This self-cleaning litter box eliminates most odors while keeping the litter pleasingly fresh for tabby.

It's ingenious in design: a cat entering the box triggers a sensor; the sensor sets a timer that counts off 10 minutes; then a rake runs through the litter, scooping out clumps and depositing them in a plastic container at the box's end; the container is automatically sealed until the next cat visit, when the raking cycle opens the container for another deposit. (Four reusable/disposable containers are included.)

The litter box can be plugged into a wall socket (AC adapter included) or operated on eight D-cell batteries (not included). For safety, the rake stops and reverses at the slightest touch if an object gets behind the rake while it's returning to its home position.

If a cat re-enters the box before the initial 10 minutes have elapsed, the timer automatically resets. The litter box is made of hard plastic and measures 23-1/2 inches long, 16-1/2 inches wide, and 8-1/2 inches high. For proper operation, it requires premium clumping litter but does not need as much as a nonautomated litter box of the same size.

For cleaning, the litter tray can be detached. Instructions for acclimating a cat to the box are included.