• Home
  • /
  • Cat Supplies
  • /
  • Best Robot Vacuum for Cat Litter (2024): 7 Tested and Rated

Best Robot Vacuum for Cat Litter (2024): 7 Tested and Rated

Posted in: Cat Supplies - Last Updated: January 8, 2024 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Posted in Cat Supplies 
Last Updated: June 22, 2023  
Author:  Rebekah Carter

Today we’re reviewing, evaluating, and comparing some of the most popular robot vacuum cleaners for cleaning up cat litter. After all, robot vacuum cleaners can be an extremely useful investment for anyone who wants to save a little time keeping their homes spic and span. 

Capable of operating autonomously, these handy little devices rapidly clean up dust, fur, dirt, pet hair, so that you can spend less time cleaning, and more time making memories with your feline friends.

However, not every robot vacuum has the power, capacity, or capabilities to clean up cat litter

Choose the wrong product, and you could end up with a broken machine.

And even if you're using litter that doesn't track, a cat litter mat and a litter box with high sides in an effort to reduce the litter that magically jumps out of your cat's litter box, you know that you're still going to have some to clear up!

So picking a robot vacuum that can handle cat litter is going to fix that problem.

This group test is everything our test revealed about the best robot vacuum for cat litter, but if you're looking for an upright or a cordless then check out our test for the best vacuum for cat litter as well.

best robot vacuum for cat litter

Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work of evaluating the market on your behalf.

With a little help from some of our own messy kitties, we’ve tried and tested the top robot vacuums on the market (that can handle cat litter), to provide this list of some of the top solutions for pet parents.

Best Robot Vacuum For Cat Litter

Best Overall

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity, Personalized Cleaning Recommendations, Works with Alexa, Good for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors, Self-Charging, Roomba 694

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

Best Cheap Cat Food

Best Overall Choice

Pure Clean Robot Vacuum Cleaner - Upgraded Lithium Battery 90 Min Run Time - Automatic Bot Self Detects Stairs Pet Hair Allergies Friendly Robotic Home Cleaning for Carpet Hardwood Floor - PUCRC25

Pure Clean Robot Vacuum

iRobot Roomba vacuums are held in high regard by owners for their simple to use technology and long term reliability, so it was no surpise to us that this model came out as best overall in our test.

The Roomba 694, as a mid-range model, offers a perfect balance of reasonable cost and all the functionality you need.

iRobot have tailored this model to cope with pet hair so that the Roomba 694 brushes are easy to keep free from tangled hair, which can be tricky for robot vacuums. We also found it was very effective at vacuuming up all cat litter and pet hair on both carpet and wood floors.

It's suitable for cat owners who are after an automated cleaning solution to cope with cat litter and cat hair, and without breaking the bank. The Roomba series is known for its user-friendly interface, durable construction, and efficient cleaning algorithms, making it a reliable choice.

3 Top Robot Vacuum for Cat Litter Picks – Best, Value & Premium

The good news for today’s homeowners is there are plenty of great robots vacuums out there brimming with features that make it easier to keep your place fresh and tidy. 

We’ve narrowed our favorite solutions down into three top picks focusing on overall performance, value, and premium results.

Our Top 3 Choices

Best Overall

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity, Personalized Cleaning Recommendations, Works with Alexa, Good for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors, Self-Charging, Roomba 694

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

  • Effective on carpet and hard floors
  • Easy to use in a range of modes
  • Specifically designed for pet hair

Best Value

ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Tangle-free Suction , Slim, Automatic Self-Charging Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Daily Schedule Cleaning, Ideal For Pet Hair,Hard Floor and Low Pile Carpet,Pearl White

ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner

  • High performance and reliability at a low cost
  • Efficient in cleaning cat hair and litter
  • No roller tangle issues

Premium Choice

Shark IQ Robot Vacuum AV1002AE with XL Self-Empty Base, Self-Cleaning Brushroll, Advanced Navigation, Wi-Fi, Compatible with Alexa, 2nd Generation

Shark IQ Robot Vacuum AV1002AE

  • Self-emptying base for low maintenance
  • Zero hair clogging with pet specific roller brush
  • Advanced cleaning maps for full coverage

So that’s a quick chart showing the best three robot vacuum cleaners for cat litter and pet hair.

