Pura Max Automatic Litter Box: A Costly Disappointment

I had a cat genie for over 10 years with zero maintenance.. I've had this machine for about 3 months and had to completely take it apart to clean it because feces sticks to the unit when it disposes waste.. Sensor gives false readings which makes the machine inoperable.... The waste container is nothing special.. my unit is not flush when the door is shut.. I still have the litter box smell.... I went from having something I didn't have to touch for 2 months to having to empty this container every 2 or 3 days... Terrible mistake!

I’m giving this a 3 star review because long cats don’t fit well. I should have purchased the competitors.

I have a 16 lb mainecoon who is still growing and is too long for the machine. He has little space to turn around therefore he used it one or twice after I took all the litter boxes away then started peeing in all the cardboard boxes he plays in.

It’s a great little machine and works well my
Cat is just too dang big!

I was a little skeptical but it seems to work good. You need to make sure you go thru the app settings and really customize the features to your liking. There’s extra clean features in there and some important choices that’s kind of hidden unless you look. I was worried my cat wouldn’t use it but after two days of waiting I got the notification she used it. Now she’s using it as her primary box.
Pros:
quiet
Doesn’t smell if set up deodorizer properly and mess with its settings in app
Cleans and clumps litter well
I like the choices you have on the app

Cons
The weight sensor doesn’t seem to work properly so it’s not registering which cat is using it. Every time my one cat uses the box her weight is between 5.6-8.5 pounds. So the machines confused who’s using it.
The app is poorly translated from Chinese

I’ve only owned for 5 days. The cons to me don’t effect the machine much. It still functions and works good. Will change review in future if that changes

We received our self cleaning litter box in June. At first it worked great. As time went on we noticed it stopped cleaning we would have to reset it and have it run through a cleaning cycle. It still left piles of poop in the litter. We emptied the litter and did a good cleaning of the box. It worked correctly for two weeks and now it is the same thing. I am hoping the seller reads this and offers to send me a new one. I love the concept because when it works correctly it takes so much work out if owning a cat. My son has two of these and hasn’t had any issues with them. That us why we bought one. Please make this right. We are senior citizens that can’t afford to buy a new one.

Company won’t replace part

Purchased product expecting automatic cleaning. Since I have 5G for Wifi product will not pair with the app. So can not enable automatic cleaning. When called customer service they did not seem to care. Their solution was to call my internet provider.

I bought this automatic litter box with some forethought, I have had older models from other brands and I watched the videos and read the reviews. I chose this over the litter robot because the "bathroom area" looked bigger. My big boy took right to it, which was very encouraging, but he has never had an enclosed box before and I recently discovered that his behind has been hanging out of the door of the litter box when he pees. I don’t think it has been a constant event, but it has happened often enough that in 3 months the litter box is beginning to malfunction.

The problem is the location of the sensor that stops the operation of the box if a cat approaches. Petkit situated the sensor in the middle of the base step into the litter box. When the cat gets urine on the outside of the box it apparently affects the operation of the cleaning function and the only way to push it through the process is to stand beside the box and continuously long push the "ok" button every time it stops. The other problem is that the litter box must be deep cleaned every week since urine collects between the base and the cylinder.

I purchased an automatic at this time because I have physical disabilities that create barriers to getting down to ground level. This box won’t work if you have those issues. If you have a cat that sprays urine, the air purifier is low on the inside, I have had one that did that and it would not have worked for him. Otherwise, take note that you need to be a fairly healthy person with a non-quirky cat (if one exists) to make this work.

The customer service is great and they are very quick.

I had high hopes for this product. Unfortunately, it is a fail. There is some sort of glitch where it won't clean. The display says there is a cat inside. No cat inside. Finally got it to start a clean cycle and it stopped have way through (no longer an opening) and shut down again saying cat inside.
Had to unplug and restart. Finally got it to finish the cycle. Now it just says cat inside. All. The. Time. So, a very expensive litter box that takes up a large area and I still have to clean it myself. Do your research and find a more reliable product.

It's never worked and the company is non-responsive.

Omg look no further this litter box changed my life. I have 4 cats and let me tell you no matter what litter box or litter or products I get I still smell cat. I could never keep up cleaning it and it was a nightmare. Finally I found this litter box and my life changed. It helps keep track of weight and how often each cat goes the bathroom. It cleans every time they go to the bathroom so I don't have to worry about the dogs getting in it. It has a deodorizer so every time the potty it sprays but you cant hear it and it isnt a harsh smell. It let's me know when to empty the waste basket. I can still use my favorite clumping litter. It uses their trash bags so disposing the waste is just like taking out your regular trash. The spray and bag refills are affordable. Definitely worth the price. Oh for those who can't drop hundreds of dollars like me I use affirm and that will let make payments.

