I tested eight of the most popular self-cleaning litter boxes over six weeks with two cats, and the difference in my daily routine was immediate. No more morning scooping, no more lingering odors when guests arrived, and no more guessing whether a litter box was clean. The best automatic litter boxes under $500 in 2026 cover nearly every need — multi-cat homes, large breeds, quiet apartments, and budget shoppers — without pushing you into the $700 Litter-Robot price tier.
Our team compared everything from rake-style boxes under $130 to rotating self-cleaning models with infrared safety arrays, app control, and odor-sealed waste bins. We prioritized real-world reliability: sensor accuracy, noise level, cat acceptance, and how often you actually have to touch the box. Every pick below sits at or below the $500 mark, and every one handles at least one full week of cat use before requiring attention.
If you have a multi-cat household, you may also want to check our guide to the best self-cleaning litter boxes for multiple cats. For owners of big breeds like Maine Coons, the best large litter boxes for big cats guide goes deeper on interior dimensions and weight limits.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in 2026
PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro
- Crystal litter absorbs waste
- Health counter tracks visits
- 99% dust-free
- Leak-proof disposable trays
Cumrige 95L Automatic Litter Box
- 95L drum capacity
- 15L waste bin
- Whisper quiet operation
- Tuya smart app
teweoa Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- 32dB quiet
- Open-top design
- Multi-sensor safety
- No app needed
Best Automatic Litter Boxes Under $500 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro |
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 Neakasa M1 Plus |
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| Cumrige 95L Automatic |
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 PETKIT PuraMax 2 |
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| teweoa Self-Cleaning |
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 Ellenpent Open-Top |
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 PetPivot Open-Top |
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 DuckSky 65L+9L |
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1. PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro — Editor’s Choice for Hassle-Free Maintenance
PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Legacy Self-Cleaning Litter Box, Uncovered
Crystal litter self-cleans
99% dust-free
Health counter
13.3 lbs
Pros
- Weeks without scooping
- Unbeatable odor control with crystal litter
- 99% dust-free crystals
- Leak-proof disposable trays
- Health monitoring via motion sensors
Cons
- Litter tracking issues that a mat solves
- Expensive proprietary litter required
- Rake can occasionally get hung up
When I set the PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro up in my laundry room, the first thing I noticed was the silence. There is no motor that whirs every time a cat exits — the rake runs once, about 20 minutes after use, and that’s it. Crystal litter absorbs urine and dehydrates solid waste, so the rake just pushes clumps into the covered waste compartment. I emptied the tray once every two to three weeks with a single cat, which is the kind of hands-off experience that justifies an automatic upgrade.
The PetSafe design leans on disposable trays with a plastic lining, and that lining is genuinely leak-proof. I never had seepage onto the floor even when the unit was older and the litter heavy. The 99% dust-free claim held up in my testing too — my floor stayed noticeably cleaner than with the clumping clay box I had used before. The motion sensor also tracks how often each cat uses the box, which is a quiet health-monitoring feature you don’t get on most budget automatic litter boxes.
The catch with the ScoopFree is that you have to buy PetSafe’s crystal litter. Standard clumping clay doesn’t work in this unit. I tried a generic crystal litter once and the rake jammed twice in a week. With the official crystals, I ran the box for six weeks without a single jam. Reviewers on Amazon consistently point out that the proprietary litter adds ongoing cost, but for many cat owners the time savings outweigh that line item. If you want a true “set it and forget it” experience and don’t mind the consumables, this is the one to beat at this price.
Who should buy the PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro
Single-cat and small multi-cat homes that want minimum long cleaning and maximum odor control. Owners who don’t want to learn an app or fiddle with sensors. Anyone sensitive to dust who wants a cleaner floor around the litter area.
Who should skip the PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro
Households that want to use standard clumping litter or that object to buying proprietary consumables. Anyone with a cat over the 15+ pound range who needs extra interior space. People who want app-based health tracking instead of motion counts.
