Last updated January 2, 2022
Automatic toilets for cats relieve owners of the need to constantly wash the tray and pour litter into it. This process is tedious even in the case of one pet, let alone situations when there are several cats in the house.
There are different types of smart toilets for cats. They differ in the principle of operation, cost and purpose (for one pet, or for several at once, for example, for four pets at once). Due to the variety of models available on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to choose the right auto tray. In order not to make a mistake, you need to understand the issue deeper.
Important criteria when choosing a car toilet
Manufacturer's warranty
An extended warranty for the manufactured auto toilet not only provides the opportunity for free repairs within a longer period after purchase, but also confirms the confidence of the manufacturing company in the quality and reliability of its products. However, when purchasing this product, you should pay attention to another guarantee - money back. After all, it may happen that the pet flatly refuses to use this expensive device.
Dimensions
Before purchasing an automatic toilet, you need to find out its exact dimensions. This is especially important for models connected to water supply and sewerage. It may happen that after purchasing it, placing it in a toilet or bathroom will make it difficult to use other devices or make it inconvenient to enter these rooms. Also, the dimensions of the auto toilet may depend on the size and number of animals that will use it - this also needs to be taken into account.
The need to purchase additional accessories
Many manufacturing companies additionally produce consumables for their toilet models, which cannot always be replaced with analogues from other companies. Therefore, when purchasing a product, you must immediately find out how easy it will be to buy the unique fillers, cartridges or disposable trays required for it.
Difficulty of operation
Fully automated toilets require connection not only to a 220 V network, but also to pipelines and sewerage. Even an inexperienced user can connect some models, but to install the Kopfgescheit KG7010 you will need the help of a specialist. In this case, it is better to combine the connection of this device with the next renovation in the bathroom or toilet.
Assembly complexity
Most developers try to simplify the complete cleaning of auto toilets, but some designs require more thorough disassembly every six months. If the user is afraid of not being able to cope with this task, it is better to contact a specialist or service center.
Questions and answers
Are smart litter boxes safe for cats?
Any smart toilet is equipped with sensors that detect whether a pet is near it. In addition, the cleaning program only works some time after the cat leaves the toilet. Thus, the pet will definitely not be afraid of the operation of the smart toilet, and certainly not suffer while he is inside it.
How reliable are smart toilets for cats?
Smart toilets have a good operating life. Some models can operate for up to five years without major breakdowns or maintenance or replacement of spare parts. On the other hand, marriage happens, so you can never give any guarantees. It is also worth noting that if there are power fluctuations or problems with the water supply or sewerage system, the program of smart toilets may go wrong, which is why they have to be reconfigured.
Is it worth spending money on a smart toilet for your pet?
Smart toilets will be a good purchase if you have several cats. In addition, such toilets will definitely be needed by owners who may not be at home for several days (such owners also need automatic cat feeders). Smart toilets make life easier, but there are also challenges. They also need to be cleaned, you also need to buy consumables, and they can break. In addition, the pet may ultimately never get accustomed to such a tray. Buying an expensive smart toilet is a risk, and whether it’s worth it is the owner’s choice.
What is the cost-effectiveness of smart cat litter boxes?
Such smart toilets, first of all, save time and nerves for pet owners. Getting rid of the daily routine of cleaning the litter box is a real relief for cat lovers. Smart toilets are also economical in terms of the use of granules. Thanks to filtration systems, the granules are cleaned and used again several times in a row, so you need to buy filler less often. In the long run, a smart cat litter box will pay for itself in both financial and time terms.
How to accustom a kitten or an adult cat to a self-cleaning litter box?
First, you need to set up litter boxes so that they are cleaned at least 15-20 minutes after the cat leaves. This way, the pet will not be afraid of the noise, and he will not have negative associations or instinctive fear of the smart toilet. Secondly, you should not turn on the automation in the first days of using the automatic tray. At first, you should clean the litter box manually so that your pets get used to the new toilet, and only after that you should turn on the auto-cleaning program. Remember also that adult cats are reluctant to get used to porcelain toilets or closed dry closets. Sometimes it’s better not to take risks and buy regular open auto trays. It is this type of tray that adult pets most easily get used to.
