When you welcome a cat into your home, an important consideration is choosing the best litter box for your cat. While there are many options to choose from, one of the easiest litter boxes to maintain is an automatic litter box.
Most cat parents will agree that scooping cat litter can be unpleasant and time-consuming. There are many advantages to an automatic cat litter box, especially when compared to a traditional scoop litter box. Let’s explore these benefits and decide what is the best automatic litter box for you!
How does an automatic cat litter box work?
When you have a traditional scoop litter box, it is up to you to check the status of the litter, clean the box, and maintain it all on your own. However, when your cat has an automatic litter box, it is no longer your responsibility to scoop litter.
An automatic litter box can detect when your cat has used the bathroom. It will then scoop, or cycle, the waste into a receptacle, which is typically stored underneath the litter box itself. Once your cat uses it, the automatic litter box will sift the soiled litter from the clean litter.
All waste will be deposited into the waste drawer underneath the litter box. Depending on the type of automatic litter box you choose, you may even receive notifications when the waste drawer is full and needs to be emptied. This process is a major time saver!
What makes a good automatic litter box?
So, what exactly makes for a good automatic cat litter box? We suggest looking for the following main features.
Rotation sifting instead of a raking system
Prefer self-cleaning litter boxes that feature a rotating motion to dispose of the waste over rake mechanisms. “Raking” automatic litter boxes often jam or clog and nobody wants to have to scrub poop out from the rake when it gets stuck there. Yuck. Opt for a sifting rotational system instead.
Smart insights
You may not consider litter boxes as state-of-the-art technology. However, most automatic litter boxes feature advanced technology that is up-to-date, user-friendly, and convenient. WiFi connectivity is a feature that most automatic cat litter boxes come with because it allows you to connect your litter box to an app and receive push notifications when it’s time to empty the waste drawer.
Some automatic litter boxes like Litter-Robot 4, will notify you via the app on your phone when it needs to be emptied. You can even receive smart insights into your cat's weight and litter box usage, plus view litter levels in real time, all in the palm of your hands.
Multi-cat recognition is also a must for any multi-cat household. A good self-cleaning litter box should have this feature so you can better track each cat's habits and identify odd behavior as soon as possible.
For instance, if you notice a dramatic spike in litter box usage, it might be a sign of a cat UTI that requires a quick trip to the vet—just as these pet parents did when the Whisker app started notifying them every 10 minutes. Hear their story below:
Large drawer capacity = less frequent emptying
What's the point of a self-cleaning litter box if you have to empty the waste drawer just as often as you had to scoop? Many automatic litter boxes only feature a small waste compartment that won't hold more than a few days' worth of use, even less if you have multiple cats.
Look for an automatic litter box with a large waste compartment like Litter-Robot 5. Litter-Robot 5 uses a smart waste distribution technology to optimize how much waste the drawer can fit. Thanks to that improvement, you can go up to 10 days before having to empty the waste drawer with a single cat.
Product warranty
As cat parents, we know that litter boxes are used every day. Because of this frequency of use, it is important to make sure your automatic cat litter box will stand the test of time.
Not all automatic litter boxes come with a product warranty or guarantee but it can offer consumers peace of mind on their investment as they’ll know that they can rely on good customer service if they have issues with their litter box.
Additionally, a self-cleaning litter box that is easy to repair will be much better for the environment (no products will end up in landfills) and, of course, better for your wallet!
Odor control - Look for air filtering features
Most cat parents are acclimated to smelly litter boxes that are out in the open. This can be quite embarrassing when guests come over. A main benefit of a self-cleaning litter box is its ability to quickly sift, remove, and store waste. They also have odor control features in place, which help reduce odors quickly and consistently, unlike traditional litter boxes.
However, many self-cleaning litter boxes only store the cat waste in a small enclosed compartment that doesn't fully lock odors away. Look for an automatic litter box that has a tightly sealed waste drawer like Litter-Robot 4.
The best self-cleaning litter box for odor control should also feature carbon filters or a way to add a litter box odor eliminator. Even better if it comes in a single package in a bundle with everything for litter box cleaning.
Space fit for large cat breeds
Large cat breeds, don’t fit comfortably in regular litter boxes and typically need litter box solution tailored to large cats. In fact, studies show that a larger litter box receives 55% more usage than a standard-sized litter box.
While space might be a constraint, especially in a small apartment or house, aim for a litter box that has a similar footprint as a standard litter box but that has a larger opening.
