The PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro, our pick for the best value self-cleaning litter box, is on sale for October Prime Day. For more deals, check out our roundup of the best October Prime Day deals.
Our cats would be perfect if only they could scoop their own litter. While that’s never going to be a reality—my cats would refuse to even if they were capable of doing it—I found the next-best thing: litter boxes that clean themselves. To find the best automatic litter boxes worth your money (because yes, they’re an investment), I enlisted my three favorite felines to put seven top-rated contenders to the test. We collectively determined that the smart and spacious Litter-Robot 4 is the best option for most, though the significantly lower-priced PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro came in a close second. The Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too proved to be a winner in its own right for its minimalist design.
I set out to determine the top self-cleaning litter boxes worth testing by researching several popular, top-rated models and narrowing the list to seven worthy of testing. My cats and I then spent five months using each model and narrowed them down to three winners:
Our Top Recommendations
- Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box Overall: Whisker Litter-Robot 4
- Best Value Self-Cleaning Litter Box: PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro (Now 32% Off)
- Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box For Design: Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too (Now 14% Off)
During testing, I monitored each of my cats’ behavior toward each litter box, which eventually factored into my long-term testing. Two years later, my kitties still use the Litter-Robot 4 and Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too on a daily basis. Below, delve into the details of my test findings, which four self-cleaning litter boxes I plan to test next, and expert tips on finding the best automatic litter box for your household.
Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box Overall
Aced All My Tests And Delivered On Its Promises
Whisker Litter-Robot 4
Footprint: 22 x 27 x 29.5 inches | Weight: 24 pounds | Power source: Electric | Size of entry: 15.8 inches | Minimum cat weight: 3 pounds | Waste drawer capacity: 7 to 8 liters | Trial period: 90 days | Warranty: 1 year
What you’ll love:
- Excellent, top-of-the-line odor control
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Waste drawer is larger and lower-maintenance than the previous model
Keep in mind:
- Its interior is slightly smaller than the Litter-Robot 3 Connect’s
- You’ll occasionally need to recalibrate the sensor
Is the Litter-Robot 4 worth it? After testing both the Litter-Robot 3 and 4 (believe it or not, I owned both models prior to beginning this official testing process), I can answer that question with a definitive, confident “yes.” (Check out my full review of the Litter-Robot 4 and my comparison with the 3 if you want to delve into the details.) I know that spending $699 on a litter box can feel ridiculous—I’m not even sure I’d spend that on a toilet for myself. But I consider the Litter-Robot 4 to be more of a “cat poop assistant” than a “passive kitty bathroom.” If you want a top-of-the-line smart machine, there’s simply no comparison.
While either Litter-Robot model is, in my opinion, worth it, the latest Litter-Robot 4 is the best choice for several reasons. First, this newly redesigned automatic litter box has a much bigger opening. According to Jacob Zuppke, president and CEO of Whisker, the company that makes the Litter-Robot line, this decision was really about making the cat’s experience better. “What if you went into a porta-potty that was too small for you to get in and turn around? You wouldn’t want to touch anything in there,” he says. “Why would we not make a cat’s litter box large enough for the cat to get in and turn around?”
It was also far and away the “smartest” of all the devices I tested. It connects to a free app that monitors litter and waste levels, and it will send you notifications when it finishes a cycle and the drawer needs emptying. The device can even track your pets’ weight so it can identify which cat is using the box in a multi-cat household. Finally, this self-cleaning litter box was also the quietest of all the models I tested; you can barely hear it when it’s running through a cycle.
What’s more, the Litter-Robot 4 has an appropriately roomy interior and an upgraded sensor, which gave me peace of mind that my cats were comfortable and safe. Not only could these big boys get in and turn around, but they were also able to back up and cover their waste with litter when they were done doing their business. (And note that I’m not exaggerating when I call them big: My largest cat is 15 pounds.)
The upgraded laser-sensing system in the Litter-Robot 4 works unbelievably quickly. I have curious kitties who like to watch their poop disappear, so I appreciated how fast the new sensor system reacted—it shut the rotation cycle off immediately.
It’s also worth noting that the Litter-Robot devices are manufactured in the U.S., and Whisker has full control over the supply chain. Zuppke tells me there’s a testing protocol for each litter box, so you know you’re getting a machine that’s safe for your cat. The brand also employs its own engineers who are constantly working on and deploying firmware updates to improve the way the litter box works.