Now let’s take a deeper look at these and more.

1. iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum - Best Overall

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity, Personalized Cleaning Recommendations, Works with Alexa, Good for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors, Self-Charging, Roomba 694

As we noted above, the iRobot Roomba 694 is highly regarded by cat owners in our community for its performance with pet hair and its capabilities in handling cat litter.

It does a great job of picking up all tracked cat litter that your kitty has kindly spread out from their litter box.

Plus, its powerful suction and sweeping do a great job of picking up cat hair, and the rollers stay mostly tangle free. They are, though, very easy to pop out and clear of hair if needed.

This robot vacuum is a mid-range model that provides impressive cleaning performance. A three-stage cleaning system and dual multi-surface brushes capture everything from small dust particles to large debris.

It has iRobot's 'Dirt Detect Technology', which recognizes concentrated areas of dirt and provides additional cleaning in those spots, which is perfect for those places around the litter box where your cat makes the most mess!

Additionally, the iRobot Roomba 694's edge-sweeping brush sweeps hair and other debris away from the edges and corners. Multiple sensors give it what iRobot calls 'smart navigation that stops it from bumping into furniture or falling off stairs.

There's also Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa, providing added convenience for pet owners (but you don't have to dig into those features unless you want to and, frankly, you probably don't need them).

One thing you will love is the way it returns to its charging point and self-charges so that it's always ready to go!

The Roomba 694 is a great choice for cat owners who need a reliable, automated cleaning solution at a reasonable price.

If you have multiple cats or if your cat is forever spraying their litter around or sheds a lot, this Roomba can greatly help your cleaning routine, saving you a lot of time and effort. And keeping your place neat and tidy all the time.

It's our overall pick and deservedly has been in that spot for a good while, but if you want added filtration for allergy sufferers, do check the Shark vaccuum that is our premium pick).

Pros

  • Powerful three-stage cleaning power
  • Learns your habits and routines automatically
  • Effective at picking up pet hair and cat litter
  • Effective on carpet and hard floors
  • Automatic recharging function

Cons

  • Relatively small capacity
  • Can be a little noisy

2. ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner - Best Value

ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Tangle-free Suction , Slim, Automatic Self-Charging Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Daily Schedule Cleaning, Ideal For Pet Hair,Hard Floor and Low Pile Carpet,Pearl White

The ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner, is the budget pick that we recommend because it combines a low price with a high level of cleaning performance and reliability.

It's a little gem that will make your wallet and your floors equally happy!

It's not the flashiest robo-vac out there. It isn't stuffed full of extra (often unnecessary) features or over-hyped bits and bobs. And, that's a large part of its charm! It's a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done kind of robot vacuum that punches above its price tag.

The V3s Pro is a robustly made but slim little number that can easily scoot under your furniture, taking care of dust bunnies, cat hair and stray bits of litter or kibble that seem to spread everywhere! It's also a very solid performer whether your floors are carpeted, tiled, or hardwood. It's all the same to this versatile vacuum.

Aa a budget robot vacuum the ILIFE V3s has no rollers, relying on a suction-only method. This is generally what the value robot vacuums all do, since it saves costs in manufacturing.

However, the upside for pet owners is that there is no brush tangle issue as there are no rollers. If there's enough suction and the sweep brushes do a good enough job, then the vacuum will work well. On the ILIFE, that is certainly the case.

What really sets it apart, though is its value for money. For a price somewhere just above $100 (it'll vary with offers a little), it's a steal!

