Daily litter box duty is one of those pet parent realities nobody warns you about before bringing a cat home. Scoop in the morning. Scoop again at night. Hope the odor isn’t noticeable by the time guests arrive. For a lot of cat parents, it’s less of a chore and more of a full-time commitment.
That’s probably why automatic, self-cleaning litter boxes have been gaining serious traction over the last few years. Less scooping. Fewer smells. A cleaner setup overall. The appeal is obvious.
But here’s where many cat parents pump the brakes: the enclosed rotating globe design. The idea of a cat getting stuck inside a chamber mid-cycle, whether due to a sensor failure, a slow exit, or just bad timing, is enough to keep plenty of people on the fence. Add in reports of cats refusing to enter covered or tunnel-entry units, and the market gap becomes clear.
The Neakasa M1 Plus takes a different approach from traditional enclosed litter robots. Instead of using a covered globe or tunnel-style chamber, this open-top self-cleaning litter box keeps the entry fully open at all times, creating a setup that feels more natural and accessible for cats. It’s app-connected, designed for cats up to 33 pounds, and features an odor-sealing waste disposal system for easier cleanup. This review takes a closer look at how the Neakasa M1 Plus performs in real daily use, including its safety features, cleaning performance, and what it’s actually like living with it in a multi-cat home.
What Is the Neakasa M1 Plus?
The Neakasa M1 Plus is a smart, automatic cat litter box that cleans itself using a gradual sifting mechanism rather than a rotating drum or rolling globe. After a cat uses the box, the unit’s bowl rotates slowly, separating clumped waste from clean litter and dropping it into a sealed waste bin below. That waste bin uses the Pull and Wrap disposal system: when it’s time to empty, cat parents pull the bag strings to close the bag, lift the entire bag out, and carry it to the trash without touching any waste or dealing with loose material.
The biggest difference with the Neakasa M1 Plus is its open-top design. Instead of using an enclosed globe, lid, or tunnel-style entry, the litter box remains fully open at all times. Cats can freely enter or exit whenever they want, and the unit automatically pauses if a cat is detected near or inside the box.
That open structure is more than just a design choice. For cats that dislike enclosed spaces, it creates a more comfortable and less intimidating experience. And for cat owners concerned about trapping risks in enclosed automatic litter boxes, the always-open design offers extra peace of mind.
Quick Specs
- Entry Height: 13.86 inches
- Cat Weight Range: 2.2 lbs to approximately 33 lbs
- Waste Bin Capacity: 11.23L (up to 14 days for single-cat homes)
- Litter Capacity: 7.17L
- Noise Level: 50dB or less
- App Compatibility: Android and iOS
- Compatible Litter: Fast-clumping scoopable litter
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $379.99
Smart features include usage tracking per cat, litter level monitoring, remote cleaning controls, and notification alerts. The app works on both Android and iOS, and setup requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. Included accessories are waste bags and a litter mat.
Bonus for readers: Neakasa is currently offering iHeartCats readers an exclusive $30 discount on the Neakasa M1 Plus litter box with code iheartcats. The offer runs from May 21, 2026 through July 31, 2026. Just note that the discount code will not apply during the Prime Day sale period.
Why the Open-Top Design Is a Safety Upgrade
Most of the safety concerns around automatic litter boxes come down to one thing: what happens if the cat doesn’t fully exit before the cleaning cycle starts?
Enclosed designs rely on sensors to detect when a cat has left. If those sensors fail, lag, or simply misread the situation, the cat could still be inside when the chamber starts rotating. For larger cats that move slowly, kittens, or senior cats with mobility limitations, that window of risk feels real to many pet owners. And for some cats, the psychological experience of being inside a fully enclosed space while machinery activates is stressful enough to make them avoid the box entirely.
No Trapping Risk, Ever
The Neakasa M1 Plus eliminates this concern structurally because the entrance always remains open. There’s no door to close, no globe to rotate around a cat, no flap a cat has to push through. A cat can step out of the box mid-cycle if something startles them, and the unit will detect the movement and pause.
That’s not a workaround. That’s the design.
Easier Entry and Exit for Every Size and Life Stage
The 13.86-inch entry height is spacious enough to accommodate large breeds like Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and big domestic cats with room to spare. Cat parents who’ve dealt with a 15-pound cat trying to squeeze through a narrow tunnel opening know exactly why that matters.
For senior cats or cats with arthritis, the lack of physical barriers to navigate makes entry much less demanding. There’s nothing to push, duck under, or climb through. The optional step accessory (sold separately) can also reduce the entry height further for cats with limited mobility, which is a practical addition for households with aging pets.
