Are Automatic Litter Boxes Safe?
They’re becoming more popular, but some cat parents have concerns – here’s what we know
Nobody likes scooping up dirty litter, so more cat parents have been giving automatic litter boxes a try. As we’ve increasingly incorporated smart technology and automated systems into our daily lives, scooping cat litter is becoming just another chore that we have tried to make easier with tech.
As automatic litter boxes have become more popular, some cat parents have reported incidents regarding specific models, while organisations including PETAopens in new tab and the RSPCAopens in new tab have expressed concern that some automatic litter boxes may not be safe for cats.
As there are so many different automatic litter boxes with their own mechanisms and features out there, what’s the truth about automatic litter boxes in the UK? Can we consider them safe for our cats? From reported accidents elsewhere in the world to the safety measures companies have put in place to keep cats in the UK safe, here’s what we know.
How automatic litter boxes work
Automatic litter boxes are designed to keep themselves clean with as little human involvement as possible. They use sensors to detect when a cat has left the box before giving the litter time to clump and then beginning the cleaning process.
How much do you spend on your pet per year?
Some, like Closer Petsopens in new tab’ Cat Mate Smart Toilet, have a raking system that sweeps through the litter to detect waste and move it into a different container. Others sift the litter through trays, sieves, or a screen to separate clumps from clean litter and others, like Whiskeropens in new tab’s Litter-Robot and Petkitopens in new tab’s Pura X, use rotating drums.
In most automatic litter boxes, the waste gets deposited into a sealed container that’s designed to trap odours. They’re usually fitted with a bag or liner, like a rubbish bin, which you can simply remove, tie up, and dispose of.
Prices can vary based on features like app connectivity, noise reduction and multi-cat detection. Some of the simpler self-cleaning boxes and trays can be under £200, whereas the most advanced models can be over £750.
Are automatic litter boxes safe?
As automatic litter boxes have increased in popularity, there have been reports from people claiming that specific models have hurt or even killed their catsopens in new tab. In 2024, TikTok user Carli Jay (@carli.jay) detailed in a now-deleted video how an automatic litter box killed her cat, Mochi. She claimed that Mochi’s head got stuck when the machine started its cleaning cycle, cutting her throat and choking her to death.
Content creator One Man Five Cats posted a videoopens in new tab drawing attention to the potential dangers of some of the litter boxes on the market, including a clip of Jay’s original video. Other pet parents alleged similar issues with some brands of automatic litter boxes, including one case that went viral on Facebook in 2025 when someone claimed their cat’s head was crushed when the automatic cleaning setting was active, while there was also another alleged incident in which a cat was said to have injured their paw.
What do the leading brands say?
Automatic litter boxes sold by reputable brands have sensors and built-in safety shut-off mechanisms to detect cats, so they shouldn’t begin cleaning until there’s definitely no cat in the box.
Indeed, most leading brands that operate in the UK incorporate comprehensive safety features into their products. The Litter-Robot uses an OmniSense detection system that utilises laser and weight sensor technology as well as a multi-layer safety system within the waste port.
“We have a very long and arduous beta program that we do, and we’re relying on the same set of sensors,” explains Whisker CEO Jacob Zuppke. “We’re not reinventing what we know has kept cats safe for 25 years.
“At the core, the safety system always works. It doesn’t rely on wifi, it doesn't rely on any firmware updates. It’s just a raw safety system that is always in there.”
Mike Sankey, project and technical director of Closer Pets, tells us that safety was their top priority when designing the Cat Mate Smart Toilet, with movement and weight sensors, quiet motors, and a large opening with a step and no opportunity for a pet to be caught or snagged.
“Each unit goes through end-of-line testing to verify function and that all sensors are working as they should,” he adds, explaining that if there is ever an error, the toilet can provide feedback which is visible both on the unit itself and also through the app.
Petkit’s litter boxes, meanwhile, offer 360-degree safety with xSecure protection. “Our drum-style litter boxes use an incomplete (segment) gear mechanism so that the entrance remains wide open throughout the entire cleaning cycle and the drum never creates any shearing action with the outer shell,” says the company’s product and engineering team.
”That means there are no pinch points between moving parts. With a wide-open entrance and no internal pinch risks, the safety of the cat does not depend solely on the sensors. Even in the unlikely event of a sensor failure, there is essentially zero risk of a cat being trapped or stuck.”
Sadie Spencer, leading emergency vet at Vets Nowopens in new tab, describes automatic litter trays as being convenient for pet parents, but says they “may not be suitable for every cat” and that cat parents should ensure they’re aware of the minimum size and weight requirements.
