An automatic cat litter box solves a number of problems associated with caring for cute furry creatures. The smart device frees the owner from the regular procedure of cleaning the tray. With its purchase, a forgetful or too busy owner does not have to worry about eliminating the characteristic smell and getting rid of sand scattered throughout the house. An automated device is a useful, practical addition to your smart home equipment.
- Smart toilets for cats
- How does an automatic cat litter box work?
- Necessity
- Advantages
- Table: pros and cons of automatic toilets
- Materials used in production
- Kinds
- Top 7 manufacturers for 2022
- Recommendations for selection
- What problems will the owner face?
- Video of cats using a smart toilet
Preface
I once had a favorite cat, Zosya. She chose me herself. She came to my work in the library, started rubbing my legs, looking into my eyes. When my colleagues tried to feed her, she did not take food from them, she only ate from my hands. I had to take it with me.
We lived with her in perfect harmony. But she had one significant drawback. We lived in an apartment on the fifth floor, and she was afraid to go outside. I suspect she was afraid of being betrayed by people and expelled a second time. She came to me already quite an adult, with scars after undergoing surgery. Of course, we provided her with a tray to satisfy her natural needs. She walked into it regularly, but only “in a small way.” But the rest was done exclusively under the bathtub. Imagine what it was like to constantly find such “gifts”! I think that because of such mental characteristics, her previous owners kicked her out. But I loved her just like that. Moreover, when we moved to a private house, Zosya began to go to the toilet outside.
Now I think how many problems and frustrations I could have gotten rid of if I had known then about the existence of automatic toilets for cats!
Automatic tray with bag and pallet
The system works as follows.
- The fact that a cat visits the litter box is recorded by a special sensor (it responds to weight). In some models, the cleaning process is started manually by the owner, for which a lever or button is provided.
- Liquid excrement flows through a grate or a layer of filler (non-absorbent) into a tray covered with a special antibacterial diaper.
- To remove lumps, the litter is “combed” with a fine metal comb, which scoops the excrement into a special compartment, where the owners must insert a plastic bag in advance. Sifting the filler to remove “how” can be done either by moving the comb itself (for example, in different SmartScoop models), or by moving the lower surface of the tray in a circle (like a conveyor or belt at a supermarket checkout). The last method is presented in the LitterMaid line.
- The owner will have to replace the absorbent diaper every few days and remove the bag with its contents, replacing it with a clean one. Using the original diaper ensures that there is no smell of cat urine. However, by experience, cat lovers have already established that baby absorbent diapers, which can be bought in supermarkets, work no worse, and are several times cheaper. After all, you will have to order the original from abroad, therefore, not only the diapers themselves will cost a pretty penny, but also the delivery.
It is also recommended to use the original filler. And you will have to change it quite often, because it will gradually become dirty. You can try to find analogues in pet stores that are non-absorbent and have a similar size.
SmartScoop tray being cleaned
So far, no one has tried to use clumping fillers in such systems, but the idea is “in the air”, because then the mechanism will rake not only “poop” into the bag, but also lumps. And you won't have to change the diaper.
Does such a tray save time? He gives some. Now you can clean up after your cat once every few days. Reviews from happy owners of such devices, however, are slightly disappointing: the smell does not go away, since the container for solid feces does not close hermetically.
In addition, in addition to the considerable cost of the device itself, it is also necessary to purchase additional consumables: filler, diapers, bags. The tray itself, among other things, takes up a lot of space, and you also need an outlet nearby for the cleaning system to work.
Model PetSafe Simply Clean Self Cleaning Litter Box
Such a device will work most effectively for those who keep several cats at once. After all, one self-retracting tray can be used by up to 4 pets. This trick usually does not work with ordinary trays - everyone prefers to have their own toilet. So, instead of four trays standing in a row, you can now use one.
Another semi-automatic litter box option is the PetSafe Simply Clean Self Cleaning Litter Box. The cat toilet is a round bowl. Which constantly rotates slowly, sifting the filler through a frequent rake. All solid feces thus fall into the compartment with the bag, and the liquid flows into the tray.
When the cat enters the tray, the sensor detects the change in weight and the rotation stops.
