For cat owners, one of the least enjoyable parts of having a feline companion is cleaning the litter box. Scooping and scrubbing a litter box day after day can get old fast. That’s why self-cleaning litter boxes have become so popular. These automatic litter boxes do most of the work for you, so you can spend less time on litter duty and more time playing with your cat.
Two of the most popular self-cleaning litter box options are the Omega Paw Elite and Omega Paw Premium. Both models are from the same manufacturer and utilize a patented roll-and-clean system to handle the dirty work. However, there are some key differences between the Elite and Premium that cat owners should understand before deciding which is right for their home and feline housemate.
This guide will compare the Omega Paw Elite and Premium litter boxes to help you determine the better choice based on convenience, effectiveness, cost, special features, and other factors.
Whether you have a kitten or aging cat with special needs, read on to learn which Omega Paw self-cleaning litter box best suits your cat and household.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Omega Paw Elite | Omega Paw Premium |
| Dimensions | 16 x 14 x 11 inches | 24 x 17 x 10 inches |
| Entryway Height | 8 inches | 10 inches |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 25 lbs | Up to 45 lbs |
| Waste Collection | 1 tray | 2 trays |
| Odor Control | Good | Excellent |
| Aesthetics | Basic rectangular | Stylish oval design |
| Price | Budget-friendly | More expensive |
| Recommended For | Small cats, single cat homes | Large cats, multi-cat homes |
How The Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box Works
Before diving into the specifics of the Elite and Premium models, it’s helpful to understand how the Omega Paw self-cleaning system functions. Both litter boxes utilize a patented grill design with a rake built into the top grate.
After your cat uses the litter box, you simply roll the box onto its side using the built-in handle. This causes the clumps and waste to fall through the grill into a pull-out tray beneath, separating it from the clean litter which remains on top. Once rolled back upright, the litter box is clean and ready for your cat’s next use.
The automatic rake on the upper grill helps break up clumps and guide the waste through the slots as you roll the box. The rake also blocks clean litter from falling into the collection tray, keeping it in the main chamber.
This roll-and-clean functionality allows both the Elite and Premium boxes to effectively separate waste without electricity or other power. It’s an intuitive, low-tech system that makes litter box maintenance much easier.
Omega Paw Elite Self-Cleaning Litter Box Overview
The Omega Paw Elite was one of the first self-cleaning litter boxes available when it launched in 2006. This lightweight model has a basic rectangular shape made from durable plastic.
Key features and specifications of the Omega Paw Elite litter box:
- Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 11 inches
- Entryway Height: 8 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Single waste collection tray
- Built-in rake cleans as you roll
- Accommodates cats up to 25 pounds
- Safe antimicrobial plastic inhibits odor and bacteria
The Elite comes in a subtle dove gray color. It has low walls and entryway for easy access by cats and humans. The pull-out tray where clumped waste collects after rolling slides smoothly in and out of the base.
This is an affordable and straightforward self-cleaning litter box option. The Elite doesn’t have any bells and whistles, just the core roll-cleaning functionality.
Also Read: Differences Between Petsafe ScoopFree Original And Second Generation.
Overview Of Omega Paw Premium Self-Cleaning Litter Box Features
The Omega Paw Premiumtakes the same roll-cleaning technology as the Elite and upgrades the design and features. This litter box has a more stylish oval shape with higher walls and other enhancements.
Key specs and features of the Omega Paw Premium:
- Dimensions: 24 x 17 x 10 inches
- Entryway Height: 10 inches
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Dual waste collection trays
- Built-in rake cleans as you roll
- Accommodates cats up to 45 pounds
- Antimicrobial plastic inhibits odor and bacteria
- Large capacity for multiple cats
- 1-year warranty
The Premium comes in a modern graphite gray color with smooth curves. The higher walls help prevent litter scatter but the entryway is still low enough for easy accessibility.
Two large waste collection trays give this model double the capacity of the Elite version. The pull-out trays have ergonomic handles for easy removal. This is one of the largest self-cleaning litter boxes able to handle multi-cat households.
Omega Paw Elite Vs. Premium: Key Differences And Comparison
Now that you understand the core roll-clean functionality and specs of the Elite and Premium models, let’s directly compare the key differences:
- Size and Dimensions – The Premium is considerably larger at 24 x 17 x 10 inches compared to the more compact 16 x 14 x 11 inch Elite. The bigger Premium is better suited for larger cats and multi-cat homes.
- Entryway Height – With a 10 inch entrance, the Premium allows easy entry for big cats who have mobility issues that may make the 8 inch Elite opening difficult to navigate.
- Weight Capacity – The sturdier Premium can handle heavyweight cats up to 45 pounds, Vs. the 25 pound limit of the Elite. Again, better for larger kitties.
