Introduction
Before anything else, we’d like to inform you first that Litter Robot 4 has improved itself a lot to become a cat-friendly self-cleaning litter box ultimately. It has become a feature-rich litter box and is designed as a lovely self-cleaning litter box by Whisker.
A person living with cats (especially multiple cats) can only tell you that scooping their litter boxes all day long or regularly or even within a day is their least favorite choice.
This is why cat owners mostly look for self-cleaning cat litter boxes to ease their daily haphazard. However, sometimes these products are not designed or come as expected, unfortunately.
Even nowadays, there are many flaws to count in automatic litter boxes, provided you’re not making the right and guided choice! Therefore, you need to check for several factors before buying automatic litter boxes like you’re buying in this case: Litter Robot 4.
The all-new and upgraded Litter Robot 4 features similar premium features that resonate with the previous Litter Robot Connect 3, but it has a few more features and upgrades for better display and performance.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into our in-depth Litter Robot 4 review and buying guide below!
What does a litter box mean?
A litter box, in general, is a litter tray to collect your cat’s urine and feces indoors. These collection boxes are not only used for cats but rabbits, small dogs, miniature pigs, ferrets, and more.
As we’re concerned here only about our lovely cats since Litter Robot 4 is an automatic litter box for cats, we’re going to talk about features with regards to our house kitties only!
Since litter boxes were commonly designed in the shape of open boxes, they are also called cat boxes, sandbox, cat pans, potty, litter trays, or litter pans. The first litter box was a “kitty toilet.” It was a paper-lined metal pan that owners would fill with sand, newspaper, dirt, and sand.
Furthermore, 1947 brought the invention of clay cat litter to cherish the need for maintenance for indoor cats. This has upgraded to clumping clay granules to tackle common issues by the 1980s like odor and dust control, shaping how we manufacture and see litter boxes today.
The first automatic litter box entered the market in 1991. The initial model utilized a motor-driven rake to sift the waste. However, this early raking system was nothing like the modern-day versions.
After this, the upgrades continue to be made regarding rotating mechanisms, a fusion of disposable litter trays and self-cleaning technology, flushable automatic litter boxes, AI-based litter boxes, and introduction to more safest and facilitative technologies to date.
What is the usage of automatic cat litter boxes?
For pet owners, cats can be a bit of a mystery. They have particular habits that we’d like to understand better, and some things about their behavior can strike us as odd. For example, cat behavior toward litter boxes, especially the automatic litter boxes!
Most cats are drawn to using sandboxes because they have an instinct toward burying their feces and urine to cover their scent. Thus, litter boxes are helpful to them and easy to use.
However, there are other theories about why cats may bury their waste. ”It’s also thought that sometimes less confident cats will bury their waste to signal to other cats in the area (or home) that they are not a threat,” Dr. Marci K. Koski, a certified feline behavior specialist, said.
Younger cats may cover their scents to avoid irritating older cats in a multi-cat household.
Nobody likes cleaning the litter box. So imagine if the litter box could clean itself! An automatic litter box seems like a dream come true. However, if you can find a self-cleaning litter box that’s a good fit for your household (more on that below), it can reduce the amount of time you spend scooping the box—always a plus!
Additionally, if you have a big problem with litter box odors, automatic boxes can help by removing waste more frequently.
Litter Robot 4 Review
Litter Robot 4 is the most awaited automatic self-cleaning cat litter box this year. In addition, the most anticipated upgraded version of Litter Robot 3 Connect has finally arrived, and we have reviewed it!
We’ll review Litter Robot 4, considering the factors such as ease of cleaning, design, intelligent features, size, price, material, flaws in the previous model, etc.
Launched with community feedback in mind, the latest Litter Robot eliminates the flaws of previous models; notably, it’s less noisy, bulky, and smelly.
All in all, Litter Robot 4 is a self-cleaning litter box or an automatic litter box that was officially launched on May 10. The Litter Robot 4 features various advanced safety systems and is equipped with an in-built OdorTrap system to eliminate foul odors litter boxes used to give out.
Moreover, the complimentary fence on the Litter Robot 4 is better at keeping litter tracking at bay. And there are many such features that the Litter Robot 4 model has improved over its previous Connect 3 model.
Features of Litter Robot 4
Given below is a list of product highlights of Litter Robot 4:
- It is a Wi-Fi-enabled automatic litter box that quickly determines the cat’s usage habits through a smartphone app.
- It features sensors that detect when the waste drawer is complete and notify you via the Whisker app.
