As a cat parent, I have lived with more cats throughout my life than I care to admit. I definitely fall into the classification of "crazy cat lady." Of course, being a typical cat lady, I never had just one cat. Therefore, for decades, I've looked for the perfect cleaning system that would help me get the job done faster, easier, and more thoroughly.
 
Likewise, as a veterinarian with decades of experience in feline care, pet owners often ask me how to keep their litter boxes clean, which litter box to buy, and how to make sure the cat thinks inside the box, not out.
 
In addition, did you know that the number one reason cats are dropped off at shelters is that they urinate outside the box? This fact, in particular, has made me passionate about teaching cat parents the best ways to keep their precious kitties using the litter box.
 
Until recently, I thought I had tried every type of litter box system on the market, always going back to a plain, simple box with no liner, lid, or fancy cleaning method. That's what my cats seemed to prefer. It was frustrating because it involved so much scooping and scrubbing. That is until I discovered SiftEase.
 
SiftEase is a litter box cleaning tool that promises to simplify litter box maintenance for cat parents, making it less messy, more efficient, and quicker. I decided to try it out and evaluate the claims, ease of use, and potential benefits for both cats and their parents. I'm going to share with you just what I found out.
 

Overview

I first learned that despite using traditional clumping litter, SiftEase was not a traditional scoop method. Instead, it was designed as a sifting and separation tool. It consists of a large sifting basket that sits within a receptacle bed. The idea is extremely simple: instead of scooping clumps out of your box, you pour all the box's contents into the sifting basket. The clean litter sifts into a bottom receptacle while the clumps and waste remain in the basket. Then, you lift and discard the waste without handling each clump.
 

First Impressions

Upon first appearance, SiftEase seemed quite sturdy and well-constructed. It felt very durable. The basket and bed were generously sized, which would be advantageous for someone like me with multiple cats and larger volumes of litter. The instructions provided covered the extremely small amount of assembly and were clear and easy to follow.
 

Ease of Use 

I like simplicity when it comes to assembling and using something, and SiftEase accommodates that. There are only three steps to start using SiftEase:

1. Empty the contents of the litter box into the basket.
2. Shake or sift the basket gently, letting the clean litter fall through to the bed below.
3. Remove the basket, which now holds only the clumps and waste, and discard it.

You are left with clean litter. This system is simple and good for any cat parent, but it's particularly advantageous for individuals with mobility issues. Scooping requires a lot of bending and repetitive motion, which is also difficult for many people. SiftEase eliminates that concern.
 
In addition, if you have limited time, it's definitely quicker to pour and sift than to go through the labor-intensive process of scooping. I have an older kitty with kidney disease, and his urinary clumps are huge. His urine permeates all the way through the litter to the bottom of the pan. Scooping those lumps out is a real chore, but not with SiftEase.
 

Efficiency 

I decided to try SiftEase, which needs clumping litter with several different types. I tried clay-based and natural crystal formulas and found they did well regardless of the clumping litter used. The sifting basket caught even small clumps while the clean litter fell through. This helps conserve litter because the process only removes waste, allowing the remaining clean litter to be reused. For multiple cat households like mine, where litter boxes need more frequent cleaning, this is particularly helpful for maintaining cleanliness, and it's also easier on the wallet.
 

Hygiene and Odor Control

I don't know if it's just me or my years of dealing with cat litter boxes, but my nose is extremely sensitive to the smell of dirty urine. That's true for cats, also. They care a lot about how clean their litter boxes are, and if they're dirty or smelly, they may start avoiding them and having accidents elsewhere in the home. I've been through it. There was a period when I felt like I spent 12 hours a day scrubbing baseboards and changing bed linens. With SiftEase, the attraction of the cleanliness and lack of odor can help keep your cat using the box.  By separating the waste from the clean litter, the odor from the litter boxes is controlled much more effectively.
 

Durability and Maintenance 

As mentioned, when I first opened the box, SiftEase felt very durable. That's important for a product exposed to daily wear and tear. The plastic is resistant to odor absorption, an issue that can cause a problem with lower-quality sifter tools. Cleaning the SiftEase is straightforward. The sifting basket and the bed are easy to wipe down and can be washed periodically to maintain freshness.
 

Environmental Impact

• The efficiency of SiftEase allows for reduced litter consumption, which benefits our environment and cost.
• It also, because of its more thorough and efficient cleaning process, can encourage using environmentally friendly litter, which is sometimes not as effective as traditional scooping methods.

 

Considerations

• It's most compatible with clumping litter but can work with non-clumping litter (like pine) with some modifications
• It's a new way of cleaning your litter, so getting used to the new method takes a little time. It may seem unfamiliar for a while. Pouring all the contents of the litter box may seem strange at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes intuitive.
• Pouring the contents of the litter box may be difficult for some people with difficulties with their backs.
• Keep in mind the size of the SiftEase unit. It takes up more storage than a small scoop or a smaller litter box accessory, but it's well worth it. Its benefits far outweigh the size, so it requires a little planning regarding where you will keep your supplies.

 

Final Evaluation

As you can probably tell by now, I'm sold on SiftEase for my household. It's good for anyone seeking a more efficient alternative to scooping, especially for multi-cat households. It's easy to use, helpful with litter conservation, and can save you money.
 
From a veterinary standpoint, it encourages regular and thorough cleaning, which is good for your cats' health and well-being. It can also help reduce behavioral issues and improve the overall environment for cats and their parents. If you use clumping litter, you owe it to yourself and your cat to try out SiftEase. It's well-constructed, efficient, user-friendly, and delivers on its promises. 

About the Author

Dr. Neely is a freelance writer and a licensed veterinarian with a BM and MA in music and a minor in Psychology.  She has focused her veterinary career with a commitment to integrating traditional medicine with holistic, humane therapies. She strives to enhance pet health through a blend of evidence-based methods and personalized care strategies that contribute to animals’ happiness and well-being.