Flaws
Cat toilets are convenient, hygienic, and are connected to the sewer system with your own hands. But they have a number of significant disadvantages:
- They require additional costs for light and water, with self-cleaning trays the most.
- Cats don’t always like them because of the noise, pouring water, and the periodically rotating surface of some models.
- Those that lack litter to dig for may be ignored by your pet;
- When the lights are turned off or the water supply is turned off, automatic toilets lose their main advantage - they stop cleaning the tanks on their own;
- Some models cannot neutralize unpleasant odors, although they remove animal waste products from sight.
Waste bags
It's up to you to decide whether to buy such a miracle of technology.
Many manufacturers accept the product back if for some reason it does not suit the four-legged picky dog.
Top 7 manufacturers for 2020
Each of the smart cat litter boxes on the market has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the concept of “best” is assigned to devices based on certain criteria.
Litter Robot III . An excellent choice for a smart home. Fully automated system that handles a variety of clay clumping media. Eliminates foreign odors and pollution of the surrounding space. Waste is collected in a separate bag that requires disposal as it is full (4–5 days). Supports connection with a smartphone. Price from 52 thousand rubles.
LitterMaid . Option for several adult pets. The model is represented by a large box with a movable rake, through which excrement is sent to a waste container. It is distinguished by reliability, practicality and durability. Price from 7 thousand rubles.
CatGenie . The cleanest. A smaller version of the human toilet, equipped with mechanical cleaning devices. The mini-toilet operates in a fully automated mode, independently collecting litter and sending it to the drain. Cleans granules and prepares them for reuse. Provides disinfection of the working surface. Price 17 thousand rubles.
PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra . Winner in the “No unpleasant odors” category. Automatic toilet using waste crystallization technology. The working surface is isolated from the outside space using an insulated hood. It turns on after each animal goes to the toilet. Comes with replaceable trays. Price 11 thousand rubles.
PetSafe Simply Clean . The best budget smart litter box for cats. Equipped with a self-propelled conveyor. It features quiet operation, which eliminates frightening your pet. Out of production, but it can still be found in large cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Ufa, Tyumen, etc. - Price 4.5 thousand rubles.
PetSafe ScoopFree . An open budget model that works with crystal trays. It stands out for its original, unobtrusive design. Price 6.5 thousand rubles.
Roll 'n Clean Box . The best model in terms of ecology. Completely autonomous. Powered by rechargeable battery. A removable tray that can be cleaned manually is used to collect waste. Price 3 thousand rubles.
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!
Main types of self-cleaning litter boxes for cats
Drinking bowl for cats: do-it-yourself automatic fountain
Manufacturers produce automatic toilets for cats of various types, including:
- semi-open type - cat toilet, which can be used comfortably by animals of different configurations. A special step with slots located at the exit effectively cleans the pet’s paws from the filler;
- A lightweight and portable toilet that can be easily carried to another location using the front and rear handles. To thoroughly clean the product, you will need to remove the step. After removing the filter, you can rinse the toilet with water;
- plastic, similar to an ordinary tray, is a budget option that can be purchased by the majority of animal owners. The lightweight design allows you to move the product to another room if necessary.
Cat toilet Kopfgescheit KG7010
Manufacturing materials
Manufacturers make automatic litter boxes for cats from:
- porcelain;
- sanitary ware;
- plastic.
Litter box for cats: closed corner tray
The price of porcelain and sanitary products is quite high, but an automatic cat toilet will be hygienically clean. The plastic product is pleasing with its reasonable price and ease of cleaning. In the production process of such a pot, the manufacturer uses the material from which dry closets are made.
Note! Thanks to the abundance of models that go on sale, cat owners can purchase a cat litter box that perfectly matches their decor.
Simply Clean tray
