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Review Summary
Litter-Robot 3 and Litter-Robot 4 belong to a line of self-cleaning litterboxes developed and manufactured by Whiskers. Both models have a globe that rotates to separate clean cat litter from used cat litter and collect the used cat litter in a separate waste compartment.
As the newest model, Litter-Robot 4 obviously has many more features than Litter-Robot 3. It’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible and connects to the Whiskers App. You can receive real-time updates through the app, which also gathers health data for up to four cats per one Litter-Robot 4.
However, just because Litter-Robot 4 has more features, it doesn’t mean it’s always the best option. Cat owners that don’t need all the extra fancy features will do just fine with the Litter-Robot 3. Like the Litter-Robot 4, the Litter-Robot 3 initiates automatic cleaning cycles after your cat uses it. Both models have sensors to stop cleaning cycles if your cat re-enters the globe. So, if you don’t really see yourself using the Whiskers App, Litter-Robot 3 is the more cost-efficient option.
Both the Litter-Robot 3 and Litter-Robot 4 are robust self-cleaning litterboxes, and there are so many more features to explore and consider. Our comparison will provide all the information you need to know to help you make a well-informed decision on which model is right for you.
At a Glance
Let’s look at the key points of each product.
Overview of Litter-Robot 3
Litter-Robot 3 is an impressive self-cleaning litterbox with an automatic rotating cleaning system that separates clean cat litter from soiled litter. This system eliminates the need to scoop litter and simplifies cleanup gathering used litter into a single waste bin. Once the waste bin fills up, an indication on the control panel will light up so that you know when to empty it out.
Litter-Robot 3 has an automatic night light to help older cats get in and out of the globe. If your cat has arthritis or other mobility issues, you can purchase a ramp with more steps to guide it inside the globe. The Litter-Robot 3 has other helpful accessories, like a fence to catch flying litter and odor seal strip kits.
Making custom configurations is also easy with Litter-Robot 3’s intuitive Control Panel. You can easily program cleaning cycle timers and sleep modes. The Control Panel also has a lockout option to prevent your settings from changing if your cat accidentally steps on it.
While Litter-Robot 3 is a reliable self-cleaning litterbox, it does have some limitations that are worth considering. First, it will only register cats that are at least 5 pounds. So, the cleaning cycles may not work correctly if you have lighter kittens, and the sensors won’t activate and stop cleaning cycles if they step inside.
Litter-Robot 3 also doesn’t have Wi-Fi capabilities and won’t connect to the Whiskers App. If mobile features are important to you, you can always opt for the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, which is a more affordable model than the Litter-Robot 4 and is compatible with the app.
Overview of Litter-Robot 4:
Litter-Robot 4 has many similar features as the Litter-Robot 3, along with several significant upgrades. First, it has a slightly smaller design and takes up less space. It also has better odor control than its predecessor and has a sealed waste drawer and carbon filter that can be further reinforced with OdorTrap Packs. The cleaning cycles are much quieter, making them less disruptive than Litter-Robot 3.
This model has more advanced and sensitive sensors that detect weight and movement to enhance safety. It can distinguish up to four different cats and can track their movements with more accuracy. The weight sensors have a minimum weight requirement of 3 pounds.
The motion sensors also enable real-time tracking that transmits data to the Whiskers App, which lets users know exactly when they need to refill cat litter and empty out the waste bin. The combination of advanced sensors and the Whiskers App also helps users track litterbox habits and monitor any significant fluctuations in their cat’s weight.
While the Whiskers App has a user-friendly interface, the Control Panel on the Litter-Robot 4 isn’t as intuitive as the Litter-Robot 3. So, it may take a longer time to remember how to configure settings with the Litter-Robot 4’s Control Panel.
As the newest model, Litter-Robot 4 doesn’t have as many accessories available as Litter-Robot 3. It currently doesn’t have a ramp for older cats, and it isn’t compatible with the Litter-Robot 3 ramp.
What Are the Differences Between Them?
Performance
Litter-Robot 4 has significant upgrades from Litter-Robot 3. First, it’s compatible with the Whiskers App so that you can get real-time notifications on jammed cleaning cycles and full waste bins. Litter-Robot 4 also has quieter cleaning cycles and will feel less disruptive to cats.
Most importantly, Litter-Robot 4 has more safety features to prevent your cat from getting injured. The multiple sensors will stop cleaning cycles if a cat enters the globe. It also has a 15-second waiting period to ensure that cats have completely left the vicinity before the cleaning cycle resumes.
Price
Litter-Robot 3 is cheaper, and it’s still a competitive self-cleaning litterbox. It may not have all the bells and whistles that the Litter-Robot 4 has, but it still makes litterbox cleanup more convenient than traditional litterboxes and self-cleaning litterboxes of other brands.
Cleanup
The waste bins of both models usually need to be cleaned out once a week. However, Litter-Robot 4 offers real-time notifications that let you know when to empty out the waste bin and refill the globe with fresh litter. The globe’s interior also does a great job of coating high sprays with litter and collecting used litter into the waste bin. The bonnet also comes off easily and usually just needs a quick wipe down every once in a while.
Accessibility
Litter-Robot 3 currently has the edge when it comes to accessibility. Litter-Robot 3’s step has a more elongated design that cats can land on more easily. You can also purchase a ramp for senior cats. This ramp isn’t compatible with Litter-Robot 4, and Litter-Robot 4 currently doesn’t have a ramp designed for cats with mobility restrictions.
Also, Litter-Robot 4 may have a wider entrance, but Litter-Robot 3’s entryway offers more privacy. The height of both models is similar, so most cats don’t have an issue entering both of them.
What the Users Say
Both Litter-Robot 3 and Litter-Robot 4 generally have positive customer reviews. You can read thousands of reviews of Litter-Robot 3 on the Litter-Robot website and Amazon.
Many reviews of Litter-Robot 3 mention how convenient cleanup is, especially for homes with multiple cats. Users have also reported a reduction in odors, and cats are less likely to urine-mark around the house because their litterbox is consistently fresh and clean.
However, it’s important to note that some customers start to experience performance issues once they’ve had Litter-Robot 3 for about a year. The cleaning cycle can start to get jammed and require some troubleshooting. Litter-Robot offers a 3-year warranty option at an additional cost, so it may be worth considering.
Litter-Robot 4 was released on May 10, 2022, so we can’t say how well it will perform in the long run. However, most customers like it so far, and many customers have used older Litter-Robot models.
Many customers like the new design and even quieter cleaning cycles. The real-time notifications make cleanup even easier, and the odor-blocking system is a significant improvement from the previous model. One minor inconvenience that several customers have reported is that the sensors seem to be too sensitive sometimes and may activate unnecessary cleaning cycles.
Bottomline
When it comes to features and performance, Litter-Robot 4 is the clear winner. It’s a significant upgrade from Litter-Robot 3. Along with easier cleanup, the ability to track data with the Whiskers App helps users stay on top of buying litter and monitoring some aspects of their cats’ health.
The Litter-Robot 3 is still a worthy contender in the self-cleaning litterbox market. While it doesn’t have Wi-Fi capabilities, it sufficiently cleans up litter and can reduce odors. So, if you can live without the fancy features, it’s a great option that simplifies caring for your cat.
Overall, both models are excellent self-cleaning litterboxes. Different cat owners will benefit from either. Once you take some time to consider your own priorities and preferences, you’ll be able to decide on the perfect model for you and your cats.
