January 15, 2024
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Do you know what to look for in a self-cleaning litter box? There are plenty on the market now and they offer a lot of potential to help streamline your cat’s care. The best self-cleaning litter boxes will sift effectively, run reliably, and have a cat-friendly design. We’ve been testing a relative newcomer, the CATLINK Scooper Young X-Pro, to see how it delivers on all three fronts.
As far as rotating globe-style litter boxes go, the CATLINK ranks up there with the best of them. Considering its steep price and substantial footprint, it won’t be for every household. But it has a smart design, an intuitive setup, and other standout features, making it a smart pick for the right person. We explore how this device works—and who it might suit best—in more detail below.
Ratings
- Ease of Cleaning – 8/10
- Appearance – 10/10
- Construction – 8/10
- Price – 7/10
- Customer Experience – 6/10
Overall Score: 8.2/10
Why Trust Cats.com
Over the years, our team has tested many automatic litter boxes. Hours of hands-on testing have given us a unique edge when it comes to comparing the functionality of newer models against high-performing favorites.
Along with my observations, I studied dozens of testimonials from other cat parents. This gave me a better picture of how this litter box might perform for individuals with lifestyles and circumstances different from mine.
To assess the CATLINK’s user-friendliness, I took note of the setup and programming process. I also recorded the length of time for a cleaning cycle and the duration between litter box usage and the start of a sifting rotation (about 3.5 minutes). To accurately gauge the noise level, I measured the decibels emitted by the device during operation.
I also evaluated the CATLINK’s sifting ability using water and a small weight that activated the gravity sensor (since my cats were unwilling to give it a go: a risk with any new litter box). Finally, I took the entire device apart for a deep clean, observing how involved this process was.
CATLINK Self-Cleaning Litter Box and CATLINK Overview
The CATLINK brand aims to simplify cat care by automating daily tasks. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
CATLINK is a relatively new brand that launched in 2017. With headquarters and manufacturing in China, CATLINK seeks to streamline cat care by automating tasks like feeding and litter scooping. Additionally, the company has developed apps to help cat parents monitor their pet’s health and behavior (drinking, feeding, and toileting habits). To date, CATLINK products are sold in 42 countries.
Currently, CATLINK carries three models of self-cleaning litter boxes. We tested the CATLINK Young, a globe-style litter box that works similarly to the popular Litter-Robot. After your cat does their business and exits the device, the drum automatically rotates to sift clumps into a waste drawer below.
Here’s an overview of the brand’s three automatic litter boxes, showing how each one stacks up.
| Features | CATLINK Scooper Young Pro-X | CATLINK Scooper Luxury Pro-X | CATLINK Scooper SE |
| Footprint | 23.5” x 23” | 23.5” x 27” | 23.5” x 21” |
| Height | 28” | 28” | 21.5” |
| Entryway size | 10.5” x 13” | 11” x 13” | 9.5” x 8.25” |
| Interior globe size | 57 L capacity | 57 L capacity | 65 L capacity |
| Waste drawer size | 13 L capacity | 13 L capacity | 13 L capacity |
| Unit weight | 26 lbs | 26.5 lbs | 24.25 lbs |
| App Control? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor systems | Gravity sensor, anti-pinch sensor | Gravity sensor, anti-pinch sensor, infrared sensor, microwave radar sensor | Gravity sensor, anti-pinch sensor, infrared sensor |
| Min/Max cat user weight | 3.5 to 22 lbs | 3.5 to 22 lbs | 3.5 to 22 lbs |
With a vision of automating the entire cat care process, CATLINK also carries automatic water fountains and automatic cat feeders.
The company offers a 30-day return policy, but products must be unused and in their original packaging, so it is not very useful. A 1-year warranty is also available, which covers product failure due to manufacturing defects but does not include everyday wear and tear or damage from misuse (i.e., using outdoors, alterations, etc.).