Is it worth buying an automatic cat litter box?
Many will probably speak out with indignation about this. Just think, what a luxury it is to buy such a luxury as an automatic toilet for cats for decent money!
Firstly, I have already expressed my opinion about my favorite. Secondly, many people have several pets in their home, especially breeders. For them, an automatic toilet for cats is clearly not a manifestation of a craving for luxury, but a necessity. Try cleaning and washing 5-6 or even more cat litter boxes several times a day! So such innovative inventions are being invented to help professional breeders and nursery workers. But even in a simple apartment this item will clearly not be out of place.
In appearance, many models resemble plumbing fixtures for people. The most important achievement of these devices is that the entire cleaning process occurs without the participation of the owner. There are various models, including programmable ones, with built-in motion sensors.
Read on our website how to build a house for a cat.
Coal toilet
This does not mean that the toilet should be in the corner. Carbon means the filters used in this device are made of carbon. But everyone knows how cheap and convenient this material is. With such filters, no odors will be felt at all.
- The shape of the containers may differ from each other.
- They can have different colors, shapes and even sizes.
- Toilets can be rectangular in shape or those that fit into a corner.
- The trays themselves have high sides, which prevents the filler from spilling out.
- For the manufacture of such toilets, only high quality plastic is used.
A striking difference between coal toilets and others is that the filter is placed in the lid of the device.
The air, with the smell of excrement, rises up, passes through filters, is purified and enters the room completely clean. All “flavors”, as well as filler granules, remain in the device. With such a toilet the house will always be clean.
Choosing an automatic cat toilet model
Cat Genie 120
The most advanced electric toilets for cats are automatic and do almost everything on their own. For example, the Cat Genie 120 robotic toilet. The pet owner sets a cleaning program (several times daily). There is also an immediate cleaning button.
This model looks like a toilet with a tank designed for people. But to make it more convenient for the cat (especially if she likes to bury her “treasures”), there are plastic granules in the round tray. All liquid flows through these granules into the drain. Solid waste is collected by a special rotating scoop. The owner simply needs to set the time at which the tank should be cleaned, and it will clean itself, and the cleaned granules will dry and be ready for reuse. This toilet is connected to the central sewer system and to an electrical outlet, which the owner can do independently. Sensor equipment allows you to control the process of your pet going to the toilet.
Which automatic cat litter box has great reviews online?
Of course it's CatGenie. On the Evau trading platform it costs about $300. However, people do not regret spending money on the purchase:
“I have 2 new kittens. I usually use Scoopfree, but the cost was about $160 + $50 for 3 refills and then I would have to keep buying refill cartridges. I bought 2 "CatGenies" for $250 each and it seemed like a no brainer. One for my parents who have 2 cats and of course our new kittens. It was pretty easy to install. I installed ours in the extra bathroom and my parents installed theirs in the laundry room. The kittens used it immediately and had no problems other than throwing litter over the edge. My parents' cats haven't gotten used to it as easily, but they're still working on it. I love that the kittens always have a clean litter box and that it automatically flushes. We don't have to worry about bags of trash or extra cat litter. There is no smell of urine in the house. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has a cat. A $250 down payment is much less than the long-term cost of using a regular cat box.”
“I have 4 cats, so I bought 2. The cats went to him on the first day. I put it in the same spot as the old junk drawer because I had water and a drain. It cleans itself as often as I program it. It's a little loud when it's retracted, but that's a small sacrifice. The trash does end up on the floor like regular trash, but it is easily swept up and put back or thrown away. I wish I knew about this product years ago. I was so frustrated with cleaning out heavy litter boxes that I didn't want cats. This completely changes the game. I will never be without him again!! Take one now, stop scooping, stop stinking!”
These are the wishes from the happy American owners of this gadget.
But let's continue to evaluate the models.
You can install an automatic electric toilet for cats CatGenie in your bathroom if the dimensions of the “reverie room” allow.
It is possible in the bathroom, in the laundry room (if it is a cottage). This is an automatic cat toilet with sewerage, that is, it must be installed where it can be connected to sewerage, water supply and electricity.
