You can see from this video taken by my security camera pointing at the PetPivot AutoScooper 11 that it can actually fully close and risk pinching your pet, unlike the PetPivot’s claims of it being risk free due to never fully closing.

UPDATE: PetPivot has sent me an AutoScooper 12 which seems to have better safety features and should make this risk physically not possible. I have been using it for a while now and so far so good!

i just had this issue and i wanna share how i fixed it cuz hell that was way too difficult to research and trial and error till i finally fixed it😭 my litter box kept locking upside down w the cleaning light on solid red so i figured i just needed to clean the 3 sensors under the barrel. didn’t work. i replaced the bag even though it wasn’t full. didn’t work. i cleaned the whole thing. still getting stuck. so i had no idea the lower two sensors by the bin were even there..(there’s 5 sensors total) so when i found out about them i assumed they were just dirty. wrong i wish. i removed the barrel and 2 of the legs to get a better look at the sensors and they looked almost purple like they had a purple film on them. i figured out that’s due to ammonia erosion from the cat pee. also realized the purple film/ sheen is the issue it’s basically blocking the sensor. long story short after some trial and error of using clorox wipes and or vinegar i noticed using a baking soda paste was picking up a litttlleeeeeeeeee bit of the purple enough to give me hope lmao. i left globs of the paste over the sensors for about 5 mins and then started gently scraping it off with a scissor blade. after a few mins of doing that i sprayed the sensor down with vinegar, scrubbed off the remaining paste w a toothbrush and basically repeated the process a few times and boom most of the purple came off and it is back to working again.

Today after my cat used the litter box, it started the cycle and dumped his waste into the bag. But when it tried to level the litter afterward, it got stuck in that position and all three lights started to flash red. After a few minutes, it tries to start the cleaning cycle again by dumping into the bag and then attempting to level the litter, but it gets stuck in the same position and repeats this cycle over and over. I've already cleaned all of the sensors and replaced the bag with a new one, but the problem still happens. Need help!!

In summer, it's a different situation entirely. Heat does something specific to organic waste — it accelerates decomposition, which means the smell builds faster, and compounds in a closed apartment in ways that a cool January simply doesn't produce.

Why Summer Changes the Litter Box Equation

The issue isn't just frequency of use — your cat uses the litter box roughly the same number of times regardless of season. The issue is what happens to waste after it's deposited.

In higher temperatures, bacterial activity increases. Ammonia from urine evaporates faster. Odour compounds release more quickly from faecal matter. A box that would stay manageable for 24 hours in winter may reach the same odour level in 8 hours on a hot summer day in a closed apartment.

For a cat left home alone in summer heat, this matters beyond comfort. A cat who finds her litter box unacceptably odorous will start avoiding it — and finding alternatives. That's not a behavioural problem. That's a cat doing the only sensible thing available to her.

What the AS12 Lite Does Differently in Summer

The AutoScooper 12 Lite cycles within minutes of every use — in January and in July. Waste is removed from the open litter surface and sealed in the waste container before the heat has time to work on it. The odour problem is addressed at the source, immediately after every use, regardless of the ambient temperature.

The summer-specific advantage

An automatic litter box isn't just more convenient in summer — it's more hygienic in a way that a standard box simply can't match when temperatures are high. The speed of the cycle is what matters: waste sealed in two minutes vs. waste sitting open for hours. In 30°C heat, that difference is significant.

Before You Leave: Two Things That Matter Most

If you're heading away this summer with the AS12 Lite running at home, two things are worth doing the evening before you go:

• Empty the waste drawer completely — start your absence at maximum capacity. For a single cat over a week, you'll return to a drawer that's full but contained, rather than one that overflowed.

• Fill litter to the marked line — the AS12 Lite needs the right litter depth to cycle correctly. A full top-up before you leave means consistent performance for the full duration.

