Scooping litter is one of the least enjoyable parts of being a cat owner. Thankfully, self-cleaning litter boxes like the PetSafe ScoopFree take this chore off your to-do list. The ScoopFree uses disposable litter trays and an automated rake to keep your cat’s bathroom clean without daily scooping.
PetSafe offers both an original and second generation ScoopFree model. While these self-cleaning litter boxes share many similarities, the second generation includes some notable upgrades.
In this article, we’ll compare the key features of the PetSafe ScoopFree Original and PetSafe ScoopFree Second Generation to help you decide which self-cleaning litter box is right for your home and cat.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | ScoopFree Original | ScoopFree Second Generation |
| Litter Tray | Blue Crystal, approx 3 week life | Larger capacity Blue Crystal, adjustable position |
| Odor Control | Covered design | Carbon filtered hood |
| Cleaning Mechanism | Battery-powered rake | Enhanced motion-activated rake, quieter |
| Power Source | 4 C batteries (2-3 month life) | 4 D batteries or A/C adapter (optional) |
| Health Counter | Timer-based | Usage-based, more accurate |
| Size & Weight | 18 x 14.5 x 11 in, 18 lbs | 16.75 x 14.5 x 11 in, 14 lbs |
| Price | Approximately $165 | Approximately $180 |
ScoopFree Original Overview
The PetSafe ScoopFree Original was the first self-cleaning litter box offered by PetSafe. This model has a covered design to help contain litter and odors.
The ScoopFree Original uses disposable crystal litter trays that last about 3 weeks each. An automated rake activated by your cat’s movement through the litter scoops waste into a covered compartment.
The ScoopFree Original has a health counter that tracks tray life and provides an indicator light when it’s time to replace the tray. This model runs on disposable batteries that last about 2-3 months.
Key features:
- Covered design
- Crystal litter trays
- Automated rake
- Health counter
- Disposable battery-powered
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ScoopFree Second Generation Updates
The PetSafe ScoopFree Second Generation keeps the same self-cleaning functionality but includes some useful updates. Upgrades include:
Adjustable litter tray
The Second Generation ScoopFree features an adjustable litter tray that can be shifted to fit different room layouts.
Greater litter capacity
The new model has a larger litter capacity, extending time between litter tray replacements.
Improved health counter
An updated health counter provides a more accurate count of tray life based on usage rather than just time elapsed.
Quieter rake
The Second Generation rake mechanism produces less noise when activated.
Redesigned hood
A redesigned privacy hood on the Second Generation model features carbon filters to better contain odors.
Lighter weight
At just over 14 pounds, the Second Generation weighs less than the original for easier cleaning and mobility.
Optional power adapter
You can power the Second Generation ScoopFree with the included disposable batteries or an optional A/C adapter.
Second Generation additions:
- Adjustable tray
- Larger capacity
- Improved health counter
- Quieter rake
- Odor controlling hood
- Lighter weight
- A/C adapter compatible
ScoopFree Original VS. Second Generation Comparison
Now that we’ve covered the key features of both models, let’s compare the PetSafe ScoopFree Original and Second Generation litter boxes across some important categories:
Litter Trays
- Original: Uses Blue Crystal litter trays, approx 3 week life per tray
- Second Generation: Compatible with Blue Crystal trays, has greater capacity, adjustable positioning
Odor Control
- Original: Covered design helps contain smells
- Second Generation: Carbon filtered hood improves odor control
Cleaning Mechanism
- Original: Battery-powered rake, activated by cat’s movement
- Second Generation: Enhanced motion-activated rake, quieter operation
Power Source
- Original: 4 C batteries, last approx 2-3 months
- Second Generation: 4 D batteries, optional A/C adapter
Health Counter
- Original: Timer-based tray life indicator
- Second Generation: Usage-based counter is more accurate
Size & Weight
- Original: 18 x 14.5 x 11 inches, 18 pounds
- Second Generation: 16.75 x 14.5 x 11 inches, 14 pounds
Price
- Original: Approximately $165
- Second Generation: Approximately $180
While the Second Generation runs $15 more, most users feel the upgrades are worthwhile for the improved litter capacity, health counter, and odor control. However, the original ScoopFree still offers an effective self-cleaning solution at a lower price point.
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ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box Considerations
Deciding between the Original and Second Generation ScoopFree models comes down to your budget and any features that are particularly appealing. Here are some additional factors to keep in mind with both self-cleaning litter boxes:
- Litter type: ScoopFree uses proprietary Blue Crystal litter. You cannot use regular clay or clumping litter.
- Ongoing costs: Plan to invest in replacing Blue Crystal trays every 3-4 weeks. Buying in bulk saves money.
- Number of cats: The ScoopFree works best for 1-2 cats. Litter may need more frequent changing with 3 or more cats.
- Stool removal: While the rake self-scoops waste, you’ll need to manually remove larger stools that don’t break down.
- Floor space: The ScoopFree takes up just over 2 x 1.5 feet of floor space. Measure to ensure it fits in your desired cat bathroom location.
- Special waste: For urine, vomit, and other messy accidents, you may need to clean the tray manually.
- Cleaning needs: Wipe down the rake, litter box, and tray with soap and water to keep the ScoopFree fresh.
While not completely hands-off, the ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box eliminates the daily chore of scooping. The Second Generation model offers worthwhile upgrades like a larger litter capacity and improved odor control. However, the Original version still provides an effective and affordable self-cleaning solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, you need to use PetSafe’s proprietary Blue Crystal litter. It is made specifically for the ScoopFree’s sifting and cleaning mechanism. Regular clumping clay litters or other crystal litters like Pretty Litter will not work properly.
The general guideline is one litter box per cat, plus an extra. So for 2 cats, 3 litter boxes are ideal. This allows them each to have their own space and prevents issues like one cat blocking the other from using the litter box.
However, some cats are comfortable sharing 2 boxes as long as they are scooped frequently. Monitor your cats’ litter box habits and add an extra box if needed. More boxes can also spread out waste to extend time between ScoopFree tray changes.
Each Blue Crystal litter tray will last an average of 3-4 weeks for one cat, or 2-3 weeks with multiple cats. ScoopFree estimates each tray will handle about 30-40 uses. The Second Generation has a larger capacity than the original, extending time between tray replacements.
To maximize tray life:
Add extra Blue Crystal litter to top off the tray every 1-2 weeks. This compensates for what sifts out with waste.
Keep the privacy hood closed when not in use. Open access leads to excess digging and litter kicking.
Remove large stools that won’t breakdown between rakings. This prevents waste buildup.
Use the health counter lights to promptly replace the tray when needed.
Consider adding an extra backup tray if you have multiple cats. Rotate in a fresh tray as soon as one gets full.
Following the above tips can help extend the time between litter tray swaps and get the most from your ScoopFree investment.
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The Verdict
The PetSafe ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box takes the hassle out of daily scooping. While the Second Generation model offers helpful upgrades, both options provide an effective automated cleaning solution.
Think about your budget, required features, and number of cats to decide between the Original and Second Generation ScoopFree. Proper maintenance like topping off litter and changing trays when indicated will ensure reliable performance from either model.
Investing in a ScoopFree can save cat parents hours of laborious litter duty every month. Say goodbye to the scoop for easier home cat care. Your feline friend will appreciate you taking scooping off their to-do list too!
