Self Cleaning (Automatic) Cat Litter Boxes - The LitterMaid Basic!

Besides cat food, the litter box will probably be the most important item that you purchase for your cat. It really doesn't matter if you spend a lot of money or a little…as long as your cat likes the box that you choose and actually uses it! After all, the alternative (your cat eliminating in your closet) is not very nice. In other HUB Pages, I told you about many of the basic cat boxes that are available at your local pet supply stores and online. In this post, I am going to go a bit further and explore the world of automatic cat litter boxes!

First up, the LitterMaid Basic Automatic Cat Litter Box! LitterMaid has been in the litter box business for many years. They offer many different cat related products…their most popular being the LitterMaid Basic Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box. This automatic litter box is wonderful…but I must warn you, it isn't cheap (it will set you back approximately $109.99, plus shipping and handling). Though it is pricey, it is ideal if you are tired of scooping the poop!

The LitterMaid Basic automatically rakes waste (cat poop and pee) approximately ten minutes after your cat "goes" (the waste falls into a sealable, odor free litter tray which is located underneath the box). You can either plug the unit into the wall or if you prefer, you can buy standard "D" cell batteries. When the litter tray is full, you simply bag it up and dispose of it…never actually touching the dirty litter! Wonderful and best of all, no scooping required!

So how does the LitterMaid know when it is time to "rake the litter?" Well, when your cat enters the unit, he triggers a sensor that sets a timer (for ten minutes). After ten minutes has elapsed (hopefully your cat has finished his business) the raking cycle begins. So, what type of litter does the LitterMaid Basic use? You must use ONLY PREMIUM CLUMPING LITTER! You can purchase premium clumping litter in most pet supply and grocery stores. One other note about litter, never fill the unit above the "fill line" or it will not work properly!

First of all, kittens and automatic cat litter boxes do not mix well! Most kittens are afraid of the noises that automatic cat litter boxes tend to make. They also have a difficult time getting in and out of the box itself. If you have a kitten, it is best to start with a litter box that is especially made for them or you can save your money and make one (with lower walls) out of a cardboard box! The best way to acclimate your adult cat to his new automatic litter box is to simply place it next to his old one and let him explore (cats like to investigate new things by smell!). Leave the automatic litter box in the "off" position for a few days so that your cat isn't alarmed by the sounds it makes. In the meantime, do not clean your cat's old litter box. Why, you ask? Well, cats do not like to poop or pee in dirty places so if their old box becomes too dirty, they will naturally turn to the new, automatic cat litter box. Once your cat has become familiar with his new potty, turn it on and set it to run automatically. Most cats adjust well to their new cat box while others take a few extra days. Once your cat is completely comfortable, get rid of his old box and enjoy your new "scoop free" life! Oh, one other quick note, do NOT place your LitterMaid Basic Automatic Cat Litter Box in direct sunlight or in damp areas.

LitterMaid Basic Product Description:

Litter pan size: Mega

Twelve Waster Receptacles

Four Carbon Filters

Carpet

Ramp

Scoop (hmmm, that is interesting!)

AC Adaptor

Color of Unit: Beige

Accent Color: Dark Sage

LitterMaid offers MANY different types of automatic litter boxes! Check them out!

Have a new kitten? Be sure to check out the Kitten Care Guide! It is loaded with interesting cat and kitten facts and information!