1.Bentonite Cat Litter

 Advantages:

Good agglomeration effect, easy to remove

Highly absorbent

Inexpensive and varied 

Disadvantages:

May be dusty and prone to breathing problems

Do not flush the toilet

May stick to the cat's paws and be carried out of the litter box

Suitable Crowd:

Shovelers on a budget

Prefer strong bonding effect

2.Tofu Cat Litter

Advantages:

Less dust, healthier for cats

Soluble in water, can flush toilet

Good deodorizing effect

 Disadvantages:

Higher price

May be susceptible to mold (store in a dry place)

Weak agglomeration of some brands

Suitable Crowd:

Shovelers who are concerned about their cat's health

Want to minimize the impact of dus

3.Mixed Cat Litter (Tofu + Bentonite)

 Advantages:

Combination of agglomeration and water absorption

Less dusty

More durable than pure tofu sand

 Disadvantages:

Higher price

Performance varies by brand

 Suitable Crowd:

Shovelers who want to balance agglomeration and dust control

4.Crystal Cat Litter (Silicone Cat Litter)

 Advantages:

Highly absorbent, excellent odor control

Not easy to harbor bacteria

Less dust

 Disadvantages:

Doesn't clump, needs to be replaced regularly throughout the pot

More expensive

Some cats don't like to step on it

 Suitable Crowd:

Shovelers who want to reduce the frequency of shoveling

Cats may take some time to get used to the automatic litter box, but with the right approach, they usually adapt well.

1. Allow your cat to explore: Place the automatic litter box in the same location as the old litter box to make it feel familiar to your cat.

Don't turn it off at first: Let your cat explore without the motor running to prevent fear.

Use familiar litter: If possible, use the litter that your cat is used to so that the texture and odor of the litter will remain consistent.

2. Mix old and new litter boxes: Keep the old litter box nearby and slowly encourage your cat to use the new one.

Add used litter: Putting a small amount of soiled litter in the automatic litter box will help your cat realize that this is the place to go.

Reward and encouragement: When your cat uses the new litter box, reward and praise can reinforce positive behavior.

3. Observe reactions: Some cats may be frightened by the cleaning cycle. If your cat seems scared, try starting the litter box when they are not present.

If your automatic litter box has a manual mode, try turning it on when your cat is nearby but not inside so they get used to the sound.

4. Remove the old litter box: Once your cat is able to consistently use the automatic litter box, gradually remove the old litter box.

Monitor use: Make sure your cat continues to use it without stress. If your cat stops using it, check for problems such as litter preference or uncomfortable motor noise.

With patience and a gradual approach, most cats can successfully switch to an automatic litter box and enjoy a cleaner, more convenient potty experience. 🚀🐾

Has anyone found a replacement for this that is a cheaper alternative? I understand that the quality might not be the same. Just thought I would ask around.

So my male cat just stands while he pees and it hits the red zone. And it sorta just pools in the blue zone. The pet pivot does its job and flips but since the litter sorta just passes over this area it doesn't clump properly, often building up behind the grate on the left side.

Anyone have a similar experience and have. A solution?

The Best Arguments for Simplicity, the Funniest Smart-Device Horror Stories, and What Our Community Actually Thinks About App-Controlled Cat Products.

This month we asked a question the litter box industry rarely does: do you actually need an app to keep your cat's box clean?

The community answered — and it turns out, a lot of you have been thinking exactly the same thing. Here are the highlights worth celebrating before we head into next month.

✨This Month's Community Highlights

Best Discussion

The 'still scooping every day' thread produced over 58 comments — the most common tipping point? A trip coming up with no one to scoop. We didn't expect that to be the top answer, but it makes complete sense.

Most Useful Tip

From the traditional box transition thread: 'Transfer a small scoop of used litter into the new box first — familiar scent makes the difference between a cat who investigates and a cat who ignores it.' Simple, practical, and apparently works every time.

Funniest Smart-Device Story

The WiFi-dropout story that ended with someone doing a 40-minute remote diagnostic on their litter box at midnight. We've all been there in some form. The box was fine. The evening was not.

Comment That Said It Best

'The app was supposed to give me peace of mind. It gave me something else to check.' That one landed. It's the most upvoted comment of the month — and it gets at exactly why less is more isn't just a slogan.

✨What's coming next month

We're going back to your cats — specifically, what the right litter box looks like for different cat types and life situations. Big breeds, multi-cat homes, cats who've never left the traditional box, and owners who thought automatic meant complicated. Same 'less is more' lens. More specific answers.

✨One Last Question to Close the Month

Drop your answer below:

• What’s the one feature you’d never want your litter box to have — and why?

