Does anyone have any experience with self-cleaning cat litter boxes? I’m curious if any particular model of self-cleaning litter box is any good. We now have 4 cats and it would be nice to not have to clean litter boxes manually 1-2 times every day.

Do they separate pee/poop from litter well? Are cats afraid to use them? Do they stink more than regular litter boxes because pee/poop are in them for longer periods? Are they a hassle to clean? Do you have to buy propietary supplies (custom litter? special trays?)?

Thanks for your input.

  • phanto@lemmy.ca
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    9
    ·
    11 months ago

    My friends bought me a litter robot, too. I have mixed feelings. I seem to have to reset and fiddle with the thing too often, but when it works, it’s really good for keeping the smell down. My guys use it more often than the other two old school boxes, so I guess two paws up from them?

    • Devi@kbin.social
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      10
      ·
      11 months ago

      Have you broken it down to clean? Issues in mine usually mean there’s dust build up under the bowl, particularly the pinch sensor. If I get that sorted every few months then it goes back to fine.

      • phanto@lemmy.ca
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        6
        ·
        11 months ago

        I have not, and I will check! If that’s all it is… It’s been finicky for years!

        • EatYouWell@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          5
          ·
          11 months ago

          Yeah, you have to occasionally do a complete disassembly and clean out the internals. Maybe once a year.

        • Devi@kbin.social
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          11 months ago

          If it’s not it, their customer service is really good so get in touch with them.

    • Alk@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      6
      ·
      edit-2
      11 months ago

      Sounds like it needs a cleaning. Also update the firmware just in case. Customer service can help if you need help figuring out how to clean it or if a motor goes bad or something. They’ve replaced motors and stuff for me a few times for free. When one of the sensors broke or was damaged, it was finicky for me too. Sometimes worked sometimes didn’t. Replacing it fixed it instantly. Though the same happens if a sensor needs to be cleaned.