Best automatic cat litter boxes: 8 options that take the hassle out of cleaning
Thanks to the best automatic cat litter boxes, you no longer need to scoop their poop daily!

There’s no two ways about it – the best automatic cat litter boxes make looking after your kitty hassle-free.
Many of the top self-cleaning options can do it all. They can trap bad odors, automatically sweep the litter, monitor health, and can do all of that so quietly, that you’d never even know they were there. Simply fill them up with the best cat litter and let them get to work, cleaning up after your furry friend.
To help you find the best option, we've asked the PetsRadar testing team to put the top-rated boxes through their paces, examining everything from how simple they are to set up, how easy their cat found it to use and what they liked and disliked about it.
So, if you dread cleaning up after your feline, travel often or just want a little help with the unpleasant chore of scooping up, keep scrolling. We’ve compiled an all-you-need-to-know guide on the eight best automatic cat litter boxes. Spoiler alert: Leo's Loo Too was crowned as the winner.
For more affordable options, check out our guide to the best cat litter boxes instead.
The quick list
The best automatic cat litter box overall
This self-cleaning litter tray has an anti-pinch design for safety and notifies you when it needs changing. It features a charcoal and bamboo filter to fight against bad odors, and you can track your cat’s health via an app.
The best automatic cat litter box runner-up
With odor control and pet monitoring features, this self-cleaning litter tray will make your life a whole lot easier. It sifts out the poop after every use, saving you the dreaded job of cleaning it out.
The best automatic cat litter box on a budget
Featuring automatic cleaning, multi-sensors, and an anti-track mat included, it's hard to believe that this litter box is the cheapest option in the guide! The open-top design might be more appealing to some cats too.
The best automatic cat litter box for simplicity
An automatic litter box that rakes your cat’s clumping litter for you. Not only does this help with odor control, but it also means that you only need to empty it once a week.
The best open-top automatic cat litter box
This self-cleaning litter box has an open-top design and can be controlled via a smartphone app. Thanks to the ‘pull and wrap’ system, it keeps unwanted smells out of your home and has a large capacity for waste.
The best automatic cat litter box with large waste capacity
Coming with a massive 13L of waste capacity, this litter box only needs to be changed every 15 days if you’ve got one cat. Meaning? It’s ideal for anyone who spends days away from home or who doesn’t have time to change the litter drawer regularly.
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The best automatic cat litter box for design
Aesthetically pleasing, virtually silent and coming with an auto-sealing waste drawer that only needs to be emptied every 14 days, this self-cleaning litter box does it all. You’ll also be alerted about your cat's visits and how long they stay.
The best smart automatic cat litter box on a budget
This litter box is ideal for anyone who spends days away from home or who doesn’t have time to change the litter drawer regularly. It also features app control and health monitoring – all for a very reasonable price tag comparatively.
The best automatic cat litter boxes we recommend
Why you can trust PetsRadar
The best automatic cat litter box overall
1. Casa Leo's Loo Too
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
This self-cleaning litter box is perfect for tech-savvy pet parents who love a gadget. Not only can you track your feline’s health via the Smart Home app, but you can also program a EPA-certified UV light to reduce unpleasant odors.
The modern design comes in four colors (grey, blue, pink or green) and doesn’t make a loud noise when sifting (~30 dB). You can even pause the cycle while you sleep if you’re worried.
So, what did our tester Julie’s cats think of it? Before she’d even set it up, Max jumped straight in to test it out. She says that both of her cats have been getting on fine and seem comfortable using it. However, if you’ve got a senior cat on your hands, it might be worth buying a step to help them get into it (like this adjustable one from Amazon).
She says: “For me, the most valuable things about this product are the time savings and sanitary features. It’s nice not having to scoop the box all the time – I have two senior cats who drink more water, so traditional litterboxes tend to become wet pretty quickly. My female cat sometimes gets urinary tract infections, and I think this box will help with that, as the litter stays much drier.”
In terms of set-up, Julie said it took a bit of time to set up but after watching a video on Casa Leo’s website, it eventually came together.
She’s finding it easy to use now, but said that sometimes the bottom tray doesn’t slide in all of the way on the first time and she has to play with it a bit to get it back in. She also notes that there have been a few times when the unit didn’t seem to be rotating automatically after the cat used it, so she had to do it manually.
You might think a self-cleaning litter box would be rather noisy, but Julie says that this isn’t disruptive and doesn’t scare her cats at all. During the night, she has the cycle on pause which she describes as a “nice feature” to have.
