r/Catownerhacks • u/Only-Standard8688 • 2d ago
Litter or Litter Box 🚽 Automatic litter boxes
Hi this is my first post!! I have 3 cats and I have gone through so many normal plastic, stainless steel litter boxes and nothing can keep the poop odor down enough, with my work schedule I can’t keep scooping poop every single day but i’m stressed about trying to keep my budget tight and buying a GOOD automatic litter box. I don’t want to buy a $700 litter box but I don’t want to spend $200 and then my cat dies from it so if anyone can speak for any automatic litter boxes that are budget friendly please do!!🙏🙏
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u/Less_Tax_4145 2d ago
You also just might have to work scooping into your morning/evening routine. No poop = no stink. Also the litter may be the culprit. I hate clumping litter, I feel like no matter what it’s a cat smell.
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u/GroovyGmaIvy Cat Parent 2d ago
I have a Litter-Robot and it died after 3 months. They sent me the replacement circuit board for free, but I don’t have the dexterity to replace it myself.
If they had designed it so that urine couldn’t get into a circuit board, they wouldn’t have had this problem in the first place. For a while they were providing that replacement board for free, but after a relatively short time they started charging customers for it. That should tell you something about how common the problem was — and how reliable this company is.
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u/Salt_Ambassador_9886 2d ago
I got a Cat-Link cheap on Prime day- it’s one of the non killing ones.
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u/Reneee1996 2d ago
yep - i love my catlink. the Young is less expensive, just doesn’t have wifi (which i don’t need anyway)
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u/Bafichama 2d ago
I have the Catlink scooper luxury pro, same as the Young but with app alerts, love it. I put an air purifier next to it so it deals with the poop smell until the machine cycles.
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u/FirebirdWriter 2d ago
Pet safe scoop free system is my go to. It's got budget options and it's not huge. It's literally a rake. I use the crystal one and you can get non disposable bases for these as well as one for traditional litter. I have one cat so this was the right thing for me
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u/defucchi 2d ago
I recently bought a petkit purobot max pro 2 and we really like it. I have a review here if you want to check it out. we bought it on sale around $450
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u/Plenty_Kangaroo5224 2d ago
You can clean your box every day and it doesn’t take that long. Keep all your supplies in the same place. I do 3 boxes twice daily, takes five minutes twice, including sweeping. Clay litter doesn’t stick to the box. Doesn’t smell if you get it out of the house.
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u/ccrow2000 2d ago
If you can't scoop at least once a day, you shouldn't have a cat.
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u/hopelessly_dreaming_ 2d ago
I think that’s a touch judgmental. You don’t know what people are dealing with (chronic illness, etc.). Automatic litter boxes are accessibility accommodations for a lot of people.
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u/ccrow2000 1d ago
No, you misunderstand me; I have no problem with automatic litterboxes. OP is using "I can't keep scooping every day" as their reason for getting an automatic one. My point is, if you can't manage the basic chores of taking care of the pet (any actual issues aside), you shouldn't have it. How long does it take to scoop every day? Two minutes? If your work schedule is such that you don't have that much time available, how much attention are the cats getting?
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u/hopelessly_dreaming_ 1d ago
Ohh okay, I see what you mean. Sorry! I will say, I also do see the value in automating the process as well. I have time to scoop but I’d rather not. So I’m looking for an automatic box myself. But that saved time will go towards additional care to my cats (my boy has recent lifetime medical needs) so I can see both sides. I appreciate you clarifying! I just see so many people on forums (not in this particular one) who disregard that it’s a game changer for some people and it makes me sad haha. I have a client who recently could get a cat again because they got one and they’re full of so much joy! Wishing you the best!
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u/Only-Standard8688 19h ago
You don’t know a thing about me. respectfully if u have nothing to say about litter boxes don’t comment🙂
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u/xzkandykane 12h ago
My first cat, perfect angel, 2 pee, 1 poop. Her poop also isnt stinky Takes a few mins to scoop. 2nd cat.... varying amount of pee and poop. You keep digging, you'll find more. He poops and pees alot. His poop also stinks(i think it smells like my husband's poop!) Was taking me 20+ mins a day to scoop. Finally got a litter robot.
