# PETKIT PuraMax 2 Review (2026): Safety, Pros & Cons > PETKIT PuraMax 2 review: tilting drum self-cleaning box for cats 3.3–22 lb. Safety sensors, running costs, pros, cons and our 8.5/10 verdict. - Source: https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/petkit-puramax-2/ - Markdown version: https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/petkit-puramax-2.md - Last updated: 2026-11-12 --- - [Home](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/) - [Compare litter boxes](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/) - PETKIT PuraMax 2 8.5 PETKIT · Mid-range # PETKIT PuraMax 2 Review Most one- to three-cat homes with average-size cats: the best value among the well-reviewed boxes. - Tilting drum - Cats 3.3–22 lb - Clumping litter - Entry stays open $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range price tier · see Amazon for today's price [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFYF2D7D?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20)[Safe for my cat?](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/tools/cat-safety-checker/#model=petkit-puramax-2) Opens Amazon in a new tab. By [Self-Cleaning Litter Box Guide Editorial Team](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/about/) · Updated November 12, 2026 · [How we score](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/how-we-research/) We haven't tested this box ourselves. Our score comes from maker specs and manuals, named hands-on reviews and owner reports; where a test result appears, we name the outlet. ## The verdict The PuraMax 2 is the best value in this group. It costs about $390, keeps its entrance open while it cycles, and WIRED still calls it the best option for most people. The trade-off is size. The 7.87 in-tall entry is tight for big cats, so a cat over about 15 lb is better served by the Purobot Max Pro 2 or a Litter-Robot. Expect to top up litter by hand and put up with an ad-heavy app. ### What we like - About $390, close to half the price of a Litter-Robot 4 - Entrance stays open while the drum turns, with 11 safety sensors (PETKIT) - Triple odor control; WIRED found it smelled neutral or even good - Works with clay, tofu and mixed litters ### Watch out for - Small entry: WIRED's 17-lb cat found it cramped - No litter-level sensor; you check and top up yourself (WIRED) - App is cluttered with ads and sometimes buggy (WIRED) - PETKIT's own maximum-weight figures disagree (18 vs 22 lb) ## Score breakdown Cat safety 8.6 Cleaning & odor 8.5 Ease & reliability 7.8 Value 8.8 Tilting drum · cats 3.3–22 lb · Weight, Proximity ## PuraMax 2 specs | Brand | PETKIT | | --- | --- | | Mechanism | Tilting drum | | Cat weight (automatic mode) | 3.3–22 lb. PETKIT's FAQ: 3.3–22 lb. PETKIT's own buying guide says up to 18 lb, and WIRED lists 3.5–18 lb. | | Cats per box | Sold as a multi-cat box; PETKIT gives no number. | | Kittens & small cats | PETKIT's FAQ gives 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) as the minimum for automatic mode. | | Safety sensors | Weight, Proximity. 11 xSecure sensors, including proximity and weight; the drum pauses when a cat is near or inside (PETKIT). | | Entrance during cleaning | Stays open. PETKIT says the anti-pinch design keeps the entrance open during rotation; cats.com confirms the drum doesn't turn fully. | | Litter | Clumping. Clay, tofu, mixed and bentonite litters; not crystal (WIRED). | | Waste drawer | 7 L. up to 15 days for one cat (maker claim) | | Entry | 10.04 × 7.87 in. 255 × 200 mm (10.04 × 7.87 in) per PETKIT; WIRED measured 7.87 × 8.85 in. | | Footprint | 24.4 × 21.2 in, 21.7 in tall | | Noise | 35 dB (maker claim) | | App / Wi-Fi | Yes (2.4 GHz) | | Odor control | Sealed bin, N50 odor eliminator and an optional deodorizing spray (WIRED). | | Consumables | PETKIT waste bags (18-count rolls; third-party 120-packs fit) and N50 odor-eliminator refills (one lasts about a month). | | Warranty | Amazon listing title says 2-year coverage; a PETKIT article says 1 year | | Price tier | $$ Mid-range ($300–$549). WIRED's Nov 6, 2026 price box: $390 at Amazon; PETKIT's store showed $399.99. | - Cats.com rated it 3.8/5 overall (odor control 4/5, ease of cleaning 3/5). - The 15-day bin figure is PETKIT's lab claim for one cat; heat and humidity shorten it. Running costs: with our defaults, consumables for one cat come to about $4.30 a month plus litter. See the full breakdown in the [cost calculator](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/tools/litter-box-cost-calculator/). Specs are compiled from manufacturer pages, Amazon listings and independent reviews and can change between production runs. Confirm the weight range and what's in the box on the Amazon page before buying. We haven’t tested