- Litter Robot 4 has QuietSift™ technology which reduces noise during litter sifting for discreet cleaning cycles.
- This self-cleaning litter box features an automatic sifting that leaves a clean litter bed after every use.
- It has a large waste drawer which requires it to be emptied only once a week.
- Litter Robot 4 has a MultiCat™ design that can accommodate up to four cats.
- It has an upgraded sifting screen that reduces surface and airborne dust.
- It features a SafeCat™ system that recognizes cat mobility and analyzes safety zones to keep your cat safe.
Now, let’s discuss the key highlights of Litter Robot 4 in detail as follows:
1. Wide size
It has a wide opening and comfortable space for cats of all sizes. The Litter Robot 4 has a MultiCat™ design that works for up to 4 cats of any size. Its compact size has the same footprint as an ordinary large litter pan. Ultimately, this litter box is a dream for cat parents with multiple feline babies!
2. Automated self-cleaning
Its EasyClean™ system has modular components for convenient thorough cleaning. It has an adjustable cycle timer that allows post-use cycle delays — from three, seven, and fifteen-minute delays.
It also has optional OdorTrap™ Packs that can neutralize the litter box smell to control and eliminate the odor.
3. Strategic designing
Upon reviewing the unit of Litter Robot 4, we were quickly amazed by its compact and sleek design!
It also has an improved SafeCat™ technology, which detects cat movements and analyzes safety zones to keep the cat safe. This safety feature is improved for kittens weighing 3 lbs above.
Also, after each usage of the Whisker app, the SmartScale™ system tracks your cat’s weight. This is a nice feature to keep up with your cat’s health.
4. Smart technical features
It has a lot of technology features that cat owners will love. The litter box can be connected to wi-fi and Whisker mobile apps. The Whisker mobile app helps determine the following things quite quickly:
- Regular notifications on your cat’s necessities and uses of the Litter Robot 4.
- Determine irregularities and trends by checking your cat’s daily, weekly, and monthly activities.
- View current litter levels to determine when additional litter should be added.
- Keep checking the current status of your waste drawer and know when it’s time to empty it.
- Check your cat’s weight after each use.
Your Litter Robot 4 has an LED control panel with indicator lights to view status and adjust settings conveniently. You can also place the automatic litter robot on sleep mode, which pauses automatic cycling in 8-hour increments.
Being designed in an upgraded era, we should also appreciate the QuietSift™ technology the Litter Robot 4 is equipped with. It reduces noise during litter sifting for discreet cleaning cycles compared to Litter Robot 3. It also has an upgraded sifting screen that reduces airborne and surface dust.
5. Material construction
The materials used in Litter Robot 4 are durable and long-lasting. You won’t have to worry about the unit’s gears and other elements breaking easily. We’re hoping it lives up to my expectations in terms of lifespan.
6. Upgraded sensor system
Since the last Litter Robot Connect 3 model relies on mechanical sensors, the latest Litter Robot 4 uses an advanced combination of a laser as well as mechanical sensors which is commonly called its OmniSense™ detection technology.
This automatic litter box can easily determine cats entering the system even if the weight sensor is activated or deactivated. However, the weight sensor is no longer activated by cats weighing 5 lbs and above, thus it’s a secure option for kittens and adults alike.
The Litter Robot 4 automatically starts a timer right even if it’s not cycling when a cat enters the litter box irrespective of the cat’s weight. The Litter Robot will automatically stop if it’s already cycling and make sure that the cat isn’t caught.
Moreover, with the sensor, the mechanical pinch detection system remains in place as a final security system for cats who might enter a Litter Robot.
Moreover, the Robot has integrated a new DFI sensor system, which enables reporting of small changes in the waste drawer’s fullness.
7. The Whisker app in detail
If you have a smartphone, you can download the Whisker App and remotely control the Litter Robot 4. You can also choose to receive notifications. The app shows how full the waste drawer is and if the litter level is sufficient. You can also review your usage history.
So, you can keep on the app notifications to be readily informed every time. Along with the extra insights into the entirety of the waste drawer, the Litter Robot 4’s Whisker app provides you with more information on what’s there in the litter box and how your cat is utilizing it.
The weight readouts are an additional enhancement within the Whisker app for Litter Robot 4. And, it’s not there in the Litter Robot Connect 3! This feature helps you to determine which cat has used the litter box and how frequently. You can also check the litter level inside of the globe, control all of the settings to be changed within the Litter Robot app, and adjust the night light’s brightness level.
