I’ve tested quite a few automatic litter boxes over the years, and one thing I’ve learned is that a fancy app and a bunch of sensors don’t necessarily make a litter box better. Sometimes, the smartest improvements are the ones built right into the design.
That’s what caught my attention about the Neakasa M9 Open-View Automatic Litter Box. Rather than relying entirely on sensors to keep cats safe, Neakasa redesigned the way the litter box rotates to reduce potential pinch points. It also has a pretty unique open-view design that combines some of the best features of traditional enclosed and open-top litter boxes.
Of course, a clever design doesn’t mean much if cats refuse to use it. Fortunately, I have six very willing (and occasionally opinionated) product testers to help me figure that out.
So, how does the Neakasa M9 hold up in a real multi-cat household? Here’s what I like, what could be better, and what you should know before buying one.
The Neakasa M9 combines the roomy feel of an open-top litter box with the odor-controlling benefits of an enclosed design. Its unique open-view cabin gives cats plenty of space to move around, while the safety-focused Tilt-Safe Rotation system helps minimize potential pinch points.
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Neakasa M9 Open-View Cat Litter Box at a Glance
Did My Six Cats Like the Neakasa M9?
The short answer is yes! All six of my cats use the Neakasa M9, which is obviously a pretty important requirement for a litter box.
My testing crew includes Zoe, Leia, Luke, Lily, Touka, and Nori. They have different personalities, different bathroom habits, and very different ideas about what constitutes an acceptable place to do their business.
Luke, for example, is a big boy who needs room to maneuver. Then there’s Nori, who tends to investigate anything new that comes into the house. With six cats, I get a pretty good look at how a litter box accommodates different sizes and personalities.
Neakasa M9 Pros & Cons at a Glance
Setting Up the Neakasa M9
Assembly is pretty straightforward once you figure out a couple of things. First, make sure you check inside the waste drawer! Neakasa packs some of the accessories and smaller parts in there, so don’t overlook them.
Second, a little heads-up about the quick start guide. Some parts are highlighted in orange in the diagrams to show you what you’re supposed to be looking at, but they’re not necessarily orange in real life. Some parts actually ARE orange, though, which threw me off for a minute. I kept looking at the pictures wondering if I had the directions for the wrong model. (Apparently, focusing on the shape of the parts instead of their colors would have been the more logical approach. Go figure.)
The trickiest part for me was installing the litter sifter. It wasn’t particularly difficult, especially compared to some other automatic litter boxes I’ve assembled. I just needed a minute to figure out which way it was supposed to go. Once I got that sorted out, it was ridiculously easy. The sifter attaches with strong magnets, so it practically snaps itself into place.
Everything else went together without any trouble. Overall, I’d say the M9 is one of the easier automatic litter boxes I’ve assembled, especially once you get past those little moments of confusion.
My Experience with the Neakasa M9 Open-View Cat Litter Box
The Safety-First Design Is My Favorite Feature
Most automatic litter boxes rely heavily on sensors to detect when a cat enters or approaches the unit. Those sensors are important, of course, but they aren’t the only way to make an automatic litter box safer. Neakasa takes things a step further with its Tilt-Safe Rotation system.
Instead of having a globe that rotates through a fully enclosed cleaning path, the M9 tilts through a more open path. This helps minimize enclosed pinch points.
I really love that Neakasa considered safety at the design level versus just adding some sensors and calling it a day. For me, that’s one of the M9’s strongest features.
Of course, the sensors still play a role. If your cat interrupts the cycle, it stops immediately. It also beeps. Nori is my biggest culprit when it comes to interrupting cleaning cycles. I told him that he made the M9 cry. He didn’t care. He’s savage that way.
The Open-View Design Is a Clever Compromise
Some cats prefer open-top litter boxes because they don’t like feeling enclosed. Others are perfectly happy using a covered box. The M9 offers a bit of both.
The overall shape reminds me of a traditional globe-style automatic litter box, except the dome is tilted slightly and the front is much more open. I really love this concept because it’s a good balance between two popular litter box styles.
I also think the angled design makes the interior feel more spacious. Cats have room to turn around, dig, and perform whatever elaborate pre-potty routine they consider necessary.