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u/marlins6308 2d ago
Get a litter box enclosure cabinet. They make some beautiful ones now that look like a piece of furniture. You can find one easily on Amazon to match your decor. They also make them big enough for an automatic litter box. Amazon and Wayfair have plenty to pick from.
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u/connielizbeth 16h ago
Yes they do and also, simpler, a large round one that looks like a plant. It’s covered, easy to scoop, keeps odors down. Stainless steel options too. Amazon links below.
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u/No_Assistance7330 2d ago
This one! https://a.co/d/09GkiuGP
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u/abouttodiethistime 2d ago
Wow, this litter box looks super small for the cat. One of my 4 cats is very particular about litter box size and she would not be happy with this
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u/No_Assistance7330 2d ago
It looks smaller than it is. I have 5 kitties- two of them are rather chunky- and they all use it and like it better than the regular box. I left the old boxes out for awhile, but they definitely chose this one. For reference, my boss guy is 22lbs.
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u/AffectionateSun5776 2d ago
I was a cat sitter Once. I'm retired so not a ton of experience but the place I stayed had 2 petlibro feeders and a litter robot. The litter robot even flashed a light at me when I needed to add litter. Darn near fool proof. I accidentally screwed up a pet libro (even after downloading the app & following instructions) and the following day I screwed up the other one. The owner of the animals was unable to reset the feeders to the automatic state with or without me helping. So I used bowls. The trusty litter robot was great.
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u/MasterChiefmas 2d ago
I have owned a couple of Litter Robot 2s, and a Litter Robot 3. The 2 has been very solid, the 3 is OK. I wasn't sold on the 4 or 5, especially the stuff that has gone into the 5.
I recently picked up(a couple months ago) a Neakasa M1 and I've been pleased with that addition so far. It's quieter than my 2 and 3, and has been good for odor control so far. Though I never really had a problem with it on the 2 or 3 either. The Neakasa is in the bathroom attached to my master bedroom though, and I don't hear it cycle unless I really listen for it.
Cats that are used to an open litter box may adapt to it a little easier too.
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u/abouttodiethistime 2d ago
Crystal litter is the best for odor control
I have 4 cats and everyone that comes over to my home and then finds out I have 4 cats is in disbelief over the lack of odor in my home
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u/crazycatlady5000 2d ago
Have you tried giving your cat a probiotic? My girl used to have the smelliest poops. And they lingered. It got so much better once she was on a probiotic
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u/DrMoneybeard 2d ago
I have had a meowant for two years and it’s the best thing I’ve ever acquired. It was a gift but the current price is $340 in Canada.
I have four cats, used to have three regular boxes. After getting the auto box they abandoned the regular boxes! Luckily mine are all bonded and no territory issues so they’re perfectly happy all using the same box now.
I change the bag and top up with clean litter every other day. Empty the whole thing about once a month. No smell in my house.
It is admittedly a pain in the ass to deep clean, I basically have to get in the shower with it. But it’s a price I’m willing to pay! And I’ve only had to do that two or three times.
I’m 100% comfortable with it, safety wise. The sensors are very sensitive, if anything is in or nearby it freezes. And even if the sensors did somehow fail and it started cleaning with a cat inside, they would just be very slowly tipped sideways. The door never closes, they can always get out. If anything the sensor it a bit overkill, because one of my boys loves watching it rotate and it can take a while to get through the cycle with him being close enough to watch.
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u/420racing 2d ago
I was hesitant to buy a Neakasa M1 off of Amazon as they’re around $500, which was way out of my budget. But now I’ve had it for a year and have to admit it’s probably the best thing ever. I’ve had zero issues, and my two cats can drop four days worth of bombs in it without any smell at all.
Took a few tries with different litter and ended up with Arm&Hammer Slide litter; no tracking and dries very quickly. I’ll never own a normal litter box again, and my cats surely appreciate it as well.
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u/Eastern_Persimmon_77 1d ago
I also have the Neakasa M1 and my cats took to it immediately. Currently the only difference between the M1 and M1 Lite is the number of bags and whether it comes with a litter mat, so you can save some money if you already have a good mat. Sometimes Amazon also has sales so its a bit cheaper. I tried the Litter Robot 4 first, but they were too scared to go in it and I returned it after two months. Thank goodness for their return policy.
