What’s new, pussycat? Automatic litter boxes have been on the market for a few years and LitterMaid has come out with a new model, the LM950. What’s new on this model is smoother operation of the rake and motor.

 

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The cat’s meow?

We took the LM950 to a home with four cats. Three of the cats were female and one male. All four cats seemed to adjust well to the machine, however the male cat went in and out a few times before using the box. The cat owner is away for most of the day so we wanted to see how the LM950 performed while she was gone.

We returned with her at the end of the first day to a clean smelling home (a good sign). And we noted that there were no clumps in the box (another good sign). The LM950 seemed to work as planned, clearing the clumps as soon as they appear into a sealed receptacle box.

We monitored the cats and box for several days and got similar results.

A couple of claws

This is not a “set it and forget it” type of box. Users should check for excess litter along the tracks or guides and keep them clean and clear. For best results we recommend hosing down the rake and litter pan once a month. We also suggest that you vacuum the rake guides weekly to clear them of litter dust.

Another tip is to turn off the machine during the night so it won’t attempt to clean while you are asleep, just remember to turn it back on in the morning. We found that good quality litter makes a difference — the machine may drag on the cheaper stuff.

The LM950 is not cheap and neither are the replacement receptacles. At a cost of $199.96 for the LM950 and $15.00 for the replacement receptacles, the LM950 may be out of the price range for some cat lovers. But what you are paying for here is the convenience of leaving your cats and their litterbox for long periods of time without returning to a smelly house. No matter how much you love your cats, it’s nice to come home to a clean and fresh environment.

About Gadget Grrl

Diana Forbes, a.k.a. Gadget Grrl™, loves sharing the latest and greatest technology with consumers. Her "Gadget Grrl" column runs both online and in print with a circulation of 3 million readers. She appears on national and local television shows featuring live demos of the latest trends in consumer products. For more information, visit Gadget Grrl.