Despite this low price price, it doesn't skimp on features. It has four very simple cleaning modes that work from a supplied remote. It also has all the furniture and drop avoiding sensors you need and it returns to a self-charging staion without issues. Plus, it can run for up to 100 minutes before recharging, which is enough to clean a small to medium-sized home.

Of course, it's not perfect. Some users have said that the sweep brushes can be tricky to clean and that it sometimes misses spots. But overall, it's a reliable choice for those on a budget, and great for folks living in smaller homes or apartments.

So, the ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner is a very solid budget pick. It's budget-friendly, reliable, and an efficient cat home cleaning machine!

Pros

  • High performance and reliability at a low cost
  • Efficient in cleaning cat hair and litter
  • No roller brush tangle issues
  • Powerful high suction for  effective cleaning
  • 100-minute run time and self-charging

Cons

  • Sweep brushes can be difficult to clean
  • Occassionally misses some cleaning areas

3. Shark IQ Robot Vacuum AV1002AE - Premium Choice

Shark IQ Robot Vacuum AV1002AE with XL Self-Empty Base, Self-Cleaning Brushroll, Advanced Navigation, Wi-Fi, Compatible with Alexa, 2nd Generation

If you have the budget, it's worth considering our premium pick - the Shark IQ Robot Vacuum AV1002AE.

This model stands out as a high-quality, reliable choice with sophisticated features tailored for pet owners. That means it provides excellent value, despite its premium price tag.

The Shark IQ has a clever, self-emptying base, which holds up to 30 days' worth of dirt and debris in a bagless part of its charging station. This significantly reduces maintenance as there's no daily bag emptying, so that you get a near-hands-off cleaning assistant!

This robot vacuum also easily handles large and small debris, thanks to its incredible suction power. Its strength rivals some cylinder vacuums, so that it is particularly effective at removing cat litter, dry food and pet hair from carpets and hard floors.

The multi-surface roller is also brush-free as a design fix to prevent pet hair from clogging the roller - and it works!

Instead of a random route that many vacuums use, the Shark uses a more advanced row-by-row cleaning method that ensures near total coverage of your home floor area.

It also has an automatic recharge and resume feature, which means it will return to the base, recharge, and then continue cleaning from where it left off.

A standout feature that cat owners love is the multi-stage filtration system. It successfully captures dust, dander, but also allergens, so it helps in making a healthier indoor environment.

We wouldn't suggest it's enough to remove all allergens, but it's a significant help for pet owners who are allergy sufferers

This premium vacuum robot is best for those seeking a low-maintenance, high-performance automated vacuum, especially in homes with multiple or high-shedding pets.

While it does come with a higher price tag, the superior cleaning performance and convenience it offers make it a worthwhile investment.

In essence, the Shark IQ Robot Vacuum AV1002AE combines quality, reliability, and efficiency, creating an optimal balance of value.

That's why it's our long-term premium pick.

Pros

  • Self-emptying base for low maintenance
  • Advanced cleaning maps for full coverage
  • Pet specific roller design for no hair clogging
  • Traps dust, dander, allergens
  • Auto-recharge and resume

Cons

  • Higher price tag
  • May not remove all allergens

The Best Robot Vacuum for Cat Litter: Alternative Picks

While we chose the options above to appeal to most pet owners, including those on a budget, you might find that none of those solutions work for you.

There's a large range of alternatives, but we’ve focused on some other great solutions worth checking out, including a couple of different types of robot cleaners.

4. EyeVac Pet Touchless Vacuum for Pet Hair - Best Sweep Assistant

EyeVac Pet Touchless Vacuum Automatic Dustpan - Ultra Fast & Powerful - Great for Sweeping Cat Dog Pet Hair Food Dirt Kitchen, Corded Canister Vacuum, Bagless, Automatic Sensors, 1400 Watt (White)

Before we look at alternative robot vacuums for cat litter and pet hair, we want to give a very special mention to this 'sweep assistant' stationary canister vacuum from EyeVac.

