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Should You Go Automatic? The Pros and Cons of Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

Nobody likes cleaning the litter box. So imagine if the litter box could clean itself! An automatic litter box seems like a dream come true, but before you put one in your shopping cart, consider the pros and cons.

PROS OF SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOXES

1. THEY CAN CUT DOWN ON CLEANING TIME.

If you can find a self-cleaning litter box that’s a good fit for your household (more on that below), it can reduce the amount of time you spend scooping the box—always a plus!

2. They May HELP REDUCE ODORS.

If you have a big problem with litter box odors, automatic boxes can help by removing waste more frequently. However, the box is only as good as the litter you put in it, so be sure to choose a high-performance litter that clumps well and traps odors.

3. They MAKE EXTENDED ABSENCES EASIER.

If you’re going to be away for a few days, an automatic litter box can limit the mess you come home to. For longer absences, having a self-cleaning litter box might make it easier to find a willing cat sitter!

CONS OF Automatic LITTER BOXES

1. SOME Don’t WORK WELL.

The most common types of self-cleaning litter boxes use a rake to remove clumps and solid waste and deposit them in a sealed container that you empty later. Sounds great, but like any mechanical component, it may not work well all the time—and the maintenance may be more trouble than simply scooping the litter box daily! Make sure to read some reviews before purchasing a self-cleaning litter box.

2. They MIGHT NOT BE A GOOD FIT FOR MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLDS.

Due to the time it takes to run a cleaning cycle, an automatic litter box might not be the best choice if you have two, three, or more cats. If you do choose to buy one for your multi-cat household, be sure to get one for each cat so no one gets “shut out” during cleaning.

3. IT PROBABLY WON’T MAKE YOUR LITTER BOX TRULY “HANDS OFF.”

If you’re hoping to get out of cleaning the litter box altogether, you’re out of luck. Most models require some daily maintenance, ranging from emptying the waste receptacle to raking the litter between cleanings to keep it level, or even removing clumps and clogs from the rake. Do your homework and be sure that you’re really making litter box care more convenient.

4. YOUR CAT MIGHT NOT LIKE it.

Self-cleaning litter boxes aren’t ideal for all cats. Larger cats may not comfortably fit inside many models, and some cats are put off by the appearance and sound of the machinery. Bottom line: if your cat doesn’t use it, it’s not worth it.

Whether you try an automatic litter box, or decide it isn’t for you, a high-performance cat litter will make it easier to keep the box clean. World’s Best Cat Litter™ is created with whole-kernel corn to deliver outstanding odor control and quick clumping, naturally.