3 Best Self

Jan 06, 2024

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

A good litter box is one of the most important supplies you'll purchase for your cat. Yet while keeping the box clean is essential for ensuring your cat's health and quality of life and keeping your house smelling fresh, daily scooping can be an unpleasant job. Some people may also find it a physically difficult task. But purchasing one of the best self-cleaning litter boxes can save you time and make your life easier.

Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc., recommends self-cleaning (automatic) litter boxes to pregnant people, people who have compromised immune systems or physical disabilities, cat parents who work long hours, and anyone who dislikes cleaning litter boxes. However, one litter box isn't necessarily as good as the next. The best cat litter box for you and your felines will be safe, accessible, and large enough for them to use comfortably. It should scoop and store waste with minimal odor and sound. And of course, choosing one you can easily deep clean will benefit you along with your cat.

For this guide, we tested nine self-cleaning litter boxes, ranking each on key features including safety, ease of use, and cleaning efficiency. I also spoke to veterinarians and cat behaviorists for advice on what makes the best self-cleaning cat litter box and how to introduce an automatic litter box to a cat.

Note: The LitterMaid Self-Cleaning Litter Box sample we received had a faulty sensor that continuously cycled. When we contacted the brand for troubleshooting, a representative said the product was discontinued but still on the shelves. Because the brand couldn't offer support, we eliminated the litter box from further testing.

Best overall: Whisker Litter-Robot 4 - See at ChewyThe Whisker Litter-Robot 4 has a whisper-quiet design and offers ample size and feline-friendly features suitable for small, large, and mobility-impaired cats.Best dust-free: CatGenie A.I. - See at ChewyThe CatGenie A.I. uses a wastewater system and reusable plastic granules as litter. This no-dust litter box option eliminates the need for additional cleaning.Best budget: Petsafe ScoopFree - See at ChewyThe Petsafe ScoopFree uses an automated rake and has three entry designs. This versatile option lets you explore automated litter boxes on any budget.

Pros: Suitable for cats over 3 pounds, can be used by senior cats and cats with disabilities, advanced smart technology, operates quietly, compatible with any clumping litter

Cons: Expensive, large, requires deep cleaning

Interior size: 15 inches to 17 inches tall (depending on litter level), 19 inches wide, 18 inches deep

Exterior size: 29.5 inches tall, 22 inches wide, 27 inches deep

Step: 6.9 inches tall

Entrance: 12 inches from ground, 15.75 inches wide, 15.75 inches tall

Unit-specific supplies: Waste drawer liners

App: Yes

Litter type: Any clumping litter

Return policy and warranty: 90-day returns, 1-year warranty

The Litter-Robot 4 uses laser and weight sensor technology to detect your cat's entry and exit — and despite its hefty price tag, it performs effectively enough that it landed in the top spot among the best self-cleaning litter boxes. Once your cat exits, the unit rotates around a sifting cylinder to separate waste. It then disposes waste into a drawer and returns clean litter to the globe. If your cat re-enters mid-cycle, the cylinder pauses. You'll only need to empty the large waste compartment every couple of weeks or so, depending on the number of cats and litter boxes you have. The app tells you when the waste drawer is full and how much clean litter remains. It also tracks your cat's litter box use.

If your cat has mobility issues and needs an extra boost, Whisker sells a waste drawer with an attached step. The brand also offers some of the best cat litter box furniture to conceal the box if its sleek, modern design doesn't complement your decor. To clean Litter-Robot 4, you'll need to remove the globe to wash and dry it by hand. The brand recommends deep cleaning every 1 to 3 months since waste doesn't tend to accumulate or stick to the interior sides of the globe.

Automatic litter boxes do scare some cats, says Dr. Leanne Lilly, a fear-free certified veterinarian and assistant professor of behavioral medicine at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. But Litter-Robot 4 keeps sound at a whisper level, making it more cat-friendly and better for your sleep. If you're a light sleeper, you can set the app to sleep mode to prevent the unit from cycling for a specific period. Whisker has improved the Litter-Robot's design to resolve issues from previous generations, like leaks and jamming. Still, this version occasionally cycles without a cat entering, and if you place it on carpet instead of hard floor, it gives inaccurate cat weights.

