The Neakasa M1 is an open-top automatic litter box that rotates clumped waste into a drawer, rather than enclosing a cat inside a globe. That open access may suit cats wary of covered boxes, but the raised entrance, large footprint, litter requirements and variable app experience matter just as much. Its fit depends on your cat’s mobility and willingness to use an automated box—and on whether you can accommodate its size.
How the Neakasa M1 cleans
After a cat leaves, the chamber rotates to sift clumped waste away from reusable litter and deposit it in a waste drawer. The Neakasa app provides controls and activity monitoring. The user manual lists a default 10-minute cleaning delay; the exact controls and instructions for your unit should take precedence if they differ.
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Neakasa says the M1 uses six pairs of infrared sensors and four weight sensors, and pauses if a cat touches or enters the unit. Those are manufacturer-described safety features, not independent certification or proof that every risk is eliminated. Keep the box where you can observe its operation, particularly while a cat is getting used to it.
Will the open design suit your cat and home?
Open access and room to turn
The open top is the M1’s defining choice. Cats.com and WIRED describe it as a potentially more inviting option for cats that dislike enclosed boxes; Cats.com also notes room for larger cats to turn. These are plausible design advantages, not a guarantee that an individual cat will accept the box. An open design can also mean less containment of litter and odor than an enclosed system.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Advanced Anti-Pinch Safety】An optimized gear structure precisely limits the litter bed’s rotation angle for added safety during each cleaning cycle. A 6-array rotary infrared system adds another layer of protection with wide, multi-angle detection of your cat’s movement, size, and position. Together, these mechanical and sensor protections help reduce false triggers and keep cats of different sizes safer during use.
- 【Seal Odors at the Source】Open-top comfort for cats, with odors sealed at the source. A built-in brush strip at the bottom of the litter bed creates a tight seal between the litter bed and waste bin, helping keep waste odors contained. No activated carbon or deodorizing packs needed. The upgraded composite sealing ring further helps prevent liquid seepage and reduce leakage, no additional sealing sticker required.
- 【Pioneering Open-Top Design】Open-top design aligns with cats’ natural instincts, offering a more open, visible space that helps cats feel safer and more in control, especially ideal for large breeds transitioning from traditional litter boxes.
- 【Multi-Cat & Kitten Friendly】Made to grow with your cat, from kittenhood to adulthood. Supports cats from 3.3–33 lbs and up to 3 cats. For kittens under 3.3 lbs, enable Kitten Mode in the Neakasa App for safer use.
- 【7–14 Days Low-Maintenance】A large 11.2L waste bin and 7.2L litter capacity mean less frequent emptying, supporting up to 7–14 days of use. When it’s time to empty the bin, simply pull and wrap to seal the waste bag, helping keep the mess out of sight, odors contained, and your hands clean.
Measure the entrance and floor space
Cats.com lists the M1 at about 23.26 × 20.67 inches at the base and 20.2 inches high, with an entrance 13.86 inches above the floor. That entrance height may be difficult for kittens, senior cats or cats with mobility limits. Cats.com notes that a step is sold separately. Measure the route your cat must take into the box as well as the room available on the floor.
Consider litter tracking and cleaning access
The open top may let litter scatter more readily than a covered box, so a mat can help catch tracking, provided it fits your space and does not obstruct the entrance. Neakasa describes detachable parts and wide access for refilling and cleaning. The manual recommends a flat indoor surface; leave enough room to reach the unit and remove parts for routine care.
Rank #2
- 【M1 Plus Bundle】Includes 4 refill bag rolls (2 more than the standard version) for longer use and added convenience. Comes with Main Unit x1, Support Legs x4, Litter Mat x1, Refill Bag Rolls x4, User Manual x1, Quick Start Guide x1.
- 【Pioneering Open-Top Design】The open-top design aligns with cats’ natural instincts, providing a spacious and visible environment that helps them feel secure and in control. Especially ideal for large breeds or cats transitioning from traditional litter boxes.
- 【360° Precision Safety Detection】6-array rotary sensors track movement in real time for fast response and accurate detection. Operation pauses when motion is detected to help enhance safety during use.
