As a cat owner, you know the drill: you worship your little kitty to the moon and back, and if you could do without the chore of cleaning up after they’ve been through their litter box, you’d be the happiest cat parent in the world. Unfortunately, unless your cat goes out for her needs, no magic trick will make the little mess she leaves behind go away. However, there is one device that will make your life easier: a robot vacuum! These wonderful inventions will save you time and sweat, which in turn will make you spend more time with your feline companion! Here are our reviews of the seven best robot vacuums we found; our detailed description and pros and cons should help you find the best option for your needs.
The Pure Clean Smart Robot is the best overall robot vacuum for cat litter. It is indeed quite smart, as it can handle most messy tasks without your supervision! Indeed, this little gem of technology is equipped with sensors that allow it to avoid obstacles and falls, allowing you to wander about your business while it cleans the dirt left by your cat. Furthermore, a remote control is included so you can start cleaning even when you are away from the house. In addition, it works on several types of surfaces, such as hardwood, tile, marble, or hard carpet floors. All of these features make this little robot vacuum the best overall option we’ve found.
The only catch is that it seems to have a hard time getting back to the charger on its own, although it doesn’t happen all the time.
Pros
Anti-collision sensors
Very easy to use
Includes remote control
Very quiet
Built-in rechargeable battery
Works on any surface
Cons
May not go back to the charger by itself
2. Eufy RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum Cleaner – Best Value
Eufy RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum Cleaner is a small, quiet, easy-to-use robot vacuum cleaner that we think is the best robot vacuum cleaner for cat litter for the money. It sucks up litter debris and other dirt from your home very effectively but can have a bit more difficulty with substantial debris. This small, compact model is perfect for cleaning those corners that are more difficult to access but strangely tends to bump into dark objects. It finds its way to its dock about half the time, so you may find it dead in a corner of your house from time to time. Nevertheless, it has enough advantages to justify its purchase, especially with regard to its affordable price.
Pros
Very easy to use
Runtime up to 100 minutes
Super quiet
Strong suction power
Affordable
Cons
Can bump into dark color items
Not very efficient in picking heavy dirt
3. iRobot Roomba Auto Charging Robo Vacuum – Premium Choice
The iRobot Roomba i3+ 3550 Auto Charging Robotic Vacuum does a fantastic job cleaning up the mess after your cats. Its smart navigation and ease of use are among its best features. Plus, after every cleaning, it empties into a trash bag that takes up to 60 days to fill, so you can forget to vacuum for months. The machine will also automatically return to its docking station to recharge when the battery is low. Plus, it’s perfect for cat owners because it comes with a HEPA filter to suck up allergens while it cleans up after your pet. But despite all these amazing features, it’s not perfect. Its noise level is above average, it is a bulky model, and its docking station will take up a lot of space in your living room.
Pros
Amazing suction power
Empties itself for 60 days
Runtime is up to 75 minutes
Has personalized cleaning suggestions
Ideal for sweeping corners
Cons
Takes 6 hours to charge fully
Very expensive
Noisy
4. SereneLife Smart Robot Vacuum Cleaner – Best for Kittens
The tiny SereneLife Smart Robot Vacuum Cleaner is perfect for cleaning up after kittens or if you live in a small apartment without too many obstacles. It does include anti-fall sensors like most robot vacuums, but you may need to watch it a bit more as it tends to get stuck. However, it is easy to use, includes a remote control, and effectively cleans litter debris, hair, and other dirt. However, if you live in a big house with many stairs or have large cats, this option may not be for you.
ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner is another lightweight option with a slim design that allows it to venture into the dark corners of your home. It’s independent enough to get back to its charger by itself, but you’ll need to watch it as it sometimes gets stuck in some places despite its sensors. Some users compare it to a two-year-old helping you clean up: he starts out on his own, encounters a problem, asks for your help, gets back on track, and a few minutes later asks for your help again. Nevertheless, this robot vacuum cleaner has an exciting function, that of being able to “defend” against the attacks of an overly curious dog or cat! This self-protection function is automatically programmed into the device and is very useful in homes with young, crazy animals!
With such a name, it’s normal to expect this robot vacuum to do wonders in your home! Roborock E4 Robot Vacuum and Mop Cleaner indeed fulfills its mandate very well, and it will easily get rid of all the cat litter spilled by your furry friend. Plus, its autonomy can reach 200 minutes, double the average of other robot vacuum cleaners. It does, however, require a little supervision because it can get stuck in certain places, like many other robots. Nevertheless, given its relatively high price, one should expect a little more autonomy. However, it usually has no problem coming back to the dock on its own and getting the job done. It is, however, a little noisier than the other models, which could frighten more sensitive kitties!
