by Elisa Black-Taylor
(USA)
Booda Dome Cleanstep Catbox
I seldom do product reviews, but the Booda Dome Cleanstep Catbox by Booda is the newest convenience addition in my home.
My Furby may look like a sweet, tidy litter box trained cat. No way! In reality he's a class act litter slinger who alternates with trying to dig to China. He'll fling litter in all directions, dig, fling, dig fling. Chastising him does no good whatsoever. He enjoys his litter box time.
Unfortunately, he would leave a tornado-like mess in his wake. Even in litter boxes with large trays, covers, etc. So when I found the Booda Dome Cleanstep, I knew I had to give it a try.
I purchased mine at PetSmart for $35. Amazon.com also has it for around $29 with free Supersaver shipping. Click on the picture below to buy from Amazon.
It's unique design claims to stop litter tracking due to the stairs leading up and over into the box. If works, but it's not 100% foolproof.
The Booda Dome is a little large, but could easily be hidden behind a chair. Mine is in plain sight. I consider it a conversation piece.
The replaceable filter (every 3 months) claims to eliminate litter box odor. I have a houseful of cats and so far so good. Litter box odor is down to NOTHING since adding this one.
There is a liner available, but I get the feeling the liners may be hard to find. PetSmart didn't have them when I purchased the box. From what I've read from the reviews, many cats shred them anyway.
It was an interesting sight when my daughter Laura prepared the box and set it up for first use. The cats immediately decided to check it out. One after another they each had to see what the box was all about. Even my large cats fit in it nicely. None of them were afraid to enter.
I've had this box for four days now. Aside from a couple of "little logs" left on the stairs the first day it's done what it claimed to do. Cut down on litter on the floor and no odor.
I read several of the reviews on Amazon.com and the biggest complaint (and suggestion) is litter left on the stairs. This can be solved by vacuuming the stairs when the litter is scooped out/changed. It has cut down on 95% of the "mess."
I wanted to review this product because I know many cat owners are like me. They can't afford the automatic systems that cost major money. This litter box was very inexpensive and what little extra it cost will more than be made up for in cat litter savings and added convenience.
Another suggestion I'd like to make is if this doesn't work out well as a litter box, it would make an awesome cat bed. Just disinfect it, line it with a blanket, and I'd about guarantee your cat would use it. Or better yet, buy a second Booda Dome and stick it in an isolated corner of your home. Cats love to hide and sleep when the opportunity presents itself.
I'd also recommend this as a cat bed for a cat with newborn kittens. A kittens eyes must be protected from light the first few weeks and this would fit the bill perfectly.
So for under $40 you have a great litter box or a great cat cave.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars rating. The three complaints I read of the most in the reviews were:
*litter or "little logs" on the stairs
*cats destroy the liner
*cats tear the filter loose and run off with it
I always like to mention the bad qualities of a product just as a precaution.
Do any of the readers at pictures-of-cats.org have a favorite litter box or another product you think cat owners should check out? I'm always on the lookout for ways to improve the quality of life for my cat family. Not to mention making cat care a little simpler.
Elisa
Related post:
