Maintaining a clean litter box is essential for ensuring your cat's health and keeping your home smelling fresh. But daily scooping can be unpleasant and physically challenging for some people. One of the best automatic litter boxes can offer a convenient solution by handling most of the cleaning for you.
For this guide, we consulted veterinarians and cat behaviorists to understand what makes a great automatic litter box, also known as a self-cleaning litter box. We then tested nine different models, assessing them on key features such as safety, ease of use, and cleaning performance. Though it comes at a high price, the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is hands-down the best automatic litter box we tested. It is suitable for cats of many sizes and needs when mobility isn't a concern, equipped with smart features and tracking via app, and operates quietly.
When choosing among the best cat litter boxes, the ideal choice for you and your cats will be safe, easy to access, and spacious enough for them to use comfortably. A self-cleaning box should also scoop and store waste with minimal odor and noise and be easy to deep clean. Still, it's important to remember that every cat is an individual, and some will prefer a basic litter pan over an automatic box.
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Our top picks for the best automatic litter boxes
Best overall: Whisker Litter-Robot 4 - See at Chewy
Best budget: PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Self-Cleaning Litter Box - See at Chewy
Best dust-free: CatGenie A.I. - See at Amazon
Best overall
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 has a whisper-quiet design and offers ample space for cats of many sizes.
What we like
What we don't like
Despite its hefty price tag, the Litter-Robot 4 performed so effectively that it landed in the top spot among the best automatic litter boxes. The device uses laser and weight sensor technology to accurately detect and track your cat's litter box use. Once your cat exits, the unit rotates around a sifting cylinder to separate waste, depositing it into a drawer and returning clean litter to the globe.
The companion smartphone app alerts you when the waste drawer is full and shows how much clean litter is left. With two cats in my home, I usually empty the waste drawer every week or two, before it's completely full. Waiting too long to empty the drawer can lead to odor accumulation, making the box less appealing to cats. Plus, keeping an eye on your cat's urination and stool is an important way to spot changes in their bathroom habits that could signal a health issue. Deep cleaning is required just once every one to three months, depending on the number of cats and litter boxes you have in your home; veterinarians say you should provide at least two litter box areas per cat.
Automatic litter boxes scare some cats, says Dr. Leanne Lilly, a veterinarian and associate professor of behavioral medicine at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. But the Litter-Robot 4 operates at a whisper-quiet level, making it more cat-friendly. If you're a light sleeper, you can activate sleep mode through the app to prevent the unit from cycling.
If your cat needs an extra boost, you can purchase a ramp attachment. It has a non-slip surface and lowers the step-in height from nearly 7 to 5 inches, which might still be too high for some cats. Additionally, Whisker offers a credenza to hide the box, in case its sleek, modern design doesn't complement your decor. For the box to cycle and weigh your cat accurately, you'll need to make sure it's not touching any walls or enclosure sides.
Whisker has refined the Litter-Robot 4's design to address issues from previous generations, such as leaks and jamming. That said, this version occasionally cycles without a cat entering, and when placed on carpet rather than a hard floor, it gives inaccurate cat weight readings unless you place the machine on the Litter-Robot Carpet Tray. If you'd like to spend a little less and don't need the smart features, the Litter-Robot 3 may be a great option. While it has larger interior dimensions (20 inches at the widest point), it has a slightly smaller entrance and detects cats weighing over 5 pounds rather than 3 pounds.
Read our full Whisker Litter-Robot 4 review.
Best budget
With a simple design that prioritizes basic functionality, this litter box didn’t intimidate our tester cats.
What we like
What we don't like
The PetSafe ScoopFree is one of the few automatic boxes shaped to resemble the larger boxes recommended by veterinarians and cat behaviorists. Despite its basic appearance, the ScoopFree meets our testing standards for performance and safety, all for around $160. The box is designed to work only with crystal litter and disposable, leak-proof trays, both sold by PetSafe. However, if you're uncomfortable with the extra cost and waste produced by the replacement trays, you can purchase a reusable tray. The disposable litter trays do have some perks, though. Swapping the used tray for a fresh one and wiping down the unit makes deep cleaning the interior of this litter box a breeze. However, due to the shallow litter depth, which can cause cats to kick more litter out and litter tracking, you may need to spend extra time cleaning around the box. A litter mat can help.
