I have 2 Norwegian Forest cats and they grow to 10-12 lbs.  They are sisters and females.  I have 2 automated litter boxes and they're ok, not great.  I'm considering buying the Cat Genie self cleaning system and wonder if you have any knowledge on whether or not these litter boxes are good.  They cost a substantial amount of money and before I invest I'd like to know your professional opinion.  Any thoughts, ideas or criticism is welcome.

Thanks in advance.
Ellen

Dear Ellen,

Dear Sally (the behavior consultant on Cat Chat®) and I have talked about this product and we're not crazy about the idea, unless you have lots of disposable income and an extra bathroom you rarely use. It requires a plumbing hook-up that would limit its location (something that the advertising doesn't make clear) and also would make it pretty unappealing for people using that toilet.

As Sally Bahner points out, since Norwegian Forest cats are big, how would their aim be? That can be a problem with the Litter Maid -- a big butt or bad aim can gum up the works.

Again it's one of those products that's more for human convenience than a cat's.

If you decide to go ahead anyway, please stay in touch and let us know your results, but I'd stick with what you have if it's work and maybe add one large litter box (use an under bed box without the lid).

Also, wanted to let you know about my new book THE CAT BIBLE, and my weekly show CAT CHAT on the Martha Stewart Channel of Sirius satellite. Please check them out -- and a ton of links and new information -- on TracieHotchner.com.

Take care,
Tracie