The grates get blocked by clumps of pee/poop very easily. What can I do to prevent that?
1317353
I have the same problem if I don't dump after each potty. I use less litter than recommended so there isn't as much to get soggy. That sort of works. I'm getting ready to use the crystal litter to see if that helps. I'll update after I try it. The unit is pretty easy to disassemble so I take the grate off and wash it off too. I clean the entire unit once a month with disinfectant and dry it. It still beats the littermaid for me.
1317354
One thing I'll point out is that the video provided is misleading. Most folks use more litter than they picture and those of us with multiple cats use even more. The only way I've found to really get the benefit of this item is to pull the handle SLOWLY and don't use any more litter than you really have to else you'll just wind up wasting it. Even so, having had many, many cats over the past 50+ years (not to mention having spinal stenosis) this item is far and away the best product in terms of ease of use AND saving your back. If you can get the "fast food" mentality so many of us have out of your head and sift the litter slowly rather than quickly I think you'll eliminate the issue you are having. If not completely than close to it.
1317355
This was, hands down. the worst, most expensive litter box we ever bought. Completely useless. Manufacturer didn't even have courtesy of responding to a letter of complaint. We chucked in the rubbish long ago.
1317356
Try using non stick spray for litter boxes and keep a little brush handy to run over the grates to dislodge any dried stuff you might see when you crank. Most importantly make sure you use a good clumping litter and don't dump immediately after the cat tinkles. Let the litter do its job and crank when you know your cat hasn't used the box for a bit. By letting the litter work, the doodles dry out a bit. Litter is like a desiccant.
1317357
Yes - I've found the grates get clogged with clumping litter, especially if they pee near the sifter. We tried almost every kind of litter, but in the end we went with non-clumping crystal litter or as an alternative non-clumping clay. After the crystals are spent we take off the hood and tilt the box backwards into the waste bin. Then we refill with fresh litter. That's made the box well worth the price for us. We have 7 cats and this has cut down on litter box maintenance considerably for us. We own two of these plus our normal cat boxes. I much prefer cleaning this box to the others.
1317358
I haven't had that problem since I first started using these so I'd guess it might be the litter you're using. Might want to try a different brand.
1241671
I usually rinse mine out each time to prevent build up! It only takes a second. Maybe you do not have it tight enough.
392747
It is the absorbing material. When using them, I would flatten it out more in the crotch and keep the front with a little more fabric to absorb more pee :)
1816148
Did you remove the cap on the hydraulic pump? If not it will prevent the stool from operating properly. Hope this helps
2190880
Find a grease cutting dish cleaning soap, soak it for a few hours, it will remove stuff between the slats, hope this helps!
21203
You may have some buildup in there. If you heat up some water and pour it over it might help. Also you may want to contact them directly. dorcousa.com
2051076
Try to use some alcohol prep pad and scrub off the dirt and grime. That is the only way I can think of.
1973422
You have to be the judge of your flooring, and how delicate it is. While there are two plastic "bumpers" on the underside of each panel that would protect the floor. The long "pins" that connect the panels are flat bottoms and could damage the flooring. I do believe that there could be a quick fix to prevent it if you are creative enough. I have two of these sets, love them. I have ceramic tile flooring, I have them on a 5mm plastic drop cloth ( I bought at Walmart) in case my critters miss the pee pad in the pen. Keeps the gout lines clean and I dont worry about the pins scratching the tile. You have to be the judge of your flooring, and how delicate it is. While there are two plastic "bumpers" on the underside of each panel that would protect the floor. The long "pins" that connect the panels are flat bottoms and could damage the flooring. I do believe that there could be a quick fix to prevent it if you are creative enough. I have two of these sets, love them. I have ceramic tile flooring, I have them on a 5mm plastic drop cloth ( I bought at Walmart) in case my critters miss the pee pad in the pen. Keeps the gout lines clean and I dont worry about the... » Read More You have to be the judge of your flooring, and how delicate it is. While there are two plastic "bumpers" on the underside of each panel that would protect the floor. The long "pins" that connect the panels are flat bottoms and could damage the flooring. I do believe that there could be a quick fix to prevent it if you are creative enough. I have two of these sets, love them. I have ceramic tile flooring, I have them on a 5mm plastic drop cloth ( I bought at Walmart) in case my critters miss the pee pad in the pen. Keeps the gout lines clean and I dont worry about the pins scratching the tile. « Show Less
1945755
My grates also move when I clean them. Any BBQ grill usually has a small space for movement, otherwise you wouldn't be able to take them out to clean, etc because they would be too snug.
536057
Thank you for your suggestion to use vinegar. I just did and most of it came off. I have to use pumice in the toilet bowls too.
1124569
hey!! i actually know the answer to your problem. i used to live in a house with a well and for the first time in my life, had hard water stains in my toilet. i didn't even know what they were for awhile (i had grown up with city water) but i couldn't get rid of them for the life of me. i don't know how i found them, but i bought something called "pumice sticks" and the hard water stains rubbed right off!!!! i can't understand how they didn't scratch the toilet itself, but they didn't. i just checked and amazon sells them - do a search on pumice sticks. and frankly, i see that they sell them with handles - get those!! mine were just rectangle blocks and even with gloves, i hated having to actually stick my hands into my toilet and scrub away. a handle would have been a nice option. good luck!!
758972
A little sticking is normal. Make sure they are clean. You can season the grates with some Olive oil. Try med to low heat. We think the grill grate is the best!
1658882
Robert K. Gave a very good answer, mine would not be any better.By the way, I have the same problem with my toilet paper holder, I wish that I could fix this, it annoying.
94634
The pellets aren't meant to fill the box... just barely cover the bottom. Too many pellets and the urine won't be able to drain through to the pad below as it should. Just use one bag for an initial fill and after each complete clean out. If you end up scooping out some of the pellets with the poop, you can add a bit back over time before the next complete clean.
1502528
None I'm aware of. To solve that problem, I took some self-sticking plastic wrap and ran several sheets from the outside edge of the riser and extended them down to the inside edge of the toilet. Be sure the inside ring of the toilet is clean and dry as too the riser, so the plastic wrap will adhere. This prevents leaks from occurring and, once soiled, easily tossed and replaced.
1168606
I haven't used it enough to know this problem. I suggest to try a little ammonia. Again I am not sure this is something that was suggested to me due to tile flooring losing it's shine. It just might help with the clog.
2121166
Hey buy another tray and put it up against the wall to stay with velcro...but put the side of the one on floor under the one on wall so that the pee stays on mainly the one on floor...just have to clean the rim off of the wall one when you change both pads....good luck