The Litter-Robot 4 is also one of our recommendations for the largest litter boxes for cats. The Litter-Robot 3 has a slightly smaller entrance, doesn't include weight monitoring, and isn't compatible with any future tech upgrades. It can detect cats over 5 pounds and ranks high in safety, so it may be a great option if you'd like to spend a little less and don't need the extra features.

Pros: Washable granules never need replacement, no dust, doesn't require deep cleaning, can use as an open or hooded box, you never need to scoop or empty waste

Cons: Must hook up to water line, has long and loud cleaning cycle, cats may not like washable granules or the smell of the cleaning solution

Interior size: 15-inch diameter, 1-inch litter depth

Exterior size: 19.25 inches wide in front, 17.5 inches wide at top, 21 inches tall, 24.5 inches deep

Step: None

Entrance: 9 inches from ground, 8 inches wide, 8 inches tall

Unit-specific supplies: SaniSolution

App: Yes

Litter type: CatGenie Washable Granules

Return policy and warranty: 90-day returns, 2-year warranty

Hate litter box dust? The CatGenie A.I. makes that nasty cloud a thing of the past. This box uses washable non-toxic granules as litter. Once your cat leaves the box, the CatGenie flushes away liquid waste and scoops out solid waste, disposing of both using your wastewater system. It then washes the granules and dries them. You never need to replace these granules — unless, of course, your cat tracks too many out of the box. I've topped mine up just once or twice in the past few years. There's also no need to deep clean this box.

That said, it has the longest cleaning cycle of the best self-cleaning litter boxes we recommend. It takes about 30 minutes, which may be too long if you have multiple cats and one needs to use the box shortly after the other exits. The noise of the cleaning cycle may also scare some cats away. While my cats loved watching the cleaning cycle and using the litter box at first, they eventually lost interest. I can't ask them why, but I suspect they prefer litter with smaller, softer granules.

This litter box requires both electrical and plumbing connections. You'll connect the water intake hose to a sink, toilet, or washing machine and then connect the drain hose to a toilet rim or drainpipe. You can use the companion application to cycle the CatGenie at specific times, rather than automatically once your cat zooms out. Some reviewers said they programmed theirs to cycle once per night, since the warm drying phase can produce a smell, particularly after a cat poops in the box. If your cat tends to spray high or fling litter — or simply prefers a private toilet — you can purchase the GenieDome and Sidewalls set as add-ons or with the premium CatGenie package.

Pros: Affordable, front-entry and top-entry options, easy to deep clean, built-in counter monitors litter box use

Cons: Uses crystal litter only, must buy disposable litter trays, lots of litter tracking

Interior size: 14 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, 6 inches tall, 1-inch litter depth

Exterior size: 19 inches wide, 27 inches long, 16 inches tall for covered and top entry options, 6 inches tall for open box option

Step: None

Entrance: 6 inches from ground

Unit-specific supplies: Petsafe litter trays

App: No

Litter type: Petsafe crystal litter recommended

Return policy and warranty: 45-day returns, 1-year warranty

The Petsafe ScoopFree is one the few automatic boxes that both has good reviews and resembles the large boxes veterinarians and behaviorists recommend. Despite its basic appearance, ScoopFree meets our testing standards for performance, safety, and cat-friendly features for around $200. It's designed for use with crystal litter and disposable leak-proof trays, both sold by Petsafe. However, I don't like the idea of producing more garbage or paying more for replacement trays). If you feel the same way, you can also purchase a reusable tray. Disposable litter trays do have some perks, though. Swapping the used tray for a fresh one and wiping down the unit makes deep cleaning this litter box a breeze.

This box doesn't have a waste compartment like other raking units I tested. Instead, liquid waste is absorbed and left in the tray while solid waste is raked into the covered litter tray 20 minutes after your cat exits the box. The brand recommends swapping the litter tray for a new one every 12 to 14 days. However, this timeframe will depend on your cat's usage, and you may need to remove solid waste before then. The rake does move solids into the waste trap effectively, but if your cat has diarrhea or a soft stool, it could leave you with a smelly mess.

You can choose from three box designs: open, covered with a front entry, or the model that we recommend as one best top-entry litter boxes. I tested the open design, which our experts prefer to covered litter boxes. All boxes have an entry point just over 6 inches from the ground, which may be too high for some cats with mobility issues. My cats had never used crystal litter before, but they loved this box and used it without issue.

