Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats
Cats are wonderful and relatively low-maintenance companions. However, many cat owners will agree that scooping litter boxes is not the most enjoyable aspect of their care.
You may have heard that there is such a thing as a “self-cleaning” cat litter box. But what does that really mean and is it a good idea to get one for your home?
We’ll discuss the pros and cons of self-cleaning cat litter boxes so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What is a Self-Cleaning Litter Box?
An automatic self-cleaning cat litter box detects when your cat has used the litter box and scrapes the litter to clear away any waste.
Typically, the waste is pushed into a drawer beneath the space where your cat goes. Some options even indicate when the drawer is full and needs to be emptied.
Pros of Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes:
- Cleans your cat’s waste if you are away all day and not there to scoop it yourself
- No more scooping smelly cat litter
- Options from different brands to fit your budget
- Immediate cleaning keeps home smelling fresh
Cons of Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes:
- Expensive
- Prone to malfunction
- Noise can scare cats
- Reduced chance of noticing health issues
As detailed above, self-cleaning cat litter boxes are great for eliminating the need to manually scoop litter. However, you’ll still need to clean the litter box and replace the litter periodically as recommended by the manufacturer for the brand you purchase from.
This can be a great option for multi-cat households because the automatic litter box cleans waste away immediately so the box is always fresh for the next cat.
It’s also a convenient choice if you have long work days or are away on a trip and can’t scoop the litter box multiple times per day.
However, one thing to keep in mind with automatic self-cleaning litter boxes is that you won’t see your cat’s waste, which can often be an indicator of any health issues.
For instance, if your cat has tapeworms or another intestinal parasite one of the key steps is examining feces to check. It’s also important to know the state of your cat’s waste to know if they are experiencing digestive upset and need to see a vet.
Self-cleaning cat litter boxes also range from $150 - $500, so they are typically not a budget-friendly option. Additionally, the noise they make while scooping can also scare some cats and prevent them from using the litter box.
Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to invest in a self-cleaning litter box will come down to your unique station and needs. Check out some more ways to keep your indoor cat happy here.
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