Whisker Litter-Robot 4
Upon my initial encounter with the Litter-Robot 3 several years prior, it profoundly influenced my daily life. The era of manually removing my cat's waste was a thing of the past, replaced by the simplicity of emptying the automatic litter box on a weekly basis. It was indeed a dream come true! Despite its substantial price of $500, I was utterly captivated by the Litter-Robot and even went as far as recommending it to two of my friends, who subsequently purchased it and shared my level of enthusiasm.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the Litter-Robot 3 was not without its shortcomings. It was notably bulky and produced some noise, and its odor reduction capabilities were somewhat lacking. This prompted my interest in the newly introduced Whisker Litter-Robot 4, which I was eager to test against its predecessor. After a month of comprehensive evaluation, here are the key findings.
Advantages
- Elimination of odor and the need for manual scooping
- User-friendly app for monitoring litter levels
- Suitable for cats of all sizes
Disadvantages
- High cost
- Limited warranty period
- Issues reported with the cat sensor
What is the Litter-Robot 4?
The Litter-Robot, manufactured by Whisker (formerly known as AutoPets), is universally recognized as one of the premier self-cleaning litter boxes available in the market. Beyond the Litter-Robot, Whisker offers an extensive range of cat-related products, including the Feeder-Robot and an array of aesthetically pleasing cat furniture.
The design of the Litter-Robot is both intuitive and effective. It features a stationary base that accommodates a rotating upper sphere for litter placement. Upon your cat's entry, the machine identifies its presence and initiates a cleaning cycle after a brief waiting period. This cycle involves the upper portion of the litter box rotating slowly, utilizing its patented sifting technology to separate waste from the clean litter. The waste is then deposited into a designated drawer at the base, while the clean litter is returned to the sphere. This mechanism ensures a consistently clean litter box.
Both the Litter-Robot 3 and 4 models are equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing for easy monitoring of their status through a smartphone application. The litter box will notify you when it has completed a cleaning cycle, requires the waste drawer to be emptied, or when any issues necessitate your attention. With these advanced functionalities, maintaining a clean and odor-free environment for your cat becomes effortless.
What we like about the Litter-Robot 4
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The design is smaller and sleeker.
One aspect that initially concerned me about the Litter-Robot 3 was its size. The previous model was notably bulky and often became the focal point of any room it was placed in. It appeared that my dissatisfaction with the Litter-Robot 3's design was shared by many, as the subsequent model, the Litter-Robot 4, has undergone a significant transformation, resulting in a much more refined and compact design.
Despite the Litter-Robot 4's dimensions being only slightly narrower than those of its predecessor, the overall appearance has been markedly improved. The unit now features a more compact base, which diminishes its visual impact. Furthermore, the latest version boasts a larger entryway, facilitating easier access for cats to use the litter box.
Initially, there was a concern that the reduced base size might necessitate more frequent emptying of the waste drawer. However, the new design is deeper, enabling it to accommodate the same volume of waste as the previous model. During my testing period, I observed that the waste drawer required emptying only once every seven to 10 days.
It operates at a lower noise level.
From the moment I introduced the Litter-Robot 4 into my environment, I immediately noticed a significant reduction in noise compared to its predecessor. The Litter-Robot 3 was notorious for emitting a noticeable humming sound during its operation cycle, whereas the Litter-Robot 4 operates with almost complete silence, with the only sound being the movement of litter within the machine.
Installing the Litter-Robot 4 in my office has been particularly advantageous, especially during times when my cat, Piper, chooses to use the litter box while I am engaged in important phone calls. The device's quiet operation is also beneficial for those living in smaller living spaces, as it minimizes disturbance from the noise of waste disposal.
It is nearly entirely autonomous.
Throughout my three-week trial period with the Litter-Robot 4, I required only one intervention when my cat inadvertently caused a barrier to fall into the waste drawer, halting the unit's operation. Beyond this incident, the machine successfully completed each cycle independently, a notable improvement over the Litter-Robot 3, which often necessitated manual resets.
I was particularly impressed by the machine's ability to handle interruptions during its operation. My kitten, Piper, displayed curiosity towards the device and would occasionally climb inside while it was in use. However, the Litter-Robot 4 would automatically pause, allowing her to exit before resuming the cycle. There was even an instance where she ventured into the waste drawer, but the machine patiently waited for her to exit before continuing.
