Cat Genie Vs Litter Robot: Which Self-Cleaning Litter Box Is Best 1 For You? (2024)

Are you looking for the ultimate automatic litter box? This article compares the features of two of the most popular self-cleaning models available: the Cat Genie and the Litter Robot.

We'll review the differences in design between these two products, as well as their respective warranties, pros and cons, app control capabilities, maintenance requirements, odor control and tracking, setup, and more.

The article also provides an overall assessment of which option may be the most suitable choice for your needs, whether you have a single cat or multiple cats, based on performance and cost-efficiency. Read on for this comprehensive review of the Cat Genie vs Litter Robot.

Overview

Cat Genie

The CatGenie is a self-cleaning litter box that washes, sanitizes, and dries itself after each use. The device uses a combination of water, soap, and granules to flush waste out of the unit and into a drain or toilet.

The granules are made of a biodegradable material that is designed to last for several months before needing to be replaced. The CatGenie can be set up to run on a schedule or triggered manually, and it can accommodate multiple cats.

Also Read: Litter Robot 4 2024 Review

Litter Robot

The Litter Robot, on the other hand, is a spherical litter box that uses a patented sifting mechanism to separate waste from clean litter. When a cat enters the unit, sensors detect their presence and wait for them to exit before rotating the globe to sift out the waste.

The waste is deposited into a carbon-filtered drawer, while the clean litter is deposited back into the globe. The Litter Robot also has a built-in waste drawer indicator that alerts you when it's time to empty it. The Litter Robot can accommodate up to three cats.

The Litter Robot comes with optional accessories such as enhanced odor control, waste drawer liners, a litter mat, a ramp and a fence. These offer greater convenience to the user. This makes it one of the most highly recommended automatic litter boxes, as it eliminates the requirement for manual scooping of cat excrement while providing convenience, performance, and cost-efficiency.

Cat Genie vs Litter Robot

Ease of Use

One of the most significant advantages of both the CatGenie and the Litter Robot is their ease of use. Once set up, these devices require minimal maintenance, and you won't need to scoop litter or clean the box as often as you would with a traditional litter box. However, there are some differences in how each device operates.

The CatGenie requires a bit more setup than the Litter Robot. Installation of the CatGenie requires connection to a cold water line and a drainage system for proper functioning. Its placement must be in a room with a water line and a toilet or drain in order to function properly, limiting its placement to bathrooms or utility rooms. Additionally, you'll need to replace the granules every few months, which can be a bit messy.

The Litter Robot is a bit simpler to set up. You'll need to fill the globe with litter, plug it in, and set the timer. The device also comes with a waste drawer that you'll need to empty periodically, but this is a quick and easy task.

Overall, both devices are relatively easy to use once set up, but the CatGenie requires a bit more initial effort.

Size And Setup

Both products differ in size and setup. The Litter-Robot measures 30x25x27 inches, while the CatGenie is a large, round litter box designed to be used in a laundry room or bathroom. Litter Robot is the most straightforward to set up, requiring minimal effort to assemble, while the CatGenie requires a greater degree of planning and assembly.

The Litter Robot utilizes an automated sifting system to separate the clumps from the clean litter, which are then deposited into a designated waste compartment.

The CatGenie operates differently than other automated litterboxes. It drains the liquid waste through the granules and the solid waste is collected by an automated Genie hand and sent to a hopper. The hopper liquifies the waste and mixed it with water and SaniSolution before before it's discharged through the connected drain pipe, typically in the toilet or laundry room.

The differences between the self-scooping and self-flushing capabilities of the two automatic litter boxes are worth noting. Litter Robot employs a rotating scoop with small apertures to separate the clumped litter sand from the fresh, while CatGenie utilizes a washable and reusable litter instead of traditional litter sand.

Additionally, CatGenie is equipped with a hopper that can be connected to a toilet for automated flushing. The Litter Robot's auto mode is equipped with a timer. It can be adjusted to 3, 7 or 15 minutes. Once that time has expired, the cleaning cycle will begin.

