I adore my cat, Bella, and I’m also passionate about traveling. Although these two loves might seem like they don’t mix, technology has made it possible to enjoy both without compromise.
That’s what motivated me to try out the Litter-Robot 4 from Whisker.
If you’re a fellow cat owner, you’ve probably come across ads for this high-tech, automated litter box on your social media. It claims to simplify “cat life” by eliminating the need for scooping. The self-cleaning unit automatically separates waste after each use, storing it in a sealed drawer that only requires emptying about once a week. Plus, the Litter-Robot connects to an app that provides real-time updates on your cat’s activity and lets you keep track of litter and waste levels instantly.
When I asked friends and family to cat-sit, I really appreciated the thought of not having to include “clean the litter box” on their to-do list. The website also promised less odor and less litter tracking, which is a major advantage for anyone living in a small apartment. So, bringing the Litter-Robot into our home seemed like a smart investment — and up to now, it has lived up to every expectation.
Price: $699
Where to buy: Litter-Robot
Size: The Litter-Robot is quite sizable, comparable to a large nightstand. It stands 74.9 cm tall, spans 61.6 cm in width, and has a depth of 68.6 cm. The opening measures 40 cm by 40 cm, accommodating cats of all shapes and sizes comfortably. When empty, the unit weighs 24 Pounds.
With its sleek, futuristic design, the Litter-Robot 4 comes in black or white. At first glance, it reminded me a bit of Marvin the robot from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The main chamber is circular and features a plastic liner for easy cleaning. A small step leading up to the globe helps older cats climb in more easily while also minimizing litter tracked outside the box.
Connectivity: The Litter-Robot 4 is WiFi-enabled and requires a 2.4 GHz network with IPv4 or IPv6 addressing (it does not support the 5 GHz band). The Whisker app, which allows you to track litter usage and your pet’s health, works with Apple devices running iOS 13.0 or later and Android devices with version 8.0 or higher. You can also use the app to manage and monitor multiple WiFi-connected Litter-Robots at once.
Self-Cleaning: The standout feature of the Litter-Robot is its automated cleaning system. It detects when your cat enters and leaves the globe, triggering a countdown before starting the cleaning cycle—this delay prevents your cat from getting caught in the process. After each use, the device sifts the waste from the clean litter and deposits it into a sealed, airtight container located beneath the main unit.
The Litter-Robot 4 features a larger waste drawer that typically requires emptying about once every two weeks for each cat, though this can vary based on your pet’s habits. It works with standard trash bags, but clear bags are recommended since dark bags can interfere with accurate waste level detection.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Pet Monitoring: One useful feature available through the Whisker app is the ability to track your cat’s weight and their average daily litter box visits. For households with multiple cats, you can create individual profiles for each pet. However, it can get tricky if your cats have similar weights, as the system may struggle to tell them apart.
The app also shows the current litter level, alerting you when it’s time to refill, as well as the fullness of the waste drawer. For data-minded pet owners, there’s even a “Scoops Saved” metric that counts how many scoops you’ve skipped since setting up the robot — we’re already at 164!
Odor Control: Many of us have visited homes where the scent of a cat’s litter box becomes part of the background—and it’s rarely a pleasant one. So, when I made the switch to the Litter-Robot, I was a bit worried that its litter and waste system might not hold up to a close sniff test.
That said, I was quickly impressed by how odor-free the Litter-Robot experience is. After every use, the machine automatically sifts waste into a tightly sealed drawer that locks in odors. Since the unit sits just a few meters from where I sleep, I can personally vouch for its effective stink-proof design.
Another upgrade that sets the Litter-Robot 4 apart from earlier versions is the patented OdorTrap System. This optional add-on attaches to the back of the robot and holds up to three OdorTrap packs, serving as a replacement for the traditional carbon filter.
As a tech-savvy couple, my husband and I have already automated several household tasks to help care for Hobbes—and to make cat-sitting easier for our friends and family. For instance, our robot vacuum is designed to tackle pet hair, and our smart feeder dispenses kibble five times a day, including an early 5 a.m. meal that I truly appreciate.
Installation: The biggest challenge I faced when setting up the Litter-Robot was deciding which corner of my cozy, under-600-square-foot apartment would become the designated pet potty area.
Living in an apartment means space is limited, so finding a spot for my cat’s new bathroom wasn’t easy. The placement requirements are straightforward: the Litter-Robot must be plugged into a wall outlet, sit on a firm, level surface, be kept in a cool, dry area, and not touch any walls. After experimenting with a few locations, I chose the walk-in closet in my bedroom to ensure both Hobbes and I have our privacy.
Tech Setup: After plugging in the device, press the power button to begin the initial cleaning cycle. Next, download the Whisker app and make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. Create an account where you can enter your pet’s details and receive helpful tips to help your cat get comfortable with the new system.
