The latest trend in scientific and technological progress, which is gaining popularity around the world, is the so-called “smart home”. This concept refers to a whole complex of high-tech systems designed to make the life of household members as comfortable as possible. Recently, manufacturers of smart household appliances presented another new product from this series, however, intended for use not by people, but by furry pets - cats.
This is an automatic cat litter box that allows you to solve a number of problems associated with their natural needs. Let's take a closer look at what this device is, what the principle of its operation is, and the modifications available on the modern market.
What is a cat toilet?
Even if we see a dry closet for a cat in the photo, even then we will not receive complete information.
- A dry closet for our tailed pets is a kind of covered container (and there can be different models, including open ones), the size of which the owner chooses according to the size of his pussy.
- Inside this container there is a special filler that is used not once, but several times.
And the cat goes to such a toilet to relieve its feline needs.
How to train cats to use an automatic toilet?
To accustom your pets to automatic cat litter boxes, there are several general rules:
- Move the old cat tray to the place where you want to install your newly acquired gadget.
- After installing the new item, place the old tray nearby. Do not turn on the new gadget for a while so that the sound does not frighten the animal.
- Add new granules purchased for a new automatic cat litter box to the old litter. But don't do the opposite!
- When the cat gets used to the new granules, stop washing the old litter box and your pet will be forced to find a clean place for his toilet, that is, a new gadget standing nearby.
- Let your pet get used to the new toilet for a few days, and only then turn on the automatic cleaning system.
Coal toilet
This does not mean that the toilet should be in the corner. Carbon means the filters used in this device are made of carbon. But everyone knows how cheap and convenient this material is. With such filters, no odors will be felt at all.
- The shape of the containers may differ from each other.
- They can have different colors, shapes and even sizes.
- Toilets can be rectangular in shape or those that fit into a corner.
- The trays themselves have high sides, which prevents the filler from spilling out.
- For the manufacture of such toilets, only high quality plastic is used.
A striking difference between coal toilets and others is that the filter is placed in the lid of the device.
The air, with the smell of excrement, rises up, passes through filters, is purified and enters the room completely clean. All “flavors”, as well as filler granules, remain in the device. With such a toilet the house will always be clean.
Kinds
The smart toilet for cats is presented in three types, which, while performing a common task, differ in layout, connection and functions:
- A device similar to an ordinary toilet using special granules. Does not require fillers. The liquid excrement absorbed by the granules is removed into the drain using running water. For solid feces there is a rotating scoop. Washing, cleaning and drying of granules is controlled by a timer, which is set manually. The sensor prevents the automation from turning on when the animal is in the tray and eliminates frightening the pet. The device is connected to the sewer system and requires power. Installed without the help of a specialist.
- It is also a device similar to a toilet, where instead of granules a standard filler is used, which is washed off some time after the cat leaves the toilet.
- Self-cleaning, self-contained tray. Does not require combination with sewerage. After cleaning the work area, feces are sent to a separate chamber, which is emptied as it fills.
The autonomy of the latter option comes at the cost of a characteristic odor, which can be avoided by frequent changes of the waste bag.
Japanese dry toilet
This toilet is designed using a completely different system. The covered container also contains a filler that allows all moisture to pass through. The moisture flows down, where there is a special mat that absorbs all the liquid.
The Japanese dry toilet for cats is extremely convenient, because the litter can be changed only once a week. Unfortunately, this only applies to liquids, because solid waste cannot flow down and must be removed.
- This toilet is not very economical. The fact is that it requires a special filler.
- The granules of this filler must have a certain hardness.
- After all, moisture should flow through them, and they should not get wet or absorb liquid.
- Otherwise, there will be no obstacle to the smell, and it will spread throughout the rooms.
- By the way, the rug itself should also have an appropriate structure. And all this doesn’t come cheap.
The best manufacturers
At the moment, the choice of dry toilets on the market is very wide. The cost of devices can vary greatly. It all depends on the design and ease of use.
Wedge plus
One of the most affordable toilets with a replaceable cartridge. In fact, this is an ordinary plastic tray that is filled with granules. The waste penetrates through the filler and ends up on the cartridge, where the chemical process of decomposition and absorption of odors begins. The cartridge needs to be changed once a month; solid waste is removed manually. The model is universal, suitable for adult animals and kittens. The average price is 500 rubles.