EyeVac have come up with an entirely new type of vacuum, maybe even a new sector, and they make a whole range of them.

We're looking at the pet specific one but we tested this model and the EyeVac Home, which is the most basic in their range (but was also very good!).

robot vacuum for pet hair

The EyeVac Pet Touchless sits, always on, somewhere by your kitchen counter and, if you use a broom or a brush to sweep up some dust, cat food, litter or any debris towards it, this clever bit of kit automatically turns on and sucks it all up into its bagless container.

It's a genius device and a bit like a magic trick!

So, get this straight, the EyeVac Pet does not move, at all. It's basically a stationary 'dustpan'.

What it does remarkably well is suck up all the stuff you sweep towards it.

You know how when you sweep up debris onto a dustpan you can see the dust and bits floating off as you try to get it all in the pan?

Not anymore. The EyeVac gets it all and nothing escapes.

Quick and powerful, the EyeVac Pet Touchless vacuum is a 1400-watt device capable of removing all kinds of dust, hair,  cat litter or food and any other debris from your home. The powerful motor makes it ideal for picking up bulky messes (like tracked kitty litter). 

Plus, it works automatically, with no buttons or configuration required. The infrared sensors detect dirt at a glance, so the system can get to work instantly, keeping your home in pristine condition.

All you do is sweep towards it and, bingo, it's all sucked up into the (very large) bagless container.

As an added bonus, this product comes with two high-efficiency filters, to protect air quality, and cut down on allergens in various rooms.

The EyeVac Pet is specifically designed for picking up pet stuff - hair, litter and food, and is used in grooming salons and veterinary practices.

If you find yourself sweeping that kind of stuff up multiple times a day, then this 'sweep assistant' is a truly great idea. We can't rate it highly enough! (The only reason it's not our overall pick is that this is a group test of robot vacuums for cat litter, but we can't resist mentioning this as a great alternative, or additional cleaning device).

As we said, we also tested the cheaper EyeVac Home, and, honestly, it was pretty much just as good. 

The motor in the EyeVac Home is 1000 watts which means it's less powerful than the pet version, but it still has the double filters and works pretty much as well as far as we scould tell.

This might even be a better pick if you don't like the slightly 'industrial' design of the pet version (which doesn't bother me - I love it!).

Either of these sweep assistants is a great idea if you have trouble bending down to sweep up cat litter or food and want something different or in addition to a robot vacuum.

Very, very highly recommended. (Just check the Amazon reviews to see what we mean!)

Pros

  • Automatic touchless activation
  • Fast and powerful motor with great suction
  • Two high-efficiency filters included
  • Large capacity for bigger messes
  • Sleek and stylish

Cons

  • In a category all of its own!
  • The automatic function may struggle to work at times

5. Narwal Robot Vacuum And Mop Combo - Best Robot Mop

Narwal Mop Robot Vacuum with Self-Cleaning Station, LiDAR Navigation, Carpet Detection - For Hard Floors and Pet Hair

Here's another one that you should consider, especially if you have all hard floors (wood, tile, vinyl, whatever!)

This is a robot vacuum that can vacuum and mop your hard floors in one go. The Narwal Robot Vacuum has an intelligent 4-in-1 system that will sweep, wash, and dry your floors, keeping them fresh and clean for longer. 

The unique robot mop system features self-cleaning technology, so you don’t have to worry about replacing a dirty mop either. In use, we found that this really did a better job than other hybrid vacuum/mop robots.

We put that down to three things; the way the mops are made, which is more like a traditional mop with strands, rather than a pad; the really impressive self-cleaning of the mop; and the fact that the mop heads are triangular, and not round, which allows them to cover a larger area.

As a mop, this Narwal is great.

As a vauuum it's ... good enough.

It simply isn't quite as good on that front as our overall pick (the iRobot Roomba) or the premium pick (the Shark). But, that's not to say it does a bad job. It's still plenty good enough as a robot vacuum.