When it comes to cleaning it out, she says: “I’ve just changed it a couple of times on an as-needed basis, or when the alerts tell me the tray is getting full. The balls of regular clumping litter drop into the tray at the bottom, and when it gets full, you pull out the provided plastic bag and throw it away. Pretty simple.”
For something with an easier set-up, try the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox or PetPivot Autoscooper 11 Open-top Self-cleaning Smart Cat Litter Box.
The best automatic cat litter box runner-up
2. Whisker Litter-Robot 4
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
This automatic litter box does the dirty work for you; sifting away your cat's poop while minimizing unpleasant odors. You can use it with up to four cats and even monitor their activity via an app on your phone. While you might not be that interested in your feline’s toilet habits, it can tell you a lot about their health, which can be very useful.
Our tester Jo was pleasantly surprised at how quiet the clean cycle is and confirmed that it doesn’t scare her cats. She also says that set up was super easy as the Litter-Robot came pre-assembled, and the app talks you through the instructions.
She says: “I love that we were able to set up an account for both of our kitties. It was very cleverly was able to determine which girl was using it and take weight measurements.
"The app sends you a notification to let you know when one of the cats has used it and when it is performing a clean cycle. It also calculates how many clean cycles have been performed.”
When it comes to changing the waste, all you need to do is pull out the drawer, tie up the bag and dispose of it, and Jo says this was a quick and easy process. However, it's a little tricky to re-set the app once you clear out the box.
She says: “One of the things that's made me most happy since using the litter robot is the lack of litter droplets on the floor. Gone are the days of constantly having to sweep up after the cats and this is all down to the clever fence which just clips onto the front. It is fantastic and if you have the money, then go for it. You certainly won’t regret it.”
If you're stuck between the Litter-Robot 3 vs 4, we've tested both and have written a helpful comparison guide. For something more affordable with smart features, try the REDSASA Self Cleaning Litter Box instead.
The best automatic cat litter box on a budget
3. PetPivot Autoscooper 11 Open-top Self-cleaning Smart Cat Litter Box
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you're looking for an automatic cat litter box that won't break the bank (but still delivers on quality), the Autoscooper 11 is my top choice. It might not be as cheap as a standard box, but the self-cleaning features are a total game-changer and save me so much time.
The device was super simple to set up: simply attach the legs to the base, fill it up with litter, press the level button, and you're good to go. PetPivot offer a helpful video for you to follow along, and I had it up and running within 10 minutes. It also comes with a mat to prevent litter tracking and a roll of bin liners.
The infrared sensors detect when your cat is doing their business and once they've left the box, will sift into the waste container below. I love how the box offers a manual cleaning option too, which has been really helpful while my cats get used to it. I leave it unplugged throughout the day, then when I notice it's filled with poop, I'll plug it in and press the cleaning button.
You'll be able to use most clumping litters, including mineral, bentonite, cassava or mixed litter – providing it's smaller than a quarter of an inch. I've been using the CROCI Eco Clean Probiotic Cat Litter, which is compostable, flushable, and does a goodjob at reducing bad smells.
The Autoscooper might not have smart features like other options in this guide, but I think it's a great no-frills option if you're looking for something easy to use. It's worth bearing in mind that the cord is quite short and it uses a shaver plug head, but I've ordered an extension lead as an easy solution.
Alternatively, Neakasa's M1 Open-Top Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box has a similar design, but with additional high-tech features such as online health monitoring.
The best automatic cat litter box for simplicity
4. PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
With the bold claim that you’ll never have to scoop litter again, we were excited to take this little beauty for a spin and see if it really would make our lives a whole lot easier.
Our pet parent tester, Alisa, put this litter box through its paces and while she personally couldn’t justify spending more than $200 on this sort of product, she did feel that it would be worth the money for anyone who hates having to scoop litter on a daily basis.
She says: “It traps odors reasonably well – I didn’t notice a smell most of the time – and it does work as promised for the most part. Sometimes it misses a clump or one gets stuck to the rake and stays on it, but it was relatively easy for my cat to use.”
PetSafe states that the litter box is easy to set up and clean, and on the whole, Alisa found this to be the case – although her little feline friend wasn’t quite so keen on the noise.
She says: “Setup was pretty easy. The one thing I didn’t like was having to run an extension cord from another room because the area where I keep the litter box has no outlets. I waited a day or two before turning it on because I have a skittish cat.
