchase on an ongoing basis is the SaniSoltion which lasts about 120 washes when set to and 240 when set to cat activation mode.
Pros
- 1 box of reusable granules included
- 1 cartridge of SaniSolution included
- Three programming options (cat activation, auto run cycle 4x / day, manual activation)
- Comes with a 2 year warranty
- Voted by House Pet Help as the best automatic litter box for cats
Cons
- Needs a cold water line and drain
- Not for kittens under 6 months
Self flushingNo litterWashable granules1 to 3 cats
LitterMaid LM680C Automatic Self-Cleaning Classic Litter Box (LM680C)
Best for: The lowest upfront cost
Best for: The lowest upfront cost
LitterMaid LM680C Automatic Self-Cleaning Classic Litter Box (LM680C)
The LitterMaid(R) LM680C works by automatically scooping your cat’s waste into a sealed, disposable receptacle that features a carbon filter to absorb and remove odors. Timed, dual-motion sensors activate ten minutes after you cat has exited the box to quickly scoop and remove any new waste. This automatic litter box is designed to work with single cat or multiple cats that weigh 15 pounds or less.
It is one of the most affordable self cleaning litter boxes, however that does come with some trade offs. Unlike the more sophisticated (and more expensive) litter boxes such as the Litter Robot and Cat Genie, there is more hands on maintenance involved with this.
With any litter box of course you need to replace the litter as necessary and empty the waste storage receptacle. However, while this will automatically dispose of your cats waste into a receptacle. The receptacles of this automatic litter box are disposable and need to be replaced every time they are full. Which means you'll need to purchase them on an going basis.
It is also recommended that the carbon filters be changed on a weekly basis, which gives you one more task to do each week and the ongoing expense of purchasing filters. It does come with 8 startup filters and receptacles, which depending on the number of cats you have could last you 1-2 months.
Overall this will save you time compared to a traditional litter box, however it still requires additional steps such as changing the carbon filters and cleaning the scooping rake on a regular basis. It will also give you the ongoing expense of purchasing the filters and waste receptacles. For that reason out of all of the automatic litter box reviews that I've put together, this model by LitterMaid(R) is the one that I least recommend.
Pros
- Good for single / multi cats up to 15 pounds
- Comes with 8 starter disposable waste receptacles
- Comes with 8 starter odor-fighting carbon filters
- Automatic scooping rake is easy to remove / clean
- Exit ramp for cats to clean paws on
Cons
- Weekly carbon filter changes
- Ongoing cost of receptacles and filters
RakeUp to 15 lb catsCarbon filterBudget
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 with Step & Fence (successor to the Litter-Robot III Open-Air)
Best for: Busy multi cat homes
Best for: Busy multi cat homes
Whisker Litter-Robot 4 with Step & Fence (successor to the Litter-Robot III Open-Air)
Overall this model works very similar to it's predecessor the Litter Box LR11 where after your cats exists it automatically begins the cleaning process where it slowly rotates the globe to sift and remove the waste from the unit, disposing it in a storage drawer (see above Litter Box review for a more detailed description of the process.) However, the LRIII has an a more modern design and is equipped with some enhanced features that build upon the already great features of the LRII.
One of the new features that this model comes with is a drawer full indicator. When the drawer is full it will flash a blue light letting you know that it's time to empty the drawer. It also has a control panel lockout that prevents cats from changing the programmed cleaning schedule. The LRII begins the cleaning process 7 minutes after your cat goes to the bathroom, and this model gives you the ability to choose a 3, 7 or 15 minute delay. One important thing to mention is that your cat needs to be at least 5lbs for the sensor to detect it's weight. This can be used with smaller cats but you will need to manually press the cleaning cycle button.
There is also an 8 hour sleeping cycle that will pause the cleaning cycle and resume it at the end of the sleep cycle. With the older model if you wanted to not have the cleaning cycle run at night you had to manually shut off the unit. There is also a 48 hour backup battery (sold separately) that is useful in power outages.
Update (October 2026): The Litter-Robot III Open-Air is no longer sold on Amazon. Its current successor is the Litter-Robot 4, which adds app control, a built-in cat scale and a step and fence to reduce tracking, which uses the same rotating globe and sifting design, so that is the model linked here.
Pros
- Comes AC Adapter and compartment for a back-up battery
- Uses approximately 50% less litter than traditional litter boxes
- 8 Hour sleep timer
- 18 Month warranty
- Cleaning cycle timer is adjustable
- Conceals odors well
Cons
- Large footprint
- Highest upfront cost
Rotating globeSleep modeRampMulti cat
PETKIT PuraMax Self Cleaning Litter Box with N50 Odor Eliminator
Best for: Odor control and app tracking
Best for: Odor control and app tracking
PETKIT PuraMax Self Cleaning Litter Box with N50 Odor Eliminator
The PETKIT PuraMax is an enclosed self cleaning litter box with a roomy chamber, automatic scooping and an app that logs each visit. This version adds the N50 odor eliminator for extra freshness between bag changes.
Its xSecure sensors pause cleaning when a cat is nearby. It is a strong modern option if you are comparing automatic litter box reviews for a multi cat home.
Pros
- Automatic scooping after each visit
- Odor eliminator included
- App tracks visits
- Large chamber
Cons
- Needs its own waste bags or liners
- App setup takes a few minutes
EnclosedAppOdor controlMulti cat
CATLINK Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Multiple Cats (Young Version)
Best for: Large capacity for several cats
Best for: Large capacity for several cats
CATLINK Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Multiple Cats (Young Version)
The CATLINK Young Version is a large capacity self cleaning litter box made for multiple cats from about 3.5 to 22 pounds. It has double odor control and a big waste bin, so you empty it less often.
It is very well reviewed for the price, and it is a good fit for households with several cats that want an enclosed, automatic box.
Pros
- Large waste capacity
- Works for cats about 3.5 to 22 lbs
- Double odor control
- Well reviewed
Cons
- Big unit for small spaces
- Uses specific liners for best fit
EnclosedMulti catLarge binOdor control
PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Smart Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Best for: App alerts with crystal trays
Best for: App alerts with crystal trays
PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Smart Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
This is the WiFi version of the ScoopFree. It uses the same crystal litter trays and rake, and adds an app that logs visits and tells you when it is time to change or reorder trays.
For one cat, a tray can last up to a month. If you liked the classic ScoopFree in these automatic litter box reviews but want smart alerts, this is the upgrade.
Pros
- App visit log and tray alerts
- Crystal litter controls odor
- No scooping for weeks
Cons
- Ongoing tray cost
- 2.4 GHz WiFi only
Crystal trayWiFi appNo scoopingSingle cat
Tips To Help Your Cat Adjust to an Automatic Litter Box
To help get your get to recognize that this is the new litter box one option is to mix some of the litter from their current litter box and mix it in with fresh litter that will help them using the scent. Another option is to place the new litter box next to their old one and stop cleaning the old box which should help encourage them to try out their new litter box.
Automatic Litter Box FAQ
Final Thoughts on These Automatic Litter Box Reviews
The right automatic litter box depends on how many cats you have and how hands off you want to be. The CatGenie is my top pick, the PetSafe ScoopFree is the best value, and the Litter-Robot 4 is ideal for multiple cats.
I hope these automatic litter box reviews help you spend less time scooping and more time with your cat.
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