If you’ve ever watched a cat spend several minutes arranging litter before finally choosing the exact same spot they always use, you know what I mean.
The entrance is also about 10.2 inches high, so it’s even low enough to the ground that Touka can do her pre-pre-potty routine (she likes to dig before she gets in, then after she gets in)!
It’s Surprisingly Roomy Without Taking Over the Room
One of my ongoing complaints about automatic litter boxes is that some of them are enormous on the outside without offering much usable space inside. The Neakasa M9 does a nice job balancing the two.
Its footprint is only about 22 inches wide and 25.7 inches deep, which works out to approximately 2.7 square feet of floor space.
Luke is one of my bigger cats, so I always pay attention to how much space a litter box gives him to turn around and get comfortable. He had no issues using the M9.
The Waste Drawer Location Has Pros and Cons
The M9 has a 6-liter waste drawer positioned toward the back on the side of the unit. I have mixed feelings about this placement, although I understand why Neakasa chose it.
On the positive side, the waste compartment isn’t front and center every time you walk past the litter box.
Most good automatic litter boxes do a decent job containing odors inside the waste drawer anyway, so it’s not as though a front-facing drawer is inherently unpleasant. Still, I like having the waste compartment tucked out of sight. It gives the whole unit a cleaner appearance.
The downside is accessibility. We usually position our automatic litter boxes under a counter (as you can see). With the M9, that means I have to pull the entire unit out a bit to reach the waste drawer.
It’s not a huge inconvenience, but it’s something worth considering if you plan to put yours in a tight space. If you’re placing it somewhere with plenty of clearance on the right side, you probably won’t think twice about it.
The 6-Liter Waste Bin Is Generous, but Six Cats Are Six Cats
The 6-liter waste bin can hold approximately 7 to 10 days’ worth of waste for one cat. That’s pretty good for a single-cat household, and it means you shouldn’t have to empty the drawer every day.
Of course, things work a little differently when you have six cats. Even though my cats have access to other litter boxes, the M9 gets plenty of use. I certainly don’t expect to get 10 days between emptying the waste drawer.
For someone with one cat, though, the larger waste capacity could be especially convenient during busy weeks or short trips (assuming someone is still checking on your cat, of course).
Another thing I really appreciate is that you don’t have to buy Neakasa’s proprietary waste bags. The M9 comes with a roll of liners, but you can use any bag that fits properly in the drawer.
The PureTower Odor-Control System Is an Interesting Addition
The M9 uses Neakasa’s PureTower odor-control system, which combines activated carbon with a desiccant material. It helps with the two main things that contribute to litter box odors: odor molecules and moisture.
Activated carbon helps adsorb odor-causing compounds, while the desiccant helps manage moisture inside the waste area. It’s pretty smart, especially since the waste drawer is where used litter sits between cleanings.
The PureTower filter has a 1-liter capacity that should last approximately three to six months, depending on how many cats you have and how often they use the litter box. There’s also a visual guide built into the filter housing. When the material has turned completely black, it’s time for a replacement.
The Smart App Adds Some Useful Monitoring Features
The M9 connects to the Neakasa app, which lets you monitor and manage the litter box from your phone.
App features include:
- Monitoring litter box usage and bathroom habits
- Tracking individual cats through multi-cat recognition
- Checking litter levels
- Monitoring waste drawer status
- Adjusting operating modes remotely
- Viewing maintenance reminders and alerts
One quick note- if you want to track multiple cats, you’ll need to set up their profiles in the app. Recognition is mostly based on weight, so if you have two cats that are close to the same weight it’s not really going to be able to distinguish between them.
FYI, you don’t NEED the app to use the litter box. Everything you need is also right on the front panel.
You Can Use It on Certain Types of Carpet
Here’s something I found interesting: unlike many automatic litter boxes, the Neakasa M9 can be placed on some carpeted surfaces. There are limitations, though.
Neakasa specifies that the surface needs to be flat, firm, and stable. Flatweave or pileless carpet is acceptable, provided the unit doesn’t rock or sink into the surface.
So, a very firm, flat carpet may work just fine. A thick, plush living room carpet? Not so much. The reason is that soft flooring can interfere with the weight sensors and cat-detection system.
