Automatic toilet for cats in a smart home: principles of operation and popular models

An automatic cat litter box is a convenient device for those who do not want to bother themselves with constantly cleaning up after their pet. The main advantages of such a tray include the possibility of rare manual cleaning (once every six months), and the disadvantages are the high cost and complexity of installation.

What is a self-cleaning cat litter box?

An automatic cat litter box is definitely a contraption designed to help a person care for their pet. In size, variety and dimensions, such devices are not inferior to human sanitaryware.

Material and design

Plastic is often used to make such products, but there are models made from porcelain. The latter are very different in cost from plastic ones, but they also have a number of advantages, one of which is hygiene and excellent appearance.

Plastic miracle pots offer a more reasonable price. In the process of their manufacture, the same material is used as for dry toilets - extruded low-density polyethylene. This plastic holds odors well without absorbing them. It is also chemically resistant and fireproof.

Types of cat toilets

Models of automatic cat litter are presented in the following varieties:

1. A system that involves connection to water supply, sewerage and electricity.
2. A partially autonomous system, where waste is sent to a special tank that will eventually have to be removed by a person.
3. A tray with or without filler can be combined with the previous two varieties.

These are the basic criteria you should consider when choosing an automatic cat litter box. The more actions a unit performs without human intervention, the more expensive it is.

What Simply Clean offers

There are other, cheaper types of cleaning units. One such machine is Simply Clean. The device needs to be connected to the mains. It consists of a special round-shaped tray in which a small spatula is attached. The latter is a conveyor belt. It is with its help that the automatic toilet is cleared of cat waste. At a certain time, the container moves, removing them. All waste products are placed in a certain tank, from where they must be removed independently. This also applies to liquid from the filler.

The cat toilet is an automatic device. Several pets can visit it at the same time. The owner will not have to buy litter and clean up after his pet every time, as is the case with ordinary sand. A small motion sensor will take care of the cleanliness of the tray without human help. The most unpleasant thing about using Simply Clean is the smell. After all, until all waste is removed from the box and tank, it will spoil the air in the house. Only after cleaning them will the automatic toilet not remind you of its presence. Like other independent systems, the machine will not work without electricity.

Undoubted advantages

Automatic trays are an excellent means of caring for a pet, especially when the owner is away from home for a long time - the miracle potty will clean up for him in a timely manner.

It also sounds very attractive that with some devices you can forever forget about the unpleasant smell, since the pots are directly connected to the sewer system and independently remove the furry waste. This is also suitable for squeamish people - but then it is necessary to choose exactly those models in which human participation is reduced to connecting the device to communications and plugging the plug into the socket.

Since everything is cleaned at once, several pets can use one device at once. After all, fluffies are often very picky about where they relieve themselves - with an automated potty, such problems will not arise.

Included with the miracle technology are specialized washable granules, which are enough for a long period of use. There are devices without them that work on the principle of human sanitaryware - that is, they wash away excrement.

So, the following advantages can be highlighted:

• there is no need to constantly buy filler - even if it is necessary, the granules are used sparingly;
• planned cleaning by the owner occurs much less frequently, with the exception of semi-autonomous devices;
• no unpleasant odor;
• Suitable for use by multiple cats.

The last point is especially important for owners of several pets, since caring for them often causes a lot of trouble.

additional information

How to train a cat to use an automatic toilet without litter?

This will take a week of time and patience.

It all starts with a regular tray. Gradually, day after day, the filler is removed from it. At first just a little, on the second day - more, on the third - even more. For seven days. By the end of the week the tray remains empty. And the cat gradually gets used to the fact that the volume of the filler is reduced. Give her another two to three days to get used to the empty litter box. And you can replace it with an automatic cat litter box.

Are there any disadvantages?

Like any household appliance, an automatic cat litter box has a number of disadvantages. First of all, it is worth noting the high cost of such a unit. Prices (depending on the functions performed) vary from 10,000 to 40,000 rubles. In addition, not all devices provide protection against unpleasant odors.

And if the potty is not connected to communication means, then the user will not be able to avoid such an unpleasant procedure as cleaning the tray. The fact is that in such devices only the frequency of cleaning is reduced, but it is not assumed to be completely absent.

When the water or light is turned off, the miracle pot turns into a regular pot, which is not suitable for those who often experience interruptions in communication systems. No less important is that a cheap unit can make a lot of noise when cleaning after a cat, which will discourage the pet from using it.