I ordered this at the last CatCon after recently acquiring kitty #4, it is my first automatic litter box. I was using grass litter and steel non stick covered tins prior to this. I was curious to try tofu litter and was pleased to see this box takes it. This box + litter tofu had drastically cut down on cleaning time. Right now 2 of my 4 cats uses it, I'm hoping eventually the other 2 follow suit. The ones who don't are the two smaller ones. My 6.5 lb lynx point siamese is still hesitant to be around it. The two bigger cats at 10 lbs and 11 lbs don't seem to mind it at all. You put their weight in the app and it tells you which cat is using the litter. If all my cats used this it would be so easy! But I'll gladly take 2 of 4 for now.

I kept a backup old litterbox for the two who still need time to adjust, I wouldn't get rid of the old ones right away. I did change to tofu litter as well which is different consistency and texture, so I'm aware it was probably too drastic a change for some of the cats. However, I would recommend using ONLY tofu litter in this. It has very little tracking, doesn't smell bad (but does have a distinct smell to it which I don't mind), and the tofu pieces don't seem to get stuck as much in the actual device. I put a little bit of their old grass litter to get them to ease into this - eventually I'm going to take it out because I can see that getting caught on the side of the device inside. It's not affecting the functionality but I don't like how it presents aesthetically. The photo attached is what it looks like after one used the litter box. Hardly any tofu litter scattered! And they're easy to put back.

Also, I'd recommend using a different litter mat than the one they come with. I've used those for years and it's just hard to dump them out without making a mess. I just used a mat I had from a local pet store and that seems to work fine.

It comes with the odor control spray, but I'm actually not using it. I'm very wary of chemical particles in the air and breathing them in. Even without it, I don't smell their business. Only the side bin will smell when you open it if you have a lot of their business accumulated, which is expected. But it's leaps ahead of the smells I encountered cleaning their old non stick pan litterboxes. And their urine isn't impossible to clean out like it was in the pans with the grass litter. The tofu litter does really well at clumping the urine without it sticking to the inside of the device.

I've never had a litter robot but for the less expensive price it is well worth the buy.

 I recently ordered the Pura Max litter box robot, and it has been quite a learning and adjusting experience. My cat took to it immediately, even though I kept the same litter as before and removed the old litter box. Unfortunately, there were a few accidents at the entrance initially, so I decided to order a guard, which turned out to be a game-changer.
One tip I would suggest is to avoid using the automatic cleaning settings while your cat is still adapting. Waiting 10 to 15 minutes before initiating the cleaning cycle allows the litter to absorb the urine, preventing any leakage issues. Joining the Pura Max Facebook group has been incredibly helpful in finding insights and tips from other users who have faced similar challenges. Overall, the Pura Max litter box robot has improved the litter management experience for both me and my cat once I got the hang of it.

I've had a LitterRobot pretty much since they started making them. Every few years I've upgraded and their durability seems to have declined so much. My first one lasted almost a decade without issues and the newest one started having issues within months.

The Puramax has gone above and beyond. We rescue and currently have 5 cats varying from a few months to 12 years. We have it set to autogo a few times a day instead of from the sensor because of the babies. We have to empty it every other day with them all using this box exclusively.

I get updates on their weights which is such a huge bonus with one of our seniors being diabetic. And the best part? IT'S SILENT!!!! This thing is literally right outside my bedroom door in an alcove in the hall and I -never- hear it scooping. I can't wait to get another one.

I know it might take time for some issues to start showing themselves; but so far everyone adores this litter box (humans and feline alike!). I'm really impressed.

Worth every penny! I have been using this for a month now and I love it! I moved in to a small apartment and I travel often for work. My two cats had no issues using it. They love watching it clean once they are done. I will say that my cats are very adaptive. I've moved 7 times in 7 years and they have made long road trips across the country. So they are used to adjusting to new things.
With 2 cats the bin lasts about 6 to 7 days before it has to be emptied. The deodorant spray is perfect for keeping the smell down.

I do wish they made a table that would safety fit over it. I'm sure not everyone would want one, but it would be helpful.

I bought this for my cat a little over a year ago. Out of all the smart litter boxes that were in the market, this one was the one that appeared to be the most useful/convenient. I work in a hospital and I am not home usually between 9am - 9pm. PetKit made it easy to have automatic feeder, water, and cleaning litter box which is great. However, the litter box is so hard to maintain odor free. I have purchased all the necessary odor items the brands offer and from time to time the odor from the litter box just stays. I clean it perhaps every 3 days and it doesn't help. I have also had to replace the litter box mat multiple times. Frankly its ok for convince if you are not too busy to clean it every 2-3 days but as a health care worker its just to much. Also, the bin where the litter gets placed can be super messy and you by then have to clean the whole inbox of it.

This has not worked from day one and I've only had 5 months. Have co.plaoned to customer service nervous times about the defect amd leaking of urine within the unit. They always say to try this or that in which I have. I am done with it and it's in my garbage can. Wast og over $600 that I paid at the time.

For anyone wondering if its worth the premium price it is i got this on sale so it wasnt as bad but So far so good only had for 2 days but cat used it immediately. Takes about 30mins ish to set up and program. But after that it is totally worth every penny.