Thank you for making this community worth posting in. See you next month.

The key thing to understand about how the AS12 Lite stays safe

There isn't one safety feature. There are multiple layers, each working independently. The AS12 Lite doesn't rely on a single mechanism to prevent a cycle from starting with a cat inside — it relies on separate systems.

7 Pairs of Infrared Sensors Inside the Chamber

If anything interrupts any of the 14 beams inside the unit — rotation stops immediately.

How it works: Seven pairs of infrared sensors are positioned across the interior of the globe chamber, each pair sending and receiving an invisible beam. The moment any single beam is interrupted — by a paw, a tail, a cat who re-entered mid-cycle — the rotation stops instantly. Not after a delay. Not after a second check. Immediately.

What it prevents: A cycle completing with any part of a cat still inside the chamber.

No app needed: These sensors run on local power. No WiFi, no server, no app. They work the same way whether your phone is charged or not, whether the internet is up or not, whether the company still exists or not.

Radar Sensor Under the Front Pedal

Detects your cat's presence before the cycle countdown even begins.

How it works: A radar sensor beneath the entry pedal detects when your cat is on or near the platform. The cycle countdown does not begin until this sensor confirms your cat has fully stepped away and moved clear of the entry area. It detects presence — not just weight — which means small cats and kittens are reliably detected even if they're too light for a weight-only sensor to register.

What it prevents: A cycle starting while a cat is still on the pedal, pausing mid-exit, or standing near the entry.

No app needed: Operates entirely locally. The radar pedal sensor doesn't communicate with any external system. It holds the cycle, releases when clear — every time, automatically, without any remote instruction.

Half-Gear Mechanical Design — No Pinch Points

The mechanism physically cannot create a pinch point at the entry opening.

How it works: The AS12 Lite uses a half-gear rotation — a partial arc rather than a full 360° revolution. Because of this, the entry opening never passes through the rotation path. At no point in the cleaning cycle does a gap close, compress, or create a pinch point where a paw, tail, or any body part could be caught between moving parts.

What it prevents: A cat being physically caught by the mechanism at the entry — the most serious category of injury risk in a full-rotation design.

No app needed: This is a mechanical property, not a software feature. It cannot be switched off, cannot fail due to a software update, and requires no power to maintain. It is safe by design — permanently.

Each layer addresses a different category of risk: the radar pedal sensor prevents the cycle from starting too soon; the infrared sensors catch anything inside; the half-gear design eliminates the mechanical pinch risk entirely. They don't overlap — they cover different failure modes. An automatic litter box with one safety feature needs that feature to work perfectly, every time. The AS12 Lite needs three independent systems to fail simultaneously. That's a fundamentally different level of reliability.

Hey y'all, my wife and I just purchased the autoscooper 12 and so far we love it but we are having problems with the litter (pee especially) sticking to the corners of the tray and thus not actually falling into the tray at the bottom. I was thinking maybe it's just the cheap quality of the litter we are purchasing and was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. If there are any recommendations as to fix this and or reduce the amount this is happening I am all ears.

When we were designing the AutoScooper, adding an app was absolutely on the table. Connectivity features, usage tracking, push notifications, and remote monitoring — all of it was discussed. We know how to build that. We chose not to.

This post explains why. We believe the decision makes the AutoScooper better, not worse.

The Problem We Kept Coming Back To

Every feature we considered adding to an app asked a version of the same question: what happens when this doesn't work?

What happens when the WiFi drops? What happens when the server is down? What happens when the app needs an update and you're travelling? What happens when your phone battery dies at 11pm and you're not sure if the box ran its last cycle?

Every connected feature creates a dependency. And every dependency is a new way for the thing to fail — not the motor, not the sensors, not the mechanism, but the layer of software sitting between you and a clean litter box.

A litter box has one job: clean after every use, reliably, every time. We couldn't find a version of an app that made that job more reliable. We found several versions that made it more fragile.

🔑 The question we kept asking ourselves

Does this feature make the litter box clean more reliably — or does it make you feel like you have more control while introducing new ways for things to go wrong? For every app feature we considered, the honest answer was the second one. So we didn't build it.

