Petkit Pura Max
Self-cleaning litter tray
Cat litter tray tested: as good as its predecessor, but not much better
23/12/2024
Translation: machine translated
The second generation of the Petkit Pura Max differs only in details from the first version of the litter tray. This is also good news, as the test shows.
At least once a day, I kneel in front of the litter box, sieve the sand and remove the lumps from the four-legged friends' litter tray. Fortunately, the box is on my balcony, so at least the odour isn't quite so bad.
A self-cleaning litter tray takes a lot of this work off my hands: no more bending down every day and no more searching for lumps. It's expensive fun in any case, but it saves me time and effort.
Cat litter tray in constant use
The first-generation Petkit Pura Max has been doing at least half the work for me for over a year now. Because only one of our two cats wants to do his business there. The other one couldn't be persuaded to do his business in the bathtub rather than in this monster, which also moves around. This is also part of the truth about cat litter trays: these cuddly pets can be very picky and fussy - and don't always get used to it.
The first-generation Petkit Pura Max, which is still available, is still in continuous one-cat operation. And it does so reliably and without any problems. The litter is sieved through after every visit to the toilet without any interruptions or interruptions.
What's really new about the new version
At first glance, the new Petkit Pura Max 2 looks the same as its predecessor - apart from the fact that the grille inside is no longer red but green. And to be honest: in the everyday test, I didn't notice any noticeable change for my needs. Of course, that's also good news, because I was totally impressed by its predecessor.
Source: Lorenz Keller
However, the manufacturer has made some improvements to the details. For example, the two buttons for operation are now made of silicone, which makes them easier to use and much more stable than their predecessor.
Even more important is the new three-component drum, which is sealed with silicone strips. These are designed to seal the inside of the litter tray even better. The new shelf, which is clamped into a groove so that urine cannot flow along the wall under the flexible intermediate floor, also helps here.
I didn't have any problems with this with the previous model - but it really depends on the animal. Some cats like to urinate on the wall or on the edge. And in this case, there is a real risk with the predecessor that the shelf with the litter is not completely sealed.
Source: Lorenz Keller
The so-called cat litter pad, i.e. the intermediate floor on which the litter lies, can be installed more easily and removed for cleaning. It can be pressed together and then simply snaps into place. This was always a bit awkward with the predecessor.
The manufacturer has also perfected other details: The cleaning grid can be removed more quickly and easily. In addition, the Cat Litter Remover can now be easily attached magnetically. Previously it had to be clipped in. A new sensor prevents emptying when the litter bin is open. In addition, the rotation of the cylinder is now supported by four wheels instead of two as before.
Source: Lorenz Keller
The strengths remain the same
The Petkit Pura Max has some advantages that make it my favourite - both the old version and the new one. Many automatic litter boxes can only be used with fine cat litter. However, I prefer to use the popular Cat's Best Original made from slightly coarser wood fibres.
Petkit supplies two grids with different sized meshes that can be easily replaced. This means that any clumping cat litter can be used. This can help habituated pets make the transition to a new litter tray.
The reliability mentioned above is very important. The Petkit litter tray works simply. The sensors recognise when a cat does its business in the cylinder. As soon as it has left it again, the litter tray is cleaned after a quarter of an hour. This works without fail and over a long period of time. All I have to do is empty the litter bin and top up the litter occasionally. And, of course, a thorough clean twice a year - but that's the case with every litter tray.
Weaknesses not remedied
In my opinion, Petkit has unfortunately not fixed the biggest weakness. The removable intermediate base is made of a plasticised, rough material, which at least my cat litter sticks to too firmly when clumped. I therefore have to scrape off residue from time to time, which is not automatically disposed of. Although this has improved somewhat in the new version, a smooth plastic surface would still be a better solution.
Source: Lorenz Keller
The false floor is needed for two reasons: It provides an even surface in the drum and can also be removed and cleaned.
What also remains annoying is that when I trigger a manual clean using the buttons, a sensor blocks cleaning far too often. This safety feature is unnecessary in this case, as I'm standing right next to the appliance. What's more, I can't simply continue cleaning afterwards by pressing a button. Instead, I have to press and wait for a long time.
The waste bin is elongated and not particularly high - an impractical shape, as the clumped litter always falls in the same place and is only distributed moderately. The manufacturer has designed special litter bags in an elongated shape for this purpose, some of which are only available from marketplace retailers at completely overpriced prices.
I have found two solutions to this problem. On the one hand, cheaper plastic bags that don't fit perfectly, but are still sufficient. On the other hand, I usually use the system without a bag at all. This works without any problems and the container is very easy to wash out.
Source: Lorenz Keller
App and scent: included, but optional
The fact that a litter tray has Wi-Fi and an app is probably unavoidable these days. The good news is that once installed, the Petkit Pura Max can also be operated without a smartphone. There is also no built-in camera that could be hacked. In standard mode without a Wi-Fi connection, the device works perfectly. However, if you want to set details such as the exact time of cleaning, you need the app.
Source: Lorenz Keller
The app can also be used as a remote control and sends notifications when the fragrance dispensers are empty or the waste bin is full. Thanks to the sensors, it also provides statistics on when and how often the litter tray has been used. The Pura Max even measures the weight of the cats and can therefore distinguish between animals of different weights.
The entire Air Purifying System, which removes odours, is also optional. You can use it - but the device also works without it. The manufacturer starts in two places: A battery-operated spray can be fitted in the cylinder, which is linked to the loo. After cleaning, this sprays a liquid that neutralises odours and combats bacteria. In addition, a gel pad is inserted into the waste bin, which also combats bad odours.
In a nutshell
Still good, but not much better
The details of the Petkit Pura Max 2 have been improved compared to its predecessor. However, these improvements only make a difference in everyday use when the cats urinate on the walls. Otherwise, the new model is just as reliable and good as its predecessor.
However, the predecessor is currently available at a significantly lower price and is therefore the better choice for most users. As soon as the Petkit Pura Max 2 becomes more attractively priced, you can't go wrong with it. It is a reliable, robust and fully automatic litter tray that works with almost any litter.
Pro
- reliable
- Can be used with almost any litter
- Comprehensive equipment
- App and fragrance system included, but not mandatory
Contra
- not much better than its predecessor
- Relatively expensive
- some weaknesses not fixed
Header image: Lorenz Keller
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.