Comments on: ScoopFree Automatic Cat Litter Box http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Sat, 26 May 2012 14:58:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: cathy http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-147889 cathy Fri, 18 May 2012 22:04:41 +0000 #comment-147889 We bought one for our cat and my boyfriend followed the advice on the box to put a dropping from the old box into the new one.,well the cat used the new box within 10 mins! its been virtually odor free for 3 weeks now..definately worth the money We bought one for our cat and my boyfriend followed the advice on the box to put a dropping from the old box into the new one.,well the cat used the new box within 10 mins! its been virtually odor free for 3 weeks now..definately worth the money

]]> By: FroliCat Toys Reviews — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-89162 FroliCat Toys Reviews — The Gadgeteer Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:00:25 +0000 #comment-89162 [...] toys are made by Brilliant Pets, the people who make the Scoop Free cat litter box, so they know cats. I was sent their three offerings to review- the Dart free-standing laser toy; [...] [...] toys are made by Brilliant Pets, the people who make the Scoop Free cat litter box, so they know cats. I was sent their three offerings to review- the Dart free-standing laser toy; [...]

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-61649 Julie Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:00:45 +0000 #comment-61649 @christina We've reviewed the CatGenie :) Take a look: <a href="http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/05/05/catgenie-self-flushing-self-washing-cat-box-review/" rel="nofollow">http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/05/05/catgenie-self-flushing-self-washing-cat-box-review/</a> <a href="http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/23/a-kitty-commode-the-catgenie-120-review/" rel="nofollow">http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/23/a-kitty-commode-the-catgenie-120-review/</a> @christina We’ve reviewed the CatGenie :) Take a look:

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/05/05/catgenie-self-flushing-self-washing-cat-box-review/
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/23/a-kitty-commode-the-catgenie-120-review/

]]> By: christina http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-61631 christina Thu, 29 Apr 2010 04:05:32 +0000 #comment-61631 Hey, all of you guys who have big enough bathrooms or laundryrooms need to buy a CatGenie from www.catgenie.com WOW is what I have to say...I've got 9 "pooping creatures" (well 10, but dog can't use it :-) and I'm near buying. This thing hooks up to water supply and drains into YOUR TOILET where you can FLUSH IT DOWN!!!! You just have to have enough space in either your bathroom or laundryroom. Price is $351 and $399 (there's a covered one and uncovered), but in addition to this promo code "VALUE" to get 12% off (it ends soon though), they also offer a 3-payment plan...pretty cool! You just have to pay the $30 shipping on the payment plan whereas you'd get free shipping if you pay all upfront. PLEASE LET ME AND THE WORLD KNOW IF YOU DO GET ONE...I WILL DO THE SAME WHEN I DO. Take Care and don't forget to hug your furry friends :-) Hey, all of you guys who have big enough bathrooms or laundryrooms need to buy a CatGenie from http://www.catgenie.com WOW is what I have to say…I’ve got 9 “pooping creatures” (well 10, but dog can’t use it :-) and I’m near buying.

This thing hooks up to water supply and drains into YOUR TOILET where you can FLUSH IT DOWN!!!! You just have to have enough space in either your bathroom or laundryroom. Price is $351 and $399 (there’s a covered one and uncovered), but in addition to this promo code “VALUE” to get 12% off (it ends soon though), they also offer a 3-payment plan…pretty cool! You just have to pay the $30 shipping on the payment plan whereas you’d get free shipping if you pay all upfront.

PLEASE LET ME AND THE WORLD KNOW IF YOU DO GET ONE…I WILL DO THE SAME WHEN I DO.

Take Care and don’t forget to hug your furry friends :-)

]]> By: Jason http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-53412 Jason Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:36:43 +0000 #comment-53412 We have 2 cats that go often & we decided to keep it simple & just go w/ bigger box. Just switched them over to a 37-Gallon Rubbermaid Container (w/ or w/out lid w/ hole cut in the top) Cats don't seem to care whether has lid or not but they have definitely shown preference to the bigger box vs. their old standard size box. Container is large enough to hold ~ 2 boxes of kitty litter (which has noticeably cut down on smell vs. old standard size box) & high walls on the container have decreased litter granules on the floor outside the box & completely eliminated the problem of the cats "missing" the the box & hitting the floor instead. Bigger Box could easily survive over a weekend if needed, whereas the old standard size box could barely go more than a day before getting out of hand. We have 2 cats that go often & we decided to keep it simple & just go w/ bigger box. Just switched them over to a 37-Gallon Rubbermaid Container (w/ or w/out lid w/ hole cut in the top) Cats don’t seem to care whether has lid or not but they have definitely shown preference to the bigger box vs. their old standard size box. Container is large enough to hold ~ 2 boxes of kitty litter (which has noticeably cut down on smell vs. old standard size box) & high walls on the container have decreased litter granules on the floor outside the box & completely eliminated the problem of the cats “missing” the the box & hitting the floor instead. Bigger Box could easily survive over a weekend if needed, whereas the old standard size box could barely go more than a day before getting out of hand.

