Frequently Asked Questions

Setup & Operation
Litter, Litter Trays & Ultra
ScoopFree & Your Cat(s)

Cleaning and Maintenance
Dimensions


Setup & Operation

How can I get answers to general questions regarding how the ScoopFree Automatic Litter Box works?

 

You can view ScoopFree in operation by clicking here or download the entire User Guide by clicking here (6MB PDF).

 

Why isn't my unit operating when turned on?

 

Make sure the AC adapter is properly connected to the box and to the wall outlet. Check wall outlet to be sure it has power.

 

Why is the green indicator light flashing?

 

The green indicator light flashes for two reasons:


Rapid flashing indicates the sensors are blocked, which occurs when the cat is inside the litter box.  If the indicator light is flashing rapidly and your cat isn’t inside the litter box, it’s possible urine or other debris is blocking the sensors.  To clean the sensors, dip a Q-Tip in isopropyl rubbing alcohol and gently swipe inside the sensor holes on both sides of the litter box.  After cleaning, unplug the litter box then plug it back in.  The indicator light should return to a steady green.

 

Slow flashing indicates the litter box is in countdown mode, which occurs after your cat uses the litter box.  The rake will sweep 20 minutes after your cat uses the litter box (or 5, 15, or 20 minutes after your cat uses the litter box if you have ScoopFree Ultra).  The indicator light will return to a steady green once the rake is back in its home position.

 

How do I install the hood?

 

Remove the four plugs located on top of the litter box.  You can use your fingernail or any flat edge to remove these.  Put the rear two plugs in first then attach the front two.  The hood should fit snugly into the holes.

 

I just set up ScoopFree Ultra and the rake only moves a few inches before stopping.  How can I fix this?

 

Remove the four green plastic shipping inserts on the bottom of the litter box.  The rake should work correctly after you remove and discard these inserts.

 

Where do I find the serial number to register my ScoopFree?

 

The serial number is located on a sticker on the bottom of the litter box (not the litter tray) on the same end as the indicator light.  The serial number is listed after the letters “SN” at the bottom of the sticker.

 

I'm having a problem not listed here. Help!

 

Should you have any questions that aren't listed here, please feel free to contact us.

To download the full User Guide click here (6MB PDF).

 

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Litter, Litter Trays & ScoopFree Ultra

Where can I purchase replacement ScoopFree disposable litter trays?

 

You can purchase litter trays or subscribe for delivery service so litter trays are delivered to your home by clicking here.  You can also purchase litter trays at leading pet specialty stores.

 

How will I know when to change the litter tray?

 

You should change the tray when either of the following occurs:


  • The litter is saturated.  As the crystals absorb urine, the litter will start to turn yellow.  Once the majority of the litter turns yellow, the crystals are nearing their saturation point.  When the crystals can no longer absorb any more moisture, you may start to notice an odor from the urine.  This is an indication you should change the tray.
  • The waste trap is full.  When the waste trap is full, the purple waste trap lid won’t close completely.  You may see small pieces of solid waste sticking out from underneath the lid.  You may also start to notice an odor from the solid waste.  This is an indication you should change the tray.

 


How often should I replace the litter tray?

 

We recommend replacing the litter tray at least once every 20-30 days for one cat, every 10-15 days for 2 cats and 7-10 days for 3 cats.

 

Kittens less than 6 months old may experience a shortened litter tray life span.  Kittens may also have softer stool than mature cats, which increases the likelihood that it may stick to the rake.  Cats who consume a diet high in crude fiber, ash and byproducts may experience a shortened litter tray life span.  Cats over 10 years and cats with health problems may also experience a shortened tray life.

 

How do I change the litter tray?

 

When the litter is saturated or the waste trap is full, simply place the cover on the used litter tray and throw it away. Replace the used litter tray with a new one.

 

How can I extend the use of my litter tray?

 

To extend the life of your litter tray, do not put any litter underneath the waste trap lid when you pour the litter into the tray.

Some users find that mixing the crystal litter once a week also extends the life of the tray.  This is extremely beneficial if your cat is ill or has high urine output.  It will also benefit cats that do not cover their waste or urinate consistently in the same spot.  Be sure to mix the crystals from behind the rake and along the sides of the litter box.  You can reach the crystals behind the rake by pushing the cycle button so the rake begins to sweep.  Push the cycle button again when the rake is near the waste trap, which will stop the rake.  After mixing all the litter, press the cycle button a third time to return the rake to its home position.  Do not mix the litter in the waste trap.