Unicharm
The models of this company are characterized by a closed design. The principle of operation is similar to the previous option: waste falls onto a specially impregnated napkin, which is located on a retractable tray. A spatula is supplied with the device. Models are designed for animals weighing up to 8 kg. The filler needs to be completely changed once a month, the napkin once a week. The average price is 4000 rubles. Filler and napkins have a price tag of 800 rubles.
Marchioro
A model from a Japanese manufacturer, which is made in the form of a carrying case. The device has carbon filters. You can use any filler; the filters are enough for three months of use. The price of toilets starts from 1500 rubles.
Ferplast
Another option in the form of a carrier with a carbon filter. There are models with different designs on sale, you can choose the best one for your interior. The devices also differ in size; there are options for large animals, for example, Maine Coon cats. Any filler will do; filters are changed every three months. The price starts from 1500 rubles.
Cat Genie 120
Fully automated toilet with waste disposal into the toilet bowl and rinsing of the filler. A full cleaning cycle takes 34 minutes. 18 liters of water are consumed per cycle. The kit includes a filler for the first 3 months and a cartridge with cleaning agent. Price – from 33,000 rubles.
Automatic dry toilet
This is a very convenient, silent device. This toilet is fully automated. Here you don’t even have to remove waste - the toilet cleans itself.
- The system of work is as follows: on one side there is a tool similar to a rake, which scoops up solid waste. There is a bag at the bottom of the container.
- After the animal has done its business, the toilet begins to work. The granules are sifted and the liquid is collected in a bag.
An automatic dry toilet for a cat can be cleaned once a week. True, we must not forget to purchase filler in a timely manner.
Manufacturers of automatic toilets did not stop at conventional models. They moved on. Now there are toilets that a person does not need to touch at all. Everything is done automatically.
The waste is washed down the drain, the filler is washed, dried and used further. For such a toilet, you only need water supply, electricity connection and sewerage connection. And more money for the owner, because the price of a dry toilet for cats of this design is simply astronomical.
Model overview
The gadget appeared not so long ago. Recently, the products have become widespread. The most famous brands are:
- Kopfgescheit;
- CatGenie;
- Simply Clean;
- Cat Litter Box.
Toilet Cat Litter Box, or Self-Cleaning Litter Box
This model is called a self-cleaning box, and it is not much different from a regular litter box. The only difference is that the built-in rakes are periodically turned on, which pass throughout the tray, sift the filler and remove large fractions that have lingered on the teeth into a special compartment. The best option for such a toilet would be a clumping or silica gel filler, then cleaning will be as efficient as possible for such a model.
The Cat Litter Box differs from a regular litter box only in the presence of sieving rakes and a waste receptacle
This tray costs $129 on eBay. According to reviews from breeders, with silica gel filler, Cat Litter Box lasts 5 years or longer. It’s very easy to train a cat to use it:
- Install an automatic toilet instead of the old litter box.
- Add a little used litter to the clean litter so that the cat can smell itself and understand that this is a toilet.
- Do not turn on automatic cleaning for your pet during the first week of use, so as not to scare away the cat and allow it to get used to the new item.
Disadvantages include the need to remove excrement from the receiver and wash all surfaces. The presence of an unpleasant odor depends entirely on the quality of the filler. Cat Litter Box does not eliminate litter odors.
Video: Cat Litter Box in action
Simply Clean toilet
This toilet has a more modern look. It is made in the form of a round bowl, which begins to rotate during cleansing. A lattice scoop is immersed in the filler. Clean granules pass through the grate, and large fractions are retained and flow through a conveyor belt into a special container. The liquid, as in a regular tray, flows into the pan.
Simply Clean toilet - self-cleaning box with conveyor belt
There are practically no advantages over the previous option. You will also have to come into contact with your cat’s waste yourself. Feces and urine receptacles are not airtight, so to eliminate the smell in the house you need to wash this unit more often or use expensive fillers. The only plus - the new original design - is also a minus. The cat will be cramped in such a tray, and the complex structure will be more difficult to disassemble, wash and reassemble. Training your pet to Simply Clean is as easy as training your pet to Litter Box. The price of the product on eBay is 5–6 thousand rubles or $99.
