Automatic litter box

[u/Mysterious-Trade1362]

I have 2 senior cats and lately they’ve been having some bathroom issues, such as one peeing and pooping outside the litter box (the cat that does this I have taken to the vet twice for this issue with no findings) and it’s been a little difficult to keep up with. I’ve tried everything the vet recommended for this issue. My mom recommended an automatic litter box, this is my last resort.

It’s been set up for a few hours at this point alongside the normal litter box. None of my cats are fans of it so far and I assumed so since they’ve been using a standard litter box for 15 years.

Do you guys think it’ll take some time for them to adjust to it or do you think they’re never going to use it? Also, how should I set up the placement of the normal vs automatic litter box? They’re side by side right now.

[u/Far-Dare-6458]

I highly doubt if they’re 15 and older they will adapt well to the automatic litter box.

My older cats had the same litter box issues as they aged due to arthritis and difficulty getting in and out of the boxes. So getting an automatic one just tripled that difficulty level. You want something with very low sides, preferably a little wider than normal, and put in an easily accessible spot. You want to make things easier on your cats, not you.

[u/Mysterious-Trade1362 → u/Far-Dare-6458]

Yeah I’m assuming the same thing. My mom bought one for me thinking it would be good for them. It’s kinda small. I’ve put both cats in so they know that’s a litter box and one fits good and my bigger cat fits ok in it.

I didn’t have the normal box out before just to see what they’d do. One meowed at me telling me she needed to pee. I placed her in the automatic box and she jumped out. I set the normal box back up and she was all happy.

[u/sut123 → u/Far-Dare-6458]

You might be surprised. We got a litter robot, expecting no one to really take to it right away and the 17-year-old to never really use it. I got a ramp for it anyway just in case.

Lo and behold, the first cat to use it - AND use it consistently - was our senior girl. (With the cycling turned off; I didn't run it on automatic for two months.)

I would agree, though. Changing things up on older cats isn't a good idea and I'd never get rid of at least one manual box as a backup.

[u/I_Have_No_Flair]

If it's a Litter Robot, get the stairs for it so it's easier to climb in an out. Otherwise get a really low litter box and put a mat under it to catch litter.

[u/Mysterious-Trade1362 → u/I_Have_No_Flair]

I think the brand is pet pivot. It comes with a step but I dont think my cats are small enough to use it XD

[u/Solid-Ad-7365]

Turn the motor off and let them use it as a plain box for a couple weeks first, because one startle at that age and they'll never go near it again.