]]> By: Forget the litter box, let the cat use YOUR toilet — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-53364 Forget the litter box, let the cat use YOUR toilet — The Gadgeteer Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:28:05 +0000 #comment-53364 [...] fanciers on the team have reviewed four different automated cat litter gadgets. First there was the ScoopFree, then the CatGenie, then the CatGenie 120 and just recently, the Litter Robot. Each one of these [...] [...] fanciers on the team have reviewed four different automated cat litter gadgets. First there was the ScoopFree, then the CatGenie, then the CatGenie 120 and just recently, the Litter Robot. Each one of these [...]

]]> By: Jeanie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-41895 Jeanie Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:12:57 +0000 #comment-41895 Debrutsid: We just got a ScoopFree, and have used Littermaid in the past. The Littermaid was VERY loud, especially as the motors struggled against the clumps and were giving out. (All of our Littermaids died, and frequently malfunctioned, raking for hours on end.) We are ecstatic at how QUIET the ScoopFree is! Not bothersome at all for us! For a while, we had been doing well with the Tidy Cat Breeze system, since I don't mind scooping. Trouble is, we adopted a new cat who decided he will ONLY go in a completely clean box. With 4 cats, that's impossible. We couldn't go out of town, or even be away most of the day, we had to cover the beds with plastic tarps (a favorite place to use as a potty), and cleaned up puddles in the living room daily. I was at a loss, and thought we might not be able to keep him, though I love him dearly. At first, he thought the crystals were food, but once I sprinkled in some of the old litter and a couple of pieces of poop from the other box, he is using is fine, and for the first time, he has used nothing but the litterbox all day! The ScoopFree looks like it's going to succeed in keeping a sweet cat with the family who loves him (without destroying the house!) Yay, ScoopFree! Debrutsid:
We just got a ScoopFree, and have used Littermaid in the past. The Littermaid was VERY loud, especially as the motors struggled against the clumps and were giving out. (All of our Littermaids died, and frequently malfunctioned, raking for hours on end.) We are ecstatic at how QUIET the ScoopFree is! Not bothersome at all for us!

For a while, we had been doing well with the Tidy Cat Breeze system, since I don’t mind scooping. Trouble is, we adopted a new cat who decided he will ONLY go in a completely clean box. With 4 cats, that’s impossible. We couldn’t go out of town, or even be away most of the day, we had to cover the beds with plastic tarps (a favorite place to use as a potty), and cleaned up puddles in the living room daily. I was at a loss, and thought we might not be able to keep him, though I love him dearly. At first, he thought the crystals were food, but once I sprinkled in some of the old litter and a couple of pieces of poop from the other box, he is using is fine, and for the first time, he has used nothing but the litterbox all day! The ScoopFree looks like it’s going to succeed in keeping a sweet cat with the family who loves him (without destroying the house!) Yay, ScoopFree!

]]> By: lynn http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-39454 lynn Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:32:48 +0000 #comment-39454 I have mainly heard of problems with the design of the new littermaid. Never once have I had a major problem with my ScoopFree - it does exactly what it is designed to do, no breaking parts involved! (I suppose you should expect that your purchases wont fall apart with normal use, but apparently that isnt always the case... at least not with other brands of automatic litterboxes). In regards to the cost of the refills, I get a deal as a subscriber to their automatic shipment service (they even give free shipping to subscription members). Worth checking out for sure! I have mainly heard of problems with the design of the new littermaid. Never once have I had a major problem with my ScoopFree – it does exactly what it is designed to do, no breaking parts involved! (I suppose you should expect that your purchases wont fall apart with normal use, but apparently that isnt always the case… at least not with other brands of automatic litterboxes). In regards to the cost of the refills, I get a deal as a subscriber to their automatic shipment service (they even give free shipping to subscription members). Worth checking out for sure!

]]> By: CatGenie Self-Flushing Self-Washing Cat Box Review — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-34630 CatGenie Self-Flushing Self-Washing Cat Box Review — The Gadgeteer Tue, 05 May 2009 21:09:57 +0000 #comment-34630 [...] had the opportunity to try the ScoopFree litter box several years ago and found it to be an improvement over traditional cat boxes. But it was still [...] [...] had the opportunity to try the ScoopFree litter box several years ago and found it to be an improvement over traditional cat boxes. But it was still [...]