The Narwal uses revolutionary technology to sense the flooring in your home and avoid bashing into furniture. It also automatically returns to its base station to charge when it’s done cleaning.

Plus, this vaccum-cum-mop works with minimal sound, and comes with a handy app, so you can tell the device exactly where you want it to clean, and where you’d like it to avoid going.

If you have a cat that tracks in a lot of mud from outside and is forever making your hard floors filthy, then this is one to have a good look at.

Pros

  • Intelligent Lidar navigation performance
  • Powerful vacuuming and mopping in one
  • Automatic recharging feature
  • Easy to use with an included smartphone app

Cons

  • The mopping function can be a bit streaky
  • The mapping app could do with a little work

6. Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum

No products found.

Now, we're getting into the other ones you should consider. It's not fair to call these 'also-rans' but we think you'd need a good reason to go for one of these ov er our top 3 choices.

Slim, streamlined, and easy to use, the Eufy RoboVac is a convenient, self-charging robot vacuum that can clean carpets and hard floors alike. 

This efficient device features BoostIQ technology, which allows the system to automatically increase its suction power when it detects the need for deep cleaning.

The solution can clean for up to 100 minutes on hardwood floors and even performs with very little sound, so it won’t distract you from whatever you’re doing. 

The product comes equipped with an anti-scratch tempered glass cover for protection, as well as an infrared sensor for obstacle avoidance, and drop-sensing technology.

Plus, the tool will automatically recharge when it’s about to run out of battery

You can also control its movements with an included remote control. 

Pros

  • Automatically adapts to different cleaning needs
  • Super slim and lightweight profile
  • Quiet performance with excellent suction power
  • Durable design with safety features included

Cons

  • May not dock itself correctly every time
  • Needs to be cleaned out regularly

7. Coredy R750 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo

Coredy R750 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Compatible with Alexa, Mopping System, Boost Intellect, Virtual Boundary Supported, 2200Pa Suction, Super-Thin, Upgraded Robotic Vacuums, Cleans Hard Floor to Carpet

Another wonderfully clever tool for vacuuming and mopping, the Coredy R750 is your budget pick for a combined robot if the Narwal is too expensive.

The vacuum and mop system comes with an ultrasonic detection solution, to effectively differentiate between hard floors and carpets, so it knows which cleaning strategy to use. 

The performance as a mop is reasonable. It's not as good as the Narwal in our tests, but it does function well enough as a mop to be worthwhile (whereas some combi-robots are, farnkly, useless as mops!). It's more like a wipe with a floorcloth than a real mopping but it will clean medium level dirt.

The vaccuum performance, on the other hand, is right up there with our overall pick. Perhaps not quite as powerful or reliable in picking everything up, but it does perform well.

This Coredy comes with intelligent technology built-in, to allow for a more complete and comprehensive cleaning experience, using what they call its own AI dynamic pathfinder.

The product includes app and voice control capabilities, so you can remotely control your device from wherever you are. 

Plus, you can set up virtual boundaries, so it’s easy to prevent your device from venturing out into hallways or falling down stairs.

There is a brush roller so the vacuum does get pet hair tangled in that, but it's easy to remove and clean.

The Coredy is one to consider at this price point if you have all hard floors and need some mop functionality.

Pros

  • Mopping and vacuum cleaning combined
  • App and voice control supported
  • Intelligent sensors and automatic adaption features
  • Exceptional suction power

Cons

  • The roller system is a little bit small
  • Mop function is not very effective.
  • The device can be a bit complicated to set up
best robot vacuum for cat hair and litter

Robot Vacuum Cleaner Buyer’s Guide

The best robot vacuum cleaner for cat litter can vary depending on a number of factors. There are a ton of different options out there, from intelligent solutions, you can control with your voice, to two-in-one devices that mop and vacuum at the same time.

