Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes of 2026: Top 9 Picks Reviewed
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Our Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Picks Frequently Asked Questions
Self-cleaning litter boxes have taken the cat world by storm in the last few years, and it’s not hard to see why. Being able to cut out some of the dirty work when it comes to caring for your cats has a huge appeal, both for time saving purposes and personal hygiene reasons. While they generally run for a pretty penny, a lot of cat parents think the high price tag is well worth the convenience that comes with an automatic litter box.
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a self-cleaning litter box. There are lots of different ways an automatic litter box cleans, including rotating, raking, flushing, and sifting. Some litter box motors are louder than others, which may affect how likely your cat is to use the litter box at all.
Some self-cleaning litter boxes can even use technology to assess your cats’ waste and make health determinations off of that. There are a ton of benefits to using a self-cleaning litter box, and luckily we’ve done our own sifting of the options out there to recommend some of the best on the market.
Our top self-cleaning litter box picks
We’ve searched for all the best automatic litter box options that take a lot of the maintenance off your hands. Read on to see which options are best for your kitties.
Best overall: Whisker Litter-Robot 4 Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Best budget: PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Legacy Non-covered Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Best low noise: Casa Leo Leo's Loo Too Wifi Enabled Cat Litter Box
Best health monitoring: PETKIT Purobot Max Pro Automatic Cat Litter Box
Best for large cats: PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Best open top: Neakasa M1 Lite Plus Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Best waste separation: Popur X5 Robot Automatic Cat Litter Box
Best compact: CATLINK Scooper SE Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Best odor control: INSTACHEW PURRCLEAN Smart WiFi Enabled Covered Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
How to choose the self-cleaning litter boxes that are right for you
How do automatic litter boxes work?
Automatic litter boxes can dispose of waste in different ways, including rotating, sifting, raking, and flushing. Rotating litter boxes rotate the whole box drum so it sifts the used litter out into a separate compartment. A raking system combs through the litter and dispenses clumps into a separate basket. Flushing litter boxes are similar to a mini toilet and flushes away waste. Sifting litter boxes sift out waste based on your cat’s movement. You should consider which mode of cleaning is best for your cat’s habits.
What kind of litter should I buy?
The type of litter you use is really important when it comes to automatic litter boxes. Generally, it’s recommended you use fine, clumping litter. Most self-cleaning litter boxes need to be able to sift away the waste from the unused litter, and it’s much easier to do that when it both clumps and when the litter itself is more fine.
How expensive are self-cleaning litter boxes?
The price is a huge factor when choosing an automatic litter box that’s right for you. These litter boxes are typically on the more expensive end, with the cheaper end of the spectrum still in the $100–200 range, and the higher end getting up to $700 to 800.
How can I keep track of care for the litter box?
Most automatic litter boxes come with a corresponding smart app to schedule cleanings and monitor the cleanliness of the litter box. There are also some that are even able to track your cat’s bathroom habits and even examine their waste for health monitoring purposes. The level of examination features will vary, and typically with more information comes a higher price tag.
Our top Kinship-reviewed picks for self-cleaning litter boxes
Our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Best overall
The Whisker Litter-Robot is a huge name in automatic litter boxes for a reason. This rotating self-cleaning litter box automatically separates waste from clean litter into a waste drawer that you can empty once full, and it includes OdorTrap packs that minimize smell. It comes with a smart app that allows you to monitor litter levels, activity, and weight tracking for your cats. This bundle deal includes three OdorTrap refills, 10 waste drawer liners, 30 cleaner wipes, and two carbon filters to ensure your automatic litter box functions for a long time. It’s also large enough to accommodate up to four cats.
Pros
Large for multi-cat use (27 x 24.25 x 29.5 inches).
Automatically separates waste from clean litter into a waste drawer, eliminating scooping.
Smart app control that allows you to monitor litter levels, activity, and weight tracking.
Bundle includes three OdorTrap refills, 10 waste drawer liners, 30 cleaner wipes, and two carbon filters.
Can accommodate up to four cats.
Cons
High price tag at over $700.
Not compatible with non-clumping litter.
Not safe for cats or kittens under three pounds.
Overall review
It may seem difficult justifying spending $700 on a litter box, but this one is sure to reduce the amount of odor and effort over a long period of time, as well. We love that the app can help track litter levels so you know when it’s time to refill, as well as your cat’s use frequency and weight, allowing you to keep up to date on your cat’s health. Just note that you shouldn’t use it for cats and kittens less than three pounds.