"It makes a noisy, mechanical humming noise when cleaning – audible from another room – and she’s scared of it. Luckily the fear doesn’t stop her from using it, but she is visibly concerned while it’s raking."
While the litter box isn’t the most attractive model on the market, Alisa found that its low profile means it can be tucked away behind things, which is great if you’re wanting to keep it out of view. It also sweeps the box clean 10 minutes after a cat has used it, a feature Alisa described as being very convenient.
Perhaps the best part about this litter box is just how long you can go without having to empty it (around five days) – ideal if you’re a busy cat owner who would rather spend the free time you have playing with your feline friend, as opposed to cleaning up after them! “We were able to go almost a week without emptying the waste bin,” Alisa told us.
However, while PetSafe claims that you can line the tray and waste bin with bags, it doesn’t lend itself well to that. “Bags can get in the way of the rake, and when we tried lining the inside of the waste bin the bag just got pushed out of the way by the incoming waste. Luckily, the waste bin is easy to pull out and empty,” Alisa explained.
Although the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box certainly has some drawbacks, if you have a confident kitty who’s not scared of the mechanical hum that many electrical products can make and you’re looking for a low-mess, no-fuss way of cleaning up after your fur friend, this litter box is well worth considering.
Think your cat would be scared of the noise? Opt for Whisker's Litter-Robot 4 or Casa Leo's Loo Too.
The best open-top automatic cat litter box
5. Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
With this self-cleaning litter box, you can monitor your cat’s toilet habits via a clever smartphone app. This can be really helpful for keeping an eye on their health as it tells you things like their weight and how often they’re toileting. You can also track the litter levels to ensure it’s ready for use.
It can hold 7.17L of litter and can last up to 14 days without being changed; making your life a lot easier! When you want to remove the waste, simply pull the strings on the back and pop it in the bin – the odor-blocking bag will stop any unpleasant smells from releasing in your home.
The box operates at a 50 dB sound level, so you won’t have to worry about it being noisy and invasive. However, other boxes in this guide (like Whisker's Litter-Robot 4 or Casa Leo's Loo Too) are quieter. The dark grey color looks sleek and discreet and the litter mat will ensure that no extra residue is spread on the floor.
Our tester Henry says: "It does a good job of trapping odors as the tray automatically cleans itself shortly after the cat finishes using it. We noticed a difference in house smell with the automatic litter tray – especially helpful for nighttime!
"The footprint is larger than for most litter trays and it isn’t fantastic for use on staircases/landings which is where we tend to keep our litter trays, but the design is sleek and stylish and looks good in the home.
"We have three cats and all were able to use it without issue. The only issue that I can think of is that the tray is raised quite high off the ground, so older cats or those with mobility issues may struggle to get in and out of it.
"Assembly was straightforward with clear instructions. There is some noise made when cleaning, but I wouldn’t describe it as loud (it didn’t wake us up in the night when placed on the landing outside our bedroom). While the tray is on the more expensive side, cat owners that can afford it will definitely value the time and effort it saves, so I do believe it’s good value."
If your cat struggles with mobility or you want something smaller, the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox is a better option for you.
The best automatic cat litter box with large waste capacity
6. Catlink Pro-X Luxury Version Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Catlink Pro-X Luxury Version self-cleaning litter box doesn’t just do a brilliant job of cleaning up after your cat. It can also track the stats of your cat’s health and makes a report available to you every day, week and month.
Our tester Allie, who has two cats, said this feature provides a great way to keep on top of your cat’s health and wellbeing. She told us: “The health-factor really only comes in because you’re able to see which cats are using the litter box – which is actually more useful than you may think. If you have multiple cats this is a great way to monitor them.”
This box is has the largest waste capacity in the guide at 13L, but it doesn't take up too much room. “This one is relatively small and can be tucked away fairly easily, which is essential for our small apartment," Allie says. "It looks really good in the space we’ve chosen for it. I think this is probably the only automatic litter box that would make sense in our small apartment.”
Looks aside, Allie also praised the machine for how easy it was to set up. The only issue was connecting it to the app. “It took a couple of tries to get the litter box connected to our Wi-Fi properly.” But once done, Allie couldn’t believe how quiet the machine was.
Once your furry friend has visited the litter box, the self-cleaning gadget automatically sweeps five minutes after it senses a cat has used it. But, as Allie mentions, you can set your own time in the app. Plus, it will send you handy reminders when you need to change the litter, empty the tray and fully change the litter.
