The Perils of Automatic Cat Litter Machines

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We used to have an automatic cat litter machine for Lychee, our rescue kitten. It was great—Lychee could go inside, use the litter tray, and the machine would automatically clean up after him. The sensor knew exactly which area of cat litter was dirty and filtered out the excrement into a tray underneath, which could easily be thrown away in a bag.

Below is a photo of Lychee when he was a few months old, climbing up the curtain in his bedroom. You can see his automatic cat litter tray to the left and his cute house to the right.

Unfortunately, the cat litter tray company eventually went out of business, and we couldn’t use the machine anymore because the software was no longer updated. This might have been a blessing in disguise, as we recently came across a video where a man using a similar machine had a big problem.

A Scary Incident

In the video, a man’s four cats were going about their day when one of them, a ginger cutie, quickly ran into the automatic toilet. Perhaps he suddenly had the call of nature or heard the machine make a sound. After a short time inside, he started to meow, clearly indicating something was wrong. Amazingly, all three of his cat friends came to his rescue, running quickly into the machine to see what was happening.

It turned out that the poor ginger and white cat was stuck in the machine. The other cats ran in and out, trying to help, but he didn’t come out. Soon after, the owner heard the cats crying out and rushed into the room. He tried to grab the cat stuck in the machine but couldn’t get him out. After trying for a while, he figured out the only way to free the cat was to take apart the machine.

A Challenging Rescue

The owner began to pull at different parts of the machine, trying desperately to get them off. The grey cat kept jumping into the machine to help his buddy but was getting in the way, so the owner had to keep lifting him out again and again. Despite taking apart most of the machine, the cat was still stuck. Finally, after removing the last piece, the cat’s head was free, and he emerged.

Lessons Learned

What a relief it was for the poor cat; it must have been such a shock to suddenly get stuck. The owner was clearly relieved that his cat was okay. This incident highlights that while automatic cat litter machines are convenient, there’s always a small chance of something going wrong with any new technology. It’s not clear what caused this machine to trap the cat, but we are so relieved he got out safely.

Safety Tips for Automatic Cat Litter Machines

1. Regular Maintenance: Ensure the machine is regularly cleaned and maintained to prevent malfunctions.
2. Monitor Usage: Keep an eye on your cat when they use the machine, especially if it’s new or has had issues.
3. Emergency Access: Familiarise yourself with how to quickly disassemble the machine in case of emergencies.
4. Updates and Support: Ensure that the machine’s software is up-to-date and that you have access to customer support if needed.

Understanding Cat Behaviour

Cats often get themselves into tricky situations due to their curiosity and playfulness. Understanding their behavior can help prevent accidents. For more insights on cat behaviour and safety, check out ASPCA’s guide on cat care.

By taking these precautions and understanding our pets better, we can provide a safer environment for our furry friends, ensuring their well-being and our peace of mind.