Kinship rating (out of 5 ⭐)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best budget
This self-cleaning litter box is definitely one of the least expensive on the market, clocking in between $140 and $160, depending on which cover option you go with (no cover, top entry, or front entry). It uses both a raking system to scoop away solid waste into a separate covered section, as well as its own crystal litter tray that absorbs urine and dehydrates solid waste to remove odor (lasting up to 30 days depending on how many cats are using it at once). There’s also a health counter and motion sensor that tracks how often your cat uses the litter box so you can monitor their health.
Pros
Uses a disposable scoop-free crystal litter tray system (one tray included) that requires zero scooping.
Crystal litter absorbs urine and dehydrates solid waste to remove odor.
Rakes away waste into separate covered section.
Crystal litter is low-tracking and dust-free.
Health counter and motion sensors track frequency of use to help monitor your cat’s health.
Litter trays last up to 30 days with one cat, 15 days for two cats, and 10 days for three or more.
Available with no cover, top entry cover, or front entry cover.
Lower price at under $200.
Cons
Requires separate purchase for additional crystal tray refills, and you aren’t able to substitute for your own preferred litter.
Overall review
This is a great low budget option for a zero scooping, self-cleaning litter box if you don’t want to spend too much money. We love its joint disposable tray and raking system that ensures minimum maintenance for up to 30 days at a time. It’s also a nice plus that you can purchase the entry design that your cat prefers, whether that’s top, front, or no entry at all. However, while the initial purchase is definitely cheaper than other self-cleaning boxes on the market, the tray refill cost will be higher than standard litter refills, which is a trade-off some cat parents might not deem worth it.
Kinship rating (out of 5 ⭐)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best low noise
For those whose cats are on the more skittish side, this quite automatic litter box might be the way to go. Boasting a “whisper-quite” motor, the rotating drum separates waste into a separate drawer that can be emptied weekly. It also uses both carbon filters and a UV sanitizing light to eliminate odor. Its smart app allows you to manage cleanings and monitor your cat’s weight and litter box activity. Plus, it comes in four different colors: Leo Gray, Pretty Pink, Baby Blue, and Avocado Green.
Pros
Leak-free drum rotates to separate waste into a waste drawer that can be emptied weekly.
Uses weight, radar, and anti-pinch technology to ensure cat’s safety while using.
Uses carbon filters and a UV sanitizing light to eliminate odor.
Boasts a “whisper-quiet” motor while cleaning.
Smart app that monitors litter box activity, your cat’s weight, and allows you to manage cleaning remotely.
Compatible with Alexa and Google Home.
Comes in four different colors (gray, pink, blue, green).
Cons
Expensive at $700.
Might not be best for larger cats.
Overall review
If you’ve been interested in making the switch to an automatic litter box but might be worried about whether your cat would be afraid of the noise and movement, this a great option. While movement is part of the process, the quieter motor might be less scary for more timid cats.
We also love that you can still use your preferred clumping litter, which may also help with the transition since you’ll still be using something familiar to your cat. However, it’s a steep price tag for trying out a new system, and it might not be best for larger cats, as some reviews have mentioned their larger cats often can’t get fully into the box, which can cause leakage.
Kinship rating (out of 5 ⭐)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best health monitoring
This PETKIT self-cleaning litter box takes health monitoring to the next level by using AI to analyze waste to deliver detailed health report cards. It also monitors your cat’s weight as well as provides 24/7 livestreaming so you can monitor your cat remotely. Plus, it has multi-cat recognition and can identify different cats based on their faces and weights. It uses a rotating drum to separate waste into a separate compartment with a drawstring bag that can be easily disposed of after 17 days. It also uses cylinder deodorization, ammonia neutralization, and a sealed waste bin to eliminate odor.
Pros
AI litter box tracking camera that analyzes fecal images for health, delivers a visualized report card for your cat’s health, has 24/7 pet livestream monitoring. It has multi-cat recognition that can identify cats through their faces and weight.
Rotating drum separates waste into a separate compartment with a drawstring waste bag to be disposed of once full after up to 17 days.
Triple odor control via cylinder deodorization, ammonia neutralization, and sealed waste bin.
Anti-pinch technology and 12 sensors for cat safety.
Cons
Pricier at over $500.
Doesn’t work as well when placed on a mat or carpet.
Some reviewers have noted urine leaking issues.
