Tired of cleaning the litter box? Get your cat a self-cleaning one

While cat lovers undeniably adore their feline friends, cleaning out their litter box can be a challenge. You can streamline the process of scooping out their box with a self-cleaning litter box. "Most self-cleaning litter boxes are programmed to automatically clean as soon as the cat uses it, so the cat will always have a clean spot to use," says Liz Gibbs, former zookeeper and current General Manager of Woofie’s in Delray Beach.

Our overall pick is the Popur X5 Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box, thanks to its odor control, easy access for smaller cats, minimal noise, and appeal for a multi-cat family. When considering a self-cleaning litter box for your cat, consider your cat's needs and preferences, such as a lower opening or one with stairs if your cat has mobility issues or a bigger size overall if the cat is a larger breed.

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The best self-cleaning cat litter boxes

Best self-cleaning litter box overall: Popur X5 self-cleaning cat litter box

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Why we like it: The Popur X5 self-cleaning cat litter box is our choice for the best overall option. We appreciate its open top, which makes it easier for wider cats to enter and exit the litter box without having to squeeze through a narrow opening like others on our list. Plus, breeds of most, if not all, sizes will feel comfortable using the litter box as the interior measures 24 inches across.

You can use any clumping litter, which is far easier for cleaning and odor control. Plus, one reviewer appreciated that they could put up to 33 pounds of litter in the bin, which minimized the number of times they needed to refill the box. Another liked the leveling feature, which gave the cats a smooth litter box experience after each use.  Many users pointed out that the litter box runs quietly, which helps their cats feel more at ease and encourages usage. 

Keep in mind: The included cardboard waste bin can wear down fairly quickly over time. If you prefer a waste bin you can wash that will endure for longer, you will need to purchase a plastic bin separately. 

Product details: Dimensions: 30.4 x 21.2 x 18.2 inches | Weight: 31 pounds | Power source: DC 12V 2A / 24W  | Type of litter: Clumping litter 

Best cheap self-cleaning litter box: Omega Paw Elite self cleaning Roll 'n Clean litter box

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Why we like it: We chose the Omega Paw Elite self-cleaning Roll 'n Clean litter box as the best cheap option. Although this may not have the advanced technology that others on our list have, it still provides a simpler cleaning process. Weighing just over six pounds, this is a lightweight litter box you'll have an easy time handling. To clean, you only need to roll it to sift the litter, which sends the waste into a drawer you can empty when necessary.

According to one reviewer,  they only had to refill the litter once or twice a week at the most. Several users pointed out that their multiple cats used this litter box without any trouble. Many noted that the assembly was simple and uncomplicated.

Keep in mind: Although cats of all sizes are meant to use this litter box, yours may find the opening and interior too small for their liking. This can result in them avoiding this unit completely.

Product details: Dimensions: 18.5 x 21.5 x 20 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Power source: None | Type of litter: Not listed 

Best self-cleaning litter box for multiple cats: Casa Leo Loo Too self-cleaning litter box

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Why we like it: We chose the Casa Leo Loo Too self-cleaning litter box as the best option for households with multiple cats. Several reviewers with at least two or more cats commented that this litter box reduced the frequency of cleaning out the waste bin to once a week or, for several cats, twice a week. Plus, the waste drawer seals away the odor, and many reviewers commented that it eliminated the smell of the litter box in the home.

You can use the companion app to customize the timing of when it cleans the waste. This gives the litter plenty of chances to clump and avoid any messy residue. Plus, with the app, you can track your pet's weight, a feature that Gibbs mentioned was important to consider for self-cleaning litter boxes. The app also alerts you when you need to clean out the waste bin.

Keep in mind: Larger breeds, such as Maine Coons, may not have an easy time fitting into the opening. However, if you find your cat doesn't feel comfortable using the litter box, whether due to entryway size or their overall preference, you can return the litter box within 90 days.

Product details: Dimensions: 24 x 22 x 27.5 inches | Weight: 37.4 pounds | Power source: Electrical outlet | Type of litter: Clay-clumping litter

Best self-cleaning litter box for smart homes:  PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Smart self-cleaning cat litter box

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Why we like it: We recommend the PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Smart self-cleaning cat litter box for smart homes. This litter box pairs with an accompanying app that tracks the frequency your cat uses it, which can help you determine if there is a health problem. You also receive reminders of when to clean out the tray and alerts to order replacements, making it easy to keep the litter box clean and ready to use. 

Depending on your cat's size and personal preferences, you can opt for a covered or uncovered litter box. Many reviewers noticed that there was little to no smell coming from this litter box in comparison to others they've tried. In addition, many commented that the timing of the automatic sweep gave the cat's feces or urine enough time to dry, so there was no residue remaining and less cleanup. Others also appreciated that they only needed to empty the trays once a month, although that was typically in a single-cat family.

Keep in mind: PetSafe recommends using only the ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter for the best results, and many other users have confirmed that it's the only type that works best. However, this can pose a challenge if your cat has a specific litter preference. 

Product details: Dimensions: 27.6 x 19.1 x 16 inches | Weight: 20.2 pounds | Power source: Electrical outlet | Type of litter:  ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter

Best self-cleaning litter box for odor control: MEEGEEM self-cleaning litter box

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Why we like it: We chose the MEEGEEM self-cleaning litter box as the best odor control option. Many of the positive reviews about this litter box said that it didn't produce any odor. The technology sifts out the waste after every use and hides it in the bin. You can also control the cleanup from the accompanying app as well as monitor your cat's weight and usage. You won't need to clean the waste bin for 15 days at a time, simplifying the upkeep of your cat's litter box. 

