Published Jan 3, 2024
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Are you fed up with maintaining a clean litter box? PetSnowy’s SNOW+ self-cleaning litter box might offer a solution. With features designed to tackle odor and make cleaning easier, this automatic litter box promises convenience and cleanliness. But does it deliver?
To find out, we put the SNOW+ litter box to the test over several weeks. Here’s an in-depth look at how it scores regarding design, odor control, and overall value.
Ratings
- Ease of Cleaning – 5/5
- Odor Control – 5/5
- Appearance – 4/5
- Construction – 5/5
- Price – 4/5
Overall Score: 4.4/5
Why Trust Cats.com
We’re committed to providing reliable information grounded in thorough testing and real-world experience. Our team has spent a lot of time evaluating automatic litter boxes because we know how much they can enhance the lives of cats and their people. We aim to give you the confidence to make the best decision for you and your cat.
To evaluate the SNOW+, I focused on the setup and app-syncing process. I also observed the ease of daily maintenance and deep cleaning. I looked at cat-friendliness and how well the SNOW+ scooped and stored waste. Finally, I considered factors like odor control and noise level.
SNOW+ Self-Cleaning Litter Box and PetSnowy Brand Overview
The SNOW+ is attractive & unobtrusive. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
PetSnowy was founded in 2020 in Irvine, California. The brand set out to ease the burden of pet maintenance, specializing in smart pet products. Along with the SNOW+ automatic litter box, the brand carries an automatic water fountain, an automatic feeder, and an electronic cat toy.
The SNOW+ was a top Indiegogo campaign in 2023. The company has also been honored with two MUSE Gold Awards for excellence in design and innovation.
PetSnowy provides a one-year standard manufacturer warranty on all its products.
SNOW+ Self-Cleaning Litter Box Features
| Footprint | 29.5” L x 20” W |
| Inside Globe Size | 19.68” in diameter |
| Entryway Size | 8.7″ x 8.7″ |
| Waste Drawer Size | 29.5” L x 20” W |
| Waste Drawer Capacity | 2.6 gallons (10 L) |
| Unit Weight | 32.19 lbs |
| Minimum Cat User Weight | 3.3 lbs |
| Maximum Cat User Weight | 20 lbs |
| Sifting System | Rotating sifting system |
| Safety Features | weight sensor, anti-pinch system, and safety app notifications
|
| Odor Control System | Fragrance box, built-in UV light |
| Peak Noise Level | 53 dB (quiet office space) |
| App? | Yes |
The convenient top opening makes it easy to add litter. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
The SNOW+ is thoughtfully designed to maintain cleanliness.
Equipped with a fragrance box that lasts up to 30 days, it releases a subtle scent after each use. This combats odors without being overwhelming. The SNOW+ also has a UV light that helps sanitize the interior.
This litter box has impressive scatter control, featuring a ridged entryway and a removable litter mat that traps particles before they can spread across the floor.
Cleaning automatic litter boxes is often challenging, but the SNOW+ features a clever magnetic attachment that gives easy access to the globe. I also appreciated the self-sealing bags, which minimize contact with waste.
The SNOW+ prioritizes feline safety, featuring a weight sensor and an anti-pinch mechanism. If your cat attempts to enter while the device is in motion, the globe will stop immediately.
What We Liked:
- Real-time activity tracking through the PetSnowy app
- Fragrance box and anti-tracking design enhance odor control and cleanliness
- Magnetic assembly simplifies cleaning
- Customizable cleaning time allows for optimal clumping
- Includes extra waste bags
What We Didn’t Like:
- Requires specific waste drawer liners for best performance
- The higher price might deter some users
- The fragrance might not appeal to all cat parents
What Did Our Test Cats Think?
Floyd ventures a peek, but the tight entrance makes him think twice. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Our experience with the SNOW+ self-cleaning litter box was largely positive, starting from the moment we unboxed the device. Everything was neatly organized and secured within styrofoam, and I was pleasantly surprised by the minimal setup required. The modern aesthetic, complemented by a cute privacy flap at the entryway, also caught my eye.
The app was intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing us to customize settings with just a few taps. The ability to create pet profiles in the app and track usage patterns could be a game-changer for many cat parents.
Initially, our cats were curious about the SNOW+. However, they ultimately decided against using it, likely due to the tight entryway that might not suit larger cats. From our experience, the SNOW+ is more appropriate for smaller cats.
One standout feature is the top-opening design for pouring litter. The larger opening made refilling easy, a feature sometimes lacking in other models. Cleaning the litter box was also a breeze, thanks to the magnetic attachment system—disassembly was simple and quick, which is always a win in our books.
Sealed bags lock in odor and minimize contact with waste. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
While the fragrance deodorizer added a pleasant aroma, it might be too strong for some cats. Fortunately, it’s easy to detach if you’re sensitive to smells.
The included waste bags are self-sealing, which helps contain odor. But you’ll need to purchase the brand’s proprietary bags, which could be inconvenient.
At a price point of $699 (often marked down $639.99), it is on par with other premium models like the Litter Robot 4.
What Do Customers Think of the SNOW+ Self-Cleaning Litter Box?
Since it’s a relatively new product, reviews are somewhat limited. But so far, customer feedback is quite positive. Here’s what real cat parents have to say about the SNOW+.
Positive Reviews
Many cat parents like the functionality of this automatic litter box. They appreciate the magnetic construction, which makes cleaning easier. A lot of users like the deodorizing function, the ability to pour litter from the top, and the litter box’s overall look.
Without a doubt this is the BEST litter box I have owned over my 50+ years of cat ownership. It is so quiet when it goes through its clean cycle after Wally does his business. Refilling the litter is seamless and changing the bag of litter clumps is a huge improvement over the other options. This is my fourth self-clean litter box and it is the only one that lives up to the distinction of “self-clean”. It is pricey, but worth the price for convenience and ease of poop and urine clumps.—B. Elliott, Amazon
Negative Reviews
Negative feedback focuses on the steep price and the strong deodorizing smell. Others experienced glitches with the app.
My cat did not want to use it, because it’s a totally enclosed space and is uncomfortable for him. Instead of using it he started to spray in my apartment. The actual litter box area is very small, even though the whole thing is huge, which he doesn’t like. In addition, there is a strong permanent plastic smell inside and I am sure that makes it worse for him. I am returning in favor of a litter robot.—E., Amazon
Similar Brands
Looking for other self-cleaning litter boxes similar to the SNOW+? Check out some of our other brand reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are self-cleaning litter boxes worth it?
Yes, self-cleaning litter boxes are worth it if your cat is willing to use one. An automatic litter box can significantly reduce cleaning time, help control odors, and provide a cleaner experience for your cat. However, some cats might not adapt to them.
What types of litter are compatible with the SNOW+?
SNOW+ is designed to work with clumping litter. The brand recommends using a standard-weight, clay-based clumping litter.
Crystal litters are also compatible as long as they can pass through the screen. Some tofu- and plant-based litters might work, but PetSnowy notes they could result in moisture in the waste drawer (frequent emptying is a good work-around). Avoid using non-clumping, newspaper-based, or absorbent wood pellet litters.
How many cats can use the SNOW+ Automatic Litter Box?
The SNOW+ is ideal for up to four indoor cats; however, some customers successfully use it with more. As a guideline, PetSnowy recommends emptying the waste drawer every two weeks for one cat, weekly for two cats, and twice a week for three cats.
Can kittens use the Snow+ Litter Box?
Yes, kittens weighing 3.3 pounds or more can use the SNOW+ in automatic mode. For kittens below that weight, the company recommends turning off automatic cleaning and manually initiating the cleaning process when needed.
How can I acclimate my cat to the Snow+ Litter Box?
To help your cat adjust, keep the SNOW+ turned off and in the same spot as the old litter box. Place some litter from the old box into the SNOW+ to provide familiar scents. Be patient, and don’t force things—once your cat steps inside, they should know how to use it.
What is PetSnowy’s shipping policy?
Orders over $49 ship free to the U.S. mainland. PetSnowy also ships to the EU, UK, Australia, and Canada. For other countries, they ask that you contact [email protected].