the PETKIT PuraMax 2 ourselves. This review draws on WIRED, which tested more than 30 boxes and still calls the PuraMax 2 the best automatic litter box for most people, and on cats.com, whose reviewer rated it 3.8 out of 5. Specs come from PETKIT and the Amazon listing. The PuraMax 2 is a front-entry drum that tilts to sift clumps into a sealed bin. It costs about $390. WIRED’s November 6, 2026 price box showed $390 at Amazon, and PETKIT’s store showed $399.99. That’s close to half the price of a [Litter-Robot 4](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/whisker-litter-robot-4/), which is why it’s the value pick in our lineup. [Check the price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFYF2D7D?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) before you buy. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) It’s for one- to three-cat homes with average-size cats that want a well-reviewed automatic box without paying Litter-Robot prices. WIRED found it smelled neutral or even good, and it works with clay, tofu and mixed litters. Skip it if your cat is large. The entry is 255 × 200 mm (10.04 × 7.87 in) by PETKIT’s measure, and WIRED measured 7.87 × 8.85 in. WIRED’s 17-lb cat found it cramped. For a cat over about 15 lb, the [Purobot Max Pro 2](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/petkit-purobot-max-pro-2/) has a 43% larger entry, and the open-top [Neakasa M1](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/neakasa-m1/) has no hood at all. Skip it too if a cluttered, ad-heavy app would drive you up the wall. We go deeper in [Litter-Robot 4 vs PETKIT PuraMax 2](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/litter-robot-4-vs-petkit-puramax-2/). ## How it cleans, and how safe it is PETKIT says 11 xSecure sensors, including proximity and weight sensors, pause the drum when a cat is near or inside. PETKIT also says its anti-pinch design keeps the entrance open during rotation, and cats.com confirms the drum doesn’t turn fully. That’s what you want. WIRED won’t recommend boxes that close completely during cycling. The minimum for automatic mode is 3.3 lb, per PETKIT’s FAQ. You can run it in automatic, scheduled or manual mode, which gives you a way to keep cycling under your control while a new cat settles in. Placement matters. Cats.com’s tester had the box on carpet, which made the weight sensor inaccurate, and turned auto-scoop off for safety. Put it on a hard, level floor. Then check your cat against its limits with the [cat safety checker](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/tools/cat-safety-checker/#model=petkit-puramax-2). ## Living with it ### Litter and topping up The PuraMax 2 takes clay, tofu, mixed and bentonite litters, but not crystal (WIRED). There’s no litter-level sensor, so you’ll check the bed and top it up by hand (WIRED). Cats.com found the function for emptying all the litter struggled, so a full change may still need some manual work. Our [litter guide](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-litter-for-self-cleaning-litter-boxes/) covers which types sift cleanly. ### Odor WIRED credits triple odor control: a sealed bin, the N50 odor eliminator and an optional deodorizing spray. Cats.com scored odor control 4 out of 5. It scored ease of cleaning 3 out of 5. ### Emptying The 7 L bin holds up to 15 days of waste for one cat, a lab figure from PETKIT. Heat and humidity shorten it. Cats.com called the included bags sturdy. ### The app The app connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. WIRED found it cluttered with ads and sometimes buggy. It works, but it’s the least polished part of the box. ### Size and noise The footprint is 24.4 × 21.2 in and the box is 21.7 in tall. The drum’s interior is 76 L. PETKIT claims 35 dB. ## Running costs PETKIT’s bag listing suggests changing bags twice a week for two cats, about 4.3 bags per cat per month. We couldn’t confirm PETKIT’s bag price, so our cost model uses Whisker’s $1-per-liner price as a stand-in. Third-party packs are usually cheaper. Litter is Dr. Elsey’s Ultra at $22.99 for 40 lb from Chewy, at an assumed 10 lb per cat per month. That’s about $10 a month for one cat, or roughly $121 a year. Over five years, with the box at $390, we estimate about $993 for one cat and about $1,596 for two. N50 refills are optional extras. WIRED puts PETKIT’s refills at $20 for three, and one lasts about a month. That’s under half the five-year cost of a Litter-Robot 4 for one cat. Try your own numbers in the [cost calculator](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/tools/litter-box-cost-calculator/). ## What you’ll need beyond the box - **Litter:** [Dr. Elsey’s Ultra unscented, 40 lb](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009X29WK?