Emptying the tray was something Allie had to do every seven days and she mentioned it was very ‘easy’ to do – with no noticeable odors detected.
There were, however, a couple of downsides. “The litterbox will not properly register a cat’s weight if they weigh under 3.5 pounds, or if you have multiple cats that are within one pound of each other, which ours are,” Allie says.
Additionally, it didn’t work properly on Allie’s carpet. “Unfortunately, our entire apartment is carpeted,” she notes. To get around the issue, Allie placed a wood plank underneath it and it seems to be working just fine.
Would Allie recommend this to other cat parents? “To be honest, I’m not sure we would’ve paid $600 for this litter box not knowing how useful it would’ve been,” she says. “But boy, are we glad we have it! The amount of time and energy it’s saved us in not having to clean the litter box twice a day is amazing.”
If you're not ready for such a big purchase, we recommend the PetPivot Autoscooper 11 Open-top Self-cleaning Smart Cat Litter Box, which is suitable for cats weighing 3lbs and above.
The best automatic cat litter box for design
7. PetSnowy Snow+ Self Cleaning Cat Litter Tray
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The PetSnowy Self-Cleaning Litter Box is packed with some brilliant features. For starters, it’s fitted with a TIO2 Photocatalyst System that locks away odors. Then there’s its anti-tracking curved walkway that will help you say goodbye to litter tracking.
Next up is its auto-sealing waste feature, which means you don’t have to see, smell or touch waste for up to two weeks. While its smartphone app control means you can have insights into your four-legged friend’s health at your fingertips.
Cat owner, Amanda, tested out this product for us and said: “I’m incredibly happy with the litter box. It is pricy, but worth the money. It is life-changing!”
Amanda said the machine was "very easy" to set up and because it operates at 53 dB (which is the sound you might expect in a quiet office), when it’s cleaning you can "barely hear it".
“The bin automatically cleans five minutes after your cat visits the bin, but you can set it to a schedule,” she notes.
Amanda also praised the litter box for trapping odors immediately. “This keeps the whole area from smelling. There is an optional deodorizer you can use, but I have not found it necessary."
Another feature that stood out was the smartphone alerts. “I really like the alerts that let you know when your cat entered the bin,” she tells us. “It tells you how much they weigh and how long they spent in there. The alerts usually have a funny description too.”
So, aside from the high price point, were there any negatives? “I found that the weight readings vary a lot,” Amanda says. “So I don’t believe they are accurate. I have also had some trouble with clumps of litter sticking to the cylinder and not getting swept up. However, I can easily break them up with a scooper to allow it to be cleaned.”
If you're concerned about the varying weight measurements, you might want to opt for Whisker's Litter-Robot 4, which our tester, Jo, found to be accurate.
The best smart automatic cat litter box on a budget
8. REDSASA Self Cleaning Litter Box
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Let’s face it, the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes are worth their weight in gold as they give you the space to enjoy your fur friend without the chore of cleaning up after them. And the REDSASA Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is a brilliant example of this.
According to cat owner Kelly, who tested out this machine, the set up is easy and the instructions are clear but the hardest part is setting up the app that connects to the machine via Wi-Fi.
Overall, Kelly believes this self-cleaning gadget is ideal for anyone short on time or just dreads cleaning the litter box. “It is a good one-time investment and sturdy enough to last a long time if maintained well,” she says. “It does all the work for you. You just need to empty the tray and fill the litter.”
However, the litter box is quite large – especially for a small apartment – and isn't the best choice for larger cats. If that's a problem, we'd recommend the PetPivot Autoscooper 11 Open-top Self-cleaning Smart Cat Litter Box instead which has a more spacious interior.
Kelly says: “Our cats are both under 10lbs and it’s fine for them but some larger cats might not like how small the inside is.”
The box comes with a 10L waste collection bin which means you’ll only have to empty it every 15 days if you have one cat using it. And even then, when you’re ready to do so, all you have to do is open a drawer, pull the bag’s drawstring and dispose of the waste.
“It is very easy to maintain,” our tester Kelly says. “The app will also tell you when the tray is full and needs to be emptied.” If you purchase this product you’ll get 40 litter tray bags thrown in.
Odor-wise, this litter box is fitted with a five-second quick disassembly and it comes with a deodorizing design. Kelly seems to think it works very well. “It doesn’t have a spray, but it has a ventilation system built into it to make the smells go away.” Although she mentioned: “You do need to empty the tray completely to have no smell at all.”
For something smaller, consider the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox instead.
