Neakasa M1 Plus (automatic litter box with an open litter box for large cats): our review

A cat should not have to fold itself into its litter tray like a duvet into a cupboard. The M1 Plus combines an open tray with an XXL format, and the manufacturer specifies a maximum cat weight of 15 kg. Larger cats are part of its intended audience, provided they remain within that limit. The appeal is straightforward: an open arrangement for a cat whose size matters when choosing the household tray.

Does your cat prefer doing its business without a roof overhead? This layout makes sense as a starting point. It also means the airtight waste compartment should not be mistaken for an enclosed toilet area: the tray itself remains open. We like that distinction. Room for the cat and containment for collected waste serve different purposes, and neither removes the need to think about where the tray will live.

The waste drawer holds 11,23 L, a generous capacity that may stretch the gaps between emptying. It ranks among the best on the site for waste bin capacity. That matters when the neighbour is popping in to feed the cat while you are away: a larger drawer offers more room for collected waste, although the number of cats and the litter used determine how quickly it fills. No calendar promises here.

The removable bin accepts standard waste bags, so you are not tied to dedicated branded bags for this chore. Keep replacements within reach of the tray, particularly if several household cats share it. An airtight waste compartment is intended to contain smells from collected waste, useful when friends arrive and the hallway ought to smell of something other than the cat's recent achievements. Emptying still belongs on your household chore list. A roomy drawer gives waste somewhere to go; it does not make the contents disappear.

The entrance threshold sits at 35,2 cm, a high step that an older or stiff cat may find harder to manage. Watch how your cat climbs into its current tray: hesitation or an awkward scramble matters more here than the XXL label. Being within the manufacturer's weight limit does not answer the separate question of getting inside comfortably. The climb is the main buying reservation. It comes round on every visit.

The manufacturer specifies presence detection among the safety features; that is a stated feature, not a guarantee of safety. Manufacturer guidance recommends a gradual transition, initially leaving the appliance switched off or in manual mode for a few days with the old tray alongside. Give the cat time to choose. The visit counter records tray visits and may help you notice changes in routine. Any change that concerns you belongs in a conversation with your vet; the counter is not a health tool.

The litter tray holds 7,17 L: that is its capacity for litter, separate from the drawer that collects waste. Think of it as the volume available for the clean litter your cat uses, rather than a promise about how long a refill will last. Compatible litter types, including silica and clumping litter, are not specified, so confirm the supported type with the retailer before choosing your regular supply. That choice shapes your ongoing litter purchases alongside replacement bags.

A detachable globe provides a removable part for cleaning, while the waste bin comes out separately. In a bathroom shared by the household, access to those parts matters when cleaning has to fit around everyone's morning. At 10,35 kg, the appliance has a typical weight for this category and should be carried with both hands. Give it a settled home with room to reach the removable parts. Regularly shifting the whole appliance would add an avoidable lifting chore to the routine.

The UBPet C41 is better suited to an older cat, with a lower entrance step of 20,3 cm. That means a less demanding climb for a stiff cat each time nature calls. If access has already become awkward with the current tray, we would put that practical advantage ahead of the appeal of a larger waste drawer. Convenience for you starts with a tray your cat can use comfortably.

The UBPet C41 has a lower waste bin capacity of 6,7 L, leaving less room for collected waste. The UBPet C41 has a similar unit weight of 10 kg, so there is little reason to switch simply for easier carrying. The UBPet C41 is less well rated overall. Our choice would therefore turn on the cat: favour easier access for an older companion, while a mobile larger cat may have more reason to favour the open XXL arrangement here. The drawer serves your routine; the entrance serves theirs.