Neakasa M1 Litter Box Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Neakasa M1 is an open-top automatic litter box for cats that prefer a visible, roomy-feeling space. Its rotating litter bed, motion sensors and pull-out waste bin reduce daily scooping, but you'll still need to check the unit and empty the bin.
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The Neakasa M1 is an open-top self-cleaning litter box for cat owners who want less scooping without a covered entry. It rotates the litter bed to move waste into a pull-out bin, with sensors and app controls as part of the cleaning system.
The main trade-off is size: the M1 Plus measures 22 x 20 x 26 in and weighs 22 lb. It also needs routine checks, litter care and waste-bin emptying, even though Neakasa gives a 7–14 day use range for the bin.
The Neakasa M1 at a glance
The Neakasa M1 pairs an open-top design with automatic waste collection. It is worth considering if your cat prefers a visible space and you have room for a full-size unit.
Neakasa M1 Plus Automatic Cat Litter Box: Best for open-top access
- Open-top design
- 11.2 L waste bin
- 7.2 L litter capacity
- App control on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
The M1 Plus combines an open entry with automatic cleaning, app controls and a pull-out waste bin. It suits households that want less scooping but can make room for a 22 x 20 x 26 in, 22 lb unit.
Pros
- Open view into the litter area
- Infrared sensing and mechanical rotation limits
- App activity tracking for individual cats
- Waste bag pulls out for disposal
Cons
- Requires space for a large, 22 lb unit
- App uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- Kitten Mode is needed for kittens under 3.3 lb
The M1 Plus has a 7.2 L litter capacity and an 11.2 L waste bin. Neakasa describes its system as having a brush strip and composite sealing ring to help contain odor and reduce liquid seepage.
Who may prefer the M1's open design?
The M1 may suit cats that hesitate at covered boxes or want a clear view around them. Open access can also make it easier for you to see whether the litter area needs attention.
An open top does not guarantee a quick transition. Place the unit near the cat's familiar box, keep the old option available at first, and let your cat explore without pressure.
For more context on this style, see our guide to the Open Automatic Litter Box: A Simple Guide. If you want to compare another open design, read our CATLINK open x review.
How does the M1's cleaning process work?
The M1 rotates its litter bed to separate waste into the bin after a cleaning cycle. Neakasa describes a gear structure that limits the bed's rotation angle and six infrared arrays to detect a cat's movement, size and position.
Treat automatic cleaning as a convenience feature, not a reason to stop checking the box. Look at the litter bed, entry and waste area regularly, and follow the manual if the unit pauses or needs attention.
The product's safety features are intended to reduce false triggers and help protect cats during operation. Keep the unit set up according to the instructions and supervise a cat's first uses, especially during a gradual transition.
What do the sensors and app add?
The Neakasa app connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and lets you adjust modes and track litter-box activity. Neakasa says it can identify different cats and show each cat's bathroom habits over time.
That activity record can help you notice a change in routine, but it is not a health diagnosis. If you see a concerning change, contact your veterinarian rather than relying on app records alone.
How much maintenance does the Neakasa M1 need?
The M1 reduces daily scooping, but it still needs regular waste-bin checks and litter-area cleaning. The 11.2 L bin is designed to support 7–14 days of use, though the interval will vary with household use.
Compare Litter-Robot models for multiple cats if you have a multi-cat home.
When the bin needs emptying, Neakasa describes pulling and wrapping the waste bag to contain the contents. Check the bin before it is full, and keep spare bags on hand so the unit is ready for its next cycle.
Wipe visible dust or residue from the areas named in the manual. A clean sensor area and litter bed make it easier to spot any buildup or blockage before it interferes with normal use.
The open top also means you can see the litter surface. Remove stray waste as needed and refresh litter according to the manual and your cat's habits.
Which litter works in the Neakasa M1?
Use litter that fits the machine's instructions and your cat's preferences. Don't assume that every litter marketed for automatic boxes is suitable for the M1.
If you're comparing a pellet-and-pad setup, read the Tidy Cats Breeze system review.
The guide to litter for self-cleaning boxes explains why clumping, dust and texture matter. BoxiePro Bot is one clumping clay option described for automatic cycles, with fast-forming clumps and a low-dust formula.
Change litter gradually if your cat is sensitive to a new texture. Mix the new litter with the familiar kind in small steps, and stop if your cat avoids the box.
How much room does the M1 need?
The M1 Plus measures 22 x 20 x 26 in and weighs 22 lb, so check the full footprint before buying. Leave enough room around it to access the waste bin and clean the unit as directed.
Measure the place where the box will sit, including nearby doors, furniture and walking paths. Also check that you can carry it through the entry route and position it without lifting over obstacles.
A litter mat can help catch loose litter near the entry, but it needs to fit without blocking access. The M1 Plus includes a litter mat and two refill bag rolls.
How does the M1 compare with other automatic boxes?
The M1 stands out for its open-top layout, but the best fit depends on your cat's entry preference, your space and the features you need. Compare its open design with other styles before choosing.
For lower-cost options, see automatic litter boxes under 200 dollars. For a tighter budget, compare automatic litter boxes under 100 dollars.
Our Neakasa M1 Plus review covers the Plus model's features in more detail. To weigh the open M1 against a covered design, use our Litter-Robot vs Neakasa comparison.
For other automatic options, compare the PETLIBRO Luma automatic cat litter box review and the PETKIT Pura Max review. You can also see how the Litter-Robot compares with Meowant if you are considering enclosed alternatives.
If you're exploring premium options more broadly, our guide to best high end cat litter boxes can help you narrow the field.
Is the Neakasa M1 worth considering?
The Neakasa M1 is a strong match if your cat prefers an open litter area and you want automatic waste collection. Its rotation controls, infrared sensing, app tracking and pull-out bin support a lower-scooping routine, while regular checks remain part of care.
Choose the M1 if you can fit its 22 x 20 x 26 in frame and your cat accepts an open automatic box. Consider a simple backup tray if you want a manual option, such as the small KISENG stainless steel litter box.
Pick an alternative if your cat needs a different entry style or if the M1's footprint does not suit your room. Compare the Neakasa M1 with the CATLINK Open-X to decide which open design better matches your setup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Neakasa M1 a good fit for cats that dislike enclosed litter boxes?
The M1's open-top design gives cats a visible litter area rather than a covered entry. That may suit a cat that avoids enclosed boxes, but each cat has its own preferences.
Keep the old box available during a gradual transition and watch whether your cat enters and uses the new one comfortably.
How does the Neakasa M1 clean itself?
The M1 rotates its litter bed during a cleaning cycle and directs waste toward a bin. Its product details describe mechanical rotation limits and a six-array infrared system that detects a cat's movement, size and position.
Follow the manual for setup, cycle timing and what to check if a cycle pauses.
How often do you need to empty the Neakasa M1?
Neakasa gives a 7–14 day use range for the M1 Plus, based on its 11.2 L waste bin. The actual interval depends on how many cats use it and their habits, so check the waste level often at first and empty it when needed.
Can kittens use the Neakasa M1?
The M1 Plus supports cats from 3.3 to 33 lb, and Neakasa says to enable Kitten Mode in its app for kittens under 3.3 lb. Confirm that the setting is active and follow the manual's safety guidance before allowing a small kitten to use an automatic cycle.