Video: how Simply Clean works
Toilet Kopfgescheit
A good attempt to create an analogue of human plumbing for cats. They say that the original version was made of sanitary ware; after modernization, customers began to receive plastic Kopfgescheit toilets. The authorship is attributed to Italian designers, the Kopfgescheit brand belongs to a Russian company, and the goods come from Taiwan. Nevertheless, the principle of operation is admirable, and the appearance is touching. The cat toilet completely copies the familiar urinal.
The Kopfgescheit cat toilet completely copies plumbing for people
A motion sensor is built into the side. 15 seconds after the cat has done its business, the flush is triggered. To train your pet, the kit includes a toilet seat cover into which filler is poured. Gradually the amount of filler is reduced to a minimum. When the cat gets used to doing without it, the pad is removed. The price in one of the online stores is 14,990 rubles.
Many breeders believe that the original idea still requires improvements:
- Even the most powerful water pressure in the Kopfgescheit is not able to wash away cat feces. They stick. You'll have to work with a brush.
- The plastic under the heavy cats creaks a lot.
- The sensor is installed on the inside of the rim, so the flush can be triggered when the cat is standing on the edge or just sniffing the toilet. The noise and water scare away the pet, he begins to look for a toilet in another, quieter place.
- Urine leaks under the headband, which causes unpleasant odors.
- The cat steps into its own puddle in the toilet, tries to bury it, splashes urine on the walls and carries it around the house on its paws.
- Over time, cats become disillusioned with such a tray and turn it into a drinking bowl.
Video: cats use the Kopfgescheit toilet
Reviews of the Kopfgescheit cat toilet
Hello! How, some say, in order to make our life easier, we bought ourselves such a miracle thing (I’m talking about a toilet with an auto-flush Kopfgescheit). To be honest, we saved money. They squeezed 20,000 rubles. on CatGenie. Stinginess (ours, of course) resulted in the fact that the cartridge must be bought for 1,200 rubles every four months (this is for one cat - respectively, for two - once every 2 months). Result: 1. Difficulty connecting. (technically complex process). 2. There must be a certain diameter of the pipe that supplies cold air. water. (if the pipe is smaller, the flush works very poorly (does not wash away poop)). 3. The flush is very loud and scary (cats get scared) 4. The cats simply refused to go to this toilet (stupidly they went on strike - they began to relieve themselves anywhere but in this toilet) The cats finished us off in 4 days. The toilet was dismantled and sent back . So I had to order CatGenie. We use it - we really like it! We're saving up some money for a second one just like it. To girls (cats) and kittens (they have a separate apartment in our nursery). Here's a real experience for you.
mco-nn
https://mauforum.ru/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=13179&start=20
Toilet for cats Kopfgescheit. I installed this one personally. It really works. Flushing is automatic using a photocell (how exactly it is implemented, see the instructions). Disadvantages: high price and the cat may not like it. After installation, the customer accustomed an adult cat to it for two weeks, then for a year they did not know any grief. After this, the cat died tragically, and the kitten was adopted. This one flatly refused to use it; only a tray with filler. So it doesn’t happen once at a time (but theoretically, most likely, it should work out). I will definitely install such a thing for myself (my cat) when I renovate the bathroom.
airgasm
https://www.mastergrad.com/forums/t230607-tualet-dlya-koshek/
I decided to try using Kopfgescheit (now I regret that I didn’t return it right away, they won’t take the used one). Two of the three cats began to walk into it without problems, one categorically did not recognize it and began to shit on the floor, which it had never done before. The two “successful” cats started smearing everything on the walls (while they were trying to bury it) or simply stood up in their business with their paws and then stomped around. The smell of urine was very strong, even though I washed it every day. Urine also flows under the frame along the side. As for the automation: the toilet works as it wants, based on the sensors very conditionally, that is, it sees the cat when it is inside the bowl, but if the cat is standing on its paws or sitting on the side, the sensor does not notice it, and accordingly it can release water into the cat’s paws or when the cat sniffs or otherwise explores. At the same time, the water starts up very noisily, and the cats simply jump away. As a result, the second cat also stopped going in it, the only cat went in it normally, the others used it as a drinking bowl.
mr_satcliff
https://irecommend.ru/content/dengi-na-veter-866
CatGenie 120 robotic toilet
This is a professional toilet that does everything itself. You can program cleaning, for example, to do it twice a day or immediately after a cat visits. There's also immediate on-demand cleaning at the touch of a button. The CatGenie looks like a regular toilet, but has been upgraded to suit your cat's needs. In particular, the round tray is filled with plastic granules, which means that four-legged animals will be comfortable in such a toilet, because the instinct to bury their “treasures” can be realized.
