5 Best Automatic Litter Boxes, Cat Tested and Approved
Photo by Chewy
There’s a lot to love about being a cat parent, but scooping the litter box isn’t usually on the list.
The best automatic litter boxes are reliable, they control odors, and they can help you track your cat’s bathroom habits. They save you time by scooping waste for you, cutting down on daily cleanup while keeping your cat’s bathroom clean and ready for their next visit. You’ll still need to empty the waste compartment and periodically clean the box, but retiring the daily scoop is a pretty tempting idea.
So, is the convenience worth the investment? We put 13 of the top-rated automatic litter boxes to the test with cats and their humans to find our favorites based on the following criteria:
- Safety
- Cleaning performance and reliability
- Cat comfort and accessibility
- Odor control
- Ease of emptying and cleaning
- Cat activity tracking and technology features
- Overall value
After a month of testing, here are our winners for the best automatic litter boxes.
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes
Best Overall Automatic Litter Box
Why it wins: The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 tops our list as the best automatic litter box for its superior cleaning capability, ease of use, and reliability.
Tested by: Me, Chewy editor Taylor Brainard and my cats Freddie, Meatball, Bell, Brusco, and Mia Carina
After four years of use and testing six other automatic litter boxes, I can confidently say the Litter Robot 4 is still my top choice for my five cats.
Set up is a breeze as the unit comes preassembled. Simply insert a liner in the waste drawer, add litter, and plug it in. Scan the included QR code to set up the app and get your unit connected to WiFi.
Cleaning is dependable and quiet. It reliably runs after each visit and removes all waste with no sticking or jamming. It’s very quiet— my braver kitties took to it right away, and even my two scaredy cats were using it just fine after about 24 hours.
Odor control and maintenance are easy to manage. With five cats, I have to empty the waste drawer every two to three days. When I only had two cats I could easily go about a week in between emptying. The waste drawer seals tight and does a great job containing any smell. The whole unit can be disassembled for deep cleaning, but the wide entry way makes it easy to occasionally wipe down the inside between full cleanouts.
There’s plenty of room for larger cats. My two big boys (Meatball, 19 pounds, and Brusco, 36 inches long) have no problem using it.
The app offers helpful alerts, tracking, and controls. You can receive alerts when a cat uses the box, litter runs low, or the waste drawer fills. You can also start a cleaning cycle remotely, adjust the cleaning delay, and schedule Sleep Mode to pause automatic cleaning during certain hours.
A built-in scale tracks weight and helps identify which cat visited. With one or two cats, it tracked their weight well. With five cats, most of which are a similar size, it would occasionally mix them up. The free app provides seven days of visit and weight history, but longer trend tracking requires a Whisker+ subscription.
It saves one week for tracking data for free, but monthly or yearly usage insights require a Whisker+ subscription.
Bottom line: In four years, my Litter-Robot 4 has saved me over 10,000 litter box scoops (it tracks this in the app!) and simplified my cleanup routine. The price is higher than some other self-cleaning litter boxes, but you know you’re getting a reputable brand and a high-quality product that lasts.
Details:
- Unit size: 27″× 22″ × 29.5″
- Included Accessories: Step, litter fence, carbon filter, and five waste drawer liners
- Required Litter Type: Clumping
What we love:
- High-quality product with reliable cleaning
- Good for large cats
- Good for multiple cats
- Easy setup and app with customizable alerts
- Weight and usage tracking
Potential drawbacks:
- May not always identify cats correctly by weight in multi-cat homes
- Some advanced features require a subscription
Best Uncovered Automatic Litter Box
Why it wins: The PetSafe ScoopFree OpenSky is our pick for the best uncovered automatic litter box for its open-top design, reliable cleaning, and quiet operation.
Tested by: Chewy editor Kathleen Frost and her 8-year-old, 11.5-pound cat Stacie
The open design is cat friendly. Stacie had never used an automatic litter box before, but she wasn’t afraid to give it a try. There was plenty of room for her to bury her waste, and the unit stayed stable even when she jumped out with the post-potty zoomies.
Cleaning is reliable and quiet. The sifter reliably separated clumps and stool from clean litter, with no jams or errors during testing. The unit ran quietly, and after the first cleaning cycle, Stacie wasn’t bothered by it at all.
