Spoiler: I will never use a normal litter box again. Not to be dramatic, but this thing has completely changed my life. Setup was a breeze (just plugged it into the outlet, downloaded the app, and added litter), and getting them used to it was pretty easy – it took a few days for them to get used to it and start using it (the sound of it spinning still scares them a little). This spaceship-like device is expensive and takes up a lot of space, but the value you get out of it (especially as your cats are likely to have a long life!) is worth it.
Amazing features of the Litter Robot:
– Self-cleaning
– Odor control
– 1 year warranty
– Multi-cat friendly (for up to 4 cats)
– WiFi enabled
– Reduced litter tracking
– Real-time monitoring of litter and bedding
Automatic litter boxes are an irresistible promise – no more scooping litter – but can they deliver? We tested 17 different automatic litter boxes in our New York test lab and at home with enthusiastic cats (one tester’s basement had three automatic litter boxes side by side so her cats could choose their favorite). Each of these litter boxes was evaluated on everything from performance to odor control, using both real cat behavior in the home environment and wet plasticine for controlled simulations.
Our clear winner was the Whisker Litter-Robot 4, dethroning our previous front runner, the Litter-Robot Connect 3. The new version of Whisker’s Litter-Robot is better in every way than its predecessor, offering a host of useful features, a simple user interface and quiet operation that won’t scare your cats. It’s also remarkably easy to clean.
While we had a favorite, there are other automatic or self-cleaning litter boxes you should consider that may have a smaller footprint or a less noticeable price tag.
Top Selection at Litter Robot:
Whisker Litter Robot 4
The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is not just an iterative improvement on our previous “Best Overall” automated litter box, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, but a comprehensive upgrade. In the lab tests – and in the weeks of follow-up testing with real cats – our testers repeatedly expressed their admiration for various features, design improvements and their overall experience with the Litter-Robot 4.
It’s hard not to be surprised by the Litter-Robot’s high price tag, but Whisker has pulled out all the stops to justify the high cost with a top-notch user experience. It starts with the incredibly easy setup, as the Litter-Robot 4 comes fully assembled in the box – all you have to do is plug it in and download the Whisker app (which syncs via a QR code on the back of the device).
The first thing you’ll notice about the Litter-Robot 4 is its design, which stacks a wide-open, circular entrance onto a more square base. This is a marked improvement over the previous version of the Litter-Robot, which has a narrow entrance (more than five centimeters narrower). The entrance to the litter box looks inviting, even intriguing, and our home tester confirmed that the cats are more than willing to interact with the futuristic-looking device.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect Litter Box
Although we consider the Litter-Robot 4 to be a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is still a high-quality product.
Over the years of testing automatic and self-cleaning litter boxes, we have tested four different models of the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, so we have extensive long-term testing with this product. On one of the four models, we encountered a relatively common “hood” error where the device incorrectly registered the top flap as open. Litter-Robot customer service were very helpful and offered to replace the unit and rectify the fault. After taking the unit off and on a few times, the problem eventually resolved itself. Overall, after almost three years of continuous testing, we are still impressed with the quality of the Litter-Robot 3 Connect.
Overall, the Litter-Robot 3 is slightly larger (more than 2 inches wider), less attractively designed, and slightly louder than the Litter-Robot 4, but the reduced price might make this earlier Litter-Robot model worth your while.
PETKIT Self-Cleaning Litter Box:
Remarkably similar to our test winner, the Litter-Robot 4, the PETKIT PuraX uses an internal cylinder to fully rotate the litter container to pass through a filter screen and remove clumps of cat feces. Just like the Litter-Robot, it can be set to do this manually, on a timer or automatically when the cat stops using the device.
In the test, the PuraX showed a similarly outstanding performance. The PuraX works quietly, is easy to clean and has an attractive design that sometimes makes it look like your pooping cat is flying a small spaceship.
The biggest drawback our tester noted was the smaller filling opening, which is barely more than half the circumference of the Litter-Robot 4’s wide opening. This could make the PuraX a less attractive option if you have particularly large cats. Although the PuraX is suitable for cats weighing up to 18 pounds, one tester with cats of different sizes had difficulty getting all four of his cats to use it consistently.
Sizes:
Automatic litter trays usually have a large footprint. Our favorite, the Litter-Robot 4, takes up a lot of space. It’s important to measure the space you intend for your litter box in advance, but even a space that technically fits can look cramped or crowded. Automatic litter boxes generally come in two forms: rotating cylinders and rakes. Cylindrical litter boxes are inevitably tall and can look quite imposing in a small room. Litter trays that use electric rakes to remove the clumps from the container often have a lower profile.
Additional Costs:
Not only are automatic litter boxes a larger initial investment (prices can range from $150 to $650) than traditional litter boxes, but they also often incur recurring costs. Wherever possible, we’ve pointed out when a litter box has its own bags or other add-ons that increase the cost over time. While it’s often possible to use regular litter bags or other makeshift solutions, it’s likely that your automatic litter box will work best with the bags designed specifically for its litter box. Other potential maintenance costs may include odor-absorbing filters or deodorizer sprays.
FAQs:
How often should automatic litter boxes be cleaned?
The answer depends on the particular brand of litter box and the number of cats using it. However, as a general rule, you should clean the litter box thoroughly and change all the litter at least once a month, or more often if you have three or more cats.
Is the Litter Robot worth it?
In the right situation, the Litter Robot is a great litter box. For someone who has trouble with daily scooping, has a cat that uses the litter box regularly, and is able to clean it frequently, the Litter Robot would be an excellent choice. You still have to deal with finding the right litter that isn’t moldy or smelly, and you could still have issues with the sensors. You can also save a bunch of money and buy a self-cleaning litter box that isn’t quite as fancy.
Should you buy the Litter-Robot 4?
If you dislike scooping the litter box every day and want more freedom in your life (especially when traveling), the Litter-Robot 4 is a must-have for any cat owner, especially if you own multiple cats. As over a million Litter-Robot owners can attest, the price will pay for itself in no time! Right now, there’s a rare $75 discount on November packages and 25 percent off subscriptions, so now’s a great time to give your cat (and yourself) an early Christmas present!
