How do cats get used to a self-cleaning or automatic box?

Self-cleaning automatic litter boxes seem to be the ultimate luxury for hardworking cat parents. But will your cat agree? She might — or she might not. And since the self-cleaning box is a considerably high-fare item, the latter scenario will be quite a blow to your wallet.

While some risk factors are unavoidable with an automatic litter box, there are strategies to help cats get on board—even if they’re reluctant at first.

Potential pitfalls of automatic litter boxes

Some cats won’t mind switching to a high-tech litter box. They might even like one if they’re the fastidious type. Other cats may find these unusual patterns very intimidating, and some may even initiate potty actions.

For the smoothest transition, consider how your cat might respond to the following traits. This will help you prepare a suitable training strategy in advance (more on that below).

• Noisy self-cleaning litter box: All that buzzing machines can make a cat sensitive to noise, because one of our cats is scared. Rover testers discovered Leo’s Loo Too model.
• They are unfamiliar: Cats aren’t exactly known to like new things. I can’t imagine how my older scared cat, Amber, would react to a space age device that replaces her old box. (Actually, I might. She would be upset.) Novelty didn’t always break the deal, however. It just means your cat may need more time to adjust.
• Size can be an issue: Although they appear large from the outside, these boxes are actually much smaller on the inside. Katenna Jones, ACAAB, a certified cat behaviorist at Cat World. If your cat is a larger size, Jones recommends buying the largest model you can afford.
• Most models are included with: Options vary, and some cats will really enjoy the privacy of a hooded litter box. But if your cat isn’t used to a covered box, it can take time (and treats and praise) for them to acclimate to a covered box.
• Possible problems: Jones points out that there are also occasional technical glitches. “A malfunctioning box can explode when the cat inside uses it. Have you ever unclog a public toilet while it’s still in use? Guys, you know what I mean! “She’s wearing a vest. For an already-anxious cat, this can hinder any progress and require double practice.

If any of these things mess up, don’t despair — even if your cat doesn’t want to try their new potty, we have seven steps that can help you get them back to their self-cleaning litter box.

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7 strategies to get your cat to use a self-cleaning litter box

The most important part of transferring your kitten to a new litter box? Patience. Training can take up to several weeks. But if it sticks, an automatic toilet can be a real game changer.

1. Choose the right location

According to the cat behaviorist Janet CutlerDoctor, cat parents should place the new litter box in the same location as the original. But don’t throw away the old one – keep it nearby in case your cat isn’t sure about the new model at first.

With both boxes side by side, take a scoop of litter from the old box and add it to the auto model. The familiar scent will reassure a kitten still on the fence.

2. Give them a chance to explore

Cutler and Jones both agree that it is wise to allow an adjustment period. Give your cat a week to two to learn (and hopefully use) their new potty chamber—without turning it on. The everyone at Litter-Robot recommends waiting until your cat has used the new box before activating it.

3. Turn on a new litter box when a cat is nearby

Once your cat has successfully deposited in a new box (hello!), you can safely run the machine’s clean cycle with them in the same room. When you’re there to reassure them, cats can get used to sounds and movements in a safe environment.

Lightspruch via iStock

4. Stop shoveling old boxes

Ignoring a dirty trash can takes a bit of work, but if you can hold out for a day or so, the smell can pay off. Cats don’t like using dirty litter boxes, so letting waste build up can start to create that The pristine self-cleaning box looks really good.

5. Make modifications if the model allows

There are some different types of automatic litter boxes. Many of them have attached designs that your cat may love – or hate. If they are not fans, you can remove the cover, depending on the design. Once your cat has settled into the new potty routine, you can try changing the lid.

6. More rewards!

You can lure aggressive cats to use their new automatic litter box with snacks, toyand catnip. Try placing a few of your cat’s favorite treats on the steps of the new litter box to attract them. And don’t forget to praise and reward them every time they use the new box to build a positive association with the device.

7. Go slow and be patient

Janet Cutler offers a good final reminder for cat parents: “Remember that this can be a very new and potentially scary experience for your cat,” she says. “To prevent any future kitten hygiene problems, make sure you let them take their time and feel comfortable using the new litter box.”

How long will the conversion take? Depending on the cat’s willingness and your own commitment to training, it can take a few short days or up to a few weeks. After your cat regularly uses the new box, you can discard the old one. And if they return to potty on the floor, you can return the old pan and try the process a second time.

Lightspruch via iStock

Know when the e-litter box is not suitable

If despite all your efforts, the cat still doesn’t care, it may be time to call it quit eating. The introduction of any change to a cat’s environment can be met with resistance, so this is always a risk. But at the end of the day, an unused litter box is not going to benefit anyone.

While some people may not want to give gifts back, we think most will make an exception for expensive pet technology. If you can find a fellow cat parent willing to let go of your failure, that should ease the sting somewhat.

The best way to avoid the heartache of unused pet equipment in the first place? Weigh your cat’s likes and dislikes and ask yourself:

• Is my cat usually open to new things? Or do the unknown easily scare them?
• How do they feel about the noise? Or an enclosed space?
• Do they require a pristine box (and you can use help to keep it that way)?

You know your cat best. if you think they can be persuaded to use an automatic, self-cleaning litter box, that could be the answer to your garbage cleaning troubles.

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