The LitterMaid Self-Cleaning Litter Box is an automated pet care appliance designed to simplify litter box maintenance by automatically scooping cat waste. This device is suitable for use with premium, hard-clumping cat litter and is not intended for kittens under six months of age or incapacitated/older cats who may have difficulty entering or leaving the box.
Function Description:
The core function of the LitterMaid Self-Cleaning Litter Box is to automatically remove waste clumps from the litter tray. It utilizes motion sensors to detect when a cat enters and leaves the box. After a cat exits and a 20-minute delay has passed (to allow clumps to form), an automatic rake moves forward and back, scooping waste clumps into a disposable waste receptacle. The rake will stop and reverse if it encounters any object behind it during a cycle. If a blockage occurs, the rake will attempt to clear it five times; if unsuccessful, the unit will enter FAULT mode and stop operation until powered down. The device is designed to minimize daily maintenance, requiring only the replacement of the waste receptacle and periodic cleaning.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Models: LM2680, LM980
- Power: AC adapter (plugs into a standard electrical outlet)
- Litter Type: Designed for premium, hard-clumping cat litter. Non-clumping, crystal, or pearl-like litters are not recommended. LitterMaid Premium Corn Cob Litter and Nature's Miracle Intense Defense Clumping Litter are specifically recommended for optimal performance.
- Safety Features:
- Automatic stop and reverse mechanism if the rake encounters an obstruction.
- Automatic shutdown in FAULT mode after five unsuccessful attempts to clear a blockage.
- Unit will not start a cleaning cycle while a cat is in the box.
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty for defects (USA/Canada only).
- Guarantee: 90-day money-back guarantee.
Usage Features:
- Getting Started:
- No tools are required for setup.
- Place the litter box in a clean, dry area, avoiding moist environments or direct sunlight for optimal performance.
- Remove packing material from the rake before initial use.
- Waste Receptacle Preparation:
- A carbon filter (included) is inserted into the waste receptacle lid to help reduce odors.
- The waste receptacle slides into place using plastic channels and locks with a tab.
- Litter Filling:
- Fill the litter tray between the MIN and MAX fill lines.
- A scoop & rake cleaner (included) can be used to evenly distribute litter and measure the litter level. Overfilling is to be avoided to ensure proper operation.
- Paw Cleaning Ramp:
- An optional paw cleaning ramp attaches to posts on the top housing, providing an easy entrance/exit for the cat and helping to remove loose litter from paws.
- Daily Operation:
- Plug in the AC adapter and turn the ON/OFF/CLEAN switch to ON. The green indicator light will turn on, and the rake will perform an initial cleaning cycle to smooth the litter.
- Motion sensors activate the cleaning cycle when a cat enters and leaves the box (sensors must be blocked for at least 10 seconds).
- The cleaning cycle starts 20 minutes after the cat leaves the box. If the cat re-enters and leaves before 20 minutes, the timer resets.
- Indicator Lights:
- Green Constant Light: Normal operation mode.
- Green Intermittent Blinking (once per second): Cleaning mode activated.
- Red Intermittent Blinking (twice quickly every two seconds): BLOCK mode (rake stalled, attempting to clear blockage).
- Red Fast Blinking (continuously): FAULT mode (rake stalled after five attempts, unit stopped).
- Acclimating Your Cat:
- Recommendations are provided for gradually introducing the new litter box to cats, including placing it next to the old box, allowing the cat to transition naturally, and manually activating cleaning cycles if the cat is timid.
Maintenance Features:
- Waste Receptacle Removal:
- To remove a full waste receptacle, first remove the paw cleaning ramp.
- Grip the pull tab on the receptacle, push down on the locking tab, and slide the receptacle out. The lid remains attached to the receptacle.
- New receptacles are inserted following the initial preparation steps.
- Caution: Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling used waste material, especially if pregnant or immunodeficient.
- Weekly Cleaning:
- Paw Cleaning Ramp: The rubber mat can be lifted and removed from the ramp holder to empty loose litter particles. The mat and ramp are designed to fit together in a specific orientation.
- Motion Sensors & Top Housing: Wipe the motion sensors on the inside walls with a soft, dry cloth to ensure proper operation, as dust can interfere with activation. The exterior surfaces of the top housing can also be wiped to maintain appearance.
- Thorough Cleaning (Recommended Monthly):
- Rake Removal & Cleaning:
- Move the ON/OFF/CLEAN switch to CLEAN. The rake moves forward and stops at the front.
- Press two buttons on the rake housing assembly to release and pull out the rake.
- Wash the rake with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild detergent. Do not use scouring pads or harsh/abrasive chemicals.
- Reinsert the rake by aligning indentations with buttons and pushing until it snaps into place.
- Move the switch to OFF, then back to CLEAN to return the rake to its home position (it will automatically return after five minutes).
- The scoop & rake cleaner can be used to clean between the teeth of the rake for quick cleaning.
- Litter Tray Cleaning:
- Ensure the rake is in the home position, turn the unit OFF, and unplug it.
- Lift latches on both sides to separate the litter tray from the top housing.
- Lift the top housing off the litter tray.
- Dispose of used litter according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Wipe the litter tray with a damp cloth. It can be fully immersed in water and washed with mild detergent if needed.
- Wipe rake track rails on the top housing with a clean, damp cloth to remove caked-on litter. Do not soak or immerse the top housing in water.
- Dry the litter tray thoroughly. Nonstick cooking spray or silicone spray can be applied to the tray surface to prevent clumps from adhering.
- Reassemble by placing the litter tray on a flat surface, lowering the top housing onto it, and locking the latches.