What kind of litter can I use?
The Smartscoop Automatic Litterbox was designed to use clumping litter so you do not have to switch cat litter brands (which can be very traumatic to a cat) or buy expensive crystals. We DO NOT recommend using traditional clay (non-clumping) litter, pine- or newspaper-based litter, crystals or pearls. SmartScoop relies on a litters clumping properties to help pick up and dispose of waste and these types of litter do not clump sufficiently.
Will I use more litter?
No. As a matter of fact, you will use less litter because less is wasted on hand scooping and sifting.
How much litter do I use?
Fill SmartScoop with clumping litter but be careful to keep the litter between the "Minimum" and "Maximum lines on the inside of the litter pan. It is very important that you DO NOT OVERFILL with litter. Overfilling will make it much harder for the unit to operate and will cause premature failure of the motor unit. If you use a hard-clumping clay-based litter, you may need to adjust your litter level to keep it closer to the "minimum" line. These litters are very heavy and dense so if the motor unit struggles to get through a cleaning cycle, you may need to remove about 1/2" of litter from the pan so that it can effectively clean your SmartScoop. In addition, litter tends to accumulate at the end of the litter box after a few days of use. When too much litter accumulates you may need to "smooth out" the litter, pushing it away from the end of the litter pan.
How often do I need to change my litter?
In a one cat household, the litter should be emptied and replaced about once a month. Each cat's habits are different so you may find that your litter may need to be replaced less, or more, often. If there is more than one cat in your household, it may need to be changed more frequently.
Will I ever need to add litter?
Since litter is removed daily, you may need to add a small amount of litter every few days.
How often do I need to change the No-Touch Waste Bags?
In a one cat household, the No-Touch Waste Bags should be replaced about once a week. If there is more than one cat in your household, they may need to be changed more frequently.
How often do I need to change the Activated Carbon Filters?
We recommend changing the filter every time you replace the waste bag for maximum odor control. In a one cat household, this would be about once a week.
Is SmartScoop loud?
No. The SmartScoop Self-Scooping Litter Box is extremely quiet!
I have more than one cat. Can I still use SmartScoop?
Absolutely! SmartScoop features more usable litter area than any other self-cleaning litter box which makes it ideal for multiple cat households.
My cat is a big cat! Can SmartScoop accomodate him?
SmartScoop is the largest self-cleaning litter box available, with a useable litter area of 14" x 17"! What's more, the litter pan is free from obstructions so your cat can get in and out easily!
Can my kitten use SmartScoop?
We do not recommend SmartScoop for kittens under 6 months old or when kittens under 6 months old are in the house.
Are the electronics safe for use around my cat?
Yes. All electronics are safely enclosed in the motor unit where cats cannot reach them. All of SmartScoop's moving parts and wiring is contained in the motor unit where they are not exposed to the hostile environment of the litter box.
How often do I need to clean the SmartScoop?
Self-cleaning litter boxes alleviate the daily chore of scooping the litter box, but every self-cleaning litter box still needs routine maintenance. Thats something that other litter box makers dont want to tell you, but this is where the SmartScoop really excels. Its simple design allows the unit to break apart into easily cleanable sections.
For a one cat household, we recommend a once-a-month cleaning for the entire litter pan and waste unit, and complete replacement of litter. For multiple cat homes, maintenance may need to occur more frequently.
How do I clean the litter pan and waste unit?
Cleaning the SmartScoop components couldn't be easier! Simply remove the waste unit from the motor unit and clean with warm, soapy water. Remember, the litter rake can be removed from the waste unit so that it can be cleaned as well. We recommend applying SmartScoop No-Stick Litter Box Spray to the litter pan and litter rake each time you do monthly maintenance and litter replacement. Use Odor Control Litter Box Spray daily to keep the area smelling fresh.
How do I help my cat adjust to SmartScoop?
Cats adjust to using SmartScoop quickly, but to make it even easier on them, place SmartScoop in the same location as their old litter box. Keep SmartScoop unplugged for a few days so your cat starts using it like an ordinary litter box. After a few days, and with your cat nearby so you can reassure her, manually activate SmartScoop so your cat sees that its scooping action is nothing to be afraid of. Now, don't clean the old box because cats will always choose a clean box over a dirty one. Viola! By now your cat should be using SmartScoop regularly!
Does SmartScoop have a warranty?
Yes, it does. Here's the official warranty: SmartScoop, an OurPets brand, warrants that this Self-Cleaning Litter Box is free from defects due to faulty materials or workmanship. The warranty period is for one (1) year and commences on the Date of Purchase which is the date on your sales receipt. If your SmartScoop Self-Cleaning Litter Box does not function as warranted during the warranty period, OurPets Company will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for part(s), provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost(s). This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alterations or repairs.