A self-cleaning litter box is a must-have device for any cat owner as it makes maintaining a clean litter box effortless. Initially, I attempted to save money by purchasing cheaper options such as Chillx. Unfortunately, my experience with Chillx automatic litter box was terrible, and I ended up wasting my money. After that, I tried Petsafe ScoopFree litter box, which was decent, but it didn’t live up to my expectations. Finally, in 2017, I made the decision to invest $450 into the Litter Robot 3, and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made for my cat (and myself lol).
After my review of the Litter Robot 3 went viral, my website, Technomeow, gained widespread popularity, and as a result, many automatic cat litter box brands reached out to me to send their products for review. Thanks to Technomeow, I was able to thoroughly test over 20 different models and share my experiences and findings with my readers… but only 5 self-cleaning litter box models stood out from the rest in terms of their efficiency, reliability, ease of use, and overall performance.
However, not all brands lived up to their promises, and some of the products turned out to be quite disappointing. Before agreeing to test the products, I made it clear that my reviews would be unbiased, and the brands agreed to this condition. However, when some of the brands saw the actual review, they became upset, as it didn’t align with their expectations.
Despite these challenges, I remained committed to providing honest and transparent reviews to help cat owners make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing self-cleaning litter boxes. I believe that this approach is vital for building trust with my audience and ensuring that they get the best value for their money.
In my opinion, I made some of the most definitive and HONEST guides in picking out the best automatic litter box for 2023.
What Automatic Cat Litter Boxes Did We Test?
To make our list of the TOP-5 automatic cat litter boxes in 2023, our team has tested and reviewed 20 self-cleaning litter boxes and the bold ones made the list. The criteria for picking the best self cleaning litter box were technology, smart features, cat’s adaptability, design, app rating, size, price and we also asked people’s opinions on specialized cat forums and communities. There were so many manufacturers who failed at customer service and got many awful reviews from the previous users.
- Litter Robot 3 (read our full review)
- Chillx (my anti-recommendation, read here why)
- PetSafe ScoopFree Original Litter Box (read our full review)
- LitterMaid Automatic (read our full review)
- Lavviebot S (good option but way too expensive, our full review)
- PETKIT Pura X (read our full review)
- Litter Robot 4 (read our full review). BEST in 2023.
- Litter Spinner
- Smarty Pear’s Leo’s Loo Too (read our full review)
- PetSafe ScoopFree Smart WiFi version (read our full review)
- CatGenie A.I. Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box (read our full review)
- PetLoo Smart Cat toilet
- PuraMax automatic litter box (good option but way too expensive)
- Randolph Smart Litter Box (no English version available)
- Petjc Automatic Cat Litter Box
- CATLINK Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box (read our full review)
- Petree (read our full review)
- PetJC (read our full review)
- Famree (read our full review)
- Instachew Purrclean (read our full review)
- SNOW+ by Petsnowy (read our full review)
List of the 5 Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes in 2023 Based On Consumer Ratings, Reports and Personal Experience
- Litter-Robot 4
- Litter-Robot III
- Smarty Pear’s Leo’s Loo Too
- CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box
- PETKIT Pura X
Quick disclaimer: if you decide to purchase one of these self-cleaning litter boxes in the list, I would highly appreciate if you use my referral links I use a few times in this research. This helps my website maintain high-quality content, test expensive cat products and provide an honest expert opinion.
#1 Litter-Robot 4
- Advanced litter-sifting technology
- Real-time monitoring of waste and litter levels through the app
- Could be used for 4 cats
- Health Insights via SmartScale™
- Unique cat recognition technology
- Advanced litter-sifting technology
- Real-time monitoring of waste and litter levels through the app
- Could be used for 4 cats
- Health Insights via SmartScale™
- Unique cat recognition technology
Litter-Robot announced a new release on May 10, 2022. If you loved the Litter-Robot 3, you will definitely love this latest release of Litter-Robot. Litter-Robot 4 is the most anticipated upgraded version of the Litter-Robot 3 and definitely is the #1 self-cleaning litter box at the moment. I currently use this smart litter box solution for multiple cats in my household. It’s expensive, but it’s worth every penny.
