Top 6 Best Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes in 2024

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We all love cats because of their affectionate behavior and playful nature. But for all there is to love about cats, there is an icky part: cleaning the litter box. Dealing with the litter box is one of the less glamorous aspects of owning a cat. It even gets worse when the cat steps on its mess and tracks it through the house.   

If you find it hard to scoop up your cat’s mess, invest in a quality self-cleaning cat litter box. Self-cleaning litter boxes are high-tech products that clean away the waste automatically, eliminating the need to deal with the mess yourself. When looking for a self-cleaning cat litter box, it should have reliable odor-control and safety features.

If you are looking for a quality cat litter box for your feline friend, below is a detailed guide with the best litter boxes you can find in the market.   

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box 

Best for Large Cats

Amazon Basics No-Mess Cat Litter Box

Best Effective and Efficient

PETKIT PuraX Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Best Reliable and Safe

PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox

Best Odor Control

Pet Zone Semi-Automatic Cat Litter Box

Best Flexible and Portable

Foldable Cat Litter Box with Lid

6. PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Best Overall

My PetSafe self-cleaning litter box offers an easier and techier way to love and care for your cats. It is one of the best cat litter boxes that cleans automatically for weeks, allowing you to spend more time with your cat and less time worrying about the cat’s litter. The litter box is simple to use, has excellent odor control, operates silently, and has a low-profile design.   

It has a My PetSafe app that you can connect to your phone so that you can monitor your cat’s health and their litter box from anywhere, even when you are not at home.   

With the My PetSafe App, you can track your cat’s litter box activity to note any changes that may signal something wrong with your cat. Depending on the number of times your cat has used the litter box, you can customize and receive reminders from the My PetSafe App to change or order more trays.   

It is fitted with disposable, leakproof trays pre-filled with crystal litter for ultimate odor control. To prevent the litter box from shifting, it has a slip-resistant base for stability. 

What We Like

• It has disposable and leak-proof trays   
• Operates quietly   
• App connectivity is fast and hassle-free   
• It has a compact design to help save space 

What We Don’t Like

• The reusable litter tray is sold differently   
• It only works with crystal litter.

5. Amazon Basics No-Mess Cat Litter Box  – Best for Large Cats 

If you have cats that prefer an enclosed space instead of an open-pan-style box, buy them the AmazonBasics cat litter box. The box measures 20.6” L x 15.6” W x 15” H with a door opening that measures 7” W x 7.5” H.   

It has a snap-on hood that provides increased privacy and ensures the litter is contained inside the pan. The litter box is made of stain and odor-resistant plastic with pre-installed and replaceable carbon filter for reduced odors. When it comes to cleaning, the housing is stain-resistant and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.   

Moreover, it includes a carrying handle that snaps into place and lifts off for easy scooping. Also, the handle allows you to change the position of the box at any time. With the help of the plastic swinging door, your cat can have simple in-and-out access.   

What We Like

• It is available in different colors   
• Features a snap-on hood for added privacy   
• Made of stain-resistant polypropylene plastic   
• It has a plastic swinging door for easy access   

What We Don’t Like

• The lid doesn’t latch down properly.

4. PETKIT PuraX Self-Cleaning Litter Box – Best Effective and Efficient 

The PETKIT PURA X Self-Cleaning cat litter box offers the most convenient and hygienic way to keep your cat litter box clean and ensures your house is odor-free. It is a fully automated box built to do all the messy work without interrupting your day.   

For your cat’s safety, the litter box has an infrared sensor, an anti-trap infrared sensor, a weight sensor, and a hall sensor. It includes a remote alert device that allows you to get notifications via your smartphone in case of an emergency. Using the PETKIT app, you can control the litter box remotely, and view all the information about your cat’s usage and health. The app will offer information on how often your cat uses the box each day, helping you detect issues in advance.   

PETKIT self-cleaning litter box comes with 4 bottles of deodorizing solution, which helps deodorize the box automatically, removing unpleasant odors effectively. When the litter box is not in use, your cat can take a nap on the flat upper cover. The cover is well smoothened to ensure your kitty is comfortable.   

The good thing about this litter box is that it provides a 12-month warranty and service. You won’t believe how effective and efficient this litter system is. It will offer cleanliness and peace of mind for you and your feline friend!  

What We Like

• It features an automatic deodorization and anti-bacterial function   
• Includes 12 high-precision sensors and motion detection for safety   
• It can be remotely controlled via the PETKIT app  
• Perfect for cats weighing from 3lbs to 18lbs   
• Constructed from high-quality ABS   

What We Don’t Like

• The entry point is too narrow and may be uncomfortable for large cats  
• When the cleaning cycle stops, the app or box does not offer an alert   
• It has a small litter capacity.   

3. PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox – Best Reliable and Safe 

With the ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box, cleaning your cat’s mess will be an easy and less irritating job. It uses crystal litter which offers 5 times better odor control than traditional clumping litter. Also, it absorbs liquid waste and dehydrates solid waste in minutes to ensure there are no odors in the house.   

The cat litter box uses low-tracking crystals that are 99% dust-free, and they don’t stick to the cat’s paws. It includes disposable trays all with a plastic lining to help protect against leaking and ensure your floors remain clean. Furthermore, it has safety sensors that ensure the scooping cycle only occurs when the cat is out of the box. This ensures the cat box is 100% safe for your cats.   

It uses disposable trays with a plastic lining to protect against leaking, and each tray has a lid for easy disposal. With the health counter sensor, you can track the number of times your cat has used the box, helping detect health issues early.   

What We Like

• It has excellent odor control   
• Easy to clean and maintain  
• Perfect size for small spaces   
• It is reliable and safe for your cat  

What We Don’t Like

• It is a bit hard to clean  
• Not good for anyone on a budget.   

