Finding an automatic litter box that works for three cats isn't always as simple as it sounds.
When you have multiple cats, you quickly learn that they don't all have the same preferences. What works perfectly for one cat might be uncomfortable or frustrating for another.
That's something we've experienced firsthand with our three boys: Bowser, Mario, and Luigi.
We originally used the Meowant SC02 automatic litter box, but eventually switched to the Meowant SC09. Our decision was largely influenced by Bowser, our bigger cat, who seemed to need more room to use the litter box comfortably.
The change made cleaning easier for us, but it also taught us something important: the best litter box setup for a multi-cat home needs to work for every cat, not just the biggest one.
Our Experience with the Meowant SC02
When we first started using the Meowant SC02, we liked the convenience of having an automatic litter box.
But over time, we noticed a problem with Bowser.
Because he's our larger cat, he didn't seem to have enough room to position himself comfortably. He would sometimes spray toward the back of the litter box, and he also tended to kick litter backward while trying to bury his waste.
That combination made cleaning more frustrating than we expected.
Litter would stick to the back of the box, and removing it could be tedious. Even though the litter box handled some of the daily maintenance automatically, we still had to spend extra time cleaning the areas where litter collected.
For us, that defeated some of the convenience we had hoped to get from an automatic litter box.
We started wondering whether a different design might work better for Bowser.
Why We Decided to Try the Meowant SC09
Our main reason for switching wasn't simply that we wanted a different automatic litter box.
We wanted Bowser to have more room.
With the SC02, he seemed cramped when trying to squat and bury his waste. We hoped that switching to the SC09 would give him a more comfortable experience and make cleanup easier for us.
After making the switch, we began noticing a difference.
Bowser appeared to have more room to squat comfortably in the SC09. He also didn't seem to kick litter backward nearly as much when burying his waste.
That meant less mess for us to deal with.
We can't say that every larger cat will have the same experience, but in our household, giving Bowser more room made a noticeable difference.
The Unexpected Challenge: Mario and Luigi Wanted More Privacy
Of course, Bowser isn't our only cat.
We also needed the new setup to work for Mario and Luigi.
While Bowser seemed to benefit from the extra room in the SC09, Mario and Luigi appeared to miss the more enclosed feeling of the SC02.
They seemed to prefer having a little more privacy when using the litter box.
That was an interesting lesson for us. We had focused so much on making the litter box more comfortable for our larger cat that we hadn't fully considered how the change might feel to our other two cats.
Fortunately, we found a simple solution.
How We Made the SC09 Feel More Private
To help Mario and Luigi adjust to the SC09, my husband created a simple privacy barrier using storage furniture we already had.
This gave the litter box area a more secluded feel without sacrificing the extra room Bowser needed.
It wasn't an expensive renovation or a complicated project—just a practical adjustment that helped make the new setup work for all three cats.
Over time, Mario and Luigi adapted well.
For us, it was a good reminder that sometimes the surrounding setup matters just as much as the litter box itself.
What Litter Do We Use?
We currently use Arm & Hammer Slide cat litter in our Meowant SC09.
It's the litter we're familiar with and the one we're using in our household right now.
We haven't tried pellet-style litter with our cats, so we can't share a personal experience with how that type of litter would work in our automatic litter box.
When choosing litter for any automatic box, it's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific model rather than assuming every litter type will work.
Meowant SC02 vs. SC09: What We Noticed
Here's a quick comparison based on our experience with both models.
Bowser's comfort: The SC02 seemed cramped for our larger cat, while the SC09 gives him more room to squat comfortably.
Litter kicked backward: This was a frequent frustration with the SC02, but happens less often with the SC09.
Cleaning: Litter sticking to the back made the SC02 tedious to clean. The SC09 has been easier for us to maintain.
Mario and Luigi's privacy: They seemed to like the enclosed feeling of the SC02. With the SC09, we needed to create a more private setup.
Overall experience: The SC09 has been a better fit for our three-cat household after a few adjustments.
These are our household's observations, not a laboratory comparison or a guarantee of how either model will perform for every cat.
What We Learned About Automatic Litter Boxes in a Multi-Cat Home
Size and comfort matter. A larger cat may need more room to squat, turn, and bury waste comfortably.
Different cats have different preferences. One cat may appreciate a roomier setup while another prefers a more enclosed, private feeling.
Automatic doesn't mean maintenance-free. Even an automatic litter box can require frustrating cleanup if its design doesn't suit the way your cat uses it.
Small adjustments can help. Sometimes a simple privacy barrier can make a litter box area feel more comfortable without requiring an entirely different box.
Most importantly, we learned to pay attention to what each of our cats was telling us through his behavior.
Was Switching to the Meowant SC09 Worth It for Us?
For our household, yes.
The biggest improvement has been seeing Bowser use a litter box that seems to give him more room to squat comfortably.
He kicks less litter backward than he did in the SC02, and that has made cleanup significantly easier for us.
Mario and Luigi needed a little help adjusting to the different setup, but adding some privacy made a difference.
The SC09 hasn't magically eliminated every litter box chore, and we wouldn't expect it to. But it has been a better fit for the needs of our three boys.
If you're considering switching automatic litter boxes because your larger cat seems uncomfortable, our experience is a reminder to look beyond convenience features.
Think about how your cat actually uses the box, how much room they need, and whether the setup gives them a sense of comfort and privacy.
Sometimes finding the right solution takes a little trial and error.
Because around here, it's a cat thing! 🐾
Disclosure: This article shares our personal experience with the litter boxes and litter products mentioned. If affiliate links are added in the future, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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