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20). PETKIT asks for granules under 0.5 in. - **Bags:** [PETKIT replacement waste bags, 18-count roll](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3KDMW1?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20). The box ships with 20. - **Odor:** [PETKIT N50 Odor Eliminator 2.0, 3-pack](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8429H9Y?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20). To install one, remove the bin lid’s silicone cover. - **Mat:** a [Gorilla Grip 35 × 23 in mat](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HKN7HMP?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) for scatter at the entry. The Amazon listing title advertises two-year coverage, but a PETKIT article says one year. Confirm the term with the seller. ## Bottom line The PuraMax 2 is the best value among the well-reviewed self-cleaning boxes. It costs about $390, keeps its entrance open while it cycles, controls odor well and takes the common litter types. The trade-offs are a small entry that cramps big cats, no litter-level sensor and an ad-heavy app. For average-size cats it’s the box we’d point most people to. Compare it with others under $400 in [best budget self-cleaning litter box](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-budget-self-cleaning-litter-box/), use the [litter box matcher](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/tools/litter-box-matcher/), or [check the PuraMax 2 price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFYF2D7D?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20). Ready to buy? · 8.5/10 PETKIT PuraMax 2 $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range · Tilting drum · cats 3.3–22 lb [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFYF2D7D?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) ## Litter and supplies for the PuraMax 2 Litter, liners, odor refills and mats sold on Amazon that fit this box. Check the listing confirms your exact model before you buy. - Liners & bags**PETKIT replacement waste bags for PuraMax 2 / Purobot Max Pro, 1 roll (18)**Official PETKITPETKIT's own HDPE bags; the listing suggests about two changes a week for two average cats. Not for the Purobot Ultra, which uses bag rings for its auto-bagger.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3KDMW1?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - Odor control**PETKIT N50 Odor Eliminator 2.0, 3-pack**Official PETKITClips into the PuraMax 2 bin; one lasts about a month (listing). PETKIT says it doesn't fit the Purobot Ultra. Remove the bin lid's silicone cover to install.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8429H9Y?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - Litter**Dr. Elsey's Ultra unscented clumping clay cat litter, 40 lb**Compatible, third-partyUnscented, hard-clumping, standard-weight clay: the type Whisker recommends and most globe and drum boxes are tuned for. Not for ScoopFree crystal trays. Check your box's sifter: PETKIT asks for granules under 0.5 in.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009X29WK?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - Litter mat**Gorilla Grip cat litter mat, 35 × 23 in**Universal fitBig enough to catch scatter from most globe boxes; textured backing stays put.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HKN7HMP?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - Litter mat**Gorilla Grip cat litter mat, extra large, 40 × 28 in**Universal fitThe size we'd put under open-top boxes, which both WIRED and Tom's Guide found fling more litter.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QNCB6YF?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - Litter mat**iPrimio jumbo cat litter trapper mat, 32 × 30 in**Universal fitHoneycomb two-layer mat with a waterproof layer, for cats that kick litter far.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AUU90IW?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) Compatibility checked November 2026. More in our [litter and supplies guide](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/accessories/). ## Featured in our guides - [The 8 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes of 2026, Ranked for Safety and Value](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-boxes-2026/) - [The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Multiple Cats in 2026](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-box-for-multiple-cats/) - [The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Small Spaces, by Real Footprint](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-box-for-small-spaces/) - [The Best Budget Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Under $400 (2026)](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-budget-self-cleaning-litter-box/) ## PuraMax 2 FAQ ### What is the PuraMax 2's weight limit? PETKIT's FAQ gives 3.3–22 lb, but PETKIT's own buying guide says up to 18 lb and WIRED lists 3.5–18 lb. The entry is only 7.87 in tall, and WIRED's 17-lb cat found it cramped, so treat about 15 lb as the comfortable limit. Bigger cats do better in the Purobot Max Pro 2. ### Can I use tofu or crystal litter in the PuraMax 2? Tofu, yes. WIRED says it works with clay, tofu, mixed and bentonite litters, but not crystal. An unscented clumping clay is the simplest choice. ### Can kittens use the PuraMax 2? PETKIT's FAQ gives 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) as the minimum for automatic mode. Below that, switch automatic cleaning off and scoop by hand, and keep the old box out until your kitten uses the new one regularly. ### How often do you change the bag? PETKIT claims up to 15 days for one cat in lab conditions, and heat and humidity shorten that. PETKIT's bag listing suggests changing twice a week for two average-size cats. The box comes with a roll of 20 bags and an N50 odor eliminator. ## Sources - [amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFYF2D7D?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20) - [petkit.com](https://www.petkit.com/products/petkit-puramax-2) - [wired.com](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-automatic-cat-litter-boxes/) - [cats.com](https://cats.com/petkit-puramax-2-automatic-litter-box-review) Not sold yet? ## Alternatives to the PuraMax 2 ![PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin Self-Cleaning Litter Box](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/_astro/petsafe-scoopfree-smartspin.BIyzfviQ_Z2dYtaz.webp) ### [PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin Self-Cleaning Litter Box](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/petsafe-scoopfree-smartspin/) 7.9 - Tilting drum - 2.5–25 lb Owners who want a big-brand globe box with app tracking under $400. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range typical street price; check Amazon for today's [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4GHS7V6?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/petsafe-scoopfree-smartspin/) ![Casa Leo Leo's Loo Too](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/_astro/casa-leo-leos-loo-too.ulfQbOzG_woviz.webp) ### [Casa Leo Leo's Loo Too](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/casa-leo-leos-loo-too/) 7.8 - Tilting drum - 1–20 lb Small apartments with small or medium cats where litter scatter is the main complaint. $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium typical street price; check Amazon for today's [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LL9S99B?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/casa-leo-leos-loo-too/) ![ELS PET Orbitie Self-Cleaning Litter Box](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/_astro/els-pet-orbitie.Cbn-Hh0r_1s2IDq.webp) ### [ELS PET Orbitie Self-Cleaning Litter Box](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/els-pet-orbitie/) 7.2 - Tilting drum - up to 21 lb Budget buyers who want a hooded globe with a generous entry and accept some fiddling. $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget typical street price; check Amazon for today's [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GL8MSKZX?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/els-pet-orbitie/) [Compare all 14 litter boxes →](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/litter-boxes/) ## Helpful guides [Top picks ### The 8 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes of 2026, Ranked for Safety and Value The best self-cleaning litter boxes of 2026, ranked: Litter-Robot 4, PETKIT PuraMax 2, Purobot Max Pro 2, Neakasa M1 and more, with safety and cost notes. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-boxes-2026/)[Multi-cat ### The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Multiple Cats in 2026 The best self-cleaning litter boxes for two to five cats: maker cat limits, real drawer capacity, weight-based cat ID, and why the n+1 box rule still applies. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-box-for-multiple-cats/)[Large cats ### The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Large Cats in 2026 The best self-cleaning litter boxes for big cats, compared on what matters: maker weight limits, entry size, interior height, step-up height and open tops. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com/posts/best-self-cleaning-litter-box-for-large-cats/) PuraMax 2 $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFYF2D7D?tag=selfcleaninglitterboxguide.com-20)