While she says it’s uncommon for cats to be trapped in the mechanism “if a reputable brand is chosen”, she also highlights the potential loud noise levels as being distressing for some cats and explains that it’s easier to miss changes in your cat’s waste when they use an automatic litter tray.
Some of the more advanced models, like the Litter-Robot, do let you check things like waste levels, litter tray activity and your cat’s weight, allowing you to better keep an eye on their health. Some even work with apps, so you can track these metrics on your smartphone. However, these features aren’t uniform across all products, so it’s worth doing some research before you buy.
Spencer summarises, “Like any product, do your research, and if you decide on an automatic, consider the design carefully and the temperament of your pet. If you have a multi-cat household, I would still recommend getting multiples as for a standard litterbox.”
Pros and cons of automatic litter boxes
Automatic litter boxes have increased in popularity because they have some undeniable benefits, making our lives that bit easier. But there are some potential drawbacks, too.
Pros
They’re convenient. Automatic litter boxes allow you to spend less time scooping litter, nobody’s favourite chore. You usually only have to empty them once every few days.
They’re clean. They’re self-cleaning, and some even help reduce tracking, meaning you’ll come into contact with as little litter as possible.
They control odour. Many have their own deodorising systems to automatically reduce or neutralise smells, while the enclosed waste drawers and containers also keep odours trapped.
Litter stays fresh. The cleaning mechanisms used help keep the litter fresh, which some cats prefer.
Potential smart features. Some litter boxes allow you to track your cat’s toilet habits and weight through smartphone apps, potentially highlighting health concerns.
Cons
Some models have received concerns about their safety. Some cat parents, outside of the UK, have alleged that their pets have been harmed or even killed using certain litter boxes.
Cat parent anxiety. Even if your cat’s litter box is one of the safest and most advanced models out there, the stories that have been reported could cause you stress, anxiety or worry.
Cat anxiety. There’s no guarantee that your cat will actually enjoy using the automatic litter box, and the unfamiliar noises, movements and smells can be anxiety-inducing in some cats.
They can be expensive. A regular litter tray and scooper can cost as little as £10, whereas automatic litter boxes can cost hundreds of pounds.
They rely on electricity. While they’ll be on standby for most of the time, the energy use can still add up over time. And if there’s a power cut and your box doesn’t have batteries to keep it running, it would simply function like a normal litter box in the meantime, meaning you’d still have to tidy.
What to look for in a safe automatic litter box
The best automatic litter boxes will have plenty of safety features, like motion, weight, infrared and anti-pinch sensors, delay timers that ensure they hold off on cleaning until there’s no cat in there, and an open-entry design.
There’s no safety kitemark or certification to look out for when choosing an automatic litter box, so the most important thing to do is ensure you’re buying a product from a reputable, trusted brand. They tend to have more thorough safety requirements and are likely to be more responsive if you have any questions or run into any issues.
Avoid buying from a non-regulated brand on an online marketplace. These products may be cheaper, but it’s not worth the risk to your cat – it’s better to spend a little extra money for peace of mind.
Whichever automatic litter box you buy, it’s important not to push your cat into using it. Start off slowly, leaving it next to the box or tray they’re familiar with – don’t replace it straight away – keep it switched off, and use methods of positive reinforcement like treats and praise when they explore. Using the same litter might help, too, as finding a familiar scent in the new litter box may make them want to investigate further.
Alternatives and recommendations
If you’d rather not use an automatic litter box but you hate dealing with litter and waste, there are other options to consider.
The Smartsift from Catitopens in new tab is a litter box with a simple sifting system for convenience, but it’s controlled by the cat parent when they pull a lever on the side of the box.
Or, if you want to stick with your current litter box setup, you could also look for odour eliminators, which you plug in at the wall to target and eliminate unpleasant smells. Revisiting the litter you’re currently using is another option, because some types are better for odour control and less tracking – for the former, clumping is generally better.
Follow veterinary advice for cat litter hygiene, too. If you’re using a manual box or tray, scoop daily, wash with a mild, unscented soap and water weekly, and consider adding a thin layer of baking soda to absorb odours. It’s generally recommended to have one litter tray per cat, plus a spare, too.
The bottom line: are automatic litter boxes safe?
Lots of cats use automatic litter boxes daily without issue, and the biggest names in the market take careful steps to ensure that their products are safe. That said, if you don’t feel as if they’re worth the risk but you’d still like to make a change, you could try a more hands-off litter tray that’s still manual or make a change to your current litter tray setup.
The most important thing is that your cat has a litter tray that’s safe to use, and that they feel comfortable using. Everything else comes second, even if it’s not fun to scoop things yourself.