Odor control and everyday maintenance are easy. With one cat, our tester went a week before the waste drawer filled. The WiFi-connected app sent an alert when it was time to empty it, and she didn’t notice any odor along the way. The open-top design made it easy to wipe down, and replacing all the litter was simple due to a setting that released it all into the waste bin. However, disassembling the unit for deep cleaning took a little more effort.
App tracking is helpful but limited. The PetSafe app tracks litter box visits and weight trends, sends full-drawer alerts, and lets you start cleaning remotely or adjust the cleaning delay. You can also schedule quiet hours, manage lights and sounds, and set deodorizer replacement reminders. Unlike some self-cleaning litter boxes, the app doesn’t have an alert for when the litter level is low and it only stores your cat’s usage and weight data for a week.
The compact design has its trade-offs. While Stacie got in and out of the litter box easily, the entrance is somewhat narrow and may not be ideal for very large cats. However, the more compact design does make it an appealing option for smaller homes or apartments.
Bottom line: The OpenSky is a strong choice for cats who prefer an uncovered box and pet parents who want dependable cleaning without a bulky setup. Its quiet operation and easy daily upkeep are impressive, though larger cats may need more room and deep cleaning takes extra effort.
“I’ve been skeptical of automatic litter boxes for years, but I’m officially a convert because of the convenience,” Frost says.
Details:
- Unit size: 20″ × 18.8″ × 24″
- Included Accessories: Litter mat, waste drawer liners, and replaceable deodorizers
- Required Litter Type: Clumping
What we love:
- Quiet operation and open-top design
- Compact footprint works well in smaller spaces
Potential drawbacks:
- Narrow entrance and high lip may not suit very large cats or those with mobility issues
- App stores only one week of usage and weight monitoring data
Best Automatic Litter Box With Health Monitoring Tech
Why it wins: The PETKIT Purobot Ultra earns our pick for the best health monitoring tech for its built-in camera, detailed activity tracking, and easy-to-use app.
Tested by: Molly Price, DVM, and her 7-year-old, 9.9-pound cat, Grover
The camera offers a closer look at bathroom habits. Once the unit was connected to WiFi, the camera captured clear videos in daylight and at night. Along with recording visits, the unit takes pictures of waste during cleaning cycles, records your cat’s weight, and records time spent in the box.
“I can clearly distinguish stool from urine clumps and assess visible stool consistency,” Dr. Price says. She found the live video, recorded clips, and notifications reliable and easy to access within the app’s reports.
Optional litter adds another layer of monitoring. The box can be paired with PETKIT’s Urine Monitor Cat Litter, which has special particles that change color in response to urine pH. The camera can detect those color changes and send alerts through the app. These features can help pet parents notice changes in bathroom habits earlier and give them more information to share with their veterinarian, though they don’t replace veterinary care.
The cleaning performance is impressive. During testing, the cleaning cycle removed waste without breaking up clumps, leaving stuck-on messes, or jamming. Emptying the waste bin was especially convenient due to its automatic waste packing feature. Selecting the “pack” setting seals the used bag automatically, and the unit lines the bin with a fresh one after removal. With Grover as the only cat using it, the bin filled in 21 days, though Dr. Price noticed odor around day 18 and recommends emptying sooner if smells develop.
The interior may be snug for larger cats. Grover could enter and exit the litter box easily, but his head and neck extended outside while he used it. If you have a larger cat, it may not be the best option for them.
Longer video history and full-event playback require a subscription. Live camera viewing, cat recognition, visit and weight tracking, and stool images are included without a subscription. You also get 10-second video highlights with a one-day history. Paid PETKIT Care+ plans add full-event video playback and extend highlight storage to seven or 30 days, depending on the plan.
Bottom line: The Purobot Ultra comes at a higher price, and some advanced features require a paid subscription. But for pet parents who want a closer look at their cat’s bathroom habits, our tester found its monitoring features useful and its cleaning performance dependable.
Details:
- Unit size: 94″ × 32.2″ × 24.09″
- Included Accessories: Built-in AI camera, waste-bag refill ring, fine-litter sifter, and replaceable deodorizer cartridge
- Required Litter Type: Clumping
What we love:
- Camera captures bathroom visits and waste images, with detailed app tracking
- Compatible with optional color-changing urine-monitoring litter
- Automatically seals waste bags and replaces the liner
Potential drawbacks:
- Large footprint, but interior may feel snug for larger cats
- Some advanced video and storage features require a paid subscription
Best Budget Automatic Litter Box
Why it wins: The Fumoi Automatic Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box earns our budget pick for its reliable cleaning and useful app features at a more approachable price.
