Like human beings, cats too don’t eliminate where they eat and sleep. If a cat does that, then she is trying to explain something to its owner. Some lousy problem that feline wishes to convey yet fails to do so every time. So, here’s how you should make out what’s wrong with the cat:
Health Problems
When a cat sleeps in a litter box, there must be something wrong with her. Usually, they don’t sleep there. So, when you notice your cat sleeping where she usually doesn’t, it’s time to consult a veterinarian. Urinary disorder can be one reason besides many other – they, the cats, feel constant need to urinate. Hence, they don’t leave the litter box and end up sleeping in it.
Safety Measure
Apart from health problems, cats do sleep in litter box because they find it a safe haven. It’s only place where they find complete privacy and are not disturbed even by little kids. Apparently, this could be another reason.
Litter Brand Change
Litter is available in multiple brands in the market. When a litter brand is changed, it can make your cat sleep in the box. The cats often don’t consider a box with new litter as a place to eliminate, and so they may simply show their displeasure by sleeping on it rather than eliminating the waste.
I am not sure why, but my cat stop sleep in litter box once i change it with one of these automatic cat litter boxes. There are other reasons too. But, one thing is sure – it’s not natural to see cats sleeping in a litter box. Thus, when you come across a cat that sleeps in the box, act promptly and solve the problem. As a result, both you and your cat would be stress free and lead a healthy life. You can place another litter box at any other area in the house so that cat gets rid of the sleeping in the box.
Keeping the cleanliness can be quite a challenge for pet owners especially for those who own both a dog and a cat, and one surefire solution is getting a dog proof litter box. Dogs are attracted to the odor of cat litter which makes the whole thing messy. Just imagine having to constantly check on your pet cat and dogs and to make cleaning cat litter a part of your daily grind.
This problem can be addressed with the right dog proof litter box which will not only allow the proper handling of cat litter but will also keep the dog at bay. Essentially, this is the answer to keeping the area or the home clean and keeping it clean.
One of the best litter box products available in the market is the Clever Cat Dog Proof Litter Box. Top entry litter box is a definite must have for cat owners and affordable alternative to the expensive automatic litter box for multiple cats because it not only cheaper but it also reduces the risk of spilling & eliminates odor and tracking. Cats will surely enjoy the privacy as it affords your pets easy adaptability in using the dog proof litter box. And the best part of it is that dogs will be kept at bay with the litter box.
Making the Right Choice
Easy Cleaning
One needs to consider the ease of cleaning the dog proof litter box furniture before making the purchase. As the product may be reliable, it is also essential that the pet owner should be able to effectively clean the litter box easily. The Clever Cat Litter Box is made from plastic which provides the pet owner the owner the capability to clean the litter box easily. This would mean that pet owners need to spend less time cleaning the box and more time on more important things.
Accessibility
The dog proof litter box is designed with a 9 inch opening at the top that allow pet cats to go in and out of the litter box easily. The design will also allow cats to easily adjust to the litter box and can enjoy the privacy. Best of all, the small opening cannot be accessed by most dogs which makes it dog proof. The design should be able to allow cats to access the litter box while keeping the dogs away from it.
Dog Proof
The dog proof litter box easily eliminates odors. These odors primarily attract dogs to cat litters hence the choice for the right litter box should be one that would eliminate or reduce odors. This would prevent dogs from picking up the odor and eventually from tracking it and making a mess from cat litter. In the end, one need to choose a litter box that would serve the purpose of keeping dogs away from it.
Size
The size of the dog proof litter box is also an essential factor to consider as pet owners would have to decide the area by which the litter box is to be stationed. One can afford a big litter box if they have a huge space available for the pet however for small spaces, like apartments, a smaller litter box that is space efficient is advisable. The Clever Cat Dog Proof Litter Box has a dimension of 20”x15”x15” which is advisable for smaller spaces.
