Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Take the "Ick" Out of Cleaning the Cat Box
Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Take the "Ick" Out of Cleaning the Cat Box
We updated this article in March 2023 to ensure all picks previously tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab were in stock, available and reflected current pricing.
We adore the felines who adopt us as their humans. Cats are truly the best pets — they're goofy, affectionate (when they want to be), wonderful to pet and hilariously mysterious with their moods. For all there is to love about cats, there's definitely something we don't love: cleaning the litter box. But leaving it unattended for more than a day or so is unhealthy for your kitty — and for yourself.
If you really can't stand the chore, there are now litter boxes that offer high-tech solutions to handling this unpleasant chore. Self-cleaning litter boxes scoop away the crud for you eliminating the need for daily scooping. Our first two choices use a mechanism to shuttle clumps into a bin, covered and out of site (and smell, because carbon filters keep odors from escaping). You will, of course, eventually need to empty the bin. Using one of these is a lot like using a diaper pail; the waste is hidden away, and then you take it to the trash all at once, when the bin is full. Our third choice is different; it actually washes waste down a drain.
To find the best self-cleaning litter boxes, we ran tests in our Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab for setup, easy clean-up and clump removal. In our pet-free Lab, we simulated a cat using the litter box with water and a small weight to trigger the sensor — outside the Lab, we monitored real cats using the litter box in their own homes. We also interviewed cat owners who currently use self-cleaning litter boxes, researched their favorites and cross-checked online reviews of the most popular choices.
Our top picks:
Read more about the best self-cleaning litter boxes that our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute recommend, then find more information on how to choose the best one for your needs at the end of this guide. If you are looking for other accessories for your kitty, we also have guides to the best outdoor cat houses, the best cat carriers and the best cat toys.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
The best self-cleaning litter boxes scoop for you, even if you have multiple cats. Shop models from brands like Litter Robot available on sites like Amazon.
