Cats are creatures of comfort, and as cat parents, we are always in pursuit of harmony between pampering our feline friends and maintaining a clean, odor-free home. Enter the Litter-Robot 4, the latest iteration of the famous automatic litter box that’s taking the hassle out of litter box maintenance and catapulting kitty bathroom breaks into the realm of high tech.
At first glance, Litter-Robot 4 looks like a perfect purchase for every cat parent, but I had to take a closer look to be sure. I had a few questions: How does the Litter Robot 4 compare to older models? Is it worth the investment? Will it really make a difference in my cat’s bathroom experience and our overall home cleanliness? After using it for a couple of months, I can confidently say that the Litter-Robot 4 is indeed the pinnacle of feline waste management. Here’s why.
Key Features at a Glance
- Self-cleaning: No more scooping or sifting through clumps of litter. The Litter-Robot 4 has sensors that detect when your cat has used the litter box and automatically starts the cleaning process 3, 7, 15, 25, or 30 minutes after your cat exits. You can set the timer depending on your cat’s preferences, and there’s even a night light feature for those late-night trips to the litter box.
- Large waste drawer: The Litter-Robot 4 has ample space to hold waste from multiple cats for up to a week before needing to be emptied. This is especially helpful if you have multiple cats or are planning on going away for a few days. When closed, the drawer is tightly sealed for odor control. You can use Litter-Robot’s waste liners or kitchen-size garbage bags in the waste drawer.
- Carbon filter odor control: The Litter-Robot 4 comes equipped with a carbon filter that absorbs any odors, keeping your home smelling fresh and clean. The filter can last up to 3 months, and replacements are easily available.
- Adjustable cycling settings: As mentioned earlier, you can adjust the cleaning cycle timing depending on your cat’s bathroom habits. You can also initiate a manual clean cycle by simply pressing a button.
- Sensors for safety: The Litter-Robot 4 is equipped with sensors that detect when your cat is inside the unit, preventing it from activating and potentially harming your furry friend.
- Pet monitoring: The app reminds you when to attend to the waste drawer and tracks important health metrics like weight changes, bathroom frequency, and irregularities in your cat’s habits. This feature is especially helpful for multi-cat households or if you have a senior cat with specific health needs.
- Designed for the pride: This robot serves up to four feline masters, making it an ideal choice for multi-cat households. The globe-shaped design also allows cats to enter from multiple angles, catering to their specific preferences.
Unboxing and Setting Up the Litter-Robot 4
The Litter-Robot 4 promises a WhisperQuiet™ operation and Odor-Free bliss—and it delivers. Upon receiving the unit, I found the setup to be a breeze. Pull it out of the box (it comes fully assembled), add some clumping litter, plug it in, and you’re pretty much done. Sync it with the Whisker app, and voila—you’ve just upgraded your cat’s bathroom to smart home status!
Litter-Robot 4 Performance and Monitoring
Litter-Robot 4 is not just any robot; it’s a feline’s luxury lavatory. It’s roomy, and brilliantly designed in such a way that larger cats have ample room to maneuver. The waste drawer is king-sized, accommodating my four-cat household with fewer bag changes than its predecessors.
Coming from the Litter-Robot 3, the upgrade is noticeable—the LR4 runs much more quietly and sports a chic modern aesthetic. The unit is remarkably obliging; not only does it handle the litter box needs of multiple cats, but the many (many) daily potty trips by my senior kitty with chronic kidney disease, too.
Technology and Design
Teeming with cutting-edge features, this contraption is a cat mom’s dream. The Whisker app detects multiple Litter-Robots, so it’s perfect for when veteran Litter-Robot users like myself decide to upgrade or add to their existing robot collection.
Some of the new tech in the Litter-Robot 4 includes:
- Enhanced Safety Features: The previous iteration of the Litter-Robot had sensors that could potentially miss-detect small cats. The LR4 has an additional entry-motion sensor and advanced laser and weight-based sensors, making it safer for kittens and smaller breeds.
- More Stats in the Whisker app: The app tracks the number of cleanings, detects weight changes in your cats, and alerts you when it’s time to change the carbon filter. It also alerts you when the litter level is low and, of course, when it’s time to empty the waste drawer. (It will stop running until you empty the waste drawer – an extremely important feature for anyone who previously used the original Litter-Robot.)
- WhisperQuiet cleaning: The Litter-Robot is shockingly quiet thanks to Whisker’s patented QuietSift™ technology. I have the LR4 in my office and don’t hear it when it goes through a cleaning cycle right behind me.
