Neakasa M1 Plus Automatic Litter Box Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Neakasa M1 Plus suits cats that avoid enclosed boxes and households with up to 3 cats that want app-based activity tracking. Choose it if you have room for the unit and can keep up with waste checks, litter refills and cleaning.
On this page (9 sections)
- Who should buy the Neakasa M1 Plus?
- How does the M1 Plus compare with PETKIT and Meowant?
- What safety features does the M1 Plus have?
- How should you set up the box and introduce your cat?
- How much cleaning and odor control should you expect?
- What can the Neakasa app tell you?
- When should you choose an alternative?
- Which buying mistakes matter most?
- Is the Neakasa M1 Plus worth choosing?
The Neakasa M1 Plus is a good fit for cats that dislike enclosed litter boxes and households that want automatic scooping with individual activity tracking. Choose it for your cat’s comfort first, then check the space and care it needs.
Its main appeal is an open litter area paired with a sealed waste bin. That combination suits people who want waste contained without asking their cat to enter an enclosed cylinder.
Skip it if your available space is tight, your cat cannot comfortably enter it, or you want a box that needs no daily attention. Automatic scooping still leaves you responsible for waste checks, litter levels and cleaning.
Who should buy the Neakasa M1 Plus?
The Neakasa M1 Plus makes the most sense for cats moving from an open tray and homes with up to 3 cats. It keeps the surroundings visible while adding remote mode controls and bathroom activity records.
Neakasa M1 Plus
- Open-top design
- Supports cats from 3.3–33 lb
- 11.2 L waste bin
- 2.4 GHz app control
Choose this open-top box for cats that dislike enclosed spaces and households with up to 3 cats. Its larger waste bin reduces the pressure to empty it as often, while the app tracks each cat’s activity.
Pros
- Open top leaves the surroundings visible
- App tracks activity by cat
- Supports up to 3 cats
- Neakasa includes a 2-year protection plan
Cons
- App features need 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Needs space for the unit and waste-bin access
- Kittens under 3.3 lb require Kitten Mode
When is the Neakasa M1 Plus a good fit?
Put it on your shortlist if your cat hesitates at covered boxes or likes to look around while using the litter tray. An open top removes the roof as a barrier, though it cannot guarantee that a cat will accept the new box.
It also suits households that want to notice changes in each cat’s bathroom routine. The app can help you review patterns instead of relying only on how much waste appears in a shared tray.
For a large cat, judge fit by posture as well as weight. Your cat needs to enter, turn, squat and leave without squeezing or adopting an awkward position.
Who should skip it?
Choose another option if you cannot leave room to reach the waste bin and clean around the unit. A box that fits between furniture but cannot be serviced there is a poor fit.
Keep a familiar tray as the main option if your cat struggles with entry or remains afraid of the machine. Neakasa includes a 2-year protection plan, but coverage cannot solve a mismatch with your cat’s habits.
If you are still deciding whether automation suits your household, start with our complete guide to self-cleaning litter boxes.
How does the M1 Plus compare with PETKIT and Meowant?
Choose Neakasa for open access and the largest waste bin here, PETKIT for a cat comfortable with an enclosure, or Meowant when interior room is your priority. Check eligibility and floor space before comparing app features.
| Detail | Neakasa M1 Plus | PETKIT PuraMax 2 | Meowant 106L Litter Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Open top | Enclosed cylinder | Open design |
| Cat weight range | 3.3–33 lb | 3.3–22 lb | 3.3–30 lb |
| Waste bin | 11.2 L | 7 L | 6.7 L |
| App connection | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
| Overall dimensions | 22 x 20 x 26 in | 24.21 x 21.96 x 21.96 in | 20 x 21.5 x 20 in |
| Special use note | Kitten Mode for kittens under 3.3 lb | Not for pets under 6 months | Clumping litter with pieces under 15 mm |
Interior volume and waste capacity describe different things. A roomy toilet area does not mean you can wait longer to empty the waste compartment.
Likewise, a higher weight limit does not confirm that every cat within it will fit comfortably. Long bodies, entry difficulty and preferred posture can matter as much as weight.
Our Neakasa M1 Plus vs PETKIT PuraMax 2 comparison helps narrow that choice. For a broader checklist, see our guide to automatic litter box size, sensors and bags.
What safety features does the M1 Plus have?
The M1 Plus combines mechanical rotation limits with infrared detection. Neakasa uses an optimized gear structure to limit the litter bed’s rotation angle and a 6-array rotary infrared system to detect movement, size and position.
