Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Review

Neakasa self-cleaning automatic litter box

Liz Coleman / Cats.com

Transitioning to an automatic litter box can be tough for some cats—especially if your cat, like most felines, prefers an open potty area. With its unique open-top structure, the Neakasa M1 Self-Cleaning Litter Box stands out from other automatic models, which are typically enclosed.

View on Amazon

Ratings

Ease of Cleaning – 5/5
Odor Control – 4/5
Appearance – 3.5/5
Construction – 3.5/5
Price – 4/5

Overall Score: 4/5

Fans of the M1 like that it’s accessible and spacious. But will it work for your cat? And is it worth the $500 price tag? We tested the Neakasa M1, focusing on key areas like safety, reliability, and app functionality. Here’s what we turned up—and who’s likely to be a good fit.

Why Trust Cats.com

Collectively, our team has reviewed over a dozen automatic litter boxes—and I’ve tested a good number myself. Given the significant cost of these devices, we strive to deliver clear, honest assessments. We aim to give you the confidence to make the best decision for you and your cat.

To that end, I’ve meticulously examined the Neakasa M1, from unboxing and setup to functionality and app experience. Unfortunately, my senior kitty gave this high-tech gadget a hard pass. So, I used water and a small weight to test the box’s cleaning process. I also combined my insights with feedback from other cat parents to gain a broader view of how this model fared in other households.

M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box and Neakasa Brand Overview

Labeled components and clear instructions make setup a breeze. Liz Coleman / Cats.com

Formerly known as Neabot, Neakasa was launched in 2017, carving itself a niche in the smart cleaning technology market. Headquartered in Los Angeles and Shenzhen, the brand operates in over 60 countries and regions. Neakasa’s current lines include Neakasa Pets and Neakasa Home.

Released in 2021, the brand’s M1 Self-Cleaning Litter Box features an open-top design that provides accessibility for cats. In addition to the M1 Litter Box, Neakasa offers a variety of products aimed to simplify cleaning tasks, including pet grooming vacuums and kitchen composters.

All Neakasa products, including the M1, come with a one-year warranty.

Neakasa M1 Open-Top Features

A large, open litter drum makes it easy for cats to enter and exit the M1. Liz Coleman / Cats.com

Unit weight (without litter)	22.81 lbs
Footprint	23.26” X 20.67”
Height	20.2”
Height to entrance	13.86”
Entrance width	17.09” X 15.75”
Interior globe size	16” X 12”
Waste bin capacity	11.23 L
Cat weight range	2.2-33 lbs
Compatible litter types	Clumping granular litter (like clay)
Noise level	50 dB
Odor control features	“Pull and Wrap” Waste Management System, OdorSeal technology
Safety features	Infrared and weight sensors detect cats; the globe never fully closes during cleaning for added anti-pinch protection
Material	PP & ABS & POM
App?	Yes

Most cats like to scan their surroundings while doing their business—a fact that inspired the M1’s unique design. This open-top litter box lets cats keep an eye on their environment, giving them a sense of security during a vulnerable moment. It’s plenty roomy, too, claiming to accommodate cats up to 33 pounds—the highest max weight I’ve seen.

Like many self-cleaning models, the Neakasa uses a rotating system to separate waste from clean litter. But instead of rotating sideways like other models, the Neakasa spins backward.

This litter box can identify different cats based on weight, allowing you to keep tabs on their individual activity and health through a user-friendly app. With the app, you can monitor bathroom habits, track litter levels, and control the device remotely.

For added safety, the Neakasa has multiple infrared and weight sensors that automatically pause cleaning if a cat steps in to use it. It also never fully closes during a cleaning cycle, which prevents pinching.

The brand carries replacement waste bags, but you could get away using any 10-15 gallon bag with drawstrings.

