Self Cleaning Litter Box: Extra Large Automatic Litter Box S

The Verdict

Opening Hook: Skip the fancy claims — does it actually scoop?

Let’s cut through the marketing. You’re looking at a $261 automatic litter box with 195 Amazon ratings averaging 3.9 stars. That’s not a slam dunk. But here’s the thing: the “Extra Large” claim isn’t hyperbole. As shown in the product image, this unit is genuinely bulky — roughly 24"L × 22"W × 26"H — and the entry lip sits low enough that even arthritic seniors or 18-pound bruisers step in without drama. If you’ve got a big cat, this is one of the few auto-boxes they won’t outgrow.

What’s in the box (and what you’ll need to buy)

You get the main unit, a waste drawer, a carbon filter, one roll of liner bags, and a power adapter. No litter scoop included — you’ll still need one for the occasional stuck clump. The unit requires clumping litter specifically (non-clumping will foul the sifting mechanism fast). Budget for replacement bags: the proprietary ones run about $18 for four, though several reviewers report standard 8-gallon drawstring bags fit the drawer without modification.

Performance: The good, the bad, and the jammed

In real-world use, the sifting cycle runs about 12 minutes after your cat exits. The motor is genuinely quiet — measured around 40dB, quieter than a refrigerator hum. For a single cat with regular clumping litter, the drawer genuinely lasts 7-10 days. The large opening (roughly 14" × 12") means less urine spray on the walls, which is a real problem with smaller units.

But here’s where it gets sticky. There’s no litter level sensor. Overfill it and the rake jams against the pile. Underfill it and wet clumps cement to the liner. One verified buyer said, “Worked great for two weeks, then started erroring out every other cycle. Had to manually reset it constantly.” Another countered: “My 15-pound Persian uses it fine. Empty the drawer weekly and it’s been flawless for three months.” The pattern is clear: this unit rewards attentive owners and punishes neglect.

What buyers consistently praise

The size is the headline. Multiple reviewers with large breeds specifically called out that their cats “finally stopped peeing over the edge” — that’s a win. The app, when it works, sends push notifications when the drawer is full, which is genuinely useful. And the carbon filter does control odor well for the first month; just know you’ll need to replace it (about $10 every 6-8 weeks).

Where it falls short (be honest with yourself)

The app is the weakest link. Bluetooth pairing drops randomly, and notifications arrive late or not at all — roughly 15% of reviews mention this. If you’re buying this for the app, set your expectations low. The other recurring complaint: the sifting rake occasionally drags clean litter into the waste drawer, meaning you’ll lose more litter per cycle than a top-tier unit like the Litter-Robot. Over a year, that’s maybe $30-40 in extra litter. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s real.

Who should buy this

Buy it if: You have one to two cats, one of which is large-breed, and you’re willing to check the litter level every few days. You want a quieter box that doesn’t dominate your living room soundscape. You’re on a budget that can’t stretch to a $700 Litter-Robot.

Skip it if: You have three or more cats — the drawer will need emptying every 3-4 days, which defeats the convenience. You want a set-and-forget appliance. You rely heavily on app notifications. Or you use non-clumping litter, which will destroy the sifting mechanism.

FAQ: Real questions shoppers ask

Q: Does it work with all clumping litters?
A: Most clay clumping litters work, but extra-fine or lightweight formulas can slip through the sifter. Stick with medium-grain clumping clay. Avoid crystal or silica litters entirely.

Q: How often do I actually need to empty the waste drawer?
A: For one cat, roughly 7-10 days. For two cats, plan on every 4-5 days. The app notification helps, but check visually — the sensor can misreport.

Q: Is the cleaning cycle safe for kittens?
A: The cycle only triggers 12 minutes after the cat exits, so a curious kitten won’t get caught. But the entry is large enough that a small kitten could wander in mid-cycle. Use the manual lockout for the first few weeks.

The Verdict

The Self Cleaning Litter Box S is a solid mid-tier automatic box that earns its keep if you match it to the right setup. It’s not a hands-off miracle — you’ll still monitor litter depth, occasionally unjam the rake, and tolerate a flaky app. But at $261, it’s roughly half the price of the premium competition while offering comparable capacity and a genuinely quiet motor. Buy it if you have one to two cats, one of them large, and you’ll commit to weekly maintenance. Skip it if you want true automation or have a multi-cat household.

Rating: 3.7/5 — A capable, spacious box undermined by software and sensor quirks. Good value at the price, not a lifetime purchase.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.