Tested by: Chewy editor Stephanie Brown and her 9-year-old, 11-pound cat Luna
Setup is quick and straightforward. Setup took about 20 minutes, and Luna used it right away. Brown placed it in Luna’s usual litter box spot and used her regular litter, helping keep the new setup familiar.
Cleaning is reliable and quiet. The unit consistently cleaned six minutes after Luna’s visits, using the default timer setting. It ran quietly and sifted waste well overall. Brown also saw the safety sensors work when Luna investigated during a cleaning cycle—the drum stopped mid-spin when she approached.
App offers useful tracking features. Once connected to WiFi, the app tracks bathroom visits, visit duration, and when cleaning cycles start and finish. It also records your cat’s weight, though Brown found those readings weren’t always accurate.
Smaller footprint has tradeoffs. The Fumoi doesn’t take up much space and fit in the same space as Luna’s regular covered litter box. However, while Luna fit comfortably inside, the usable litter area is on the smaller side. The entrance is also about 14 inches off the floor without a step, so it may not suit very large cats or those with mobility issues.
Odor control requires more upkeep. With one cat, Brown emptied the waste drawer every five days and added fresh litter to keep smells in check, rather than waiting for the drawer to fill.
Bottom line: “It adequately performs the basics for a price far below many other models on the market,” Brown says. If you’re comfortable with more frequent upkeep, the Fumoi offers self-cleaning convenience without a premium price tag.
Details
- Unit size: 65″ × 19.69″ × 26.18″
- Included Accessories: Two rolls of waste bags, anti-leakage stickers, and a waste-drawer deodorizer
- Required Litter Type: Clumping
What we love:
- Easy setup, quiet operation, and useful app tracking
- Provides the self-cleaning litter box essentials at a lower price than many units
Potential drawbacks:
- Smaller interior may not suit very large cats
- May need waste drawer emptied more frequently to control odor
Why it wins: The PetLibro Luma Smart Litter Box earns our pick for multi-cat homes for its effective odor control and AI camera that recognizes individual cats and tracks their usage.
Tested by: Me, Chewy editor Taylor Brainard and my cats Freddie, Meatball, Bell, Brusco, and Mia Carina
Larger, cat-friendly design. My five cats used the Luma right away, even choosing it over their regular litter box. This unit had the most spacious usable litter area of all the ones I tested, with plenty of room even for my larger cats. While the entrance is somewhat high, the included step made getting in and out easy for everyone.
Cleaning is reliable and safe. The Luma reliably detected visits and cleaned afterward, removing waste without leaving clumps behind. I also saw it stop mid-cycle when a cat got too close, followed by a notification in the WiFi-connected app.
Odor control is a standout feature. Along with a carbon filter, the Luma has a built-in air purifier that runs after each use. You can also activate it manually through the app. It’s a unique feature and a convenient option when several cats share a bathroom.
Tracks each cat’s bathroom habits. The camera helps put a face to each visit, making it easier to follow my cats’ individual bathroom habits. In the app, I could see which cat visited, when they went, how long they stayed, and their weight, along with a picture to check the identification. Live video also let me peek in remotely.
The identification wasn’t always correct, especially because several of my cats look nearly identical. However, I could correct those mix-ups in the app, and the more corrections I made, the better it got at telling them apart due to the full body AI recognition technology the Luma uses.
Note that while the camera provides a still photo and access to live video, you can only get recorded videos with a paid subscription.
Maintenance is straightforward. The large waste drawer was easy to empty, and could easily go three to four days before getting full, and that’s with five cats. The open top made quick wipe-downs simple. For a full litter change, an app control empties the litter into the waste drawer. The unit arrived fully assembled, but its modular components detach easily for deeper cleaning.
Bottom line: The Luma costs more than some automatic litter boxes, especially if you add a subscription. But its roomy design, odor control, and individual activity tracking made it a great fit for my multi-cat household.