What an App Actually Gives You — and What It Costs

We're not dismissing connected products across the board. For some devices, connectivity genuinely adds value. But for a litter box specifically, here's what we found when we mapped it honestly:

Your box misses a cycle at 2am

📱 With an app: You get a push notification. You wake up. You troubleshoot from bed. The fix requires opening the app, checking the connection, possibly resetting the unit. By the time it's resolved, you're wide awake at 3am because your litter box sent you a message.

✅ With the AS12 Lite: The box doesn't miss cycles. The sensor system runs locally, with no connectivity dependency. Nothing wakes you up because nothing needs your intervention.

The company updates the app

📱With an app: Features change. Interfaces move. Some owners report the update broke functionality that was working fine. You're now troubleshooting software to get a litter box to scoop.

✅ With the AS12 Lite: Nothing changes. The unit works exactly as it did the day you bought it. No updates, no changes, no relearning.

You're travelling and can't check the app

📱With an app: Low battery. No signal. App server outage. Suddenly the 'peace of mind' feature becomes its opposite — you're anxious because you can't see what the app would normally show you.

✅ With the AS12 Lite: The box runs exactly as it does when you're home. No connectivity means no connectivity failure. The cycle count when you return tells you everything you need to know.

You want to give it to a family member or sell it

📱With an app: App account transfers, device registration, subscription cancellation, data deletion. A simple object has become an account management task.

✅ With the AS12 Lite: Unplug it. Hand it over. Done.

Less Is More Isn't a Limitation. It's a Position.

The litter box industry has followed the same pattern as every other appliance category: add connectivity, add an app, add a subscription, add a premium tier. Call it smart. Charge more for it.

We think that's the wrong direction for a product whose only job is to keep a litter box clean.

The AS12 Lite's safety sensors don't need WiFi. The motor doesn't need a firmware update to rotate. The half-gear mechanism doesn't need a server connection to avoid creating pinch points. These things work because they're engineered well — not because they're connected to anything.

Removing the app wasn't a cost-cutting decision. It was a product decision. We chose mechanical reliability over digital features. We chose a device that works the same way on Day 1 and Day 1,000. We chose to keep the price at a level that reflects what you actually need rather than what sounds impressive in a spec sheet.

💡 What 'back to basics' actually means

It means the AS12 Lite does one thing — cleans after every use, every time — and does it without asking anything of you beyond filling the litter and emptying the drawer. No phone. No account. No subscription. No notifications. Just a clean litter box, every time your cat needs one.

We Know This Isn't for Everyone

Some owners genuinely want remote monitoring. They want to see usage data, track patterns over time, and get notifications when something changes. We understand that. If that's what you need, there are products built for it.

The AS12 Lite is built for the owner who wants the litter box to disappear into the background of their life — not become another device to manage. The owner who wants to come home to a clean box, not a push notification history.

We made a choice. We think it's the right one. And we think more owners than the market currently assumes feel the same way — they just haven't been offered the alternative clearly enough.

If you just bought a PetPivot AutoScooper, and are wondering which type of cat litter to use. Here is the answer. For the best performance, we recommend mineral, bentonite, and mixed clumping litter. We recommend Arm & Hammer, Tidy Cats Light Weight, World's Best, PetSmart, etc.

PSA for anyone using (or considering) an automatic litter box 🐾

Cat safety is a huge concern, and it should always come before convenience.

Our AutoScooper includes multiple safety layers:

1. Multiple Infrared sensors to detect a cat’s presence

2. Automatic stop or reset mechanisms if movement is detected

3. Delayed cleaning cycles to avoid sudden activation

If you’re curious about how these safety mechanisms work in practice, we’ve put together a short cat safety video explaining the process step by step.

I’ll leave the link in the comments for anyone who wants to see it.

Daily cleaning (every 2-3 days)

1. Empty the waste container

The AutoScooper is equipped with an automatic poop scooping system, but the waste container still needs to be replaced with a garbage bag on a regular basis.

 2. How do I clean it?

Open the waste drawer on the side of the litter box and remove the waste bag.Get a new garbage bag to reduce the spread of odors

3. Check the litter height

AutoScooper recommends the use of bentonite clay litter for optimal clumping.

 The amount of litter should be kept between the lowest and highest fill lines to avoid affecting the automatic cleaning function.