- Waste Capacity – The Elite has a single pull-out tray that needs emptied frequently for multi-cat homes. The Premium’s two large trays double the waste capacity.
- Odor Control – With more surface area and airflow, the large Premium contains odors better than the compact Elite.
- Aesthetics – The Premium has a more elegant, modern oval shape compared to the basic rectangular Elite. It looks nicer in home spaces.
- Special Features – Premium extras like the ergonomic tray handles and antimicrobial plastic make it a bit more user- and cat-friendly.
- Price – As the higher end model, the Premium costs more than the budget-friendly Elite version.
As you can see, while the Elite does the job, the Premium is the clearly superior model – but it comes at a higher price. Keep reading for guidance on which is the better buy depending on your needs and preferences.
Also Read: Choose Between World’s Best Cat Litter And sWheat Scoop.
Omega Paw Elite Pros And Cons
Here are the key benefits and downsides of the Omega Paw Elite litter box:
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy roll cleaning functionality
- Low entrance for kittens or cats with mobility issues
- Antimicrobial plastic prevents odors and bacteria
Cons:
- Smaller size not ideal for big cats or multi-cat home
- Waste tray has less capacity and needs emptied frequently
- Basic plastic construction with no frills
- Exterior can get scratched up over time
- Waste tends to get stuck in corners
The Omega Paw Elite is best for small cats and single-kitty households on a budget. It does work to make cleaning clumps easier, but has some functionality issues and capacity limits that the Premium improves on.
Also watch the review!
Omega Paw Premium Pros And Cons
Here are the positives and negatives of the Omega Paw Premium litter box:
Pros:
- Extra large size great for big cats and multi-cat homes
- Higher walls help reduce litter scattering and kicking
- Double waste trays double the capacity
- Ergonomic handles make removing trays easier
- Stylish modern shape looks great in homes
- Antimicrobial plastic controls odors and germs
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- More expensive than the Elite
- Larger size takes up more floor space
- Higher entrance may be difficult for kittens or small cats
- Heavier than Elite so not as portable
- Waste tends to get stuck in corners
With its increased waste capacity, odor control, and features catering to large cats and multi-pet households, the Premium justify its higher price for most owners. Only those with small spaces, budgets, or cats should opt for the Elite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Omega Paw litter boxes use a patented roll-cleaning system. After your cat uses the litter box, simply rotate the box onto its side. This causes the waste to separate from clean litter through the grill, falling into a tray below that pulls out for disposal.
Most cats prefer a litter box that is 1.5 times their length. Litter boxes with low sides, a comfortable entryway, and privacy are ideal. The Omega Paw Elite and Premium boxes tick these boxes, with the Premium being optimal for larger cats.
You should replace your cat’s litter box every 5 years or so. Look for signs like scratches, odor retention, and plastic getting brittle. Self-cleaning boxes like Omega Paw’s tend to last longer thanks to their antimicrobial materials.
You should scoop your cat’s litter box at least once per day. Change clay litter every 2-3 weeks and change crystal litter every 3-4 weeks. Omega Paw boxes allow you to scoop less often thanks to their self-cleaning features.
Also Read: Differences Between Purina Urinary Tract Cat Food And Prescription.
Final Recommendations
Here is a final breakdown of which Omega Paw self-cleaning litter box is the better choice in different scenarios:
- For large cats over 25 pounds, the Premium is strongly recommended. The Elite is too small and low for big kitties.
- For multi-cat households, the Premium’s extra waste capacity makes it far superior to the Elite.
- For small spaces, the Elite may be the better option since the Premium is so large. Measure the area where you plan to put the litter box.
- For kittens or disabled cats, the Elite’s lower entrance may provide an easier entry. The Premium is better once they grow and gain mobility.
- For budget shoppers, the cost-effective Elite gets the job done at the lowest price. The improvements of the Premium do justify spending extra for most owners.
- For controlling odor, the Premium’s larger size, more airflow, and antimicrobial plastic give it the edge over the Elite.
No matter which Omega Paw model you choose, a self-cleaning litter box will save you significant time on scooping and scrubbing compared to traditional litter boxes. Just roll it regularly to keep it clean! And as long as you avoid off-brand knockoffs, you can expect years of reliable usage from either the Elite or Premium.
Omega Paw’s innovative self-cleaning litter boxes can make cat ownership much more pleasant and sanitary by reducing your scooping duties. When choosing between the Omega Paw Elite and Premium models, consider your cat’s size, home space, litter usage, budget, and other factors.
While the Elite gets the job done, the Premium’s additional features and superior odor control justify the higher price for most owners. Give your cats and yourself the gift of a Omega Paw self-cleaning litter box. Your feline friends and nose will thank you!
