Your automatic litter tray suddenly makes a sound you don't recognise. Scraping, squeaking, clicking or thumping. But when is a sound simply the motor working normally, and when is it a sign that something is wrong? In this article we explain it with concrete examples and a step-by-step diagnosis you can carry out yourself.

Which sounds are normal in an automatic litter tray?

An automatic litter tray always makes some noise during the cleaning cycle. These are the sounds that are part of normal operation:

• ✓A soft hum when the motor starts: the sound of the electric motor coming up to speed.
• ✓A sliding or rolling sound of the litter moving through the sieving mechanism.
• ✓A click at the start and end of the cycle: the locking mechanism releasing or engaging.

The intensity of these sounds varies by model. A well-designed automatic litter tray produces all of the above sounds at a level of 30 to 45 dB, comparable to whispering or a quiet bedroom.

5 sounds that indicate a problem

1. Loud scraping or rasping

Cause: Litter granules have got into the mechanism and are scraping against the plastic or metal frame. This is the most common cause of extra noise. Solution: Switch the tray off, open the mechanism and remove the lodged granules with a brush or compressed air. Check that you are not using too much litter (respect the maximum fill level).

2. Clicking or tapping during the cycle

Cause: A loose part moving during rotation, or a clump that has got stuck in the sieving mechanism. Solution: Check that all parts are properly locked. Remove any clumps stuck to the mechanism. If the clicking continues after cleaning, check the attachment of the waste drawer.

3. Squeaking or scraping

Cause: Wear of the motor or dry bearings. This sound usually appears after prolonged use (12+ months) without maintenance. Solution: Check whether the motor unit is running dry. Some models have a lubrication point on the rotation axis. Consult the manual. Squeaking can also mean the motor needs replacing. Contact customer service.

4. Thumping or banging

Cause: The litter level is too high, causing the litter in the rotating tray to hit the inner wall. Or the tray is not level. Solution: Remove some litter until you reach the maximum level. Check that the tray is on a flat, stable surface. A wobbly tray greatly amplifies the thumping noise.

5. Continuous spinning without stopping

Cause: The sensor does not correctly detect that the cat has left, or the sensor is dusty. The tray thinks the cat is still inside and waits for the detection signal. Solution: Clean the presence sensor with a dry cloth. Check in the app for any sensor notification. Reset the tray via the app. If the problem persists, the sensor may be faulty.

Step-by-step diagnosis: how to fix it yourself

Step 1: Identify the sound

Stand close to the tray during a cleaning cycle. Try to determine: when does the sound start (beginning, middle or end of the cycle)? Does it come from the top, from the motor or from the mechanism?

Step 2: Check the litter level

More than 80% of noise complaints are caused by an excessively high litter level or litter in the mechanism. Check that the level is between the minimum and maximum markings.

Step 3: Empty the waste drawer

A full waste drawer can create resistance in the mechanism. Empty the drawer and start a new cycle to see whether the noise disappears.

Step 4: Disassemble and clean the mechanism

Switch the tray off. Open the mechanism and remove all litter granules from the sieving section. Check the rotation axis for wear. Reassemble and test.

Step 5: Reset via the app

If the problem persists after the above steps, reset the tray via the app. This restarts the firmware and often resolves sensor and calibration issues.

When is the noise a problem for your cat?

Sounds above 50 dB are not only a sign of a technical problem — they can also frighten your cat. Cats hear five times more sensitively than humans. A tray that already sounds loud to us is overwhelming for a cat. If your cat has been avoiding the tray after a noise problem, read the acclimatisation plan to reintroduce it once you have fixed the technical problem.

How quiet is a good automatic litter tray?

The benchmark for a quiet automatic litter tray is less than 40 dB during the cleaning cycle. This is comparable to the sound of a calm library. The Prime AnimalZ automatic litter tray XXL operates at less than 35 dB thanks to a brushless DC motor with sound dampeners on the rotation axis. At two metres away the tray is barely audible, even at night.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for my litter tray to make noise at night?+

Yes, if the tray is used by your cat at night it will automatically start the cleaning cycle. Set a quiet period via the app if you don't want to be disturbed. During the quiet period, cleaning cycles are deferred until the end of that period.

The tray makes a scraping sound only at the start. Is that normal?+

A slight scraping sound when the cycle starts can be normal as the motor starts up. But if it is clearly audible or loud, check the litter level and remove any granules from the mechanism.

My cat has stopped using the tray after a loud noise. What do I do?+

First fix the technical problem so the tray is quiet. Then temporarily switch off the cleaning cycle and let your cat explore the tray again as a calm, safe space. Follow the acclimatisation plan to reintroduce the tray.

How do I know if the motor needs replacing?+

If after thorough cleaning, removing obstructions and an app reset the noise persists or the tray no longer rotates fully, the motor probably needs replacing. Contact Prime AnimalZ customer service for a remote diagnosis.

Can the surface amplify the noise?+

Yes. A hard tiled or wooden floor can amplify vibrations and make the noise sound louder. Place a non-slip mat or thin rubber mat under the tray. This dampens vibrations and reduces the sound travelling through the floor.

How many dB is acceptable for an automatic litter tray?+

Under 40 dB is the standard for a quiet litter tray. Under 35 dB is excellent. Above 50 dB the tray is too loud and will deter most cats. Measure with a free dB meter app on your phone.