Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I chose this box over the PetSafe automatic litter box primarily due to the fact that PetSafe requires use of the Crystal litter (which I abhor) and I didn't like the "disposable" box idea. That's more unnecessary waste than I'm comfortable with. Both brands had equally good and bad reviews, but it was the flexibility in litter options and reduced waste that pushed me toward the LitterMaid. After reading a multitude of reviews on each product, I was armed with "tricks" to avoid the common pitfalls with this particular box. Here they are: COMMON COMPLAINT: "Having to buy accessories like new waste receptacles" SOLUTION: One lady advised to line the waste receptacle with a plastic bag instead of just disposing of it when it was full. Genius - this works beautifully! COMMON COMPLAINT: "Litter falls all over the floor as it rakes into the waste receptacle" SOLUTION: Another lady advised (possibly the same one) advised using a piece of good adhering tape to the gap space that remains between the box and the waste receptacle (photos of what I do are attached). There is indeed a gap and litter will indeed fall through onto the floor underneath it. Again, genius - this works beautifully! If you're into buying accessories, LitterMaid does make an accessory that supposedly takes care of this. Littergard for Littermaid Litter Box | Eliminates Messy Litter Under Unit | Use with Modified Littermaid Receptacle to Eliminate Receptacle Replacements COMMON COMPLAINT: "Motor not strong enough to dislodge pee balls stuck to the bottom of the box" SOLUTION: There is an old wives tale that states spraying pam cooking spray on a new litter box and dusting with baking powder prevents pee balls from "sticking" to the bottom of the box. This actually did help. I don't see much sticking, maybe a minute amount. Again - GENIUS! COMMON COMPLAINT: "Motor struggles and stops without raking all the waste out" SOLUTION: Use the right litter. I learned from all the reviews I read that what is needed is a happy balance between how hard the litter clumps and how heavy it is after it clumps, and how well the raking tines work on the litter box. If the litter doesn't clump hard enough, the rakes will break up the pee balls and make pee litter trails as it returns back to its resting position. Alternatively, if the litter clumps too hard or becomes too heavy after clumping, the tines will struggle to scoop them and overwork the motor (which is probably the main cause of those complaints that the motor doesn't last long). I started out using the Tidy Cat Multiple Cat litter (blue lid, not the black lid, and not the "lightweight" version). This litter did not clump hard enough for the rake tines to catch all of the waste. It left trails of dirty litter after raking. I switched to Scoop Away Super Clump hard clumping litter (one of the brands recommended by the manufacturer). This litter works very well. Waste left behind by the rakes is minimal and the motor doesn't struggle to rake the waste. I would definitely be mindful of the "fill-to" line. If you fill over that line, you will tax the motor and probably reduce the motor's life. Smell is really nonexistent. Scoop Away Super Clump with Ammonia Shield, Scented Cat Litter, 25 Pound Carton COMMON COMPLAINT: "Litter all over the floor around the box" SOLUTION: I don't see a lot of litter on the floor around the box. If you have a "digger" who likes to dig before peeing or bury after peeing, I can see that as with any box, there will be litter pushed up over the edge of the box. I think folks who complained of that with this box also had the problem with other boxes. It's a flaw in the cat, not in the box. :o) Get the cover. COMMON COMPLAINT: "I still have to scoop litter!" SOLUTION: I have 2 cats and have to empty the waste receptacle every other day. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to minimize any manual scooping. I really don't have to scoop except for inspection to make sure everything off the bottom has been scooped - and it generally has been.