- 【Advanced Odor & Leak Control】Built-in brush strip helps contain odors, while the upgraded composite sealing ring improves structural tightness and reduces litter leakage. No extra sealing stickers required.
- 【Multi-Cat & 7-14 Days Maintenance】Supports 3.3–33 lbs and up to 3 cats, with a dedicated Kitten Manual Mode for smaller kittens. The 11.2L waste bin and 7.2L litter capacity support up to 7–14 days of use, reducing daily scooping.
What litter does it need?
Neakasa recommends clumping or scoopable litter, particularly fast-clumping granular types. The M1 needs clumps to form before its cleaning cycle can separate waste effectively. Its manual recommends high-clumping bentonite litter and says to avoid granules larger than 8 mm in diameter or 18 mm in length. Tofu litter may need a cleaning delay longer than 10 minutes, according to the manual.
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The manual also recommends familiar litter and gradual introduction for hesitant cats. Follow the instructions for the exact unit and litter you use; changing litter type or adjusting the delay can affect how well clumps hold together before the chamber cycles.
Rank #3
- Upgraded from M1 Lite to M1 Plus Lite, featuring an advanced 6-array rotary infrared system that continuously tracks your cat's position from multiple angles for more accurate detection and fewer false triggers. Cleaning pauses instantly whenever your cat approaches or enters, while the controlled rotating design helps prevent pinching for safer everyday use.
- Open-Top Design Cats Naturally Prefer. Unlike enclosed side-entry litter boxes, the spacious open-top design gives cats a clear view of their surroundings, helping them feel safer and more comfortable while using the litter box. Ideal for large breeds and multi-cat homes, the open interior also makes it easier to monitor your cat's daily bathroom habits.
- Superior Odor Control & Leak Protection. Designed to help keep your home fresher every day. A built-in brush strip helps seal in odors during cleaning, while the upgraded custom-fit sealing layer reduces liquid seepage and cuts leakage to less than 5%—no additional sealing sticker needed.
- 7–14 Days of Scoop-Free Convenience. The large-capacity waste bin and Pull & Wrap waste system make cleanup quick, clean, and hands-free. Simply pull, tie, and toss the sealed bag—no touching waste, no lingering odors, and no daily scooping. Perfect for busy schedules or short trips away from home.
- Spacious for Multi-Cat Homes. Comfortably fits cats from 3.3–33 lbs and supports up to 3 cats. The roomy interior helps cats transition more easily from traditional litter boxes while giving larger breeds plenty of space to turn, dig, and move naturally. Requires only 3.4 sq ft of floor space.
Can kittens use the Neakasa M1?
Neakasa recommends the box for cats weighing about 2.2 to 33 pounds for best comfort. For a kitten under 2.2 pounds, it recommends Kitten Mode, which disables automatic cleaning. The manufacturer advises manually starting a cleaning cycle only after confirming the kitten is out. Consult your unit’s manual for how to select the mode and start a cycle.
The elevated entrance is a separate consideration from weight: a kitten may meet the mode guidance but still have difficulty getting in. The same concern applies to cats with limited mobility.
Rank #4
- This bundle includes 1× M1 Plus Cat Litter Box, 30× Waste Bags, 1× Litter Mat and 1x Cat Step.
- 【Enhanced Safety Detection】Upgraded from 5 direct infrared sensors to a 6-array rotary infrared system. Multi-angle scanning improves detection accuracy and reduces false triggers by continuously tracking a cat’s position, helping support safer everyday use, especially when curious cats approach the unit.
- 【Pioneering Open-Top Design】Open-top design aligns with cats’ natural instincts, offering a more open, visible space that helps cats feel safer and more in control, especially ideal for large breeds transitioning from traditional litter boxes.
- 【7–14 Days Low-Maintenance】11.2L large waste bin and 7.2L litter capacity support up to 7–14 days of use, ideal for busy weeks or short trips. The Pull & Wrap system seals waste in seconds, no touching, no mess, no odor.
- 【Highly Efficient Litter Collection】0.5 cm grill with angled deflector structure for a better collection of falling litter.
