Automatic Litterbox Central

Those looking around - CatGenie and ScoopFree aren't on the list (though the SF was mentioned above, not the CG). CG is a litterbox with plumbing and you already know about SF. They both have their own forums (and websites), if you're looking for more info. It's been a year and a half, so rocketwidget probably won't update that post.

Great post, though I am definetly looking for information on CatGenie...I'll be heading over to that forum shortly.
David.

No good deed goes unpunished, right shfwilf?[/quote]

Indeed, don't you love people like that. Meanwhile, thanks for the compilation. It's was a good job. Do you have anything to add?

Only 2 cats and 2 weeks on the LR.
So far it is a godsend.
They both go in there and do their thing.
I change a bag every couple of days.
This is too cool!
I agree that the inside of the globe should be cleaned regularly.
I weigh in heavily on the "pro" side for this great invention.

Hello....I'm a new fan of the SF except for one minor problem: I cannot find the Fresh Step crystals at any store in Austin, Tx. I have ordered the Forever Litter tray....and now I'm on the search for the crystals. Anyone live in or around Austin that can shed some light here? Thanks!

I have a FIX for the clunking noises and stalls of the Petmate Purrforma Automatic Litter Box.
I just bought a Petmate Purrforma extra large off of e-bay. They claimed it was new never used. After I won the bid I started looking for supplies and information about the machine, I had wanted one since they first came out.
Then I discovered the complaints. I am a former technician and I decided to analyze the complaints and be ready to address known problems as they occurred. I should mention that I have 6 cats and am giving the box a true workout.
Well right off the bat the box started hanging up in the rake sweep as it ascended the platform to dump in the container. I took it apart and discovered that the black nylon tube that attaches to the top of the rake guide was cracked, switch side, and causing the hang up. Obviously the box was not new. The tube comes right off and looks like it should be a spared part, I will write to the company about this ASAP, in the meantime I reinforced the section with epoxy putty, available at any hardware store or Home Depot. Now it works great, no hang up and smooth quiet operation. I will monitor how long this fix works and let everyone know.
I discovered that if you overfill the box, the waste will end up behind the rake. If you use a heavy clay cat litter it wont clump well and will apply too much pressure to the rake and bend it. DO NOT assume this is a design flaw. You would not want your cat trapped somehow in a box that could physically injure her. The box is designed in a lightweight fashion for safety reasons which is why it has a 12VDC motor and an aluminum rake.
People you must be smarter than the box. Use lightweight cat litter for starters, here’s a link to what I’m using it’s called P.POD and is all natural and NOT clay and VERY light http://www.jbpet.com/P-Pod-Clumping-Cat ... ,1255.html , it is solid clumping litter and works very well. P.POD is available from Fred Meyer in my area (Kroger Food Group). Fill with fresh litter as you empty the waste container, but be sure to only add it across the rake at the back of the box up to the middle of the box, DO NOT OVERFILL, and NEVER add litter on the ramp up to the waste container. I find that the convenience of not having to sift cat litter daily is immense in spite of known problems and even though I have to empty it daily.
Since beefing up the nylon tube guide I have had no issues with noise or faulty running. I’ll let everyone know if it quits and whether I can fix it or not, and I will let you know the response from Petmate about sparing (replacement part) the nylon tube that causes the malfunction and is giving this system such a bad reputation.
Last night I found three of my cats playing with the box while it was running standing on the plastic flap that lifts to allows the litter to be deposited under it into the waste container. Needless to say this could be a problem, but the box held up to the Cat curiosity and survived the excess weight.
PLEASE don’t chuck the box without trying this tube fix if you are experiencing clunking noises and stalls. If you need help with this procedure I will be more than willing to help anyone by sending photo’s or other information as necessary. Contact me on MySpace – Kiznkitten

I'm definately not a fan of the LitterMaid. I had two of them (one was free). It works fine if the poop is completely solid...BUT...if your kitty has a softer movement rather than rock hard, the rake seemed to always catch it. Once caught...it literally sweeps out all of the litter until you clean the rake off, which if you're out for a weekend will leave a lovely mess to be cleaned up.

toothwares wrote:Hello....I'm a new fan of the SF except for one minor problem: I cannot find the Fresh Step crystals at any store in Austin, Tx. I have ordered the Forever Litter tray....and now I'm on the search for the crystals. Anyone live in or around Austin that can shed some light here? Thanks!

Hey there--

Pretty sure you can get the trays for ScoopFree at Petco or on the company's website (www.scoopfree.com), or you can get the crystal litter at Walmart.

-j

I love the catgenie 120, very practical. Not I am happier, but also my (3) cats

http://catbox120.wordpress.com/2010/09/11/catbox/

I have kept cats for MANY YEARS. But I had been cat-less for the last 10 years. I finally got a Maine Coon, and shortly before I got the cat, some one sold me their used CatGenie 120. I was simply amazed, and I am LOVIN' IT! I don't know how long the other people used this, but it has been working GREAT for me.

The only con's I can see is the initial price, and having to buy their sanitizing cartridges. It would be great if you could refill them, but they make it almost impossible to do so. They make GOOD money selling the $1 cartridges for $30.

I would have never paid their initial price, but after using the unit, I will probably pay the big bucks for another one when this one expiries, unless it only last for a short while. Kind of like a dishwasher and garage door, you never miss them until you get used to having one. Any way, at this point, I am still lovin' this unit!

I am new to this board, so I am not sure if it is OK to post links, but here is a good one of the CatGenie in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeJ7hU5zcuQ