How to Transition Your Cat to an Automatic Litter Box
Bringing home an automatic litter box can feel like you’re messing with your cat’s daily rhythm. Cats rely on routine. A big, moving machine in their toilet spot can feel strange at first.
The good news? Most cats adjust without much drama. You just need to go slow and guide them through the change. Here’s a clear, four-stage plan that works for almost every cat.
Stage 1: Let Them Get Used to It (2–3 Days)
At the start, your goal is simple. Let your cat live next to the new box without pressure.
1. Put It Beside the Old Box
Keep the old litter box in place. Put the automatic one right next to it. Don’t remove anything yet.
2. Leave It Switched Off
Plug it in but keep the power off. Your cat should see a quiet, still machine.
3. Add Familiar Smell
Move a small scoop of used litter from the old box into the new one. The scent tells your cat, “This place is safe.”
4. Encourage a Look
Drop a few treats around the base. Catnip works too. Don’t put anything inside the bowl or globe.
Stage 2: Help Them Try It (3–5 Days)
Now your cat knows the box is part of the house. The next step is to make it the better option.
1. Stop Cleaning the Old Box
Let it get a bit dirty. Cats like clean bathrooms, so they’ll naturally try the fresh one.
2. Make the Entry Easy
If the unit is tall, add a step or ramp. This helps young cats, older cats, or nervous ones.
3. Wait for the First Real Use
Don’t move on until your cat has used the new box at least once. One successful toilet break is all you need.
Stage 3: Turn On the Cleaning (3–7 Days)
This is when your cat starts hearing and seeing the moving parts.
1. Remove the Old Box
Once your cat has used the automatic box a few times, take the old one away. No backups.
2. Use Manual Mode First
Turn the machine on, but make it clean only when you tell it to. Run the cycle when your cat is in another room.
3. Watch Their Reaction
Some cats ignore the noise. Others rush over to check it out. If they get spooked, just run the cycle when they’re far from the room. Reward calm behaviour with a treat.
Stage 4: Go Fully Automatic
At this point, your cat understands the machine. Now it’s time to let it do its job.
1. Turn On Automatic Mode
Most units, including Catlink, clean a short time after the cat leaves.
2. Start With a Longer Delay
Set the delay to a longer time, like 7 minutes. This gives your cat plenty of space before anything moves.
3. Shorten It Over a Week
Tighten the delay slowly. Go from 7 minutes, to 5, to 3. Shorter delays also help with smell.
4. Check the App
Watch your cat’s bathroom habits. If they suddenly go less, bump the delay back up or switch to manual for a couple of days.
With a slow approach, your cat learns the new routine without stress. The familiar scent helps, and the quiet cleaning cycle becomes normal. Soon enough, they’ll realise the machine means one thing: a clean toilet every time, without you scooping.
Happy non-scooping!
