Last Updated: 17/06/2025
Best Self Cleaning Cat Litter Tray
Looking for the best self cleaning litter tray for your cat? Check out our vet reviewed options.
Author: Dr Jacqui Victor BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats)
Reading Time: 40 minutes - long read
Self-cleaning litter boxes offer a hands-free way to maintain a clean litter environment for your cat. Sensors automatically remove waste after each use, reducing scooping and litter changes. Many also control odors and some track your cat's health. When choosing one, consider your cat's size and the type of litter it uses.
It's crucial to remember that self-cleaning litter boxes aren't ideal for every feline. Larger cats might find the enclosed space uncomfortable, and kittens under six months are often too small to trigger the safety sensors. Older cats with arthritis may struggle with the entry and exit. Additionally, be prepared for a potential adjustment period, as some cats are sensitive to the noise and appearance of the machinery and may never fully adapt. Regardless of using self-cleaning boxes, maintain the recommended number of litter trays – one per cat, plus one extra – to minimize stress and prevent urinary issues.
Four factors to consider when choosing a litter box for your cat are:
- Preference of litter box style: Each cat will have their own preference over the type of litter box they wish to use - whether it's hooded, open, extra-spacious (for larger cats), lower lipped (easy entry for older, arthritic cats) or self-cleaning. So keep in mind, not all cats will welcome a self-cleaning litter box with open paws.
- Preference of litter type: Each cat will also have their own preference of litter type (such as clay, crystal, tofu, corn, wood) so it's important to choose a litter box that is compatible with your cat's preferred litter substrate. Ensuring your cat has it's preference of litter box and litter type helps promote regular toileting habits, decreases stress and prevents the development of urinary issues.
- Accessibility: It's important that you place your cat's litter trays in easily accessible, quiet locations in your home (away from any loud noise like a washing machine) with two-way access, away from their food and water bowls. This will help improve comfort and decrease stress, and encourage your cat to use their litter box.
- Hygiene: Cats are very clean creatures, and so it's important to ensure their litter box is always kept clean to avoid them searching for other inappropriate areas in your home to do their business. This is where self-cleaning litter boxes thrive as they ensure your cat's litter box is kept meticulous at all times.
Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes in Australia [Vet Reviewed]
Best overall
Catlink Scooper Self Clean Luxury Pro
Pros
- Remote app control and Alexa voice control compatible - receive notifications to your phone as well as real-time 24/7 monitoring of your cat's litter volume and frequency.
- Multi-cat recognition.
- Provides individualised health reports including litter volume, frequency and weight monitoring for each of your cats.
- Large 13L waste box means it lasts 21 days before full litter change is required (based on usage of 1 cat).
- Larger entry hole (33cm wide x 27cm high).
- UV sterilisation inhibits breeding of bacteria, viruses, molds and other microorganisms.
- Features an anti-fall triangular design.
- Panel lock feature allows you to securely lock it in place, making it safe for kids.
- Four modes: auto mode, manual mode, timer mode and empty mode.
Cons
- Not suitable for kittens less than 1.5kg or under 6 months old.
- Only compatible with bentonite clay cat litter.
- Maintenance: Filter cleaning recommended monthly, and filter replacement recommended every 3 months.
- Cost: More expensive than regular litter trays.
- May not be suitable for older, arthritic cats as they may have difficulty getting into the the high entry hole (however stairs are available and sold separately).
- Some cats may find it too enclosed or unappealing and may not adapt to it.
The Catlink Scooper Self-Clean Luxury Pro Litter Box is the ultimate in feline convenience. It detects your cat's movements using gravity sensors to ensure the clean is done straight after your cat finishes their business (not whilst your cat is inside, nor when your cat approaches!). This litter box has remote app control, so you receive notifications and real-time monitoring of your cat's daily toileting habits. It has multi-cat recognition and provides 24 hour individual cat health reports so you can keep track of your cat's litter volume and frequency - great for keeping an eye on those cats prone to urinary issues!
What our customers say: "I have back problems and multiple cats, and keeping the litter clean was an everyday pain (literally!). So, I decided to take the leap and buy the self clean litter and I couldn't be happier. Installation was super easy and connecting to the wi-fi. App is pretty straightforward, and I'm looking forward to buying the other products, so I can keep an eye on my cats' health all the time. Fast delivery from Pet Circle."