I’ve been using Litter Robot 4 for over 10 months and I have not encountered any issues so far. Well, it was a small tiny issue with a plastic part on the back that started coming off, which caused the device to stop working properly, but the best part about Whisker (the company that manufactured Litter-Robot) is their amazing customer support.
They are US-based and there are many ways to reach out to them and response times are fast! They sent me the replacement within a week. I find it very important, how manufacturers handle such issues.
Among its highlight features are the QuietSift™ technology, which decreases noise during litter sifting, and the SmartScale™ system which allows you to track your cat’s weight after each use of the litter box. In my opinion, it makes Litter Robot 4 the most innovative automatic litter box in the list.
To save your time, here are some of the key differences between Litter-Robot 3 versus Litter-Robot 4:
- Litter-Robot 4 has a sifting screen upgrade that minimizes airborne and surface dust.
- You can now see your cat’s weight and real-time litter levels on the Whisker app and know when it’s time to add more litter.
- Litter-Robot 4 features a carbon-filtered waste drawer that is firmly sealed to help contain and decrease litter box odor.
- Litter-Robot 4 has MultiCat™ design, QuietSift™ and SmartScale™ technology. I really love it shows the accurate weight of my cats, because two of the are overweight.
- Litter-Robot 4 includes an adjustable cycle timer that provides for three, seven, and fifteen-minute post-use cycle delays.
Litter-Robot 4 is compact and sleek but designed for multiple-cat use and can accommodate up to four cats. Despite this feature, this cat litter box is easy to maintain as it has an EasyClean™ system which is convenient for deep-cleaning. I use it for three cats and it’s been great so far.
It is worth mentioning that my cats do not have problems using the Litter-Robot 4 at night time as it has an automatic night light.
Its sleep mode also pauses automatic cycling in 8-hour increments.
Litter-Robot is an amazing and definitely the best self-cleaning cat litter box on the market. This latest version, the Litter-Robot 4 is definitely worth the purchase for cat parents. Many cat communities confirm the same thing. If you decide on purchasing Litter Robot 4 Smart Litter Box, make sure to get it from the official website only.
You can also check my full Litter Robot 4 review or check the main findings in my video:
#2 Litter-Robot III Open Air Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- Ergonomic and convenient design for cats
- Cleans itself
- Could be used for multiple cats
- Amazing customer support and return policy
- Ergonomic and convenient design for cats
- Cleans itself
- Could be used for multiple cats
- Amazing customer support and return policy
Without a doubt, it was the #1 self-cleaning litter box in the industry and the top choice for all cat owners until they released Litter Robot 4. I’ve used Litter Robot 3 from 2017 till May 2022 so it’s been over 5 years!
Litter Robot has been just unpacked
It’s still one of the best robotic litter boxes for multiple cats on the market and it’s still available for purchase on the official website at a cheaper price point.
I have 4 cats at home and I’ve been using the Litter-Robot III for years and I could not be happier. It was expensive but I can say it was my best investment ever and I regret I had not bought it earlier. Litter-Robot 3 is exactly what its names suggest. It literally looks like a badass robot ready to wage war on errant cat litter and funky-smelling cat urine. Besides price, I extremely love these things about Litter-Robot compare to other robotic litter boxes in the list:
- A 90-day free trial is an amazing feature for such an expensive device. It did not work for my friend’s very large Bengal cat and she simply returned it in 90 days when decided that Litter-Robot does not work for her very large cat. I shared that store in my huge Litter Robot 3 review
- It comes with 18-month warranty that you can easily extend. If anything happens, they have a superior support team that replies very fast. The replacement parts are cheap compare to other scoop-free cat litter in the list.
- Extremely reliable. It is been over 3 years I use litter robot for my four cats so it works constantly. Nothing broke since then but I extended my warranty just in case
- Sleek design. It’s a matter of personal preference but I love it.