Unlike the other raking units we tested, the ScoopFree lacks a separate waste compartment. As the rake moves through the litter, it leaves behind the non-clumping crystal litter, which absorbs most liquid waste but not all. Especially if your cat urinates in one area, the crystals can become oversaturated and moist. Stirring the litter can help distribute moisture, but cats will still end up stepping on saturated crystals. You can also try scooping out the damp litter, but I found this counterintuitive and not very effective, as most of the non-clumping crystals slipped through the grates of my scoop.
Solid waste, on the other hand, is raked into the covered litter tray 20 minutes after your cat exits. PetSafe recommends replacing the litter tray every 12 to 15 days — the appropriate timeframe will depend on your cat's usage, and you may need to remove solid waste sooner. While the rake moves solids into the waste trap effectively, you could be left with a stinky mess if your cat has diarrhea or soft stool.
While this budget-friendly box is an adequate entry-level option for healthy adult cats, the manual says the ScoopFree has its limitations. You should not use the self-cleaning mode with kittens under 6 months of age. Additionally, it's not safe for cats who may struggle to enter and exit the box, such as very senior cats and those with mobility issues. If your cat is arthritic or declawed, crystal litter may also irritate their sensitive paws.
Read our full PetSafe Scoop Free litter box review.
Best dust-free
The CatGenie A.I. uses a wastewater system and reusable plastic granules as dust-free litter, eliminating the need for additional cleaning.
What we like
What we don't like
The CatGenie A.I. makes dust clouds a thing of the past with its washable, nontoxic litter granules. Once your cat leaves the box, the CatGenie flushes away liquid waste and scoops out solids, disposing of both via your wastewater system. It then washes the granules and dries the granules, so theoretically, you never need to replace them unless your cat tracks too many out of the box. In the past few years, I've only topped mine up once or twice. However, you'll need to replace the SaniSolution cleanser cartridge every three to four months. Best of all, there's no need to deep clean this box.
That said, the CatGenie A.I. has the longest cleaning cycle of the best automatic litter boxes we recommend, taking about 30 minutes. This may be too long if you have multiple cats and one needs to use the box shortly after the other exits, or if your cat is prone to urinary flare-ups or diarrhea that increases urgency of elimination. The noise made during the cleaning cycle may also frighten some cats. While my cats loved watching the cleaning cycle and using the box, they eventually lost interest. I suspect they prefer litter with smaller, softer granules.
The box requires both electrical and plumbing connections. You'll need to connect the water intake hose to a sink, toilet, or washing machine and connect the drain hose to a toilet rim or drainpipe. Keep in mind that our experts advise against placing litter boxes near noisy appliances like the washing machine.
Using the companion app, you can set the CatGenie to cycle at specific times rather than automatically after each use. Some users say they programmed theirs to cycle once per night, as the warm drying phase can produce an odor, particularly with solids. If your cat tends to spray urine high, fling litter, or prefers more privacy, you can purchase the GenieDome and Sidewalls set as add-ons or as part of the premium CatGenie package. However, adding a dome could deter some cats from using the box, as it reduces the entry size and cats generally prefer a clear view of their surroundings.
What to look for in an automatic litter box
Based on insights from our experts, research, and testing, we recommend considering the following essential features when choosing among the best self-cleaning litter boxes.
Accessibility: Some cats need a more accessible box due to age, medical conditions, or mobility limitations. Geller recommends looking for a box with a ramp or stair attachment, though a litter box with an entry height of no more than 3 inches is even better. Ramps or stairs for declawed cats or those with limited mobility should offer a gentle incline and be both slip-resistant and soft on the paws — anything with grates isn't recommended.
Size: The best litter box for your cat should be at least 1.5 times their length, measured from nose to tail. While we prioritized litter boxes with spacious interiors, most automatic litter boxes simply aren't big enough for large cats based on these size recommendations.
