Automatic Litterbox Central

Just thought I'd give you all an update. All 3 cats are using the litter robot. I took away the old box a few days after getting the robot- and it was clear that no one had used it since the new "always clean" litter box had arrived. No messes, everything works like it is supposed to, cats aren't remotely phased by it's noise anymore. I did follow the suggestion and change the sensitivity of the 'cat in box' sensor to the lowest setting the bot doesn't tip so much when the cats get in. It still senses them everytime (I have a 10 lb and 2 12 lb cats). So- yeah. My husband doesn't even complain about empying the litter anymore. (for that alone it is worth the $$).
Great product. (and to think I put up with that stupid Littermaid for almost 2 years- it was just gross! I finally gave up and went back to a regular litterbox) But Litter Robot is wonderful.
Speaking of which, I need to go change the bag...

Theresa

So after a few days your cats were using it? Wow!!! Now did you not plug it in for a bit? I want mine so bad. I haven't even gotten an e-mail that said it was shipped yet and I ordered it on Monday. Lauren said probably Friday it will get shipped. Thing is next weekend I am going out of town so I am hoping they are using it by then. I read it took someone 2 weeks. I want to be rid of my old box by the time I go out of town but if not I will leave it.

Oh and today after work I went to the grocery. They had scoop away and Arm & Hammer both on sale. The Arm and hammer was like 699 for a 14lb box and the Scoop Away was 4.99 for 14lb. Then there was a 30 pound Arm & Hammer for 9.99 and a 28 lb Scoop Away was like 9.35. I stood there forever trying to decide and my cats are used to regular Fresh Step. So I was game on the Scoop Away for 9.35 in the big bucket but it was so heavy that I though for 4.99 let me try the 14 pound box for now. I really could stand to change my whole litter now but I may just throw some of this on top to get them used to it and wait it out and not change the litter till next week when the robot comes that way they will really have dirty litter by then.

I am so excited after reading how well you like it and how it's better then Litter Maid. I guess it is worth the money. Now whats with the tipping thing are cats tipping it over. I still don't know where mine is going to go yet. Lauren told me you don't really have to mess with adjusting the sensor. Thanks Everyone, Rose

As the cat enters or exits, the movement of the cat will temporarily shift the weight and cause the robot to "tip" a very small amount. It's like a slight rocking motion. This is how the weight sensor works. My cats didn't even notice it moving. It takes a lot to bother my cats. (Orientals don't sit still long enough to have anything like that bother them.)

To get my cats to used it, I just put all the litter from their old box in it, and removed their old box. Since none of them are at all timid or shy about new things or situations, I had confidence that they would just use the LR with no change in habit. That first night the LR was their only choice, except for the floor. Even with 6 of them, I never had anyone "go" outside the boxes, so I started out in an ideal situation. They were already used to covered boxes (Littermaids with tents, and then just plain boxes), so they just saw a hole with familiar smelling litter and jumped in. They figured it out that night. Perhaps I didn't go about it the right way, but it worked and I've had no issues in the 2 months that we've used it. No adjustment period... nothing. I've also been doing litter experiments (you can see my results in the "Litter Poll"), and they don't even seem to notice when I change litter types/brands. Cats are really clean animals, and in general, fairly intelligent. They'll get the hang of it.

Good Luck!

Kelly =)

Thanks for the info!! Right now I just threw some Scoop Away on top of my regular Fresh Step so I can't just dump that in the Litter Robot. I have to fill it up with clean fresh litter. I too kind of thought if I took away there old box and they saw litter in this one they would use it. I know they will go inside to see what it is and realize it's litter. But I don't know. But there not used to a hooded box mine is just a plain little box no hood. I almost bought a hood last night but didn't it was 7 bucks. I think I'll read the Litter Box Polls again but I need to use this scoop away up 1st. Will I get an e-mail stating it's been shipped? I ordered on Monday and she said it wont be shipped till tomorrow so will see if I get an e-mail tomorrow. I just hope they take to it before I go out of town in 1 week. Did you leave yours unplugged at 1st? Do they go near`it when it moves? Thanks, Rose

I think I got a confirmation e-mail when it shipped, but don't quote me. I can hardly remember what I ate for dinner last night, much less a possible e-mail two months ago.

I did leave mine plugged in right away. With six cats and one litter box, I didn't see any option. They were really curious and all had to go in it to see it. When it ran, they all had to go see it in action. They try to climb or jump in to take a ride. Like I said, though, my cats are curious and fearless. (They like to ride on top of the vacuum cleaner.) They were used to the noise of two Littermaids, but I got rid of those about 2 months before I got the LR, so they hadn't heard a motor run in that time. (Well, I did try a Petmate Purrforma, but it never ran correctly, so I don't count that as an "automated" litterbox.) I would recommend putting at least a scoop of their used litter on top of the new litter in the LR just so that familiar smell is there. They'll probably figure it out once they feel the litter, but at least the right smell will be there. If they are timid or scared by new things you might just want to run it manually. I'd stand right by it just to show them that it's not scary. (Just remember that the box won't stop turning on the first cycle after you plug it in. If they jump in, you'll probably want to stop it yourself. If its on automatic mode, the box will stop cycling if the sensor is tripped, wait 15 seconds, and then try to cycle again.) If they're pretty brave and curious, they'll probably figure it out on their own. Cats are a lot smarter than we sometimes give them credit for... their aloofness can really throw us off.

Kelly =)

I just called the company and mine is on the dock for today to be shipped. I should get an e-mail later today she said. So if it starts cycling and is on the 1st mode and they jump in it won't stop is what you said? I need to set it to automatic mode. And didn't someone say it lights up when the bad needs to be emptied is that correct? I'll figure it out!! She said I should get it by Wednesday and I am leaving Friday morning to go out of town for the weekend. I hope there used to it by then. I may just leave there old box there till I get back. Thanks, Rose

Hokiegirl said

"They like to ride on top of the vacuum cleaner"

That is so hilarious!!!!!

Yeah... I figure it's either because it's warm or it's shiny. They were scared of the dark green Hoover, but they like the Kirby. A couple prefer not to be near it, but the other ones either ignore it or take a ride. They're so much fun. =)

I can't believe they ride on top. My cats run and hide from the vaccum. Both of my cats are so over due at the vet. There like 2 years over sue for shots. I must make an appointment. But anyway just wanted to let you know my Litter Robot was shipped today. I am so excited I can't wait. I may just hide there old litterbox and see if they go in the new one I don't know yet. I should receive mine on Wednesday and I am off Thurs and leave town till Sun. So I hope there used to it by the time I leave. You think for 2 cats the bag will last till Sunday night when I get home? Or should I change it on Friday morning just to be safe. One of the girls I work with wants to come over and see it once it's all set up. Another girl has 3 cats and she's interested in one if it really works great like everyone saus it does. I did go to the Litter Maid forum on here and so many people hated it.

But I think tomorrow I am going to buy a large Arm & Hammer while it's still on sale. The scoop away has too much dust flying around when you pour it. I can't wait to get mine now after hearing everyone else talk about theres. I'll report back when mine comes. Thanks everone !! Rose

So how is it working out? Mine came today and I am worried. But I need to give it time. One is curious and even stuck her hread in when I dropped a treat in there. She scooped it right out with her paw so she felt litter in there. My other cat is fat and I am hoping she fits in there. I work 2:30-11 at night so usually when I go to bed around 1 or 2 they go with me so I don't think I will have a problem at night but will see. If I do I will unplug it. I love it and really hope it works for me. I love hearing how this thing works for everyone. I did let my cat watch it spin around. Tomorrow I am going to spray a bit of catnip spray in there.

Rose