]]> By: R http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-34053 R Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:43:47 +0000 #comment-34053 For people that have a houseful of pooping creatures, and tend to weekend travel, auto cleaning boxes are worth every penny. For longer travels, it's easier to find someone to house sit if they only have to swap out pans, bins, or what have you once a week. And when I come home from a long day of work and school, my house smells poop-free - priceless! I used Littermaid for a solid 3 years, and it was great. But the new ones, which look identical to the old ones, don't seem to last as long. I've heard they started using 'cheaper' parts, not reflected in the price tag. I've been through two already. They stick, clump, and turn messy very quickly. I'd been duped by some other round, way-too-may moving part ones in the past. So I was a little hesistant to try a new brand but after some research, husband and I decided to introduce to the scoop free to our household of litterbox users. So far, so good. Not all of the creatures have accepted their new toilet, but they're getting there. I'm optimistic. The design has covered some of the hangup with the older box. For example, no incline so there's no "collection" over time that eventually jams the rake. That also goes for the no clumping. Logic says the rake will last longer when it's shoveling around poop, not clay (though often a fine line). The odor control seems better with the crystals but didn't have too much of an issue with previous litter. The color contrast is a bit shocking, but strangely pleasing. If it doesn't work out, maybe you can use it to hold potpurri? just kidding. FYI: the trays are ridiculously expensive for more than one cat household. But they have a 'permanent' tray only available online, as far as I've seen, at such places as Amazon. It's around $50 but you just dump the tray, and refill with crystals instead of throwing away the whole thing. The tray issue was the largest complaint I saw about the box, ever, and the company stood up to the task. Long live auto pooper scoopers! For people that have a houseful of pooping creatures, and tend to weekend travel, auto cleaning boxes are worth every penny. For longer travels, it’s easier to find someone to house sit if they only have to swap out pans, bins, or what have you once a week. And when I come home from a long day of work and school, my house smells poop-free – priceless!

I used Littermaid for a solid 3 years, and it was great. But the new ones, which look identical to the old ones, don’t seem to last as long. I’ve heard they started using ‘cheaper’ parts, not reflected in the price tag. I’ve been through two already. They stick, clump, and turn messy very quickly. I’d been duped by some other round, way-too-may moving part ones in the past. So I was a little hesistant to try a new brand but after some research, husband and I decided to introduce to the scoop free to our household of litterbox users.

So far, so good. Not all of the creatures have accepted their new toilet, but they’re getting there. I’m optimistic. The design has covered some of the hangup with the older box. For example, no incline so there’s no “collection” over time that eventually jams the rake. That also goes for the no clumping. Logic says the rake will last longer when it’s shoveling around poop, not clay (though often a fine line). The odor control seems better with the crystals but didn’t have too much of an issue with previous litter. The color contrast is a bit shocking, but strangely pleasing. If it doesn’t work out, maybe you can use it to hold potpurri? just kidding.

FYI: the trays are ridiculously expensive for more than one cat household. But they have a ‘permanent’ tray only available online, as far as I’ve seen, at such places as Amazon. It’s around $50 but you just dump the tray, and refill with crystals instead of throwing away the whole thing. The tray issue was the largest complaint I saw about the box, ever, and the company stood up to the task.

Long live auto pooper scoopers!

]]> By: Scifan http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-28065 Scifan Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:30:29 +0000 #comment-28065 Someone tell me more about this forever box. I'm considering getting a Scoop-Free. Especially since we may have a third cat--a stray who has yet to be claimed--who is very finicky about the litter box, I'm thinking of getting this as a second litter box. However, with 3 cats, I'm not crazy about the replacements. So I'd love some more info on the forever box, please. Thanks! Someone tell me more about this forever box. I’m considering getting a Scoop-Free. Especially since we may have a third cat–a stray who has yet to be claimed–who is very finicky about the litter box, I’m thinking of getting this as a second litter box. However, with 3 cats, I’m not crazy about the replacements. So I’d love some more info on the forever box, please. Thanks!