Open Visibility Reduces Cat Anxiety
Cats are natural prey animals, which means they’re instinctively wary of situations where they can’t monitor their surroundings. A fully enclosed litter box puts them in exactly that position: blind to what’s happening in the room while they’re at their most vulnerable. Some cats tolerate it fine. Others never fully adjust.
The open-top design lets cats see the room, hear activity, and exit immediately if anything startles them. For anxious cats, timid cats, or cats that have rejected enclosed automatic litter boxes before, that visibility difference can be the deciding factor in whether they actually use the unit.
Kitten Mode Adds Another Layer of Safety
Kittens under 2.2 pounds are too small for normal cleaning cycles when it comes to robot litter boxes. The Neakasa M1 Plus includes a Kitten Mode that cat owners can activate manually, temporarily disabling all cleaning cycles while a kitten is learning to use the box. For households with both kittens and adult cats, this is a useful option.
Ultra-Smart Cat Detection
The Neakasa M1 Plus uses 6 sets of infrared sensors, positioned around the unit for 360-degree protection. That kind of coverage is a meaningful upgrade over single-sensor designs, which can have blind spots depending on where a cat is positioned inside the bowl.
Motion and weight sensors work alongside the infrared array to continuously monitor the litter box. If a cat approaches the unit while a cleaning cycle is in progress, the cycle pauses immediately. It only resumes after the cat has fully exited and the programmed delay time has passed. The unit also stays at or below 50dB during operation, which is close to the noise level of a quiet conversation.
My Experience Using the Neakasa M1 Plus
I have seven cats, and I follow the golden litter box rule: one litter box per cat, plus one extra. That means I currently manage eight litter boxes and scoop them twice daily. I use a mix of silica gel litters and clumping corn litter, so keeping everything clean is a serious daily commitment.
The idea of an automatic litter box has always sounded amazing to me, but I knew that even with a robot litter box, I’d still need multiple boxes with this many cats. I also had reservations about enclosed litter robots because I worried that one of my cats might get trapped or pinched during a cleaning cycle. When I first heard about the Neakasa M1 Plus and its open-top design, that immediately got my attention because it removed the fear of a cat being trapped inside.
Setup and First Impressions
The Neakasa M1 Plus arrived in perfect condition, and the packaging kept everything secure during shipping. The setup was surprisingly easy. From the moment I opened the box to getting the app connected, adding the legs, inserting the waste bag, and filling it with litter, the whole process took me about 30 minutes.
The included quick-start guide and setup video made the process very beginner-friendly. The app setup was also straightforward. I scanned the QR code from the guide, downloaded the app, connected the unit to my home WiFi, and had everything paired within minutes. Just make sure you have your Wi-Fi password nearby, as you’ll need it during setup.
One thing I genuinely loved was being able to create profiles for all seven of my cats in the app, including their weights, so the system could track who was using the litter box. The app also monitors litter levels and sends reminders when it’s time to add more litter or empty the waste bin. In fact, I realized I hadn’t added enough litter initially because the app alerted me immediately.
The build quality also impressed me right away. The unit feels sturdy and solid, and the opening is spacious enough for cats of all sizes. I have a couple of cats that weigh over 20 pounds, and they were able to climb in and out comfortably without the unit creaking, wobbling, or feeling flimsy. When it comes to the unit’s size footprint, the Neakasa wasn’t quite as large as I expected, but it still requires a decent amount of floor space and needs to be positioned near an outlet.
How My Cats Reacted
The second the Neakasa M1 Plus was set up, all seven of my cats came over to investigate it. Everyone was curious, but curiosity didn’t immediately translate into using it.
For the first few days, most of my cats were cautious. They sniffed around the unit, peered inside, and inspected the litter, but only a couple of them were brave enough to actually step into the box. I used treats constantly during this stage to encourage positive associations and keep everyone interested.
After about two days, Allan became the first cat to actually use the litter box. Once one cat finally used it, a couple of the others slowly started warming up to it, too. Cat parents know how stubborn cats can be about changes, especially when it comes to litter boxes, so I expected the transition period.
I do think the open-top design helped tremendously. The cats never looked trapped or cornered the way they might with an enclosed litter robot. My larger cats especially seemed more comfortable because they had plenty of room to move around and could still see the room while inside the box.
What helped the most during the transition was mixing some used litter into the fresh litter so the box smelled familiar. I also spent time sitting near the litter box, offering treats and lots of positive encouragement whenever the cats approached it.
