LitterMaid: A scary helper invaded our home.
Written: Mar 01 '04 (Updated Sep 07 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Self cleaning, good odor control, good basic concept, integrated paw cleaning ramp
Cons: very (!) sensitive to fill height, substandard fit, expensive, extremely scary to sensitive cats
The Bottom Line: Didn't meet expectations but if everything is right it even does clean automatically.
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| theuerkorn's Full Review: Black & Decker LM500 Littermaid Self Cleaning Litt... |
This is the story of McQuiggan and Tex who both got surprised by this automated helper to keep their quiet place tidy. (Note: Names not altered for this story, I mean review)
May I introduce: THE JURY
McQuiggan: A 13 lbs domestic cat with proverbial curiosity that could get him killed some day in action when trying the riskiest latest stunt. Very friendly and an early adopter to new petting machines, called guests.
Tex: A 15 lbs domestic cat that runs and hides from anything unknown* that's slightly larger than a mouse. Very friendly but not easy, I mean not easy to convince that things don't bite him (especially when it makes strange noises). However, he was the main target for this 'investment' since he isn't very good with covering his 'tracks', if you know what I mean.
*... unknown = less than half a day of constant exposure
THE CAT's MAID (their perspective)
McQuiggan just proved one more time that curiosity is a strong aphrodisiac, and this new device seemed to be just cool enough to explore for about 15 - 20 minutes. If he likes it, he will lay down in it (at first). Yepp, he didn't let us down this time either ... Quiggan, get out of the box! (He is so easy.)
Tex also stuck to his personality and very cautiously inspected the new thing for its potential harm from a distance. This wasn't too bad, until the rake gets going. (10 minutes after McQuiggan just laid in it.) The screeching sound was enough to convince Tex that this thing indeed is evil and he was not to be seen for the whole evening. He is okay with it now but it took him more than 2 days to actually trust it enough to get closer. The noise, however, still kind of raises his caution level. And to actually use it, Tex took 10 days to trust it enough to step on it!
Both cats felt that it was a little small for their size (well, they are not tiny at around 14 lbs) and required a little more 'effort' than the good old litter box. After studying the brochure (by laying on it), they concluded that they would have preferred the larger LM950 model.
THE OWNER's HELPER (our perspective)
Well the main purpose of this device is to reduce effort in keeping the littler box clean and fresh. The LitterMaid will do just that but we were kind of surprised that it certainly isn't effortless to make it work and keep it that way.
With two somewhat large cats the container actually fills up quickly and requires changing within 3 - 4 days (maximum). The replacement containers become the most expensive consumable that way. I cannot imagine what that would mean for the approved maximum of 4 cats the Littermaid supposedly is tested for.
Having said that, the reduction in odor from the litter box is significant and since it's right next to our little home office (and guest room) a welcome improvement.
WHAT's HOT?
If set up properly, the Littermaid does a good job in combing the litter everytime a cat has been using it to make sure it keeps it fresh and clean.
The sensor and timer make the whole setup carefree for about 1 - 2 days and reduce continual maintenance efforts quite nicely.
The odor control - once scooped up into in the container - is great and significantly reduced over a traditional litter box. The charcoal filter is placed right in the container and disposes with it. Both are easy to exchange and almost hassle free.
The integrated ramp with a paw cleaning carpet works well, if our cats actually use it. For some unknown reason they seem to prefer entering from the side.
The device can be operated via AC adapter or batteries depending on location and preference.
WHAT's NOT!
Automated by far does not mean care free. Right now it feels like there is almost more work involved in keeping this thing in working order than simply scooping it out and be done with it.
It appears that mostly due to an underpowered motor in the raking assembly, the LitterMaid is very sensitive to even light amounts of overfill. In fact, our cats kind of move all the litter to one side and that has been enough to stall the motor as well, despite correct filling.
The sensitivity to fill height is not helped by the conflicting markers, one in the litter box and the official one which is the scooper like tool that has been included. The latter is the measure that works whereas the other one does not seem to have a purpose (at about 2x the maximum fill height).
The waste container's lid is automatically lifted by the cam action of the rake, however, due to some fit issues with the ramp, the lid had to be modified slightly to actually close again. (The ramp pressed onto the hinge and provided enough friction to hold the lid in it's upright position. Sticking a small weight to the lid solved this issue.
Further, in case the cats for some reason prefer one side to do their business the raked out stuff might pile quicker and prevent the lid from closing way before the container is actually full. And there goes the odor control. ;-)
With the very low fill level of about 15 mm (a little more than 1/2 inch) or less (!!!), it is quite possible for the cats to dig all the litter to one side and plant their seed right onto the plastic. (Sorry for the graphic nature of this subject.) Overall cleaning all of the sudden becomes more of an issue with the LitterMaid -- adding to the required maintenance.
CONCLUSION
Given the price tag and the continual expenses via waste containers (set of 12 for $11.-) make this a rather costly proposition. Add the maticulate requirements regarding keeping a certain fill level and it might as well be considered a chore rather than an assistance. Is it worth it?
Well, it is from an odor control perspective as well as providing your cat(s) with an always 'fresh' litter box without doing that manually with great effort.
However, this device may be a great helper but it's design is far from being free of little quirks that make the use of it everything but a 'set and forget' device.
Our cats finally adjusted to the mean screeching sound of the motor, though our frightened cat (Tex) really had some issue to get to trust this beast. Tip: Do not plug the unit in for the first 2 - 5 days when using it with a Tex-like cat!
So would I recommend? Well that's a YES (sometimes) and a NO (mostly). "Yes" for odor control and overall improvements -- when it works. "No" for everybody who hopes to actually reduce efforts in maintaining the litter box and of course everybody who is on a tight budget.
Note: The LM700's only difference from the LM500 is in the included ramp and -- as it seems -- the sticker to call it LitterMaid Plus.
UPDATE [18-Nov-2004]: After about 8 months of use, the LitterMaid finally went into retirement, and not because it was worn out. It became more and more obvious that our cats seemed more alert than usual and little noises set them off easily. This is especially significant as neither Tex nor McQuiggan is declawed, and have them jump off your lap in agony isn't something I particularily care for on a regular basis.
So we re-introduced the traditional littler box a month ago and used both in parallel. The jury decided unanimosly in favor of the traditional way and basically abandonned the LitterMaid. So it moved out again and we just hope that our cats regain their calm temper they had before this helper moved in.
Recommended:
No
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