The CatGenie 120 toilet has a familiar appearance for humans and is comfortable for cats.
After starting the program, the tray with the filler begins to rotate, and the lattice scoop is lowered into it. Mixing and sifting occurs, as a result of which solid waste remains on the scoop and is lifted onto it into a special chamber, where it is mixed with water and goes into the sewer. Then water with shampoo flows into the tray bowl. The filler is automatically washed and dried.
The model has already received a lot of positive reviews. Owners even forget that cats have a smell and need to be cleaned up after them. There is a smell of detergent in the toilet.
This robot also has a lot of disadvantages:
- High price, now about 29.9 thousand rubles.
- Expensive consumables. You should buy only branded filler and detergent cartridges. Replacement is necessary once every 2–4 months.
- After a few years of use, the motor may break down; replacing it will cost about 10 thousand rubles.
- Once every six months you need to disassemble the structure and wash it to remove stubborn deposits.
- The scoop has a sparse grid, small fractions of feces may remain, you need to keep an eye on it and remove it with a regular scoop. Such waste can go through all stages of purification, including drying. Then a very unpleasant smell will spread throughout the apartment.
- The device beeps loudly when some kind of failure occurs, for example, the water is turned off. Doesn't start again when the problem is fixed. Needs to be turned on manually. Because of such failures, owners are afraid to leave home and ask friends to look after the cat's toilet.
- The entire auto-cleaning process lasts about 40 minutes, and the granules remain warm for the same amount of time. As a result, the air in the room becomes very hot; it is necessary to install a hood.
- If there are 2-3 cats in the house, then the next one who wants to go to the toilet may not be able to stand it while the machine does the cleaning.
But all these disadvantages are offset by the pleasure of using modern and high-quality equipment. Cats and people like cleanliness and odorlessness.
CatGenie is installed permanently, like a washing machine. Connects to sewerage, water and electricity.
To toilet train a cat:
- Move the old tray to the location where the CatGenie will be installed.
- After installing the toilet, leave the tray nearby. Do not turn on the new device so as not to frighten the animal.
- First, accustom your pet to CatGenie granules, add a little to the old tray, mix with the usual filler. You cannot do the opposite: pour filler that is not intended for it into the toilet.
- When your cat starts using CatGenie granules without problems, stop cleaning and washing the old litter box. The cat will choose a cleaner place for the toilet. Most likely, it will be a robot toilet standing nearby. To be on the safe side, place soiled CatGenie pellets from the tray in the automatic toilet.
- Give it a week to get used to the new toilet and only then start using automatic cleaning.
Video: cat playing with CatGenie litter box
Reviews of the CatGenie litter box
In the licensed version of CatGenie, you will have to buy granule filler in small boxes for about 1.5 kilograms for, at the moment, 2650 per pack (the instructions viciously warn not to change the official granules for anything, otherwise the toilet will break, and also the “native” granules, according to them, biodegradable and safe for the environment) and often buy cartridges (2500 pieces), since the product is not so much necessary for cleaning the toilet (although it smells nice), as the manufacturer makes money on cartridges equipped with a chip (similar to printer cartridges) , programmed for the number of flushes, differs in different modes. Is it worth buying? For me the answer is “yes”, I do some dirty work once every six months during preventative cleaning, the rest of the time I practically forget that my cats go to the toilet. It's up to you to decide. In any case, this pleasure requires a minimal understanding of how this thing works and how it is assembled.
Satcliff
https://otzovik.com/review_4934346.html
We have been using CatGenie 120 for a couple of years now, I can say that if there are more than two cats, then the number of minuses is approximately equal to the number of pluses. On the topic of pellets, I advise you to buy a branded mat - it really helps to collect pellets from the paws. You can then go back to sleep.