Our cat will not go into this unit because it is not effectively cleaning. We have had it for about a week. She peed on the floor in another room. She has never done that and she has had a few other different style litter boxes. It cycles and cat little sticks to the top of the unit and the side. We are returning it. I was so excited to have one of these. Bummer.

I have been contemplating a self cleaning litter box for a while and held off to write a review. I wanted to have a solid observation to offer. I got a great deal, but looking back I would’ve waited and bought the litter robot. My house smells, the branded litter is awful, branded bags tear and the scent reducing features don’t do anything. The box and bin are both super small for what was marketed as XL. Currently my traditional litter boxes were better with scent, but cleanliness is mildly better. No sifting, mild tracking… it’s nice, but I wish I would have held off and gotten the litter robot. Many of my my friends have this model and it’s far superior from what I’ve seen. It’s convenient, but not what I expected.

I was hoping for a product that would make life easier. After hrs. Of trying machine would not operate. Yes it was plugged in! Disappointed to say the least.

I had a LitterRobot3 and it was recently broken after 3 years. So I’m thinking to try something else, and I bought this thing. There no handle you can move this around; the litter box is too small for multi cat, comparing to LitterRobot; the instruction panel is so complex and not intuitive: it’s not a smart robot, but rather requiring me to be smart; the sensor mistakenly sense me as cat while I’m cleaning it up and it locked unless I double tap the OK button to unlock it… the only good thing is that it’s pretty quiet during rotating. I guess it’s suitable for small apartment users.

I have two female cats, ~9lbs, and have been using for 2 months with clumping clay litter. Thoroughly pleased and evangelical recommending to other cat owners!
Hesitated to buy because of leakage complaints and some reports it doesn't help with smell.
So far neither has been a problem. I use clumping litter which quickly absorbs urine before it can pool/leak liner. Use 3min cleaning delay. No "poop smears" -- rolling action encases it with clay during cleaning cycle.
Concerns about cost: $419 (lightning deal) a lot, but even if it only lasts a year, it's like paying someone a $1/day to clean my litterbox. (Also makes it easier to find people to pet-sit) For those using special pellet/pad systems it will pay for itself in half the time.
>>>Experience/Lessons learned:
1) Set up is easy -- but if using clay, swap out grate BEFORE putting in the litter. (It will be hard to when the litter is in there.) Plug it in. it's really that easy!
2) To prevent false sensor reads: be sure you can run your arm with a closed fist around the perimeter of the unit. Any closer to walls/etc even if not touching can trigger sensors and give false readings.
3) Delete false log entries (in app) with a swipe left / Delete
4) Waste bin fills at about 5 days w/ two cats. Can buy an extra day by shaking the drawer.
5) Switchover -- Used litter from the old litterbox to start the Puramax. Kept old litterbox out but stopped cleaning it. One made the switch instantly, the other took about a week. Took away old box.
6) Odor spray unnecessary -- never hooked it up, never needed it. Didn't want to risk cats getting sprayed. We even took away the air purifier we needed with the old litterbox. When the lid lifts during cleaning cycle can catch a whiff if I'm in the same room, but generally I never know it's there smell wise.
7) Support (via the app) has been attentive and helpful.
>>>Issues so far:
User guide is worthless. Skip and download the Puramax Petkit App.
Litter Level indicator isn't there (anymore) Now they ask you to predict when litter needs to be added.
Waste bin level also doesn't exist -- it's either "normal" or you get "bin full" notice.
>>> In conclusion: I am thrilled with this unit two months in.

My cats and I absolutely LOVE this litter box! I love that it contains the smell so much better than any conventional litter boxes, and it guarantees that I can never forget to scoop! My cats are very picky and like their litter to always be clean, and they took no time at all to start using this litter box instead of their old ones because it stays pristine at all times. The low entry allows my Cerebellar Hypoplasia cat to be able to climb in, and the spacious interior leaves plenty of room for my giant Garfield to move around. They even like to just jump in and out so that they can watch it go through its cleaning cycle. The deoderizer spray smells lovely and doesn't give me a headache like a lot of perfumes do, and the reminders and alerts through the app make sure I can never forget any of the maintenance. All in all we are VERY happy customers.

I love this cat box. My cats are finally not using my carpet. I’m terrible at cleaning the box and I programmed this to clean itself every 6 hours. It will hold 2 weeks worth of waste before needing to be changed. I was out of town and that’s what I came back and discovered

We loved this litter box for the first few months of use. We actually bought a second and all four of our cats took to them quickly. It was great not having to scoop multiple boxes everyday. However, after a few months we started to notice a smell, even after a full cleaning of the machine and litter dump. We figured it was bound to happen eventually and must have been the litter type. We changed out litter, even trying to kind that's suggested with the purchase. Recently we've noticed that there is urine leaking through the matt and even though the bottom of the cylinder that can be seen while it's self cleaning. This is happening even with the litter boxes being filled to the max line regularly. No wonder there is a linger scent that we can't seem to remove even with regular full cleaning and litter changes... Terrible design and not recommended for the cost of the machines.