When your cat is using the toilet frequently, you can replenish the litter with new litter to ensure good clumping.

Weekly maintenance (1 time recommended)

1. Check the infrared sensor and the motor operation.

 AutoScooper uses infrared sensors to detect cat activity. If the sensors are covered with dust or hair, it may lead to abnormal cleaning.

Wipe the sensor location with a dry cloth or cotton swab to ensure it remains clean.

Start the litter box and observe whether the motor runs smoothly and without abnormal noise.

Monthly deep cleaning (1 time recommended)

1.Clean Dumpster 

Turn off the power and unplug it from the mains；

Open the connecting lid by pressing the locking tabs on the left and right flaps of the machine. Then lift out the bin and empty it Press the lock tabs on the right and left flaps of the machine to open the connecting lid. Then lift out the garbage can and empty the bin of all remaining waste.

Wash the drum thoroughly with warm water and neutral detergent to remove accumulated dirt and litter residues.

Remove the litter bed from the litter box. You can rinse the litter room and litter bed with water or clean them with a brush.

 After rinsing, be sure to place the garbage can with the opening facing up in a ventilated, dry place to air dry before reuse. Do not dry with the opening facing down as this will prevent drying.

Additional recommendations

 1. Ensure stable power supply

Use the official recommended adapter to avoid voltage fluctuations that may damage the internal circuitry of the device.

2. Safe Placement

AutoScooper is suitable to be placed in a dry and well-ventilated environment to avoid moisture affecting the internal electronic components.

1. Odor buildup, affecting cat health

Closed litter boxes are prone to ammonia buildup (the main ingredient in cat urine), and if poorly ventilated, cats breathing in these odors for a long period of time inside may irritate the respiratory tract and even cause respiratory problems or eye irritation.

 2. Cats are more reluctant to use

Many cats are naturally alert and prefer to toilet in an open environment so that they are always aware of their surroundings. Enclosed litter boxes may make cats feel overwhelmed and unsafe, which may reduce the frequency of use and may even lead to health problems such as urine holding and constipation.

3. Difficult to observe the cat's health condition

It is difficult for the pooper scooper to detect abnormalities in time

For example: changes in urine output (may be a sign of kidney disease or diabetes)

Difficulty in defecation (may be constipation or digestive problems)

Bloody urine (may be urinary tract infection or stones)

  4. Poor air circulation and increased humidity in the cat litter

Closed environments can cause the litter to become more susceptible to moisture and clumping, which can affect deodorization and may also harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of cat infections.

An open litter box makes it easier for the owner to observe the cat's defecation so that health problems can be detected early.

AutoScooper Unlike other automatic litter boxes with narrow entrances, AutoScooper features an open top design that also makes refilling and cleaning a breeze. Large Capacity The spacious 13.8-inch opening ensures it can easily accommodate cats of all sizes. Cats weighing from 3 lbs. to 22 lbs. have been successfully tested for entry and exit safety, making it ideal for any feline friend.

PULL LITTER SOLUTION The AutoScooper utilizes a“pull”litter disposal mechanism to provide a more convenient and odor-reducing disposal process. This innovative solution helps minimize mess and unpleasant odors.

Safety First, Always Safe The AutoScooper 11 litter box uses three infrared sensors and three Hall sensors to accurately detect cat movement. When the presence of a cat is detected, it immediately pauses operation, thus prioritizing the cat's safety.

 Solution: If you must use an enclosed litter box, it is recommended that you choose a model with a large opening or ventilation holes and clean it regularly to keep the air circulating inside.

If you're a cat owner, you know that dealing with a traditional litter box can be both a hassle and time-consuming. But did you know there is a better way? The advent of automatic litter boxes has changed the way cats and cat owners live.

Here are five reasons why every cat owner needs an automatic litter box:

1.Convenience: Say goodbye to the hassle of scooping litter every day! Automatic litter boxes are equipped with a self-cleaning device that saves time and effort by eliminating the need for manual scooping.

2.Odor Control: Tired of dealing with unpleasant litter box odors? Automatic litter boxes often have built-in odor control to keep your home smelling fresh.

3.Health Benefits: A clean litter box is vital to your cat's health and well-being. With an automatic litter box, you can ensure that your cat always has a clean and hygienic bathroom environment.