8. Genuine sound production
Guess what? The Litter Robot produces just 37 decibels of noise level during cycling. It is about as subtle as a whisper, with most of the sound coming from litter’s shuffling instead of any motor noise.
On average, this noise level is almost 10 decibels lower than the Litter Robot Connect 3, and even more, the difference is there when we compare other automatic cat litter boxes available out there. The quieter and smoother operation may help shy cats to feel more comfortable around their new Robot as well.
9. Consistent sifting mechanism
Combined with that clumping clay litter, the Litter Robot efficiently sifts through the cat’s waste. Whether they ran automatically, were triggered by a click of the button on the top, or began from the Whisker app, each cycle occurred quickly and constantly.
After reviewing the sifting mechanism closely, we found that the Litter Robot 4 worked well, sifting the clumps from clean litter without a lot of residue or sticking. Unlike other automatic litter boxes that use a raking mechanism to remove waste, the Litter Robot’s rotating, sifting mechanism doesn’t tend to jam, and there’s not a lot of accumulation.
The waste drawer was filled evenly, with most of the waste dropping to the center rather than building up on the side.
10. Other features
Litter Robot 4 comes with some of the lovely accessories that you will never forget, such as:
- Fence
- Step
- Ramp
- Pet ID tag
- Door
- Camera mount
- Scratcher
- Bag holder
- WhiskerCam
- Litter bonnet and hopper
- Mega fence
Litter Robot 4 Pricing (As of May 2022)
Another factor that we have to consider if this cat litter box is worth trying or not is the price.
Priced of this cat litter box is $649. With intelligent features, accessories and improved quality it offers, I think it is worth the purchase. Buy it now from Litter Robot only to avoid scams or resellers.
Litter Robot Connect 3 Vs Litter Robot 4
To get a complete overview of Litter Robot 4, you should check out the comparison of some of the critical features of the product with its previous counterpart Litter Robot Connect 3.
- The Litter Robot 4’s complimentary fence is better at keeping litter tracking at bay.
- It doesn’t produce creepy or excessive noise when cycling. But, with the Connect 3 model, you will hear a noise when it’s transferring waste to the waste drawer.
- The Litter Robot 4 features advanced safety features, whereas Litter Robot Connect 3 doesn’t.
- It contains health stats and has an inbuilt smart scale to help you keep track of your kitty’s activity throughout the day, including weight.
- The Litter Robot 4’s waste chamber is smaller in length but deeper, so it has the same waste capacity, but it’s easier to empty it without spilling clumps of litter everywhere.
- The Litter Robot 4 has a built-in optimal OdorTrap™ System, which cuts down on litter box odors significantly better than the Litter-Robot Connect 3.
If you’re concerned about transitioning your cat/cats to an automatic, self-cleaning litter box, the Litter Robot 4 is the perfect option. Because it’s whisper-quiet, it doesn’t appear to startle cats as much as the Connect 3 model.
One Litter Robot 4 is suitable to service four cats, so if you have more than one feline at home, this home upgrade will change your life. Yes, it’s pricey but worth every penny.
But, there are undoubtedly other brands providing almost the same features but still asking like $1000 plus pricing. Thus, this pick is ultimately worth it if you’ve finally decided to choose a self-cleaning litter box over traditional litter boxes.
What do we like more about Litter Robot 4?
We liked the Litter Robot 4 or any other automatic litter box because of its self-cleaning process. Since you’re a pet owner, you already know how much of a hassle a traditional litter box is up to!
With the Litter Robot 4, emptying the waste drawer goes hand in hand with taking out our kitchen garbage, and you can deep clean once a month. It’s that simple.
On the other hand, without the automatic cat litter box, you were probably using new trash bags twice a day, which is a lot of hassle and creates extra waste here and there.
The Litter Robot 4 makes it a breeze to process the waste from the litter as fast as just about 3 minutes. On the other hand, some self-cleaning litter boxes around there also take about 1 hour just to process the waste from litter, and this signals the best of Litter Robot 4 in terms of waste processing.
Furthermore, there’s an airtight odor control within the waste drawer itself. It is ideal for those who are used to the habits of placing their litter box in a living room or any other open space or just can’t stand the fragrance of the litter box and your cat’s mess in general.
If you have a cat suffering from specific health issues, the Litter Robot 4 serves the double purpose of being an automatic doctor to consistently and accurately monitor and determine two of the most significant health indicators: litter box usage and weight.
