Emptying the cat's litter tray has been one of my daily chores for over a decade - but that regular, mundane and sometimes icky task can be consigned to the bin by getting a self-cleaning litter box. These robot pals are becoming increasingly popular due to convenience and hygiene.
However, levelling up your litter game does come at a cost. So I was looking forward to testing out the Neakasa M1 Cat Litter Box to see if it was worth the money.
First off, the M1 comes in a robust grey plastic and is pretty chunky when compared to our old box. I was still able to place it in the same place and it can definitely accommodate cats of varying sizes, including larger breeds. The rounded interior is designed to prevent litter from sticking to the sides, and the overall layout encourages easy movement for the cat.
The biggest change is that the M1 has an open top which did take a little getting used to as we - including our cat - have been used to the 'hut' design. However, after a day or so our pet was happy enough using the M1 and we could consign the old tray to the garage.
One of the most prominent features of the M1 is its automated cleaning mechanism. After your cat finishes using it, the device engages a self-cleaning cycle that sifts the waste into the removable bin. But here the choice of litter is vital, as we found our usual brand's larger granules just did not work with the machine. You need self-clumping litter (which can be a little hard to get hold of). But once loaded with this everything worked like a dream.
The cleaning process is quiet, which is great for nervous cats or homes where noise could be disruptive. Plus, the M1 includes a safety sensor that pauses the cleaning cycle if it detects the cat nearby.
The litter box has sensors that can be connected to a mobile app via wi-fi, offering updates on cleaning cycles, litter levels, and more. The integration is smooth and allows for remote monitoring, making it great for those who like to keep tabs on their pet’s bathroom habits even when away from home.
The app is user-friendly and easy to set up. One of the most useful features is that it weighs your cat on every visit so you can keep tabs on their weight at all times.
I was concerned about odor because of its open-plan design but as long as you're using good quality litter this shouldn't be a problem. The waste compartment is sealed to minimize unpleasant smells. Changing the waste is also quick and simple, although the bags are bespoke so will need to be purchased from Neakasa. The unit is also designed to be disassembled for deeper cleaning when necessary.
The Neakasa M1 Cat Litter Box is a good choice for cat owners looking to simplify pet care and improve hygiene at home. While it comes with a higher price point and some ongoing costs, the convenience of automatic cleaning, combined with smart technology, makes it worth considering for those with a busy lifestyle or multiple cats. If you’re looking for a high-tech, hassle-free litter solution, the Neakasa M1 is definitely one of the top contenders.
The Neakasa M1 is available on Amazon UK for £599.99.It can also be purchased via the Neakasa website.
What users say
Bondy: Have nine cats and needed a litter tray that cleaned after each use. This is brilliant, works better than expected so happy I bought it. Still have normal litter trays around the house but have to say all my cats prefer this machine. So looks like a purchase for a second one will be needed.
conductor_cronk: You definitely need to watch what kind of litter you use. I am a new cat owner and decided I'd try the light weight A&H Hardball litter, and didn’t have much luck. It stuck really bad to the bottom of the litter tray when my cat would pee. I would literally have to go in there with a disposable fork during the clean cycle and pick it off. Some of it became so glued on that I had to actually dump the entire machine and aggressively scrape it off with a fork. Gross! I have since switched to A&H Clump and Seal Slide, and so far so good.
Alternatives
PETKIT Self Cleaning Cat Litter Tray