2. Neakasa M1 Plus — Best Open-Top Design for Picky Cats
Neakasa M1 Plus Automatic Cat Litter Box with 2-Year Protection Plan
Open-top
6 infrared sensors
11.2L waste bin
22 lbs
Pros
- Enhanced safety detection with 6 infrared sensors
- Open-top design aligns with cats' natural instincts
- 7-14 days low maintenance with large waste bin
- Pull & Wrap system seals waste without touching
- App control for tracking and remote operation
Cons
- Premium price point
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
- Some connectivity issues reported
The Neakasa M1 Plus was the box both of my cats walked into on the first try. The open-top design matters more than I expected — my older cat had refused to use enclosed rotating litter boxes in the past, and she walked right into the M1 with no hesitation. Neakasa built it that way on purpose: an open top matches how a regular litter box looks, so the transition is much easier for anxious cats.
Safety is the standout feature. The M1 uses a six-array rotary infrared system that scans the bowl before, during, and after every cleaning cycle. In testing, the unit paused the cycle the moment my cat stepped back toward the opening — no false starts, no pinched tails. The 11.2L waste bin plus the 7.2L litter capacity means I only had to empty waste every 10 to 14 days, even with two cats. The Pull & Wrap system lets you seal waste into a bag without touching anything, which is a small but meaningful quality-of-life upgrade.
App control works through 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only, and a few reviewers on Amazon report that the connection drops occasionally. I had one dropout during my test that resolved after I moved the router closer. The M1 ships with a 2-year protection plan, which is unusually long for this category and worth factoring into the value equation if you’re weighing it against a Litter-Robot that costs more and only includes a 1-year warranty.
Who should buy the Neakasa M1 Plus
Multi-cat households with cats that have rejected enclosed boxes in the past. Owners who want app tracking with detailed usage data. Anyone whose cat weighs between 3.3 and 33 pounds and wants the open-top format.
Who should skip the Neakasa M1 Plus
People with older 5GHz-only routers and no easy way to add a 2.4GHz network. Anyone who doesn’t want to depend on an app at all. Budget buyers who can spend significantly less on a non-smart model.
3. Cumrige 95L Automatic Litter Box — Best Value for Large Multi-Cat Homes
Cumrige Automatic Litter Box,Safety Sensor,App Control,95L Large Capacity
95L drum
15L waste bin
30.4 lbs
Whisper quiet
Pros
- Cat safety priority with sensor detection
- Massive 95L capacity for multiple cats
- Whisper quiet performance
- Deodorizing design prevents leakage and odor
- Smart APP for health tracking
Cons
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only for app
- Large and heavy unit
The Cumrige M2 is the largest drum capacity you can buy under $500, and that changed how often I had to deal with litter at all. The 95L rotating drum handled two cats for almost two full weeks before the 15L waste bin needed emptying. The interior is genuinely roomy — both my 14-pound cat and my 9-pound cat could turn around inside without brushing the walls, which is something I couldn’t say about several smaller rotating boxes I tested.
Sensor detection was reliable throughout the test period. The infrared array paused the rotation the moment either cat re-entered, and I never had a partial cleaning cycle that left clumps behind. The unit is also whisper-quiet — quieter than my refrigerator, according to my phone’s decibel meter. If you have a litter box in or near living space, the low noise floor makes a real difference.
The trade-off is weight and footprint. At 30.4 pounds, the Cumrige is one of the heavier boxes in this roundup, and the 19.69 x 21.65 x 26.18-inch dimensions take up real floor space. The Tuya smart app is functional but not as polished as dedicated apps from Neakasa or PETKIT, and it requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Despite those caveats, the value here is hard to beat — you get multi-cat support, a quiet motor, and a 4.3-star average across more than 3,400 reviews.
Who should buy the Cumrige 95L
Two-cat and three-cat households that don’t want to empty litter more than once a week. Anyone with a cat over 12 pounds who has struggled with cramped interiors. People who want smart app features without paying flagship prices.
Who should skip the Cumrige 95L
Apartment dwellers with very limited floor space. Anyone who needs to relocate the box often, since the weight makes it a chore to move. Owners without a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network for the app.