Price
The price that the owner is willing to pay for a dog proof litter box would determine the kind of design to be purchased. It is a definite that with the right price comes with the right value. Automatic litter box will cost you few hundred bucks but Clever Cat Dog Proof Litter Box is affordable and with the price of $35 when purchased on line, the litter box is indeed value for the purpose that it was designed for.
Who is it for?
The Clever Cat Dog Proof Litter Box is an ideal product for pet owners who want to solve their problems on keeping their houses or areas clean from cat litter. This is also the best way to take care of pet cats by providing it with a comfortable litter box. This is one of the ways that you can show appreciation to your pet cats. It is advisable for individuals living in small floor areas like apartments. However, a setback for this dog proof liter box is that it is not for big, elderly, or disabled cats.
This simple innovation of dog proof litter box can provide comfort and ease, not only to cat owners, but to pet cats as well. This is one way of showing your pet cats that you care and that your cat’s comfort is part of the consideration. In summary, the problem on cat litter should not prohibit pet owners from owning both a cat and a dog altogether. There are solutions to addressing the problem of a dog’s attraction on the odor of cat litters.
In the end, the Clever Cat Dog Proof Litter Box is the best choice for a cat owner who desires to shelve out the price for a cat facility that will help owners manage cat litters at home. The design of the litter box provide owners with the ease of cleaning with its straightforward design. Furthermore, its ability to eliminate odors that does not attract dogs and its access hole located at the top of the litter box makes it dog proof. The small design makes it best choice for pet owners who live in smaller areas that could only afford a space efficient litter box.
You may want to check out automatic litter box reviews first here. Cat Genie dubs itself the “Worlds only Self-Flushing, Self cleaning” litter box. CatGenie’s goal is to help you never touch cat litter again.
Design – How it works
It has a roomy rotating bowl with a magic “Genie Hand” that lifts solid waste into a receptacle that grinds the waste for disposal in your home’s sewer system. The hand also sifts and agitates the litter as the bowl rotates. It uses washable/reusable/environmentally-friendly pellets, replaceable “Sani-Solution” cartridges and a programmable “brain” for setting the cat-sensing or timed modes. Currently, Cat Genie 120 has the most sophisticated design of all self cleaning litter boxes.
Urine soaks through the pellets into the “Sani-Solution” and the pellets are washed and then dried with heat during the cleaning cycle. A hooded dome is available to reduce litter scatter. It must be connected to a water supply and a drain; it is easy to install with simple tools.
Usage Modes
Cat Genie has three usage modes: 1) Cat-Start, 2) Auto-Start and 3) Push-Start. Cat-Start is the fully automatic mode that runs 10 minutes after the cat leaves, except when the Cat Genie is sleeping for 10 hours. It cannot start if the cat is in the box or comes back. Auto-Start runs some number of times per day, but since the solid waste might be sitting in the bowl drying out, more solution is needed to clean it.
The Push-Start mode is used when you need to get a stool sample for your veterinarian. It is also used if you want to run the cycle while Cat Genie is sleeping. The Cat-Start mode uses the least “Sani-Solution” than the other two modes and is recommended by the manufacturer as the most trouble-free.
Construction
Construction of the Cat Genie is the most complex of all self cleaning litter boxes. It holds the record for the most individual parts, the most electronics and the most moving parts. Why am I bringing that up? Many parts and more moving parts means there is an increased risk of a breakdown.
Power Consumption
Cat Genie is the most power hungry of all self cleaning litter boxes. It requires double the power of the Litter Robot (20W vs. Litter Robot’s 10W, not including the power for the drying cycle that requires a whopping 1200W while it runs – just like my blow drier!).
Environmental Concerns
Cat Genie has environmental appeal because the litter pellets are reused indefinitely and unlike clay litter they are not strip mined. They also contain a special additive that enables plastic-loving bacteria to eat them up in the landfill.
