How to Use Cat Litter in an Automatic Litter Box

Using an automatic litter box can save time and money and help control pet odors in your home. An automatic litter box uses a mechanical rake or sifting method to remove your cat's waste from the litter and deposit it into a receptacle, where it is stored until you dispose of it. There are several styles of automatic litter boxes with varying litter recommendations. To get the most efficient use of your automatic litter box, read the manufacturer's instructions and be patient with your cat as it becomes accustomed to the automatic litter box.

Things You'll Need

  • Automatic litter box
  • Cat litter
  • Tray refill or plastic bag
  • Non-stick or silicon spray (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a cat litter that works well with your automatic litter box. If possible, use your cat's current or favorite litter to minimize disruptions to the cat's routine. Most automatic litter boxes require clumping cat litter, but some brands allow use of crystal litter. If you are unsure which type of litter your automatic litter box requires, contact the manufacturer for a list of compatible brands.

    • 2

      Follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembling your litter box, and connect it to the power source. If your automatic litter box does not already have non-stick surfaces on the rake or bin, you can spray these surfaces with non-stick oil (such as cooking oil or baby oil) to keep the litter from sticking there in clumps. Use a plastic bag to line the waste receptacle.

    • 3

      Pour the cat litter into the pan up to the fill line or to the manufacturer's specified depth. Spread evenly and be careful not to overfill or underfill. For most automatic litter boxes, less litter is required than in traditional litter boxes.

    • 4

      Allow your cat to acclimate to the new litter box (and possibly a new litter) by giving it access to both boxes for about a week, or until your cat begins to use the new one. Let the old litter box stay dirty so that your cat will want to use the new one. Add a scoop of litter from the old box to provide a familiar smell in the new litter box.

    • 5

      Observe the functionality of the automatic litter box to ensure you have the proper type and amount of litter and that the unit's self-timed cleaning process is working properly. Use a manual scooper to remove stray bits of waste the rake misses, and remove any clumped litter that may build up on the rake tines.

    • 6

      When full, remove the waste receptacle and toss if disposable, or replace the waste bin's liner. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to determine frequency (days or weeks). If you have two cats, or a larger cat, replace the waste receptacle more frequently. Add enough new litter to bring the level back to the fill line and to freshen the litter box.