Best value
Catlink Scooper Self Clean Luxury Pro
Pros
- Spacious design to suit larger cats (54.5cm W x 54.5cm D x 59.5cm H)
- Control via a user friendly smartphone app
- Automatically cleans when cat is not inside
- UV disinfecting feature for added hygiene between cleans
- Easy to clean with damp cloth and mild, pet safe detergent
- Compatible with most clumping litters with a particle size of less than 7mm
Cons
- Not suitable for kittens under 1kg or shorter than 10cm in height
- Smaller entry size than some other options which may make it less suitable for very large cats or those with mobility issues
- Smaller waste compartment (4L) needs more frequent emptying than other boxes with larger capacity
- Requires WiFi to operate
- Cost: more expensive than traditional litter trays
The Pawz Large Self-Cleaning Automatic Smart Litter Box promises to revolutionize your cat care routine by automating the often-dreaded task of litter box maintenance. This smart litter box utilizes sensors and a rotating mechanism to sift and remove waste, depositing it into a sealed compartment, significantly reducing odors and the frequency of manual scooping. Targeting the modern, convenience-seeking pet owner, this device aims to provide a cleaner, healthier environment for both cats and their humans. With its sleek design and smart features, it fits seamlessly into contemporary homes. However, the question remains: does it live up to the hype?
Upon initial setup, the Pawz Large Self-Cleaning litter box appears robust and well-designed. The spacious interior caters to larger breeds, a significant advantage over many similar products. The automated cleaning cycle is relatively quiet, which is a crucial factor for skittish cats. The sealed waste compartment effectively minimizes odors, a welcome change for any cat owner. The smart features, such as the app connectivity, allow for remote monitoring and control, adding an extra layer of convenience. However, like any product, it has its drawbacks. The initial investment is considerable, and the requirement for specific litter types may add to ongoing costs. Additionally, while the large size is beneficial for some cats, it can be cumbersome in smaller living spaces.
Best open design
Catlink Scooper Self Clean Luxury Pro
Pros
- Open style litter box without a hood makes it less claustrophic and daunting for some cats.
- Lasts 20-30 days before litter change (new disposable tray) is required (based on usage of 1 cat).
- Disposable trays are pre-filled with crystal litter for quick and easy litter changing.
- Crystal litter has high odour control and is dust free.
- Cost: More affordable than high-tech self-cleaning litter boxes.
- Health counter and motion sensors keep track of how many times your cat uses the box.
Cons
- Not suitable for cats over 6.8kg, or kittens under 6 months old.
- Only compatible with crystal cat litter.
- No app compatibility - only monitors frequency of toilet trips, not volume or other trends.
- Crystal litter is less environmentally friendly compared to other litter types.
After your cat has finished toileting, this open-style automatic litter box uses sensors to automatically rake wastes away into a covered trap which locks away smells. It also features a health counter and motion sensors to track how many times your cat uses the box. This litter box is perfect if you are on the fence about taking the leap into the self-cleaning realm, as it's much less of an adjustment for your cat due to it's open style, and will leave less of a dent in your wallet compared to other higher-tech enclosed styles!
What our customers say: "I first purchased this product some years ago, it is the best thing I purchased and my cat has used it since I installed it. Worth purchasing especially for anyone who has an indoor cat"
Best for style
Smarty Pear Leo's Loo Too Avocado Grey
Pros
- Modern and sleek design available in grey
- Remote app control and Alexa voice control compatible - provides activity reports of your cat's toileting habits.
- Programmable UV light helps to eliminate bacteria, parasites and viruses.
- Whisper-quiet motor.
Cons
- Not suitable for kittens less than 500g or under 6 months old.
- Only compatible with bentonite clay cat litter.
- Full litter change recommended every 7-10 days (based on usage of 1 cat) due to 9L waste box.
- Maintenance: Filter cleaning recommended monthly, and filter replacement recommended every 1-3 months.
- No individualised health report trends for your cats (daily activity calendar only logs time of use and weight of cat).
- Smaller entry hole of 21cm diameter - may be more suited for smaller cats.
- Cost: More expensive than regular litter trays.
- May not be suitable for older, arthritic cats as they may have difficulty getting into the the high entry hole.
- Some cats may find it too enclosed or unappealing and may not adapt to it
The Smarty Pear Leo's Loo Too Self-Cleaning Litter Box is a great stylish option for those looking for a more modern design. This self-cleaning litter tray automatically removes wastes after your cat has used it, to ensure your home always smells fresh and clean. This litter box has remote app control, so you can keep track of your cat's daily toileting habits and trends - a great feature if your cat is prone to urinary issues!