Those protections need correct placement and use. Follow the manual’s checks, keep detection areas clear and supervise the first cleaning cycles while your cat is nearby.
For kittens below the normal weight range, Neakasa specifies Kitten Mode in the app. Read its operating instructions before use rather than assuming the usual automatic settings apply.
Do not bypass a sensor or keep restarting a unit that stops unexpectedly. Check for an obstruction or setup problem using the manual, and contact support if the cause remains unclear.
Our guide to automatic litter box safety for cats explains the wider precautions. A frightened or unsteady cat may be better served by a familiar stationary tray while you reassess the setup.
How should you set up the box and introduce your cat?
Set the box in a quiet, accessible location with service space, then introduce it gradually. Your cat should be able to reach it without passing a noisy appliance or another cat guarding a narrow doorway.
Before unpacking, mark out the footprint and consider the approach path. Leave room to remove the waste bin and reach the areas that need cleaning.
Use a stable, level surface and follow Neakasa’s placement instructions. Keep cords out of the walking route, and avoid hiding the unit where you cannot inspect it easily.
Confirm Wi-Fi coverage at that exact spot before pairing the app. If connection fails, check the network band and router settings before repeatedly moving the box after your cat has begun getting used to it.
Keep the familiar tray available
Leave the old box accessible during the transition. Let your cat investigate the new unit voluntarily, and avoid placing the cat inside or forcing it to remain nearby.
Introduce movement according to the manual once your cat is comfortable approaching the box. Stay nearby at first so you can see whether the cleaning cycle causes avoidance.
Changing the box, litter texture and location together makes it harder to identify what your cat dislikes. Keep the transition simple, using compatible litter and changing one thing at a time where possible.
Our guide to getting a cat to use an automatic litter box gives a gradual approach. If avoidance persists, restore easy access to a familiar tray rather than removing alternatives.
How much cleaning and odor control should you expect?
Expect less scooping, plus regular inspection and cleaning. The M1 Plus holds 7.2 L of litter, and Neakasa gives a 7–14 day use estimate that depends on how heavily the box is used.
Check the waste level daily at first to learn your household’s pace. Empty sooner if the bag is heavy, waste is approaching capacity or odor builds up.
The pull-and-wrap system lets you close the waste bag for removal. The package includes 2 refill bag rolls and a litter mat, so check how the bags fit before the first full bin needs emptying.
Neakasa uses a brush strip between the litter bed and waste bin to help seal odors at the source. A composite sealing ring also helps reduce liquid seepage, without activated carbon or deodorizing packs.
Keep seals and litter levels in good order
Look for trapped litter or waste around sealing surfaces when you empty the bin. Debris in those areas can interfere with closure, so clean them as directed instead of masking the smell with fragrance.
Follow the manual for litter type, fill level and cleaning products. Too much litter can interfere with waste separation, while too little can leave a shallow bed that clumps poorly.
Check which parts can be removed or washed before adding water. Allow cleaned parts to dry fully before reassembly, and keep electrical components dry.
Our automatic litter box cleaning guide helps you plan routine care. For litter compatibility, read about litter choices for self-cleaning boxes alongside the model’s instructions.
What can the Neakasa app tell you?
The app lets you adjust modes remotely and track activity by cat. Its most useful role is showing changes in bathroom habits over time.
Establish each cat’s usual pattern before drawing conclusions from a single unusual visit. In a shared box, also check that activity is being assigned to the correct cat before relying on individual records.
App records cannot diagnose illness or replace looking at your cat and its waste. Contact your veterinarian about concerning changes, especially straining or repeated trips with little output.
A connection problem should also prompt a physical check of the box. A phone screen cannot confirm that the entrance is clear, the litter level is right or the waste bag needs changing.
When should you choose an alternative?
Choose PETKIT for an enclosure-preferring cat or Meowant for a cat that needs more room to move. Both deserve a place on the shortlist when Neakasa’s layout does not suit your household.
PETKIT PuraMax 2: for cats comfortable with enclosed boxes
PETKIT PuraMax 2
- 76 L interior
- 7 L waste bin
- 2.4 GHz app control
- 7.87 in entry
A better match for cats already comfortable with enclosed boxes. Its lower entry is worth comparing for cats that struggle with taller steps, provided the opening and interior also fit.
Pros
- App records weight, visit frequency and duration
- Automatic, manual, timer and empty modes
- 7.87 in entry
- PETKIT includes 2-year coverage
Cons
- Not for pets under 6 months
- Upper cat weight limit is 22 lb
- Must sit on a flat floor without a carpet or mat underneath
The PuraMax 2 has a 76 L interior and a 7.87 in entry. Consider it for a cat already happy using a covered tray, especially when stepping over a taller entrance is difficult.
