After 15 years of writing about cats, I thought I’d seen every form of enrichment.

But this winter, the most fascinating object in the house isn’t a toy. It’s our Neakasa Self-Cleaning Litter Box. Who knew it would become a Winter Enrichment “Toy” for my cats.

Lumi has developed a ritual. She hops in, places her front paws on the rim like she’s monitoring operations, does her business, scratches madly at the interior walls for the hell of it, and leaps out with joy.

There’s a short delay before the pod’s top closes and it rotates to reset itself. The soft mechanical hum draws both cats’ attention — they sit and watch as if something important is happening.

It turns out a litter box can be an adventure.

Why the Self-Cleaning Litter Pod Is More Than Convenience

The design is modern and open, which I prefer. I have never liked fully covered litter boxes, and most cats don’t either. Visibility and easy entry reduce stress. Just because a cat tolerates an enclosed box doesn’t mean it’s their preference.

Key features:

• Self-cleaning rotation after each use
• Open-top design for comfort and visibility
• Step stool with charcoal odor absorber (helps with smell and catches stray litter)
• Mat underneath to contain scatter
• Less manual scooping (which, let’s be honest, is also winter enrichment for humans)

This model is not excessively tall, and the step stool helps with access and litter containment. For cats with severe mobility issues, a lower-entry box might still be better — one solution never fits all.

Over the years I’ve used:

• Low-entry boxes for arthritic seniors
• Extra-large pans for diabetic elders with mobility changes
• High-sided boxes for enthusiastic diggers
• Open designs for cats who dislike confinement

The right litter box depends on the cat in front of you. Read one of our many articles about litter boxes like History of cat litter and boxes

Remember cats like privacy for doing their business. We have several locations on two floors. This is our special litter box corner off the kitchen.

 

Winter Enrichment and Why It Matters

Winter changes the rhythm of a cat’s world. Outdoor time may be shorter, windows stay closed, and environmental novelty decreases. Even cats with GPS collars and cat doors experience a shift in stimulation.

Enrichment is about providing mental and physical engagement so cats remain curious and content. It doesn’t always look like a toy or an elaborate setup.

Winter Enrichment Beyond the Pod

Even with the self-cleaning litter pod, Otto and Lumi thrive on variety:

• Outdoor adventures with GPS collars and a cat door (even in the snow)
• Vertical spaces and hidey holes (beds on top of a tall armoire, cozy nooks)
• Interactive toys for mental stimulation
• Bird-watching stations (Lumi is bird obsessed —

 

• Human interaction and structured play
• Otto and Lumi never met a box they didn’t love.

 

Enrichment is layered. A litter pod does not replace play or emotional connection. It simply adds another stimulating element.

Even a cat sleeping in the sun might be bored. That is often the perfect moment for interactive play.

Winter reduces outdoor activity and environmental novelty. Indoor enrichment becomes more important, not less.

A self-cleaning litter pod is not the whole solution — but it is one interesting piece.

The Cat Corner

Our litter pod lives in the “cat corner,” a small mission-control area:

• Original cat art from our collection
• A poster by renowned feline illustrator Louis Wain
• Cat calendar & bulletin board
• Self-cleaning litter pod and step stool
• Odor-absorbing charcoal step
• Large litter mat
• Litter

It’s practical and slightly whimsical — a space dedicated to their needs.

Lumi treats the pod like advanced technology. She watches the rotation cycle with fascination. Otto observes with less drama but equal curiosity.

After 15 years of cat wisdom, I’m still delighted by what captures their attention.

Sometimes enrichment looks like a toy.

Sometimes it looks like vertical space.

And sometimes it looks like a self-cleaning litter box that rotates in the corner.

That’s life. Cat’s life.

Disclosure: The Neakasa M1 Plus self-cleaning litter pod and step stool were gifted for review. (This post contains my honest experience.)

Learn more:neakasa

Their site also features videos and user examples, which are fun to watch if you’re curious about how other cats interact with the system.

Lumi’s paws-on-the-rim ritual and post-business inspection is hysterical. It captures exactly what I mean by adventure — not mountains or expeditions, but curiosity in everyday objects. Otto is equally obsessed with their new out of this world adventure pod.

One of the top concerns of cat owners are litter box issues. Who knew a litter box can be so fascinating and attractive to cats?

Note: This is a luxury item and not a requirement for good cat care. Automated systems can be wonderful tools for some households, but they are not universal solutions. Cats differ in temperament, sensitivity, and preference. Some adapt immediately; others require gradual introduction; and some will always prefer traditional boxes. All of those responses are normal.

Good enrichment is about meeting the individual cat’s needs. You may also enjoy our post about Winter Cat Care

Do you have a self-cleaning litter box? If you have any questions, please leave a comment.