Automatic Litterbox Central

NFLnut wrote:It would be great if there could be research done on a granule that is less likely to stick to the paw. Every time my cats get out, they take about a dozen or so pellets with them.

I don't know if it would be possible to make a pellet which sticks less and stays in the box, but after even a few days of use, there are noticably less pellets in the box. I don't see this supply lasting six months (BTW -- this is from putting my cats in the box to try to get them to use it and them getting out .. they have not started using it on their own yet).

I have yet to find a litter that doesn't stick to paws. Litter outside the box is part of cat ownership. I'd rather have large granules that you can sweep up and either put back in the box or throw out than the scooping stuff that is insidious and creeps into every nook and cranny in your house (aside from the fact that it stinks when you only have room for one litter box and three cats).

Thank you Michael and Duncan for the opportunity to add my input.

My boy's have been using LitterFree for the last year, and we are sold on this thing. But, since you're asking, here's our recommendations.

[/list] Ditch the scheduled timer thing. Cats don't keep a regular potty schedules. In addition to the manual cycle button, add a sensor like LitterMaid, that recognizes when pussy has pooped, waits 7-10 minutes, then cycles.

[/list] The machine needs three resets. One, if pussy no. 2 enters within the 7-10 min waiting period; two, if pussy enters within the drying time; and, three, a manual reset button.

One serious problem we've experienced a couple times (a manual reset button would correct) is when the mechanism jams the fill/wash/rince progression gets mixed up. It trys to agitate without filling first, or tries to drain before completing the agitation period, washing without water. The only way I've found to reset the proper cycle order is to sit there with the box and a gallon jug full of water from the bathtub. Each time the water runs low while agitating, I have to pour water into the box from the tub. Sometimes this takes several extra gallons, and a lot of time. If the unit would simply reset to the beginning of the cycle each time a reset is triggered this would be a big improvement.

I also like the larger box idea with deeper litter for bigger kitties. A heated dryer that one can set at 15minuets (default/minimum), 20 min, or 30 minutes would be great.

The next big issue is with the cleaning solution refills. My two small boys use the box 5-6 times each day, considerably reducing the time a refill jug will last--only about 3 weeks. At $17 to $20 a pop, that substancially adds to the financial commitment of being a Litter(not-so)Free owner. I'd like the company to improve the cost effectiveness of this issue. Perhaps a larger quantity refill bottle, say 1 gallon. The solution situation needs to have greater quantity, last longer, and cost a lot less. A double-wide bottle might stick out the back a little farther, or rise a little higher while still fitting into the unit. This would also allow for better air flow through the vents in the back of the unit.

Finally, one of their tech people needs to be on this site regularly, addressing these and similar questions, like that guy with LitterRobot is. We have made a substantial commitment to LitterFree by buying a rediculously expensive cat box from them, cleaning solution refills every three weeks, and I think it's only in their best interest to keep us big spenders happy. Don't you?

Okay, that's my two bucks worth.

Thanks,

Tom

well... I have only had the thing for about a month (and apparently I am lucky to have gotten one at all) but here are some of my thoughts as well:

Definitely needs to be bigger and deeper. I have left the top off of mine because it's just too cramped for the cat with it on. I also think the cat would like it better if it were deeper and had more granules to push around.

I'm not sure how, but it'd be great if it were a tad quieter. I think part of my cats' adjustment problems come from the fact that it's so loud.

I also agree with a manual reset button. So far the only way I've figured to reset it is to just unplug and plug it back in and try again.

The cost of the solution and granules is a little high. $30 for solution? even if I could find it, I'd be more likely to opt for the dishwashing liquid idea just to save the cost. I don't mind paying $20 for the granules if there were some extras in the bag to account for the ones my cats kick out. Maybe a "fill" line so you know how many granules to use.

A strainer or something to catch the cat hair to keep it from collecting on the sides and around the unit.

I'm not complaining - it's a wonderful invention! - but it would have been nice if the company had not gone out of business! At best, a press release on the ltterfree.com website informing those who shelled out the $300 for it regarding what is going on with the company and the products/supplies would be greatly appreciated.
Lisa

Thank you for your suggestions! There is a fill line in the box on each side as you are looking at it from the front. It's very hard to see but it is there. The fill lines are on both sides, toward the back near the processing unit.

The original retail price on the solution was $ 19.99 I believe - it's going to cost quite a bit more now that supplies are limited, and may not be necessary, as I have stated repeatedly in other posts. In any event, factory supplies at the old prices should be available soon.

I had a discussion with another engineer not long ago, and he and I agreed that the problem of the hair in the litter is not easily solved; anything fine enough to strain hair is likely to become clogged with pellets and hair quite rapidly and require frequent maintenance. After several hours of discussion, we could not come up with any good solution that did not involve major redesign.

Some creative thinking on this problem would be most welcome!

Different foam tape!
Or even a vinyl strip,gripping the pan edge behind the processor.

The tape in use on my model(mfg 06/02) is trashed.
It has almost completely deflated, allowing a lot of splashing.
It's also super funky with waste.
Cleaning was only marginally effective.
I'm on my way to my shop for some closed-cell polyethlyene and Super 77.

Others have posted good suggestions. I would simply suggest a bigger box and make it more affordable. I know a lot of people who have opted not to buy LitterFree because of the expense (initially and ongoing).

Bigger box

How about a "cat door" on the front with a filter on the top of the box.
That should reduce sound levels and help with the oder.

A ribbed ramp could help with loose pelets.

Instead or in Addition to a "timer" how about a sensor to detect how many times the cat enters the box, so if the cat enters the box 3-4 times it will force a cleaning. This would be good for multiple cat owners.

Im currently using hot water with the unit. Works 1000x better.
Especially in the winter months.

Suggestion for hair problem, How about a "brush" type device located on one side. It wont pick up 100% but it should get most of the hair, plastic crap the cat eats...etc

I would also suggest the ability to add cleaning solution when desire and how often one desires. I would like to be able to add it at the beginning or middle of the cycle so no residue is left for my kitties to lick off their paws. Also, I would want the option of only adding the cleaning solution once or twice a week.