I’ve had my Smart Cat Box in use for about a week now and I’m happy to report that I am very pleased with it. There were several questions from readers, so I will try to address as many as I can.
First, they have been using it! At least Flora has. I’ve seen her several times, but she has only been peeing in it. The reservoir is incredibly easy to empty and very stable when moving it to the toilet. I do have mine set-up right next to the toilet, so that makes it easier, but the container is sealed quite well with a lid that has a pour spout at one corner. Just pour through the spout and you’re good. I haven’t really noticed much odor, but I’ve been emptying it right away because I’m so excited every time she uses it. I have to say, if I needed to test the urine (and could isolate exactly whose urine I had) this would be a godsend! It would make it incredibly easy and sanitary.
NEWS FLASH! Sophie, my senior floor-peer, just used the Smart Cat Box last night! Up until now she has just been peeing on the bath mat right next to the box, but last night I heard someone in there and I couldn’t believe my eyes, it was Sophie! She peed and then hopped out and went to the kitchen for a bite to eat. Five minutes later she came back a pooed in the Smart Cat Box — the first one! Yea Sophie!
Some people asked about how well the safflower seed litter covers solids and conceals odor. I’d have to say probably no better or worse than any other natural litter. If you scoop right away and use some Odorzout it helps. But not having to dig around, breaking up the clumps of pee and making a horrible mess like with other litters, that is a huge improvement! Separating solid from liquid is a great idea.
Does the seed litter track? Yes, a fair amount. It seems to get stuck in their toes but they don’t get very far with it and if you step on it, it doesn’t hurt nearly as much as stepping on the pine pellets.
Since I’ve only had it in use for a week, I haven’t yet had to worry about extensive cleaning, but the instructions say, to refresh the seeds, spray lightly with Clorox Anywhere (apparently it has a small amount of bleach and is considered non-toxic) and allow to dry. For more extensive cleaning, remove the litter, clean and dry the box thoroughly, then replace the seeds. Apparently, one 5 lb bag of seed litter can last weeks or months, depending on how many cats are using the box. You really only loose a few seeds each time you scoop, if the solids are well-formed, because the seeds do not really stick to the solids.
The winner of the Smat Cat Box giveaway will be announced later today, so stay tuned!
November 15th, 2008 at 8:58 am
can’t wait! Even if I don’t win, I’m going to buy one!
November 15th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I’m so excited to see a review of the Smart Box! I’ve wanted one for such a long time- now I know it actually could be a great investment for my kitties. Thanks so much
November 16th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Do you know of anyone who has used this litter box with a “digger” and a “flinger”? I like this idea, but the sides look very shallow and I’m sure that one of my cats would just fling the litter everywhere.
January 20th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I bought The Smart Cat Box three weeks ago using the coupon from this site. All I can say is I love it! I will never go back to traditional litter boxes and litter. The amount of time I clean the litter box has been cut down to a quarter of the time. My cats no longer have clumps of litter stuck to their paws nor are they covered in dust from the litter. My apartment isn’t covered in dust now either. Also – I’m saving money by not having to buy a box of litter every two weeks. One of the best things – everything is flushed down the toilet. I no longer have to make trips to the dumpster with bags of poop – which really is a pain during the winter in Chicago.
I love this product so much I’m thinking about buying one for my parents and their two indoor cats.
Thank you so much for writing an article about this litter box and for putting a coupon on here. I hope one day this product is available in stores.
February 8th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Hi…This litterbox sounds great and I am thinking of getting one for my two Himalayans but am wondering about tracking, especially with long haired kittys. Can anyone comment on how messy this is, outside of the litterbox? I’m currently using a version of the non-clumping Feline Pine and I find the intact pellets don’t track much at all, although the pee-ed on pellets that turn to sawdust do track a fair bit. Just wondering if anyone has used both and can comment on which tracks the least? thanks! Kelly
August 5th, 2009 at 6:12 am
A tip for switching to a new box. Put the old one next to it and (his is the tough part) ONLY clean the NEW one. (I said it was tough) You only have to do it for about a week MAX for the majority of cats. And if the box has a motor or weird top try going without at first until they are using it WELL and THEN gradually add those pieces into the system. (turn it on periodically etc) For a new litter, just do like for changing food, a little of the new added when you scoop out the old til the old is no more! Cats can get weird, but it’s like if someone came in uninvited and remodeled your favorite bathroom while you were away! Kinda weirds ya out!