Other automatic cat litter boxes we tested
We also tested the following litter boxes, which didn't make the cut for the top eight:
Litter-Robot 3 Connect
This self-cleaning litter box will scoop your cat's poop for you and comes highly recommended by our tester, Philip. You might be wondering how it differs from the Litter-Robot 4...
Well, the 4 has a larger entryway, making it a better choice for bigger cats, and is suitable for kittens under 3lbs (whereas the 3 Connect requires a minimum weight of 5lbs).
There are also more color options with the 4 model, as well as a quieter cleaning cycle and the ability the monitor multiple cats' health via the app.
However, Philip is very happy with the 3 Connect and says that his cats have adjusted well to it. Even after a week without changing the bag, he can't smell any nasty odors, and was impressed with how much time it saves him every day. You'll also notified when the drawer needs changing, which is a super handy feature so you don't forget.
PETKIT PuraX Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
PETKIT's PuraX cleans and deodorizes on an automatic, manual, or scheduled mode – saving you the unwanted job of clearing it out every day. Our tester, Norah, says that she only has to swap the waste bag out once a week which has saved her lots of time.
She says: “For someone who lives in a busy household, the litter box has completely alleviated an entire step in our list of to-dos. Not only that, it also works amazingly well and the app is extremely useful and convenient.”
This device was originally in our top six, but it's no longer stocked by the retailer. For something similar, we'd recommend the Litter-Robot 4 or Catlink Pro-X Luxury Version Self-Cleaning Litter Box.
How we tested the best automatic cat litter boxes
The PetsRadar testing team has tried and approved every single product in this guide. Our review panel is made up of real pet parents who work within Future Plc, and they all follow a strict criteria when it comes to testing.
To ensure accuracy, consistency and fairness, we asked them the same set of questions after they had tried it with their cats:
- Is the litter box good value for money based on the quality?
- Does it trap nasty odors effectively?
- How does the litter box look in your home?
- Is it suitable for any breed and size of cat?
- Does it work as promised?
- Is it easy for your cat to use?
- Is it easy to set up/assemble?
- Does it make a loud noise when cleaning?
- Does it have any interesting features?
- How often does it need changing?
- What type of litter and bags does it require?
- How is the waste removed and disposed of?
To learn more about our review process, read our dedicated page on how we test.
Meet our review panel
Megan Milstead, Staff Writer
Megan tested the PetPivot Autoscooper 11 Open-top Self-cleaning Smart Cat Litter Box.
Alisa Partlan, Tester
Alisa tested the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox.
How to choose the best automatic cat litter box
Despite all of the delights that cats bring to your life, one of the not-so-glamorous sides of being a cat owner involves reaching for the pooper scooper. That’s where the best automatic cat litter boxes come in, doing all the dirty work for you!
When choosing the right option for you, it’s important to take into consideration the following factors:
- Size of the complete unit
- Whether it is suitable for multiple cats
- Whether it has a hood (if your feline loves to flick after visiting)
- How the waste is removed and disposed of
- The sound it makes during cleaning
- If it has the ability to reduce odor
- The type of litter and bags it required
Dr. MacMillan adds: "When choosing an automated litter box, stick to a reputable brand with a proven safety record. Safety sensors are essential, but you must also check your automated litter box regularly to ensure that it is working well. A sturdy, well-constructed box is also a must.
"The box needs to be large enough for your cat to use comfortably. A litter box should be at least one and a half times the length of your cat for them to dig and turn freely in. You will also need multiple litter trays in a multi-cat household.
"Remember to provide one tray per cat plus an extra one, don’t expect them all to use the same automated litter box. A cat’s sense of smell is much keener than ours and they will still be able to detect the waste stored in the tray underneath until you clean it all out."
