Let’s face it, cleaning litter isn’t exactly anyone’s favorite hobby. All cat parents face the challenge of finding the perfect litter-cleaning solution for their feline friend.
Depending on your cat's bathroom habits and your tolerance for scooping poop, you'll prefer some cleaning options over others. Plus, what works for you may not be someone else's top choice. Consequently, it's important to know the pros and cons of different litter-cleaning options.
The Ups and Downs of 7 Popular Litter Cleaning Tools
A litter box, a scoop, and a handy litter mat are the essentials when it comes to creating a clean bathroom zone for your cat. However, this trio doesn’t look the same for every feline.
There are countless options available for keeping your kitty’s litter box clean and fresh. Here are 7 choices, ranging from simple to ultra-fancy. See which one is the best fit for your pet.
1. Van Ness Basic Scoop
This scoop features high-impact plastic, making it durable and sturdy. It works well with clumping litter and is easy on your wallet at less than $2.
Pros
- This scoop is budget-friendly and offers decent durability and sifting power for the price.
- It has a comfortable handle with a hole that makes it possible to hang the scoop when not in use.
- It’s easy to clean with a little bit of soap and water.
Cons
- This scoop is smaller, so it’s best for smaller litter boxes and single-cat households.
- Although durable, the plastic can bend if it comes across extra-deep litter.
- Can be messy dragging litter from the box to a separate bag.
2. SunGrow Long Handle Scoop
This scoop won’t let any dirty litter pass through the slots, making clean-up quick and easy. Plus, the long-handle design means you don’t have to crouch and stoop to scoop.
Pros
- A deep scoop prevents litter from scattering and spilling over the sides.
- The extendable handle means less bending when it’s time to clean your cat’s litter box.
Cons
- Some people find a metal scoop heavier and more difficult to handle.
- Again, can be messy to drag litter from box to bag.
3. DuraScoop
This sleek scoop is made from one single piece of aluminum which makes it very durable.
Pros
- The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to manipulate this scoop.
- The long handle and wide shovel mean you can scoop a lot of litter at once.
Cons
- The material is durable, but it also is heavier than other scoops. This could be a deal breaker for those who need or prefer a lightweight scoop.
- The size and shape of the scoop could make it tough for some to use it in deep piles of litter.
- Scooping from the box to a bag can be messy.
4. Neater Scooper XL
Who wouldn’t want a cleaner way to scoop their cat’s pee and poop? The Neater Scooper allows you to scoop and bag litter with one hand.
The unique design sends litter directly into the bag, so you don’t have to worry about any litter getting on your hands or the floor. Plus, the refill bags have a pleasant lavender scent that keeps things smelling nice and fresh.
Pros
- The Neater Scooper XL features a quick-sifting design and wide openings for faster, easier scooping.
- Scoops straight into the bag and has a trap door that closes, keeping litter and odors inside.
- The extra-large size makes this scoop perfect for multi-cat households.
- The fast-scooping action and trap door also drastically reduces the amount of litter dust.
Cons
- Doesn’t clean your litter box for you like automatic models, but it still cuts down on cleaning time at a fraction of the cost.
5. Scoop-Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box
This self-cleaning litter box uses crystals instead of traditional litter. The crystals absorb urine, dry out solid waste, and don't track onto your floors. Waste collects in a tray that you can remove and toss.
Pros
- Uses crystals that are 99% dust-free.
- You don’t have to scoop every day or change out the litter for weeks.
- The box features disposable trays with a plastic lining that provide leak protection.
- There are safety motion sensors that know when your cat leaves the box so the mechanism doesn’t activate while your cat is inside.
- The box tracks your cat’s usage, which can alert you to potential health concerns.
Cons
- The need to replace the trays frequently make the overall price more expensive.
- Doesn’t work well for multi-cat households because it doesn’t keep up as well with odor control.
- The silica-based crystal litter isn’t biodegradable, so it’s not the most eco-friendly option.
- The automatic cleaning mechanism sometimes struggles with large urine clumps or clumps that stick to the tray.
- Needs to be in a location with access to an electrical outlet.
6. Casa Leo Leo’s Loo Too Automatic Litter Box
This automated litter box rotates to drop waste into a bin so you don’t have to scoop. It works well with small-particle clumping litters and features a UV sanitizing light and odor-controlling filters.
Pros
- Effective at self-cleaning at a slightly lower price point than the popular Litter Robot.
- It’s not as bulky as some robot litter boxes.
- The Loo Too has a sleek design with color options for the entry door.
- Quiet operation means it won’t startle your cat or annoy you.
- There are sensors so the mechanism won’t start to clean until your cat leaves the box.
Cons
- The smaller entry door may make it tricky for larger cats to get in and out of the box.
- Even though it’s cheaper than the Litter Robot, it’s still expensive at roughly $600.
- Needs to be in a location with access to an electrical outlet.
7. Litter Robot
The vast appeal of the Litter Robot's automated design is that you'll supposedly never have to scoop litter again. But this luxury doesn't come cheap.
Pros
- The litter robot is a time saver since it does the scooping for you.
- Reduces odors thanks to carbon filters.
- Depending on which model you get, it can track your cat’s bathroom habits and weight, alerting you to potential problems.
- It’s a good size for multi-cat households.
Cons
- The biggest drawback of this robotic litter box is the hefty price tag. Models range from $550 to over $700.
- Some cats may not find the enclosed design feline friendly, which can make them shy away from using it.
- To keep the Litter Robot in tip-top shape, it requires regular maintenance.
- Some models are bulky and difficult to handle.
- Needs to be in a location with access to an electrical outlet.
The Quest for The Ultimate Clean Litter Box
Whether you’re dealing with a cat who won’t use the litter box, or you want something easier to clean, finding the right match for your cat might take a few tries. Plus, a great litter box is only a part of the process. You also need to find the best litter for your cat.
Once you find the combo that works best for your favorite feline, you can look forward to cleaner, fresher days. For more helpful tips on the best ways to take care of your furry friends, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.