Smart Litter Boxes: What You Need to Know

Traditional cat litter boxes are tried-and-true, but are you curious about the potential conveniences afforded by a smart litter box? Here's why investing in a self-cleaning litter box could be a good option for you and your kitty.

Thinking Outside the (Litter) Box

While they might sound like a thing of the future, robotic litter boxes arrived on the market about 20 years ago. Generally, these litter boxes have three main components:

1. A sensor that tracks when a cat enters and leaves the box
2. A raking implement or spinning mechanism
3. A waste receptacle

About 15 to 20 minutes after the sensor recognizes that your cat has left the box, it will rake, spin or flush the waste. A sifting mechanism then removes the waste and drops it into a tray. Depending on the model, the tray may either be reusable or disposable.

For an even more sophisticated option, you can opt for a robotic litter box that runs on Wi-Fi and centrifugal force. This type of model has a light that alerts you when it's time to change the litter and offers the option to control the box from your phone.

Benefits of a Smart Litter Box

Perhaps the greatest benefit of using a smart litter box is that you'll spend less time scooping and sifting. Many models allow cat parents to empty and clean the tray or compartment just once a week instead of once or twice a day. Who doesn't like the sound of that?

And, while it's still important to have someone check on a smart litter box if you leave your cat at home for an extended period of time, a self-cleaning unit drastically cuts down on the work your kitty sitter has to do. A self-cleaning litter box also helps reduce odor, which is especially helpful if your feline friend isn't the best at covering up their waste.

The Cost of a Self-Cleaning Litter Box

The cost of a self-cleaning litter box varies from model to model. Automatic litter boxes cost between $20 and $200, while smart or robotic boxes start at around $450 and can run up to $700. These prices don't include the costs of accessories and replacement parts.

Keep in mind that many units require a certain type of litter, such as clumping or crystals. If you don't use the right litter, the box can malfunction and could be costly to repair. It's also recommended that you have one more litter box than the number of cats you have, says the Pet Health Network. This further drives up the expense of having a self-cleaning litter box.

Transitioning to a New Box

Switching your cat to a new litter box takes time and patience, so try not to get discouraged. To get started, follow the manufacturer's instructions to set up the box and place it somewhere that offers your kitty some privacy.

Transitioning your cat to a self-cleaning litter box is kind of like potty training a kitten. Give your cat the option of using their current litter box or the new one, but don't turn on the new box until your cat is comfortable around it. Once they seem comfortable with it, spend about a week observing your kitty's behavior around the litter box.

Not all cats will acclimate well to the sounds and mechanics of a self-cleaning litter box. Cats who are unnerved by going to the bathroom in a machine might try to avoid it. They may hold in their waste, which can lead to health problems, or eliminate their waste outside of the box, which isn't healthy for them or for you.

When deciding whether to invest in a robotic litter box, be sure to take your cat's age into consideration. Kittens are likely to have an easier time than older cats adapting to a smart litter box.

Before making the decision to switch to an automatic box, compare the costs with the time-saving benefits. In some instances, the cost of purchasing and maintaining a robotic litter box may be prohibitive. What's most important is to stick with the box your cat will use. Whether you go with an automatic litter box or a traditional one, make sure your decision is based on what's best for your kitty's health and happiness.