Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Get Your Cat to Use the Litter Robot – 10 Simple Tips

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

cat in the litter robot

If you have recently added a Litter Robot to your home, you may be wondering how to get your cat to use it. Getting cats used to new objects can be difficult, so we’ve put together these simple tips for helping your cat adjust to their Litter Robot.

hepper-cat-paw-divider

Before We Begin – What Is a Litter Robot?

Before we get started, let’s talk about what exactly a Litter Robot is and why you would want one. A Litter Robot is a self-cleaning litter box that uses an automated, rotating process to separate the waste from the clean litter. The waste is collected in a receptacle at the bottom of the unit, while the clean litter is returned to the top for your cat’s next use. This makes maintenance and cleanup much easier and less frequent than with a traditional litter box.

The 10 Tips to Get Your Cat to Use the Litter Robot

1. Start Off Slow and Introduce Them Gradually

It’s best to introduce your cat to their new Litter Robot slowly, so start with only a small amount of litter in the unit. This will help your cat become more comfortable and allow you to monitor their behavior as they become used to the machine.

Position the Litter Robot in a quiet corner of your home and allow your cat to get familiar with it. Let them sniff around it, rub against it, or even sit on top of it. This will help them establish a sense of comfort and familiarity with the machine before they begin using it.cat leaning on the litter robot 3


2. Move at Their Pace

It’s important to not push your cat too hard or expect them to use the Litter Robot right away. Cats are creatures of habit, so give them time to get used to their new environment and become comfortable with the machine before expecting them to use it.


3. Praise and Reward Them for Trying

When your cat does try out the Litter Robot, be sure to praise them for their efforts. This will help reinforce positive behaviors and serve as an incentive to keep using it in the future. You can also reward your cat’s good behavior with treats or special toys when they use the Litter Robot. This will encourage them to make it a part of their routine.

a tabby cat being fed a cat treat by hand
Image Credit: Jakub Zak, Shutterstock

4. Avoid Punishment

It’s important to never punish your cat for not using the Litter Robot or for making a mess outside of it. This could cause them to become fearful and wary of the machine, making it even more difficult for them to adjust in the future.


5. Make Sure It’s Clean

Be sure to regularly clean the Litter Robot, as cats tend to avoid dirty places. You should also ensure that it has good quality clumping litter, as this will make the cleanup process much easier and help keep your cat happy.litter robot 3


6. Move It Around

Maybe your cat doesn’t like the location of the Litter Robot. Place the Litter Robot in different areas of your home until your cat uses it. You should also make sure that the machine is away from any high-traffic areas where other pets or people may disrupt its operation. Put your Litter Robot in a quiet area away from common areas of your home so that your cat can get used to the new object without being overwhelmed. After all, you don’t like to use the bathroom when someone is nearby, and the same is true of cats.


7. Give Them Space

When your cat is using the Litter Robot, give them some space and allow them to do their business without interruption. This will help them feel more comfortable and encourage them to use the machine in the future.cat in the litter robot 3


8. Check for Obstructions

Check that there are no obstructions near the Litter Robot (such as furniture or electrical cords) that could prevent your cat from having easy access to it. Cats like their litter boxes to be easily accessible, and the Litter Robot is no different.


9. Use Your Cat’s Favorite Litter

Some cats are not very fond of change, and other cats are very particular about their litter. So use your cat’s favorite type or the type that you were using in your old litter box and fill up the Litter Robot with it. This will help give them a sense of familiarity and entice them to use it more regularly.

scooping out cat litter from the sack
Image Credit: EvGavrilov, Shutterstock

10. Make It Inviting

Cats love to play, so placing a few toys near the Litter Robot may help them feel more comfortable and encourage them to explore it. Sprinkle a few drops of cat attractant around the entrance to the litter box to help entice your cat to use it. Finally, remember that patience is key when introducing any new object to your cat. With enough time and effort, they will come around and use the Litter Robot just like any other litter box.

hepper-cat-paw-divider

FAQs About the Litter Robot

How often should I empty the Litter Robot?

The Litter Robot should be emptied and the litter replaced completely every 2 to 3 weeks depending on the number of cats you have using it.


Can I use a regular litter with the Litter Robot?

Yes, you can use any type of litter that is approved for use with a litter box.


Is the Litter Robot loud?

No, the Litter Robot operates very quietly and most cats do not even notice when it is running.

Grey Cat using Beige Litter-Robot
Image Credit: Robot Litter, Unsplash

How much space does a Litter Robot take up?

The Litter Robot takes up about the same amount of space as a regular litter box.


How often do I need to replace the Litter Robot filters?

The filters should be replaced every 6 months or as needed for best performance.


Is the Litter Robot easy to set up and maintain?

The Litter Robot is very simple to set up and requires minimal maintenance. All that is required is to empty the waste drawer, replace the filters every six months, and periodically clean it.


Can I use a litter mat with the Litter Robot?

Yes, you can use a litter mat with the Litter Robot to help keep your floors clean.


How much waste does the Litter Robot hold?

The Litter Robot can hold up to 2 weeks worth of waste before it needs to be emptied.

litter robot drawer


Does the Litter Robot have any special features?

Yes, the Litter Robot has a self-cleaning feature that automatically starts when the cat exits the unit. It also has an adjustable cycle time and an adjustable delay of up to 7 hours for busy households. Plus, it has a sleep mode that reduces noise and energy consumption when not in use.


Is the Litter Robot easy to move around?

Yes, the Litter Robot is designed with a lightweight construction so it can be easily moved from one location to another.


Does the Litter Robot come with its own litter scoop?

Yes, the Litter Robot comes with a litter scoop for easy waste removal.

hepper-cat-paw-divider

Conclusion

Cats take time to warm up to new things, and that includes something fancy and new like the Litter Robot. Following these 10 simple tips will help you get your cat to use their new Litter Robot. With patience and a few treats, your cat will be using the Litter Robot like a pro in no time! Good luck!

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!
Continue shopping