Dronich
https://forum.ixbt.com/topic.cgi?id=47:12150
Litter Robot Toilet
Externally, the toilet looks like a space capsule and a concrete mixer at the same time. Filling is poured inside the ball; it is imperative to use clumping filler. Cleaning occurs after pressing a button or automatically by a motion sensor, you can set a program.
Litter Robot looks very impressive, the filler from the capsule does not spill out on the sides
The cleaning process involves sifting the filler. After starting, the capsule begins to rotate, the filler passes through the built-in sieve, the clean one remains in the tray, and the lumps fall into a special receiver, which must be cleaned manually. All parts of the toilet are also disassembled and washed by the owner himself. In addition, you need to add filler 1-2 times a week.
Among the advantages are simple installation: no connections to water or sewer are required, just insert the plug into the socket.
The operating principle of Litter Robot is very similar to the budget options Simply Clean and Cat Litter Box. But the price of this toilet is 69 thousand rubles! If you decide to buy a Litter Robot, then you should train it using the CatGenie technology.
Our cat was trained to go to a regular litter box. We placed an automatic cat litter box next to his litter box and filled it with litter from the old litter box. After a couple of days, the regular tray was removed because... the cat was already calmly doing his business in Litter Robot. For the first week, the new toilet was left unplugged so that the cat could calmly get used to it without fear or anxiety. A week later we turned it on. The cat visited his new automatic litter box, and after 7 minutes the Litter Robot began the self-cleaning process, which the cat was very interested in, and he, hearing the sound of the Litter Robot, returned to see what was happening there)))) Since the cat toilet has a presence/absence sensor cat, he immediately stopped as soon as the cat looked in there! This went on for about two weeks until the cat got used to the fact that his new toilet was doing w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w and the waste of his vital activity disappeared somewhere.
Alphawesen
https://irecommend.ru/content/luchshii-tualet-dlya-koshek
Video: how Litter Robot works
Considering the reviews about automatic cat litter boxes, we can conclude that the developers are still at the beginning of their journey. The idea to make life easier for breeders is good, but in reality, almost every model requires improvements or is not worth the money they ask for it. When deciding to buy, keep in mind that your cat doesn’t care how much you paid, the main thing is that he likes this toilet. Consider your pet’s preferences, for example, if he likes to dig, then buy a model in which he can realize this instinct.
Pros and cons of such devices
Perhaps someone is interested in such containers for pets. Let's talk about the strengths and weaknesses of cat toilets.
pros
- Unpleasant odors will disappear from the house forever;
- One cleaner will last for 6 months or even more. And this is quite a lot;
- You can choose a toilet of the most interesting appearance - the choice is huge;
- It is possible not only to choose a model based on appearance, but also the one that is most suitable for your pet (in size, shape, and even the location of your bathroom);
- There is no need to clean such a toilet every day;
- Even if you have a week-long trip from home, you can leave the cat with such a toilet without worrying about cleanliness (though you will need to agree with the neighbors so that they feed the kitty);
- With such a toilet you can take your cat on a trip.
Minuses
- Often cats like the litter box so much that they use it as a hiding place. They sleep there, hide, but go to the toilet wherever they need to;
- The most striking drawback is the price. Not everyone can afford the device itself yet, but you still need to constantly buy filler and other consumables for it;
- The dry closet has very convenient sizes for the animals themselves, but they take up a lot of space;
How to choose a dry toilet for your pet
It was said above that a device for the needs of cats costs a lot of money. Therefore, it will be very disappointing to make a mistake when choosing.
Here are a few factors that you should definitely pay attention to when purchasing:
- If you like a closed dry closet for a cat, then you need to take a close look at the door. There should be a small gap between the door and the device. This is specifically designed to prevent the cat from pinching its tail;
- If the toilet is an open model, then pay attention to the sides - they should be high so that the filler does not spill out;
- If it says that the package includes a spatula, then look to see if it is included;
- Consider the size of the toilet. If it is small, the cat will refuse to go there. A device that is too large will unnecessarily take up a lot of space;
- Check how the automatic mechanism works if you choose an automatic dry closet. Work should take place quietly.
Reviews of dry toilets for cats may vary. However, owners who have tried this device no longer want to give it up.
