If you have a cat, you know that there are a million different options for litterboxes. And we have tried several of them here at nearly nekkid. All opinions expressed here are my own, based on my personal experience with various boxes. My opinions are also, obviously, influenced by the preference of my cats, and your cats may feel completely differently about things.
Litter Robot
This was my first experience with a fully automatic litter box and I was instantly IN LOVE. The Sphynxes took well to it, and we had no issue transitioning them from a standard hand-scooped box. I originally purchased 2 of them because I had 3 cats.
They’re big and heavy, with plenty of room inside for even a fat cat. Odors stay contained (until you open the waste drawer), though I do have issues with urine and (when it happens) loose feces sticking to the lining. This is easily enough scrubbed off when you empty the box completely, but it’s still a little annoying.
Over time (and let me be clear, this was many many years after the original purchase), they became more finicky, sometimes refusing to clean themselves between cats, sometimes getting stuck upside down, which is no good for anyone. I have older models and you don’t seem to be able to replace the sensors like you can in the newer ones, so I was stuck with boxes that only works half the time, but they used them, and they still (mostly) worked – and so they stayed in the cat room.
DOVSCA Self Cleaning Litter Box
When the first Litter Robot finally decided to give up the ghost, I ordered this off Amazon. I had done some research, read customer reviews, etc. and I liked the way you can lift the entire drum off the base and clean it out. I have a grooming tub in my garage and figured this would make full cleanings much easier than with the Litter Robots which I had to clean with wipes, in place.
It seems to work just fine, but is it MUCH smaller than it looks… thankfully my queens are petite girls and they fit fine, but this is NOT for the big boys (and girls). My cats use it, but it is not their first choice.
Popur Litter Box
With the second Litter Robot’s growing functional inconsistencies, I went ahead and ordered a new litter box. I did initially consider just ordering a new Litter Robot, but a friend recommended this one, so I thought I’d give it a try.
My. Cats. Love. This. Box. It’s huge, and it’s heavy; don’t get me wrong. But it’s OPEN and seems to clean well. If they are given a choice, this is the one they go to. The waste reservoir is behind the box (spring for the plastic box; I tossed the cardboard one it came with), and odor control is really good.
I have noticed a little bit of litter scatter around the waste collection container, but no more than I see with either of the other 2 litter boxes. I also like the fact that the cats CAN’T get into it while it’s cycling – yes, my Sphynxes will climb right in to the Litter Robot when it’s upside down; it’s a miracle no one has gotten a foot or tail trapped yet. And, it texts me every time it cycles. Maybe I don’t really need to know, but…. Honestly, when the 2nd Litter Robot finally croaks, I’m likely going to order another Popur to replace it.
Kitten litterboxes
Of course, there is the whole issue of litter training, which we start when the kittens are just a few weeks old. I don’t expect, nor do I want, them to climb into the automatic litterboxes, so we start off with tiny trays and eventually move to larger, scoop boxes. This has been my favorite with the kittens – and they seem to like it as well. I buy the small size and start off without the angled top. They’re easy to clean and the kittens weren’t able to really toss the litter out of the box.