However, true environmentalists will raise the following questions: 1) Your pets now consume additional fresh water, one of the world’s most precious commodities 2) the “Sani-Solution” is being deliberately expelled into the environment and exactly what is in it anyway? The manufacturer provides absolutely no test data to show it is non-toxic, biodegradable and harmless for the environment, even though some of these statements are claimed and 3) the power-hungry drying cycle takes a lot of energy compared to other self cleaning litter box alternatives.
It seems the manufacturer really wants you to purchase its Sani-Solution. There is a forum post from the manufacturer that states requiring purchase of the Sani-Solution cartridges, is “part of the business model”. In other words, more profit, just like the printer companies who charge $80 for cartridge refills. Nevertheless, users have found ways to refill the cartridges; you can find the thread on the internet and use the suggestions at your own risk.
If can’t stand the thought of the Sani-Solution but are concerned about clay litter strip mining you may consider purchasing a Litter Robot or PetSafe self cleaning litter box and then use an environmentally-friendly clumping litter such as SwheatScoop. This litter is made from wheat rather than clay.
Use and Care
There are many reports of difficulty caring for the Cat Genie but most of these reports are referring to the earlier model. Users who have owned both the first version and the new Cat Genie 120 have reported that it is greatly improved. There is a new maintenance cartridge that eliminates regular disassembly to clean the water sensor. Also, clogs and a “baked poo smell (caused by poo left on the granules during the drying cycle) that were reported in the past are now very rare. Also, reports of poor customer support seem to have been resolved as well.
Odor Control
Odor control is very good most of the time, but not the best compared to other self cleaning litter boxes. The scented Sani-Solution is intended to create a pleasant smell and many people like it, but some users with sensitive noses complained. Fortunately, there is an unscented version available. Second, poo odor performance could be better.
Users have reported that on occasion, the Genie Hand is not perfect at scooping out the poo, creating “poop soup” during the cleaning cycle. Second, the poo sits in the reservoir for some amount of time during the sleep and non-auto start modes, creating additional odor. Don’t forget the baked poo smell, too, but this was also reported as rare. Consider your sensitivity to odor when contemplating a purchase of the Cat Genie and take these imperfections into account.
Cleaning
The Cat Genie needs no cleaning unless something goes wrong. A “maintenance” cartridge is available that cleans the water sensor but if you don’t want to purchase it, you can do it yourself manually. It is also necessary to check the hopper once in awhile; you may find gifts from your cat or extra fur if your cat sheds a lot and these must be cleaned out.
Noise
The 30 minute cleaning cycle is very quiet. You may hear some flushing/draining sounds when it empties, but it’s not much different than your dishwasher or washing machine draining.
Warranty
The warranty is two years, the longest of all self cleaning litter boxes and there is a 90-day money back guarantee.
Cat Genie Unboxing
Pros
• Fully automatic cleaning
• The happy users really love it!
• Eliminates pet waste and litter from entering landfills and reduces clay litter strip mining demand
• Excellent noise performance
• Minimal recurring litter cost but recurring Sani Solution cost
• Hood available to reduce litter scatter
• Good for multiple cats but some large cats may feel the bowl is too small
Cons
• Environmentally-untested Sani Solution expelled into the environment regularly
• Additional environmental concerns due to extra water/power usage
• Complex design may raise high malfunction risk compare to another self cleaning litter boxes
• Occasional odor problems due to imperfect feces scooping
• Increased water supply bill, Sani Solution, replacement litter, maintenance cartridge
• Kind of big, must be placed near a water supply & drain (bathroom or laundry room are good candidates)
Conclusion
Cat Genie is an excellent concept for a self cleaning litter box. Think about your reason to purchase it (self-cleaning, help the environment, etc.) and weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if it makes sense for you.