It is an automatic, self-cleaning litter box that cleans simply and is scoop free. It has a unique automatic MoonGlo NiteLite a cool blue led that is both great for the ambience and lends the unit a unique futuristic look. It automatically tells you that its waste collection bin is full, a self-adjusting cat sensor for your cat’s ease in usage. And true to its name, the Litter-Robot Open Air III has an “Open Air” large upward-facing entry that is suitable for all cat sizes.
You might also notice from the name that the Litter-Robot Open Air is a “III” or the third generation of its kind. That is because it is. The Litter-Robot Open Air is the third iteration of the highly successful Litter-Robot platform.
Aside from automatically sifting waste out of the litter, a little above five minutes after using it, the Litter-Robot Open Air III also has a larger more ergonomic entry. It has a self-adjusting cat sensor that automatically adjusts to accommodate different sizes of cats.
Of all the more modern self cleaning litter box featured here, the Litter-Robot Open Air III is easier to set up considering its “Techy feel.” The top globe and bottom anchor unit are easy to put together, just plug it, pour on some litter and you are set to go. It does not use any fancy receptacles or special waste bags, the Litter-Robot only needs your regular everyday garbage bags.
It does not even need any special type of litter, it can work with any commercially available clumping litter even from different brands.
The Litter-Robot Open Air III has its own carbon filter which you can insert under the corner of the lip drawer for odor control.
More than anything else, and aside from its apparent simple and effective operational use, the Litter-Robot Open Air III is a conversation. It is hands down the most provocative, unique and future looking in this list. Easily in the top three in terms of looks and effectivity. Plus the 18-month warranty feature is something special when you purchase from the official website. Read our full review for Litter Robot III.
If you choose between LR4 and LR3 self-cleaning litter boxes, Litter Robot 4 is an updated version of the Litter Robot 3 with features such as odor control, a larger waste drawer, quieter operation, enhanced software, and WiFi connectivity. However, it is more expensive than Litter Robot 3, and choosing between the two depends on individual preferences and needs.
#3 Leo’s Loo Too Automatic Self-cleaning Cat Litter Box
- It can be controlled remotely through the Smarty Pear app
- It shows your cat’s activity and trend logs via the Smarty Pear app
- It can be linked with Alexa or Google Voice Assistant
- It has a three-layer protection system for your cat’s safety
- It has a programmable UV light for disinfection and odor control improvement
- It has a bigger drawer capacity compared to Leo’s Loo
- It has whisper-quiet sifting technology with a noise level of 30 decibels
- It has a modern and innovative design
- It has easy to disassemble parts for easy cleaning
- It can be controlled remotely through the Smarty Pear app
- It shows your cat’s activity and trend logs via the Smarty Pear app
- It can be linked with Alexa or Google Voice Assistant
- It has a three-layer protection system for your cat’s safety
- It has a programmable UV light for disinfection and odor control improvement
- It has a bigger drawer capacity compared to Leo’s Loo
- It has whisper-quiet sifting technology with a noise level of 30 decibels
- It has a modern and innovative design
- It has easy to disassemble parts for easy cleaning
Leo’s Loo Too Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box, a new product from Smarty Pear, which my fellow cat owners are raving about these days. It was released in January 2022 and I am still testing this litter box, but I am already so much in love with it!
As an expert cat gadgets reviewer, I must attest that Leo’s Loo Too smart litter box exceeded my expectations. Its sifting technology operates at a mere 30 decibels, making it easy for felines to adapt to while maintaining a sleek design that would even fit in my living room. Although the product is equipped with a UV light and other odor-preventing features, I must admit that the scent of cat feces still managed to linger.
I personally fell in love with the Leo’s Loo Too Automatic Self-cleaning Cat Litter Box due to its impressive features. Firstly, I appreciated the convenience of being able to control the device remotely through the Smarty Pear app. It also allowed me to keep track of my cat’s activity and trend logs, which was incredibly helpful.
I was also pleased to discover that the device can be linked with Alexa or Google Voice Assistant, adding an extra layer of convenience to my experience. Safety was also a top priority for me, and the three-layer protection system of the Leo’s Loo Too ensured my cat was always secure.
