Types Of Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes & How Each Type Works

Different Types of Automatic Litter Boxes

There are various types of auto litter boxes on the market. If you are interested in getting one of these devices for your cat but you need to know how they work, here we’ll explain to you all about these machines and the different mechanism they use to scoop, collect and hold the cat waste. The mechanisms of automatic litter boxes are divided mainly into 3 types:

1. Scooping Rake  |  2. Rotating Globe  | 3. Self-Flushing

Self-Cleaning Litter Box With Rake

These devices look similar to a regular cat litter box, but they feature a built-in automatic rake that collects the clumps to deposit them in a waste compartment located in the front end of the litter box. The rake type auto litter box suits most cats but I wouldn’t consider this type as the best fit for large cats since they don’t provide a roomy area for cats weighing over 14 lbs. The mechanisms of the rake to collect the clumps are basically two: Pushing rake and lifting rake.

1. The rake sweeps and pushes the clumps into a waste compartment

The Scoopfree is a good example of this. It features a rake that pushes the clump into a waste receptacle. This device works with blue crystals which makes it easier for the rake to push and rake the clumps. Once the rake gets close to the compartment, it’ll open to receive the clumps. When the rake goes back into position the tray closes with the clumps inside. Here you see a video how the ScoopFree works:

2. The rake sweeps and lifts the clumps to dump them in a waste compartment

An example of this type is the PetZone automatic litter box. When the rake gets close to the compartment it’ll lift the clumps to dump them into it. See a video how the Pet Zone automatic litter box works:

Both rake scooping systems work almost the same. The only difference is that while one rake pushes the clump to dump it into the compartment, the other rake lifts it to drop it. In general, scooping rakes work fine and they need a very specific type of litter to work as intended. For example, if the litter is too heavy, the rake won’t be able to push the clumps effectively.

Pros & Cons of Automatic Boxes with a Scooping Rake

PROS

• It looks like a regular litter box so it’s easier for a cat to adopt it
• Small footprint
• Price is reasonable

CONS

• Rake sometimes gets dirty with feces
• Waste compartment gets full too soon
• Sometimes the rake gets stuck
• The rake can’t collect clumps located in back corners or stuck at the bottom
• In some cases the litter area is too small for an average or large sized cat.

Automatic Litter Box With Rotating Globe

This type consists of a machine that features a Globe that holds the litter inside and when time to self-clean it starts rotating sifting the clumps into a built-in screen to finally drop them into a waste compartment located at the bottom of the machine. A rotating type is the Litter Robot. As an owner of one of these devices I must say this is the best automatic litter box, which is what I concluded in my personal Litter Robot Open Air review. The following video helps to understand how the mechanism works:

Pros & Cons of Rotating Automatic Litter Boxes

PROS

• Effectiveness when auto cleaning
• No scooping
• Reliability
• No smell
• No need for daily supervision
• Saving on litter

CONS

• The price is high
• Big footprint

Self-Flushing Automatic Litter Box

The self-flushing litter box has a mechanism that makes it a fully automated self-cleaning litter box. The machine not only collects the waste but also gets rid of it so you don’t have to dispose it. The CatGenie is a self-flushing auto litter box. The mechanism of the CatGenie collects the clumps with a screened arm-type, deposit the feces into a chamber that pulverizes them with a sanitized process to get rid of this liquid through a drain pipe.

Check how the CatGenie works (video 3.5 faster than normal):

Pros & Cons Of The Self-Flushing System

PROS

• Fully automatic scoop and disposal
• You don’t have to grab a bagged waste to toss it

CONS

• The cleaning cycles are long and noisy
• Installation requires connection with water drain pipe or to a toilet
• The system could get clogged
• Sometimes soft feces stick on the scooping arm.

Once you choose the type of automatic litter box that works best for your cat, make sure to follow the instructions of how to introduce your pet to the new automatic litter box and use the right litter to get a reliable operation. Best of luck!