Short answer: daily checks, weekly clean, monthly deep clean
A self-cleaning litter tray automates the raking and waste separation, but it doesn't eliminate maintenance — it just changes what that maintenance looks like.
Daily (2 minutes)
- Empty the waste receptacle or bag if your tray uses one, rather than letting it fill up over several cycles.
- Do a quick visual check that the rake or cleaning mechanism completed its cycle properly.
- Top up litter if the level has dropped below the manufacturer's recommended line.
Weekly
- Wipe down the entry and any exterior surfaces your cat's paws contact.
- Check and clean any sensors (motion, weight, or infrared) — dust and litter granules are the main causes of misfires.
- Check the rake or comb mechanism for clumps stuck between teeth.
Monthly (full deep clean)
- Empty the tray completely and wash the litter bin/drum with warm water and a mild, unscented, cat-safe cleaner.
- Dry thoroughly before refilling — residual moisture is one of the most common causes of clumping litter sticking to the mechanism.
- Check moving parts for wear, and consult your manual for anything the manufacturer recommends lubricating or inspecting periodically.
Why large-breed cats change the schedule
Bigger cats produce proportionally more waste, and enclosed, large-format trays can mask odour building up inside the housing. If you have a Maine Coon, Ragdoll or similar breed, it's worth erring toward the more frequent end of these intervals.
Our Bothy Enclosed Self-Cleaning Litter Tray is designed for large-breed use, but the same maintenance principles apply to any self-cleaning tray. You can see the full range in our self-cleaning litter trays collection.