Automatic Litterbox Central

Since you guys have been so patient, we're going to file diary entries of our testing of the unit. That way, you don't have to wait for the final review to get the "scoop."

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The cats:

Shadow: Skittish/had behavioral problems that may have resulted in medical problems last time we changed litter boxes suddenly; male; around 10-11 lbs.; 3 years old

Harley: calm, but will urinate inappropriately when stressed; male; 13.5 lbs.; 3 years old (pictured above with the string)

Lily: Fearless and curious; very clean litter habits and a digger; female; 8 lbs.;9 mos. old

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Day 1: The unit arrived. It is a large box and is hard to transport in a normal car. Fortunately, it is not too heavy, just awkward because of its size.

Day 2: The instructions indicate that we should remove all other litter boxes to force the issue with the cats. Shadow and Harley had problems when we did this in testing before. This time, we chose to keep all litter boxes. We anticipate that they will choose the clean litter-robot over the others eventually.

Assembly: assembly of the unit was simple and the instructions are thorough. We were able to assemble the unit with only a minimal of reference to the instructions. We did read them afterwards to make sure they are complete and that everything was assembled properly.

Introduction to the cats: Lily and Harley were milling around the whole time the unit was brought into the test area, unpacked, and assembled. They were curious about the operation of the unit. Harley got into the unit half-way, but didn't seem to know what else to do. He may have been uncomfortable in the close quarters - especially with Lily around. Lily has a tendency to batter anyone who has access to something she wants. She did this to Harley when he was inside the unit. He got out soon afterwards.

After Harley, Lily got inside the unit and checked it out. She is much smaller and seemed to like it. She laid down in there for a little while. She was nervous about being in the confined space with Harley around. Our thoughts were that she'd have no problems once the other cats were away.

Both cats were a little unsure about the unit because it wobbles. The weight sensor is tripped when the cat steps into the unit. This makes it wobble. My bet is that they'll get used to it.

Shadow stayed in his hiding place while all this commotion was going on. This is normal behavior for him. We are hoping that he'll stay away while the box is operating so that he won't associate the noise with the box. This was a problem with the last unit we tested. We are hoping for better results with him this time.

The unit is unplugged as per the instructions' recommendations. We are around often enough to plug the unit in to clean it and leave it unplugged when we're away. Again, we are hoping that Shadow will become accustomed to the unit before we let it operate automatically.

Poops and peeps: We checked the litter-robot that night and there were a few poops but no peeps (clumped urine). The size of the poops indicates that Lily has used the unit.

Day 3:

This morning there are poops, no peeps. Looks like Lily has used it again.

This afternoon there are both poops and peeps. Probably only Lily, still. The conditions in the other litter-boxes is worsening. Harley, at least, should be forced to seek cleaner litter soon.

This evening both poops and peeps are found in the litter-robot. It looks like at least one cat has figured out what to do with this thing. Because they are buried, it is probably Lily. We are hoping that she isn't being overly protective of the device.

Week 2:

Harley is using the Litter Robot now. It's being used for both #1 and #2. Lily is protective of the box and is a nuisance to Harley, so he prefers to use it when she's not around. Since Harley doesn't fit inside the box, he uses it with his head sticking out of the opening.

We've ocassionally left the box plugged in. Harley and Lily like to check it out quite often, and neither of them is afraid of it when it's operating. Harley will sometimes stick his head inside while it's running and watch it run the entire cycle.

A few people have seen the unit. It's been described several times as a cement mixer for cat litter (it looks like one) and it's also been called noisy. I don't know if we have a particularly noisy example of the Robot or not. It's much quieter than the litterfree in any case. The noise is not objectionable and the cycle doesn't run for too long.

We still don't know if Shadow is using the Litter Robot. He has seen it running, though.

Sounds good so far. I guess you need a motion detector hooked to a video camera to see if your Shadow is using it...lol. Things I am curious to know, and you haven't mentioned in your reports yet...

How is the operation of the machine? Does it seem to remove all waste efficiently?

What type of litter are you using?

Does it begin to smell after a few days?

In relation to the previous question...how long have you left waste in the drawer and does it begin to smell?

Do you have the wings on your unit, and if so does it keep the litter in?

Thanks for your time in reporting all this,

Aron

The machine works very well. It doesn't always remove all waste, but it eventually gets it. I ordered the unit with the large-mesh screen so that I'd be able to experiment with World's Best Cat Litter (corn-based), which is a product I've liked in the past.

Currently, we are using Petco's house-brand clumping litter, Pet Gold Plus. It's not the cheapest, but it's the best I've used.

I have not noticed any odors from the unit (unless the drawer is opened!) We've left waste in there for 7-8 days. It could easily hold 2-4 weeks worth for 2 cats.

I do have the wings, and yes, it does keep the litter in...except the cats track out an awful lot when they use it. I'll explore ways to counter that when I have more time. We're moving in a few weeks.

Regards,

Jeff

I look forward to getting one. I wonder if it is possible to order both screens and install at home as necessary. I'll call or email and ask. I may try to build a ramp similar to the one Littermaid uses to catch litter. Hopefully your Shadow won't be too traumatized by the move.

When I came to the caribbean a couple of years ago to start med school my cat did not urinate or defecate for about five days, and he isn't too skittish. I was seriously worried, because I put him in the bathroom with his litter box and kept him there until he went...there is no way he went anywhere else. Hopefully he won't do that again in the pending move back home. Again, thanks for your time.

Aron

On my Litter Robot, at least, the screen is riveted in place. I also asked them about it. They say you need to order the large screen if you want to "play" with non-clay litters. The large screen seems to work ok with clay litters too. I don't see why one couldn't attach a finer screen to the wide one with some zip ties if it came to that...

Thanks for the tip. If it is reachable I could possibly drill out the rivets with my dremel. Guess I'll have to see if I feel like it after I get it.

Thanks,
Aron

Hi,
I was very happy to have found the ALC site. I have been searching for any and all information on the 'robot' so I can make an intelligent consumer decision. I'm interested in purchasing one, but reluctant to shell out due to the hefty price and possible mechanical glitches. I've been reading all the existing messages of this forum but it has been a while since any one has posed new ones. I'd love to hear from any of you folks out there that can share their experiences with me, good or bad. All input is appreciated. Thanks.

I hope you don't let the mechanical glitches I've experienced keep you from trying it out. I think it's hands-down the best self cleaning box on the market. The folks who make it have been very helpful. I just haven't had time to deal with troubleshooting or getting a replacement unit... Even with the problems, I'd have a hard time living without it. I can't stand the thought of going back to a regular box even for a week.

We've left waste in there for 7-8 days. It could easily hold 2-4 weeks worth for 2 cats.

Are you serious? Wow, your cats much not go much! We have three cats and we need to empty at least every other day!!! There's no way we could go even a week, let along 2-4!

This was written awhile ago and we've since found that 2-4 weeks is way too long. We're lazy...we tried. The current time is every three days with our three cats. Sorry for the misinformation - glad you asked the question so we could correct the answer.

Phew! I was going to say "let's trade cats!"

Yep, I'd agree with Jen, I empty my LR once a week with 4 cats. I also have a Littermaid upstairs (already had a cabinet built for the LM or else I'd have two LRs...) So, the cats use both boxes (LM during the day & LR during the night)...

what are these wings? and where could you get them? i am afraid of the litter tracking out of it, as i have 4 cats who are very guilty of doing that.