Overall review
We definitely recommend this automatic litter box for those with older cats and/or cats with health issues that need to be more closely monitored. We love that health report cards it delivers after analyzing your cat’s waste and that it can distinguish between multiple cats.
However, reviewers have mentioned that it might be more prone to urine leaking and that it doesn’t work as well on softer mats and carpets.
Kinship rating (out of 5 ⭐)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best for large cats
This mid-range automatic litter box is great for larger cat homes, as it can hold cats up to 25 pounds. It’s a rotating self-cleaning litter box that separates waste into a lined waste bin for up to two weeks before cleaning, and it comes with three months’ worth of waste bin liners. It also uses essential oil deodorizer packs to help neutralize odor, and it comes with a one month supply. Its smart app can monitor your cat’s visit frequency as well as their weight, and its price is more in the mid-range area at under $400.
Pros
Automatic rotation drum that separates waste from clean litter into a lined waste bin.
Essential oil deodorizer packs to help neutralize odor (comes with a one month supply).
Comes with three months’ worth of waste bin liners.
Can support cats up to 25 pounds.
Smart app that monitors your cat’s visits and weight.
Price is more mid-range at under $400.
Cons
Pretty high off the ground, so might be more difficult for cats with mobility issues to access.
Lower doorway might be subject to cats kicking out litter.
Overall review
A lot of automatic litter boxes on the market aren’t able to accommodate larger cats. So, it’s great that this PetSafe option can do so with all the bells and whistles — and at a lower price of under $400. We also love that it comes supplied with three months’ worth of waste bin liners and a month’s worth of essential oil deodorizer packs; a lot of other automatic litter boxes don’t come with a lot of refills for supplies.
However, some reviewers have mentioned that the box is quite high off the ground and that they’ve needed to purchase additional stairs for easier access.
Kinship rating (out of 5 ⭐)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best open top
This is a great option for cats who prefer an open-top design for their litter boxes. This operates similarly to other automatic litter boxes. It rotates to separate waste from clean litter into a separate drawer that has a pull-and-wrap system. The system sifts the litter into a prepared trash bag that’s ready to cinch and throw away after 14 days. This box can also accommodate cats of all size, from kittens (it has a Kitten Mode that ensures safe use for cats below 3 pounds) to cats up to 33 pounds. Plus, its smart app can track up to three different cats’ bathroom habits, litter levels, and help manage cleanings.
Pros
Open-top design for easy access.
Smart app can track up to three different cats’ bathroom habits, litter levels, and help manage cleanings.
Can accommodate cats up to 33 pounds.
Pull-and-wrap waste system that ensures zero scooping for up to 14 days.
Five pairs of infrared sensors and four weight sensors for safety.
Kitten Mode protects cats under 3.3 pounds.
Cons
Not the best for small spaces.
Sits pretty high up, so might be more difficult for older cats or cats with mobility issues to access without stairs.
Overall review
This is a great option that can accommodate cats of all shapes and sizes. We love the open-top design for easier access, and it’s a huge plus that it can accommodate cats as small as kittens and as large as 33 pounds. The pull-and-wrap waste system is also a huge plus that ensures you don’t even have to finagle too much with trash bags when taking out the waste. However, it is quite large in both width and height, so it might not be best for smaller spaces or for older cats or cats with mobility issues.
Kinship rating (out of 5 ⭐)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best waste separation
This automatic litter box not only separates waste from clean litter, it also sorts solid waste from wet waste within its trash compartment, using its unique two-stage tilting method. It can store waste up to 30 days before needing to be changed, and it’s designed to protect against bugs, dust, urine leaks, and ammonia corrosion. Plus, its open-top design makes for easy access for your cats.
Pros
Two-stage tilting method for separating waste from clean litter into enclosed waste bin; it also separates solid waste from wet waste within the trash compartment.
Designed to protect against bugs, dust, urine leaks, and ammonia corrosion.
Can store waste up to 30 days before needing to be changed.
Open-top design for easy access.
Smart app control.
Cons
Have to use the specific trash bags that come with the litter box.
Not the best for small spaces.
No sensor for when the trash compartment is full.
Overall review
This litter box’s unique tilting method is a total game changer when it comes to waste separation. We love that it separates solid waste from wet waste and that you won’t have to empty the waste compartment for up to one month at a time. However, you do have to buy the specific trash bags that fit this litter box, which could prove to be inconvenient down the line. Some reviews have also mentioned that there isn’t any kind of indicator or alert when the trash compartment is full.
