As a cat parent, I’ll admit cleaning the litter box is the chore I dread most. When I saw the AutoScooper 11 advertised as “plug-and-play, self-cleaning, no scoop for 7–10 days,” I was intrigued. Could this device finally make litter maintenance effortless? I bought it, installed it, and used it for about a month to see how it held up in real life.
What Is PetPivot AutoScooper 11
The PetPivot AutoScooper 11 is an open-top automatic litter box designed for cats roughly 3 lbs and up (some sources say 3–22 lbs). It features a rotating drum or mechanism that scoops clumps into a waste bin after each use, claims a large waste capacity (~10 L) and anti-litter tracking mat, and emphasizes ease of setup with no app required. Typical retail pricing is around $169–$300 depending on sales and seller.
Why I Tried It
My current litter box needed daily scooping, more floor cleaning, and litter tracking across the hallway. I wanted something that would cut down on the daily chore, reduce odor, and simplify life, especially on the busy mornings when I’d often leave a clump unchecked. The AutoScooper 11’s promise of “set-and-forget for several days” made it worth trying.
My Experience Using It
Unboxing the unit, I was pleasantly surprised by the size… it didn’t dominate the room and the open-top design looked less intimidating for my cat. Setup was straightforward: attach legs, plug in, add litter. First night, my cat used it. Quiet enough. I felt hopeful.
By week one, I noticed fewer tracked litter granules and less frequent need to scoop. That was a real win. But by week two, some frustrations emerged. The device required a specific type of clumping litter to work reliably. When I tried a budget alternative, the drum struggled, clumps stuck, and I had to intervene. The waste bag system worked okay but needed attention more often than advertised.
At week four, the good: I did scoop far less, and the tracking mat caught much of the mess. The not-so-good: The cleaning cycle occasionally activated while my cat was still inside (thankfully, no injury, but startling), and replacing the bag often felt fiddlier than expected. For $170+, I expected “hands-off” more often. It’s better than traditional boxes, yes, but not perfect.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dramatically reduces daily scooping burden
- Open-top design helps larger or wary cats use it
- Fewer tracked litter granules and cleaner surrounding floor
- Works reliably when ideal litter is used
Cons
- Requires premium clumping litter for smooth operation
- Waste-bag cost & replacement can add up
- Occasional safety/glitch concerns (cycle if sensor fails)
- Premium price for convenience… not flawless performance
Build Quality & Usage
My unit’s motor was reasonably quiet (claimed ~38 dB) but still audible at night. The open-top entrance made it feel more like a regular box for my cat, which helped with adoption. One scent note: less odor than before, though still needing occasional manual deep cleaning.
Product Claims vs. Reality
Claim: “Enjoy 5–10 days without scooping.” Reality: On average, I got ~4–7 days before I felt the bag was full enough to change.
Claim: “Works with any litter.” Reality: It struggled with cheaper bulking litters; better performance when I used the recommended high-clump brand.
Claim: “No app, no hassle.” Reality: True in setup, but ongoing maintenance (bag replacement, filter change, manual check) is still required attention.
Is It a Scam?
No, it is a legitimate product and does what I expected: reduces the frequency of litter box cleaning. However, it’s not a complete set-and-forget solution… and it had some issues around sensors, litter compatibility, and cost-of-ownership, suggesting the marketing over-promised.
Material Breakdown
- Motor & rotating litter drum mechanism
- Infra-red & hall sensors to detect cat presence
- Waste container (10 L capacity)
- Open-top litter chamber with mat to reduce tracking
- Included bags and mat (brand specific)
Where to Buy & Price Point
- Official site: PetPivot.com — MSRP ~$199 or less in sale situations.
- Walmart, Wayfair, Chewy: Currently ~$160–$300 depending on model and color.
- Some listings show units in the ~$114 range wholesale.
How to Use
- Place on flat surface.
- Attach legs, plug unit in.
- Add recommended clumping litter to fill line.
- Press “Litter Added” button to calibrate.
- Let your cat use the box; auto-cycle will scoop ~5 minutes after exit (in auto mode).
- Replace waste bag every ~5–10 days depending on usage, and clean chamber monthly.
Alternatives to Consider
- Litter‑Robot 4
- PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin
Conclusion — Would I Recommend It?
If you’re ready to invest in convenience and are willing to use optimal litter and handle periodic maintenance, yes, the AutoScooper 11 offers a meaningful reduction in daily litter chores. But if you expect it to be “buy once and forget forever,” you’ll likely be disappointed. I’d recommend it for households with multiple cats or where litter tracking is driving you batty, but not for every cat owner.
Would I buy it again? Possibly, but only if I found it on sale and accepted its limitations.
Also read – Wedgcatious.com Review: Is this a Legit Online Pet Store? Find Out Here!