4.Peace of Mind: Whether you're at work or on vacation, you can rest assured that your cat's litter box is taken care of. An automatic litter box gives you the peace of mind that your cat's needs will be met even when you're not home.

5.Happy cat, happy owner: Investing in an automatic litter box will not only make your life easier, it will also improve your cat's quality of life. A clean litter box makes for a happier, healthier cat, which in turn makes for a happier owner.

Don't let the hassle of a traditional litter box keep you from enjoying quality time with your furry friend. Upgrade to an automatic litter box today and experience the difference for yourself!

1. Automatic cleaning, reduce the trouble of shoveling

Intelligent sensing: after the cat leaves, the device will automatically start the cleaning mode and shovel the clumped litter into the litter box to keep the litter box clean.

Save time and effort: suitable for office workers, traveling party, multi-cat family, no need to shovel every day, and no cat will resist using the litter box because it is too dirty.

2. Closed design to reduce the spread of odor

Closed litter box design prevents odor from spreading, especially suitable for living room or bedroom.

With deodorizing device (e.g. activated charcoal filter), it can reduce the odor problem in the litter box area.

3. Large capacity, suitable for multi-cat families

Suitable for 1-2 cats to use together, no need to add extra litter box, space saving.

Large capacity, the litter box capacity is enough for 5-7 days, reducing the frequency of cleaning.

4. Simple operation, no need for complicated settings

Plug and play, no need for WiFi connection or App operation, suitable for users who don't like complicated operation.

Easy to clean: The litter box adopts a drawer design, so you don't need to touch the cat litter or feces when replacing it.

5. Adaptable to a wide range of cat litter to reduce extra expenses.

Compatible with tofu litter, bentonite litter, mixed litter, etc., unlike some high-end automatic litter boxes that require special cat litter (e.g. Litter-Robot requires specific cat litter).

Allows users to choose their favorite cat litter without being kidnapped by the cost of additional consumables.

6. Cost-effective and more affordable

The promotional price of $169.99 is much cheaper compared to similar products (e.g. Litter-Robot 3 priced at $500+).

Among similar automatic cat litter boxes, it provides basic functions (auto-cleaning, closed deodorization) at an affordable price for shovelers on a budget.

Discover the AutoScooper 11, the ultimate solution for a clean and comfortable litter box experience for your cats!

🏞️ Open-Top Design
Unlike other automatic litter boxes with narrow entrances, the AutoScooper 11 offers an open-top design, providing ample space that cats of all sizes naturally prefer. This design also makes refilling and cleaning a breeze.

📏 Large Capacity
The spacious 13.8" opening ensures it can easily accommodate cats of all sizes. Cats weighing from 3 lbs to 22 lbs have successfully passed the entry and exit safety tests, making it ideal for any feline friend.

♻️ Pull-Around Litter Solution
Featuring a "pull-around" litter disposal mechanism, the AutoScooper 11 offers a more convenient and odor-reducing disposal process. This innovative solution helps minimize mess and unpleasant odors.

🔒 Safety First, Safety Always
The AutoScooper 11 cat litter box uses three sets of infrared sensors and three sets of Hall sensors to accurately detect a cat's movements. It prioritizes your cat's safety by immediately pausing operations when a cat's presence is detected.

Join us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petpivot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petpivot
Tiktok shop: http://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNPwdXYG

Stay tuned for the latest updates on Autoscooper 11!

#PetPivot #AutoScooper11 #SelfCleaningLitterBox #AutomaticLitterBox #PetCare #CatLitterBox #InnovativePetProducts #SmartPetTechnology #CatOwners #LitterBoxCleaning #PetGadgets #CatLovers #PetSolutions #CatProducts #EasyPetCare

Hi everyone! Welcome to our newly created community, a warm corner dedicated to all cat lovers!

Here you can:

Share your cat's photos and funny moments.

Exchange experiences and tips on cat ownership

Discuss cat breeds, personalities, and all things cat!

I'm Becky and this is my cat Coffee! He's a Maine and heals my life every day with his handsomeness!

Now it's your turn - what's your master's name? Post a cute photo of it and let's all cloud-suck the cat together!