CATLINK Self-Cleaning Litter Box Features
This well-designed litter box is easy to take apart for cleaning. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
If you’re considering the CATLINK litter box, get your measuring tape out now. It takes up some serious floor space. The Scooper Young stands 28″ tall, with the base measuring 23.5″ by 23” (slightly smaller than the Litter Robot 4). You’ll need even more room if you buy the accompanying ramp.
The oblong entrance is 10.5” by 13” and cats will need to clear a 3” flap at the bottom. This sits over a foot off the ground, so cats have to jump pretty high to get inside—unless you purchase a separate step to give them easier access. Inside, the litter bed is about 14” by 15”. The waste drawer is pretty substantial, with a 13-liter capacity. The entire unit without litter weighs 26.5 pounds.
To use the CATLINK, cats must weigh between 3.5 and 22 pounds—so it’s not for super young kittens or heftier felines. For safety reasons, the company advises that cats should be at least three months old to use it.
A litter fill line on the globe’s interior rubber indicates the appropriate amount of litter to use.
Like most self-cleaning litter boxes, the CATLINK Young only works with clumping litter—meaning loose-clumping litter, newspaper-based litter, and wood pellets are out. Nevertheless, you still have the option to choose between two different sifting panels—one that’s compatible with regular clay litter and another that works with pellet-style mixed tofu litter.
The CATLINK is compatible with standard clay litter (right panel) or mixed tofu litter (left panel). Liz Coleman / Cats.com
The CATLINK has two sensors—a gravity sensor and an anti-pinch sensor—to detect when your cat enters the globe. It automatically halts the rotation to prevent injury if it detects your cat trying to enter during a cleaning cycle.
Once your cat successfully uses the CATLINK (huzzah!), the drum waits 3.5 minutes before slowly rotating. As it turns, clumps are emptied into a lined waste drawer, and unused litter is returned to the litter bed. The drawer has a clever convex design to distribute waste evenly, which keeps it from piling up in the center too quickly. Additionally, this sealed compartment has a carbon filter that helps control unpleasant odors. If odor is still a concern for you, the company sells a separate Smart Deodorizer ($29.99) that can be placed in the waste drawer.
Waste is deposited into a sealed drawer that keeps odors to a minimum. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
What We Like:
- Barrier at the entrance reduces litter tracking
- Comes with two types of sifting panels (1 for clay and 1 for mixed tofu pellets)
- Super quiet motor
- Non-slip padding on the bottom keeps it in place during use
- One roll of 20 waste bags included
What We Dislike:
- You must purchase the step separately (it will be a necessity for many cats)
- Requires proprietary waste bags
- Small entryway may be problematic for bigger cats
What Did Our Test Cats (and Human) Think?
Floyd ventured a curious peek—and decided the CATLINK was not for him. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Keeping in line with the brand’s mission to simplify cat care, the CATLINK Young comes fully assembled. Just plug it in, fill it with litter, and you’re good to go!
The CATLINK boasts a sleek, futuristic aesthetic typical of automated pet devices. The no-fuss control panel is simple and easy to use. However, this litter box takes up a fair amount of floor space, especially if you use the step-on ramp. You’ll absolutely want to have a specific location in mind before purchasing.
If you have an older or less mobile cat, it’s worth noting that the opening sits pretty high. To address this issue, the company sells a separate ramp to make entering and exiting the box easier. This stair features tiny holes for catching scatter as your cat leaves the globe, which helps keep your litter box area tidy. However, it will set you back another $100: a substantial add-on to an already pricey product. But if it encourages your cat to use the CATLINK, it may be worth it.
One of my cats was initially curious about this space-age device. But his interest eventually waned, even with the allure of catnip, treats, and praise. Since my cats were not on board, I went DIY to simulate a kitty deposit. Using water and a small weight to engage the cleaning cycle, I observed how the sifting mechanism worked. Much to my delight, this process was a success. All clumps were deposited into the waste bin below, leaving minimal residue.
Testing the CATLINK’s sifting ability. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Per the company site, one waste liner should last up to 14 days for one cat. Of course, this will vary depending on the cat’s age, diet, and bathroom habits. Realistically, it will probably need more frequent changes to keep odors from getting out of control.