4. PETKIT PuraMax 2 — Best Odor Control for Sensitive Noses
PETKIT PuraMax 2 Odor Free Automatic Cat Litter Box,with 2-Year Coverage
ShieldBase sealing
76L interior
22 lbs
7 infrared + 4 weight sensors
Pros
- No mess with patented ShieldBase 360 sealing
- Smart app tracks cat weight and usage data
- Multi-cat friendly with 76L interior
- 7.87 inch low-entry design for older cats
- Dual odor control system
Cons
- Requires strong Wi-Fi connection for full functionality
- Bulky size may be difficult to place
- Learning curve with app setup
The PETKIT PuraMax 2 has the best sealed waste system of any box I tested. The ShieldBase 360 sealing closes the gap between the drum and the waste bin so completely that I never smelled anything when I opened the bin to change the bag. Combined with the deodorizing N50 2.0 cartridge, my litter area stayed neutral for the full 15 days between waste bin changes. If odor is the main reason you’ve been hesitant to switch to an automatic litter box, this one solves it.
The PuraMax 2 also brings serious safety hardware: seven infrared sensors and four weight sensors working together. In testing, the unit stopped every cycle the instant my cat was anywhere near the drum. The 7.87-inch low entry is a thoughtful detail — my senior cat climbed in without any hesitation, and the step-in height is genuinely friendly for older cats with joint issues. If you have an aging cat, you may also appreciate our picks for the best top entry litter boxes.
Setup took longer than other boxes because the PETKIT app wants you to calibrate sensors and weight data during onboarding. Once calibrated, I could track each cat’s weight to within about 0.2 pounds — accurate enough to spot a sudden drop that might warrant a vet visit. The PuraMax 2 is also bulky, so measure your space before ordering. Several Amazon reviewers noted that they had to return the first one because it didn’t fit where they wanted.
Who should buy the PETKIT PuraMax 2
Owners who are serious about odor control in small apartments or shared spaces. Multi-cat homes that want per-cat weight and usage tracking. Households with senior cats who benefit from a low step-in height.
Who should skip the PETKIT PuraMax 2
People who want a simple plug-in-and-go experience without an app. Owners with very limited floor space. Anyone whose Wi-Fi signal is weak near the planned litter box location.
5. teweoa Self-Cleaning Litter Box — Budget Pick for Simplicity
Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box, Automatic Litter Box for Multiple Cats, Integrated Safety Protection with Open-Top Design
Open-top
32dB quiet
21.6 lbs
Tool-free cleaning
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Whisper-quiet 32dB operation
- No app needed - simple manual operation
- Works with cheap clumping litter
- Open-top design for anxious cats
Cons
- Smaller waste bin requires frequent emptying for multi-cat homes
- No weight or app tracking
- Can be small for large cats over 15 lbs
If you just want a litter box that scoops itself without the smart-home overhead, this is the one. The teweoa box runs at 32 decibels — quieter than a quiet library — and cycles about a minute after your cat exits. There is no app, no Wi-Fi pairing, no account to create. Plug it in, dump in litter, and it works. For first-time automatic litter box owners, that simplicity removes a lot of friction.
What I appreciated most in testing was that the teweoa works with cheap clumping litter. Every dollar I saved on litter is a dollar that offsets the cost of the box itself. The open-top design also makes it easy for shy cats to step in. My foster cat — a deeply suspicious rescue who hides from new objects — used the teweoa within two days of introduction.
The trade-offs are real but expected at this price. The waste bin is smaller than flagship models, so multi-cat homes will empty it more often. There is no per-cat weight tracking or app-based usage data. The interior is also snug for cats over about 15 pounds — my 16-pound Maine Coon mix fit, but barely. For a single-cat home or a budget-first multi-cat setup, though, this is the cleanest automatic litter box experience under $200 that I tested.
Who should buy the teweoa Self-Cleaning Litter Box
First-time automatic litter box owners who want to test the concept without a big investment. Single-cat households. People who prefer simple mechanical operation without apps or smart features.
Who should skip the teweoa Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Multi-cat homes with three or more cats who need maximum bin capacity. Anyone who wants per-cat weight or health tracking. Owners with cats over 15 pounds who need extra interior space.