The programmable UV light for disinfection and odor control improvement was another standout feature that I loved. Not only did it ensure that the litter box was always clean and fresh-smelling, but it also added an extra layer of hygiene that was important to me.
The Leo’s Loo Too also had a larger drawer capacity compared to the original Leo’s Loo, which made maintenance a lot easier for me. Additionally, the whisper-quiet sifting technology was impressive, and the device had a noise level of only 30 decibels, making it incredibly discreet.
The modern and innovative design was also a huge plus for me. It added a touch of elegance to my home and blended in perfectly with my decor. Lastly, the device was incredibly easy to disassemble, making cleaning a breeze.
Overall, it’s compatible with Litter Robot automatic cat litter boxes however I find it slightly small for my Bengal cat. Litter Robot also told me about a patent lawsuit against Smarty Pear. Well, it’s not my business I still find Leo’s Loo Too self-cleaning cat litter box an amazing option in 2023.
Check my full review here! I was truly impressed with this automatic cat litter box. Happy to see that Litter Robot has a proper competitor now.
Compared to Leo’s Loo Too Automatic Self-cleaning Cat Litter Box, Litter Robot 4 offers advanced features such as a carbon filter system for odor control, larger capacity, quieter operation, enhanced software, and WiFi connectivity, making it a slightly better choice for some cat owners.
#4 CatGenie A.I. Washing Self Flushing Cat Litter Box
- Automatic cleaning
- Could be used for multiple cats
- Flushes automatically to your sewer system
- Hot air dry
- Automatic cleaning
- Could be used for multiple cats
- Flushes automatically to your sewer system
- Hot air dry
The CatGenie A.I. Washing Self Flushing Cat Litter Box is a unique automatic cat litter box on the market that has both impressed and divided cat owners. While it has received some controversial reviews, I give credit to the CatGenie team for creating such an innovative solution for cats.
One of the standout features of the CatGenie is that it is the only self-washing cat litter box currently available. As a cat owner, I know how difficult it can be to keep a litter box clean and odor-free, so having a device that takes care of this task is truly impressive.
While some may have had mixed experiences with the CatGenie, I appreciate the effort that went into creating this smart cat litter box. The technology behind the device is quite advanced, and it requires a lot of testing and fine-tuning to get it right.
The CatGenie Cat Box comes with its own CatGenie SaniSolution SmartCartridge and one box of their own CatGenie Washable Granules. Take note of these two items because this is a make or break for the CatGenie Cat Box. Most users found the SaniSolution SmartCartridge and the Washable Granules either an annoyance or a blessing.
Some think that it is a great working and effective product which is a great pair for self cleaning litter boxes, while some found it annoying that the CatGenie Cat Box only works with those two items with some users complaining about their availability base on their locations.
Common customer complaints about the CatGenie A.I. Washing Self Flushing Cat Litter Box include noise during the cleaning cycle, plumbing issues, high cost, large size, and potential issues with a cat’s adaptability to the system.
Unlike the other automatic litter box here, CatGenie Cat Box needs a little more work in its initial set up, but these can be expected especially if you see the actual unit itself and how it operates.
Basically, it has a four-step function: scoop, wash, flush and dry. When the CatGenie Cat Box reaches its programmed time it will first deploy its built-in scooper by extending it out from its storage and it will strain and separate the cat poop from the sand. This will then be dumped into a built-in bin. It will then turn and wash the remaining CatGenie Washable Granules to remove the remaining bits of cat poop.
Basically, your automatic litter box will become a small washing machine, washing the CatGenie Granules in the CatGenie SaniSolution. After a thorough wash, it will then flush the all the system out, including the cat poop it has collected down your drain pipe. The final step of the CatGenie Cat Box is it will dry out the remaining CatGenie Washable Granules not only to remove water but to help sanitize them and keep the whole CatGenie Cat Box warm and sanitary, ready for the next cat user.
The CatGenie Cat Box is quite large measuring at around 24.5 inches in length, 19.2 inches in width and 21 inches high and around 25 pounds heavy.
Keep in mind, you will have recurring expenses with CatGenie A.I. such as fresh scent cartridges as well as washable granules.