Neakasa also recommends placing litter-trapping mats in front of the entrance rather than underneath the unit. I do appreciate having a little more flexibility with placement, particularly for people who don’t have an ideal hard-floor location available.
It Comes With a Kitten Safety Accessory
Another thoughtful feature is the included kitten protective fence. Some automatic litter boxes aren’t suitable for very young or lightweight kittens because their sensors may not reliably detect them.
The M9 addresses kitten use with a protective accessory that comes in the box. You don’t have to purchase it separately. According to Neakasa, kittens must use the protective accessory if they’re under four months old, weigh less than 4.4 pounds, or measure less than 9.8 inches in length.
That last requirement is important. It’s not simply a matter of reaching a certain weight or age. Follow all three guidelines and the manufacturer’s installation instructions before removing the accessory.
What Kind of Litter Works With the Neakasa M9?
The M9 works with clumping mineral and bentonite clay litter, preferably with relatively uniform granules measuring about 2 to 4 mm. These types of litter form solid clumps that the automatic sifting mechanism can separate from the clean litter.
You shouldn’t use:
- Crystal or silica litter
- Tofu litter
- Non-clumping litter
- Mixed litter formulas
I always recommend checking litter compatibility before buying an automatic box. Otherwise, you may end up having to change both your cat’s litter and litter box at the same time, which isn’t necessarily the easiest transition.
Who Should Consider the Neakasa M9?
I think the M9 is particularly appealing for a few types of cat households.
- Cat owners who prioritize safety: If you’ve been hesitant about automatic litter boxes because of safety concerns, this is a design worth looking into.
- Cats who don’t like enclosed litter boxes: The open-view cabin may feel more comfortable to cats that don’t like disappearing into a traditional enclosed dome.
- Households with larger cats: The roomy interior gives bigger cats space to turn around and dig without requiring an enormous floor footprint.
- Multi-cat households: The waste capacity, easy maintenance, and app-based tracking are useful when several cats share the same litter box.
Is the Neakasa M9 Worth It? My Final Verdict
In my opinion, yes, it is, especially since it’s actually one of the more affordable self-cleaning litter boxes on the market. Plus, all six of my cats are happily using it! That’s a pretty good endorsement from a household where the cats have plenty of other litter box options.
If you’re looking for an automatic litter box that puts some real thought into safety, comfort, and everyday maintenance, the Neakasa M9 is definitely worth considering.
Neakasa M9 FAQs
Does the Neakasa M9 work for large cats?
Yes! The open-view cabin provides a roomy interior, and its tilted design gives larger cats space to turn around and dig. My larger cat, Luke, uses it, too.
Can kittens use the Neakasa M9?
Yes, with the included kitten protective accessory. Neakasa requires the accessory for kittens under four months old, under 4.4 pounds, or shorter than 9.8 inches. All three requirements must be met before removing it.
Can I use tofu litter in the Neakasa M9?
No. The M9 is designed for clumping mineral and bentonite clay litter. Tofu, crystal, mixed, and non-clumping litter aren’t recommended.
How often do you empty the Neakasa M9?
Neakasa estimates that the 6-liter waste drawer can last 7–10 days for one cat. Multi-cat households will generally need to empty it more frequently, depending on usage.
Do I have to buy Neakasa waste bags?
Nope! You can use any bag that fits properly in the waste drawer. There’s no need to buy proprietary liners.
Can the Neakasa M9 sit on carpet?
Yes, but only on firm, flat surfaces such as pileless or flatweave carpet. Thick, soft carpet can interfere with the sensors and weight measurements. If the litter box sinks into the carpet, choose a firmer location.
Does the Neakasa M9 work without Wi-Fi?
Yes. The M9 continues operating with its saved settings when the internet is disconnected, although app activity records won’t update while it’s offline.
Does the Neakasa M9 require replacement filters?
Yes. The PureTower activated carbon and desiccant filter typically lasts three to six months, depending on usage and environmental conditions.
The Neakasa M9 combines the roomy feel of an open-top litter box with the odor-controlling benefits of an enclosed design. Its unique open-view cabin gives cats plenty of space to move around, while the safety-focused Tilt-Safe Rotation system helps minimize potential pinch points.
LIMITED TIME OFFER
SAVE $160 OFF THE NEAKASA M9
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