What We Like

Spacious, open design
Cats can easily enter and exit from any angle
Ideal for larger cats
Easy to add litter
Includes 30 waste bags and a double-layered litter mat

What We Dislike

Tall entrance (13.86”)
Step sold separately (Note: many cat parents get creative and use household items for a makeshift step)
Won’t keep out dogs or curious kids

What Did Our Test Cats (and Humans) Think?

Like most automatic models, waste collects in a drawer below the litter drum. Liz Coleman / Cats.com

Neakasa made a good first impression with its neat packaging and clearly labeled components. I was pleasantly surprised that most of the assembly was already done. With just a few simple steps—snapping on the legs and inserting the trash bag—we were ready to go.

Once it was up and running, the Neakasa impressed us with its user-friendly design. I appreciated the panel of clearly labeled buttons on the front, which made it easy to activate basic functions, like starting a cleaning cycle or leveling the litter (though the main functions require the app). Speaking of the app, we found it clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate.

What really stands out with the Neakasa is its open design, which makes it more inviting to the average cat. The open top also makes it easier to add litter directly without a scoop—a major win in my book since I usually buy the largest litter pails I can carry.

While the open top will be a highlight for most, some may find it a drawback if they’re opposed to litter scatter. Just remember: every automatic litter box (and every regular litter box, for that matter) comes with trade-offs, so it’s essential to consider what matters most to you.

Some users noted issues with the waste bin, which occasionally declared itself “full” when it wasn’t, often due to clumps piling up in one spot. This causes the device to shut down and become inaccessible to cats—a worrisome feature if you’re away and your cat doesn’t have a backup option.

Though we didn’t personally experience this, an unsettling number of users reported urine leaks due to a small gap along the interior mat’s seam. The company includes silicone stickers to seal the gap, which doesn’t seem like a perfect fix, but I appreciate their acknowledgment of the problem. Some cat parents had better success with Gorilla Tape.

We also noticed that dust accumulated quickly on the Neakasa (the gray surface wasn’t doing it any favors). Far from a pressing issue, but it helps to have wipes handy—especially if you’re planning to place the box in a prominent spot.

In a market dominated by enclosed self-cleaning litter boxes, the Neakasa stands out as a unique alternative. Despite its flaws, this device is both spacious and accessible. It could be well-suited for larger cats who are hesitant to use a covered box.

It’s not perfect, but the Neakasa’s open design may appeal to otherwise hesitant cats. Liz Coleman / Cats.com

What Do Customers Think of the Neakasa M1 Open-Top Litter Box?

Overall, customers are satisfied with the Neakasa’s performance. While reviews on any company site must be taken with a grain of salt, the M1 has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 547 reviews on the Neakasa site. On Amazon, it’s earned 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1640 reviews.

Positive Reviews

Cat parents appreciate the ease of setup, and many report that the mechanics work smoothly and reliably. They also like the open and roomy design. For the most part, folks appreciate the app’s functionality.

“I have a 20 lb cat who never used the Litter Robot 4 presumably because he’s too big for it. I had to leave out two regular XL litter boxes just for him. He’s also very picky and will pee outside of the litter box if I’m late on cleaning it. Thanks to this litter box’s open top design, my large cat has been using it no problem, and I’ve been able to put away the regular litter box. This litter box itself is also amazing. It’s comparable to the Litter Robot 4 as far as automatic litter boxes go.” – Marc, Amazon (January, 21, 2025)

Negative Reviews

However, some users reported challenges with the Neakasa. One common issue is inaccurate weight measurements, which seems to be a recurring theme with automatic litter boxes. Additionally, many cat parents find it frustrating that the unit becomes unusable when it indicates it’s “full.” Concerns about mess are also raised, including issues with dust and smeared waste. Occasionally, users have experienced urine leaks.

“Honestly, this worked great at first…until one day at random I get an error that the litter box doors are stuck. It says to disassemble and reassemble the doors. I’ve done it repeatedly and even though there is nothing wrong with it. It just keeps giving me errors and will not work anymore. I’ve only had it for one month!” – Bethany, Amazon (January 23, 2025)