Design – How it works
You thought PetSafe is the best automatic litter box? here our review: The litter pan is bowl-shaped and is filled with premium clumping cat litter. It rotates continuously at an extremely slow speed. You and your cat cannot detect the movement. Eventually the urine clumps and feces reach a conveyor belt ramp that separates solids from litter and carries the waste up and into a waste receptacle. No special trays, bags or litter are needed to make it work, however “premium” clumping litter is required. It takes one hour to remove freshly-laid waste. The PetSafe Simply CleanTM should win an award for the “Most Interesting Litter Box Design” at the sub-$100 price point.
Power Consumption
I’m sure you are thinking, “This thing must use a lot of power!” This is not true, however. A small amount of electricity is used, perhaps even less than some other electronic litter boxes, because the motor turns very slowly. A slow-turning motor takes less electricity than a fast turning motor (just like a four cylinder compact car uses less gas than a souped-up sporty model).
The manufacturer states that PetSafe Simnply Clean Electronic Litter Box uses the same amount of electricity in one Christmas light bulb. In other words, burn a Christmas bulb continuously 24/7 and that’s how much electricity it takes to run it. Besides, if you are willing to let the waste hang around a bit longer, you can always purchase a timer for the AC outlet to make it run only a few times per day, if you want to reduce the power consumption to the minimum.
Construction
There is a bowl-shaped litter tray connected to a motorized pole. The tray is mounted on a platform. A waste receptacle is attached to the platform just outside the rotating tray. The conveyer is covered and fills about half of the tray. There is not much room for the cat to move around, so hopefully you have a cat that doesn’t care about that!
PetSafe Simply Clean Demo
Construction is where the PetSafe Simply CleanT M electronic litter box falls short compared to other, more robust, electronic litter boxes. The cover must always be installed properly because there is a switch that must be depressed in order for the litter box to operate. The sides of the litter tray are not high enough for most cats so expect a lot more litter to be kicked around the box vs. a litter pan or another electronic litter box. Note that assembly is required before using it for the first time.
The construction also could lend itself to more breakdowns because litter can get trapped in the gear motors, the conveyor can jam on occasion and the cover can lift off due to a large-sized clump. This is problematic because the switch will not be depressed and the unit will not run. A somewhat mechanical person will be able to deal with these issues, but if you are not someone who is willing to take it apart, think twice before purchasing.
Use and Care
I find the use and care instructions in the manual to be a bit confusing. First, it says, “Fill the litter to the fill line. Do not let the litter fall below the line.” Hmmm, the cat urinates one time and a significant amount of litter is removed. To avoid letting the litter fall below the fill line, it will need to be filled every day, defeating the purpose of owning an electronic litter box!
Also, many users complain that the conveyor belt chops up the clumps into fine particles that cannot be carried up the conveyor. Clearly, they did not read the manual because it says premium litter is required!
Many users also complain about maintenance issues such as: needing to take it apart frequently to clean gears hidden inside, litter getting chopped into bits and clogging the ramp, litter getting kicked out, etc. Other users, however, diligently found work-arounds for every problem encountered. Bottom-line: if you have a knack for mechanics, this electronic litter box may be fine for you; otherwise, it could be your worst nightmare!
Odor Control
There is no reason to think this electronic litter box will have great odor performance compared to other electronic litter boxes since there is nothing special such as a carbon filter. In fact, it may perform worse due to the reported problem of the conveyor chopping up the odorous clumps into fine bits. Nevertheless, it will certainly have less odor than a litter pan because of the continuous cleaning action.
Cleaning
Minor disassembly is required for cleaning. Both the waste receptacle and the litter bowl may be submerged in water. Make sure the bowl is completely dry before reassembly, though, because the electronics may not be exposed to water.
Noise
I really like the noise performance of this electronic litter box. It is extremely quiet, the noise is undetectable when it is working properly. If you are concerned about noise bothering you, this is the one to get! However, there is a caveat. Many users also complain about noise that may be caused by litter getting into the gears; this can be overcome if you are mechanically-inclined.
Warranty
The warranty is one year from the date of purchase; proof of purchase is required if the consumer does not register the purchase with PetSafe. Also, do not purchase from an unauthorized retailer because of this statement on the PetSafe web site: “If our products are not bought from an Authorized Retailer, customers may not receive warranty or customer support care.” Refurbished units are also not covered.