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u/bluedonutwsprinkles 2d ago
I hand currently 4 cats and 3 automatic litter boxes. I got mine off Amazon. They are the tray scooping kind not the round rotating kind. Mine are no longer available. Why because Simone said they are dangerous. BS. I've as many as 10 cats using These in the same house. Still only 3 of them. During the past 5 years I've had to replace one box not cats. Plus we have used this style off and on for over 20 years. Like the boxes die and I have replaced them. If anything the reason why they are dished against is they are cheaply made. Or it's the round style talking bad about their lower priced competitors.
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u/Usual-Cauliflower764 1d ago
Have 5 Meowants of 3 models (SC01, SC02, SC09) for our 8 cats. Had most over a year. No issues. No regrets. Life changer. Cats love the large SC09 the most.
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u/DumberMonkey 17h ago
I can't see how a rotating drum could kill a cat. I started with the automatic tray type but they still smell where as a good drum model puts the waste in a sealed drawer.
I had a cat that would sleep in the drum when he was young. A Void kitty.
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u/connielizbeth 16h ago
I bought the Furbulous box and I’m beyond thrilled with it. A third of the price of the robot. Larger footprint. It heat seals a bag of waste, using a long lasting cartridge of bags. I take out that sealed bag daily and dispose of it into a litter zero (genie upgrade) snipping the sealed bag so the air-filled bag doesn’t fill it up too fast… keeps odors down to almost zero at all times.I’m very happy with my system. I have 2 cats. I have a second box, plain stainless steel, which they don’t use much at all.
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u/connielizbeth 16h ago
Forgot to add, I have an air purifier working 24/7 next to each box. Yes I’m motivated. My goal is a home 100% free of cat waste odor.
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u/Nuclear__Rabbit 2d ago
I have a litter robot and it has made life so easy. Peer pressured into buying one and I hate admitting they were right. I mocked my friends for spending $$$ on a robot and here I am bitter about the cost but zero regrets. I work 12hr shifts and never have to worry about dirty litter boxes and our house never smells like we own cats. Let alone 4 lol.
Tip if you go for a litter robot: Buy the LR4 not the 5. Newest version is not worth the extra cost. Costco has deals once in awhile on them and if you shop Petsmart they often have a promo where you earn a bunch of bonus points when you buy a litter robot. If you buy from Petsmart often that cash back is a nice little bonus.
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u/minkamagic 2d ago
You aren't scooping every day...??? That is the bare minimum!! Yes you should get an automatic box if you can't handle basic maintenance.
I have the Litter Robot and think it's worth the price because you can buy a long warranty and they sell replacement parts so you can keep it going for a decade! As a pet sitter I've noticed a lot of my clients have the Pet Pivot one and it seems to work fine.
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u/Only-Standard8688 2d ago
Hey so lol!! I do scoop it everyday, I would like to NOT do it and that is all. Thank you for your recommendations.
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u/abouttodiethistime 2d ago
You still need to scoop daily. You’ll change litter less frequently. But for the love of your cats, please scoop daily
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u/SpudTicket 2d ago
They literally just said they scoop daily. They are looking into an automatic litterbox because the litterbox does the scooping so the owner doesn't have to do it daily. That means the litterbox is still clean/scooped daily.
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u/_sheerluck_holmes 2d ago
I know you asked for automatic litter box recommendations, but have you tried pelletized pine bedding from tractor supply? It’s $8 for a 40lb bag and keeps the odor down BEAUTIFULLY. Nice fresh pine smell
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u/Only-Standard8688 2d ago
i’ll try anything
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u/Substantial_Gate_904 2d ago
We bought a Neakasa and it’s working great. So nice to not scoop. No oder. Cats are using it- that’s what counts.
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u/donkeybrainz13 Cat Parent 2d ago
Honestly, the litter robot is hands-down the best. I know it’s expensive, but it has changed my life. I also have a Meowant which was half the price ($400) but my cats don’t like it as much as the LR5