]]> By: SailCat http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-27891 SailCat Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:40:49 +0000 #comment-27891 I had success with both Brand of boxes. I found the ScoopFree box on close-out for $25. I knew the the Littermaid was $100. I did not know the refills were $15-$20 for 1 refill. $39-$75 for 3. Sometimes on Ebay you can score a deal. I know there is a "charitable" contribution for the product, but the refill for cat litter and shipping charges are a bit much. I can have boxes made for 1.50 and use a cat litter of my cats choice. I clean the trap every other day just to keep it from backing up with 2 cats. I had success with both Brand of boxes. I found the ScoopFree box on close-out for $25. I knew the the Littermaid was $100. I did not know the refills were $15-$20 for 1 refill. $39-$75 for 3. Sometimes on Ebay you can score a deal. I know there is a “charitable” contribution for the product, but the refill for cat litter and shipping charges are a bit much. I can have boxes made for 1.50 and use a cat litter of my cats choice. I clean the trap every other day just to keep it from backing up with 2 cats.

]]> By: Lisa http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22514 Lisa Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:44:58 +0000 #comment-22514 <p>I have one cat, a large male tabby, and a scoop free litter box, and it works really good. Contrary to the review though, no, you do not need to use fresh step crystal litter, nor suffer the expense of those pre-filled, disposable boxes. The forever box (I got mine on ebay) replaces the expensive cardboard refills, and there are several brands of crystal cat litter that work just as well--Mimi crystals, (Walmart) are a good, very inexpensive choice, Tidy Cat crystals (available just about anywhere) also work well, but the odor control is only so-so.<br/> The start up for a scoop free is expensive, but using a forever box and filling it yourself takes quite a bit of the edge off. </p> I have one cat, a large male tabby, and a scoop free litter box, and it works really good. Contrary to the review though, no, you do not need to use fresh step crystal litter, nor suffer the expense of those pre-filled, disposable boxes. The forever box (I got mine on ebay) replaces the expensive cardboard refills, and there are several brands of crystal cat litter that work just as well–Mimi crystals, (Walmart) are a good, very inexpensive choice, Tidy Cat crystals (available just about anywhere) also work well, but the odor control is only so-so.
The start up for a scoop free is expensive, but using a forever box and filling it yourself takes quite a bit of the edge off.

]]> By: Skyanne http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22513 Skyanne Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:18:02 +0000 #comment-22513 <p>I purchased the Scoop Free Automatic Litter Box about three months ago and love it! When we adopted Phoenix, we purchased the traditional litter box and I quickly found what a pain it was to keep it clean each day. I did some research and decided on the Scoop Free. The inital cost is expensive and the refills are not cheap - but it works just like it says it does! I was so pleased to put the automatic litter box in place and not worry about changing it for 30 days! If you can swing the cost, I highly recommend!</p> <p>By the way, Phoenix had absolutely no problem adjusting to the new litter box. I removed the old one and put the new on in its place and it worked out perfectly!</p> <p><em>[Edited at February 01, 2008 15:19:09 PM.]</em></p> I purchased the Scoop Free Automatic Litter Box about three months ago and love it! When we adopted Phoenix, we purchased the traditional litter box and I quickly found what a pain it was to keep it clean each day. I did some research and decided on the Scoop Free. The inital cost is expensive and the refills are not cheap – but it works just like it says it does! I was so pleased to put the automatic litter box in place and not worry about changing it for 30 days! If you can swing the cost, I highly recommend!

By the way, Phoenix had absolutely no problem adjusting to the new litter box. I removed the old one and put the new on in its place and it worked out perfectly!

[Edited at February 01, 2008 15:19:09 PM.]

]]> By: Anne Cox http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22512 Anne Cox Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:14:01 +0000 #comment-22512 <p>Please help. I have 2 cats and a cairn terrier. Our cairn seems to think the cat box is full of treats and sneaks in to grab a bite when we aren't around. I am now using a covered cat box but am having trouble with one cat using it because she hates our younger cat and I think the cover freaks her out. I have been looking at the Littermaid and Scoopfree automatic litter boxes but just not sure. Is there anyone out there who would have advise for me? Thanks so much!!!!! Anne</p> Please help. I have 2 cats and a cairn terrier. Our cairn seems to think the cat box is full of treats and sneaks in to grab a bite when we aren’t around. I am now using a covered cat box but am having trouble with one cat using it because she hates our younger cat and I think the cover freaks her out. I have been looking at the Littermaid and Scoopfree automatic litter boxes but just not sure. Is there anyone out there who would have advise for me? Thanks so much!!!!! Anne

]]> By: helenv http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22554 helenv Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:01:53 +0000 #comment-22554 Thanks for the feedback Julie :) Thanks for the feedback Julie :)

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22553 Julie Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:57:11 +0000 #comment-22553 helenv: The litter crystals soak up the liquid. It's not an issue. helenv:

The litter crystals soak up the liquid. It’s not an issue.