Kinship rating (out of 5 ⭐)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best compact
If you’ve been curious about automatic litter boxes but were dissuaded by their usually large size, this CATLINK box is a great alternative. It’s just under 2 feet in length, width, and height, and should be able to fit in most smaller spaces. It can also accommodate multiple cats between 3.5 and 22 pounds. Its smart app can track multiple cats’ weight, litter usage, when the waste bin is full, and monitor waste for health issues. Its waste compartment is also 100 percent sealed and locked against odors. Plus, the cleaning motor is super quiet at 60 decibels.
Pros
Compact for smaller spaces (23.58 x 20.98 x 21.46 inches).
Can accommodate cats between 3.5 and 22 pounds.
Automatically cleans litter box after each use.
Has a 100 percent sealed waste compartment that locks against odors.
Smart app allows you to track multiple cats’ weight, litter usage, when the waste bin is full, and monitor their waste for health issues.
Quiet 60 db motor.
On the lower end of the price range for automatic litter boxes at under $300.
Cons
Not able to accommodate cats larger than 22 pounds.
Might have issues tracking multiple cats of similar weights.
Overall review
A compact version of anything is always a great thing to see when it comes to cat products, so it’s great to see that you don’t have to sacrifice too much of your space to still benefit from the convenience of an automatic litter box. We also love that it can not only accommodate multiple cats, but that it can also serve cats up to 22 pounds. However, its multi-cat tracking may be less effective if you have cats who are around the same weight.
Kinship rating (out of 5 ⭐)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best odor control
This sleek automatic litter box is one of the best on the market when it comes to odor control. It has an advanced air purification system that removes and decomposes odor-producing molecules — and all without requiring any refills. Its smart app can also schedule cleanings, clean on command, deodorize the surrounding area, and send notifications in real time to your phone. It’s large enough to accommodate multi-cat homes, and uses multiple infrared and weight sensors to ensure your cats’ safety while using. Plus, its motor is nice and quiet at 47 db.
Pros
Advanced air purification system removes and decomposes odor-producing molecules, and requires no refills.
Uses multiple infrared and weight sensors to ensure your cat’s safety while using.
Smart app can schedule cleanings, instantly clean on command, deodorize the surrounding area, and send real-time notifications to your phone.
Large storage capacity that can accommodate multi-cat households.
Quiet 47 db motor.
Cons
Sensors can sometimes be too sensitive and interfere with use.
Not best for smaller spaces.
Overall review
Odor control is one of the most — if not the most — important factors when choosing a litter box, so it’s a huge plus that this automatic litter box prioritizes that. The air purification system that not only eliminates odor but requires zero refills is a huge plus, especially if you’re trying to accommodate multiple cats. However, some reviews have mentioned its safety sensors may be too sensitive at times and might interfere with use.
Kinship rating (out of 5 ⭐)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQs
How do self-cleaning litter boxes work?
There are a few different ways that automatic litter boxes work. Some utilize a rotating design, which rotates the whole litter boxes so it sifts the used litter out of the box. Others use a raking system that combs through the litter and dispenses clumps into a separate basket. There are also flushing litter boxes, which is similar to a mini toilet and flushes away waste, as well as a specific sifting type of litter box, which sifts out waste based on your cat’s movement.
What type of litter should I use for a self-cleaning litter box?
Clumping litter works best in automatic litter boxes, as most models require waste to be removed from unused litter. It’s also recommended that the clumping litter used be more fine, as litter that is too large may not separate properly with your self-cleaning littler box.
How do I help my cat transition to a self-cleaning litter box?
At first, it may be helpful to set up the new self-cleaning litter box (without turning it on) next to the old litter box, so your cat can associate the new litter box with their old one. You can also use treats as positive reinforcement to help train them to use the new litter box. And if you need to switch litters when using the new litter box, it might be helpful to mix the old and the new litters together in the old litter box before fully making the switch.
Holland Baker
Holland Baker is a New York-based writer with experience writing about shopping content related to home, lifestyle, and beauty; general pop culture behavior; and pet behavior, products, and grooming tips. Her work has previously appeared in Apartment Therapy, SheKnows, Newsweek, Paste Magazine, and more.
In her free time, you can find Holland running in the park, editing children’s books, reserving too many books to keep up with at the library, and hanging out with her two very fluffy, very codependent cats named Boris and Natasha, whom she adopted from the Brooklyn Cat Cafe in 2018.
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