Unlike the other self-cleaning litter boxes on our list, this one was designed with raised legs that make it possible to place on carpets. Many reviewers noticed they had no sensor issues as a result. You even receive a mat to place under the little box that can catch any litter coming off your cat's feet.

Keep in mind: Many of the reviewers found the litter box setup complicated. This can pose a challenge for those who prefer one ready to plug-and-play out of the box.

Product details: Dimensions: 19.4 x 21.2 x 25.5 inches | Weight: 29.5 pounds | Power source: Electrical outlet | Type of litter: Any clumping litter

Best for small spaces: BASTRUMI self-cleaning litter box

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Why we like it: Many of the self-cleaning litter boxes on our list can take up a lot of room. That's why we chose the BASTRUMI self-cleaning litter box as the ideal option for small spaces. It only takes up about 4.5 cubic feet in space, making it less of a cumbersome object in the home. Plus, despite the included technology and cleaning mechanisms, many reviewers reported that it's lightweight enough to move around if needed.

Other reviewers appreciated this litter box's odor control and the discreet placement of the waste bin container. It eliminates any smells you typically experience with traditional litter boxes. Many of the reviews commented about the smooth setup. Plus, you can use any store-bought trash bags with the litter box instead of needing to purchase proprietary bags from the brand, as you commonly find on other selections on our list.

Keep in mind: If your cat wants a deeper litter distribution, they may find this selection too shallow. Larger cats may have trouble fitting inside this box as well. 

Product details: Dimensions: 18.9 x 20.5 x 19.9 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Power source: Electrical outlet | Type of litter: Spherical mineral litter, fine grain bentonite litter, small grain mineral litter, tofu crushed litter 

There are numerous factors that we keep in mind when researching self-cleaning litter boxes. We considered: 

• Third-party reviews: We read reviews on third-party shopping sites, separate from the company's website, to get an independent evaluation of the owner and their cat's experience with the product.
• Brand reputation: Any item made for your pets should be high-quality and designed for their safety and comfort. We looked for brands with a strong reputation and who are known for creating high-quality and durable products for cats.
• Noise: Because cats may be resistant to using a litter box that makes noise, we made sure to select self-cleaning options that made little to no sound. 
• Interior size: Cats of all sizes should be able to use the litter box without difficulty. We included options that had a larger interior and entryway to make room for breeds of all sizes.
• Smart options: A litter box that allows you to track your cat's frequency of use will help you track your cat's health and whether it's a useful addition to the home. Most options on our list have an app available. 

Tips for buying self-cleaning litter boxes

Here is what to consider when picking your self-cleaning litter box:

Size

If you have a multi-cat family or you have a larger breed, such as a Maine Coon cat, you'll want to select the appropriately-sized litter box. Make sure you select one with a wide enough opening and a large enough interior space so your cat can comfortably use the litter box. Also, you'll want to choose one that's appropriate for the size of your home, as these types of litter boxes can take up a lot of space.

Odor control

One of the main reasons people opt for self-cleaning litter boxes is that they trap in smells without you having to clean them like traditional options. When choosing one for your home, look for a litter box that indicates strong odor control. Most will automatically clean the litter box and trap the excrement in a covered area, preventing any strong smells from being detected in the home.

App control

Access to an app is another major benefit of a self-cleaning litter box. The best options will give you information about the frequency with which your cat has used the litter box and their weight. "This can help to determine if there is a medical issue and allow the pet parent to have that data recorded," says Gibbs. If you want the app for more convenient control of the litter box, some let you remotely clean the litter box through the app as well. However, one with an included app tends to cost more, so you will pay a larger price for this technology.

Simple maintenance

While a self-cleaning litter box minimizes the number of times you have to clean it, you will have to empty it on occasion. Whether you are a busy professional or have difficulty bending over for lengthy periods, look for an option that emphasizes easy maintenance. Unless you have a multi-cat family, you'll want to find a litter box that only requires you to empty the waste bin once a month.

Warranty

A flexible return policy is essential when purchasing a self-cleaning litter box. Your cat may not be comfortable with it. "Some cats are picky when it comes to their litter boxes, so not every self-cleaning box will be suitable for every cat," says Gibbs. At a minimum, you'll want a 90-day warranty. That way, you can return the item if your cat refuses to use it.

Type of litter

Certain self-cleaning litter boxes are limited to a specific type of litter. Some take only a specific type of litter, and others are open to accepting all kinds of clumping litter. You'll want to select the one that can use your cat's preferred litter to increase the likelihood of them using it.

Frequently asked questions

Do self-cleaning cat litter boxes really work?

Yes, a self-cleaning litter box does actually work. It functions by automatically removing the excrement, most often right after the cat uses it. Depending on how many cats you have in your family or the specific type of litter box you purchase, you'll need to clean out the waste bin weekly or monthly.

What type of litter is best for a self-cleaning litter box?

You need to select the litter according to the self-cleaning litter box you have purchased. Certain brands require you to use their own proprietary litter; others specify certain kinds, such as clumping litter. You'll want to take this into consideration since cats have preferences for litter, and you'll want to choose one they'll feel comfortable using.

What should I look for in a self-cleaning litter box?

Look for one that is suitable for the number of cats in your family and their specific needs. For example, "An elderly cat who cannot jump as well as they used to might benefit from stairs leading into the box," says Gibbs. A larger cat will need enough space inside the litter box for a comfortable restroom experience. You also want one that can use your cat's litter preference.