How LitterMaid Works - LitterMaid Optimization

First, a quick review of how LitterMaid Mega works:

• The unit is powered by a 12-volt transformer or by 8 D-cell batteries.
  • I'd advise using the transformer if possible; batteries can leak, corroding and ruining the LitterMaid's circuit board.
• Fill the main tray with premium clumping litter.
  • I've had great results with Purina Maxx Scoop - it is reasonably priced at PetSmart here in Canada, plus the 7kg pack comes in a really useful plastic container (we'll use those containers next).
  • Don't use a poor quality or non-clumping litter - the LitterMaid rake will get gunked-up and the extra force needed to move the gunky rake through the litter will burn out the motor. The motor, by the way, lives in the center of the rake body and gets its power from the tensioned wire at one side of the main tray.
  • Don't overfill the tray with litter - the litter should be well below the fill line when raked. Otherwise, excess litter will stop the rake from returning to its home position under the battery compartment and it will cycle annoyingly (and destructively) back and forward until you stop it or the motor burns out.

• Your cat uses the LitterMaid (cats love the LitterMaid), scratching and scraping around, and interrupts beam of light that crosses from one side of the tray to the other.
• A timer starts and ten minutes later (to give your cat plenty of time to go off for a sleep somewhere) the LitterMaid's rake runs forward through the litter.
• Clumps of used litter and waste are scooped along, then the sides of the rake push open the LitterMaid receptacle lid, and the clumps are dumped into the receptacle.
• The rake stops and reverses, allowing the lid to close.
• The rake goes back through the clean litter, raking it smooth for next time, and finally the rake hides itself back in the home position under the battery and circuit board compartment.

This is great, but there is one big problem - the waste receptacle is very small. With two average cats, the LitterMaid receptacle has to be emptied or changed about twice per week. The waste receptacle also tends not to fill evenly (the clumps stack up in the middle), meaning that you have to change the receptacle even more frequently or poke around to even out the waste - not fun. Changing the LitterMaid receptacle means getting your hands covered in used litter - also not too pleasant. Plus, LitterMaid waste receptacles are expensive (currently about $15 for a 12-pack at PetSmart).

In the next few pages, I'll show you how to make a simple improvement to your LitterMaid that will make it much easier, cheaper, and more pleasant to use.

Comments

I use kitchen size trash bags in the waste receptacle (and tucked around underneath); when receptacle is full, lift the trash bag out and replace with a new bag.
Posted by: Melanie N | February 12, 2007 at 15:35 PM