Cleaning Performance in Daily Use
One feature I really appreciated was how customizable the cleaning cycles are. In Smart Mode, you can choose how long the box waits before cleaning after a cat leaves, anywhere from 1 to 60 minutes. There’s also a Cycle Mode where you can set the box to clean every hour up to every 24 hours. I liked having that flexibility because some cats are nervous about movement inside the litter box. Being able to customize the timing helped the Neakasa feel less intimidating for my more cautious cats.
The clump separation has worked very well in my testing, and odor control has honestly been excellent. I haven’t noticed any lingering smell around the unit.
What shocked me most was how quiet the Neakasa M1 Plus is. It’s incredibly quiet during operation. I’ve manually started cleaning cycles while standing in another room and couldn’t hear it running. Some of my cats are very sensitive to unfamiliar sounds, so I specifically watched their reactions during the first few cleaning cycles. No one panicked or scattered because the machine was so quiet. That’s a definite win in my home.
As for litter tracking, my cats still kick litter out when they hop out of the box, but the included litter mat does a good job catching most of it. Neakasa also sells an optional step accessory that looks like it would help catch even more litter while also making entry easier for cats. I think I will add one to the setup.
Maintenance and Waste Disposal
The waste disposal system has been one of the easiest parts of using the Neakasa M1 Plus. The Pull and Wrap system worked exactly as advertised for me. I simply pulled the bag strings closed, lifted the bag out, and carried it to the trash without making a mess.
As for the advertised 14-day waste capacity, I think that’s realistic for a single-cat household. In homes with two or three cats, you’ll probably need to empty it sooner. With seven cats in my house, the waste bin fills much faster, which is expected.
The litter emptying process is also extremely simple. Holding the Empty button on the front of the unit for three seconds dumps all of the litter into the waste bin so you can completely refresh the box. After that, you remove the bag, wipe everything down, and refill it with fresh litter. I’d recommend doing a full litter replacement and deep clean about once a month. For deeper cleaning, removing the bowl from the base is relatively straightforward as well, and you don’t need a bunch of tools for disassembly or reassembly. That’s a good thing, because I’m into simplicity.
Cleaning the bowl itself has been fairly easy, although my litter does leave behind some dust residue that requires wiping after cleaning cycles. That may be more related to the litter I personally use than the machine itself.
What I’d Tell Another Cat Parent Before Buying
The things I appreciate most about the Neakasa M1 Plus are how quiet it is, how easy it is to use, and the open-top design. The app has also been far more useful than I expected. I love creating profiles for all my cats, monitoring litter levels, and receiving reminders when maintenance is needed.
That said, I do think some cats will take longer than others to adjust to an automatic litter box, and some cats may never fully accept one. The entry height is also somewhat high, so senior cats or cats with mobility issues may benefit from adding the optional step accessory.
Overall, I absolutely would buy the Neakasa M1 Plus again. While I still need multiple litter boxes because I have seven cats, this would be an incredible quality-of-life upgrade for homes with one to three cats. It’s especially appealing for people who travel frequently or simply hate scooping litter every day.
How the Neakasa M1 Plus Compares to Enclosed Litter Robots
Most of the big names in automatic litter boxes use an enclosed-globe design. Those products are genuinely well-built, and plenty of cats use them happily. But they’re also not the right fit for everyone.
The open-top category has been growing because it solves specific problems that enclosed models haven’t addressed: anxious cats that resist covered spaces, large cats that don’t fit comfortably, households with seniors or kittens, and owners who simply want more peace of mind about entrapment risk.
The Neakasa M1 Plus fills that gap in a way that feels deliberate. At $379.99, it’s priced below the Litter-Robot 4, and its open-top design offers structural advantages the enclosed-globe styles can’t replicate. Better accessibility, better visibility for the cat, and a design that removes entrapment risk entirely rather than trying to engineer around it.
For homes with large cats or anxious cats, the comparison often ends there.
Who Should Buy the Neakasa M1 Plus?
Great fit for:
- Owners of large cat breeds (Maine Coons, Ragdolls, big domestic cats)
- Multi-cat households ready to reduce manual scooping
- Homes with senior cats or cats with mobility limitations
- Cat parents who’ve tried enclosed litter robots and had cats that refused to use them
- Anyone concerned about entrapment risk with enclosed models
- Busy households wanting a genuinely low-maintenance daily routine
May not be ideal for:
- Very small apartments where floor space is at a premium
- Owners prioritizing maximum odor containment above everything else
- Homes using pellet litter or crystal litter (not compatible with this unit)
- Shoppers on a tight budget looking for the lowest possible price
Frequently Asked Questions About the Neakasa M1 Plus
1. Is the Neakasa M1 Plus safe for kittens?
Yes, with the right setup. The unit includes Kitten Mode, which disables cleaning cycles for kittens under 2.2 pounds. Cat owners with kittens should activate this mode manually and monitor their kitten’s comfort level with the unit before transitioning to normal cleaning cycles.