The automatic halt in operation in response to interruptions provided me with a sense of security, and I valued the machine's capability to resume its cycle without any further intervention on my part.
It collects an impressive amount of data.
The Litter-Robot 3 has ambitiously gathered data by recording the frequency at which your pet utilizes the litter box and by monitoring the levels of waste deposited in the bin. However, the Litter-Robot 4 elevates this functionality by incorporating advanced information through its accompanying application.
The enhanced model of this litter box introduces OmniSense Detection technology, which employs lasers and weight sensors for more accurate detection of activity levels, litter quantity, and the position of waste compartments. It is capable of distinguishing between a cat merely entering the litter box versus one that is actively using it for its intended purpose. Furthermore, it features an in-built scale to measure your cat's weight each time they use the litter box, a component that was particularly intriguing during the testing phase, as it allowed for the monitoring of my kitten's growth. Additionally, the Litter-Robot 4 offers the unique ability to differentiate between several pets in a household, providing detailed insights and tracking individual usage patterns for each animal.
Disappointments with the Litter-Robot 4
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The cost of this litter box—it is quite substantial.
The Litter-Robot 4 sets a remarkably high price, with the basic model listed at $699, significantly exceeding the cost of the previous version, the Litter-Robot 3, which was priced at $549. Despite its sleek design and array of enhanced features, the price remains relatively steep.
The warranty period is insufficient.
It is regrettable to observe that the Litter-Robot 4 offers a one-year warranty, which, considering its premium price, seems somewhat inadequate. Given the sophisticated technology and numerous moving parts involved, there is a heightened risk of potential malfunctions. Experiencing a breakdown of a component after only 18 months could be highly inconvenient, particularly if the manufacturer were to deny the request for a replacement.
The option to secure a three-year warranty for an extra $100 significantly increases the total investment to $800. In my view, such a long-term warranty should be a standard feature at the point of purchase.
The odor filters necessitate frequent replacement.
The Litter-Robot 4 introduces an innovative feature known as the OdorTrap System, engineered to neutralize unpleasant odors emanating from your cat's waste. Users have the flexibility to choose between the OdorTrap Packs, which contain an odor-eliminating gel, or carbon filters, which are designed to effectively mitigate odors. The installation process is straightforward; it can be accomplished through either the "Replace Filter" option available in the app or by pressing and holding the "Empty" button on the control panel for three seconds. This action initiates a rotation of the robot, thereby providing access to the filter compartment. Opening the compartment is a simple task, allowing for the insertion of the filter.
Given that my Litter-Robot is positioned in my office, the importance of odor reduction is paramount. Initially, I utilized the OdorTrap Packs that came with the device. However, after roughly a week, I observed a decrease in their efficacy. It has been discovered that these packs are only effective for approximately two weeks, suggesting they should ideally be replaced every two months. The cost per set of two packs is $15, translating to a monthly expenditure of $30. An alternative option is to purchase a six-pack for $30, which offers some financial savings but remains a considerable expense.
In my personal preference, I am inclined towards the carbon filters. Priced at $30 for a pack of six, these filters require replacement only once a month. Regrettably, I have not had the opportunity to test one of these filters, thus I am unable to vouch for their performance.
Should you decide to proceed with the purchase?
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If the cost is acceptable, yes.
From a design standpoint, the Litter-Robot 4 is notably impressive. The manufacturer has made significant enhancements from its predecessor, rendering it more compact, aesthetically pleasing, and quieter. Furthermore, the addition of new smart features and improved odor control capabilities have been noted. The Litter-Robot 4 has effectively managed my kitten's mischievous activities, providing me with a sense of tranquility during the cleaning process.
However, the $700 price tag for a litter box, especially considering its recent release, is quite high. It is unlikely that it will be available at a discounted price in the near future. Although it represents a luxury purchase, I believe it is justified for individuals who dislike scooping or have multiple cats.
Should the cost be a concern, the Litter-Robot 3 remains a viable alternative. It is available at a lower price, approximately $200 less. Despite being larger and slightly noisier, it still performs admirably in maintaining the cleanliness of your cat's litter box without the necessity of manual scooping.