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Say goodbye to scooping!

Robot vacuums changed the way we clean our house, and inventions like smart pet feeders and doggy doors have made our lives (and our pets' lives) easier, too. If you're the happy owner of a cat—but the not-so-happy owner of a cat litter box—then it's time to consider investing in a self-cleaning litter box. These handy little contraptions are serious game-changers when it comes to keeping your house clean, maintaining your sanity, and—most importantly—ensuring your felines are comfortable. They eliminate the dirty work, quite literally, by scooping for you.

Even better? You don't have to train your cat any differently if you buy one of these genius devices. Cats tend to automatically know how to use a litter box (though it’s still a good idea to litter-train a kitten to set yourself up for success). All you have to do is set up your new purchase and your cat will be good to go. That said, whether you choose one of these options or something more traditional, you'll want to check out these tips on how to hide a litter box.

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Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Litter-Robot was one of the early pioneers in self-cleaning litter boxes, and its 3 Connect is hard to beat. After your cat does his business in this Wi-Fi-enabled box, it sifts and separates the waste into a drawer for simple disposal. Currently, the 3 Connect has more than 8,700 reviews and a 4.5/5 rating on the retailer's site, and it's our pick for the best overall choice in this category. One reviewer says, "The Litter-Robot has been an absolute game-changer. No more hassle with the mess of having an indoor cat. Just [change] out the poop bag once a week, keep it topped off with litter, and that's it. Pretty simple and straightforward!" Has your kitty stopped using the litter box? That's a potential cat health symptom you shouldn't ignore.

Highlights:

  • Sends alerts via an app
  • Wi-Fi-enabled
  • Good for multiple cats
  • Sleep mode

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CatGenie

Though it might seem impossible to go lower maintenance than your standard self-cleaning litter box, the CatGenie has proved it's doable. It's the world's only "self-flushing, self-washing" cat box that acts as an appliance and flushes like a real toilet. After your cat exits, urine drips into a compartment filled with sanitary solution and the litter is scooped. All the waste is flushed, and the special litter is self-cleaned with water and then dried. You literally don't have to lift a finger, but this does need to be connected to a water source to work. "I loved this product so much, I installed a second one!" says one reviewer on the retailer's site. This will fast become of the pet products you won't know how you ever lived without.

Highlights:

  • Zero maintenance
  • Low odor
  • Eco-friendly
  • No litter required

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PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

If you're on a budget, finding a self-cleaning litter box can be tricky. PetSafe has come to the rescue with its $150 option, which is often marked down further on Amazon. Speaking of which, the box has more than 7,000 five-star reviews on the site. One very happy verified reviewer writes, "I would come home to a smelly house from cat poop that marinated all day. This little box scoops 20 minutes after she goes—no smell to linger. If we are home and notice she goes, we can push the button for it to scoop immediately. Worth every penny!" Just make sure to clean out the tray somewhere between one week and one month, depending on how many cats you have. In addition to using a dirty litter box, here are 20 other things your cat hates.

Highlights:

  • Inexpensive
  • Leak protection
  • Easy cleanup

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Petkit Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

This one makes our list because of its unique odor-control feature. It features an independently researched and developed purifying liquid that efficiently removes the dreaded litter-box stink. It works with different cat litters (a bonus if your cat is picky), has both an auto-clean mode and scheduled-cleaning mode, and is equipped with numerous sensors to ensure your cat remains safe. It's one of the newer options available on Amazon, but it already has a 4.3 rating and 235 reviews. "I am very satisfied with my purchase, and my cats are satisfied with it, too," writes Amazon reviewer Hannah Herron. "As soon as I set it up, they started using it immediately." If your cat occasionally skips the litter box, here's how to get rid of a cat pee smell that just won't go away.

Highlights:

  • Odor control
  • Quiet
  • Good for multiple cats
  • Sensors to promote safety

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ChillX AutoEgg Self-Cleaning Litter Box

You can see how the ChillX AutoEgg got its name. Shaped like an egg, this compact self-cleaning litter box fits perfectly into small spaces. It's equipped with multiple sensors to ensure pet safety, works with most litters, and boasts dust and odor control. It has a 4/5 rating on the retailer's site, with one happy customer saying, "I highly recommend this product, especially for a single-cat household. The cat litter odor is now eliminated, and it's super easy to clean and replace." Just note that because of its smaller size, this one is better for small- to medium-sized cats. If you've got a large cat, go with a bigger option.

Highlights:

  • Dust and odor control
  • Sleek, small design
  • Quiet
  • Reduces litter tracking

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Pluto Square Self-Cleaning Litter Box

If a compact size doesn't quite do it for you, perhaps a self-cleaning litter box built with aesthetics in mind will. The Pluto Square features a minimalistic, modern-looking square shape with a removable half-canopy, which is great for cats who prefer to do their business in open spaces. The litter is self-scooped, and waste is dropped into a bin, which you clean once a week. The Pluto Square is currently on Kickstarter—where it's eagerly backed by more than 500 people and was fully funded in an hour—and you can pre-order for $199 (31 percent off the $289 retail price). For another style upgrade, check out these awesome DIY cat furniture ideas.

Highlights:

  • Sleek
  • Open-air option
  • Good for multiple cats
  • Odor control

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8/8 SLIDES © via petco.com

Littermaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box

If you've got multiple kitties and you're seeking a budget-friendly find, LitterMaid's 3rd Edition Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box is a top choice. It boasts odor control and high walls, and it's large enough for multiple cats that are over 15 pounds. Just clean out the bin every seven days and you're good to go. "I have a multi-cat household and sure was tired of scooping five litter boxes!" writes one Petco customer. "We bought this in hopes that the cats would love having a box that was always clean. It took some trial and error, but we are getting there." Now that you've found the perfect self-cleaning litter box for your needs, it's time to choose the perfect cat bed for your finicky feline.

Highlights:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for multiple cats and large cats
  • Odor control
  • High walls

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