Pros
Runtime up to 200 minutes
Washable filter
Great suction power
Automatic top-up charging
Cons
Expensive
Not suitable for high-pile carpet and dark-colored floors
The Eufy RoboVac 35C Robot Vacuum Cleaner is perfect if you are looking for a really quiet model. It cleans very well, and the voice control allows you to start cleaning without even having to touch the device. Its compact design and light weight is ideal for small spaces; it also has good battery life, up to 100 minutes after a full charge. However, it sometimes has trouble following the cleaning patterns correctly, which can become frustrating in the long run. Additionally, some users have reported that it gets stuck on some furniture.
The best cat litter vacuum is one that meets all your needs, including type, wattage, capacity, run time, noise level, size and weight, warranty, and any additional features. The features below will help you choose the robot vacuum that best suits your needs.
Type
The type of vacuum can make a huge difference in your cleaning, whether it’s an upright vacuum, a cordless hand vacuum, a stick vacuum, or a robotic vacuum. Upright vacuums are suitable for most homes, although they require more manual labor, while robot vacuums are designed to be adjusted and left in place, which is ideal for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning.
For example, a hand vacuum may be the best solution if you want to clean the cat litter box quickly. Nonetheless, robot vacuums offer more convenience and autonomy, although they are generally priced higher than other options.
Power
The power level may vary depending on the type of vacuum cleaner. Upright vacuums tend to be more potent than robots or hand vacuums, for example, as they are most often used for cleaning the whole house. And since power is related to suction, it’s important to choose a vacuum that can meet your needs. For example, if you live in a house where there are a lot of pets, you may want to look for a robot vacuum with a high-power level.
Capacity
All vacuum cleaners, regardless of their type, have a capacity. For example, robot vacuums do not have bags but a plastic tank to be emptied regularly. Indeed, every model on our list is bagless, which means they use tanks, and at some point, the vacuum will be full of dirt and debris and will need to be emptied. The larger the tank, the more dirt and debris the robot vacuum can hold before it needs to be emptied.
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
Runtime
If you’re interested in buying a robot vacuum, know these models usually run on a rechargeable battery system, which is especially useful when looking for a vacuum for a quick cleanup of cat litter or pet hair. The duration of use is, therefore, an essential element to consider when buying a robot vacuum cleaner.
Noise Level
Vacuuming can be noisy. The suction creates a noise that cannot usually be avoided. But if the noise level is an important factor for you, especially if you have a household with sensitive kitties who might be scared off by standard vacuum cleaners, it will be a good idea to turn to robot vacuums. Since they’re designed to vacuum on their own, they’re also designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, which means they’re generally quiet and won’t disturb you or your pets.
Dimensions and Weight
The size of the vacuum cleaner is one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing it, regardless of its type. If a hand vacuum is too heavy, battery life won’t matter if you can’t carry it long enough to get the job done. If a robotic vacuum cleaner is too large, it will not be able to go under your furniture to clean it. And if your upright vacuum is too heavy, it can be difficult to use in your rooms, and if it’s too large, it can be difficult to store.
Guarantee
It is always important to check the warranty of any vacuum cleaner you purchase. A well-made robot vacuum should last for years, but sometimes an accident happens, and you have to rely on the warranty for replacements or repairs.
Bonus Tip
Robot vacuums are handy for regular floor cleaning, but they are not suitable for quick cleaning of heavily soiled floors, such as flour or spilled crumbs on the floor. For these emergencies, a conventional vacuum cleaner will be much more efficient.
Conclusion
Robot vacuums are perfect for cat owners who want to do without the chore of vacuuming. Indeed, robots have a “set-it-and-forget-it” mentality when it comes to vacuuming. If you are looking for an affordable option with excellent features for picking up litter box messes left by your beloved cat, the Pure Clean Smart Robot Vacuum is an ideal model. If you are on a tighter budget but still looking for good value for money, the Eufy RoboVac 11S will suit you better. And if you’re in the mood to splurge and noise level isn’t a big deal in your purchase, the iRobot Roomba will have you covered.
Genevieve is a biologist and science writer. Her deep love for capuchin monkeys, pumas, and kangaroos has taken her worldwide to work and volunteer for several wildlife rehabilitation centers in Bolivia, Guatemala, Canada, and Australia. As a Canadian expat, Genevieve now lives in Argentina, where she wakes up every morning to horses and cows saying hello from the vast plain next to her home office window. She is the proud mom of three rescued dogs, Lemmy, Nala, and Pochi, and a frisky kitten, Furiosa. Having the privilege of sharing her knowledge and passion for animals of all kinds is what makes her fulfilled and happy....Read more