The app also walks you through the setup, prompting you to interact with various buttons on the control panel located around the cat entrance. During operation, the control panel lights up with different indicators to show the machine’s status—whether it’s paused mid-cycle, detecting a cat, or if the waste drawer needs emptying.
Use: The next big question was—would my cat actually take to using the Litter-Robot?
I began by placing the Litter-Robot right next to Hobbes’ current litter box to help him get used to it. After a few days, I blended some of his usual litter into the Litter-Robot 4 and removed his old tray.
To my surprise, Hobbes took to the Litter-Robot right away. Overnight, he became a Litter-Robot convert, and after a few days, I moved the unit to its permanent spot in my walk-in closet.
By this point, a few features really caught my attention. First, I was amazed at how quiet the machine is. The QuietSift self-cleaning cycles operate almost silently, and although Hobbes was curious and rushed to check it out during the first couple of days, he soon lost interest. This is a clear advantage for anyone with a nervous cat or those who plan to keep the unit in their bedroom.
Second, the machine efficiently separated waste from clean litter, which means it uses less litter than a traditional box. The only issue was that our usual tofu-based clumping litter, with pellets too large to sift through the screen, wasn’t compatible. So, I switched to a standard grocery store brand. In general, any clumping litter should work, along with smaller litter beads or crystals that can pass through the screen. Whisker also offers a clumping clay litter available on their website.
Finally, what truly won me over was what I didn’t notice: any smell. True to its promises, the Litter-Robot effectively neutralized odors—a fact I had house guests confirm during the following weeks. Even when I emptied the waste drawer for the first time, the process was straightforward and mess-free.
Overall, it felt like a clear win. Not only could I leave Hobbes for a few days and confidently assure pet sitters that they didn’t need to worry about cleaning the litter, but it has also made my own experience as a pet owner much more enjoyable—despite the device’s size.
Recommendation: For devoted cat lovers seeking the ultimate convenience of a self-cleaning litter box, the Litter-Robot 4 truly delivers. Although its size requires some commitment—especially for those living in apartments—its user-friendly setup, effective odor control, and overall convenience make it a worthwhile investment.
Q: What is the Litter-Robot?
A: The Litter-Robot is a self-cleaning litter box that automatically sifts waste from clean litter, depositing it into a sealed waste drawer to reduce odor and the need for daily scooping.
Q: How often do I need to empty the waste drawer?
A: Typically, the waste drawer needs to be emptied once every one to two weeks per cat, depending on your cat’s habits and number of cats.
Q: What types of litter can I use with the Litter-Robot?
A: The Litter-Robot works best with clumping litter that has small enough granules to sift through its screen. Avoid litters with large pellets or non-clumping types. Whisker also offers a recommended clumping clay litter on their website.
Q: How big is the Litter-Robot? Will it fit in my home?
A: The device is roughly the size of a large nightstand—about 75 cm tall, 62 cm wide, and 69 cm deep. It requires a firm, level surface and enough clearance so it doesn’t touch any walls.
Q: Is the Litter-Robot noisy?
A: No, the Litter-Robot features QuietSift technology, making its cleaning cycles whisper-quiet and minimally disruptive.
Q: Can the Litter-Robot monitor my cat’s health?
A: Yes, the Whisker app connected to the Litter-Robot tracks your cat’s weight, frequency of litter box visits, and offers insights to help you monitor your pet’s health.
Q: Does it require WiFi?
A: Yes, the Litter-Robot 4 connects to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network (not 5 GHz) and uses the Whisker app for real-time monitoring and control.
Q: How easy is it to set up?
A: Setup is straightforward and can usually be completed within 30 minutes by anyone comfortable with using a smartphone and following simple instructions.
Q: Can the Litter-Robot handle multiple cats?
A: Yes, it can be used with multiple cats, and the app allows you to set up profiles for each. However, cats with very similar weights may be harder to differentiate.
Q: Does the Litter-Robot eliminate odors?
A: Yes, it uses a sealed waste drawer and optional OdorTrap System to trap and neutralize odors, keeping your space smelling fresh.
Q: What kind of maintenance is required?
A: Besides emptying the waste drawer every one to two weeks, occasional cleaning of the main globe and replacing OdorTrap packs or filters is recommended to keep it running smoothly.
The Litter-Robot 4 is a game-changer for cat owners seeking a hands-free, odor-free litter solution. While it requires a bit of space and a small upfront investment, its ease of use, smart features, and effective odor control make it well worth it—especially for busy households or those with multiple cats. If you want to simplify litter maintenance and enjoy a cleaner, fresher home, the Litter-Robot 4 delivers on its promise.