2. What is Kitten Mode on the Neakasa M1 Plus?
Kitten Mode is a manually activated setting that temporarily pauses all automatic cleaning cycles. It’s designed for kittens weighing less than 2.2 pounds who could be startled or affected by the sifting mechanism. Once the kitten is large enough and comfortable with the unit, Kitten Mode can be turned off.
3. How often do you empty the Neakasa M1 Plus waste bin?
For a single-cat household, the 11.23L waste bin can last up to 14 days before needing to be emptied. Homes with two or three cats will need to empty it more frequently, typically every 5 to 7 days.
4. Does the Neakasa M1 Plus control odor well?
The Pull and Wrap waste disposal system does a solid job of sealing odors at the waste bin level. The open-top bowl is less odor-contained than an enclosed globe design, but most users report that running regular cleaning cycles keeps the smell from becoming an issue in the room.
5. What litter works with the Neakasa M1 Plus?
The Neakasa M1 Plus is compatible with fast-clumping scoopable litter. Clumping clay and clumping corn litter both work well. Pellet litter, crystal litter, and non-clumping litters are not recommended for this unit.
6. Is an open-top litter box better than an enclosed one?
It depends on the cat and the household. Open-top models offer better accessibility for large cats and seniors, less entrapment risk, and are often easier for anxious cats to accept. Enclosed models may provide slightly better odor containment. Neither design is universally better; the right choice depends on the cats in the home.
7. Does the Neakasa M1 Plus work for large cats like Maine Coons?
Yes. The 13.86-inch entry height and the unit’s 33-pound weight capacity make it well-suited for large breeds. The open-top design means there’s no tunnel or flap to navigate, which large cats often resist.
8. How loud is the Neakasa M1 Plus during a cleaning cycle?
The Neakasa M1 Plus operates at 50dB or less, which is roughly equivalent to a quiet conversation or light background noise. Most cat owners with noise-sensitive cats find this level acceptable, and many report that their cats don’t react at all to cleaning cycles.
9. Does the Neakasa M1 Plus require a subscription?
No subscription is required to use the Neakasa M1 Plus or its app. Replacement waste bags are available for purchase separately, but there’s no mandatory ongoing service fee.
10. How does the Pull and Wrap waste system work?
After the sifting cycle deposits waste into the bin below, the bag inside the bin seals with a drawstring-style closure. To empty, cat owners pull the bag strings closed, lift the entire bag out of the unit, and carry it to the trash. It’s a sealed, hands-off process that doesn’t require touching waste directly.
Final Verdict: Is the Neakasa M1 Plus Worth It?
The Neakasa M1 Plus is a genuinely well-designed automatic litter box that solves a real problem the enclosed litter robot category hasn’t fully addressed. The open-top structure is a structural safety advantage, not just a marketing angle. Cats can enter and exit freely, see their surroundings while inside, and leave mid-cycle without restriction. That removes entrapment risk entirely and makes this option significantly more accessible to large cats, seniors, kittens, and cats with anxiety around enclosed spaces.
The app adds real utility beyond basic remote cleaning. Being able to monitor litter levels, track usage, and manage cleaning cycles remotely makes the app feel genuinely useful instead of gimmicky. Per-cat usage profiles, litter level alerts, and maintenance reminders make it far more than a simple convenience feature. The Pull and Wrap waste disposal is genuinely easy to use. And the noise level is low enough that even skittish cats tend to tolerate cleaning cycles without distress.
The honest trade-offs are minor: slightly more litter scatter than fully enclosed models, and somewhat less passive odor containment. Both are manageable with the included mat and regular cleaning cycles.
Bottom line: The Neakasa M1 Plus is the right choice if you have a large cat, an anxious cat, a senior cat, or a household where entrapment risk has kept you from committing to an automatic litter box. It’s also an excellent Litter-Robot alternative for cat owners who want app connectivity and hands-off waste disposal at a lower price point. Results may vary depending on the individual cat’s adjustment period and litter type used, but this automatic litter box is certainly worth a try!
Readers can currently save $30 off the Neakasa M1 Plus self-cleaning litter box with the discount code iHeartCats.
Valid: May 21, 2026 – July 31, 2026
Please note that the discount code will not be valid during the Prime Day promotional period.