The self-cleaning litter box is a real revolution invented for cat owners: no more need to use the scoop to pick up your pet’s waste. Thanks to the self-cleaning system, the soiled litter is removed effortlessly, saving you time.
Self-cleaning cat litter box: how does it work?
There are two types of self-cleaning litter boxes:
- manual self-cleaning litters
- electric self-cleaning litters
manual self-cleaning litter
This one will require a small participation from you, to activate the cleaning mechanism. Every day, after your cat has been in the litter box, you have to turn a crank to pour the soiled litter into the tank provided for this purpose (it is equipped with a small garbage bag by you).
All you have to do then is empty it and put a clean bag back in for the next time. Remember also to put back a little clean litter. (once a week is usually enough)
electric self-cleaning litter
With an electric self-cleaning litter box, there’s no cleaning required!
The litter box is equipped with an electric mechanism that automatically collects the soiled litter in a bag or tank. You will still need to empty the reservoir or change the bag, and put clean litter in your cat at least once a week. Some models provide several weeks or even months of peace of mind.
Regardless of the model used, the advantage is that you don’t have to come into contact with the soiled litter. This is always more pleasant, and it also prevents you from catching toxoplasmosis, a disease transmitted by a parasite found in cat feces. Keep in mind that your cat, who was used to a conventional litter box, may be afraid or reluctant to use this litter. It will take some time to adjust.
Pros and Cos of the self-cleaning litter box
The choice to buy a litter box will inevitably arise if you want or already have a cat. How do you choose? Is a self-cleaning litter box worth it?
The list below should help you answer some of your questions and thus make your choice:
PrOS
- Saves time
- Easy to install
- Less odor
- Less litter grains all over the house or apartment
- Saves on litter
- No contact with litter or droppings
Cons:
- Price of the litter is usually quite high
- Need to have a power outlet near the litter box
- For some litters, disposable trays or other accessories are expensive to buy
- Difficulty for the cat to adapt, especially adult cats
- Noisy
- Beware of your cat’s size: if it is large, it may not appreciate a closed litter box
- Quite bulky, takes up space
Is the investment worth it?
The self-cleaning litter box seems attractive at first glance, because it saves a lot of time. It’s very practical: no need to walk behind your cat every time, especially if you have an electric self-cleaning litter box that can be programmed to go off several times a day.
But if you look at it carefully, this requires a certain financial investment, especially for electric self-cleaning litters: first of all for the purchase of the litter, as the price is still quite high, but also for the supply of accessories for some of them, which must be renewed very regularly, a little too much according to the opinion of some buyers. We are far from the promise to refill only every 4 to 6 months!
The manual self-cleaning litter box is more appreciated, because it is less expensive to buy, and it is you who controls the movement of the crank, and therefore who cleans more easily the litter box of your cat. You can easily see when it’s time to empty the box or add litter.
If the self-cleaning litter box keeps its promises in terms of practicality, easy installation, and the fact that it still allows for less tedious cleaning for the owner, this does not offset the expense of purchasing the litter box and renewing the accessories.
Moreover, some cats do not even use it, frightened by the noise. Also, remember to check the size if you have a large cat. Some litters come in different sizes.
Also, if you want to invest in a litter box, take the time to get information, ask for advice from the sellers if you go to a pet store, read the reviews if you buy on the internet. The comments of buyers are usually very useful and will help you make your choice.