How often does the waste drawer need emptying?
The drawer holds 11.23 liters, and Neakasa estimates that a one-cat household will usually need to empty it about every 14 days. That is a manufacturer estimate, not a guaranteed interval. More cats or different household conditions can fill it sooner, so check the drawer rather than relying on the estimate as a schedule.
Neakasa says any bag that fits the drawer can be used. Check the drawer’s dimensions before buying liners; compatibility should not be assumed from a bag’s general description.
Best Value
- 【2-in-1 Air Purifier & Step】Functions as both a sturdy cat step for easy litter box access and an integrated air purifier to improve air quality around the litter area.
- 【Air/Dust/Fur Filter Cleaner for Litter Box】Odor control at the source. Helps reduce odors, capture airborne pet fur, and minimize litter dust, so smells don’t spread through your home.
- 【3 Airflow Modes for Different Needs】Use All-Day mode (green light) for continuous freshness, Boost mode (orange light) for stronger odor control, and Max mode (red light) for 1-minute odor cleanup after cat use.
- 【Wide Compatibility】 Compatible with Neakasa, PETKIT, Petlibro, most self-cleaning litter boxes, and basic stainless steel or plastic litter pans. Built for cleaner air, no matter what litter box you use. 6.5" step height.
- 【Removable Litter Collection Tray】Helps catch loose litter and debris after your cat uses the litter box. The gently sloped step allows litter on paws to naturally fall into the hidden collection tray, making cleanup easier and reducing litter tracking around the area.
What happens if the internet goes down?
Neakasa says the M1 continues operating under its prior settings if internet connectivity is lost, but activity updates will not appear in the app during the outage. The manual describes pairing through home Wi-Fi. WIRED found that some app-setting descriptions could be confusing, while Petco customer reviews include both positive reports and complaints about notifications and setup. Those retailer comments are individual anecdotes, not representative performance data.
What reviewers actually observed
Cats.com review
Cats.com gave the M1 an overall score of 4/5 after examining setup, functionality, safety and app experience. Its reviewer’s senior cat did not use the machine. Instead, the reviewer tested cleaning with water and a small weight and supplemented those observations with feedback from other owners. The score therefore does not represent a direct trial with a cat using the box.
WIRED and owner reports
WIRED’s review noted potentially useful open access alongside confusing descriptions in some app settings. Petco reviews show varied owner experiences: some report quick adoption and convenient monitoring, while others describe fear, app frustrations, capacity concerns or dissatisfaction with cleaning. These accounts illustrate possible experiences, not how frequently they occur or how the machine performs under controlled conditions.
Key trade-offs before buying
- Potential fit: Cats that resist enclosed boxes may benefit from the open top, and the design offers room to turn.
- Access: The entrance height can be a hurdle for kittens, senior cats and cats with mobility limitations; the step Cats.com mentions is sold separately.
- Space and mess: The listed footprint takes substantial floor space, and an open top may contain litter and odor less effectively than an enclosed box.
- Routine: The M1 depends on suitable clumping litter, periodic drawer emptying and cleaning of the unit itself.
- App: Monitoring may be useful, but reviewer observations and owner anecdotes show that setup, descriptions and notifications may not satisfy every user.
- Acceptance: A cat’s response cannot be predicted from the open design alone; gradual introduction with familiar litter may help a hesitant cat adjust.
Warranty and price considerations
Neakasa’s official FAQ states that limited warranty duration varies by region: two years in the EU and UK, and one year in the United States and Canada. Confirm the current policy for your location and seller before purchase. The sources reviewed do not establish a current price; prices shown in older reviews may no longer apply, so check the live listing for the exact model and package.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Neakasa M1 product FAQ for manufacturer specifications, operating guidance, app behavior and regional warranty terms.
- Cats.com review, last updated September 28, 2025, for dimensions, reviewer method and observations.
- Neakasa M1 user manual hosted by Best Buy for placement, litter, setup and acclimation guidance.
- WIRED review for editorial observations about design and app settings.
- Petco customer reviews for anecdotal owner experiences.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