Litter depth: Cats have a natural instinct to dig and bury their waste, and they prefer at least 2 to 3 inches of one of the best cat litters to do so, says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. However, we found that most automatic litter boxes offer a shallow litter depth. The CatGenie and ScoopFree models provide only an inch of substrate below their maximum fill line, while the Litter-Robot offers up to 2 inches. If your cat prefers to dig in deep litter, an automatic box may not be ideal for their needs.
Ease of assembly and cleaning: In our testing, we considered setup features like assembly time, user-friendly design, and the ease of routine cleaning. We also evaluated litter tracking and designs that minimize messes in the home. The best self-cleaning litter boxes are those that require minimal effort on your part.
Price: Geller says a major drawback of automatic cat litter boxes is their price tag. These boxes can be quite expensive. "If you have a cat who has a long history of being picky about her box, an automatic litter box might be a failed investment," she says. We tested automatic boxes across a range of price points and carefully considered their return policies and warranties.
How we tested the best automatic litter boxes
To get more guidance on choosing the best automatic litter boxes, we consulted four experts and used their criteria to narrow down our picks.
Dr. Mark Freeman is a specialist veterinarian who is board-certified in canine/feline practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Leanne Lilly is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, Fear Free certified veterinarian, and associate professor of behavioral medicine at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Rachel Geller is a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc.
Dr. Denise Johnson is a Fear Free certified veterinarian and certified cat behavior consultant (CCBC) at IndeVets who specializes in behavioral health and low-stress handling.
I tested each litter box for at least two weeks, assessing factors like ease of use, accessibility, noise, tracking, and overall cleaning efficiency. I stopped testing any boxes that weren't safe for my cats to use. For example, the Pet Zone SmartScoop didn't have safety features, so I eliminated it from testing shortly after setup.
Cleaning test: I evaluated how well each box performed its main functions: how often the box cleaned itself, if any waste remained after cleaning, how long the cleaning process lasted, and how often the litter box required maintenance. A daily sniff test of the room and within 5 feet of the litter box determined whether the box kept odors under control for us, though cats have a more acute sense of smell.
Ease of entry test: I gave higher consideration to litter boxes with a low entry, a ramp, or stairs and without entryways that felt too constricting. I also observed my cats using the litter boxes, noting which entry point they chose and any hesitation they had with entering.
Size of the interior: Johnson says the interior of a litter box should be one and a half times the length of a cat to give them plenty of room to turn around and do their business. I gave higher consideration to boxes with larger interiors that could accommodate cats of different sizes.
Noise test: The sound of an automatic litter box could startle cats, resulting in them finding other places to urinate and defecate, Lilly says. To test the noise level of each litter box, I downloaded the "Sound Meter" app and recorded the maximum and average decibel rating of each litter box while it completed a full cycle.
Ease of use: During the testing period, I noted how much maintenance each litter box required. I also factored in any additional purchases, like special litter, waste bags, or cleaning supplies.
Safety: I immediately disqualified any boxes that had faulty or missing safety features. I noted the sensitivity of the safety features and documented if they worked as advertised. A noteworthy example is the Litter-Robot 4, which uses both motion-detecting lasers and weight-sensor technology to detect cats. The ScoopFree and CatGenie use motion-detecting lasers.
Setup: I recorded how long it took to set up the litter box and whether I needed help from the user manual, app, or customer service. I also considered customer service accessibility and responsiveness.
Tracking: During a two-week testing period, I collected loose litter on the floor to compare tracking volume. I also recorded how far away the litter ended up from the litter box.
Exterior design: I considered the size and aesthetic qualities of the litter box, focusing on features cat parents might consider important and visually appealing. Examples include modern and sleek design, color options to complement home decor, and quality materials.
Self-cleaning litter box FAQs
What is the best automatic cat litter box?
The best automatic litter boxes are safe, accessible, and have an interior large enough for your cat to comfortably turn around and do their business. It should scoop and store waste with little odor and noise, and it shouldn't require much extra maintenance from you. For this guide, we selected the Litter-Robot 4 as the best automatic litter box due its quiet operation, sleek design, and thoughtful smart features. The best automatic box for you and your cat will depend on your budget and your cat's specific needs and preferences.
Do vets recommend automatic litter boxes?