And the Litter-Robot 4 has an extra-large waste drawer—meaning you won’t have to empty it as often as its predecessor—that’s designed with better odor control, thanks to the built-in carbon filter and an extra-tight seal. (Plus, Whisker also offers optional OdorTrap packs, which use natural, pet-friendly oils to trap and eliminate odors.) The roomy interior of the Litter-Robot 4 also had the additional benefit of helping with odor, as well: In some of the other self-cleaning litter boxes, I tested, turning around wasn’t an option, so my cats just left their waste uncovered, which I can assure you didn’t result in a great smell.
So, what’s not to love about the Litter-Robot 4? Well, it’s quite big. As far as litter boxes go, it’s not inconspicuous in the slightest. But if you have the extra space (and the extra budget), Whisker’s Coffee Oak Storage Cabinet is a great way to hide the entire device. Deep cleaning is a pain here, too, but that’s par for the course when it comes to automatic litter boxes, and you only need to do it once every few months. You’ll have to take the pieces apart and wash them; I took them outside and used my pressure washer. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, but you’ll also need to let the components dry completely before putting them back together.
Cleaning the Litter-Robot 4 has become much easier over time; I’ve got a system down. While the task is still a bit of a nuisance, this litter box’s performance and odor-fighting design make it worth it. That said, I’ve run into some issues with the drawer sensor showing the drawer as full when it’s actually not. This requires a recalibration of the sensor (which is easy to do, but kind of an inconvenience), because when the drawer sensor reads as full, the machine won’t cycle.
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Best Value Self-Cleaning Litter Box
A Reliable, No-Frills Upgrade With Effective Odor Control
PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro (Now 32% Off)
Footprint: 19.1 x 6.2 x 27.6 inches | Weight: About 19 pounds | Power source: Electric | Size of entry: Uncovered | Minimum cat weight: 6 to 7 pounds | Waste drawer capacity: About 3 liters | Trial period: 45 days | Warranty: 1 year
What you’ll love:
- Consistent and reliable cleaning cycle
- Effective odor control
- Very easy to use and clean
Keep in mind:
- Not as many extra features or as much litter capacity as other picks
- Only compatible with crystal litter
PetSafe’s ScoopFree Crystal Pro litter box does not compare with the bells and whistles of the more advanced Litter-Robot 4 or the Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too—but it’s not meant to. It’s really intended to be more of an upgrade from the traditional litter box.
To operate the PetSafe ScoopFree, you load the pre-filled disposable tray into the bottom of the litter box and plug it in. From there, the safety motion sensor clocks when your cat has finished using it. An auto-cleaning cycle kicks in exactly 20 minutes after your cat leaves, which helps keep your cat safe and prevents them from being startled. The rake sweeps waste into a covered trap that sits at the front of the machine. During testing, the whole operation’s timeline was incredibly reliable.
Note that this litter box is compatible only with crystal litter, which doesn’t clump together like clay litter. Because of this, the rake often moved through the urine, and the litter absorbed it rather than pushing a clump of it into the waste drawer (note that this is, in fact, what’s supposed to happen per the device’s manual). That being said, the odor control was great—I could see the urine in the box, but I couldn’t smell it.
And cleaning this box was a breeze compared with the others I tested; all I needed to do was lift the unit to access the waste drawer and scoop out the piled-up waste, which takes just a few minutes and only needs to be done every few days. To make cleaning even easier, you can grab a bundle of refill trays, which are disposable and pre-portioned with crystal litter. This way, when you need to clean it, you simply have to lift up the top, pull the disposable tray out and toss it.
There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles to speak of here, but there is a smart, app-connected option available as well (I tested the regular version). That model retails for about $90 more, and it gives you feedback on your cat’s bathroom habits via a litter-cycling tracker. If you’re looking for more of a middle-ground option, it could be worth checking out.
Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box For Design
Minimally Designed And Sized Just Right For Smaller Cats
Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too (Now 14% Off)
Footprint: 24 x 22 x 27.5 inches | Weight: 27.5 pounds | Power source: Electric | Size of entry: 9 inches | Minimum cat weight: 2 pounds | Waste drawer capacity: 9.5 liters | Trial period: 90 days | Warranty: 1 year
What you’ll love:
- Truly beautiful, with advanced odor control
- The tighter chamber opening is good for smaller cats
- Sizable waste drawer capacity
Keep in mind:
- Not as quiet as the Litter-Robot 4
- Opening and interior can feel tight for larger cats
The Leo’s Loo Too by Casa Leo is larger than your traditional litter box, but the design is actually quite appealing, and it hardly looked out of place in my home. Available in four modern hues (gray, green, blue and pink), you can choose the one that blends in best with your décor.
