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:
- A sensor that tracks when a cat enters and leaves the box
- A raking implement or spinning mechanism
- 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.
Tasty Tips
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.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Adult Multiple Benefit Chicken Recipe cat food
Supports ideal body weight for cats with different body types
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock & Barley Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Related articles
Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
While upper respiratory infections in cats are common, they can still be concerning. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis & treatment options for URIs.
Is Your Cat Scooting on the Carpet? Anal Glands May Be the Culprit
Find out why a cat scooting on carpet could be a sign of inflamed anal glands and what you can do to help relieve your cat's agitation.
Why Is My Cat Peeing Blood?
Learn causes & symptoms associated with blood in cat urine, including underlying urinary tract problems or issues like FLUTD, as well as treatment options.
How Cats Show Affection to Their Humans
Discover some common ways that cats show love for their owners. Learn to recognize these signs of affection, even though they might seem a little bizarre.
Are Bananas Safe for My Cat?
Are bananas safe for your cat? Learn helpful information on whether bananas are a good treat for your cat and why other options might be better.
Cat Vision: How Do They See the World?
Discover some myths and truths about how your cat sees the world, including whether they have night vision and if they are actually colorblind.
Knowing Your Cat's Special Anatomy
To provide the best care for your cat, it is important to know as much about them as possible. Read about a cat's specialized anatomy to learn more.
Cat Carrier Backpacks: How to Choose the Right One
Cat Carrier Backpacks: How to Choose the Right One
Tips for Socializing Your Kitten with People & Other Pets
It's important to introduce your new kitten to kids, strangers and family pets early in their development to help raise a well-adjusted, socializing cat.
Important Information on FLUTD & Urinary Tract Infections in Cats
If your cat if struggling to use the litter box it might be a symptom of a larger issue - urinary tract disease. Learn the signs and treatment options now.
Should I Get My Cat Groomed by a Professional?
Cats often do a lot of grooming themselves, but learn some sticky situations where consulting a professional groomer might be the right call.
Weight Gain in Your Cat & How You Can Help
Learn the different factors that might be contributing to your cat's weight gain, and how bigger doesn't always mean better.
Do Cats Understand Words?
Discover interesting information about whether you cat actually understands your words and if it's important to actually talk to your feline friend.
Cat Leukemia: Symptoms, Testing and Prevention
Learn important information about cat leukemia, including how it spreads, common symptoms, testing & diagnosis info, treatments and prevention options.
Removing Foul-Smelling Cat Odors From Your Home
Learn how getting rid of cat odors in carpets and fabrics is key to getting your house to smell fresh and clean.
Signs of Stress in Cats and How You Can Help | Hill's Pet
Learn how to recognize the signs of stress in cats and how to help a stressed cat find relief. Learn the implications of stress on her overall health, and what you can do to help ease her.
Why Do Cats Bunny Kick?
Learn what a bunny kick is and the reasons your cat likes to do it, from just playing around to indicating aggression.
Cat Aggression: How to Calm Them Down
Learn how to identify causes of aggression in your cat, how you can help calm them down or diffuse an aggressive situation, and when a vet visit is needed.
Cat-Proofing Your Fish Tank: How to Protect Your Fish from a Curious Kitty
Learn why cats are often fascinated with fish tanks, including factors like their prey drive, and tips for cat-proofing it from your curious kitty.
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
Learn whether it's safe and healthy to give your cat peanut butter, including certain ingredients to watch for that can be toxic.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.