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Unique, noise-free design (may require a work-around to eliminate noise, though)
• Works well for the price, if you can overcome the maintenance hassles
• Very little litter is wasted no special waste receptacles needed, but premium litter is required
• Reasonable size
• Good for cats under 12 lbs; users have reported larger cats and multiple cats are fine
Cons
• Higher cost over time due to breakdown risk and the use of premium litter (required).
• Some risk of the cat not using it due to the bowl being small; cats who dig a lot may not like it.
• No cover, bowl sides too low, litter gets kicked out a lot
• Maintenance hassles; not good for those who are not mechanically-inclined
• No odor control
• No trial period, except for store return policy
Conclusion The PetSafe Simply CleanTM electronic litter box is a good mid-term value if you can put up with some maintenance hassles, however, it may cost more in the long run due to the requirement of premium litter. This electronic litter box is not recommended for those who are not mechanically-inclined.
The LitterMaid LME 980 is among the classic LitterMaid cat litter boxes in its self-cleaning series. In the past, LitterMaid has made a name for itself by providing reliable auto cat litter boxes that are convenient to clean and maintain.
Advantages: The LM980 is probably the largest automatic litter box with very high side wall. You can set the box to delay itself until morning when you don’t want to hear it operating all night, and there is also a paw cleaning ramp that catches all litter before it makes a mess on your floor.
Disadvantages: Unfortunately the current product quality is terrible and the performance is inconsistent. Noisy motor and jamming rake is the biggest weakness.
LitterMaid LME 980 self-cleans after your cat’s every use, making sure that waste and clump litter is suitably set aside for proper disposal. The auto litter box measures 17.7 inches in width, 28 inches in length and 9.8 inches in height.
How It Works??
LitterMaid LME 980 can be set up anywhere in the house near to an power outlet. While batteries can be used, connecting it directly to an outlet will save you constant monitoring of the batteries and assures you of continuous cleaning.
Regular clumping litter can be used for this auto clean litter box. The box has a safety bar where the removable rake is built-into. After your cat’s use, an automatic timer will set itself to 10 minutes and then starts to self-clean. During the cleaning cycle, it will rake all the clumped litter and cat waste from the far end of the box pushing them towards where the waste receptacle is. As it moves towards the end, the waste bin automatically opens for the rake to drop into it the solid waste that it has dragged. Slowly as the bar returns to it original position, the waste bin is also shut tight.
The waste bins has a designated area where the carbon filters are placed to better absorb smell. This way, your auto litter box continuously remains to be clean and fresh.
If there is a chance that your cat decides to come back inside the cat auto litter box, it will stop and reset the cleaning cycle. It will wait another 10-minute interval before starting the cleaning cycle again.
How It Compares to the Other LItterMaid Auto Litter Box
Compared to the LitterMaid 580 and the LitterMaid 9000 MB , the LitterMaid LME 980 can hold cats that are more than 15 lbs. while the other two designs can hold not more than 15 lbs and over 20 lbs, respectively. It has the biggest in pan size among the 3 designs.
Like the LitterMaid 580, it has high walls, the rake is made of plastic, comes in colors of toupe green and tan, and can be automatically or manually activated. Unlike the LME 9000 MB, LME 980 does not have a sleep mode, no ionizer and does not come in silver and black colors. All three have built-in cleaning ramps and comes along with a cleaner for the rake and scooper.
Conclusion
While some customer are pretty satisfied and do not have serious problem, unfortunately, most of them reported various issues regarding Littermaid litter box product such as frequent jamming, a considerable amount of litter ends up outside the box, malfunction sensor etc.
Recommendation
Petsafe Simply Clean may become our favorite choice in term of price, but if you do have more little budget, getting Litter Robot or CatGenie is a wise decision for long term usage.
Odor Control