Details
- Unit size: 23.3″ × 22.5″ × 28.1″
- Included Accessories: Built-in AI camera, step, two litter-sifting filters, carbon deodorizer, and 15 waste drawer liners
- Required Litter Type: Clumping or tofu
What we love:
- Spacious open-top design and included step accommodate larger cats
- Camera and app track individual cats’ bathroom habits
- Built-in air purifier for advanced odor control
Potential drawbacks:
- Similar-looking cats may need identification corrected in the app at first
- Recorded video requires a paid subscription
Honorable Mentions
A couple automatic cat litter boxes didn’t take home a top spot, but they still impressed us during our testing. Here are a couple more options worth considering, depending on your cat’s needs and your space.
Litter-Robot EVO
The Litter-Robot EVO is a newer self-cleaning litter box model with many similar features to our overall winner, the Litter-Robot 4, but packed into a smaller unit at a lower price.
During testing, the EVO cleaned reliably with no jams or errors and did a good job controlling odors. There’s a small display screen on the unit that alerts you when there is an issue or the waste drawer is full, which I found easier to use than the Litter-Robot 4’s light notification system. It’s smaller than the LR4, making it a better choice for small spaces, but less ideal for large cats.
The tradeoff is in the details. The EVO doesn’t warn you when your litter level is getting low, and the waste level monitoring is less precise with indicators like “partially full” instead of an exact percentage. There’s no interior light, no laser sensors for detecting cats (though it still has weight sensors to detect when a cat enters), and it’s not compatible with certain Whisker accessories.
If you’re working with a smaller home or apartment, and don’t mind missing some premium features, the EVO is a reliable option.
Neakasa M1 Plus Open Top Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
The Neakasa M1 Plus is a great open-top option for larger cats or those who don’t love the confined space of an enclosed litter box.
While it didn’t have the largest amount of usable litter space of all the units I tested, it was one of the more spacious options. My more nervous kitties liked the open-top design and didn’t seem bothered by the cleaning cycle. It ran quietly, efficiently removed all waste, and never encountered any jams
It controlled odor well and had a sizeable waste drawer suitable for multi-cat households.
What To Look for in an Automatic Litter Box
Buying a self-cleaning litter box isn’t as simple as picking out a new teaser wand—it’s a bigger investment. Our testers evaluated seven factors during testing to determine their top picks. Consider these while shopping to make sure you’re getting a litter box you and your cat will be happy with long term:
- Safety: Look for cat-detection sensors and automatic shutoffs. Always check minimum age and weight requirements.
- Cleaning performance and reliability: Look for testing results and reviews that address leftover waste, smearing, jams, and frequent error messages. Check which litter types the box accepts and whether you can adjust the cleaning delay to give clumps time to firm up.
- Cat comfort and accessibility: Check the entrance dimensions, entry height, and usable interior space—not just the unit’s overall size. Your cat should have room to turn around and comfortably squat.
- Odor control: Look for a tightly closing waste compartment and check whether the unit uses replaceable filters or other odor-control supplies.
- Ease of emptying and cleaning: Look for an easily accessible waste drawer, removable washable parts, and straightforward disassembly. Check whether it accepts standard waste bags or requires proprietary liners.
- Cat activity tracking and technology features: Prioritize features you’ll actually use, such as waste-drawer alerts, weight trends, or health monitoring. Check Wi-Fi requirements and if any features require a paid subscription.
- Overall value: Compare the price to the features and quality of the unit. Factor in ongoing supply costs, warranty coverage, and whether the return policy allows your cat to try the box.
How We Tested
We started with 13 of Chewy’s best-selling automatic litter boxes that came highly rated by Chewy customers.
Each one was tested for at least three weeks. The pet parents then rated the litter boxes on the factors listed above and gave detailed notes on their testing experience.
Testers included:
- Taylor Brainard: That’s me! I’m an editor here at Chewy. I tested self-cleaning litter boxes with my crew of five cats: 6-year-old Freddie, 4-year-old Meatball, 3-year-old Bell, 2-year-old Brusco, and 2-year-old Mia Carina.
Brusco using the Litter-Robot 4 while Mia Carina supervises.
Photo by Taylor Brainard
- Molly Price, DVM: A graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Price has practiced small animal medicine for over 20 years. She tested litter boxes with her 7-year-old cat Grover.
Grover inspecting the PETKIT Purobot Ultra.
Photo by Molly Price, DVM
- Stephanie Brown: Brown is an executive editor at Chewy with over 15 years of experience writing about pets, including eight years creating shopping guides that help pet parents find the right products. She tested automatic litter boxes with help from her 9-year-old cat Luna.