Conversely, the CatGenie's auto mode can be programmed to activate at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the Genie Eyes are built-in sensors that are designed to detect the presence of a feline within the CatGenie and initiate the cleaning cycle once the cat has vacated the area.

As far as litter type, Cat Genie is the optimal choice for those who wish to avoid scooping pet waste, as it provides the added benefit of eliminating the need to tie up plastic bags filled with waste.

It is recommended to use high-quality, clay-clumping litter for optimal performance of the Litter Robot, while crystal litter is not recommended for use on this machine. Additionally, the Litter Robot functions compatibly with Pretty Litter.

Cost

The cost of both the CatGenie and the Litter Robot is higher than that of traditional litter boxes, but the convenience they offer may be worth the investment. Here's a breakdown of the costs of each device:

CatGenie:

• Starter Kit: $269.99
• Granules (9-Pack): $42.99
• SaniSolution Cartridge (2-Pack): $25.98

Litter Robot:

• Litter Robot 3: $499
• Waste Drawer Liners (100-Pack): $29.99

As you can see, the initial cost of the CatGenie is lower than that of the Litter Robot, but the cost of the granules and SaniSolution cartridges can add up over time. The Litter Robot is more expensive upfront, but the only ongoing cost is the waste drawer liners, which are relatively inexpensive.

Also Read: 2024 Cat Genie Review

Odor Control And Tracking

The Litter Robot and the CatGenie both utilize effective odor control and tracking mechanisms. The Litter Robot utilizes a carbon filter and OdorTrap Packs to effectively reduce litter box odors, while CatGenie employs a washable granule solution that is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each use, as well as a SaniSolution cartridge.

The maintenance required for optimal odor control in the Litter Robot necessitates the periodic replacement of the carbon filter and OdorTrap Packs, while CatGenie requires the replacement of the SaniSolution cartridge every 120 washes. Both systems are effective in controlling odors, however CatGenie may require less maintenance.

Therefore, it can be concluded that odor control and tracking is a draw between the two self-cleaning litter boxes.

Performance

When it comes to performance, both the CatGenie and the Litter Robot do an excellent job of keeping your home clean and odor-free. Here are some of the key performance features of each device:

CatGenie:

• Washes and sanitizes the litter box after each use, leaving it clean and fresh
• Uses granules made of biodegradable material that are safe for your cat and the environment
• Can accommodate multiple cats
• Can be set to run on a schedule or triggered manually

Litter Robot:

• Uses a patented sifting mechanism to separate waste from clean litter
• Has a built-in waste drawer indicator that alerts you when it's time to empty the drawer
• Can accommodate up to three cats
• Comes with a carbon-filtered waste drawer that traps odors and keeps your home smelling fresh

Both devices are excellent at keeping your home clean and odor-free, but there are some differences in how they operate.

The CatGenie washes and sanitizes the litter box after each use, which means you won't need to worry about any lingering odors or bacteria. The Litter Robot doesn't wash the litter, but it does use a carbon-filtered waste drawer to trap odors and keep your home smelling fresh.

Pros & Cons

The Litter Robot is manufactured by a US-based company and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and an 18-month warranty. The CatGenie is also made by a US-based company and is accompanied by a two-year warranty as well as a 90-day money back guarantee as well.

The primary benefit of the Litter Robot is its automated waste sifting and odor control capabilities, as well as the ability to monitor the litter box from a mobile application. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the possibility of technical issues, such as cycling difficulties and sensor malfunctions, as well as the relatively high cost of the unit.

The primary benefit of the CatGenie is its convenience and low maintenance. However, the unit is fairly noisy when in operation and can be expensive to purchase. Additionally, it is not compatible with clumping litter, as it requires a special type of granules.

CatGenie

Pros:

• Audio announcements
• Control panel lock from the mobile app
• Washes and sanitizes the litter box after each use, ensuring a clean and fresh-smelling box.
• Uses biodegradable granules that are safe for your cat and the environment.
• Can accommodate multiple cats.
• Can be set to run on a schedule or triggered manually.
• Can schedule cleaning cycles up to 8 times per day
• Customizable after-use cleaning cycle start delay times through the CatGenie app

Cons:

• Requires regular replacement of granules and SaniSolution cartridges, which can be costly.
• The washing process can take a bit longer than simply scooping litter, so your cat may need to wait to use the box.
• Some cats may be startled by the sound of the cleaning process, which could lead to litter box aversion.

