Back in August, my partner and I decided to invest in Whisker’s Litter-Robot 3, which I raved about in my subsequent review that you can check out here. While there was a bit of a learning curve for my sweet furbaby, he has since adjusted and all the problems that we were dealing with in his first few months since adopting him have become a thing of the past. That’s why, when given the chance to try out Whisker’s newest model, the Litter-Robot 4, with the add-on LitterHopper, I jumped at the chance to find out just how much the company has improved upon its previous designs. Not only has it been an even more comprehensive addition to my home, but it also expanded and improved many of the things I felt were missing from its predecessor. Head below to learn more about Whisker’s Litter-Robot 4, the next stage of smart, self-cleaning litter boxes that should be in the home of every cat owner.
A smarter way to keep litter fresh and our cats happy
Similar to its predecessor, Whisker’s Litter-Robot 4 arrives with slightly smaller dimensions, standing 29.5 inches tall, 22 inches wide, and 27 inches deep (2.25 inches thinner) – still sporting a two-unit design. There’s the base section, where the waste falls to be collected in your preferred trash bag, along with the rotating section on top that serves as the litter box as we know it. Like past models, this one also utilizes a series of sensors to trigger a sifting cycle, where the top section rotates and slowly deposits soiled litter and any larger waste into the opening to fall into the collection basket below.
Alongside the litter box, I also got the complementary LitterHopper bundled alongside it, which solves my main (and relatively small) gripe about the 3rd-generation model: constantly having to keep track and refill the litter. This attachment holds 13 cups worth of litter in the reservoir and clicks right into place on the backside of this model, dispensing it through the chute after each cycle until the recommended levels are restored in the litter bed.
The whole system comes compatible with almost every clumping and/or scoopable litter that you’ll find on the market today, with Whisker offering a slight warning for translucent or white-colored litter that you usually find in crystal litter, as it can alter the accuracy of the litter level and Drawer Full Indicator. Just so you’re aware, there are a few that are strictly out of play here: solely absorbent, non-clumping, loose-clumping, newspaper-based, or wood-based pellets.
Like the previous models, this one can handle the needs of four cats, meaning you won’t need to have several spread out across your home anymore (though we’ve noticed our cats keep strictly to their own, even with access to the others). One slight upgrade here from the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is that the minimum weight to trigger a cycle has been decreased from five pounds to three pounds, which means if you have a kitten under that weight, you’ll have to keep the litter box out of the automatic functioning mode until they grow up a bit more.
The control panel has also been conveniently reduced in size, while also being moved from the bottom corner to the upper corner, out of reach of your cat, unless you have a climber. It has the same button controls for the power, triggering a cycle, emptying the entire litter box, and resetting the system, but also has an additional button for your Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connection. There are indicator lights on this model are broken into five side-by-side sections in front of the controls that display various colors and movements to convey just what may or may not be happening – with a dizzying 24 different combinations, each with their own meaning.
There are some other form factor changes too, with the step being much larger and more squared, as well as an anti-tip guard being added to the design on its back end, and the waste basket being enlarged while more easily slipping into and out of its place. This redesign of the basket has also done away with the need for prongs, as the trash bag you choose to use easily slips over the basket’s edge for a tighter hold.
Of course, it should go without saying that the Litter-Robot 4 continues the trend of these newer models with remote app support and controls. Not only can you switch through its many settings as needed, but you’ll also get notifications for when the waste drawer needs to be emptied, when cycles are triggered, and more – including a new feature that can pinpoint changes in your cat’s weight.
Getting Started
If you’re familiar with my review of the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, you won’t be surprised to notice that the setup process is similar. First off, like before, unboxing is fast and easy as the entire unit arrived fully assembled with the appropriate protections of Styrofoam, cardboard, and a covering. I just had to lift it out of the box, remove the protection measures, and get it into position for the setup, with a digital manual to walk me through the process step-by-step after downloading the app onto my smartphone.
I cleared out the spot I planned to place the litter box in, being careful not to have any walls or nearby furniture touching any of the unit’s walls, as this affects its ability to function properly. After plugging it in, I pressed the “connect” button down and held it until the intended light pattern appeared. From there, it was a matter of adding the Litter-Robot 4 to the app by tapping the icon, scanning the QR code on the back of the litter box unit to link up the serial number.
It then prompted me to name the device, what kind of surface I had it positioned on, answer some personal questions about my cat, choose litter type, and the like. Once everything is synced, I filled the main unit and the LitterHopper to the recommended levels, plugged it in, and let it run through its maiden cycle. After that, it was as simple as introducing my cat to it, with the whole process taking no more than 15 or so minutes.