Quiet operation
Your automatic litter box should not wake you up at night. That's just a hard requirement. But some of these machines can be pretty noisy, especially if located in or near the bedroom and your cat uses it at night. No, thank you.
Instead, look for a unit that either operates quietly or has a sleep mode and won't make a ruckus while everyone is asleep.
Best automatic litter boxes ranked
When looking for a litter box option that allows you to stop scooping, drastically reduce odors, and give your cat a clean place to go every time, we have a perfect choice. According to 90,000+ customer reviews, vets, and more, the best automatic cat litter box is Litter-Robot.
1. Litter-Robot 5 Pro
Overview
Never scoop again with Whisker's most insightful automatic litter box Litter-Robot 5 Pro. With dual AI-powered cameras, WasteID™, and smart insights, Litter-Robot 5 Pro is the smartest self-cleaning litter box yet, perfect for multi-cat homes and helicopter cat parents.
This new automatic litter box is the most advanced Litter-Robot model and features a sleek, modern design with an appliance-grade finish and is full of new, exciting features—making it smarter, easier to maintain, and more insightful than ever before.
The integrated dual camera system allows for real-time cat streaming, recording, and individual cat identification using AI-powered facial recognition. Designed for homes with up to 5 cats, Litter-Robot 5 Pro provides an additional inch of headroom compared to Litter-Robot 4, making it the best automatic litter box for large cats.
Litter-Robot 5 is WiFi-enabled, which means you can track litter and waste drawer levels in real time, and monitor your cats' litter box activity and weights—right from the Whisker app.
Litter-Robot 5 Pro starts at $899 and includes a 90-day in-home trial and WhiskerCare™ 1-Year Warranty.
Features and benefits
Let’s review some of the special features of Litter-Robot 4!
- Self-cleaning: The automatic sifting process separates waste from the clean litter so you never have to scoop again.
- Dual AI-powered cameras: 2 cameras, one forward-facing and one inside the globe, provide real-time video, recorded events, and images of the litter bed from anywhere so you get a complete picture of your cat’s litter box activity.
- Individual cat identification: With cat facial recognition and motion detection, Litter-Robot 5 Pro lets you see who is using the litter box and when, allowing you to monitor behavior closely and receive personalized insights with Whisker+.
- Waste ID™: Waste identification technology distinguishes #1 vs #2 for targeted odor control and advanced routine monitoring
- More time before emptying: The waste drawer was reworked to further optimize waste distribution, meaning you can go up to 10 days scoop free.
- Odor control: The improved waste drawer and optional OdorTrap™ system drastically reduce stubborn litter box odors.
- Enhanced safety: The integrated SafeCat System features laser and weight sensor technology that detects cats weighing 2+ lbs.
- Quiet cleaning: Discreet cleaning cycles benefit skittish kitties and light-sleepers alike.
Disadvantages
- Price: While the initial cost may seem high, Litter-Robot 5 Pro will more than make up for the cost by saving you time and money (by using less litter) in the long run.
- Size: Litter-Robot 5 Pro is larger in size to comfortably accommodate large cat breeds. However, the 22.2’’ x 27.25’’ footprint is similar to a traditional large litter pan.
2. Litter-Robot 4
Overview
Never scoop again with Whisker's tried and true automatic litter box Litter-Robot 4. This smart litter box has a sleek, modern design and is full of new, exciting features—making it quieter, easier, and smarter than ever before.
Litter-Robot 4’s automatic sifting process quietly separates your cat’s waste from the clean litter, depositing the clumps into a tightly sealed drawer that drastically reduces odors. This means you’ll spend zero time scooping litter and a lot less time worrying about whether the litter box is clean enough for your cat. In short, Litter-Robot 4 is an excellent time saver.
It’s also the best automatic litter box for multi-cat homes. After any one of your cats uses the litter box, Litter-Robot 4 will get to work by filtering out the clumps and moving them into the waste drawer, leaving nothing but clean litter for the other cats to use. And if you add on a LitterHopper accessory, you won't need to worry about litter refills, either—the LitterHopper automatically adds litter to the Litter-Robot 4 globe.
Litter-Robot 4 is WiFi-enabled, which means you can track litter and waste drawer levels in real time, and monitor your cats' litter box activity and weights—right from the Whisker app.
Litter-Robot 4 starts at $699 and includes a 90-day in-home trial and WhiskerCare™ 1-Year Warranty.