This self-cleaning cat litter box is a dream for those who may have unpredictable schedules or frequently leave their cats home for a couple of days; it is worth the investment.
The app is handy in terms of both user interface and performance. It can effectively track the health stats of your kitties and other of their activities while they’re entering or leaving the Litter Robot 4.
The daily weight checks are also a fantastic way to keep an eye on their health. It’s one of the superessential tools to help your vet determine a diagnosis should any health issues come up.
And of course, if scooping your cat’s litter box is your most minor favorite thing to do in this globe, well, then the Litter Robot 4 has everything you’re looking for.
What we didn’t like about the Litter Robot 4?
Well, it’s not always everything good with automatic litter boxes! They also have some hiccups here and there to check into. Most of the time, the thing goes into your cat’s learning curve or how quickly your cat gets herself habituated to the new bathroom environment. And, you know, it’s pretty challenging!
So, you need to stress keeping a close eye on your cat’s bathroom habits in the beginning for this very reason. Another pain point is that there’s a high possibility that your cats would dig and kick a tremendous amount of litter out of the globe.
Less splatter and more of a pile would accumulate right outside the box. For this purpose only, Whisker suggests buying the fence attachment along with the Litter Robot 4.
It will remove the majority of the litter tracking and kicking out of the designated area. And the new suite of accessories with the Litter Robot 4 enables you to fully customize the unit to your needs. One of these accessories is a mega fence, which will personally be added to your cart.
Ultimately, even though the Litter Robot 4 is most definitely an investment at $649, it’s not free from issues. However, we do believe that most difficulties (primarily to do with your cat’s comfort and reaction to the new Litter Robot 4) are ones that would or wouldn’t be resolved within Whisker’s 90-day in-home trial period.
In our opinion, it’s more than enough time to check out whether the Litter Robot 4 will suit you, your home, and, most importantly, the kitties. And if it doesn’t end up being a fit, you’ll get a full refund minus shipping costs.
Pros
- Works quietly and smoothly
- No daily scooping hassle as in traditional litter boxes
- Uses any waste drawer liner or bag
- Consumes less litter than traditional litter boxes
- No smell
Cons
- Pricey at $649
- It does not eliminate tracking entirely
Litter Robot 4 Alternatives [Best Self Cleaning Litter Box]
1 – Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Automatic Litter Box
The affordable pick PetSafe Simply Clean Automatic Litter Box is suitable for kittens (up to 15 pounds). However, it should be left unplugged for kittens less than 6 months old.
2 – ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Due to the crystals’ moisture-absorbing material, it’s best not to install this litter box in a place with high humidity, like a bathroom.
3 – Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Its removable rake makes clean-up easy and a handy scoop and rake cleaning tool is included.
Some FAQs
1 – Does Litter Robot work well?
It can cycle more litter waste than any other self-cleaning litter box we suggested as an alternative. It can process up to 4 cups of urine’s worth of clumped litter (16 of our ¼-cup water samples). Thus, you’ll probably need to finish it only once a week with a single cat, or every three or four days in a small cat household.
2 – Is one Litter Robot enough for 4 cats?
We suggest up to 4 indoor cats per single Litter Robot; however, they do have customers with more cats using a single unit.
3 – What litter is best for a Litter Robot?
Some of the best litter for Litter Robot 4 are namely Fresh Step Febreze Freshness, Fresh Step Simply Unscented, Purina Tidy Cats Unscented Litter, and Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal litter. However, Litter Robot 4 does not require special litter. It works well with almost any scoopable or clumping litter.
The crystals and litter beads that are small enough to pass through the screen will also work. Litter Robot is not compatible with litters that are strictly absorbent, non-clumping, loose-clumping, newspaper-based, or wood-based pellets.
4 – What is the life expectancy of a Litter Robot?
Almost every model of Litter Robot is suitable to last at least 3 to 5 years and even last longer than it is provided you’re maintaining and offering good care to the product.
5 – Do cats like Litter Robots?
In short, most general. They like it as much as we humans do, but for various reasons. Initially, many cats will be intrigued by the Litter Robot’s cycling process, which draws them in. However, it’s not always the case. You can try a few hacks such as placing the cat’s feces and placing the Litter Robot 4 in the same place as your previous litter box to make your cat habitual to using this self-cleaning litter box.
Final Words
If you’re searching for a reliable automatic litter box that takes the hassle out of cleaning, pick up our best overall pick Litter Robot 4 as it’s overall great in terms of performance, features, and affordability.