The litter box cycled like clockwork, and I never received a single error message in the accompanying app. The cycle time is also faster than the Litter-Robot’s—it cycles in one direction, while the Litter-Robot rotates one way and then has to reverse direction to complete its cycle. The Leo’s Loo Too also has an odor-resistant design, which includes carbon filters, a UV sanitizing light and a tight-fitting lid. While its odor control was reasonably effective in my early testing of this model, after long-term testing, I’ve found it requires more frequent cleaning to keep smells at bay (see the “Deep Cleaning” section below).
The connected app here lets you control the rotations per cycle and automatic time delay (you can set it for anywhere from six seconds to 20 minutes after your cat leaves). You can also turn off automatic rotations and schedule cleaning sessions instead, which is a good option if you’re worried about it running while you’re not home. The app tracks how often your cats use it and, like the Litter-Robot, it can differentiate between cats in a multi-cat household by judging their weight. This feature can be helpful at alerting you of any bathroom issues or weight fluctuations. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls.
Leo’s Loo Too also features three types of sensors to ensure your cat’s safety: a radar sensor that forms a “protective wall,” four weight sensors that detect when your cat is inside and an anti-pinch sensor located at the top of the weight drawer.
All that said, the Leo’s Loo Too is louder than the Litter-Robot. It’s not obnoxiously loud, but you can definitely hear it when it’s running. Note, too, that the chamber entrance is considerably smaller than the Litter-Robot models, and the size did present a problem in that it was slightly trickier to fill the box with litter.
Deep cleaning it is pretty much the same process as it is with the Litter-Robot models: You have to take apart all the components, wipe them down, then wait for them to dry before putting them back together. Casa Leo recommends deep cleaning every four weeks.
Admittedly, the Leo Loo Too’s waste drawer compartment has been really difficult to clean. There are a lot of nooks that are tricky to get into, especially if waste or litter spills out of the drawer. Further, it doesn't contain smell as well as it used to; over time, it has started to require more frequent cleanings.
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After a lengthy research period, I considered nine automatic litter boxes, then narrowed those down to the seven I felt were worthy of testing. The following is a list of all the non-winning models I tested, including two that may be worth considering.
As the automatic litter box market continues to expand, I plan on testing another crop of models to see if any are worth their salt. Here are the four self-cleaning litter boxes I intend to try out next.
Since I couldn’t actively test the self-cleaning litter boxes myself (that would be weird, no?), I enlisted the help of my furry crew. Here’s how I set up the testing process:
During testing, here are the determining factors that we—meaning my cats and I—looked at:
Once you’ve decided it’s worth investing in a self-cleaning litter box, it’s important for your cat to like the model you choose; otherwise, they likely won’t use it. Here’s everything you should consider when picking an automatic litter box.
Size consideration is twofold here since you have to think about both your human needs and your cat’s needs. Self-cleaning litter boxes are significantly larger than your typical litter box, unless you’re opting for a value model. They also need access to a power source, which means you have to be more strategic with where you put them. Because of this, you really need to think about how big the litter box’s overall footprint is and where you can put it in your home.
“Generally, cats prefer larger boxes and a larger surface area to do their business on,” shares Joey Lusvardi, an IAABC-certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Class Act Cats. “They may also like to bury their waste after using it, which, while unnecessary in self-cleaning boxes, is a normal instinct for cats. Many self-cleaning boxes (and actually, many commercially available regular litter boxes) are a bit too small for what cats prefer. Picking a larger box will be better for your cat.”
Many companies make litter box furniture that’s large enough to accommodate an automatic litter box, but this makes the footprint even larger, so it’s something to think about. You’re definitely not going to be hiding these away as easily as other litter boxes.
If you have larger cats, you want to make sure the opening and chamber are large enough to comfortably accommodate them. Jacob Zuppke, president and CEO of Whisker, likens it to using a porta-potty that’s too small for you: If you walk in and you’re touching the walls, you’re probably going to turn around and get right out.
The size of the waste drawer determines how often you’ll have to empty it. If you have one cat, you’ll probably only have to empty a small waste drawer twice a month. If you have multiple cats, you’ll want a larger waste drawer, unless you’re planning to empty it at least once a week.
However, there’s odor to consider, too. “Keep in mind that boxes that require less frequent emptying will allow odors to build up, so it may be less pleasant to empty the waste container if you wait too long,” says Lusvardi.