If you’re struggling to make the right choice for your home, here are some points worth considering:

  • Type: Just like regular vacuum cleaners, robot systems come in a range of different forms. There are tools that you can control with your smartphone or voice, self-charging devices, and even options that have their own mopping capabilities. Ask yourself exactly what you want your device to help you with around the home before making your decision.
  • Capacity: Every robot vacuum cleaner will have a relatively limited capacity compared to an upright or larger alternative. However, some models can hold more dirt and dust than others. It’s worth paying close attention to how much mess your system can actually manage before you’ll need to empty the tank. If you have a larger home, a larger capacity is best. 
  • Power: The power level of your vacuum cleaner can make a huge difference to its overall performance. Although upright vacuums are generally more powerful than their robotic alternatives, you can still find automated devices with some great suction abilities. If you have a lot of pets at home, you might need something with better suction.
  • Noise level: Vacuuming can be incredibly noisy, thanks to the suction involved. Not only is noise distracting, but it can be distressing to your pets too, particularly if you have sensitive kitties. You can usually find information about the number of decibels produced by a robot vacuum cleaner on its product description, so look for something less obtrusive if possible. 
  • Runtime: Most robot vacuums will run on a rechargeable battery system. Battery life can last anywhere from an hour to a couple of hours. If you’re worried about keeping your device charged and ready to go, it might be worth looking for a product that has its own docking station it can automatically return to when running out of energy.
  • Price ranges: A high-quality robot vacuum cleaner can be an expensive purchase. You may end up spending a few hundred dollars on one of these devices depending on the features you need. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, make sure it still includes all the capabilities you want and offers an excellent level of durability and longevity.
  • Guarantee: Since there’s a good chance, you’ll want to continue using your robot vacuum cleaner for an extended period of time, a guarantee can come in handy. Looking for a warranty for your device will ensure you can send the system back and get it either repaired or replaced if anything goes wrong with the mechanics

FAQs

What is a robot vacuum for cat litter?

Robot vacuum cleaners are automated cleaning devices that can operate without any interaction from you, keeping your homes and floors tidy (including rug and low pile carpets). A device specifically designed for cat litter will be able to sweep up excess litter tracked across your floors by your feline friends. These products will usually also be able to collect cat hair, dust, and other types of dirt too. 

Will a robot vacuum for cat litter scare my cat?

It’s difficult to say. A robot vacuum cleaner can create a lot of noise and vibrations, which could frighten some more sensitive cats. However, if you expose your kitty to the device slowly, they should gradually get used to seeing it move around. Just make sure your cat doesn’t get into the habit of chasing the device around or chewing on the brushes. 

Will robot vacuums pick up cat litter?

All of the robot vacuums reviewed above should be able to pick up cat litter, as well as other forms of dust and dirt. However, it’s worth remembering that not every device will be effective at removing cat litter from your floors. Some products can end up getting clogged quite quickly, particularly if the litter you choose is quite bulky. 

Irobot litter box

Best Robot Vacuum for Cat Litter: The Verdict

A robot vacuum cleaner can be an excellent way for a cat owner to keep on top of a messy cat litter box and its pet waste content being tracked around your home on their pads! If you’re constantly sweeping or vacuuming after your cat, these handy devices can save you a lot of time and effort. 

However, it’s important to make sure you choose the right device. 

Our favorite product overall from all the options we reviewed above is the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum.

It’s a durable, long-lasting, and affordable product that’s extremely easy to use. What’s more, it comes with two filters included, to help improve your air quality and minimize allergens.

(Don't forget that we urge you to take a look at the Eyevac pet as well. It's a different thing, but we loved it!)

Get 30% off and FREE shipping on cat supplies!

U.S.A only

To Find out why we recommend chewy.com, click here

About the author

Rebekah Carter is a dedicated animal lover. Her Savannah cat, Roscoe, has a lot of attitude, while her Maine Coon, Dukino, is full of love. When not writing, she’s looking after her cats and researching ways to help them live their best possible life. Her passion for animals and natural skill for writing led her to pursue pet blogging.

>