This question is for all cat owners. If asked to raise your hands if you don’t enjoy cleaning your cat’s litter box, how many of you would raise them? I am sure most of you would. I know as a cat owner I certainly would have both hands raised high. This hatred for cleaning my cat’s litter box led me on a search for a quality self- cleaning litter box. I came across a few popular ones, but even though they were automatic, they still required emptying litter waste regularly. Some of them were too large for my taste, and others I was afraid the noise would freak my cat out. Then I came across the ScoopFree automatic litter box. It has many of the features I was looking for in a self-cleaning litter box.
The ScoopFree automatic litter box is easy to clean
This is probably one of the most important features I was looking for in an automatic self-cleaning litter box. I didn’t want to keep cleaning litter clumps regularly. So what made the ScoopFree automatic litter box different is that you are not dealing with litter clumps at all. So you don’t have to worry about litter receptacles to change frequently. Scoopfree automatic litter boxes use non clumping crystal litter which comes in a disposable tray. Depending on your cat’s litter usage, the disposable tray can go for a few weeks (average 3 weeks) before needing to be changed. Basically, when the time comes, you just switch out the tray. No receptacles to worry about, or litter clumps.
Relatively quiet operation
This may be purely subjective but I felt like the operation of the ScoopFree automatic litter box is relatively quiet in comparison with other self -cleaning litter boxes. Most of the noise comes from the rakes scraping across the crystal litter as apposed to the motor. My personal cat seemed quite enthralled by the rake and it did not seem to frighten her at all.
Size of litter box
As I mentioned in the intro, some litter boxes I have come across have been bulky. Either they have been too high or too wide. I was working with a limited amount of space for my cat and her litter box. The ScoopFree automatic litter box is about the size of a large hooded box which was perfect for me and my cat.
Other cool features
Besides the ones I mentioned already, the ScoopFree automatic litter box has other neat features.
Timer for rake function
The ScoopFree automatic litter box allows you to set how much time will pass before the automatic rake will clean the litter box after it has been used. The options are 5 mins, 10 mins, and 20 mins. These intervals allow for adjusted odor control with the shorter interval maximizing control. I currently have my timer on 20 minutes because my cat’s litter box is pretty much isolated so odor control is not a major issue for me. Also I once had the interval on 5 minutes and it freaked my cat out. On that occasion my cat spent a significant time in the litter box after using it and the rake moved while she was still in it.
Motion detector counter
This ScoopFree automatic litter box counts how many times your cat goes in the box. This is a neat feature that allows you to monitor your cat’s bathroom habits. You can easily tell if your cat is using the bathroom more or less which could indicate a medical issue.
My Pros and Cons of the ScoopFree automatic litter box
Pros
Size of box: This size of the box is not bulky so it will fit in most places in your home.
Easy to clean: On average you will not need to clean this litter box for a minimal of 3 weeks if you have one cat. Cleaning also just involves replacing the disposable tray with a new one. No messing with receptacles.
Relatively quiet function: When the ScoopFree automatic litter box operates it is not at all noisy so it is less likely to freak out even the most skittish of felines.
Cons
Price: Price is listed as con not for the price of the ScoopFree litter box itself. The price of the litter box isn’t bad at the cost of ~ $160. The con is for the cost of the replacement disposable trays. They can cost as much as $20 each which can be expensive considering you may change trays at least every 3 weeks or more frequent if you have multiple cats. But if you buy the trays in multipacks that can greatly reduce the cost for each tray. I have seen them as low as 13$ a piece with that option.
Odor control: This product has great odor control, I only listed this as a con because odor control can depend largely on your cat’s bathroom habits. If these are abnormal, then odor control can be definitely affected. Also odor control decreases gradually over time. It definitely is not constant.
Additional considerations
Here are tips to consider before investing in the ScoopFree automatic litter box
Power cord: Remember that this litter box is powered by electricity. So you will need to make sure wherever you place the litter box, a power outlet is close by. Also if your cat like to chew on power cords, this product may not be for you unless you can effectively conceal it.
Stir cat litter: To help improve odor control you can stir the cat litter occasionally maybe 2-3 times a week. This works especially if your cat likes to just urinate in one spot in the litter box.
Medical issues: Make sure your cat is fully vetted before purchasing the Scoopfree automatic litter box especially if your cat is older. If your cat has any medical conditions that increases their urine and fecal output then this box is not for you. Otherwise you will have to replace those disposable trays often which can be expensive!. So make sure your cat is tested against intestinal parasites and is on a routine dewormer. You also want to make sure your pet is free from any kidney disease, diabetes, or any urinary tract infections which can be confirmed with routine labwork.
Age matters: This product is not recommended for kittens. I would wait until your cat is at least 1 year old before purchasing this box. Kitten feces are smaller and softer which will prevent the feces from being able to be raked and may cause the feces to stick to the rake. Also by a year old, you will have a full understanding of your cat’s bathroom habits to see if the ScoopFree automatic litter box is for them.
Final wrap-up
Overall I think the ScoopFree automatic litter box is a great product for those who are tired of routine litter box maintenance. I know I was before I got this litter box. I love not having to worrying about messing with my cat’s litter box for at least three weeks. It also works well for those who routinely use pet sitters. All they need to worry about is the pet sitter making sure there is food and water for the pet. This box is also great if you have to take short trips and you need to leave your cat at home. Finally, the ScoopFree automatic litter box greatly compliments an automatic pet feeder and waterer also.
ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box
$159.95
Pros
- Size of litter box
- Quiet operation
- Easy Clean up
Cons
- Price of disposable trays
- Odor Control variables