Let’s face it, litter box maintenance entails some yucky tasks: scooping the waste, emptying the litter, cleaning the box, cleaning the scattered litter outside the box, and re-filling the box from a 40-lb. container of dusty litter.  What we wouldn’t do to take all that away.  If only the litter box could clean and empty itself.  Well, litter custodians, your dream has come true.  There is now a product on the market that professes just those abilities.  The self-flushing, self-cleaning, never needs re-filling litter box. 

It’s important to keep a few things in mind while considering this option— the most important issue being your cat’s comfort.  Remember, if your cat is not comfortable with the litter situation, he won’t be able to tell you, he’ll simply find somewhere “more comfortable” to relieve himself.  Resolving that problem is a very unpleasant task.

Multi-cat households. Even though this box allows for frequent use, there’s no substitute for multiple boxes in a multi-cat household.  If the box is in use, when your other cat needs it, you will want to have a second box immediately available. 

The noise factor. You absolutely do not want a cat in or heading to the litter box when it starts the scooping/cleaning/drying sequence.  We recommend setting the auto-clean option to manual so your cat does not experience a surprise cleaning. 

Size. Make sure the box is a suitable size for your cat(s).  These boxes don’t come in a variety of sizes.  Compare the size of the self-cleaning box to the size of your current box.  A box too much smaller may cramp your kitty’s style. 

Advanced technology is great.  I remember when “clumping” litter was a new item.  Make sure this advanced technology suits both you and your cat before committing.  Take advantage of the 90-day money-back guarantee if you need.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

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