Overall, while the CatGenie A.I. Washing Self Flushing Cat Litter Box may not be for everyone, I believe it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a unique and innovative solution for maintaining your cat’s litter box. It’s important to note that proper installation is crucial for optimal performance. This includes connecting the device to your toilet and ensuring that you have enough space in your washroom to accommodate it.
You can find the rest of the information on their official website.
#5 PETKIT Pura X (and Pura Max) Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- xSecure
- Compatible with many cat litter types
- Removes bad odor
- Auto-cleaning Mode & Scheduled-cleaning Mode
- xSecure
- Compatible with many cat litter types
- Removes bad odor
- Auto-cleaning Mode & Scheduled-cleaning Mode
PETKIT Pura X is an app controlled self-cleaning cat litter box that is good for multi-cat households.
What I love the most about this smart cat litter box, it is compatible with several types of cat litters such as plant litters, mixed litters, and bentonite clay litters. PETKIT Pura X is one of the best because of its 12 built-in high precision sensors that respond quickly to any changes which aim to make your cat safe. It features the following sensors which not all self-cleaning cat litter box has:
- Thermal Sensor – strategically placed at the entrance of Pura X which stops the moment your cat approaches the litter box.
- Infrared Sensors – two infrared sensors also placed strategically on both sides of the entrance that stops working when your cat tries entering the litter box.
- Weight Sensors – four weight sensors placed at the bottom of the drum that stops working the moment it senses any changes in the weight.
- Anti-Pinch Infrared Sensors – four of these sensors placed in the drum itself that stops working once your cat enters the litter box.
PETKIT Pura X also features remote alerts which is their accident protection system that sends messages directly to your smartphone in case it detects any emergencies. Something one would wanna have in a smart device like this. It also features odor removal that is a product of their independently researched and developed purifying liquid; one of the most effective technologies there is.
I borrowed it from my friend and there were a few things I did not like compare to Litter Robot 4.
From my personal experience and expertise, the PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box has some notable drawbacks that pet owners should consider. However, they have a modified version Pura Max:
While the self-cleaning function is meant to reduce manual cleaning, I found that frequent cleaning was still required.
Additionally, the litter box’s limited capacity may not be sufficient for households with multiple cats or heavy usage.
Furthermore, the motorized cleaning process can be quite noisy and startle cats or disturb owners who are sensitive to noise.
Finally, the learning curve of the litter box may take some time for cats to adapt to, which can be challenging for some pet owners.
Rather than that, it seems to be a decent innovative cat litter box to use, at least people who purchased it on Amazon love it. You can also check the official website.
Popular Automatic Cat Litter Boxes That Did Not Make This List
As a cat owner who has tested various self-cleaning litter boxes on the market, I feel it’s important to mention other popular options available. However, I also want to provide an explanation of why these automatic litter boxes did not make it to my list of top picks.
Petsafe ScoopFree Litter Boxes
The Petsafe ScoopFree litter box, both the original and Smart WiFi models, is an affordable option for cat owners looking for a self-cleaning litter box. The WiFi-enabled model offers additional features such as monitoring your cat’s activity and health through the My Petsafe app. The leak-proof trays and compatibility with crystal litters also make maintenance easier.
However, there are some downsides to this product.
The ongoing cost of replacement litter trays may become a financial burden for some, and the limited litter options may not cater to every cat owner’s preferences. You can use only crystal cat litter which I personally find the worst.
Durability issues and a loud motorized cleaning process have also been reported, and the box may still have a noticeable smell despite its odor-control claims.
Additionally, the litter box is quite small and may not be suitable for larger cats or multiple cat households. The use of crystal cat litter is also strongly recommended, which may not appeal to all cat owners as it does not minimize urine smell.
Overall, while the Petsafe ScoopFree litter box may have its benefits, it did not make it to my top 5 list due to its potential downsides and limitations when compared to other products on the market, such as the Litter-Robot.
However, do not fully rely on my opinion, and check other reviews on Amazon or Petsafe’s official website (do not trust much to reviews on the official website much though).
