Je automatische kattenbak is gearriveerd. De doos staat open, de onderdelen liggen uitgespreid en je vraagt je af waar je moet beginnen. In this article lees je de volledige eerste installatie stap voor stap, inclusief tips voor de app-instellingen die het meeste verschil maken.

What do you need for the first installation?

• ✓The automatic litter tray (fully unpack and remove all protective film)
• ✓Clumping cat litter (minimum 5 kg for the first fill)
• ✓A smartphone with the Prime AnimalZ app (iOS or Android)
• ✓Wi-Fi password (5 GHz network recommended)
• ✓A power socket at the desired location (cable is 1.5 metres)

Step by step: the first installation

Step 1: Unpack everything and check the parts

Remove all packaging and protective film, including from the sensors. Check all parts are present: main body, waste drawer, sieving mechanism and power supply. Check the manual for your specific model.

Step 2: Choose the right location

Zet de bak op een rustige, afgelegen plek met minimaal 1 meter afstand tot de voerbak. Katten willen geen kattenbak naast hun eetplek. Vermijd locaties naast de wasmachine of droger (trillingen en geluid). Zorg voor voldoende ruimte rondom de bak (minimaal 30 cm aan alle kanten). Lees meer over de beste locatie verderop In this article.

Step 3: Fill the tray with clumping litter

Add clumping litter to a depth of at least 7 cm. This is the minimum the sensors need to calibrate correctly and separate clumps. Use the minimum marking on the inner wall as a guide. Never fill above the maximum marking: too much litter creates resistance and increases noise.

Step 4: Connect to the Wi-Fi network

Connect the power supply. Hold the connection button for 3 seconds until the indicator light flashes. Open the Prime AnimalZ app and follow the pairing wizard. Choose a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network where possible — it gives a more stable connection than 2.4 GHz, especially in homes with many smart devices.

Step 5: Download the app and pair the device

Search for Prime AnimalZ in the App Store or Google Play and download the free app. Create an account with your email address. Scan the QR code on the bottom of the tray or enter the device number manually. The app guides you through the rest of the pairing.

Step 6: Set a cleaning schedule

The default is: auto-clean 30 minutes after each use — ideal for most cats. Adjust via Settings → Cleaning Schedule. Also set a quiet period for night hours so the tray does not disturb you or your cat.

Step 7: Test the cleaning cycle manually

Start a manual cleaning cycle via the app. Check that the mechanism moves smoothly, the waste drawer fills correctly and the tray stops neatly. If everything works, the tray is ready to use.

Step 8: Introduce your cat

Place the automatic tray next to the old one for now. Turn off the cleaning cycle for the first few days so your cat can get used to it calmly. Follow the complete habituation plan for a smooth transition.

App setup guide: schedule, notifications and history

Cleaning schedule

The recommendation is 30 minutes after each use — long enough for clumps to set, short enough to stay fresh. You can also set how many minutes to wait after the cat is detected before the cycle starts.

Setting up notifications

Set notifications for: full waste drawer, low litter level, faults and daily usage reports. The usage report is especially useful if your cat has health issues — you can see exactly how often and how long your cat uses the tray, and spot pattern changes.

Quiet period

Stel de Quiet period in voor 23:00 tot 07:00. Reinigingscycli die in die periode gepland zijn, worden uitgesteld tot het einde van de Quiet period. Zo slapen jij en je kat ongestoord.

The best location for your automatic litter tray

Location largely determines whether your cat accepts the tray. These are the criteria for a good spot:

• ✓Quiet and private: not in a busy hallway, not next to the front door or near the TV.
• ✓At least 1 metre from the food bowl: cats do not like eating near their toilet.
• ✓Accessible from two directions: so your cat is not trapped in a corner when someone passes.
• ✓Flat, stable surface: a wobbly tray makes more noise and calibrates less accurately.
• ✓Near a power socket: the power cable is 1.5 metres. Avoid an extension lead if possible.

Common mistakes during first installation

Mistake 1: Too little litter

The sensor calibrates on litter weight. Too little litter gives an incorrect base weight so the sensor misses the cat. Always use at least 7 cm.

Mistake 2: Connecting via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

2.4 GHz is slower and suffers more interference from other devices. This causes connection dropouts and delayed notifications. Always connect via 5 GHz if available.

Mistake 3: Turning on the cleaning cycle immediately

If your cat uses the tray for the first time and the cycle starts right afterwards, a startle reaction is likely. Keep the cycle off for the first three to five days and introduce it gradually.

Mistake 4: Getting rid of the old tray straight away

Leave both trays side by side for at least a week. The transition from familiar to new works best when your cat sets the pace.

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect the tray to Wi-Fi if it does not work?+

First check you are connecting to a 5 GHz network. Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender. Reset the tray by unplugging for 30 seconds. Then restart pairing via the app.

Can I use the tray without Wi-Fi?+

Yes. Without Wi-Fi the automatic cleaning cycle continues on the last saved settings. You only lose app functions: notifications, history and remote control. Once the connection is restored, everything syncs automatically.

How much litter do I need for the first fill?+

For the first fill of the Prime AnimalZ XXL you need approximately 4 to 5 kg of clumping litter to reach the 7 cm minimum. Top up weekly with 1 to 2 kg.

Hoe stel ik een Quiet period in de app in?+

Ga in de app naar Instellingen → Quiet period. Stel de begin- en eindtijd in. Reinigingscycli die in de Quiet period vallen, worden uitgesteld tot het einde van de periode. De Quiet period heeft geen invloed op de sensorfunctie: de bak detecteert je kat nog steeds.

The sensor does not recognise my cat. What should I do?+

Check the litter level (minimum 7 cm). Remove all protective film from the sensor. Run a re-initialisation via the app: Settings → Device → Recalibrate. If the sensor still does not work after calibration, clean the sensor surface with a dry cloth.

Can I connect multiple trays to the same app?+

Yes. In the Prime AnimalZ app you can connect multiple devices to the same account. Each tray has its own settings, schedule and history. Useful with multiple cats or on multiple floors.