There is also a problem that has more to do with the behavior of the tailed animals than with a defect in the device: not all units have a filler. Some devices are built on the principle of ordinary human toilets (even similar to them) and immediately flush away the cat’s waste. Not all pets are willing to tolerate the lack of granules that can be dug before performing their natural needs.

To summarize, the following disadvantages can be identified:

• high price;
• not every model has a sewer connection and eliminates unpleasant odors;
• if the water or light is turned off, self-cleaning will be impossible;
• the noise during operation of the device can frighten a pet, thereby discouraging it from an expensive innovation;
• most cats prefer to habitually bury feces, and varieties without filler will not suit them;
• Some models start cleaning only after pressing a special key.

Don’t forget that not all furry ones are ready to accept such an unusual device. In some cases, you will have to accustom the animal to such an innovation for quite a long time.

Advantages and disadvantages of smart cat litter

Such smart devices have a number of common disadvantages and common advantages. The undoubted advantages include:

• Full or partial work autonomy. Thanks to this, owners can leave their pets unattended for the whole day, or even for several days.
• In addition to toilets that vary in functionality, manufacturers offer different design options and colors. These can be simple open trays and real miniature toilets. One of the interesting design options is a toilet house for cats, which can decorate any bathroom.
• Systems equipped with automatic flushing are distinguished by the absence of a specific odor characteristic of conventional cat litter.

Disadvantages of smart litter boxes for cats:

• High cost of the device.
• The need to connect to utility systems.
• The loud operation of the automation can scare away cats, as a result of which they will relieve themselves in other, secluded places in the apartment.

In general, the advantages of smart toilets are much greater than the disadvantages. Therefore, each person can decide for himself whether he is ready to shell out 15-20 thousand rubles. for a highly intelligent toilet for your pet.

Principle of operation and use

Before buying such a complex and expensive device, you need to understand the operating principles of an automatic cat litter box.

How does a cat go to the litter box?

At this stage, there are practically no special differences with a regular tray. The bowl is filled with special washable granules, which your pet will be able to dig into out of habit and with great pleasure. The exception is a toilet without filler - for example, with a diaper.

It is worth considering the age of the pet - if he is still a kitten, he will easily accept almost any offered tray. An adult pet can be picky.

Some models are equipped with motion sensors. As soon as the cat enters the room, the sensor is triggered and the tray stops all movement and noise. The cat did its business and left - the sensor gives a signal and the bowl begins to clean itself.

How does automatic cleaning work?

In models with a sewer connection and a special filler, the process looks like this: the cat’s liquid waste falls into a special tank and is washed away. Feces are collected with a special spatula and sent to a container, where they are soaked under the influence of a cleaning agent. Then they are specially crushed (to avoid clogging) and removed into the sewer pipe.

After this, water and cleaning agent are supplied to the upper compartment with the filler. It washes the granules and eliminates their unpleasant odor. At the same time, the sides of the bowl are cleaned. When the process is completed, the water is drained into the sewer, and the clean pot is dried with a stream of air.

If the miracle pot does not have a connection to the sewer, after washing the tray everything flows into the pan. It will need to be changed manually.

Does a person need to wash the cat miracle toilet?

Necessarily. Like any household appliance, especially such a delicate one, the device needs care and cleaning.

In models connected to the water supply system, cleaning can be done every five to six months. It is necessary to pour the granules into a separate container and rinse them thoroughly with water and a mild soap solution. Then thoroughly rinse the tray bowl itself, the spatula with which the device collects waste, and all other internal containers and hoses. Afterwards you need to dry each part and put everything back together.

Other variations of devices that have a special bag for collecting solid waste need to be washed once a month, and the bag itself needs to be changed as it fills up and an unpleasant odor appears.

How does the Cat Genie work?

The toilet for cats is designed by specialists taking into account their individual characteristics. The principle of operation of the products is to remove all waste from the fillers without direct human intervention. Modern cars come in various types. Their main difference is the ability to configure and program operating time. One of the most famous toilets for cats is the Cat Genie. It is the most popular modern product, as it is a high-tech and multifunctional device.

Despite the fact that the product is practically the most expensive on the market, it will not force the buyer to overpay twice. The system includes a toilet with a round-shaped tray. It contains special granules that have unique properties. The machine must be connected to the house sewer, electrical network and water supply. The owner can independently set the time for cleaning the waste.

