Living in a household with my husband, two teenagers, an old hound dog, a variety of fish and snails, and not one, not two, but four cats, I am no stranger to the daily chore of cleaning litterboxes. After 41 years of life on this planet, I have come to accept that this task is just part of the routine. However, like many cat owners, my family and I have started to feel the burden of litterbox fatigue. The constant bending, scooping, and unpleasant odors have become a bit overwhelming. I have often wondered if a robot litterbox could offer some relief, but the high price tag and skepticism about its effectiveness have held me back from trying one.
Introducing the revolutionary Neakasa M1 Open-top Self-cleaning Cat Litter Box! Promising an odor-free experience, effortless cleaning, and even cat tracking through an app, this litter box seemed too good to be true. What's more, it came at a surprisingly affordable price compared to other brands. Join me as I recount my family's initial two weeks with the Neakasa M1 Open-top Self-cleaning Cat Litter Box.
First Impressions
Upon the box's arrival at our doorstep, my husband and I were pleasantly surprised by its easy assembly. With just a few simple steps, the Neakasa M1 was ready to use. The spacious design meant it couldn't fit in our smaller rooms, leading us to place it in our master bedroom. Concerns about odors and litter type were quickly addressed, and we were eager to see how this innovative litter box would fare in our household.
Stay tuned for more updates on our experience with the Neakasa M1 Open-top Self-cleaning Cat Litter Box.
The Evolution of Litterboxes
Concerns arose about the height of the entrance to the litterbox. While it was suitable for three out of four cats, the youngest member, Rosie, a 7-month-old tortie wonder kitten born without one hind foot, found it challenging to navigate. To assist Rosie, a step stool was ingeniously crafted from a plastic food storage container.
Despite these initial challenges, the anticipation to try out the new litterbox was high. Setting up the accompanying app on both iPhone and Android devices was a breeze for the couple. The device seamlessly connected to their M1 over WiFi, allowing them to register all four cats with their images and weights. With everything in place, it was time to explore the array of features and functions.
As a traditional litter box user, I expected to be overwhelmed by all the features of the Neakasa Smart Litter Box. However, Neakasa proved me wrong once again. The app that comes with the litter box is truly exceptional. Once each cat is registered with their current weight, the box can automatically detect which cat is using it. The app then updates the cat's weight, how often they use the box, and how long they stay in it. This feature is incredibly useful for monitoring your cat's toileting habits and gathering data to share with the vet. As someone who lost a cat to diabetes, I can see how this technology could have helped us detect the illness earlier for timely intervention. Additionally, you don't need to be connected to the same WiFi network as the box to access real-time information. You can check on your cats anywhere you have a signal on your mobile device.
Neakasa doesn't exaggerate when they say this is a no-scoop litter box. Through the app, you can customize the waste disposal settings. I configured mine to clean two minutes after a cat leaves the box. At the set time, the box tilts back, gathers the non-clumped litter onto a shelf, disposes of the clumps into a silicone drawer, and then returns to its original position, ready for the next cat. An added bonus is how quiet it is during this process. You can also enable a feature that halts the cleaning cycle if a cat is detected near or inside the box for safety. The app will even alert you when the litter level is low or when the silicone drawer needs to be emptied. Watch the video below to see one of my cats' cleaning cycles.
Addressing my worries about odors, Neakasa is correct—the silicone drawer is tightly sealed, so minimal odors escape. The only time we noticed any smell was right before the drawer needed to be emptied. Compared to the regular litter box our other two cats use, the difference is like night and day.
Neakasa's claim that this box can go up to 14 days without needing the silicone drawer emptied was put to the test, and the results were not as promised. The number of cats the 14-day interval is intended for remains unclear. In the first two weeks, the bag had to be changed three times. Despite this, the difference in maintenance was significant compared to a conventional litter box. With only three clump emptying sessions in two weeks for two out of four cats, the convenience was evident.
The downsides
In conclusion, the box delivered on its promises. Initially, the cats found it intriguing, playing around and throwing litter out. Nonetheless, they did not revert to their old litter box. With a step stool for assistance, Rosie could easily access the box. This box is highly recommended for cats with mobility issues.
Furthermore, it is essential to position the box near an electrical outlet. While this may seem obvious, it requires a power source. If an outlet is not in close proximity, consider investing in an extension cord for optimal placement.
Neakasa insisted on using clay litter, but it turned out to be a disaster. Waking up with itchy eyes and a stuffy nose for two consecutive nights almost made me give up. Thankfully, Josh did some research and discovered that other robot litter boxes allow the use of corn-based clumping litter, such as Nature's Miracle's premium clumping corn cob litter, which solved the problem. While slightly more expensive and not retained as well in the box as the clay litter, it's definitely worth avoiding the challenges posed by clay dust.
Although the M1 alerts you when the silicone drawer bag needs changing, the app lacks precision in indicating its fullness. It simply shows normal or full, without any in-between status, making it hard to monitor. When the drawer is full, the box becomes completely inaccessible by pivoting in a way that prevents the cat from using it. This inconvenience led to late-night drawer emptying to allow my cats to continue using it. It could also be problematic if away from home, unsure of its status. A simple workaround is to check the drawer before leaving for an extended period and estimate if it needs changing while you're away.
The Neakasa M1 litter box truly lives up to its promises. With minimal odor, low maintenance, suitability for multiple cats, and the convenience of monitoring cat behavior through the app, this product exceeds expectations. It's a favorite among my cats and far easier to manage than traditional litter boxes. The ability to track their toileting habits provides peace of mind, making it a valuable time-saving investment.
While pet care can be costly, the Neakasa M1 robot litter box offers great value for its price. Considering the expenses of purchasing litter, pans, scoopers, and even pain relief for the physical strain of cleaning a regular litter box, the M1 proves to be a cost-effective solution in the long run. Any minor drawbacks can be easily managed, and the product's benefits make it a worthwhile purchase for your cats, yourself, and your home. Plus, it's competitively priced compared to similar options. Don't hesitate to invest in the Neakasa M1, available for $499.99 on the company's website.