Wondering which automatic litter box is best for your cat? Here's a re-cap of all the main specs:
Model | Size | Entry dimensions | Suitable for cats weighing | Special features | Noise |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
24 x 22 x 27.5" | 8.5" | 2lbs minimum | Self-cleaning, smart home connected app, programmable UV sanitizing light and voice controls | ~30 dB | |
27 x 22 x 29.5" | 15.75’’ | 3lbs minimum | Self-cleaning, health monitoring, odor control, app alerts | 25–35 dB | |
PetPivot Autoscooper 11 Open-top Self-cleaning Smart Cat Litter Box | 21.25 x 16.3 x 24" | 16.33 x 15.35” | 3–22lbs | Self-cleaning, manual and automatic modes, open-top | ≤38 dB |
20.6 x 10 x 28.4" | Not specified | Not specified | Self-cleaning raking system | Not specified | |
23.23 x 20.67 x 20.20" | 13.86'' | 2.2–33lbs | Self-cleaning, app monitoring, open-top design, odor control | 50 dB | |
23.62 x 22.83 x 27.95" | 10.92 x 12.99" | 3.5–22lbs | Self-cleaning, app controlled, anti-pinch features, smart illumination and four cleaning modes | Not specified | |
29.5 x 20 x 25.6" | 14.9 x 9.05" | 3.3lbs minimum | Self-cleaning, auto-seal waste bag, odor neutralizer, anti-litter tracking walkway, app-controlled | 53 dB | |
21.26 x 21.26 x 27.17" | 8.8" | 2.2–26.5lbs | Self-cleaning, odor control, health monitoring, gravity safety sensors, ventilation, sleep mode | Not specified |
What's the best way to get a cat used to an automatic litter box?
Like with every new gadget, make sure you introduce the automatic litter box to your cat gradually, building positive associations around it. Here's what expert vet Dr. MacMillan recommends:
1. Initial introduction
"Start by introducing your cat to the partially assembled box so they get used to its smell and look. Reward them if they interact with it."
2. Put the litter box in its new location
"After a few days, put the box together and find a suitable location. You should place your automated litter box in the location of the old litter box, ideally in an area of the house where your cat won’t be disturbed.
"Keep putting your old litter tray out though, as you don’t want your cat to feel stressed or have toileting issues when they are not fully trained in using their new box."
3. Wait a week to turn it on
"You must not turn your automatic litter box on immediately as it could frighten your cat. At least a week should be spent only turning it on to clean after your cat has exited and moved a safe distance away. This will allow them to get used to the sounds gradually."
4. Sprinkle old litter inside
"Encourage your cat by sprinkling some of their old litter in their new box, so that they have a familiar smell. You can also put some of the new litter from the automated box in your cat’s old box too, so they gradually get used to the new substrate.
"You can also make the old litter box less attractive by putting it in a suboptimal location and not cleaning it as frequently."
5. Praise your cat for using it
"If your cat is entering the new litter box then you can gently praise them for this, taking care not to disturb them when they are actively toileting."
Are automatic cat litter boxes safe?
One of the main concerns around automatic litter boxes is whether they're safe to use. We asked Dr. MacMillan for her thoughts...
She says: "Some modern automatic litter boxes have features designed to improve their safety. This includes ones with sensors to detect whether your cat is present or not. This means a cleaning cycle won’t take place while your pet is in the box which avoids scaring your cat with loud noises. It also stops limbs and tails from being caught in moving cleaning parts.
"Others have doors that close while a cleaning cycle is occurring. However, these mechanisms may not be foolproof if the sensor fails. There have been reports of cats being injured or killed due to malfunctions in technology.
"A downside of automatic litter boxes is that you may not spot any health problems right away. Changes in urine volume or blood in the urine can indicate underlying problems, which are easier to spot when you are regularly cleaning the tray yourself. This could be dangerous for male cats prone to urethral obstruction (‘blocked bladder’).
"Enclosed litter boxes can also make some cats feel trapped as they prefer keeping an eye on their surroundings when they toilet. This can lead to anxiety and things like stress-induced cystitis."
Found this helpful? You might also want to learn about the different types of cat litter and our vet's favorite cat litter hacks.
Megan has been Staff Writer at PetsRadar since December 2023, and creates helpful buying guides and reviews for pet parents like you. As a cat mom of four, cleaning out the litter box is her least favorite task, which is why she's committed to finding the best automatic options. She has grown up with pets her whole life, caring for felines, dogs, horses, guinea pigs, and more, and holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Westminster.
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
We regularly review our buying guides to ensure the products are relevant, available and up to date. This page was last updated in March 2025 by Megan Milstead.
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Megan is a Staff Writer at PetsRadar, covering features, reviews, deals, and buying guides. She has a wealth of experience caring for animals, having grown up with dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, and more throughout her life. She studied BA Journalism at the University of Westminster, where she specialized in lifestyle journalism and was editor of Smoke Radio’s lifestyle website. Megan works alongside qualified vets and accredited trainers to ensure you get the best advice possible. She is passionate about finding accurate and helpful answers to your pet-related questions.
- Becks ShepherdFreelance Journalist
- Dr Rebecca MacMillanVet