Cats have a natural instinct to hide eliminations and prefer boxes that reduce the chances of encountering another cat's waste, Johnson says. Automatic litter boxes remove waste after each use to quickly provide a clean litter box, but Lilly says they may not be ideal for cats with mobility issues, a history of litter box problems, or diseases that affect their urine or stool. In fact, monitoring elimination frequency and quality can be crucial to detecting feline health issues early. For example, the Litter-Robot 4's SmartScale can identify individual cats in multi-cat households, so long as their weights differ by at least half a pound. Whisker CEO and President Jacob Zuppke says technological updates planned for Litter-Robot 4 may help address these concerns. For instance, planned AI-based behavioral learning updates may help track cats' bathroom habits. By analyzing data from litter box usage, the AI system learns each cat's unique patterns and habits and can alert you to changes that may suggest a health concern. That said, we didn't consider smart features like this when evaluating and recommending automatic litter boxes.
Will my cat use an automatic litter box?
Many cats will use an automatic box with the proper introduction, but some will never switch. It's important to consider your cat's personality, preferences, and even their home dynamic, Geller says. Cats with a history of litter box selectiveness or skittish behavior may not want to use automatic boxes, and you'll want to offer a box your cat will comfortably use. In multi-pet homes, especially, some cats may avoid any litter box with a cover out of fear that an intruder could sneak up on them. Cats often feel safer using a box that offers a full 360-degree view of their surroundings. Otherwise, you'll likely end up with regular messes outside the box. Additionally, Geller advises against placing litter boxes near startling sounds. For example, you might consider installing a CatGenie in a bathroom close to the rooms where you and your cats spend most of your time and away from noisy appliances like the washing machine.
How can I get my cat to use an automatic litter box?
Geller recommends introducing the new box slowly and with positive reinforcement. Start by keeping the litter box powered off, praising and rewarding your cat when they explore or interact with the box. Once they're comfortable, add a litter your cat is familiar with so they know exactly what the box is for — but keep the self-cleaning function off or in manual mode. Then, manually cycle the empty box a few times a day while interacting with your cat in a way they enjoy. For example, while operating the box, if your cat likes petting, pet and praise them at a distance at which they feel comfortable. This can help desensitize them to the sound and movement. Only when your cat is comfortable should you switch the unit into automatic cleaning mode.
How do I introduce my cat to an automatic litter box?
To transition your cat to using an automatic box, Geller says to start by placing it near their old litter box. However, don't put any litter in yet. Allow your cat to explore the box on their own terms, and don't pick them up and place them inside. When you see your cat interacting with the litter box, praise them. After you add litter and your cat has used the box a few times, turn on the cleaning feature. Then, gradually move the traditional box farther away from the new one — just a couple of inches per day. During this transition period, Geller says to praise your cat for desired bathroom behaviors with treats, play, affection, or verbal praise. Only remove the old one once your cat uses the new box regularly.
How often do you have to clean an automatic litter box?
According to Whisker, the Litter-Robot 4 should be deep cleaned every one to three months. However, Freeman says cleaning litter boxes with soap and water every week or two is ideal.
How do self-cleaning litter boxes work?
Self-cleaning litter boxes keep boxes clean and prevent unpleasant household odors by using various mechanisms to remove waste. For example, Litter-Robot 4 rotates a sifting cylinder to separate the waste from clean litter and deposits waste in an odor-trapping drawer. CatGenie, on the other hand, flushes away waste and uses washable granules as litter. The ScoopFree box rakes clumps of solid waste into a covered compartment 20 minutes after your cat exits the box.
Are self-cleaning litter boxes worth it?
Our experts say to provide cats with at least one litter box area per cat, plus an additional box — even when using automatic litter boxes that remove waste right away. "You want every cat in the household to be able to eliminate at the same time," Lilly says. "One extra is in case a cat prefers to urinate in one and defecate in the other, which isn't uncommon." Of course, two or more self-cleaning litter boxes may not fit every budget. The good news is our experts say it's not just okay to pair an automatic box with a traditional one, it's recommended. We recommend the no-frills Frisco High-Sided Litter Box. For even more space, you can DIY a litter box using the Sterilite 41-Quart Storage Bin.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
