Thinking objectively for a second, it's kind of hilarious that humans have universally accepted that owning a cat means letting said cat poop in their house — and then scooping said poop by hand. On top of it all is the opportunity to put your face directly into a cloud of cat pee aroma.
Or is that something we have to accept? Making the switch to an automatic litter box suggests otherwise — and in 2023, there are several options at a variety of price points that make the investment feel less extra than it may have three years ago.
Are automatic litter boxes worth it?
Simply put: Yes. The obvious benefit of a litter box that cleans itself is not having to do the dirty job yourself. But your cat will appreciate the consistent cleanings just as much as you do.
Litter box etiquette is high on the list of peculiar cat behaviors. Despite the famous feline self-sufficiency that we all know and adore, cleaning their litter box is one huge thing they can't do for themselves. And if you don't do it right, they'll let you know. If you've been finding rogue turds outside of the litter box, the "bad" behavior may be rooted in nothing more serious than the preference for a litter box that's scooped more often. An automatic litter box can keep up a stable cleaning schedule despite your own hectic schedule.
How do automatic litter boxes work?
The best automatic litter boxes detect when your cat has been in the litter box and, after allowing time for the cat to exit and litter to solidify, will sweep the waste into a separate compartment to help repress the smell.
Different models take slightly different approaches to separating waste from clean litter: Some sift, some rake, and some spin, and the waste bins on each vary slightly, too. But all ultimately save you from scooping individual clumps on a daily basis as you would with a traditional litter box; for the most part, your job maxes out at emptying the waste bin every week or so.
An automatic cat litter box is also a great choice if you're out of the house often. Recruiting a friend or someone from Rover to come over just isn't plausible every single time — so whether you're at work all day, stayed at karaoke longer than expected, or go away for long weekends, it's nice to know that your kitties won't be stomping in filth while you're gone. Pair it with an automatic cat feeder and they just might forget you even exist.
Ensuring that your cat always has a clean litter box to turn to can solve many behavioral issues related to the litter box and surrounding area. So, an automatic cat litter box is a particularly wise investment for finicky cats that need a pristine environment every time they go. The hygienic benefits extend to any surface on which your cat may prance after its paws have been in the litter box — like your bed or the kitchen counter. If your dog insists on digging in the litter box as often as your cat does, automatic scooping (and a small entryway, if you go that route) can reduce the changes for that kind of a mess.
Will all cats use an automatic litter box?
Upon a smooth transition, probably. Once they realize that the automatic one is a cleaner place to do their business than the one that relies on you to clean, they should be hooked. But a few adjustments on your end can promote a stress-free switch to a new litter box.
Avoiding the shock factor is the easiest way to build trust with the new setup. Give your cat a chance to choose the new box before taking the old one away, and use the same litter (if possible) to offer a sense of familiarity. Naturally, don't opt for a giant enclosed automatic litter box if your cat is skittish or has previously shown that they don't appreciate that level of privacy. (For more tips on how to train your cat to use an automatic litter box, check the FAQ section below.)
It should be noted that self-cleaning litter boxes are meant for adult cats and generally aren't suitable for small kittens. The automatic scooping in most boxes is typically triggered by built-in weight sensors, and babies less than five pounds generally won't be heavy enough to ensure the emptying doesn't happen while they're mid-squat.
Let's get into the best self-scooping litter boxes in 2023:
