Empty the waste drawer before it gets full

The Neakasa automatic litter box has a pull-out waste drawer at the bottom that collects clumped litter and waste. You should empty this drawer when it reaches about three-quarters full, or at least once every three to five days depending on how many cats use the box. Waiting until it is completely full can jam the raking mechanism and make the box stop working.

To empty the drawer, unplug the litter box first. Pull the drawer straight out toward you with both hands—it slides on tracks and should come out smoothly. Tip the contents into a trash bag, then slide the drawer back in until you hear or feel it click into place. Plug the unit back in. The entire process takes about two minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Empty the waste drawer every three to five days to prevent jams and keep the raking mechanism working smoothly.
  • Always unplug the litter box before removing the drawer or doing any maintenance work.
  • Wipe down the interior walls and the rake with a damp cloth weekly to remove dust and litter residue that can interfere with the motor.
  • Replace the carbon filter cartridge every two to four weeks, depending on odor control and the number of cats using the box.
  • Check the rake and gears monthly for stuck litter or debris that can slow the automatic cycle.

Clean the interior walls and rake weekly

Litter dust and small pieces accumulate on the inside walls and on the rake arm itself, which can slow down the automatic raking cycle or cause the motor to work harder than it should. Once a week, unplug the unit and use a slightly damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the interior walls, the rake, and the bottom of the litter chamber. Do not use soap or harsh cleaners—plain water is enough.

Pay special attention to the corners and the seams where the rake connects to the motor housing. Dried litter can build up in these spots and eventually jam the mechanism. If you see stubborn dried clumps, dampen the cloth a bit more and let it sit for a few seconds before wiping. Let everything air-dry for a minute or two before plugging the box back in.

Replace the carbon filter on schedule

The Neakasa comes with a carbon filter cartridge that sits in a slot on the side or top of the unit (check your model's manual for the exact location). This filter traps odors and should be replaced every two to four weeks. If you have multiple cats or notice the box smelling stronger than usual, replace it every two weeks instead.

To replace the filter, unplug the box, locate the cartridge, and slide it out. Drop in a new filter and slide it back in until it sits flush. The replacement filters are sold separately and cost a few dollars each. Keeping the filter fresh is one of the easiest ways to maintain odor control without deep cleaning the entire unit.

Check the rake and gears for blockages

Once a month, inspect the rake arm and the gears it connects to for any stuck litter, hair, or debris. Unplug the unit and manually move the rake back and forth slowly by hand to see if it moves freely. If it feels stiff or makes grinding sounds, something is blocking it. Use a small brush or old toothbrush to gently dislodge any debris from the gears and the rake joints.

If the rake does not move smoothly even after cleaning, or if you hear grinding when the unit cycles, stop using it and contact Neakasa support. Forcing a stuck rake can damage the motor. Most blockages clear with a gentle brush-out, but persistent problems usually mean the motor or gears need professional attention.

Rinse and dry the litter chamber periodically

Every month or two, do a deeper clean of the litter chamber itself. Unplug the unit, remove the waste drawer, and use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire interior—the floor, walls, and the underside of the lid. You can also use a small handheld vacuum to suck up any dust or loose litter before wiping. Let the chamber air-dry completely (at least 30 minutes) before adding fresh litter and plugging the box back in.

Do not use bleach, vinegar, or strong chemicals on the plastic interior. These can damage the material or leave residue that irritates your cat's paws. Plain water and a cloth are all you need. If the plastic has stubborn stains, a very mild dish soap diluted in water works, but rinse thoroughly afterward.

Refill litter correctly to avoid jams

The Neakasa works best when filled to the line marked inside the chamber—usually about 4 to 6 inches of litter depending on the model. Overfilling can cause the rake to jam or the motor to strain. Underfilling means the rake may not catch all the waste properly. Use clumping litter only; non-clumping litter will not work with the automatic raking system and can damage the unit.

When you refill, make sure the litter is level and not packed down. The rake needs to move through loose litter to work correctly. If you notice the litter is clumping together in large chunks before the cycle runs, the humidity in your home may be high—this is not a problem with the box, but you may need to empty the drawer more often.

Troubleshoot common cleaning-related problems

If the box stops cycling or cycles very slowly, the first step is always to unplug it, empty the drawer, and check the rake for blockages. Most performance issues come from a full drawer or stuck litter in the gears. If the rake moves freely and the drawer is empty but the box still does not cycle, try unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in to reset the motor.

If the unit makes a grinding noise during the cycle, stop using it when ready and do not force the rake. Grinding usually means something is caught between the rake and the chamber wall. Unplug the unit, remove the drawer, and look carefully for debris. If you cannot see anything obvious, the gears may be misaligned and you should contact Neakasa support rather than trying to fix it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I completely empty and refill the litter?

You should do a full litter change every two to three weeks, depending on how many cats use the box and how much dust or debris has accumulated. When you do a full change, this is a good time to wipe down the entire chamber with a damp cloth and let it dry before adding fresh litter.

Can I use non-clumping litter in a Neakasa box?

No. Non-clumping litter will not form solid clumps for the rake to scoop, and it can jam the mechanism or damage the motor. Always use clumping litter designed for automatic boxes. Check the manual for any brand recommendations from Neakasa.

What should I do if the rake gets stuck and won't move?

Unplug the unit when ready and do not try to force the rake. Remove the waste drawer and look for litter, hair, or debris caught in the gears or rake joints. Use a small brush to gently clear any blockages. If the rake still will not move freely after cleaning, contact Neakasa support—the motor or gears may need professional repair.

Is it safe to use water to clean the inside of the box?

Yes, a damp cloth is safe and recommended for weekly cleaning. Use plain water or water with a tiny amount of mild dish soap. Avoid bleach, vinegar, and strong chemicals, which can damage the plastic or leave residue. Always let the interior dry completely before plugging the unit back in.

Why does the box smell even after I empty the drawer?

The carbon filter may be due for replacement—this is the most common cause. If the filter is fresh and the drawer is empty, the interior walls or the rake may have a buildup of dust and dried litter. Do a weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth, paying attention to corners and seams where odor-causing bacteria can hide.