Best automatic litter boxes 2023: Game changers for humans and cats alike

The obvious benefits of an automatic litter box for the cat parent include not having to do the dirty job yourself and the ability to keep a stable cleaning schedule despite your own hectic schedule. Recruiting a friend or someone from Rover to come over just isn’t plausible every single time — so whether you’re at work all day, stayed at karaoke longer than expected, or can’t turn down a spontaneous weekend trip, it’s nice to know that your kitties won’t be stomping in filth while you’re gone. Pair it with an automatic cat feeder and they just might forget you even exist.

But enough about you — what realy matters is that your cat will appreciate the consistent cleanings just as much as you do. Litter box etiquette is high on the list of peculiar cat behaviors. Despite the famous feline self-sufficiency that we all know and adore, cleaning their litter box is one huge thing they can’t do for themselves. And if you don’t do it right, they’ll let you know.

Rogue turds outside the litter box or other “bad” bathroom behaviors could be rooted in nothing more than preferring a litter box that’s scooped more often. The hygienic benefits extend to any surface on which your cat may prance after its paws have been in the litter box — like your bed or the kitchen counter. If your dog insists on digging in the litter box as often as your cat does, automatic scooping (and a small entryway, if you go that route) can reduce the changes for that kind of a mess.