]]> By: helenv http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22552 helenv Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:54:20 +0000 #comment-22552 The thing I find most concerning is the fact that liquid waste does not get removed from the tray. I don't understand how the tray can stay clean enough for the cat to want to use and not become very smelly if the liquid waste is never clumping and removed. Won't it just sit on the bottom of the tray? My cat is very picky about the litter box. She will only go in one spot of the box and will not go in the box if the box is not clean. I cannot use the littermaid box because she only goes at the end of the box right by the waste receptacle and there is a lip there. The grates aren't able to properly rake the clumps because of the lip. I thought the Scoop Free Box might be a good option because it just rakes straight across and doesn't have to raise up at the end but the fact that it doesn't remove the urine concerns me. What have been other users experience with urine and the Scoop Free box? The thing I find most concerning is the fact that liquid waste does not get removed from the tray. I don’t understand how the tray can stay clean enough for the cat to want to use and not become very smelly if the liquid waste is never clumping and removed. Won’t it just sit on the bottom of the tray? My cat is very picky about the litter box. She will only go in one spot of the box and will not go in the box if the box is not clean. I cannot use the littermaid box because she only goes at the end of the box right by the waste receptacle and there is a lip there. The grates aren’t able to properly rake the clumps because of the lip. I thought the Scoop Free Box might be a good option because it just rakes straight across and doesn’t have to raise up at the end but the fact that it doesn’t remove the urine concerns me. What have been other users experience with urine and the Scoop Free box?

]]> By: SQinAZ http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22551 SQinAZ Mon, 10 Sep 2007 03:58:27 +0000 #comment-22551 I would also like to know about safety features, as in, does the rake stop if a cat goes in to do his/her business while the unit is raking? Also, without reading all of the comments on the LitterMaid site I posted above, one person reported a major fire cause by the LitterMaid...maybe because it would get hung up on cleaning and not stop. I want to make sure the ScoopFree is UL approved, and doesn't have the same engineering problems that the LitterMaid most definitely has. I know, for sure, I am not buying my Mom a LitterMaid. I also know that, if I do get her an automatic-cleaning litterbox, it's going to have met my standards of excellence via research. :) I would also like to know about safety features, as in, does the rake stop if a cat goes in to do his/her business while the unit is raking?

Also, without reading all of the comments on the LitterMaid site I posted above, one person reported a major fire cause by the LitterMaid…maybe because it would get hung up on cleaning and not stop. I want to make sure the ScoopFree is UL approved, and doesn’t have the same engineering problems that the LitterMaid most definitely has. I know, for sure, I am not buying my Mom a LitterMaid. I also know that, if I do get her an automatic-cleaning litterbox, it’s going to have met my standards of excellence via research. :)

]]> By: SQinAZ http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22550 SQinAZ Mon, 10 Sep 2007 03:48:30 +0000 #comment-22550 I want to get my mom a scoop-free, automatic litterbox for Christmas. I had purchased a Littermaid for my sister about ten years ago, and she had nothing but problems with it. I just read a slew of negative reviews about Littermaids today, at this website: <a href="http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/littermaid.htm">http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/littermaid.htm</a> Is the ScoopFree any better? I don't begrudge spending this money for a hands-off litterbox for my Mom, but only if it's going to work, and not die in a few months. She has two cats, and two manual litter boxes right now. The cats have not used crystal litter yet, so they would have to get used to that. I am most concerned with the long-term operation of this product, as well as the company that makes it honoring their warrantee, which LitterMaid apparently does not do. I noticed that someone posting here was an employee of the ScoopFree company, and would appreciate his/her comments on reliability, and the warranty. I would also appreciate any comments by users of this product who have had problems, akin to those with the LitterMaids, where the motor burns out in a few months, parts break immediately, etc. And how the company dealt with your problems. I want to get my mom a scoop-free, automatic litterbox for Christmas. I had purchased a Littermaid for my sister about ten years ago, and she had nothing but problems with it. I just read a slew of negative reviews about Littermaids today, at this website: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/littermaid.htm

Is the ScoopFree any better? I don’t begrudge spending this money for a hands-off litterbox for my Mom, but only if it’s going to work, and not die in a few months. She has two cats, and two manual litter boxes right now. The cats have not used crystal litter yet, so they would have to get used to that.

I am most concerned with the long-term operation of this product, as well as the company that makes it honoring their warrantee, which LitterMaid apparently does not do.

I noticed that someone posting here was an employee of the ScoopFree company, and would appreciate his/her comments on reliability, and the warranty. I would also appreciate any comments by users of this product who have had problems, akin to those with the LitterMaids, where the motor burns out in a few months, parts break immediately, etc. And how the company dealt with your problems.