Available Accessories
The Litter-Robot 4 comes with a fence to prevent litter from being kicked out, a step attached to the front of the waste drawer, and a replaceable carbon filter for odor control. Additional accessories can be purchased on the Litter-Robot website, including:
- Ramp for easier access: Some cats may have trouble getting in and out of the unit, especially older or disabled cats. The ramp is a great solution to help them use the Litter-Robot with ease.
- Cleaner Wipes and Cleaner Spray: Keeping your Litter-Robot clean is essential for its longevity and odor control. These specially formulated wipes and sprays are safe to use on the unit’s interior and exterior surfaces.
- Replacement Carbon Filters: Keep your home smelling fresh with replacement carbon filters for the waste drawer. They can last up to 3 months, but it’s always good to have extras on hand.
- Litter Mat: Place this mat in front of the Litter-Robot to catch any excess litter stuck on your cat’s paws, preventing it from being tracked around the house.
- BRAND NEW! The Litter-Robot 4 Shield is great for cats that love to dig and kick in the litter box, adding a protective layer to keep litter inside the globe.
How Does Litter-Robot 4 Compare to Older Models?
The Litter-Robot 4 eclipses the Litter-Robot 3 and older models with a wider entry, quieter operation, and more compact size. Its technology suite ensures safety and the app integration is more intuitive, surpassing the offerings of other automatic litter boxes on the market by miles.
If you have a Litter-Robot 3 and are thinking of upgrading or are trying to decide between an LR3 or an LR4, here are some things to consider:
Size: (smaller) At 29.5” x 22” x 27”, the Litter-Robot 4 is slightly smaller than its predecessor and takes up less space in your home. More importantly, the entrance is more than 5 inches wider than the LR3’s, accommodating even the most robust feline breeds and giving the LR4 a more open feel.
Design: (better) The matte finish and modern design of the Litter-Robot 4 are a significant improvement over the older models. It comes in either black or white to match your home decor. Plus, you can purchase a colored front bezel to further customize the look.
Noise: (quieter) With patented QuietSift™ technology, the Litter-Robot 4 is significantly quieter than other models. Your cat won’t feel intimidated by loud noises and will have a more pleasant bathroom experience. You won’t be distracted by loud motor noises either.
Technology: (better) Compared to other automatic litter boxes, the Litter-Robot 4 stands out with its advanced laser and weight-based sensors, motion detection, and app integration. It also has a built-in night light for your kitty’s late-night potty trips.
Litter Use: (the same) The Litter-Robot 4 works best with clumping litter, just like its predecessors. Additionally, Litter-Robots are well known for saving cat parents on how much litter they use. With the LR4’s spacious design and advanced sifting technology, you can expect to use even less litter while maintaining a clean litter box for your cat.
Cleaning: (the same) Cleaning the LR4 was very similar to cleaning the older models — easy and straightforward. Simply wipe down the Litter-Robot and change the waste drawer liners when they’re full. Deep cleanings involve taking the unit apart, vacuuming litter from crevices, and using spray cleaners to avoid any electronics.
Price: (higher) The Litter-Robot 4 does come with a higher price tag than the LR3, but that’s the investment for all the new features and improved design. Plus, if you’re interested in accessories, you can always take advantage of bundles on the Litter-Robot website.
Verdict: Is Litter-Robot 4 Worth It?
As a long-time user of Litter-Robots, I can confidently say that the Litter-Robot 4 is absolutely worth the upgrade. Its safety features, app integration, and overall design make it stand out among other automatic litter boxes on the market. And for those who are new to Litter-Robot, the LR4 is an excellent investment that will save you time, money, and hassle when it comes to cleaning your cat’s litter box. With its improved size, design, and technology, the LR4 is truly the ultimate self-cleaning litter box for every cat household.
Investing in a Litter-Robot 4 means investing in your cat’s comfort and your peace of mind. Say goodbye to scooping litter and hello to more quality time with your feline friend. If you have been considering upgrading or trying out an automatic litter box for the first time, I highly recommend the Litter-Robot 4.
The Catington Post is reader-supported. That means, if you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. All images and names which are not the property of The Catington Post are the property of their respective owners. *As part of our review process, we may have received payment or sample products to test. Our opinions and recommendations are unbiased and remain our own. The Catington Post is dedicated to finding the best products for cats and we will never recommend a product or service that we don’t love.
