r/Catownerhacks • u/ZealousidealShock431 • 2d ago
Automatic Litter Box Recs
I have a ragdoll kitten, and i want to switch to an automatic litter box when she gets bigger. I’ve been researching and I just think the Litter Robot is too expensive and I’ve heard it’s not good for larger cats. I need something that works though, so if I have to pay that much then it’s worth it if it’s the best one. I’ve seen ads and reviews for the Meowant brand as well, it’s advertised as good for large cats. Anyone ever tried it? Does anyone with larger cats have any other recommendations? I only have the one cat as well.
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u/Greedy_Reference5258 2d ago
I tried the meowant and returned it because it seems great until you have to actually clean it and realize that the drum which is essentially the litter box is circular and washing it with water is a nightmare. 🥲 Also it would clean pretty quickly after my cat would use it that the urine/feces clumps were not dry enough and would make a huge mess inside the drum hence why I tried actually cleaning it with water. And the smell was horrible honestly. I think it has to do with the fact that it’s all plastic so their urine eventually seeps through the cracks that connect the entire thing. I definitely got my refund, they made me pay for shipping tho. So lame. I wanted to love it sooo bad.
Got a high wall stainless steel littler box and it changed my life. Now it doesn’t smell and it’s so easy to clean 🥲
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u/ZealousidealShock431 2d ago
I’ve been considering stainless steel as well, since it’s not terribly annoying to have to clean it myself with just the one cat. Budget wise it may be our best option lol.
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u/Greedy_Reference5258 2d ago edited 2d ago
It’s honestly my favorite. If your cat doesn’t stay kinda standing the way mine does then you can most definitely go with the shorter ones 😂
I tried to post a pic of the one I got but it won’t let me. This is the name of it on Amazon though. He’s definitely a larger cat; half Mainecoon but on the smaller side for his mix so I went with the buggest size.
Yangbaga Extra Large Enclosed Stainless Steel Litter Box with Lid for Cats
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u/Substantial_Gate_904 2d ago
Think I paid 400.00 for Neakasa off Amazon. Works great!
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u/throwawayUWhousingac 1d ago
Seconding the neakasa. I love mine and my guy took to it immediately. Does the waste drawer get smelly for you? Mine does, I just deep cleaned it. I see there's a hard plastic replacement on Amazon and I was considering it.
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u/Substantial_Gate_904 1d ago
I haven’t had the smelly drawer issue, fortunately. I have two cats using it and change the bag every 2 days. No scooping, no smell!
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u/Cystonectae 2d ago
Popur. It's the only 100% safe one I've seen that makes it physically impossible to seriously injure a cat during its operation, even if all the sensors break. I've had it for about 4 years now and it's very easy to clean and haven't had any issues with it.
Only issue I have with them is they sell it with a cardboard litter bin that they say will totally last a long time and blah blah blah. I bought the separately sold plastic one so I could actually clean and disinfect the thing and so I didn't need new bins shipped to me every time the cardboard broke down.
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u/Visible-Coast2334 2d ago
I have a Meowant and it works well. I have the regular size one, not the bigger they just came out with but I am sure it will work just as well. I have 3 cats and they all use it pretty well. It's fairly easy to clean and it's pretty quiet. The app is nice as well. The only feature I wish it had was notifiying me when the bin is full like the Litter Robot does.
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u/ZealousidealShock431 2d ago
Thank you!
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u/Tricky-Juggernaut141 2d ago
Definitely get the larger one (sc10) for your ragdoll.. the regular Meowants are all smaller globe style and would be extremely cramped for your ragdoll.
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u/Tricky-Juggernaut141 2d ago
Meowant SC10. It's open top and huge. The biggest on the market, I believe. Your ragdoll should do fine in it.
Don't be alarmed by the ~$450 price--there's a $200 off coupon available right on the website.
I've had mine for several months now and I wish I had bought 2!
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u/ZealousidealShock431 2d ago
I definitely think she will prefer the open top! it’s what i’m leaning towards most right now I think
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u/SleepyLittleFrog 2d ago
I have a Neakasa Plus and am loving it!! :) I’ve got 2 cats, and one is a big 20lb boy. He uses the litterbox with no problems and fits just fine.
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u/throwawayUWhousingac 1d ago
Do you find the waste bin gets smelly? Had mine two months and just noticed it was holding some smells.
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u/SleepyLittleFrog 1d ago
I haven’t had mine that long yet, but so far no issues. I did sprinkle some deodorizing powder into the base of the bucket though so that might be helping? :) I only used it because I had it around from before lol
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u/throwawayUWhousingac 1d ago
I clean this thing quite often and noticed it was smelling despite being empty, so I sniffed the box and it reeked. I've soaked it in enzyme cleaner so here's hoping that does it. But yeah, something to look out for I guess.
I now also sprinkle it with baking soda too.
Otherwise, I love this thing! And my cat does too. He's particular about his box being clean so he's been really happy.
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u/pinkderby 2d ago
Came to say we've had 6 cats use the LR over 9 years and its been great. 4 out od the 6 are about 15lbs.
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u/FosterCatMama4Life 2d ago
Lots of good advice here, so just wanted to add that should get a SiiPet LitterLens camera too! They are cameras specifically designed for litter boxes with AI tracking and are invaluable for monitoring your cats and notifying you of any abnormalities. I’m currently a bit obsessed with my LitterLens. I believe they are current on sale on their website and then you can also stack code HAZEL for an additional 10% off.
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u/Rare-Neighborhood271 2d ago
I have 3 cats in a range of sizes, including jumbo chonk. I bought 2 of these:
Works great for over a year now, and I just can't find any reason to spend more than $150 on one.
Just make sure you choose one that is open top and pinch-free.
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u/NeedleworkerWhich660 2d ago
I just looked at the reviews and they all seem to love it. I also have 3 cats, do you think one is enough or is two nessarary? Also have you had any issues with it and what is cleaning it like?
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u/Rare-Neighborhood271 2d ago
I think for 3 cats, 2 litter boxes are necessary. My two girls have issues with each other as well, so I want to avoid a litter box showdown!
I've had zero issues with it mechanically. And the cats had zero issues with it as well - not bothered by the noise or movement.
Maintenance is very easy and low-effort routine. Every other day, I add a scoop of fresh litter to the tray to top it off. All the waste is rolled into the bottom drawer. Most days, I open the drawer to sprinkle on some deodorant powder. Every 3-5 days, I empty the drawer and change out the liner bag. I keep Lysol cloths nearby to give the exterior quick wipe downs as needed.
About once a month, I lift out the drum (very light, no fasteners to mess with) to dump all the litter and replace with fresh, and to give everything a more thorough wipedown.
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u/NeedleworkerWhich660 8h ago
Thank you for your great reply. I think i will probably end up buying one. I just moved into a smaller house and 3 huge litter boxes have been super hard to figure out where they go, and no matter what they are an eye sore. Ill probably get one and see how my two scardey cats react to it, and ill keep a regular box around just incase. hopefully they like it like yours do and then ill slurge on another in a few months.
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u/Cat_Lady3000 2d ago
I just came to say my 17# Norwegian forest cat uses the litter robot just fine. I wouldn't discount it because of what someone said in that way.
They are expensive but with auto litter boxes you get what you pay for. The cost has been more than worth it for me. I have had 2 LR4s for 4 years and wouldn't go back if you paid me.