]]> By: catguy10 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22549 catguy10 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:16:08 +0000 #comment-22549 I've had this product for about 2 months now & my cats both love it! They used a litter crystal box before, so they moved to this one with no problems. The only downside is that they seem to get a few extra litter crystals out onto the floor, but it's not too bad. Also, between the two cats, I go through a tray every two weeks. I've got to empty out those "gifts" every week, just to keep the unit working properly, but it has saved me so much time and effort :D To get around the whole hassle of buying the refills (online, as the stores never seem to have them) I just ordered a whole set of plastic pieces to make a custom tray. Then I'll just have to buy the litter crystals as a refill. If anyone is interested in how to make their own, or how much it's cost & all that, you can email me at lifetimeplasticlitterboxtray (at) dsmiley [dot] com. Finally, I'll start seeing some better payback to this unit, I'm almost out of my 6 pack of cartridges. ~Jason I’ve had this product for about 2 months now & my cats both love it! They used a litter crystal box before, so they moved to this one with no problems.

The only downside is that they seem to get a few extra litter crystals out onto the floor, but it’s not too bad. Also, between the two cats, I go through a tray every two weeks. I’ve got to empty out those “gifts” every week, just to keep the unit working properly, but it has saved me so much time and effort :D

To get around the whole hassle of buying the refills (online, as the stores never seem to have them) I just ordered a whole set of plastic pieces to make a custom tray. Then I’ll just have to buy the litter crystals as a refill.
If anyone is interested in how to make their own, or how much it’s cost & all that, you can email me at lifetimeplasticlitterboxtray (at) dsmiley [dot] com.

Finally, I’ll start seeing some better payback to this unit, I’m almost out of my 6 pack of cartridges.

~Jason

]]> By: Mary Ann http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22548 Mary Ann Tue, 22 May 2007 23:44:21 +0000 #comment-22548 I recently purchased the scoop free litter box. I have to say it's great not to have to SEE the little 'packages' anymore and my cat Misty took to it right away. However, I notice that if I stand right near it I definitely DO smell it and when I checked the waste trap the solids seem to still be soft and aren't drying out and shrinking as I thought they are supposed to. I've only been using it a bit less then a week so I don't think that's the problem. Is this normal? I mean you don't smell it when you walk in the room but I thought if the solids dried up you wouldn't smell anything even standing over it so I'm a little bit disappointed about that. I recently purchased the scoop free litter box. I have to say it’s great not to have to SEE the little ‘packages’ anymore and my cat Misty took to it right away. However, I notice that if I stand right near it I definitely DO smell it and when I checked the waste trap the solids seem to still be soft and aren’t drying out and shrinking as I thought they are supposed to. I’ve only been using it a bit less then a week so I don’t think that’s the problem. Is this normal? I mean you don’t smell it when you walk in the room but I thought if the solids dried up you wouldn’t smell anything even standing over it so I’m a little bit disappointed about that.

]]> By: Mary Ann http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22547 Mary Ann Wed, 16 May 2007 23:48:55 +0000 #comment-22547 I just opened my new scoop free litter box and I have a question, this is probably really a stupid question but here goes- when I made sure that the magnets on the top of the waste box met the magnets on the purple cover, I find that the waste box does not sit on the bottom of the litter tray now but above it. Is this correct? Is this how the waste gets IN the waste trap? The reason I ask is that it says not to put any of the crystals in the waste trap but won't that flow in as soon as I fill the box? I know dumb- I am hopeless with anything that needs to be put together even something this simple. But I'm dying to try it so any help would be appreciated. I just opened my new scoop free litter box and I have a question, this is probably really a stupid question but here goes- when I made sure that the magnets on the top of the waste box met the magnets on the purple cover, I find that the waste box does not sit on the bottom of the litter tray now but above it. Is this correct? Is this how the waste gets IN the waste trap? The reason I ask is that it says not to put any of the crystals in the waste trap but won’t that flow in as soon as I fill the box?

I know dumb- I am hopeless with anything that needs to be put together even something this simple. But I’m dying to try it so any help would be appreciated.