Its app records weight, visit frequency and duration, with automatic, manual, timer and empty modes. PETKIT also includes 7 infrared sensors and 4 weight sensors to detect cats inside or approaching the unit.
Skip it for pets under 6 months or cats outside its weight range. The enclosed layout is also a poor bet for a cat that already refuses covered boxes.
PETKIT requires a flat floor with no carpet or mat underneath because those surfaces can interfere with its sensors. Keep any litter-catching mat in front, clear of the entrance.
Its sealed waste bin works with the included N50 2.0 odor remover. This version is not compatible with K3 Smart Spray, so check accessory compatibility before adding supplies.
Meowant 106L: for cats that need turning room
Meowant 106L Litter Box
- 106 L interior
- Supports cats from 3.3–30 lb
- 2.4 GHz app control
- 6.7 L waste bin
Consider this open-design model when room to turn is your main concern. Its detachable drum helps with cleaning, but the smaller waste bin needs closer attention in a busy household.
Pros
- 106 L interior
- 8.27 in entrance
- AIRPET app records usage
- Detachable drum with drainage holes
Cons
- App needs 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Requires clumping litter with pieces under 15 mm
- Base must be wiped rather than washed
The Meowant offers a 106 L interior with an open design and an 8.27 in entrance. Consider it when your cat’s main problem is turning or positioning inside a cramped box.
Its detachable drum has 3 drainage holes for rinsing and draining. That is useful if you want removable parts for deeper cleaning, but the base must only be wiped with a cloth.
Skip it if you want to keep using non-clumping litter or long litter pieces. Also avoid overfilling: Meowant warns that litter above the warning line will be removed as excess.
The AIRPET app can record usage data for more than 30 cats, but that record capacity is not a recommendation to serve that many cats with one box. Plan access around your cats’ habits and check waste levels closely.
For another open-top choice, see our PetPivot Open-Top review. Our automatic litter box alternatives guide covers more options.
Which buying mistakes matter most?
The biggest mistakes are buying by capacity alone and expecting automation to replace care. Cat acceptance, usable space and access to cleaning parts deserve equal weight.
- Using body weight as the only fit check. Watch how much room your cat needs to turn and squat in its current tray.
- Removing every other box too soon. Keep another option available during the transition and if cats resist sharing.
- Treating an emptying estimate as a deadline. Inspect the bin and empty it according to actual use.
- Ignoring entry difficulty. An open top does not tell you how easily a stiff or short-legged cat can step inside.
- Buying before checking litter compatibility. Confirm the required litter and fill level before stocking up.
- Relying only on notifications. Look at the box daily so an app issue does not hide a care problem.
Is the Neakasa M1 Plus worth choosing?
Choose the Neakasa M1 Plus if open access solves a problem for your cat and you want individual activity records. Its 8.3 score reflects that fit, with space requirements and kitten setup as the main cautions.
Pick PETKIT if your cat prefers an enclosure and meets its age and weight limits. Choose Meowant if turning room matters most and you are comfortable with its litter and cleaning requirements.
Before ordering, measure the service space, confirm network coverage and decide where the familiar tray will stay during the transition. Then use our automatic litter box setup and care guide to plan the routine.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Neakasa M1 Plus suitable for multiple cats?
Yes, the Neakasa M1 Plus supports up to 3 cats, and its app can track individual activity. Keep other litter boxes available if cats avoid sharing or block each other’s access, and check the waste bin more often as use increases rather than relying on a fixed emptying schedule.
Does the Neakasa M1 Plus have an open top?
Yes, the Neakasa M1 Plus has an open top that leaves the litter area and surroundings visible. It suits cats that resist enclosed boxes, but acceptance still needs time: keep the familiar box nearby and let your cat explore before introducing cleaning cycles according to the manual.
How much litter does the Neakasa M1 Plus hold?
The Neakasa M1 Plus holds 7.2 L of litter and has a separate 11.2 L waste bin. Neakasa gives a 7–14 day use estimate, but actual emptying needs depend on your cats and their waste, so inspect the bin regularly and follow the fill instructions.
Does the Neakasa M1 Plus need Wi-Fi?
The Neakasa M1 Plus needs 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for app controls and activity tracking. Check that your router provides that band and that it reaches the intended location before setup; a strong connection elsewhere in the house does not confirm coverage beside the litter box.
