Are you looking to upgrade your traditional litter box to an automatic option? If so, you’ll know that these litter box setups don’t come too cheap to the average pet parent.
Additionally, not all automatic litter boxes are created equal, and they each have their own unique advantages. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure you choose the one most suited to your needs and those of your kitty.
We’ve evaluated four of the best self-cleaning litter boxes on the market in 2021. Read on to discover which areas each model ranked high in and find the automatic litter box that will compliment your home and lifestyle the best.
Aimicat
The Aimicat boasts an intriguing, futuristic design that will spark the curiosity of your feline. Because it resembles the look of a large toy, young cats love to jump in and out for fun. However, because the entryway is high off the ground, it’s not the best option for older or overweight cats who could struggle to access its entryway.
The precise infra-red sensors of the Aimicat also make it a brilliant choice for those taking care of kittens and small cats that can easily adapt to it. Unlike other units, the Aimicat doesn’t use pressure sensors to sense a cat’s weight, which are not great at picking up on the presence of tiny kittens. Instead, it reliably detects used litter within 0.1 seconds, which signals to initiate cleaning thereafter.
Finally, we found the Aimicat to be one of the best automatic litter boxes for odor control. The Aimicat reduces foul cat waste odors in several ways, but the most critical is the circular and negative pressure system inside the waste compartment. This pressure moves all scents to an integrated carbon filter to neutralize them keeping the enclosed space very minimal in terms of scent.
Best For:
- Kittens
- Design Perks
- Odor control
AutoEgg By ChillX
We rated the AutoEgg high in several areas. Firstly, the smart horizontal raking system it uses gives perhaps the most thorough, effective clean out of them all. Because the rake moves through the litter bed at a slower pace than rotating systems, it is generally considered a safer option.
Combined with a ‘cat-stuck prevention sensor,’ the cleaning will immediately pause should your kitty re-enter the litter box, eliminating any chance of injury or mishap.
We found both felines and their owners love the design and shape of this litter box. Although most traditional litter boxes can stand out and look distasteful in your home, you won’t feel the need to hide this automatic option. The AutoEgg’s enclosed design and clean white color give a modern, minimalistic look that blends well in any space and with any decor.
The AutoEgg is also the most accessible automatic litter box for cats. This is due to the low entry step that is just six inches off the ground, allowing elderly and disabled cats to enter and leave the box with ease.
Additionally, we liked how the entry step has a cellular tracking pad. Along with the enclosed, hooded design, the tracking pad does a superb job of preventing litter granules and dust from leaving the box and spreading throughout your home.
Another reason the AutoEgg is perfect for older cats is the innovative health tracker. Elderly cats become prone to many age-related feline diseases, many of which display symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation.
This health tracker logs various data each time your cat uses the box. The smart feature picks up on any changes in your kitty’s litter box habits. Therefore, if your cat is having digestive issues, this system will let you know.
Best For:
- Overall Clean
- Safety
- Design Perks
- Tracking Prevention
- Seniors/ Disabled Cats
CatGenie
The CatGenie uses advanced A.I. technology and functions uniquely and innovatively. It uses special reusable granules that the system cleans and dries to redeposit back into the litter bed. The solid waste gets flushed down the drain instead of being deposited into a waste compartment.
We find this system works well for multiple cat households as there is no worry of the waste drawer overflowing. What’s more, you can choose either motion-sensing cleaning after each use or pre-set self-cleaning up to eight times a day. Even with four cats using the box, this is more than enough cleaning cycles.
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly litter box, the CatGenie will meet your needs. The unit is completely safe for any home with a septic or public sewer connection, as the granules will break down.
Additionally, as the waste flushes away and the litter is reusable, the CatGenie does not contribute to the mass of cat litter going to the landfill.
Best For:
- Multiple Cats
- Eco-Friendly
ScoopFree By PetSafe
The ScoopFree is another excellent option for those with senior cats. Like the AutoEgg, the entryway is low enough for all cats to step in and out without any issue. This also makes it an ideal box for overweight cats to use. Moreover, the ability to remove the hood will give your larger cat more space if needed.
The ScoopFree utilizes the same slow-moving raking method as the AutoEgg but uses crystal litter instead of the clumping clay kind. We found crystal litter granules do not stick to cats’ paws as much as other types. Therefore, the ScoopFree produces minimal dust and tracking, keeping your house cleaner and more hygienic.
Best For:
- Senior/ Overweight Cats
- Tracking Prevention
Our Verdict
As you can see, the self-cleaning litter box that is best for you will depend on your cat’s needs and what features are most important to you. While all four of these automatic litter boxes have their advantages, we did find the AutoEgg offers the most.
We find cleaning effectiveness and safety the most critical factors, and the AutoEgg rated the highest in both. If you’re ready to take your cat’s litter box setup to the next level, check out the ChillX website to learn more about our favorite.
