M1

What Forbes Vetted published

The model appears in the “4 Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes I’m Testing Next” section of Forbes Vetted’s Best Automatic Litter Boxes 2026 — it is not one of their recommendations — with this editor’s note:

“(Editor's note: Neakasa's support team recently released a response on Facebook regarding two safety incidents with the M1, saying the litter box's firmware was updated to fix the issue. We'll keep an eye on developments to see if it's still worth testing this model.)”

and, in the buying advice:

“For instance, the $380 Neakasa M1 had two reported safety incidents, according to the company's response on Facebook; there are also several affordable models like the Amztoy (and similar devices under various generic-sounding brand names) that have been linked to serious injuries or death in cats.”

Source: Forbes Vetted, Best Automatic Litter Boxes 2026 · article dated Jun 22, 2026, updated 2026-06-18 · read 2026-10-31.

What Wirecutter did

The Neakasa M1 was a Wirecutter pick. It no longer is.

“The Neakasa M1 was formerly a pick for cats who prefer to use uncovered boxes. Instead of an enclosed globe, it has an open top, which makes monitoring your cat and adding litter much easier. But there were a few safety incidents where cats were reportedly injured when the Neakasa's drum over-rotated and trapped the animals. The company has since updated its firmware, and it removed teeth from the gear in its new model to make over-rotation impossible. In the meantime, if you own the M1, make sure that it's using the newest firmware. And contact the company for a new gear (Neakasa lists its contact info as [email protected]).”

“We plan to test the updated Neakasa M1 Plus, since the company has made the necessary safety upgrades, including removing teeth from the globe's gear.”

Source: Wirecutter, The Best Automatic Cat Litter Boxes of 2026 · read 2026-10-31.

What Neakasa says, in its own words

Two statements published in the maker’s own subreddit, and the only official communication we found on the incident.

“After receiving feedback about the unusual-rotation the M1 litter chamber late April, we prioritized this issue immediately. We commenced an investigation and began exploring solutions right away. Recently, we noticed another post on social media detailing an incident involving the M1 in Vietnam. We take this matter very seriously.”

“Mandatory Firmware Update — We automatically rolled out version …07-9 to users, with nearly 80% of devices already updated. For those still offline, we have sent reminders through website, email, and in-app notifications to ensure all users complete the update for a safer, more stable experience.”

“Designing and Testing a New Gear Component — We are in the process of a new design for M1 expected to be finalized by July. This new component is intended to provide dual protection alongside the firmware safeguards.”

“Pre-Installing Latest Firmware on New Devices — All M1 units manufactured from June 2025 will [come] with firmware …10-0019 pre-installed, preventing this issue from occurring without requiring a manual update.”

“Redesigning the Magnet Structure for Increased Durability — We are enhancing the design and materials of the magnet to prevent it from detaching, loosening, or corroding.”

“We have also developed a series of video guides covering the following topics: How to check the silicone pad magnet; How to update your M1 firmware & the functionality of the M1 with the new firmware if the magnet is missing.”

“While the incident reported in Vietnam remains unverified, it underscores the importance of listening to your concerns and responding with care.”

“Please note that this is the most recent and only official communication from Neakasa regarding this issue. No third party or individual is authorized to represent us.”

Source: r/neakasa, read 2026-10-31. Neither post carries a published timestamp we could read; their dates come from their own text (the first refers to late April and to units “manufactured from June 2025”; the second to a report learned about “in the past week”).

What the mechanism is

Wirecutter’s wording: “there were a few safety incidents where cats were reportedly injured when the Neakasa’s drum over-rotated and trapped the animals.” Neakasa’s own list of actions names the part involved: it is redesigning “the magnet” so it cannot “detach, loosen or corrode”, and the new firmware verifies that magnet’s presence so the unit “will refrain from rotating” when it is missing. Neakasa’s fix therefore has three parts, in the maker’s own list: firmware that checks the magnet is present and refuses to rotate if it is not; a gear with the teeth removed so over-rotation is mechanically impossible; and a redesigned magnet.

What this means if you are buying one in October 2026. Neakasa’s own FAQ for the false-full error leads with the sensor and the bag:

“Step 1: Please check if the trash bag is full and replace it as soon as possible; Step 2: If a new trash bag has been replaced, please take out the trash bag and check whether there is still a prompt; if there is no prompt that the waste bin is full, it may be that the trash bag has not been smoothed out and triggered a false alarm from the sensor. Please smooth out the trash bag before loading it. Step 3: If it still prompts that the waste bin is full, please pull out the waste bin, wipe the dirt on the sensor at the bottom with a clean paper towel.”

Source: Neakasa, Cat Litter Box FAQ · read 2026-10-31.

So before you buy, check four things. Whether the unit is running firmware …10-0019 (or at minimum the …07-9 release Neakasa says 80% of devices had by its statement). Whether the gear teeth have been removed — that is the mechanical fix, and it is the one you cannot get from a firmware push. Whether the silicone mat’s magnet is seated and uncorroded. And whether the seller is Neakasa itself, because the replacement gear is offered through support.