Cleaning Experience
After the astounding difference the Litter-Robot 3 Connect made in our home, the newer Litter-Robot 4 deserves as much, if not more, praise. Unlike, Kraydor, who needed a little help to figure out what he was supposed to do with it, our other cat Snowdrop jumped in almost immediately to use its facility.
Covering some of the same points I made in my original review, the first noticeable difference this model has made is the speed at which the lingering odors are immediately reduced and eliminated once it finishes a cycle. We set this one up in our living room on the opposite end of the apartment from the other one, so I was concerned about it being less isolated (especially when airflow often goes from here through the rest of the apartment). Aside from the initial smell before a cycle, I haven’t had any whiffs of odor that make me second-guess its effectiveness, with the waste drawer accomplishing the job with top marks.
As its predecessor did, the frequency at which we buy litter has once again decreased, due to the litter box’s efficient functioning and design, which also keeps far less litter ending up on our floor as the cats jump from its interior. With the way prices on everything are always increasing, it provides a sliver of relief knowing over time I’ll have saved a decent chunk of change annually with these devices in my home.
I do recommend the white colorway over the black, despite my preference for darker colors when it comes to furniture and such. Not only has the interior of the litter box been improved with less glossy and slick plastic (while remaining grey throughout all of them by the looks of pictures), but this, along with the color, doesn’t show as many marks and streaks after multiple cycles of waste rolling along the walls. The white colorway also hides any spots where my cats are wiping their paws, with them sometimes deciding to climb out and do so on the outside walls. The matte color of the white definitely works at keeping it look far cleaner than it may be at times (this is not me telling you to never wipe down the inside or outside sides, by the way).
Once again, the app support here is very helpful if you have to keep an eye on your cat’s habits. I’ve had two cats in the past who developed some medical issues in their older age, and I wish I had one of these at the time to better facilitate their needs while keeping tabs on the frequency of their usage and their subsequent health. Of course, I would have likely needed to buy the optional ramp for them, as it makes climbing into the litter box an easier task.
The app support has been further expanded too, with any purchases or subscriptions you make with Whisker being trackable in its own hub. Likewise, on top of the information you can put in about yourself, there’s a lot more personal data about your cat’s health and lifestyle that can be punched in for more accurate tracking of their habits over time. There’s a ton more little things like the support hub when ou need to contract Whisker, and more that really shows the company is dedicated to keeping you in contact and informed.
Of course, the waste tracking is also a handy feature, with it keeping me informed by way of a so-far accurate percentage, notifying me when it has been filled and needs emptying. With each of our cats keeping to their separate litter boxes (as far as we know, though I have suspicions), I estimate that having one cat would mean you’ll have to empty it every three to five days, depending on their habits. For two or more cats using it, this timeframe will be cut down. Though, regardless of how many times I need to empty it in a small period, having the bag easily pull out over manually scooping is completely worth it in my eyes.
Whisker’s Litter-Robot 4 – Final Thoughts
Whisker has really hit it out of the park with the Litter-Robot 4, upgrading it in ways I wasn’t honestly expecting, but find all the more appreciated. Of course, I wouldn’t blame you for being skeptical with it regularly fetching $699 for the self-cleaning litter box alone. The LitterHopper attachment sits at $99 normally, though you can bundle both devices together for $949. Don’t worry, Whisker does have sales every so often that can score you some cash savings to bring the costs down a little, or, if you don’t mind refurbished models, you’ll find the reconditioned units down at $599. Keep in mind that above everything else, no matter which of the three current models you buy (or their reconditioned counterparts), this is an investment over time. As another cheaper alternative, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is more affordable at $549, while the standard 3 model offers no smart app controls at $499. You can get an in-depth rundown in my other hands-on review here.
All-in-all, if you regularly wish that you could be free of daily scooping duties, Whisker has taken its game to the next level with the Litter-Robot 4. I’ve tried so many different versions of “cleaner” litter boxes, mainly tumble-cleaning boxes that were always cheaply made and regularly needed cleaning on top of scooping duties. I’ve also been weary of some of the cheaper brands of self-cleaning robot litter boxes that rotate along a Y-axis, as countless models have been cited for killing cats, whereas the Litter-Robots rotate along an X-axis which is safe from clamping and choking a cat, on top of having the sensors to stop its functioning. I highly recommend either of the app-supported models, with both our cats seemingly enjoying the experience of both.
Buy the Litter-Robot 4 Self-Cleaning Litter Box
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