The first ScoopFree litter box I tested arrived with a faulty safety sensor, but I had no problems with the replacement I received.

Based on information from our experts, research, and testing, we recommend considering these essential features when choosing among the best self-cleaning litter boxes:

Accessibility: Some cats will need a more easily accessible box due to age, medical conditions, or mobility limitations. Geller suggests looking for a box with a ramp or ramp attachment, like the one you can purchase for Litter-Robot 3 and 4. If your cat has mobility issues, you may want to skip the ScoopFree box. According to the manual, it's not intended for use by very senior cats or cats with physical limitations.

Size: The best litter box for your cat should be 1.5 times their length, measured from their nose to tail, according to our experts. Although we prioritized litter boxes with spacious interiors, most automatic litter boxes simply aren't big enough for large breed 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 cat litter to do so, Geller says. However, we discovered 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: When testing boxes, 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 require minimal effort on your part.

Price: Geller says a major drawback of automatic cat litter boxes is their price tag. These boxes don't come cheap. "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 at a range of price points and evaluated our selections with return policies and warranties in mind.

To get more guidance on choosing the best self-cleaning cat litter box, we consulted four experts and used their criteria to narrow down our picks.

Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Leanne Lilly is a fear-free certified veterinarian and assistant professor of behavioral medicine at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.

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 cat behavior consultant (CCBC) at IndeVets who specializes in behavioral health and low-stress handling.

I tested each litter box for 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 Smart Scoop didn't have safety features, so I eliminated it from testing shortly after setup.

Our experts say to provide cats with at least one litter box 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. One extra is in case a cat prefers to urinate in one and defecate in the other, which isn't uncommon," Lilly says.

Many cats will use an automatic box with the right introduction, but some cats will never make the switch. It's important to consider your cat's personality and preferences, 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. 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.

Geller recommends introducing the new box slowly and with positive reinforcement. In other words, praise your cat and give them a treat when you see them checking out the box or interacting with it. Once your cat gets comfortable around the automatic litter box, add litter to it without turning on the self-cleaning function. Use a litter they're familiar with so they know exactly what the box is for. Then, begin by manually cycling it a few times a day while interacting with your cat in a way they enjoy. For example, pet them and praise them while operating the box. This can help desensitize them to the sound and movement.

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, praise your cat for desired bathroom behaviors with treats, play, affection, or verbal praise, Geller says. Only remove the old one once your cat chooses to regularly use the new box.

According to Johnson, cats have a natural instinct to hide eliminations and prefer boxes that reduce the chances of encountering another cat's waste. Automatic litter boxes remove waste after each use to quickly provide a clean litter box — but they may not be ideal for cats with mobility issues, a history of litter box problems, or diseases that affect their urine or stool, Lilly says. In fact, monitoring elimination frequency and quality can be a crucial step to detecting feline health issues early. Whisker CEO and President Jacob Zuppke says technological updates planned for Litter-Robot 4 may help address these concerns. For instance, AI-based behavioral learning can 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 choosing the best self-cleaning litter boxes.

According to Whisker, the Litter-Robot 4 should be deep cleaned every one to three months. Freeman says that cleaning litter boxes with soap and water every week or two is ideal, however.

The best automatic litter box is safe, accessible, and has 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 overall, due to features like its spacious interior, quiet operation, accessibility features, and sleek design. We also included the budget-friendly PetSafe ScoopFree and the dust-free CatGenie. However, the best automatic box for you and your cat will depend on your budget, as well as your cat's specific needs and preferences.

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 waste into a covered compartment 20 minutes after your cat exits the box.

If your cat has a history of litter box issues, arthritis, mobility issues, or health conditions that require bathroom monitoring, our experts say it may not be worth investing in a self-cleaning cat litter box. If your cat doesn't have any issues with using various types of litter boxes, however, an automatic box can help minimize your hands-on time with the litter box while also ensuring your cat always has a clean box to use. This both saves you time and suits your cat's natural instincts and hygiene needs. When choosing the best self-cleaning litter boxes, we took into account their price tags, return policies, and warranties. Our recommendations include options with a minimum 45-day return policy and a one-year warranty, just in case it doesn't work out for your home.

Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals.You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.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 [email protected].