2. Pet Zone Semi-Automatic Cat Litter Box – Best Odor Control

The Pet Zone smart cat litter box provides an innovative solution for waste management. It uses a smart sensor to activate the cleaning cycle within 30 minutes after your cat has used the box. This litter box is a great alternative to a traditional cat litter box for busy parents.   

It has an angled deflector with fins and a raised height that minimizes litter scatter and ensures everything stays in the box. Because disassembly can be done in minutes, cleaning and maintenance won’t be a hard task. It comes with a one-month supply of no-touch cat litter waste bags.   

The smart cat litter box features a quiet motor that runs the box without causing any disruption to you or your cats. Because of its compact design, it won’t take up much space in your house, making it great for small spaces.   

What We Like

• It is easy to clean and maintain   
• It has powerful odor control   
• Designed to operate quietly   
• Comes with no-touch waste bags

What We Don’t Like

• Its design needs some improvement  
• Not suitable for kittens younger than 6 months.

1. Foldable Cat Litter Box with Lid – Best Flexible and Portable 

Here is another quality cat litter box built with flexibility in mind. The box has a portable design that allows you to use it whenever and wherever your cats need it. If you love travelling with your cat, this is the best litter box to purchase.   

It has a top entry door that allows your cat to enter and exit at will. The entry panel is wide and comfortable enough for your cat to get in and out with ease. Also, it has a pull-out drawer design that makes it easy to shovel and exchange sand. It includes a matching cat litter scoop and a cleaning brush so that you can clean the cat’s litter with minimal mess.   

The litter box has a large internal space, which is convenient for cats to enter and exit and turn around without feeling uncomfortable.   

What We Like

• Made from eco-friendly and pet-safe materials   
• The internal space is large and comfortable   
• It has a collapsible and portable design   
• Its design is simple yet functional   

What We Don’t Like

• The top is flimsy   
• It is a bit hard to clean.   

Things to Consider when Buying a Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box 

If you are ready to move from an old-fashioned litter box to one that uses automatic technology to bring convenience, keep the following considerations in mind.   

Size

Size is a crucial consideration when choosing an automatic cat litter box. The size of the litter box should be suitable for your cat’s size and the number of cats in your home. If you have multiple cats in your home, it is best to choose a litter box with more interior space. Some models are designed to occupy multiple cats, but it is good to check the specifications and reviews to ensure you are buying the right thing.   

Also, pay attention to the entrance size of the litter box. The entrance should be large enough for your cat to enter and exit comfortably. If the entrance is too small, your cat will restrict from using the box. You still have to consider the capacity of the litter box. If you have multiple cats, a box with a larger capacity is the best.   

Because automatic litter boxes are available in different sizes, choose a box that will accommodate your space and your pet. If you opt for a larger model, ensure your home has adequate space to accommodate the litter box.

Smart Features   

Other than offering a hands-free scooping solution, automatic litter boxes come with different smart features that are worth considering. The smart features keep tabs on your pet’s health and ensure simple litter changes. Keep in mind that the more smart features a litter box has, the more money you will pay. So, consider whether these extras are worth paying for.   

Many self-cleaning litter boxes come with apps that connect your phone to the cat’s litter box via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or smart home assistant. The app allows you to monitor your cat’s health, schedule cleaning cycles, and manually control some litter box features right from your phone. You can control the litter box from anywhere, allowing you to go outdoors worry-free.   

Warranty   

The other thing you have to check is the warranty. Because a self-cleaning cat litter box is just like any other product in the market, it might experience some issues. In case the litter box malfunctions, having a good warranty will help you. You will be able to get a new litter box or replace parts if some are malfunctioning. Also, check for money-back guarantees in case you are not sure a self-cleaning cat litter box is the best for you.   

Comfort

Cats are choosy creatures. Before you choose a self-cleaning litter box for your cat, ensure it fits your cat’s comfort needs. If your cat does not like the automatic litter box, you will have wasted money on something that will not be used. The litter box should be big enough for your cat to enter and exit and move around inside comfortably. Also, ensure the box is not noisy. If it is noisy, your cat will avoid it and take its business outside.   

Safety   

A good self-cleaning litter box should have safety features to ensure your cat is protected. Safety features in an automatic litter box may include hall sensors, infrared sensors, gravity sensors, and advanced algorithms. These safety features ensure your cat is safe when using the box. One of the most reliable cat boxes with sensors is the PETKIT PuraX Self-Cleaning Litter Box. This litter box includes a weight sensor, anti-trap sensor, infrared sensor, and a hall sensor. If you want to keep your cat safe when using the box, get this self-cleaning cat box.   

Frequently Asked Questions  

How do you clean an automatic litter box?   

Cleaning an automatic litter box depends on the number of cats using the box, the type of litter you are using, and how well the litter box sifts out waste. Generally, the litter must be replaced every four to six weeks and wiped down the inside of the box. If you notice urine spraying on the sides or soft poops smeared on the sides, clean the box right away to avoid unpleasant odors.  

Can one self-cleaning litter box be used by multiple cats?   

Generally, one litter box is designed to be used by one cat in your house. However, if you have multiple cats and one litter box, the cats will share it perfectly. For homeowners with multiple cats, there should be an extra litter box available. This will ensure your cats are comfortable, especially if they are using the bathroom all at the same time. 

Which is the perfect place to put self-cleaning litter box? 

The best location for a self-cleaning litter box is in a low-traffic area not too far from where your cat loves hanging out. Avoid placing the litter box near the place where your cat eats, or near parts of the home that make noise, such as the AC or laundry unit. If there is an extra litter box in your home, place it in a different location from the other one.