High-Capacity Automatic Litter Disposal System From Littermaid
The LitterMaid Automatic Multi-Cat Litter Box with Ramp is a self-cleaning litter box that has an automatic scooping rake designed for multiple and even large cats weighing over 15 pounds. It features an odor-free system of carbon filters, an automatic rake and remove system, and can go for a week without maintenance. The presence of a ramp helps collect stray litter, which is not available in the High-Capacity Model.
However, there are some potential downsides to this product. The litter box requires frequent maintenance to keep it functioning properly, which may be a turn-off for some pet owners. Additionally, the cost of the litter box and specific disposable waste receptacles can add up over time, making it an expensive option for some. The motorized cleaning process can be quite loud and may startle cats or disturb owners who are sensitive to noise. Customers have also reported durability issues with the product, such as the motor or rake breaking down after a few months of use, and the waste receptacles can emit an unpleasant odor despite its odor-control claims.
Overall, while the LitterMaid Automatic Multi-Cat Litter Box with Ramp has some appealing features, it did not make it to my top 5 list due to its potential downsides and limitations when compared to other products on the market, such as the Litter-Robot. You can check more on Amazon or the official website.
Catlink Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
The Catlink is an AI self-cleaning litter box that was released in 2022. While it has some appealing features, it did not make it to my top 5 list due to some potential downsides and limitations.
What I liked most about this litter box was the double odor removal with an activated carbon filter inside the waste drawer and the option to purchase a rechargeable odor purifier. The bin was spacious and could fit one average-sized cat comfortably. It also had three types of sensors built for the safety of feline companions.
Setting up the litter box was easy, and all the necessary accessories, including a user manual, filters, and a waste drawer roll liner, were included. However, the litter tended to clump, requiring more frequent cleaning and taking up more time.
One significant downside of this litter box was the customer support. I experienced difficulty reaching out to customer support to resolve issues with the device. While it may not be a dealbreaker for some, it’s important to keep in mind when considering this product.
The Catlink self-cleaning cat litter box also comes in a luxury pro version which has smart features like the ability to connect to an app. However, I find it a little bit overpriced and there are better or the same options available for a better price. I’d still prefer Litter Robot 4.
You can check more on Amazon or the official website.
The Round-Up Of The Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats
When shopping for a self-cleaning cat litter box, it’s important to consider your specific needs and make a list of important factors that you’re looking for. Of course, budget is also a major consideration for many cat owners, as not everyone is prepared to spend over $500 on a cat smart toilet. While it may seem like a steep investment, a high-quality self-cleaning litter box can ultimately make your life easier and provide a more pleasant experience for both you and your furry friend.
So personally, for me, the Litter Robot 4 tops the list for my choice. It is simply a top-of-the-line. Price-wise it is a bit expensive, but it is so worth it. The fact that it made it to this list is a testament to its effectiveness, it is not over-performing anything and not underperforming in any of the categories plus it is manufactured by one of the more trusted names in pet care. Make sure to get it from the official website only.
In the end, it will ultimately be up to you based on what needs, price point, features, and cats you have.
I’ve had 3 replacements of my LR3 base and 1 (needless) replacement of the globe—all for destroyed electronics. Finally one tech asked whether I have a cat who pees upward—yes, 1 of my 2 (females) sometimes does. The tech said that LR3 doesn’t work for those cats. So, I’ve been trying to figure out whether the redesigned LR4 still has a seamed globe. Do you know? Excited to see that Leo’s Loo advertises a seamless globe.
Oh wow, that’s an unusual case. I guess your only option for automatic litter box is Lavviebot S but I find it overpriced.
Wonderful insights on the many different cat litter boxes!
Clair, would it be okay to have your email, I have a relevant inquiry to the subject I wish to contact you privately about.
Bless you in advance.
Hey Clair Chesterman,
I was browsing through your blog and saw that you write about pet products. I wanted to give you a heads up about our Instachew PURRCLEAN SMART CAT LITTER BOX. Can you please put out a review on our pet products as well. Do let me know how to proceed with this collaboration, as we would really like to get featured on your website.
Hello Udit, I’ve sent you and email