What our customers say: "Got to admit, it's HUGE, like really big litter box. I got the litter (Clay clumping) , added it. Cats spent the night looking at it and wondering WTF. Anyway, the next morning, i scooped up some of their "doings" from their other litter box and added it, BAM, they went in. Now they wait for each other to finish and go themselves and they look to see what is taking their "Doings". They love it, waiting for the next sales and i will get a 2nd one. Cons - the bottom tray needs to be cleaned. thats it, nothing else, 5* devices , easy to connect to WiFi and to connect to Google assistance."
Best for apartments
Pawz Automatic Self Cleaning Smart Litter Box with App Control
Pros
- Features a door to help contain odours and loose litter, great for smaller spaces like apartments
- Smartphone connected, allows you to track your cat's toileting behaviour and control the box from anywhere
- Good internal size a (60cm W x 60cm D x 27cm H) allowing for easy movement of cat inside, suitable for cats between 1.5kg and 10kg
- Step to enter improves accessibility and features a grate to reduce litter tracking
- UV light for improved hygiene between cleans
- Sleep mode option to prevent nighttime disturbance
- Multiple sensors to ensure machine stops cleaning when a cat enters
- Compatible with most clumping litter types with particle size less than 7mm
Cons
- Not suitable for kittens under 1kg or shorter than 10cm in height
- Smaller garbage box capacity than other options (4L)
The Pawz Automatic Self-Cleaning Smart Litter Box is a modern solution designed to alleviate the burdens of traditional litter box maintenance. This innovative device automates the cleaning process, employing sensors to detect when your cat has finished their business, and then initiating a cleaning cycle to sift and remove waste. This waste is then deposited into a contained compartment, significantly reducing odors and the need for frequent manual scooping. Furthermore, its smart capabilities, facilitated by Wi-Fi connectivity and a dedicated app, allow pet owners to monitor their cat's litter box usage and receive notifications, adding a layer of convenience and insight into their feline's habits.
Beyond mere convenience, the Pawz Smart Litter Box prioritizes hygiene and cat comfort. Its spacious design accommodates cats of various sizes, and the inclusion of UV disinfection technology helps to minimize bacterial growth, creating a cleaner environment. The requirement for clumping litter ensures efficient waste removal, and the sealed waste compartment further contributes to odor control. While the initial investment might be higher than traditional litter boxes, the time saved and improved hygiene it provides make it an appealing option for busy, tech-savvy cat owners seeking a more streamlined pet care experience.
What our customers say: "I was sceptical of using it the self cleaning litter tray, I haven't seen my cat using the litter tray but I did check the bin and my cat has been using it. It's also very easy to set up"
What to look for in a Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Functions
Have a think about which functions are important to you - do you want simple and more affordable, or are you tech-savvy and want app compatibility so you can keep an eye on your cat's toileting habits? If you have more than one cat, then have a look at one of our self-cleaning litter boxes that has multi-cat recognition and provides individualised health reports.
Frequency of Cleaning
Each self-cleaning litter box will vary in their recommended frequency of full litter changes, due to their differing capacity and waste box size. For those which use filters, keep in mind their recommended frequency of filter cleaning and replacement. For open-style litter boxes like the Petsafe Scoopfree Self-Cleaning Litter Box, disposable trays are used and should be factored into your decision.
Type of Litter
Each self-cleaning litter box model will have it's own specific litter type that it is designed to work with, such as clay, crystal, tofu, corn or mixed (tofu & clay). It's important that you take this into consideration when choosing the best litter box for your cat, as it is best to choose one that utilises your cat's existing litter type to help ease their transition to the new box.
Covered vs Uncovered
Each cat will have their own preference over the type of litter box they wish to use - some will prefer the privacy of a covered tray, whilst others will prefer an open, uncovered tray. Keep your feline friend's individual preference in mind when selecting a new self-cleaning litter box.
Further Reading
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
How to Toilet Train Your Kitten
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Fri Mar 28 2025
Edited by Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)Dr Jacqui Victor BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats)
Veterinarian, MANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr Jacqui graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2011 and has worked in various small animal practices around Melbourne. Dr Jacqui loves witnessing the human-animal bond, and feels privileged that she is in a profession which allows her to make a difference to so many people and their loved ones. Dr Jacqui has a special interest in Feline Medicine, and attained her Membership Qualification in Feline Medicine with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2022.
