Automatic Litterbox Central

I currently don't have an self cleaning litter box. I tried one about 10 years ago (don't remember which) and it was just awful. I had 2 maine coon cats at the time, one 15lbs, one 19lbs. That box couldn't handle the larger waste from the cats and ended up being more hassle than a manual box. I now still have the 15lb cat and 2 new kittens who are 4 months old and only about 5-7lbs now but growing very quickly. I've search the entire forum and also the internet for a good amount of time. I think I'm most interested in SmartScoop. Can anyone confirm that this would be a good product for my 3 cat household? Currently I have 3 manual boxes that I clean with scooping litter. I'd like to try this product but am also curious about many references to testing a new version. Am I correct to assume that there is a new improved version being tested that isn't available for purchase yet? I'd really appreciate any feedback to help me decide if I should try out this product now or wait for a while and if it would not have problems with large waste clumps. I've seen waste clumps from by 15lb cat from pee that can be the size of a small baseball.

Thanks - Greg

1) First off, yes, there is a new SS being tested that is not yet available in stores. I wish they'd just go ahead and put it out on the market already. It kicks the old one's ass. (I've got one of the old ones and am testing the new one, too)

2) I have 11 inside-only cats in the house. 2 of my cats weigh 19 lbs. I have at least 4 that can be considered "big" cats, with the waste-size to go with them. The SS handles it all fine. Including the larger body size (the tray is about the same size as the LitterMaid Elite Mega).

3) The type of litter you use makes a difference. If you can afford it, use The World's Best Cat litter (TWBCL). 2nd choice: SwheatScoop, which is a little cheaper. If you can't afford either, consider using "chicken layer" chicken feed. There are a bunch of threads devoted to it both in this forum and at least a couple in the LitterMaid one (search back a few pages). That's what I use.

Even with it's current problems, I think you'll find a SS waaaaaaaaaay better than 3 manual boxes. Personally, I wouldn't wait for the new one to hit the market, but that's just me. Like I said, I'm using both the one that you can currently buy at the store, as well as the new tester model. Compared to the LitterMaid or manual scooping, both are far superior.

Good luck!