Features and benefits
Let’s review some of the special features of Litter-Robot 4!
- Self-cleaning: The automatic sifting process separates waste from the clean litter so you never have to scoop again.
- Odor control: The tightly sealed waste drawer and optional OdorTrap™ system drastically reduces stubborn litter box odors.
- Real-time insights: Laser and weight sensor technology tracks litter box activity, litter and waste levels, and cat weight.
- Multiple cats: Our sleek, compact design provides a comfortable space for cats of all sizes, suitable for up to 4 cats.
- Reduced litter tracking: A cleaner place for your cat’s paws along with the included fence and step results in minimal litter tracking.
- Enhanced cat safety: The integrated SafeCat System features laser and weight sensor technology that detects cats weighing 3+ lbs.
- Quiet cleaning: Discreet cleaning cycles benefit skittish kitties.
- Enlarged waste drawer: The industry-leading waste drawer size means you have to empty the drawer less often.
Disadvantages
There can always be disadvantages to using new products. Luckily, with Litter-Robot 4, there aren’t many. The only potential disadvantages are the price and the size of the litter box.
- Price: While the initial cost may seem expensive, Litter-Robot 4 has been recognized as a worthwhile investment by thousands of users, collecting over 10,000+ 5-star reviews.
- Size: Litter-Robot 4 is about the size of a nightstand. If you’re accustomed to a small, traditional litter box, it may come as a surprise to see Litter-Robot 4 in person. However, the 22’’ x 27’’ footprint is similar to a traditional large litter pan.
3. Litter-Robot EVO
Overview
Designed with small spaces in mind, the new Litter-Robot EVO is the simple, streamlined, and compact self-cleaning litter box designed to fit seamlessly into almost any space. It’s ideal for first-time cat owners, households with 1-2 cats, and living in small apartments and homes.
Just like other Whisker Litter-Robot models, Litter-Robot EVO quietly separates your cat’s waste from the clean litter, depositing the clumps into a tightly sealed drawer that drastically reduces odors. Your cat always has a fresh bed of litter, and you go up to 7 days between emptying the waste drawer with a one-cat household.
With its advanced multi-layered carbon filtration system, this automatic litter box efficiently controls odors and keeps your home smelling fresh.
Litter-Robot EVO also features a brilliant LCD display to provide real-time updates and easy onboarding, so you always know what's going on. You can also track litter and waste drawer levels in real time, and monitor your cats' litter box activity right from the Whisker app.
Litter-Robot EVO starts at $599 and includes a 90-day in-home trial and WhiskerCare™ 1-Year Warranty.
Features and benefits
Let’s review some of the special features of Litter-Robot EVO!
- Self-cleaning: The automatic sifting process separates waste from the clean litter so you never have to scoop again.
- Compact design: The reduced footprint makes Litter-Robot EVO the best litter box for small apartments and homes.
- Odor control: The tightly sealed waste drawer and optional OdorTrap™ system drastically reduces stubborn litter box odors.
- Real-time robot insights: Laser and weight sensor technology tracks litter and waste levels in real time.
- Perfect for smaller cat households: its compact design provides a comfortable space for cats of all sizes, suitable for up to 2 cats.
- Reduced litter tracking: A cleaner place for your cat’s paws along with the included fence and step results in minimal litter tracking.
- Enhanced cat safety: Litter-Robot EVO uses weight sensors and anti-obstruction technology to detect when a cat has entered, so it knows when to cycle and when to wait.
- Quiet cleaning: Dramatically reduces motor noises for discreet self-cleaning cycles—perfect for skittish cats.
- More efficient waste drawer: The waste drawer was improved to fit more into a tighter space so you can go up to 7 days before emptying with a single cat.
Disadvantages
- Limited app insights without Whisker+: Litter-Robot EVO includes free app features such as real-time device status updates, daily visits and cycles, and remote robot control, but you will need to upgrade to Whisker+ for weight-based cat identification, daily recap reports, and long-term trends up to 2 years.
Why Litter-Robot is the best automatic litter box
Automatic cat litter boxes can be a great choice for busy cat parents who only want the best for their pets, and the best automatic litter box option is Litter-Robot.
With its user-friendly, state-of-the-art technology and safety-first design, Litter-Robot is the best choice for saving time, spending less money, and maintaining overall cleanliness. Its ability to help eliminate odors even with multiple pets makes it a great choice for multi-pet homes, too!