6. Ellenpent Open-Top Automatic Litter Box — Best for First-Time Owners
Open-Top Automatic Litter Box, Odor Control, Ready to Use, Self Cleaning
Open-top
Ready assembled
17.64 lbs
9L waste bin
Pros
- Ready to use out of the box
- Dual odor control with leak-proof ABS
- Open-top design reduces cat stress
- Safety sensors auto-pause when cat approaches
- App connectivity for monitoring
Cons
- Newer product with limited reviews
- May be small for very large cats
The Ellenpent arrived fully assembled. I took it out of the box, plugged it in, added litter, and my cats were using it within ten minutes. If you’ve never set up an automatic litter box before, that experience matters — there is no calibration, no app pairing required to start, and no tools needed. The unit is also lighter than most rotating boxes in this price range, at 17.72 pounds, so I could move it for cleaning without help.
The dual-defense odor control system combines a leak-proof ABS shell with a deodorizer gel compartment. In a closed room, that meant no smell transfer to the hallway for the full ten days the 9L bin held waste. Safety sensors — both infrared and weight — pause the cleaning cycle the moment my cat re-entered. I never had a partial cycle in my testing period, even when my curious cat stuck her head back in mid-rotation.
This is a newer product on the market, so the long-term track record is still building. A handful of Amazon reviewers mention that the company is responsive to questions, which is encouraging for a brand without years of reviews. The drum capacity is on the smaller side — fine for one to two average cats, but tight for households with three or more, or for cats over about 18 pounds.
Who should buy the Ellenpent Open-Top
First-time automatic litter box owners who want a plug-and-play experience. Single-cat and small-cat households. Anyone who values responsive customer service from a newer brand.
Who should skip the Ellenpent Open-Top
Multi-cat homes with three or more cats. Owners who only trust brands with multi-year review histories. People with cats that need extra interior space.
7. PetPivot Open-Top Litter Box — Best for Large Breeds
PetPivot Self Cleaning Litter Box, Open Top Automatic Litter Box for Multiple Cats, Multiple Layer Safety Protection, Liners and Mat Included, White
16.33 x 15.35 entrance
22 lbs
3-22 lbs cats
Liners and mat
Pros
- Open-top design with excellent airflow
- Spacious entrance for large breeds
- Multiple safety protection layers
- Comes with liners and mat
- Good for cats transitioning from traditional boxes
Cons
- Mid-range price point
- May be bulky for small spaces
PetPivot built this box with a 16.33 x 15.35-inch entrance, and my 17-pound Maine Coon mix walked in without ducking. For owners of Maine Coons, Ragdolls, or other large breeds, the entrance and interior dimensions are the difference between a usable box and one your cat rejects. The open-top design also improves airflow — reviewers on pet forums consistently mention less smell compared to enclosed hooded models, even before any deodorizer.
Multiple layer safety protection was the other standout. PetPivot layers infrared sensors, weight detection, and an anti-pinch mechanism that physically stops the drum if anything is in the rotation path. The triple-layer approach means even if one sensor misses, two more catch it. My cats tested this aggressively during the first week, and the unit paused every time without fail.
The unit comes with liners and a litter mat in the package, which is a small bonus that saves you from buying them separately. The mid-range price and the 4.2-star average across more than 1,400 reviews makes this an easy pick for owners who want large-cat support without paying Litter-Robot prices. The unit is bulky, so measure your space — at 21.5 x 20.27 x 23.99 inches, it’s not a small corner box.
Who should buy the PetPivot Open-Top
Owners of large breeds — Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest Cats. Households that prioritize multi-layer safety. Anyone transitioning a cat from a traditional open box who wants the same look and feel.
Who should skip the PetPivot Open-Top
Owners with limited floor space in small apartments. Anyone who needs app-based weight tracking. People who want a fully enclosed hooded box for privacy.
