5 Clever Litter Box Cleaners (Updated 2020)

Cleaning the litter box isn’t fun, but it can be a lot cleaner if you use one of these 

There’s probably not anyone that likes to clean a litter box, but if you have a cat, well, it comes with the territory. Besides not being a pleasant task, cleaning and changing a litter box can also pose potential health issues. The more contact you have with your cat’s litter, the more undesirable effects you’re exposed to, like toxoplasmosis, allergens, E.coli, and more. Plus, handling litter can increase your risk of aggravating certain pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Since you can’t stop your cat from going to the bathroom, and the odds are very good that your feline friend is there to stay, the logical solution is to find a better litter box cleaner. You may end up trying out a couple of different options before finding the cleaner that is the perfect match for your cat; after all, she’s a unique animal with her own standards and preferences. 

5 Clever Litter Box Cleaners

There are complete litter systems, special litter boxes, floor pads that "catch" litter, unique scoops like the Neater Scooper, and other various products on the market that are all designed to make handling your kitty's waste a little easier. However, with so many options, it can become a little overwhelming to decide which is the right choice for you and your cat, so here’s a look at five clever tools to clean your cat’s litter box.

 

The Neater Scooper

This scoop’s clever design lets you clean your cat’s litter box in a matter of seconds by combining all of the steps into one quick move. You simply scoop, and with a tilt of your wrist, your cat’s waste drops into the handy attached waste bin. The scented bag that lines the bin catches all of the clumps and poop and all you do is tie it up with the easy-tie handles. Easy peasy; talk about a cleaner way to do things! The bin detaches from the scoop with a simple squeeze, and you never have to make contact with your cat’s litter. When not in use, you can store the scoop upside-down inside of the bin, keeping everything in one easy-to-reach place. 

The scoop measures 5.9” x 5.6” x 11.7”, with an opening into the bin of just over 2” wide. This scoop is made in the USA, and you can choose from several colors including gray, green, tan, pink, and blue. The refill bags come in packs of 45, 90, or 180.

Nature's Miracle Just For Cats Litter Scoop & Caddy

This plastic scoop and caddy set features an antimicrobial coating to fend off bacteria, plus both attach to the litter box for easy access. The non-stick surface makes cleaning a breeze; no more wet litter sticking to the scoop! The scoop measures 11” X 6.4”, and it’s easy to clean; simply wash with mild soap and water.

iPrimio Sifter with Non-Stick Litter Scooper

This non-stick scooper was designed by cat-owners who know that people have better things to do than waste time with messy litter systems. The scoop, measuring 12” x 5” x 1.75”,  features a deep shovel with perfectly spaced slots so the mess stays put while the clean litter sifts through. The handle is comfortable to hold, and the front edge of the scoop is extra strong to handle the most difficult of clumps. The scoop also comes with a plastic hanger for easy storage.

Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can make your litter cleaning experience even more hassle-free with a self-cleaning litter box. Of course, you eventually still have to change out liners or bags, depending on the setup, or at least refill the litter, but the design of these products usually limits how often you need to deal with your pet’s poop. 

PetSafe Scoop-Free Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box

If you’re looking for as little work as possible when it comes to your cat’s litter, then for roughly $170 - $200, this litter cleaning system delivers. It automatically takes care of waste; you don’t have to scoop or clean the litter box for weeks at a time, and you won’t have to refill it for even longer. The crystal litter absorbs urine and effectively controls odors, plus it is low-tracking and won’t stick to your cat’s paws, keeping your floors cleaner too. The system comes with disposable trays that have a plastic lining to help prevent leaks and make clean-up super easy - just remove the tray, pop on the included lid and toss. 

This self-cleaning system kicks things up a notch by also providing information about your cat’s habits; the box has sensors that track how many times your kitty visits her box. The box comes in several color options and measures 27.5” x 19” x 16”, and weighs a sturdy 21 pounds. 

Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box

For a more economical option, the Omega Litter Box offers some basic self-cleaning action, sending waste into an easy-pull out tray and separating it from the clean litter using a patented grill. This box uses no liner or filters and is perfect for big cats or houses with multiple cats. The system works by rolling to the right and then resetting, no electricity needed. The box comes in a regular size, measuring 20” x 17” x 16.5”, and a large size that measures 23” x 20” x 19”, and it comes with an instruction manual, all for a reasonable budget-friendly price. 

Are Litter Boxes Okay for Dogs?

If you’re thinking about using a litter box with your dog, then there are a few extra points to consider. First, your dog most likely is not going to instinctively use a litter box as a cat does; if he does, consider yourself extremely lucky. Instead, you’re going to have to work the litter box into your potty training routine and be extra patient and consistent. When it comes to dogs and litter boxes, small dogs tend to do better at using a litter box than larger dogs, mainly because of the size of available litter systems.  If you think this is something you want to do, you might want to discuss some possibilities with your vet and see what advice she may have for you and your dog. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Cat’s Litter Box?

Basically, you should aim to scoop your cat’s litter box at least once daily. However, if you want to keep things sanitary and neat, several times a day is the better choice. Plus, you need to remember that litter doesn’t last forever, so you should completely replace the litter in your cat’s box once a month and clean the box with hot, soapy water. 

If you use a plastic litter box, it is recommended that you replace it every 6 to 12 months to avoid the growth of dangerous bacteria, even if your litter box has an antimicrobial coating. If you have several cats, then you will most likely need to replace the box more often, as well as clean it more often. If you splurge for a more durable box, that is more resistant to scratches and scrapes, then you might get away with replacing it less frequently. Ultimately, your best course of action is to use common sense. If your kitty’s litter box is looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to get a new one. This same rule of thumb applies to any of your cat’s supplies, like food bowls, litter scoops, collars, and toys.

This list is the perfect place to start to find the right litter box cleaner for you and your feline pal. Think about your daily schedule, lifestyle, and other factors that play a part in how much attention you can devote to cleaning your cat’s litter box; these are the things that will become a huge deciding factor when you choose the tool that’s a good fit for you! For more great insight into dogs, cats, and other pet products, make sure to check out the rest of our blog. At Neater Pets, we aim to provide you with the information and products that you need, so you can be the best provider for your pets.