The mechanism of operation of the machine is characterized by several stages. After the cat's waste product enters the toilet, a scoop with holes is pulled out of the tank. The container itself begins to rotate along with the granules. Since the paw is pressed against the wall of the body, fillers easily spill out through its holes. Solid waste is removed using a shovel and discharged from the machine into the sewer. The liquid then enters a special reservoir and also ends up in a drainage hole on the street.

Review of popular models

Of all the varieties of automatic cat litter on the market, four models stand out the most. Each of them has its own characteristic feature.

Simply Clean

It consists of a bowl and a compartment for collecting feces. The bowl itself constantly rotates, and a blade lowered into it grinds the granules and takes away waste products, placing them in a special box. The washing liquid, washing the granules, flows into the reservoir, which, like the box, must be cleaned regularly.

Pros:

• suitable for two or more animals;
• cleaning occurs without pressing a button;
• There is a motion sensor to start cleaning when the cat leaves the room.

Minuses:

• the pot itself rotates almost constantly;
• the unpleasant smell is not completely blocked.

Such a device needs to be cleaned and washed at least once every two weeks, since it is not connected to communication systems. But it can be placed in any corner of the apartment.

Cat Litter Box and Self-Cleaning Litter Box

It looks like a litter box, but is slightly larger in size than a standard cat box. Cleaning will begin only after pressing the button. After this, metal rakes move from one wall to the other, sifting through the granules and removing excrement. All waste is placed in a special container.

Pros:

• cleaning occurs immediately;
• Suitable for two or more animals.

Minuses:

• starts only after pressing the button;
• it is necessary to change the filler;
• the pungent odor is not contained.

The waste container must be cleaned every one and a half to two weeks, otherwise unpleasant odors may appear.

Kopfgescheit

Looks like a smaller copy of a toilet. After the cat has gone potty, sensors record the fact that the pet has left, and water pressure is supplied to wash away the sewage.

Pros:

• there is no need to spend money on fillers;
• cleans itself, without pressing a button;
• touch motion sensor allows you not to scare off the cat;
• suitable for two or more animals;
• the contents are removed directly into the sewer, there is no need to clean up yourself.

Minuses:

• Not every cat will appreciate the absence of sand;
• the sound of water can frighten your pet if he hears it from afar;
• high water consumption;
• does not work if there are interruptions in electricity or water supply.

Since the water pressure is low, you need to rinse the bowl yourself from time to time.

Automatic toilets for cats: operating principle and purpose

Toilets for cats were invented primarily to help professional breeders; they are installed in nurseries. The equipment is also interesting for ordinary pet lovers who are so passionate about their pets that they try to purchase the best and most modern things for them.

Externally, the automatic cat toilet looks elegant and is quite reminiscent of a human one. The main difference from other types of cat potties is cleaning without human assistance. Depending on the model, the tray can be cleared of feces on its own or after pressing a button; there are programmable options, with built-in motion sensors, etc. The most advanced cat toilets, like washing machines, need to be connected to water, light and sewerage.

Initially, the cat toilet was based on the usual principle: the animal did its business, the owner came, pressed the pedal, and the water coming from the pipe washed everything away. Such types still exist. However, progress has gone further, automating the process as much as possible.

Thanks to the built-in touch sensor, smart technology knows when the cat is in the tray. After a certain time after the pet has left it, the flush is triggered. A time period (usually 20 seconds) is needed so as not to frighten the cat by unexpectedly appearing water and noise.

Table: pros and cons of automatic toilets

Manufacturing materials

Most often, products are made from porcelain, or the familiar sanitary ware. They are priced accordingly. But all costs are offset by the fact that a self-cleaning toilet is also hygienically clean. It was made using a material that is ideal for this type of device.

Porcelain is the main material for the production of toilets for cats

A more budget option is plastic. It also cleans well. The material resembles that from which outdoor dry toilets are made.

Models can be produced in different colors, which will help you choose a toilet that matches your interior.

Toilet "Kopfgescheit"

If other automatic toilets can only be called toilets at a stretch, then the Austrian Kopfgescheit completely refutes this statement. The design involves a water tank, a touch sensor that drains 15 seconds after the cat leaves, and power from the mains.

An insuring emergency battery is provided: if electricity is not available, the toilet will work for at least a year if there is a water supply.

Kopfgescheit does not require fillers or detergents. It looks like a toilet bowl - it has a slight centrifugal slope towards the drain hole. Access to water and connection to sewerage is required. Power supply required.

Before installation, you need to teach the cat to do without litter. This is done gradually while he is using a regular tray.