Are you looking for a self cleaning litterbox — the kind that automatically scoops the litter when your cat leaves the box? We recently had the chance to try the PetSafe ScoopFree® Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box, a self-cleaning litterbox you can plug in and leave alone for weeks at a time.
We received a ScoopFree litterbox for our review; we were not compensated for our review. All statements and opinions are entirely our own.
Why We Wanted to Try the PetSafe ScoopFree Litter Box
As our regular readers know, we’ve been having litterbox challenges here lately. Since Lucky’s bladder surgery last June, he’s taken to finding “alternative” potty sites throughout the house. The veterinarian believes he’s either experiencing pain when he’s urinating or he’s afraid he will experience pain. He has numerous “pee pans” without litter that we’ve set up throughout the house to encourage him to use those but we wanted to try a totally different kind of litterbox and see if that might help, too.
What makes the ScoopFree Litter Box Different?
There are several automatic, self-cleaning litterboxes on the market but the PetSafe ScoopFree litter box uses a special crystal litter.
PetSafe sells several versions of the ScoopFree box including the covered box…
…the top entry box…
…and the uncovered box…
That special litter–one that would be a different smell and texture for Lucky–was part of the attraction for us, in case Lucky associated his old litter with discomfort. Also the shape of the box was totally different than the shallow pans we usually use. We decided to give it a try.
Assembling the ScoopFree Box
The ScoopFree box was super simple to assemble, basically just popping on the hood and the waste trap cover.
The entire unit sits over the specially-designed litter tray which includes magnets that close up the waste after it is raked up.
That rake is the most interesting part of the unit. You can adjust how long to wait after the cat leaves the box before the rake engages, setting it for 5, 10 or 20 minutes. (Ours is set to 20 minutes.)
When the cat uses the box, this triggers a counter, which just might be my favorite part of the unit:
Of our four cats, only Lucky and Linus go into this bathroom so the counter gave me a good way to tell if they were using the box.
How Long Does the ScoopFree Litter Last?
The PetSafe ScoopFree litter trays are disposable, designed to last for about a month with one cat. The instructions note that the enclosed crystal litter is five times more effective at reducing odors than other clay and clumping litters.
Honestly, I didn’t believe it would work to reduce odors but, after over two weeks, I still smell no odor coming from the box. The waste that’s been raked behind the magnetized flap remains odor free. There’s NO mess visible in the box!
But, most importantly, what does Lucky think? I’m happy to say that he’s using the box!! He’s still urinating outside the box several times a day but is also urinating inside the new litterbox, definitely a step in the right direction!
I give the ScoopFree a big paws up! I received the litterbox free for review but I just recently ordered replacement trays and litter. We still have three other traditional litterboxes in other parts of the house but I’m happy to have a box that Lucky now feels is his own and one that he’s happy to use–and super easy for me to keep clean!
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