]]> By: robin94122 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22546 robin94122 Sat, 02 Dec 2006 23:06:42 +0000 #comment-22546 I am in a wheelchair, so a simple to clean litterbox is a necessity. (I'm also not well enough to clean everyday.) I got this after my brother got one. He has no mobility issues, but travels fairly often, ans is usually away for 2 to 3 days. He had someone to come in and feed and play with his cat, but they didn't like to clean the litterbox. And he didn't like the cat having an always dirty box (or coming home to the smell!) Anyway, he got it, liked it, and recommended it. So travel and mobility issues are two good reasons for getting one. I had tried others in the past, but this is the first one that seems to really work as advertised. Throwing away the whole bottom cartridge is brilliant. It is quieter than the others I've had. It's definitely quieter than, say, a hair dryer but probably about the same as an electric shaver. It would wake a light sleeper, but not a heavy one. And you do get used to it, as it only runs for about a minute. For me, it's about the same level of disturbance as when my refrigerator kicks in the defrost cycle. If I wake up, I know what it is and go back to sleep. My cat also likes watching it work. It definitely has not caused her not to use it. Like a lot of people, I find the cartridge lasts about 3 weeks. (I change it as soon as the smell gets noticeable.) I have one small cat. A larger cat or two cats would need more frequent changing. I don't know anyone who gets a full 30 days out of the cartridge. But I buy mine when they're on sale in a 6 pack, which ends up costing about $5 a week.. And of course that includes the cost of the litter. When I got mine the manufacturer offered a 90 day guarantee. (Not the store, the company.) I don't know if they still do, but it's worth checking if, like me, you have a real reason to need something like this. Robin I am in a wheelchair, so a simple to clean litterbox is a necessity. (I’m also not well enough to clean everyday.)

I got this after my brother got one. He has no mobility issues, but travels fairly often, ans is usually away for 2 to 3 days. He had someone to come in and feed and play with his cat, but they didn’t like to clean the litterbox. And he didn’t like the cat having an always dirty box (or coming home to the smell!) Anyway, he got it, liked it, and recommended it.

So travel and mobility issues are two good reasons for getting one.

I had tried others in the past, but this is the first one that seems to really work as advertised. Throwing away the whole bottom cartridge is brilliant. It is quieter than the others I’ve had. It’s definitely quieter than, say, a hair dryer but probably about the same as an electric shaver. It would wake a light sleeper, but not a heavy one. And you do get used to it, as it only runs for about a minute. For me, it’s about the same level of disturbance as when my refrigerator kicks in the defrost cycle. If I wake up, I know what it is and go back to sleep.

My cat also likes watching it work. It definitely has not caused her not to use it. Like a lot of people, I find the cartridge lasts about 3 weeks. (I change it as soon as the smell gets noticeable.) I have one small cat. A larger cat or two cats would need more frequent changing. I don’t know anyone who gets a full 30 days out of the cartridge. But I buy mine when they’re on sale in a 6 pack, which ends up costing about $5 a week.. And of course that includes the cost of the litter.

When I got mine the manufacturer offered a 90 day guarantee. (Not the store, the company.) I don’t know if they still do, but it’s worth checking if, like me, you have a real reason to need something like this.

Robin

]]> By: sam8988378 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/04/17/scoopfree_automatic_cat_litter_box/comment-page-1/#comment-22545 sam8988378 Fri, 24 Nov 2006 22:08:02 +0000 #comment-22545 <blockquote><cite>cocowood wrote: </cite><br />After using a regular cat box with liners, I bought the ScoopFree Automatic Cat Litter Box and I think it's a great machine! It has made my life a lot easier! We adopted our one-year old cat, Dude, earlier this year and I wasn't sure what to do about the litter box situation. My husband and I are pretty much clean freaks and neither of us would ever have our condo smelling even remotely like a litter box. Before ScoopFree, I was cleaning the litter box the moment I was out of bed in the morning, immediately after returning home from work, as well as just before bed, etc. When we first adopted Dude, I went through several types of litter (including flushable litter), liners, and even sifting liners (the kind where you put the whole 30-day supply in the cat box and then you are supposed to pick the top liner up and the clean litter falls down to the next liner -- ha! Well, that lasted about two days because Dude digs like he's digging to China and I went through $10 worth of sifting liners in literally two days!) I spent a ton of money on this litter box stuff. So I went over to my local PetSmart and found the ScoopFree representative giving a demonstration -- and she sold me on it immediately. I took it home, set up the machine (easy!) and put Dude in the ScoopFree box and took his front paws and started digging -- so he'd get the idea ... and he sniffed around and jumped out. Then when the box started to clean itself (as it goes off 20 minutes after the cat leaves the box) Dude ran over and watched it. I really thought that was going to be it -- that he would never have anything to do with it once he heard the noise and saw the movement. But I perservered and for the next few hours I watched Dude and if he even looked like he was going towards his regular litter box, I picked him up and put him in the ScoopFree. He started digging around and still did not use it. I finally just said "Well, Dude, guess what ... you are going to have to get used to this because I am NOT going to be a slave to a regular litter box in this condo any longer." So I took his old box out of the condo and put him back in the ScoopFree box and he promptly jumped out. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much that night, but when I did finally fall asleep, I woke up to the "soothing" sound of the ScoopFree box going through it's cleaning cycle! YIPPEE! I was so happy! So ... it took Dude about 12 hours to get the hang of it. Very minimal maintenance is required in that I don't like leaving the poops in the cartridge for as long as they say you can. Therefore, I just remove the blue plastic lid over the cartridge and lift the cartridge up to clean out the poops with a poop scooper about every five days and discard its contents into a plastic bag and throw it away. Then I use the scooper to swish the crystals around and push some back into the cartridge. I change the cartridge about every 20 to 25 days. The ScoopFree is virtually odor free -- I am a very happy ScoopFree believer!</blockquote> Lol, if self-confessed "clean freaks" think ScoopFree is great, then I am sold! I owe someone a self-cleaning litterbox as a gift, and had been looking at the littermaid (on sale today for $49.). However, I had read about the grooves getting dirty (at Epinions), and found the same thing here. As for the description of the fork tines getting dirty:I'm no clean freak, but eeewwww! The gift recipient is no great fan of litterbox cleaning and has been a bit of a slacker. Her new husband never had pets, and is also a clean freak. While I'm not happy about the fresh step not being biodegradable, I would be less happy if her cat became ill or became the source of conflict due to using something other than the full catbox. Thank you everyone, for helping make this decision:)