Litter Robot

Pros:

• Can accommodate up to three cats.
• Sets up easily.
• Uses a patented sifting mechanism to separate waste from clean litter, which requires minimal effort on your part.
• Has a larger waste drawer than the CatGenie, which means less frequent emptying.
• Comes with a carbon-filtered waste drawer that traps odors and keeps your home smelling fresh.
• WiFi-enabled and connected.You can download the Whisker app to monitor your cat’s/cats’ usage of the pet care appliance.
• Night mode.Has a nightlight which cats probably don't need but when they get older it's a helpful tool.
• Reduced noise level.It is equipped with Whisker’s QuietSift technology, which significantly reduces motor noise for discreet self-cleaning cycles.

Cons:

• More expensive upfront than the CatGenie.
• Does not wash the litter, which means you'll still need to dispose of the waste and clean the litter occasionally.
• May be more difficult to clean if waste becomes stuck in the sifting mechanism.
• Some cats may be intimidated by the size of the device and reluctant to use it.

It's important to keep in mind that every cat and household is different, and what works well for one cat may not work as well for another. It's worth considering your cat's individual needs and preferences when choosing a self-cleaning litter box.

Capacity

Another important factor to consider when choosing between the CatGenie and the Litter Robot is capacity. Both devices can accommodate multiple cats, but there are some differences in how much waste they can hold.

The CatGenie can hold up to 21 pounds of litter, which is enough for multiple cats. However, you'll need to replace the granules every few months, which can be a bit messy.

The Litter Robot can also accommodate multiple cats, and it has a larger waste drawer than the CatGenie. This means you won't need to empty it as often, which can be a significant advantage if you have multiple cats.

Tips For Choosing The Right Automatic Litter Box

Careful consideration of an automatic litter box is essential in order to ensure that the cat's requirements are fulfilled while staying within the owner's financial constraints. It is important to consider the cat's health and lifestyle, the cost of the product, and the recurring maintenance costs when selecting the most suitable automatic litter box.

The Cat Genie litter box is recommended for no more than two cats, and it is designed to be used exclusively with plastic granules specifically made for it. Furthermore, the Cat Genie effectively manages the disposal of both wet and dry waste, and solid waste is ground up prior to disposal. The cleaning process for the Cat Genie is estimated to take approximately 30 minutes, while the Litter Robot is the most highly recommended option by Cats.com.

Common queries regarding the Litter Robot and CatGenie include compatibility with kittens, the weight limit, the type of litter to be used, how they function with multiple cats, and the process of flushing the toilet.

The Litter Robot is designed to support cats weighing up to 18 pounds, while CatGenie can accommodate cats up to 15 pounds. Additionally, the Cat Genie can be connected to a toilet and kittens may use the Litter Robot and CatGenie, provided they are at least 5-6 months old and weigh a minimum of 5 pounds.

However, connecting the Cat Genie to a toilet that is frequently used can result in the device becoming clogged and ceasing to function properly.

The Litter Robot is covered by an 18-month warranty which can be extended to 3 years, while the CatGenie is protected by a 2-year limited warranty.

Verdict

Both the CatGenie and the Litter Robot are excellent options for cat owners who want to automate the process of cleaning their cat's litter box. Both devices offer convenience, cleanliness, and odor control that traditional litter boxes simply can't match. However, there are some differences between the two devices that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other.

If you're looking for a device that washes and sanitizes the litter box after each use, the CatGenie is a great option. It's also more affordable upfront than the Litter Robot, but the ongoing costs of granules and SaniSolution cartridges can add up over time.

If you're looking for a device that requires minimal maintenance and can accommodate multiple cats, the Litter Robot is a great option. It's more expensive upfront than the CatGenie, but it has a larger waste drawer and requires less ongoing maintenance.

Ultimately, the decision between the CatGenie and the Litter Robot will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Both devices are excellent options, and you can't go wrong with either one.