It works in three modes:
- manual by pressing a button;
- automatic: from one to four times a day;
- “Cat” is automatic and goes off ten minutes after visiting the toilet. Small dogs can also use it.
Scoop Free Ultra
ScoopFree Ultra is a simpler and cheaper model. But it has a “Life Sensor” sensor. It allows the owner to track how many times your pet has visited the toilet and wonder if he has any health problems. Sometimes cats stop going to the toilet regularly. And sometimes you can see blood in the feces. Or your pet has developed frequent urination. These are all important symptoms of serious illnesses. Don't miss them, give them a hint in time - an automatic toilet for cats with a built-in vital activity sensor will help with this.
The ScoopFree Ultra automatic cat litter box has the following features:
- Owner programming of cleaning interval. The moving automatic grille cleanses itself 5, 10 or 20 minutes after the cat visits the toilet.
- Equipped with safety and vitality sensors. Safety sensors automatically reset the timer if the pet decides to return to its business before the cleaning system is activated. The vital activity sensor is designed to record the number of visits.
- For this replacement litter box for cats, any silica gel litter is suitable, the crystals of which absorb urine well and remove odor five times better than other litters. That is, the consumption of the litter is up to 10 times more economical than the usual clumping one.
- This is a closed automatic cat toilet. It has a protective cover that gives the cat privacy (which is important for furry aristocrats) and prevents litter from being scattered.
- Solid waste is sent to a special closed bin, which prevents the spread of odor.
The ScoopFree Ultra self-cleaning automatic cat litter box is suitable for furry cats of all sizes and can only be used indoors. The price of such a device is not very high, approximately 17 thousand rubles.
Litter Robot
The spectacular Litter Robot is an automatic closed litter box for cats. The appearance resembles a capsule or a large video camera, and your pet looks like an astronaut. But at the same time, the unit is quite easy to use: it does not need to be connected to water and sewerage, just plug it into an electrical outlet.
The filler used is clumping; it is poured inside the ball. The pet climbs into it like into a house and feels completely protected.
But don't expect it to save you from cleaning. The owner himself must clean the receptacle into which the used filler arrives. You also need to disassemble and wash all parts of this toilet, not forgetting to add filler. In addition, its price is far from budget - about seventy thousand rubles.
Kinds
The smart toilet for cats is presented in three types, which, while performing a common task, differ in layout, connection and functions:
- A device similar to an ordinary toilet using special granules. Does not require fillers. The liquid excrement absorbed by the granules is removed into the drain using running water. For solid feces there is a rotating scoop. Washing, cleaning and drying of granules is controlled by a timer, which is set manually. The sensor prevents the automation from turning on when the animal is in the tray and eliminates frightening the pet. The device is connected to the sewer system and requires power. Installed without the help of a specialist.
- It is also a device similar to a toilet, where instead of granules a standard filler is used, which is washed off some time after the cat leaves the toilet.
- Self-cleaning, self-contained tray. Does not require combination with sewerage. After cleaning the work area, feces are sent to a separate chamber, which is emptied as it fills.
The autonomy of the latter option comes at the cost of a characteristic odor, which can be avoided by frequent changes of the waste bag.
How to train cats to use an automatic toilet?
To accustom your pets to automatic cat litter boxes, there are several general rules:
- Move the old cat tray to the place where you want to install your newly acquired gadget.
- After installing the new item, place the old tray nearby. Do not turn on the new gadget for a while so that the sound does not frighten the animal.
- Add new granules purchased for a new automatic cat litter box to the old litter. But don't do the opposite!
- When the cat gets used to the new granules, stop washing the old litter box and your pet will be forced to find a clean place for his toilet, that is, a new gadget standing nearby.
- Let your pet get used to the new toilet for a few days, and only then turn on the automatic cleaning system.
How to choose a dry toilet for your pet
It was said above that a device for the needs of cats costs a lot of money. Therefore, it will be very disappointing to make a mistake when choosing.
