CatGenie: A Self-Washing, Self-Flushing Cat Litter Box

The CatGenie cat litter box device looks a little like a small toilet for cats. It's filled with washable pellets, which in theory means you'll never have to change the litter again. The machine just washes them repeatedly.

The device needs to be hooked up to a water and power source, then it should be good to go. You just press the start button, and CatGenie takes care of the rest.

When your cat pees in the CatGenie, it drains down to whatever pipe the machine is connected to. When your cat takes a dump, the machine scoops it up and dumps it. Then the granules are swirled around and cleaned.

To keep the granules clean, you need to refill the machine with something called "SaniSolution."

Many people worry about their cats eating the granules or ingesting the cleaning solution. A lot of cat owners left concerned comments on YouTube videos that showed cats batting and playing with the CatGenie.

Fortunately, we don't have to worry: The makers anticipated that something like this would happen, so they made the granules from harmless materials. They're designed to pass harmlessly through your cat's digestive system if they're swallowed.

The cleaning solution is also safe. It's the same stuff veterinarians use to clean their exam tables.

What if the CatGenie starts up while your cat is using it? That's not likely to happen. It's designed to switch on 60 seconds after it detects your cat is gone.

Many people report being very happy with their CatGenie. Other cat owners have been very displeased with it. Here's why:

Cat won't use it.
Some cats simply refuse to use it. Other cats have no problem with it, but it's impossible to predict whether or not your cat will use it. Many cats who are leery of this thing eventually learn to adapt. If you decide to get a CatGenie, don't throw the old litter box out right away, or your cat may start peeing on your laundry.

Granule messes.
Yeah, sometimes those little washable pellets get tracked all over the house.

Sometimes it malfunctions.
The CatGenie doesn't always work perfectly, and that was especially the case with the earlier models. A warped bowl might cause it to work improperly... and sometimes it fails to properly liquefy the feces, causing a blockage and puddling problem. (Some people resolved this by changing their cat's diet.)

The good news...
Fortunately, CatGenie apparently has fantastic customer service. Buyers were usually able to get their units replaced if there were any problems.

There is also a 90 day money-back guarantee if you're not happy with your unit.