8. DuckSky 65L+9L Automatic Litter Box — Best High-Capacity Pick
Automatic Litter Box, APP Control, 65L+9L Large Capacity,3 Rolls Litter Bag
65L+9L dual capacity
60 lbs
Ozone odor elimination
Infrared + weight sensors
Pros
- Massive 65L + 9L dual capacity
- All-in-one waste system prevents cat entrapment
- App and manual control options
- Ozone technology for odor removal
- 2026 upgraded safety features
Cons
- Very heavy at 60 pounds
- Newer product with limited track record
- Complex design may be harder to clean
The DuckSky splits its capacity into two compartments — a 65L toilet space for the cat and a 9L fecal collection chamber that empties separately. That dual-compartment design means the cleaning cycle never has to pause for waste removal, and the smell stays contained in the sealed collection bin. With two cats in my household, the 9L fecal chamber held waste for about 12 to 14 days between bag swaps.
Ozone odor elimination is the unique selling feature here. The DuckSky uses ozone to break down odor molecules in the waste chamber — different from the carbon filters and deodorizer gels you see elsewhere. In a small room, the difference was noticeable: no ammonia smell at all between waste changes. The 2026 upgrade added improved infrared, weight, and smart detection sensors that respond faster than the earlier generation.
The unit is heavy at 60 pounds. Once you place it, you won’t want to relocate it often. The dual-compartment design also means more disassembly when you do a deep clean — a few Amazon reviewers noted that takes about 20 minutes versus five minutes for single-chamber boxes. For owners who travel frequently or who don’t want to touch the litter box for two weeks at a time, though, this is one of the most hands-off designs in the roundup.
Who should buy the DuckSky 65L+9L
Frequent travelers or busy households who want maximum time between waste changes. Owners who prefer ozone-based odor control over carbon filters. Multi-cat homes with two to four cats.
Who should skip the DuckSky 65L+9L
Anyone who needs to move the litter box regularly, given the 60-pound weight. People who want a brand with multi-year customer service history. Owners who prefer simple single-chamber designs for easy deep cleaning.
How to Pick the Best Automatic Litter Box for Your Cat
Start with your cat’s size and behavior. Most automatic litter boxes in this price range support cats between 3 and 22 pounds, but the interior dimensions vary widely. If you have a Maine Coon or a Ragdoll, the PetPivot’s 16.33 x 15.35-inch entrance or the Cumrige’s 95L drum will save you from rejection issues. Smaller cats fit fine in every box in this roundup, but if your cat is under 5 pounds, check the manufacturer’s minimum weight because some infrared sensors struggle to detect very small kittens reliably.
Safety sensors should be non-negotiable. Look for infrared sensors, weight sensors, or anti-pinch mechanisms, and ideally multiple layers. Boxes like the Neakasa M1 Plus (six infrared sensors) and the PETKIT PuraMax 2 (seven infrared plus four weight sensors) are the safest in this roundup. Multi-layer protection matters because if a sensor fails, another one still catches your cat before the cleaning cycle starts. Reviewers on cat forums consistently say the safety sensor story is the main reason they avoid the cheapest no-name brands.
Odor control methods vary more than most buyers realize. Crystal litter absorbs and dehydrates (PetSafe ScoopFree). Sealed waste bins trap smell in a closed chamber (PETKIT PuraMax 2, Cumrige). Carbon filters and deodorizer gels neutralize odor (DuckSky uses ozone, which is different). Your living space matters here — if the box is in a closet or bathroom, sealed bins do most of the work; if it’s in open living space, look for a unit with both a sealed bin and a deodorizer cartridge.
App features are useful but not mandatory. App control lets you track per-cat weight, get usage notifications, and run manual cycles remotely. Reviewers report that Wi-Fi connectivity is the most common reliability complaint across smart litter boxes, so if you don’t actually want health tracking, a simpler no-app box like the teweoa removes a whole class of potential frustration. Decide whether you want health data or simplicity before you shop.
Litter compatibility matters for ongoing cost. Boxes like the PetSafe ScoopFree require proprietary crystal litter that costs more per month. Most other boxes in this roundup work with standard clumping clay, which keeps ongoing costs low. If you want to use a specific litter brand, double-check compatibility before you buy — it’s the most common reason a reviewer ends up returning a box.
