The joys of kitty parenthood are real - the purrs, the face rubbing, the belly scratches, the playing, the cuddles, the kneading. What’s also real though is the post-toilet clean up. Cleaning up after your cat isn’t the sweetest part of being a cat parent, but there is a way to make it quicker, easier and more pleasant - an automatic cat litter box.

Learn more about automatic cat litter boxes and their benefits.

An automatic cat litter box cleans itself. Well, it partly cleans itself. After your cat has used it, it automatically (or manually - think you pulling a lever) rakes or sifts solid waste into a tray below, ready for you to empty into the bin. So you still have to clean up, but there’s no messy scooping involved. That’s why automatic cat litter boxes are also called scoop-free or self-cleaning.

There are definitely advantages to buying a self-cleaning litter box - here are just 3 of them.

1. 1. Less time cleaning
      With a traditional cat litter tray, you’re responsible for keeping it clean. This involves scooping and removing your cat’s waste multiple times a day - especially because most cats will only use their litter trays if they’re spotlessly clean. With an automatic cat litter box, you don’t need to scoop. You also go longer between emptying it - sometimes up to weeks! This gets rid of a daily chore and gives you more time to focus on the important cat ownership things, like cuddles and playtime.
   2. Encourages your cat to use it
      Kittens and cats can have litter tray problems, which is when they go to the toilet outside of their litter box. Although there can be lots of reasons for this, it can be because their litter tray simply isn’t up to their cleanliness standards. Cats are super clean creatures - just watch them carefully groom themselves. Their litter tray has to be equally clean at all times. If there’s too much waste built up or it doesn’t smell so fresh, they probably won’t use it. A self-cleaning litter box is free of waste and sweet-smelling (as much as a litter box can be), all the time, so your kitty is more likely to use it (Note you still need to regularly clean an automatic litter box to keep it running well - each will have recommended deep clean frequencies so check the one you've got).

   3. Keeps smells under control
      Automatic litter boxes are great at containing any not-so-great smells. Unlike traditional cat litter trays where waste will sit around until you scoop it and throw it away, automatic litter boxes kick into action right after your cat has used it. They quickly seal the waste into a separate area where smells can be contained. Some self-cleaning litter boxes even have odour-neutralising filters.

Although a self-cleaning litter tray might sound ideal to you, it might not be right for your cat. Every cat has a different personality and needs, which you should consider before investing in an automatic litter box.

• Enclosed or open. A lot of automatic litter boxes are covered and some cats won’t use a covered box. Some offer a separate cover option like the Petsafe Scoopfree 2nd Generation Self Cleaning Litter Box.
• Noise. Not all cats will enjoy the noise of an automatic litter box. If you’ve got a timid cat, check for a quiet motor.
• Covering their waste. If your cat’s not so good at covering up their waste, that could be a potentially messy problem - it could get stuck to the rake as it pushes through the litter box.
• Safety. You don’t want the automatic rake kicking in if your cat is still in the box (or jumps out then back in again). Look for an automatic litter box with a safety sensor to avoid any potential safety issues.
• Access. Most automatic litter boxes have a high entrance, making them unsuitable for kittens or older cats with mobility problems.
• Cost. Not only do automatic litter boxes cost more upfront, but some require specific crystal litter or need special liners that need to be regularly replaced, as well as filters.

Make sure to research the automatic litter box and consider the above so that you and your cat can be a 'litter' more happy.

We hope this helps you decide if an automatic cat litter box is right for you and your cat! If you’re still not sure or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz.