The short answer
Running costs come from drawer bags or liners, carbon filters or deodorizers, litter, and for ScoopFree-style boxes disposable trays. Divide the bag or tray's stated life by your number of cats, then multiply out to a month. Our cost calculator does this from the price you pay.
What you'll replace
- Drawer bags: one per emptying; PETKIT's PuraMax 2 bin lasts up to 15 days for one cat.
- Trays: a ScoopFree Crystal Smart tray lasts up to a month for one cat.
- Filters and deodorizers: PETKIT N50 and Litter-Robot carbon filters.
- Litter: topped up as the box removes clumps.
Cutting costs
- Third-party bags such as ANWA bags for Litter-Robot cost less per bag; fit relies on the seller.
- Reusable trays like PetSafe’s reusable ScoopFree tray replace disposable trays.
- Boxes with no odor packs, such as Neakasa M1 Plus, avoid one consumable.
Estimate it
Monthly cost = price per pack ÷ pieces per pack × (4.345 ÷ weeks each piece lasts). A bag that lasts two weeks for one cat lasts one week with two cats, doubling the cost.
Products mentioned
Self-cleaning box waste bags · PETKIT
PETKIT PuraX and PuraMax Waste Bags (5 Rolls)
Fits PURA X / MAX.
Litter tray refill · PetSafe
PetSafe ScoopFree Disposable Crystal Litter Trays (Fresh Scent)
Fits ScoopFree, 2-pack.
Open-top self-cleaning litter box · Neakasa
Neakasa M1 Plus
Open-top, cats 3.3–33 lb.
Questions readers ask
What's the biggest running cost?
Usually litter and bags; for crystal-tray boxes, the trays.
Are third-party bags OK?
Often, if the seller states your model; official bags fit exactly.