Some of the magic of a self-cleaning litter box is in the litter. According to Zuppke, clumping litter is superior because the clumping process is what effectively traps odor. Non-clumping litters often use fragrances and heavy scents to try to cover the smell, but this can only go so far (as you may know if you’ve ever used an inferior litter).
Further, clumps are also more easily removed from an automatic litter box. When the Litter-Robot 4 rotates (see the video clip below), for example, it passes the chamber’s contents through a grate that sifts out smaller particles and directs the clumps to the waste drawer. If the litter doesn’t clump effectively, then liquid waste can get left behind. All said, ideally, you’ll want an automatic litter box that’s compatible with a clumping litter or a litter that you use now and are comfortable with.
Most automatic litter boxes call for regular clay clumping litter, with the exception of crystal-based boxes. While the crystal litter was effective at trapping odor during my testing, it doesn’t clump, so liquid waste isn’t as effectively removed as with the clumping litter.
One of the biggest disadvantages of self-cleaning litter boxes is the malfunction risk; since self-cleaning litter boxes are automated machines, it’s important to consider safety. “Robotic litter boxes do carry a risk of injury to your cat. If it goes off at the wrong time, your cat could be hurt either physically or psychologically,” says Lusvardi. “Pay close attention to what features it has so your cat doesn’t get caught in the box as it’s operating. This may include a delay in starting a cleaning cycle or an auto shut-off feature, should it detect a cat has entered the box during a clean cycle.” Certified cat behavior consultant Heather Alvey agrees. “[Automatic litter boxes] are prone to malfunctions, and when they do clean, waste can become smeared on the sides or caught in the mechanisms, creating hygiene issues,” she notes.
Both high-end and affordable self-cleaning litter boxes can be susceptible to malfunctions, so it’s very important to do your research. For instance, the $380 Neakasa M1 had two reported safety incidents, according to the company’s response on Facebook; there are also several affordable models like the Amztoy (and similar devices under various generic-sounding brand names) that have been linked to serious injuries or death in cats. In general, it’s good practice to avoid products from non-established brands.
And even if you choose a self-cleaning litter box with a stellar safety track record, that doesn’t mean they’re totally hands-off devices. “One of the disadvantages of self-cleaning boxes is you don’t get to observe your cat’s waste for changes that may indicate they need to go to a veterinarian,” says Lusvardi. “You could miss something like blood in their waste or a change in frequency of using the litter box. Self-cleaning boxes that alert you when they do use the box can help mitigate at least some of this, so it’s better to find a box that has these features built in.”
A corresponding app and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity aren’t a requirement when buying an automatic litter box, but it’s something to think about if you’re looking for a smart machine. The Litter-Robot app can alert you when the waste drawer is full, when the litter level is low and when your cat uses the bathroom—but it does so much more than that, too. It helps you identify patterns in your cat’s bathroom behavior, so you’re more likely to notice if something’s off and your cat needs to go see the vet. There have been many anecdotal reports of pet owners who were able to identify issues like urinary tract infections or blockages with the help of the litter box’s app. In my opinion, it’s worth the upgrade to a machine that has a useful corresponding app. If you decide you don’t want to use it, you can always turn it off and operate the litter box manually from its control panel.
All self-cleaning litter boxes make some noise—they are electronic devices, after all. But Lusvardi recommends quieter options for skittish cats. “Louder boxes are going to scare cats, making it less likely that they’ll want to use them. Cats have more sensitive hearing than us, so even if it’s not overwhelmingly loud to you, your cat may not like a noisy machine,” he says.
At the end of the day, automatic litter boxes are electrical appliances that can break down over time. They’re also hefty upfront investments, so you want to make sure you’re covered should anything go wrong prematurely. Check the warranty on the model you’re considering and make sure you’re covered for at least a year. Often, manufacturers will give you the option to purchase extended warranties that increase the coverage period to three years or more. If you want the added peace of mind, this might be a good option for you.
Yes, self-cleaning litter boxes work—but how? Here are some of the top features you’ll find on most automatic litter boxes that allow them to function self-sufficiently, and, in some cases, help you monitor your cat’s health.
While one of their biggest selling points of automatic litter boxes is their self-cleaning features, there is still some maintenance involved with these devices. Here are some expert tips for long-term maintenance:
Forbes Vetted’s home and kitchen editors have vast experience conducting firsthand (and first ... paw) research and testing on pet products, including those for felines.