petsupplies.co

Rubric v1 · 533 products scored

Cat litter box rubric

Every product in this category is scored against the same rubric. Weights sum to 100. A hit on any disqualifier forces a "skip" verdict regardless of the point total.

Criteria & weights

  1. 1. Size and capacity

    Weight 20/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Dimensions plus recommended cat weight range
    2. 5Dimensions listed
    3. 0No dimensions disclosed

  2. 2. Entry design

    Weight 15/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Both low-entry and high-sided variants OR configurable entry
    2. 5Low-entry option OR high-sided option offered separately
    3. 0Single high-wall design, no alternative

  3. 3. Odor control design

    Weight 10/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Hood with replaceable carbon filter or sealed odor system
    2. 5Hood option available
    3. 0Open box, no filter option

  4. 4. Litter containment

    Weight 15/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10High back with track pad, top-entry, or built-in containment lip
    2. 5High back or ramp
    3. 0Straight low walls

  5. 5. Material safety

    Weight 15/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10BPA-free food-grade plastic or non-porous alternative (stainless, resin)
    2. 5BPA-free plastic
    3. 0Unnamed plastic

  6. 6. Cleanability

    Weight 15/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Smooth interior, single piece or fully disassembles for washing
    2. 5Smooth interior
    3. 0Multi-piece with crevices

  7. 7. Automation transparency (if self-cleaning)

    Weight 10/100

    Signal: product description

    1. 10Manual box (N/A) OR automated with sensor + safety-stop mechanism disclosed
    2. 5Manual box OR automated with basic sensor description
    3. 0Automated with no mechanism disclosed

Disqualifiers

Any of the following forces a "skip" verdict, no matter how well the product scores on other criteria. Non-negotiable.

  • Contains BPA
  • Sharp edges reported by CPSC
  • Self-cleaning motor recalled in the last 24 months

Verdict thresholds

Total score cutoffs for each public verdict tier. Sum of weighted criterion scores maps directly onto these bands.

Editors' pick
≥ 80
Solid buy
≥ 65
Situational
≥ 50

Below 50, or any disqualifier hit → verdict: skip.

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