Luna testing out the Fumoi Automatic Litter Box.
Photo by Stephanie Brown
- Kathleen Frost: Frost is a Chewy editor with four years of experience writing about all things pets. Her byline has appeared on Business Insider, Rover, Petco, and other major brands. She tested litter boxes with her 8-year-old tuxedo kitty Stacie.
Stacie investigating her new PetSafe ScoopFree OpenSky litter box.
Photo by Kathleen Frost
Reasons To Consider an Automatic Litter Box
While some of the benefits of self-cleaning litter boxes are obvious (hello, less scooping!), others might surprise you. Here’s what these boxes can bring to your daily routine.
No More Manual Scooping
No one looks forward to scooping their cat’s litter box every day. The most obvious benefit of having an automatic litter box is the convenience of simply removing the full liner bag from the waste drawer. They can be particularly helpful in multi-cat homes, where traditional litter boxes fill faster and may need scooping several times a day.
Better Litter Box Hygiene and Odor Control
Good litter box hygiene is essential for your cat’s health and well-being. “Cats often refuse to use a box that is too dirty or contains odors,” says Dr. Price. An unclean box can cause your cat stress and even lead to accidents outside of the box.
“Automatic self-cleaning litter boxes can be a big help with keeping the litter box clean and free from odors,” she adds. Beyond immediately hiding waste in a sealed drawer, many come with additional odor support like carbon filters, air fresheners, or even built in air purifiers.
Detailed Health Monitoring
Many self-cleaning litter boxes come with health monitoring technology that gives a better look at your cat’s bathroom habits, detects changes in bathroom behavior, and gives you more information to pass on to your vet if you notice concerning changes.
Most units include weight and visit tracking through an app. More advanced automatic smart litter boxes include cameras to determine which cat uses the box, how often, and make it easier to see if a cat hasn’t been using the box as often as they should, especially in multi-cat homes.
They also capture changes in stool quality, and some can be used with color-changing litter to detect changes in urine pH.
What To Be Aware Of
There are a lot of positives that come with automatic litter boxes, but they aren’t the right choice for every cat. Evaluate these factors to decide if a self-cleaning litter box is the right choice for your cat.
- Usable litter space: Automatic litter boxes tend to be less spacious inside than some traditional litter boxes.
- Noise and motion: While many self-cleaning litter boxes are extremely quiet, you can usually still hear the movement of the litter and soft hum from the motor. For timid cats, this may cause fear and uncertainty around the box.
- Less “hands on”: While handling less waste is generally a good thing, it also means you might miss things like changes in stool consistency. Not all automatic litter boxes have cameras and health monitoring technology, which is important to be aware of when choosing.
How To Introduce a Cat to an Automatic Litter Box
Cats like stability, so changes to their routine can sometimes cause stress. Dr. Price’s cat Grover had a tougher time adjusting to his new self-cleaning litter boxes than some of our other testers, so I asked her what she did to help him get comfortable. These are the tips she gave me:
- Put the new box in a location that is quiet, private, and easy to access.
Your cat should not need to travel far to get to the box, and they should be able to use it without being disturbed by children or other pets. - Place the box close to their old litter box.
This provides them with options, letting them decide when to explore the new box without feeling forced. - Use the manual setting to scoop waste at first instead of an automatic setting. Only manually run the cleaning cycle after your cat has left the room, so they can first adjust to using the new box without the added sound and motion.
- Use calming products during the introduction period.
Plugging in a Feliway calming pheromone diffuser near the new box, giving your cat a calming supplement treat, or feeding a calming probiotic in their food can help your cat feel more calm, confident, and relaxed while they transition.
Signs Your Cat Is Uncomfortable With the Automatic Litter Box
Even after an introduction period, not all cats will love a self-cleaning litter box. Timid cats, very large cats, or older cats with mobility issues may not be the best candidates.
- Avoiding using the box. They may continue to only use their old litter box or start going outside of the box. They may run past the new box instead of investigating it or avoid the area it’s in completely.
- Demonstrating concerning body language when close to the box. This can include crouching low, arching their back, puffing out their fur and tail, eyes wide open with dilated pupils, ears flattened back or sideways, tail tucked under the body, or hissing or growling at the box.
If your cat isn’t adjusting well to their automatic litter box and is showing signs of stress, switch back to their original box and talk to your vet.
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