 

Can I add litter or use another litter in my ScoopFree litter box?

 

Never add litter to your ScoopFree litter box or use another type of litter.  The Fresh Step® Crystals litter is formulated especially for ScoopFree. The amount is carefully pre-measured for optimal performance. Too little or too much litter may cause your ScoopFree to malfunction. You can add two handfuls of your old litter to the Fresh Step® Crystals in your ScoopFree litter box to help your cat adapt when you first use the box without risking malfunction.

 

Can I reuse the litter tray by throwing out the old litter and adding new litter?

 

Using the litter tray for more than 30 days per cat may result in urine leakage and tray breakage.

 

Is the tray good for the environment?

 

The disposable litter tray is made primarily from environmentally friendly paper board and is designed to break down over time.  The primary ingredient of Fresh Step® Crystals litter is  used in some foods and will not harm the environment.

 

What’s the difference between ScoopFree and ScoopFree Ultra?

 

ScoopFree and ScoopFree Ultra have the same outer dimensions and useable litter bed space.  ScoopFree Ultra functions like the original ScoopFree with three additional features for the ultimate in cat care:

 

  • Privacy hood gives your cats the privacy they deserve while keeping the litter properly contained.  (The privacy hood can be purchased separately for use with the original ScoopFree.)

  • Adjustable rake delay allows you to choose if the automatic rake sweeps waste 5, 10, or 20 minutes after your cats use the litter box.  (The original ScoopFree waits 20 minutes.)
  • Health counter tracks the frequency of your cats’ litter box usage to help monitor their health.

 

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ScoopFree & Your Cats

What if my cat refuses to use ScoopFree?

 

Most cats adapt easily to ScoopFree, using it within 7 to 10 days.  If your cat needs help adjusting, we recommend the following:

 

  • Add a few handfuls of your cat’s old litter to the ScoopFree litter tray
  • Leave the old litter box next to ScoopFree and stop cleaning the old litter box.
  • Gradually remove clean litter from the old litter box

 

Will ScoopFree accommodate my large cat?

 

ScoopFree has a large 14” x 14” litter bed that can accommodate up to two large cats.  Most large cats can also easily use ScoopFree with the hood.


How many ScoopFree litter boxes do I need if I have more than two cats?

 

ScoopFree was designed for use with one or two cats.  If you have more than two cats, you will need one litter box for every two cats. 

ScoopFree has about the same or larger litter area and smaller exterior dimensions than other automatic litter boxes.  ScoopFree’s litter bed measures 14" x 14".

 

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Dimensions

What are the dimensions of the ScoopFree litter box?

 

ScoopFree’s litter bed measures 14" x 14", which is the same usable litter bed area (14” x 14”) as the LitterMaid® Mega.

ScoopFree’s exterior litter box dimensions are 27-3/8” x 19” x 7”.  The height is 16-3/4” with the optional hood installed. 

 

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Cleaning & Maintenance

How often do I have to scoop the waste?

 

ScoopFree is designed to be left alone for up to 20-30 days with one cat.  Most users never have to remove the waste because it is automatically raked into the covered waste trap built into the disposable litter tray.

 

How much cleaning is required?

 

ScoopFree needs little cleaning because the parts most likely to get dirty are part of the disposable litter tray, which is thrown away. You may occasionally choose to clean ScoopFree as follows:

 

  • Remove power cord from litter box.
  • Remove waste trap lid by tilting it so it falls out its slots.
  • Wipe all surfaces with mild soap and water.
  • Wipe rake with sponge or brush.
  • Make sure optical sensors are not blocked.
  • Do not immerse ScoopFree in water, spray it down, or expose it to excessive sunlight or moisture.

 

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ScoopFree Safety

What if my cat goes back into the box after it’s been used but before the rake begins to sweep?

 

The rake will not sweep if a cat is in the litter box because it will be obstructing the infrared sensors. The countdown timer will reset itself, so the rake will begin to sweep 20 minutes (or 5, 15, 20 if you have ScoopFree Ultra) after your cat leaves the litter box again.

 

Are there safety precautions?

 

ScoopFree has proven to be very safe in testing.  Following are standard safety precautions:


  • Do not use with cats that have problems using litter boxes.
  • Do not let small children play with or near the litter box.
  • If you are pregnant or have an immune deficiency, do not touch cat waste, soiled litter, or used litter trays at any time.
  • Do not immerse in water.
  • Periodically make sure the indicator light is green and litter is clean.
  • Do not add litter to box or tray.

 

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