Here are a few factors that you should definitely pay attention to when purchasing:
- If you like a closed dry closet for a cat, then you need to take a close look at the door. There should be a small gap between the door and the device. This is specifically designed to prevent the cat from pinching its tail;
- If the toilet is an open model, then pay attention to the sides - they should be high so that the filler does not spill out;
- If it says that the package includes a spatula, then look to see if it is included;
- Consider the size of the toilet. If it is small, the cat will refuse to go there. A device that is too large will unnecessarily take up a lot of space;
- Check how the automatic mechanism works if you choose an automatic dry closet. Work should take place quietly.
Reviews of dry toilets for cats may vary. However, owners who have tried this device no longer want to give it up.
Japanese dry toilet
The Japanese are a technologically advanced people. Their love for modern technology went so far that they began producing smart Japanese dry toilets for animals.
In appearance, it looks modern and unusual; its streamlined shape, no matter how strange it may sound, looks like a spaceship.
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To verify its appearance, you can find photos of a Japanese-made dry toilet for a cat on the Internet and various sites.
Inside, it has double protection against breakage and leakage, a motion sensor, and 2 small filters located at the top.
When an animal enters such a toilet, sensors recognize the movement and activate the filters. The cost of such a dry toilet is 450 US dollars.
Types of dry closets and their principle of operation
A dry toilet for cats is, first of all, hygiene for the entire room and a separate place where your pet can relieve itself without polluting the house.
They started selling dry toilets on the pet products market not so long ago, but in a short period of time they were able to prove their practicality and indispensability for animal owners.
The most common options at the moment are:
- Japanese dry toilet for cats.
- Dry toilet with self-cleaning function.
- Closed dry closet.
- A simple dry closet with an environmentally friendly carbon filter.
If you decide to buy your pet an automatic cat litter box
When choosing a self-cleaning cat tray for your home or cattery, you should consider several factors:
- Availability of space. Almost all automatic litter boxes are significantly larger than a standard cat litter box.
- Is the litter box the right size for your pet? Large cats (Maine Coons, Ragdolls) can hardly fit into a standard litter box, especially one made like a house.
- Before you buy a toilet without filler, try to see if your treasure will agree to go in an empty tray or on the toilet. Otherwise, purchasing and installing an expensive self-cleaning cat litter box will be in vain.
There are lovers of new products, no matter whether the question concerns the owner or the pet. So, if your cat is happy with everything and he regularly does his chores in the tray, and you manage to clean up after him on time, you shouldn’t experiment. You can only ruin everything: the bewildered cat will start shitting anywhere.
On the other hand, if cats have “mistakes” and you suspect that they are not happy with, for example, the smell from the litter box. And cleaning is often not physically possible. In such a situation, an automatic tray may be the optimal solution, despite the additional costs. You can choose the most suitable option depending on the possible installation location.
Complete cat toilet
Yes, yes, there is such a device that will have to be connected to the water supply, sewerage, and in addition to electricity, otherwise the sensors that trigger the flushing process after the cat visits the tray will not work. After all, not every cat can or wants to master a human toilet.
Catgenie cat litter
Moreover, depending on the time spent by the cat in the tray, a small or increased drain is started. The toilet bowl is filled with special granules that do not absorb water and are quite large in size so that they do not fall into the sewer along with the water. When rinsing, a special detergent can be added to the water to better rinse the granules and avoid the appearance of unpleasant odors over time.
Both the washing shampoo and the filler granules, according to the manufacturer, are completely safe for the animal, even if the cat swallows them.
Since the tray is flushed after each visit, no odors penetrate into the room. After installing the miracle tray, the owner can forget about cleaning, and there is no need to buy consumables. All advantages.
The cost of the device is quite high. But if you calculate the cost of litter, especially if there are several pets, and also add your own working hours that are spent on emptying litter trays, then most likely the difference will not be so big - installing a toilet for cats can pay for itself within a year or two.
The category of self-retracting trays includes, for example, the Catgenie line.
And the Kopfgescheit cat toilet goes even further - there is no filler in it. So it differs from the owner’s only in its more convenient cat shape. But instead of installing a separate toilet for cats, wouldn’t it be easier to accustom them to the usual one? Moreover, in standard apartments, allocate space in the bathroom for a second “potty”.