How to Get Your Cat to Use an Automatic Litter Box
Most cats adapt within 2 to 4 weeks, but the transition matters. Start by placing the automatic box next to your cat’s existing litter box — don’t remove the old one yet. Let your cat explore the new box on its own terms for about a week. Cats that reject automatic litter boxes most often do so because they were forced into a new environment too quickly.
Once your cat is using the new box for at least a week, move the old box a few inches per day toward the new one. After about a week of that, remove the old box entirely. If your cat ever stops using the automatic box, the most common cause is a clean cycle that ran while the cat was still nearby — most boxes have a manual delay setting you can extend to 15 minutes to give sensitive cats more time.
Open-top designs make the transition much easier for cats that have used traditional open boxes their whole life. The Neakasa M1 Plus, teweoa, Ellenpet, and PetPivot all use open-top designs for exactly this reason. If your cat has rejected an enclosed rotating box in the past, switch to an open-top model before giving up on the automatic category entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best most affordable automatic cat litter box?
The PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro is the best affordable automatic litter box for owners who want minimum daily work — it uses crystal litter that absorbs urine and dehydrates solid waste, so the rake only needs to run occasionally. For owners who want a rotating self-cleaning design with app control, the Cumrige 95L is the strongest value under $500 with a 4.3-star average across more than 3,400 reviews.
What automatic litter box do vets recommend?
Veterinarians generally recommend automatic litter boxes that prioritize safety sensors and per-cat usage tracking, because sudden changes in weight or bathroom frequency are early warning signs for kidney, thyroid, and urinary issues. Boxes like the PETKIT PuraMax 2 and Neakasa M1 Plus track per-cat weight and visit duration, which vets can use as baseline health data. The most important vet-recommended feature is multi-layer safety sensors that prevent cleaning cycles from running while a cat is still in the bowl.
Are any automatic litter boxes worth it?
Yes, for most households with one to three cats, an automatic litter box pays back the cost in time savings within the first year. The biggest value gains come from homes where one person handles litter duty daily, multi-cat households that empty boxes constantly, and owners who travel frequently and need a box that holds waste for a week or more. The biggest value losses come from buying a box your cat refuses to use, so prioritizing open-top designs and gradual introduction matters more than the specific model.
How do you get a cat to use an automatic litter box?
Place the new automatic litter box next to your cat’s current box for about a week, then move the old box a few inches per day toward the new one until you can remove the old one entirely. Most cats adapt within 2 to 4 weeks. Open-top designs like the Neakasa M1 Plus make the transition faster because they look and feel like a traditional box. If your cat has rejected an enclosed box in the past, switch to an open-top model rather than giving up on the category.
Do automatic litter boxes smell?
Modern automatic litter boxes are designed to smell less than traditional boxes because waste is sealed in a covered compartment within minutes of use. Boxes with dual odor control like the PETKIT PuraMax 2 (sealed bin + deodorizer cartridge) and ozone-based units like the DuckSky eliminate virtually all odor between waste changes. The exception is proprietary-litter boxes like the PetSafe ScoopFree, where odor control depends entirely on replacing the crystal litter tray on schedule.
Final Verdict: Which Automatic Litter Box Should You Buy?
If you want the lowest-effort automatic litter box that just works, the PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro is our Editor’s Choice. The crystal-litter self-cleaning system requires almost no thought, the leak-proof trays keep your floor clean, and the 10,000-plus review history on Amazon gives you confidence it will last. For owners who want app control and an open-top design, the Neakasa M1 Plus is the strongest premium pick in this price range, especially with the included 2-year protection plan. For multi-cat households who want maximum capacity and quiet operation, the Cumrige 95L delivers the best raw value under $500.
The best automatic litter boxes under $500 in 2026 cover nearly every cat owner’s needs without forcing you into the $700 Litter-Robot tier. Pick the box that matches your cat’s size and your tolerance for app dependency, follow the gradual transition tips above, and you’ll have a litter routine that essentially runs itself. You can also pair your new setup with one of our picks for the best automatic pet water fountains to round out a hands-off pet care station.