Self-cleaning litter boxes are a serious game changer for busy cat parents

It depends on the model. The more expensive options typically offer more leeway: some leave the litter choice up to you completely and some are open to any material as long as it's clumping. Automatic litter boxes rely on waste being solidified for it to be scooped, so clumping litter sets up for much more meticulous sifting than non-clumping, like pellets that dissolve. PetSafe calls for its own crystal litter to be used in its ScoopFree designs.

Though you're technically welcome to experiment with any type of litter in any self-cleaning litter box, owners of picky cats should consider a model that is officially compatible with the litter your cat already likes.

Upon a smooth transition, probably. Once they realize that the automatic one is a generally cleaner place to do their business, they should be hooked. But a few adjustments on your end can promote a stress-free switch to a new litter box.

Avoiding the shock factor is the easiest way to build trust with the new setup. Give your cat a chance to choose the new box before taking the old one away, and use the same litter (if possible) to offer a sense of familiarity. Naturally, don't opt for a giant enclosed automatic litter box if your cat is skittish or has previously shown that they don't appreciate that level of privacy.

It should be noted that self-cleaning litter boxes are meant for adult cats and generally aren't suitable for small kittens. The automatic scooping in most boxes is typically triggered by built-in weight sensors, and babies less than five pounds generally won't be heavy enough to ensure the emptying doesn't happen while they're mid-squat.

Cats adjusting to anything won't be like flipping a switch. Automatic or not, a litter box change may require more patience than trying a new brand of treats — but with the right model and a gradual shift, most people are successful even with the most particular cats.

The scooping process itself is purposefully quick, quiet, and timed so that your cat is long out of the litter box before anything starts moving. (If you're picturing the deafening whoosh of a self-emptying robot vacuum, it's definitely not that). The noise could spook timid cats, but may be less threatening with an open litter box where they can see the grate moving. They're kind of fun to chase, actually.

If anything, the size of this new unidentified object towering over them would be the real intimidation factor. The main thing to determine is whether or not your cat likes a covered litter box. There are automatic options that are both covered and open, though the more advanced models are completely enclosed (and generally large) and require your cat to step through a hole to enter. That may or may not feel sketchy to them.

While it's easiest to train younger cats to use an automatic litter box, older cats can be quite adaptable as well, especially when you know the right steps to take:

1. Set up the automatic cat litter box next to the traditional litter box that your cat has been using, but do not plug it in just yet as the sound and motion of the cleaning cycle may scare your cat away. If it comes with a cover, leave it off until your cat becomes acclimated.

2. If the self-cleaning litter box allows for it, fill it with the same type of clean litter that your cat is already accustomed to. If the automatic litter box requires a different type of litter, try sprinkling some of the new stuff on top of the old litter in the traditional litter box to ease the transition.

3. Keep the two litter boxes side-by-side for at least a week to allow your cat to adjust to the change. During this period, keep an eye out to see which box your cat is leaning toward. If they're still choosing the old one, you may choose to leave the dirty litter behind in hopes of discouraging your cat from using that one. Catnip or litter box attractant could also make the new box more approachable.

4. After your cat has begun using the new box, try to stay nearby for reassurance as your cat gets used to the cleaning cycle. Praise in the form of treats would definitely be appreciated.

The process could take a few weeks or more, so don't get discouraged if it's taking a while for your cat to adjust. With your encouragement, reassurance, and patience, they should get there eventually.

The obvious benefits of an automatic litter box for the cat parent include not having to do the dirty job yourself and the ability to keep a stable cleaning schedule despite your own hectic schedule. Recruiting a friend or someone from Rover to come over just isn't plausible every single time — so whether you're at work all day, stayed at karaoke longer than expected, or can't turn down a spontaneous weekend trip, it's nice to know that your kitties won't be stomping in filth while you're gone. Pair it with an automatic cat feeder and they just might forget you even exist.

But enough about you — what realy matters is that your cat will appreciate the consistent cleanings just as much as you do. Litter box etiquette is high on the list of peculiar cat behaviors. Despite the famous feline self-sufficiency that we all know and adore, cleaning their litter box is one huge thing they can't do for themselves. And if you don't do it right, they'll let you know.

Rogue turds outside the litter box or other "bad" bathroom behaviors could be rooted in nothing more than preferring a litter box that's scooped more often. The hygienic benefits extend to any surface on which your cat may prance after its paws have been in the litter box — like your bed or the kitchen counter. If your dog insists on digging in the litter box as often as your cat does, automatic scooping (and a small entryway, if you go that route) can reduce the changes for that kind of a mess.