Litter Robots and other Automated  Kitty Litters

Do the cats really need a $900 bathroom? Probably not. But after looking at what these robo‑cans can do — and what I’m spending every month on disposable boxes — I’m starting to think the question might actually be: does the hooman need one?  And lets face it, not every automated litter box is $900. That’s just the top of the line. The less expensive models start at around $200.

They’ve Come a Long Way, Baby

It’s been more than 20 years since one of my kitties used an automated litter box. Back then, the “fancy” version was basically a plastic tray with a rake, a timer, and a little box to collect the dirty litter. It made noise, it jammed, and it was about as subtle as a blender.

Fast‑forward to today and you’d hardly recognize the new generation. We’ve gone from clunky rectangles to sleek circular robo‑cans that look like they’re preparing for re‑entry. They’re quieter, more efficient, and definitely more dramatic.

But instead of listening to me ramble, let’s let our furry consultants — Banner and Balboa — chime in on the real‑world pros and cons. Can these high‑tech contraptions actually make life easier for the hoomans?

Let’s hear what the boys have to say.

Banner and Balboa Review the Robo‑Cans

Banner’s Take

“Look, I’m a reasonable guy. I don’t mind a little technology as long as it doesn’t beep at me. Automated litter boxes have their perks — they keep things tidy, they scoop themselves, and they mean my hooman isn’t hovering around with a plastic shovel like she’s panning for gold. Oreo the cat uses one. Abram Engle’s cats use one. Clearly, some felines are living the high‑tech dream.”

Banner’s Pros:

• The box stays cleaner (fewer surprises for the hooman)
• No waiting for someone to remember it’s cleaning day
• Great for multi‑cat households
• Cuts down on odor (Banner insists this is Balboa’s fault, not his)

Banner’s Cons:

• Some models make suspicious noises
• Mid‑cycle rumbling can interrupt a peaceful bathroom moment
• If the hooman forgets to empty the waste drawer, the whole system gets cranky
• Expensive — Banner says the money should go toward treats

Balboa’s Take

“I don’t trust anything that moves without me telling it to. I’m a simple man. I dig, I cover, I leave. But I will admit — the automated box does keep my paws cleaner. And I like a fresh surface every time. Still, I’m watching it. Closely.”

Balboa’s Pros:

• Fresh litter every visit
• Less tracking around the house
• No hooman hovering with judgmental eyes
• Great for cats who appreciate cleanliness (Balboa says this is him, obviously)

 

Balboa’s Cons:

• The machine occasionally hums like it’s plotting
• Some units are too small for “majestic gentlemen of substance”
• If the sensors fail, it becomes a very expensive sandbox
• Balboa believes anything with a motor is “up to something”

So… What’s With the App?

The last time I used an automated litter box, there was no app — just a timer and a prayer. Today’s robo‑cans are basically little computers with litter inside, and the app is a big part of how they work.

Here’s what the app actually does (and why you might care):

1. Tracks your cat’s bathroom habits

The box can tell:

• how often each cat goes
• how long they stay
• if someone is suddenly going more or less
• if a cat hasn’t used the box in hours (a medical red flag)

For multi‑cat households, this is huge. Banner and Balboa would basically have their own bathroom analytics.

2. Alerts you when the waste drawer is full

No more guessing. The app politely pings you:

• “Drawer full.”
• “Litter low.”
• “Sensor blocked because someone kicked litter into the corner again.”

3. Lets you control the cleaning cycle

You can:

• start a cleaning cycle
• pause it
• adjust the wait time after a cat leaves
• turn off the machine at night

Great for nervous cats (Balboa) who don’t want the box coming alive mid‑pee.

4. Helps diagnose problems

If something jams, the app tells you:

• what jammed
• how to fix it
• whether the sensor is dirty
• whether the motor is struggling

5. Multi‑cat identification

Some models can tell which cat used the box based on:

• weight
• timing
• pattern

This is how Oreo’s hooman and Abram Engle keep track of their cats’ health.

6. Remote monitoring

If you’re away for the day, you can check:

• is the box working
• is the drawer full
• did the cats use it normally

Peace of mind for anxious hoomans.

Where I Stand on MeoWant (For Now)

I originally joined MeoWant’s affiliate program because their branding is gorgeous and their blog posts are genuinely helpful. But after digging deeper into real‑world feedback, I’m not quite ready to promote their litter box. So far, the only reviews I can find are on Reddit — and Reddit tends to skew negative on everything, so it’s hard to get a clear picture.

Since we haven’t had the opportunity to try MeoWant ourselves, I’m putting this partnership on pause for now. I only recommend products I trust, and I want more solid information before I give it my stamp of approval.

In the meantime, you can check them out for yourself here. If you decide to give them a try, I’d genuinely love to hear about your experience.

So… Is an Automated Litter Box Worth It?

For us, the jury’s still out — but the idea gets a solid thumbs‑up. I spend about $90 a month on Kitty Poo Club for three boxes and litter. At that rate, an automated litter box would basically pay for itself in about three months, and the ongoing supplies (litter + the occasional filter or liner) couldn’t possibly add up to the same $90 monthly cost. Even if the boys decide the robo‑can is “plotting,” the math is hard to ignore. Cleaner paws, fewer odors, less scooping, and long‑term savings? That’s at least worth keeping on the table… or in this case, in the bathroom.

Final Thought

If the future of cat bathrooms is robotic, Banner and Balboa say they’re willing to adapt… as long as the robot remembers who actually runs this house.

This post contains an affiliate link to MeoWant. If you make a purchase through that link, the Dusty Roads team (with enthusiastic supervision from Banner and Balboa) may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the blog — and the cats — happily exploring new things.