A significant positive for me was how quiet the CATLINK was—great news if you work from home or place the litter box near a bedroom. During a cleaning cycle, the CATLINK operates at an average of 49 decibels, about the level of a quiet library. Slightly louder than the Litter Robot but still unobtrusive.
Cleaning was straightforward. An “empty” setting removes all the litter and the unit is easy to take apart. There were litter particles in some of the nooks and crannies and a small amount of residue was stuck to the globe’s interior.
Unfortunately, I found the company’s customer support somewhat lacking—a problem echoed in many customer reviews. When I reached out with a simple question about their return process, I received a vague, “scripted” response that didn’t quite answer my question. Kind of frustrating when their products cost so much money.
Bottom line: the CATLINK Young is a quality self-cleaning litter box that could be a win for busy pet parents with cats open to trying new things. The large waste bin and odor-control filters also make it a fine choice for homes with multiple cats. However, it may not work for older cats, nervous cats, or homes with limited floor space.
What Do Customers Think of the CATLINK Litter Box?
Positive Reviews
“I was hesitant to invest this kind of money for cat poop, but we have had it for a week, and it’s the best cat care item I’ve ever purchased! It did take a couple days for one cat to trust it, but now uses it without a problem, it’s super quiet, too. Another reason I purchased this box is that it did NOT need to be connected to WiFi, I don’t need to know when they use it. Two cats, and the box keeps up with both without issue. It is a large box, but worth the space it takes up. I would absolutely recommend it! I can probably talk my husband into another cat thanks to this litter box!” – Brenda, Amazon
“The Catlink automatic litter box has changed the way I am able to take care of my 3 cats. I have had several automatic litter boxes and this one is by far the best I have had. It comes ready to use, no assembly required. It is almost totally silent. It is a bit big but I think overall this style of cat box needs to be for what it does. My cats used it right away with no hesitation. Overall I really don’t have any complaints and wish I would have bought it sooner.”– K. Falk, Amazon
Out of 760 global reviews on Amazon, 79% gave the CATLINK Young a 4- or 5-star rating. Most customers found this automatic litter box easy to use and easy to clean. A lot of users appreciated its quiet motor and odor control.
Negative Reviews
“Great product while it lasted. However, for the price tag, I had hoped it would last longer than 10 months. Unfortunately, the product is broken and no longer capable of completing rotations when trying to do a cleaning cycle.”– Georgio, Amazon
“First off, you need a large dedicated space. My old litter box was in my laundry room but this one not only doesn’t fit there but with no outlet nearby it’s not an option. It needs resetting frequently. I’ve only had it for 4 months; I don’t see this lasting years, and for that kind of money, I would’ve hoped for more. The opening is too small to fill with litter. You have to pour the litter into a cup and then into the box. Very inconvenient! But the biggest problem is that it still smells like a cat litter box. It’s a slight improvement over the traditional cat litter box, and it definitely needs less cleaning, but for the money, it’s not worth it.”– Kerstes, Amazon
Unfortunately, some users reported their CATLINK malfunctioned after several months. There are also several complaints about the company’s unresponsive customer support. And many reviews lament the litter box’s lack of a step or ramp.
Similar Self-Cleaning Litter Box Brands
Looking for other products similar to CATLINK? Check out some of our other brand reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are self-cleaning litter boxes worth it?
It depends. Some cats simply won’t be willing to use an automatic litter box, which makes them a risky purchase. However, if your cat takes to one, a self-cleaning litter box could be a real game-changer. They minimize contact with cat waste, help control odors, and contribute to a cleaner home.
What litter does the CATLINK litter box recommend?
The CATLINK only works with clumping litter. It comes with two sifting panels: one for standard clumping clay litter and one for mixed tofu litter.
How often do you change the litter in a self-cleaning litter box?
This will depend on the number of cats using the litter box, as well as their diets and bathroom habits. According to CATLINK, the waste drawer needs to be changed approximately every 14 days. To keep odors under control, you may find it needs to be changed sooner.