cocowood wrote:

After using a regular cat box with liners, I bought the ScoopFree Automatic Cat Litter Box and I think it’s a great machine! It has made my life a lot easier! We adopted our one-year old cat, Dude, earlier this year and I wasn’t sure what to do about the litter box situation. My husband and I are pretty much clean freaks and neither of us would ever have our condo smelling even remotely like a litter box. Before ScoopFree, I was cleaning the litter box the moment I was out of bed in the morning, immediately after returning home from work, as well as just before bed, etc. When we first adopted Dude, I went through several types of litter (including flushable litter), liners, and even sifting liners (the kind where you put the whole 30-day supply in the cat box and then you are supposed to pick the top liner up and the clean litter falls down to the next liner — ha! Well, that lasted about two days because Dude digs like he’s digging to China and I went through $10 worth of sifting liners in literally two days!) I spent a ton of money on this litter box stuff. So I went over to my local PetSmart and found the ScoopFree representative giving a demonstration — and she sold me on it immediately. I took it home, set up the machine (easy!) and put Dude in the ScoopFree box and took his front paws and started digging — so he’d get the idea … and he sniffed around and jumped out. Then when the box started to clean itself (as it goes off 20 minutes after the cat leaves the box) Dude ran over and watched it. I really thought that was going to be it — that he would never have anything to do with it once he heard the noise and saw the movement. But I perservered and for the next few hours I watched Dude and if he even looked like he was going towards his regular litter box, I picked him up and put him in the ScoopFree. He started digging around and still did not use it. I finally just said “Well, Dude, guess what … you are going to have to get used to this because I am NOT going to be a slave to a regular litter box in this condo any longer.” So I took his old box out of the condo and put him back in the ScoopFree box and he promptly jumped out. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep much that night, but when I did finally fall asleep, I woke up to the “soothing” sound of the ScoopFree box going through it’s cleaning cycle! YIPPEE! I was so happy! So … it took Dude about 12 hours to get the hang of it. Very minimal maintenance is required in that I don’t like leaving the poops in the cartridge for as long as they say you can. Therefore, I just remove the blue plastic lid over the cartridge and lift the cartridge up to clean out the poops with a poop scooper about every five days and discard its contents into a plastic bag and throw it away. Then I use the scooper to swish the crystals around and push some back into the cartridge. I change the cartridge about every 20 to 25 days. The ScoopFree is virtually odor free — I am a very happy ScoopFree believer!

Lol, if self-confessed “clean freaks” think ScoopFree is great, then I am sold! I owe someone a self-cleaning litterbox as a gift, and had been looking at the littermaid (on sale today for $49.). However, I had read about the grooves getting dirty (at Epinions), and found the same thing here. As for the description of the fork tines getting dirty:I’m no clean freak, but eeewwww!

The gift recipient is no great fan of litterbox cleaning and has been a bit of a slacker. Her new husband never had pets, and is also a clean freak. While I’m not happy about the fresh step not being biodegradable, I would be less happy if her cat became ill or became the source of conflict due to using something other than the full catbox.

Thank you everyone, for helping make this decision:)

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